I own nothing.
Joanna made her way into the Sept. She saw her father's body was placed on the Altar. Ser Rolland Storm along with six other guards stood around his body. He had stones painted to look like his bright blue eyes. His crown rested on his chest. The Silent Sisters worked and were in silent prayer. Joanna approached the altar. She still felt out of place in the sept. She had tears pouring down her face. Aegon was not with her; he had gone off to see to the dragons that were growing daily. Septon Barre the Septon of Dragonstone came over to her. She stood before the altar with Ser Barristan standing guard over her.
"Your Grace," Septon Barre addressed.
"Your Holiness, thank you for performing my father, Our King, funereal," Joanna addressed him.
"It is my greatest honor, My Queen. May the light of Seven bring you guidance and strength in this troubling time," Septon Barre told her.
"Thank you, your Holiness," Joanna said.
"I will leave you to your prayers and your grieving," Septon Barre told her handing her flint to light a candle for her father.
He walked off talking with the Septas and Silence Sisters. She stood there in silence for a moment. Her eyes caught sight of the temple of fourteen flames that remained open. No one dared enter the charred temple. She moved silently and swiftly into the temple when no one was watching. Ser Barristan followed her but stopped at the entrance. He took up the guard position. She may not know if the seven were real, but she did know that the fourteen flames were real. She had seen them. She had heard them and felt them. They had gifted her and Aegon the dragons to fight the coming darkness and wars. She stepped into the temple as the sense of unease left her. She looked around at enteral flames with each gods' name illuminated. She took the flint walking over to Balerion's Flame. He was the god of the underworld and death also once the name of the biggest dragon. She walked carefully holding the flame in her hand to the altar. She lit the candle that rested on the altar. She bowed her head in praying fashion.
"Balerion, nyke jurnegon syt aōha dohaeragon. Nyke gīmigon ao vestretan issa kepa rest isse aōha tegor. Nyke jorrāelagon aōha kustikāne se perzys naejot gaomagon skoros nyke līs. Nyke jurnegon syt se ñuhoso naejot rigle zirȳla isse aōha ñuhoso, (Balerion, I look for your help. I know you said my father rest in your lands. I need your strength and fire to do what I must. I look for the way to honor him in your way.)" Joanna prayed in Valyrian.
The candle she lit shot up with blue flame. The smoke danced around her as all the other candles blew out in Sept. The salt of her tears poured down her face drying in the warmth of flame.
"Dōna riñnykeā, konīr iksos nykeā altar va se Dragonmount. Zālagon zȳhon body isse zaldrīzes perzys. Syt konīr iksos daor eglikta rigle than se mēre ilagontan naejot rest isse zaldrīzes perzys. īlon jāhor sagon rūsīr ao. Kostagon īlva perzyssy bāne ao. Se tepagon mirre bona oppose ao perzys se ānogar, (Sweet child, there is an altar on the Dragonmount. Burn his body in dragon fire. There is no higher honor than the one laid to rest in dragon fire. We will be with you. May our flames warm you. And give any that oppose you fire and blood.)" Balerion answered echoed in her mind.
Joanna had a sense of peace about her. She could almost feel the warmth of his touch on her shoulders. It was like he was hugging her shoulders like a father would.
"Your Grace," Ser Barristan called.
Joanna sighed and turned to look at him. She saw Tyrion by Ser Barristan's side. She bowed her head slightly before walking over to them. She looked back at the candle now burned with orange and yellow flame.
"What is it?" Joanna asked.
"Forgive the intrusion niece but Reach banners have been spotted," Tyrion told her.
"Has my husband been alerted," Joanna asked.
"He has my queen along with Lords of your council and bannermen," Ser Barristan told her.
"They await you in the Throne Room," Tyrion added.
It became clear to her that they had waited to inform her as long as possible. It was giving her time to come to terms with the fact that just had her uncle's hand removed and received her father's body.
"Thank you, Ser Barristan, Uncle," Joanna said as she left the temple.
There were a few silent sisters that looked at her in shock. She held her head high. She would not let anyone tell her what she could and couldn't do. The crown rested on her head.
Joanna made her way into the throne room. Aegon stood by the throne. He was talking with Ned. Stannis by Selyse off to the side. Arya and Sansa along with all of Joanna's ladies stood in the group. Lyarra was not present, but she was currently overseeing the care of Jaime Lannister. She would be acting as a go-between between her and Maesters. Tygett, Tyrek, and the rest of the Westerland commanders stood inside. The Baratheon and Crownland commanders stood on opposite sides. Gendry stood near Aegon. But she could see from there he looked uncomfortable. Dorne commanders were on the same side as the Westerlands.
Joanna made her way up to Aegon. He greeted her with a soft kiss. The room cheered at the sight. Gendry bowed to her. He had Vermithor on his shoulder. That made her smile. Tyrion made his way up to stand near the throne and Gendry. Aegon's hand cradled her child as they looked at one another.
"How were our dragons?" Joanna asked.
"Well, Vhagar was peeved not to be with you. That temper was also present with Gaelithox and Caraxes. Those three seemed to be determined to be by your side at all times. Just like Stormsroar wants to be with me at all times. Tell me how your meeting with Septon Barra went?" Aegon asked,
"Well," Joanna started. Aegon gave her a look. He knew by the tone in her voice that something had happened. She tried to look away from him. But Aegon with the hold on her chin made her look at him. She looked down for a moment before looking at him with determination in her blue-green eyes. "Nyke prayed naejot Balerion (I prayed to Balerion)" Joanna replied.
"Issa Jorrāelagon (My Love)" Aegon started.
"Issa dārys, ziry udlitan issa (My King, he answered me).
Aegon pulled her even closer to him. He had a wide wide-eyed look. Oberyn noticed the look on his nephew's face. He could not hear what she had said. He may be heard at best every third word. But he did hear Balerion. He was shocked to hear how fluently Joanna spoke Valyrian.
Melisandre looked at them as they spoke in Valyrian. Balerion caught her attention. He was one of the gods of fourteen flames. They spoke about fourteen flames when they came in with dragons. Surely, Joanna and Aegon had not converted to worship of fourteen flames. That did not bode well for her.
"Your Grace," Ser Davos spoke as he approached the throne.
Joanna and Aegon both turned. He was stopped by the Kingsguards. Aegon had one hand resting on the small of her back. The other hand rests on the hilt of Blackfyre. Ser Davos dropped to his knees before them both. His eyes locked on Joanna's. She raised her hand for the Kingsguard to stand down.
"I wanted to express my deepest condolences, My Queen. Your father was a great man. I have recently suffered a great loss in the form of my lady wife," Ser Davos said.
"Thank you… Ser?" Joanna asked.
"Ser Davos Seaworth Your Grace," Ser Davos answered.
"Ser Davos and have our deep condolences on the death of your lady wife," Joanna announced.
Ser Davos bowed to both of them before he left to stand near the Stormlands lord loyal to Stannis or Joanna. Stannis glared at Joanna. She had turned his most loyal knight to her side. Shireen, Myrcella, and Teora came in laughing as they entered. They bowed to Joanna and Aegon. Before they took their places with Aegon and Gendry. Teora stood on a step down from the royal family. She stood with the rest of Joanna's Ladies. Joanna finally sat on the Throne. Aegon took up his place by her right side with his one hand resting on her shoulder. Gendry came next standing by Aegon. Myrcella and Shireen stood by Gendry. Tyrion stepped over to stand on Joanna's left. Ned came to stand next to Tyrion. The Kingsguard took their spots guarding the royal family. The Reach lords and army were led in.
"You stand before Queen Joanna Baratheon first of her name. Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Mother of Dragons and the Unburnt. And her husband, King Aegon Targaryen sixth of his name. King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lord Regent of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, The Father of Dragons and the Unburnt," Tyrion announced.
Joanna and Aegon briefly looked over at Tyrion in shock. Joanna caught sight of Stannis' face. He looked displeased. Joanna and Aegon looked back to the Lords and army. They all dropped to their knees. Willas, who stood at the front of the group, bowed at the waist. He had most of his weight supported by his cane. As he rose to full height, he caught sight of the warm honey-brown eyes of Jeyne Westerling. She stood among Joanna's Ladies. She moved one of the chestnut brown curls behind her ear. Willas stepped forward as Joanna and Aegon took note of the banners and sigils they saw. By Joanna's count and knowledge of the Reach. That was about eight percent of the Reach had sided with her and Aegon.
"Your Graces, we have come to support the one true Queen and King. The Hightower glows green in your honor. The Tyrell family is honored to once again serve the Targaryen family," Willas announced.
Willas quickly accepted the fact that he would never be prince consort or king. Joanna and Aegon looked at each other. She was slightly shocked at how quickly he had accepted that he was not her choice of husband. Willas motioned to Garlan to bring forward Elinor Tyrell, Arwen Fossoway, and Edric Storm. Arwen and Elinor came forward first. They both bowed before Joanna and Aegon. Arwen had light golden blonde hair with pale blue eyes. She was a beauty dressed in a red gown. She was the sister of Lord Garlan Tyrell's wife. Elinor had light brown loosely curling hair and large hazel brown eyes. She was dressed in a modest green and golden gown. Edric stepped forward shyly. He had his head bowed. His black hair was cut short. Stannis and Selyse caught sight of Edric Storm. They instantly knew who he was. Their faces turned even more sour. He glared up at Joanna. She felt the weight of his glare. She could not tell why until Edric Storm looked up at her. She stared right back at her father's bright blue eyes. This was her half-brother.
"Thank you, Willas Tyrell," Joanna stated.
"I humbly ask that my good sister's sister and my cousin be made one of your ladies," Willas asked. Joanna nodded her head. She motioned for both girls to join the ever-growing group of ladies. Elinor took her place near Jenye. While Arwen took her place near Marleina. Willas placed his hand on Edric Storm's shoulder that was not on his cane. "I wish to present Edric Storm to you, Your Grace. He is your half-brother," Willas stated.
"Your Graces," Edric Storm said bowing deeply to Joanna and Aegon.
"Rise brother, tell me is there something you would like? Something in my power to give to show you I bear you no ill will," Joanna asked.
"Sister, it has always been my greatest wish to serve my family in any way I can. Even if that meant as a Kingsguard," Edric told her with a trembling voice.
Joanna looked at Aegon and then at Tyrion. Tyrion nodded to her. He could tell what she was thinking. She looked back at Edric with a smile on her face. She had a questioning look in her eyes.
"Tell me are you a knight, brother," Joanna asked.
"No, My Queen, I am a squire," Edric answered her.
Joanna rose from the throne. Aegon moved as Joanna rose. He pulled Blackfyre from his side. He handed it to her. Aegon took her place on the throne. Joanna stepped down off the stage. The Kingsguard parted.
"Kneel, brother," Joanna ordered.
Edric knelt. He waited on bated breath. The whole room seemed to be doing the same thing. Stannis glared his dagger at Joanna. He could see what she was about to do. Joanna placed the tip of Blackfyre on one of Edric shoulders.
"In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave. In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just. In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the innocent. Arise Ser Edric Storm, Knight of Seven Kingsguard and Kingsguard. Brother, take your place along with your new brothers," Joanna said.
Edric stood up. He looked at her in complete shock and awe. The room exploded with cheers. He threw his arms around Joanna's neck in a tight hug. She returned the hug tightly. The loud cheer seemed to grow even louder. Joanna caught the look Stannis gave her when she released Edric and motioned for him to join the Kingsguard. The look was even more sour than when she called Tommen her brother. She knew it was just a matter of time before she would have to deal with him.
Daenys lounged in the palace gardens of Vhassar Manor. She was dressed in a pale blue Volantene-style gown. It had a golden belt that looked like dragon scales around her middle. She was lounging by Serylla, Naella, and Arianne. Arianne was in a light orange Essos-style gown with a golden accent. She was flirting with Naella. Naella was wearing a pale lilac Volantene gown with a silver accent. Serylla was a pale green Volantene gown with golden accents. She is closest to Daenys. Servants were fluttering about bringing them trays of tropical fruits and desserts. Some of them also had sweet fruit drinks and sweet wine. Serylla had a slight swell on her belly. It was clear that the marriage between Serylla and Viserys III would bear fruit. It was still to soon tell if Daenys was also pregnant. She had taken Serylla under her wing. She acted more like a big sister/mother figure to the young eleven-year-old girl who now found herself in the middle of marriage with a royal husband.
Alaera came into the gardens with Faeyesa, a midwife, a healer, and Kinvara. Daenys caught her mother entering speaking to the midwife and the healer. Daenys had a look of shock on her face as she watched her mother hand both women purses filled with coins. Alaera had a huge smile on her face as she approached the group of ladies. Daenys knew her mother would stop at nothing to have her blood on the Iron Throne. But Daenys hoped she would resort to killing a child to get it. Serylla may bear a daughter which if Daenys bared him son. That son would follow Viserys.
Faeyesa went to follow her mistress. Her arm was caught by Kinvara. Faeyesa looked back at the High Priestess. She had look to face was uneasy.
"Priestess," Faeyesa asked.
"Your young charge is one of the heads of a three-headed dragon. For the Lord of Light, wills it so," Kinvara told her.
"For the night is dark and full of terrors," Faeyesa replied with a bow of her head thinking she was talking about Daenys, Viserys, and Serylla.
"If you can seduce King Viserys to our faith. The Lord of Light would be greatly pleased. Otherwise, he likely to perish." Kinvara explained.
"What has Lord of Light shown you," Faeyesa asked.
"A dragoness emerging one whose fire burns hotter than anything. She will bring the world to heel; one way or another. Not just Westeros, but Essos as well. A dawn of new Valyria is upon us," Kinvara explained.
"I will do as the Lord of Light wills. My charge Daenys has prophetic dreams. She has seen dragons returning to the world." Faeyesa told Kinvara.
"There are currently seventeen born of sacred flames. They had a red priestess by their side, but her days are numbered," Kinvara told Faeyesa.
"What," Faeyesa asked in shock.
"Her actions spark the flames that cause the dragoness to emerge," Kinvara said finally before walking away from Faeyesa. She headed off to meet with Viserys and Triarch Vhassar.
The painted table chamber was filled with Lords and members of Joanna and Aegon council. The table was glowing from the inside. The table had a yellow-orange glow to it. Just like Teora said it would. That meant that Joanna placed weight on her words. Joanna stood with Aegon at the end of the table near where Dragonstone was located. Stannis stood opposite her with Melisandre by his side. They stood near the North and the Wall. Tygett, Tyrek, and Tyrion stood near Casterly Rock. Willas, Garlan, and Randall Tarly stood near where High Garden was at. Ned stood near the Vale. Oberyn and Dornish Lords and Ladies stood near Dorne. Gendry stood near Storm's End. He was the closest to Joanna. She took a deep breath before she looked around the room. Aegon squeezed her hand to tell her that he was there with her. That she was not alone. They would face this together.
"Thank you all for coming to support my and my husband's claim. I do not doubt in time we will succeed. King Landing has returned their response to my terms. They have not agreed," Joanna started.
"Bloody Fools the lot of them," Tyrek laughed. Tygett quickly slapped him upside of his head. Tyrek looked at his father in shock. All the eyes fell on Tyrek. Tyrion looked at Joanna wanting her to continue before this got out of hand. "What father, she has seventeen dragons at her disposal that have already grown larger than the last dragon," Tyrek defended his comment.
Seventeen dragons were muttered by many of the new lords and ladies. Vermithor moved from Gendry shoulder to come over to Joanna. Randall Tarly moved closer to resting his hand on the painted table.
"Seventeen dragons, Tell me My Queen does he speak the truth," Randall Tarly asked.
"He does. They are still young born shortly after my father's death," Joanna answered.
"Only death can pay for life" Melisandre muttered.
The room fell in silence as the weight of those words filled the room. Aegon squeezed her hand again. Tyrion met Joanna's eyes. Vermithor gave her little clicks and crips to reassure her. She scratched under his chin. The new lords and ladies' eyes went wide as they realized that one of the dragons was in their very presence.
"They have given me Janos Slynt's head. His head now rests on a spike outside the gates. They have also given me my father's body. So, I can give him a proper funeral. So, starting now my father's body will lay in state in the sept on Dragonstone. So, all that wish to can pay their respect to their king. This will last for seven days as is the tradition in the faith of Seven under guard," Joanna paused.
"Forgive me your grace but I must express the need to burn his body for the Night is dark and full of terrors," Melisandre urged.
"I do not doubt that. As I was saying, after seven days his body will move to the altar on the Dragonmount. Lord Tarly, you wish to see more of my and my husband's dragons?" Joanna asked.
"Yes, My Queen," Randall replied.
"You will see them all when we burn my father's body in ways of Targaryen's of old, in dragon fire. After that, his ashes will be interned in the crypt of Storm's End. He will be laid to rest beside his parents my grandparents and my ancestors. Which I believe would be his wish," Joanna said looking at Ned.
Ned nodded his head slightly to her. Knowing Robert would want to be laid to rest beside his parents if he could not be laid to rest beside Lyanna. Stannis could not believe what he was hearing he thought she would finally act.
"What about the war? I have told you we should sack King's Landing. We have the men and ships to do so. Then you call the bastard child of Jaime and Cersei your siblings. Then you tell me that your twin brother may very well be alive. You give that would be Prince that could be nothing more than a bastard. The title of Prince and give him a dragon. You allow your uncle, who not only is the father of your bastard siblings but also, tried to kill you. Then you make your father bastard son from my wife's family into a Kingsguard. You are nothing more than a weak woman pretending to be queen. I should be King," Stannis yelled.
Joanna had fire in her eyes as she stared at him. Aegon was worried that her temper would snap. But as everyone's eyes focused on Stannis. Melisandre's face went even more white. She could see that Joanna's temper was burning in cold fire. She was a dragoness waiting to break free not a lioness or doe. Prince Oberyn saw the same thing. He had read about Joanna's temper in his nephew's letters. It was like a dragon breathing fire on its enemies. Everyone waited on bated breath waiting to see what she would do. Joanna looked to Ser Sandor, Ser Edric, and Ser Barristan. They all had their hands on their swords. Her eyes then locked on Stannis' eyes as panted. He noticed there was not even a single tear in her eyes.
"Seize him," Joanna ordered. She walked around the table. Like a lioness stocking her prey. Her eyes never left Stannis' face. Ser Barristan and Ser Sandor grabbed him. They forced him to his knees. It was at that moment that Stannis truly saw her for what she was. She was not a lioness or a doe but a dragon was lurking behind her beautiful face. "Confine him, Lady Selyse, and Melisandre to their chambers. No one enters their chambers without my consent. This treason will be fully investigated. As of this point, Lady Shireen is now a ward of the crown. Joanna ordered.
Ser Barristan and Ser Sandor started to drag him away. Ser Edric grabbed Melisandre to drag her away. Stannis fought them in a fit of rage.
"You cannot do this; I am the Lord of Dragonstone. This is my castle," Stannis raged.
"You will find I can and I am. Dragonstone is the property of the crown. It was a gift from your brother. I find it now is better served by returning to the crown as it is my husband's family ancestor seat. And our heir will be the Prince or Princess of Dragonstone heir to Iron Throne," Joanna growled.
Once he was out of the room. She turned back to lords and council faces. She took a deep breath. She rested her hands on the painted table. Her hands could feel the heat of the candles burning under the table. She closed her eyes she could feel all the eyes on her.
"Lord Tarly you are wise just man. I want you and Lord Stark, my Master of Law to fully investigate this treason. I want to know everything. He will have a full trial," Joanna ordered.
"It will be done Your Grace," Ned and Randall answered.
"Rest assured my Lords I will fight this war. I just want to give my father a proper send-off before I destroy what he worked so hard for. Balon Greyjoy will surrender to me or burn like Harrenhal. Kings Landing will fall, my bastard half-brother is too proudful and stupid to hold it for long. Jaime's punishment was to hurt my grandsire more than anything. I am prepared to hurt and kill my own family if that is what it takes to take back my throne," Joanna spoke with power in her voice.
"Forgive me, your grace, question with Stannis arrested for treason who is your heir until you have a child," Willas asked.
Joanna met Aegon's eyes. He nodded to her. She looked around the room meeting each high lord's eyes. She locked eyes on Gendry. Vermithor flew across the table landing on her shoulder. He rubbed his head on her chin. He realized his mother needed his strength.
"Would hope you will still follow my husband's rule. But if that is impossible. I would name my twin brother, Prince Gendry Baratheon my heir. With his betrothal to Lady Sansa Stark, he would have the back of North," Joanna answered.
"What about Renly," Randall asked.
"Lord Renly is truly on my side my lords. His marriage to Lady Margaery is also a way to keep her away from the usurper. He will bend the knee to me in time," Joanna replied.
All the people in the room except Aegon, Ned, and Tyrion looked at her in a new light. This was real Joanna. The calculating cold person was hidden well behind the greatest beauty. Tygett laughed it was truly at that moment he realized what his brother had truly created.
Tywin sat in his chambers in the Tower of Hand. There was a roaring fire going in the fireplace. He hoped he made the right call. He heard a pounding on his door.
"Enter" Tywin called.
A soldier came in carrying a box. On top of the box was a letter. The soldier placed it in front of Tywin. He waved for the soldier to leave him. Tywin picked up the letter as the door shut. It had the Lannister seal on the letter. He broke the seal. As he read the letter his eyes went wide. It was from his brother Tygett. It also spoke of seventeen dragons in the letter. But what shocked him more was how he referred to Joanna. He did not call her a lioness or doe but rather a dragoness. Tywin placed the letter aside and opened the box. His green eyes went wide. His face when paler white. It told him exactly where Jaime was at. He picked up the letter again. He reread the letter reading in between the lines. Joanna had ordered his heir sword hand removed. What had caused that? Then it becomes clear to him that Stannis ravens about Joffrey, Tommen, and Mrycella being Jaime and Cersei's children rather than Robert's children. Jaime would see Joanna as a threat. He had trained him to get rid of threats if they could not be controlled. Surely, he did not try to kill Joanna. But that would be the only thing that would make Joanna's punishment of Jaime sense. Jaime had lost his Ser title and right to hold lands plus the removal of his sword hand. She would not send him to the Wall for she knew he would likely not make it to the Wall when Westeros was at war. Tywin threw the letter in the fire and slammed the box shut. He looked at the flames with racing thoughts. In his tries to create a lioness inside of Joanna, she instead turns truly into a dragoness.
Joanna made her way to Stannis' Chambers. She walked into his chambers. Stannis was pacing the length of the room. The room was in complete disarray. As he turned, he caught sight of her with Ser Barristan.
"Uncle, do you have any idea what you just done?" Joanna asked. Stannis went to answer her. But she raised her hand to stop him. "You have committed treason. You don't seem to understand your position. You are here to advise me. Not rule in my sead. I am not your puppet." Joanna Roared.
Stannis looked down at the floor. Joanna walked farther into the chamber. She paused at the fireplace. She looked back at her uncle. He had sunk to the floor. When realized that what she just said was right.
"All the lords in that chamber understand what their roles are. Seven Hells, even Prince Oberyn shows me more respect than you have. Yes, I named Myrcella, Gendry, Tommen, and Edric my siblings. But I have good reason to do so. With Myrcella's betrothal to Trystanne, I have Dorne. Gendry betrothal to Lady Sansa I have the North and possibly the Riverlands as well. Tommen I could make any match to give me Westerlands. Edric comes from Reach with his support gives me the Reach. I will have Shireen wed to Robin Arryn thus giving me the Vale. What you don't seem to understand is they are innocent of their parents' crimes. It is about control uncle. I know better than you the game I now play. And who I play against. Jaime will never make it to The Wall and as I said I don't want to start my rule off in Kinslaying. The next steps I make will be critical to my rule. I will leave you to your thoughts Uncle. But know this treason is being investigated," Joanna told him before she left the room.
Stannis looked to flames as the door slammed shut. He felt no warmth from the fire. It was like all the warmth vacated the room. Every word she spoke to him suddenly made sense. Seven Hells what had he done?
Author Note: Let me know what you think. I hope you like it.