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Today was the seventh day of King Robert's body lying in state. It was also the seventh day of Stannis, Selyse, and Melisandre's imprisonment. Arya was walking Nymeria and Nyx along the beach of Dragonstone. Because her father was busy with meetings with King Aegon and Lord Tarly. Sansa had taken like fish to water with Joanna's Ladies. When she was not with ladies, she was with her betrothed Prince Gendry with either Septa Anaya or Ser Tygett acting as chaperone. The sound of steel meeting steel reached her ears. She rounded the bend that was heading back to the castle. When she spied Joanna, Obara, Nym, and Tyene engaged in a fight. They were fighting with live weapons. The Hound and Ser Rolland stood nearby as was the girls' father. Joanna's black hair was intricately braided like the story of Visenya's hair was normally styled. She was dressed in a black tunic and pants. She held the sword like an extension of herself. They moved in fluid grace. Joanna parried every one of Tyene's attacks. She knocked the girl's dagger from her hands. Then Joanna kicked them away from Tyene. Nym tried to attack her with her eight-foot whip. Arya watched in awe as Joanna somehow let the end of the whip wrap around her blade. Then in one hard tug pulled the whip away from Nym and brought her to her knees. Joanna threw the whip away as she advanced on Obara. Arya watched in awe fight against Obara. It was like watching what she imagined Visenya to fight like Joanna was Visenya born again. Joanna kicked out Obara's legs causing the spear to fall to stand and her body to fall into the sand. The moment Obara's back hit the sand Joanna had the tip of her sword to Obara's neck. Obara looked up at Joanna in shock. That look quickly turned into a smile. Perhaps, Aegon had found a woman worthy of a man of Dorne. Oberyn started to clap. Joanna brought her sword away from Obara's neck. She offered Obara her hand to get up. Shocking Obara took it. Arya ran up to Joanna as Obara turned to talk to her sisters. She had a hero-worship look in her eyes.
"Can you teach me to do that? Father got me a dancing teacher and, a fighting teacher when we were in King's Landing. But he held off the guards so I could get away. The guards that Cersei and Joffrey order to kill or abduct us. I want to be a warrior like you," Arya told her excitedly.
"Arya I am no warrior. I, myself, am still learning," Joanna said. She bends down to Arya's level. She placed her hand on the back of her head. Arya looked at her with a depressed look. Joanna caught that look. She looked over her shoulder. Obara, Nym, and Tyene were talking with Oberyn in hushed tones. Every once in a while they would look over at Joanna. Joanna did not know what to make of that. She looked back at Arya. She was looking down at the sand. Nymeria came over and nudged Arya. Nyx did the same thing. Joanna took hold of Arya's chin. She made her look up at her. Arya's blue-grey eyes met Joanna's blue-green eyes. "Perhaps, if your Lord father agrees. I'll see if Lady Obara, Lady Nym, and Lady Tyene can teach you. They would be far better teachers than me. If not them, maybe my husband. He can teach you; he can dually wield a sword like Arthur Dayne. If you want to learn to be a warrior I will find you a teacher. Evan if I have to send for another water dancer from Braavos. I promise you, and I always keep my promises," Joanna promised Arya.
"But you looked like Visenya born again," Arya exclaimed.
"Aye, Your Grace, I have not seen a woman fight with such grace with such little training." Prince Oberyn commented coming over to the pair. He sized up Arya. He had a ghost of a smile on his face. Joanna looked at him with a questioning look on her face. "But I agree the littlest Stark girl will be taught if she wishes it. My daughters were about your age with they began their training." Oberyn commented.
"Arya, you will be a better fighter than myself" Joanna reassured her.
Tywin sat in small council chambers. He was there with Cersei, Kevan, Lord Varys, and Grand Master Pycelle. He did not like the feeling he had. They were going over recent attacks and battles. Renly had not engaged in any battles. Robb had won every battle he entered. Balon Greyjoy had started many battles along the Sunset Sea coastline. The one thing that bothers him most of all. They had not heard anything about Stannis or Joanna's side. He was positive the dragons were real. To have two men telling him that there were seventeen of them and their very existence. That changed a lot of things. But up until that point, he had not said anything.
"Lord Walder Frey has proposed that one of his daughters wed Robb Stark. We could use that to our advantage," Kevan reported reading Genna's letter.
"We Could," Tywin replied still thinking about moves he needed to make to ensure he won.
"Father why would Walder agree to that. He has been on our side," Cersei questioned.
"He is a coward. He desires power and Robb has won every battle we have entered. He would have his daughter as the wife and mother of the future Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North," Tywin explained rubbing between his eyes.
"With the Starks in open rebellion would it be wise to keep them as Warden of the North?" Kevan asked.
"The North only follows their own," Cersei replied.
"The only lord of his own accord that offered to be our spy is Lord Bolton. And I for one would not trust a man that would betray his liege lord. He desires power just like Lord Frey," Tywin reported.
"Has then been any word on Jaime," Cersei asked.
"Trust me daughter Jaime is lost to us. Robb reports he has Jaime. But Lord Roose and Lady Talisa report that he does not. And even he did have him. We have no Starks to trade. You have lost them all. Two of which were right out from under your nose. Tell me have you learned anything of what happened Lord Varys," Tywin roared.
"No concrete leads. I do have troubling reports, from across the Narrow Sea. Viserys third of his name has taken Lady Serylla Vhassar as bride. She appears to be with child. And there are reports that he has taken a second wife in one Lady Daenys Ostar of Tyrosh," Lord Varys reported.
"Targaryen across the narrow sea is not our concern at present," Tywin told him.
"What of Targaryen closer to home?" Lord Varys questioned. Everyone's eyes went to Lord Varys' face. Tywin's cold hard eyes locked with Lord Varys' eyes. "With Dorne entering the war I started to look deeper into it. King Aegon Targaryen Sixth of his name, Son of Rhaegar and Elia Martell wed Queen Joanna Baratheon. Combining their claims on the Iron Throne. That is why Dorne entered the war. He was paraded around as Ser Aeron Dayne, and Lord Aeron Dayne of Harrenhal. He has Blackfyre the Targaryen ancestral Valyrian Steel sword. And I have heard reports that they have dragons seventeen of them. They, if reports are true, are the size of medium-sized dogs at the moment. And they grow with each passing day," Lord Varys reported.
Tywin gripped his goblet with a white fist. The cold fury was his mask. Cersei went into a fit of rage. Screaming that her daughter would never wed a Targaryen. Her mind had not even heard about the seventeen dragons. Kevan was white in the face at the thought of Seventeen dragons. Pycelle took a stuttering breath as a sick look overtook his face. Lord Varys noted silently that Tywin did not react to any of this news. Which could only mean one thing. That he already knew about Aegon and the dragons.
"We need scorpions," Cersei roared. Everyone exchanged looks. Lord Varys looked down. He knew one thing for sure. There was no way in the seven hells that Lord Tywin would let any harm come to his granddaughter. Tywin rose from his chair. The chair landed on the ground with a loud bang. "What are we going to do?" Cersei questioned her father with his back to her.
"Dorne is the only one who ever killed a dragon with a scorpion," Tywin spoke coldly as he turned to look at Cersei. She took a deep drink of her wine. Her eyes locked on her father. He moved like a lion around the table. "They side with our enemies. How do you think, daughter, that will go over?" Tywin asked.
"Surly the men of Citadel would have such knowledge as well," Cersei countered looking at Pycelle.
"The Hightower's control the Citadel. Currently they either side with Renly or Joanna and rather Aegon. There will be no scorpions," Tywin growled.
"So, you plan to do nothing. My son is the King," Cersei roared.
"Grand Maester see the Dowager Queen back to her chambers and maybe provide her with the essence of Nightshade to help her sleep off this distressing news," Tywin ordered.
Tywin turned to walk over to the window he looked out of the streets of King's Landing. The door closed as Cersei still raging was led out. Tywin looked over his shoulder at the men in the room Lord Varys noted how he called Cersei, Dowager Queen. She was the Queen Regent until Joffrey reached maturity or married whichever came first. Only after Joffrey married, would she be referred to as Dowager Queen. Had Tywin just revealed something that he did not know? He quickly made a note to find out what Tywin knew.
"This meeting is at close. We will reconvene tomorrow," Tywin growled.
Joanna lounged into the tub in Visenya's chambers. There was steam bellowing from the tub. Showing the water was very hot in the tub. She was washing off the sweat and grim. Myrcella and Teora were in the room. They were petting Meraxes. Playing with, now medium size dogs, dragons. A knock sounded at the door.
"Prince Oberyn, Your Grace," Ser Barristan announced.
Joanna rose from the tube. Her black curls hung around her nude body. She quickly placed it on her robe. Mrycella and Teora looked over to Joanna. Myrcella was dressed in a mourning black gown with stags beaded on the waist. Teora was also dressed in a dark grey Dornish-style gown. She had a ghost of a smile on her face. It was like she knew what was happening. Joanna tied the robe close quickly.
"Show him in," Joanna called.
Prince Oberyn entered the room. He had Dornish soldiers carrying what looked like battle armor. It was not designed for man. It was designed for a woman. It looked like dragon scales on arms and bracers. It had a dull smokey finish to silver metal. It reminded Joanna of Blackfyre. The armor was placed on a dummy. It was complete. The cloak that was attached to the shoulders looked like it had burnt edges and looked like extremely old fabric. Joanna moved closer to it. It looked worthy of Queen. She noticed the armor looked like dragon scales and had a three-headed dragon on the chest plate. It was dull rubies for the eyes of the dragon. Myrcella came over to Joanna.
"Is that Valyrian Steel?" Myrcella asked in awe.
"Yes, Princess," Prince Oberyn answered.
"It is Queen Rhaenys armor," Teora told them in her airy tone.
"How? Why?" Joanna questioned in disbelief as she touched the metal with reverence.
"It is a gift for our Visenya come again. The first true ruling Queen of Westeros." Prince Oberyn told them. He moved over until he stood in front of Joanna. Myrcella smiled up at her big sister. "You are worthy of being Aegon's wife," Prince Oberyn told her kissing her forehead.
Tywin sat in Tower of the Hand eating his lunch. Kevan made his way into his older brother's office. Tywin looked over to him as he took a drink of his wine. He motioned for Kevan to join him. Kevan did so. He poured himself a goblet of wine as Tywin took a bite of his meat.
"You are preparing to lose brother," Kevan questioned.
"Joanna's first terms were reasonable. They will change as her dragons grow. She will become bolder," Tywin told him.
"The dragons may just be rumors" Kevan countered taking a drink of his wine.
"They are very much real. Ser Sandor reported them to me when I went to find out why Joanna called for Lord Baelish's head. I took it for just a story. Then, Tygett reported them to me in a letter. Tell me I created not a lioness but rather a dragoness. Finally, Lord Varys reported them. All of them reported the same number. It is too much of a coincidence for it not to be true," Tywin told him going back to his food.
"You heard from Tygett. Does he have any news on Jaime?" Kevan asked, taking grapes from the plate.
"Joanna has him as her prisoner. He tried to kill her. He has been stripped of his knighthood and his right to hold any land or bare titles. He also has had his sword hand removed as punishment. All to hurt me. That is why I know what her terms will become," Tywin told him taking a drink.
"What will they become? And What of Tyrion?" Kevan asked.
"They will become. Renounce the False King and bend the knee to the Queen or your house burns," Tywin started. He took a large drink of his wine. Kevan looked down in horror. The sweet young girl that he knew would never do that. Yes, she had a huge temper. But he thought that Tywin curbed that. "For they would be my terms. Tyrion is on Joanna's side. He now acts as Aegon and Joanna's hand or at least on her council. Tygett reported as much," Tywin finished.
"Do you have any clue where the Starks are at?" Kevan asked, realizing that Tywin knew more than he let on.
"Joanna got Lord Eddard Stark, Lady Sansa, and Lady Arya out of King's Landing. If they do name Robb their king. He will bend the knee to her in a heartbeat. Joanna knows Joffrey as she knows me. She will have Robb wed to Marleina Frey. There is not a move I could make that she would not see coming. The only one would be incredibly stupid," Tywin told him.
"What of Vale? They have not entered the war as of yet?" Kevan asked grasping at straws.
"Joanna will deal with them swiftly. Anyone who is not with you is against you. I taught her that. Let's face it right now Joanna looks like the most pious daughter and queen. While Joffrey spends his time drinking wine and killing whores and babies. We are losing," Tywin replied flatly.
"What?" Kevan asked.
"I gave her father's body. No news from Dragonstone or Stannis in seven days. The same amount of time that he would have laid in state before he is interred in his final resting place. It is like they are truly in mourning. While his eldest son wears only gold and red and parades around drink and partying like his father is still alive. She has half the Westerlands army. She has the North's army if not already very shortly. She has half of Stormlands's army. And if anything befalls Renly all of it. She has eighty percent of Reach's army. And with her marriage to Aegon. She has Dorne. With or without the right to rule. If she conquers Westeros, she will rule by right of conquest as Aegon the Conquer did," Tywin told him.
"What if we could curb Joffrey's impulses? Find him a bride and wife of good breeding," Kevan asked.
"Who would you suggest? Lady Margaery Tyrell is married to Renly. Yara Greyjoy is older than Joanna and her father is in open rebellion. And Balon would sooner drown himself than see his daughter married to Lannister or Baratheon," Tywin asked rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"What about my daughter Lady Janei Lannister," Kevan offered.
"Send for her the formal betrothal will take place once she arrives," Tywin answered.
Aegon stood by Joanna on the Dragonmount. Vhagar and Stormsroar stood by their feet. Joanna was dressed in a black halter neck gown with a lace bodice with golden stags sewn into the lace of the bodice. It had a heavy satin black skirt. Her black hair was braided back with topaz and back pearl dotted hair net. It had a crown pattern braid that rested at the top of her head. Gendry stood by Sansa. Vermithor stood by his legs. Sansa was dressed in a black northern-style gown and her red hair was styled in northern style. Greyghost was clinging closely to the bottom of her gown. All seventeen dragons stood by in front of the pyre. Joanna walked forward taking her father's crown from the wrapped body of her father. He kissed her forehead, taking the crown. All of the lords and ladies were present; they were all dressed in black. Even Prince Oberyn, who had every reason to hate King Robert, was dressed in black.
"Soves" Joanna ordered.
All Seventeen dragons took to the sky. All the people watched in awe as dragons once again took to the sky. Joanna's eyes looked to Gendry. He nodded his head. He moved to stand next to her. Vermithor and Vhagar paused in the air, they looked toward Gendry and Joanna.
"Dracarys," Joanna and Gendry ordered.
Vhagar let her flames on the pyre. Her flames were as black as the night sky. Vermithor followed suit. His flames were golden in color. Very soon there was a rainbow of flames as the other dragons joined in. Joanna watched as the flames grew in strength. They looked like a raging fire. Meraxes slinked through the assembled lords and ladies. She allowed Joanna's hand to sink into her dense fur. Myrcella stood by Joanna's side her hand also was in Meraxes' fur. Lyarra stood near Jaime. His hand was bandaged. He stood near the back. He looked like a mess. But he was already on the mend. All thanks to Lyarra the Maesters were shit in his opinion. Lyarra's pale purple eyes looked to the sky in awe. All the while Jamie watched her in awe of her. She was like an angel to him. After he had awoken from the fever he got.
Stannis in his chambers walked over to the window. He saw dragons circling over the Dragonmount. He had tears in his eyes. He knew he was going to die for his crime. He was living on borrowed time. What hurt him even more was the fact that Renly was going to die. There was no way to stop it. Melisandre was also locked in her chambers. Along with Selyse in her chambers. There was no way that they could even talk to each other.
Night had fallen in the War camp of Robb and the northern army. Talisa had made her way into Robb's inner circle. Catelyn was displeased with Robb's attention on this foreign whore in her opinion. Theon had the same distaste for Talisa. A fire burned in the center of the camp. The men and Talisa and Catelyn were gathered around it.
"The proper course is clear pledge fealty to King Renly and join our forces with his," Lord Medger Cerwyn stated.
"Renly is not the King" Robb growled.
"You cannot mean to hold to Joffrey my Lord. He put your father to death," Lord Medger countered.
"That does not make Renly king. He is Robert's youngest brother. Bran cannot be Lord of Winterfell before me. Renly cannot be king before Stannis," Robb countered.
"Do you mean to declare us for Stannis?" Lord Flint asked.
"Renly is not right" Another Lord yelled out.
"My Lords, My Lords Here is what I say to these two Kings," Lord Umber yelled getting everyone's attention. Lord Umber stood up. He paced in front of the fire. He spit on the ground. "Renly Baratheon means nothing to me. Nor Stannis neither. Why should they rule over me and mine from some flowery seat in the south? What they know of the Wall, the Wolf's Wood. Even their gods are wrong." Lord Umber paused.
Some of the Lords and Ladies laughed. Catelyn could tell this was going somewhere she was not comfortable with. Talisa's eyes looked like she was about to jump for joy. Greywind ears perked up. He did not react like the enemy was approaching, so no one paid any mind. Lord Umber drew his sword.
"Why shouldn't we rule ourselves again? It was the dragons we bowed to. Now the dragons are dead. There sits the only king I mean to bend to my knee to," Lord Umber yelled.
Ghost ran into the camp. He was met by Greywind halfway. Jon made his way into the firelight. His eyes locked on Lord Umber.
"Funny Lord Umber, please explain to me how can Robb be king while his father still lives," Jon growled and asked.
Robb rose to his feet. His eyes went wide at the sight of Jon. He made his way over to Jon. They met each other in a brotherly hug. Catelyn and Theon also rose to their feet. All the lords and ladies looked at each other.
"Robb, My Lady. I am here at the request of Queen Joanna Baratheon and her husband King Aegon Targaryen. She wishes to inform you that she keeps her word. Your father, your lord is alive and well on Dragonstone," Jon stated looking at each lord. His eyes landed on Catelyn. She looked like was in disbelief. "Along with Lady Sansa and Lady Arya. She wishes to know if you mean to hold to yours Stark," Jon asked.
"She got them out of King's Landing," Robb stated in disbelief.
"She did, I was one of the men that helped to do it. It was me, King Aegon, and Ser Barristan Selmy." Jon answered. He walked over to Lady Catelyn. She looked at him with a sour look on her face. He handed her a letter. It bared the Stark, Baratheon, and Targaryen signals on it. Jon turned back to Lord Umber. "And Lord Umber Her Grace and His Grace have returned the dragons to the world. Seventeen of them and they grow with each passing day," Jon told them.
There were mummers of the number seventeen. All the Lord and Ladies exchanged looks. Catelyn broke the seal of the letter. Her eyes went wide as she saw her husband's handwriting again. Her husband was truly alive. The reports of Ned's head being were just stories. The letter told her of the betrothal of Lady Sansa to Prince Gendry Baratheon, the future Lord or rather Prince of Stormlands and Storm's End. It also told her of the formal betrothal of Robb to Lady Marleina Frey. And that Marleina and Robb's daughter or son would wed Queen Joanna and King Aegon's heir be it a boy or girl. It became clear Joanna meant to follow the Dornish tradition of the eldest child inheriting the seat regardless of sex. And if Joanna and Marleina both gave birth to the same gender baby. Robb's and Marleina's next oldest child that was opposite sex would wed Joanna and Aegon's eldest child. It was at that moment that Catelyn realized that Joanna was more than just a beautiful face. She knew more than she let on. She knew that Lord Walder Frey would demand a betrothal to one of his daughters in return for passing through the Twins. This betrothal would give Lord Frey what he wanted but not in he thought. She watches and Robb, Jon, and Theon catch up. She caught Talisa's displeasure for being ignored. Her eyes went back to the letter. Her eyes went wide. It stated or rather ordered that Robb do nothing about the Greyjoys and Balon declaring himself king. That Joanna would deal with him and them herself. And need be she would deal with them with Fire and Blood. Catelyn's stomach turned at those words.
"You're a knight now," Robb questioned.
"Yes, and member of the Royal Guard," Jon answered.
"What the Royal Guard?" Theon asked.
"Like the Kingsguard only we are there to protect all of the Royal Family not just the King or in this case Queen. They can be men or women no matter their birth. Be it a Lord's heir or bastard or second son. They are the first choice, if Kingsguard should die, in replacement of said Kingsguard. But they can also choose to leave to inherit lands or titles or marriages," Jon answered.
"Makes sense, Jon can I ask a question?" Robb asked.
"Anything," Jon answered.
"My father why did not come in your place," Robb asked.
"Queen Joanna needs her Master of Laws by her side," Jon replied.
Robb nodded. He called for all the Lords' and Ladies' attention. He placed his arm around Jon's shoulders.
"Tonight, my Lords we celebrate not only our victory but the news of my father and sisters' safety. To Queen Joanna Baratheon," Robb yelled.
It echoed through the army. It was clear who they were declaring for now beyond a shadow of a doubt. Talisa was completely forgotten as Robb, Theon, and Jon walked off to celebrate. Lord Bolton's eyes hand storm clouds raging in them.
There was a boom of thunder. The swaying and rocking of the ship was enough to turn the most seasoned sailor's stomachs. It did not help they were in the middle of a sudden storm. The ship was on its way to Storms End.
Joanna lay in a white nightdress on a bed in a large cabin. The cabin was below deck. The sea sickness had hit her the hardest out of all that were on board. Which was extremely odd. For she had been on many ships including very rough seas. And never once before had she become this seasick. Caraxes, Vhagar, and Gaelithox were resting around her. The other thirteen were also on the bed but not cuddled as closely as Vhagar, Gaelithox, and Caraxes were. They were making little chirps and clicks. Meraxes lay on the floor her eyes locked on Joanna. Sarella knocked before she entered the cabin. She had a steaming cup of ginger tea. All the dragons raised their heads as she entered the cabin. Smoking was pouring from their mouths.
"Your Grace, here this is some ginger tea. It is a remedy my mother and a lot of healers in Essos use to treat upset stomachs," Sarella told Joanna as moved closer.
She was unphased by the protective dragons. Joanna moved to sit up more. Her dark hair flowed down the front of her nightdress. She took the the cup from Sarella sipping on the steaming cup. Sarella pulled the seat next to Joanna's bedside. They sat in silence for a long time as Joanna finished her cup of tea. Sarella's eyes traveled Joanna's eyes body. Her eyes lingered where Vhagar and Stormsroar were coiled protectively over Joanna's middle.
"Thank You, Sarella," Joanna said handing her back the cup.
"No problem, your grace, I'll leave you to your rest," Sarella replied.
Sarella left the Joanan to her rest. She met Aegon at the door. He had a deeply concern look on his face. She hugged her cousin.
"How is she?" Aegon asked.
"As well as can be expected," Sarella answered. She looked at Aegon for a long moment. Aegon had his eyes closed. He took a deep shaking breath. It was a crushing weight that his beloved was deeply ill. "Aegon, since you married her and bedded your wife has she bled," Sarella asked.
Aegon's mind raced. He looked back to the door. She had been so concerned about it at the Wall. But for the life of himself, he could not remember if she had her moon's blood since then. If Sarella was right, that would make Joanna two or three moons gone in her pregnancy. Sarella hugged him again. She could tell his answer as she walked away. Aegon opened the door. He walked over to the bed. He took the seat next to her. He kissed her forehead.
"How are you, my love," Aegon asked.
"If my stomach would stop feeling like doing flips. I would be great," Joanna answered.
"When we reach Storms End I want you to see a Maester," Aegon told her.
"What for," Joanna asked.
"Joanna, have you had your moon's blood since the Wall?" Aegon asked.
Joanna's eyes went wide. Her hand subconsciously went to her belly. Aegon took her hand that rested by Vhagar and Stromsroar. He kissed the top of it. Joanna looked at him. There were tears and a fearful look on her face.
"Lord Tarly told me something before we left Dragonstone. I refused to believe it. I don't want to kill my uncle," Joanna said with tears in her eyes.
"What is it?"Aegon asked.
"That they had uncovered and have servants that are willing to testify that Melisandre and Stannis plan to murder Renly and maybe even me. He has already committed treason. Lord Stark says the men who pass the sentence must swing the sword. I cannot do it. But I know what needs to be done. Especially now, if I am truly carrying our heir," Joanna cried.
"I will do it. You when his trial starts relieve yourself of it. I will sit as a judge along with Lord Stark and Lord Willas Tyrell. If he is found guilty I will swing the sword. That way our reign doesn't begin with Kinslaying. It also will show the lords we are truly equals. You just focus on our little dragon that now may rest in your belly," Aegon reassured her.
Author note: Is Joanna truly pregnant? If she is pregnant what do you think she will have and what do you think she will name it or them? Let me know in the comments and what you think.