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There was misty rain falling over Storms End. There were Baratheon knights and Stormlands knights all around the courtyard of Storms End. Ser Cortnay Penrose entered the courtyard as the cries of dragons reached his ears. His blue eyes went skyward. He saw seventeen dragons circling overhead. They swooped and danced in the air. He heard the knight metal of their armor clanging as they tightened their hold on their weapons. As Caraxes let out a long whistle. The rumors he had heard about the dragons were very much true. The last time dragons were anywhere near Storms End was during the dance of dragons. Ser Cortnay's eyes went back to the party approaching. There was a large party of Dornish soldiers and Prince Oberyn and his daughters. There was a large group of ladies who followed closely behind whom he only assumed were Aegon and Joanna. They were surrounded by Kingsguards, Ser Arys Oakheart, and Ser Barristan Selmy. There were other guards he did not know. But he assumed they were now Kingsguards. Ser Cortnay dropped to his knees as Joanna and Aegon moved forward. The rest of the people in the courtyard did as well. His eyes caught sight of Edric Storm, and a young version of Robert Baratheon that looked out of place. Joanna was dressed in high neckline black mourning down with sheer black sleeves. It had a golden belt with a stag as the closer of the belt rested on her belly. Her black hair was pulled back with a golden twisted headpiece acting like a crown.
"Storms End is yours, My Queen," Ser Cortnay announced.
"Thank you, Ser" Joanna replied motioning for him to rise.
Ser Cortnay got to his feet. Myrcella moved over to her sister's side taking her hand. Teora stood back by Sarella. She had a ghost of a smile on her face. Myrcella looked up at Joanna. She was looking for support. Ser Cortnay's blue eyes went wide. It was like he was seeing a ghost. He had seen the portraits of lords and ladies of Storms End. A young girl who took Queen Joanna's hand looked exactly like Argella with golden hair and green eyes. Myrcella noticed his staring and moved closer to the protective embrace of her older sister. Joanna's eyes went cold as she looked at Ser Cortnay when Myrcella moved closer to her. Caraxes, Gaelithox, and Vhagar let out a loud roar. They blew fire in the air. The mix of different colored flames filled the sky. Vhagar black flames made many jumps back. The bright blue Flames of Caraxes mixed with Gaelithox lime green flames.
"Ser Cortnay Penrose, Your Grace, I am the Castellan of Storms End," Ser Cortnay said as looked down.
"Allow me to introduce the rest of my party," Joanna started. She motioned for Gendry to come forward. Ser Cortnay nodded. "This is my twin brother and heir to Storms End, Prince Gendry Baratheon. My brother, Ser Edric Strom of the Kingsguard, or rather Queensguard. And my sister, Princess Myrcella Baratheon. And of course, my husband, King Aegon Targaryen. And my ladies, and my husband's uncle, Prince Oberyn Martell, and his daughters are members of the Royal Guard," Joanna finished pointing out each member.
"Welcome all of you, forgive me Princess it just, you bear striking resemblance to portrait here in Storms End," Ser Cortnay said coming over to Myrcella. She looked at him before her eyes traveled to Joanna in shock. Ser Cortnay then looked around the courtyard. They started to head inside. He noticed that Lord Stannis was not with them. He came over to Joanna and Aegon who were talking in whispers. "Forgive me, your graces, but I do not see Lord Stannis with you," Ser Cortnay asked.
"He is not. He and I have a different view on putting my father to rest. He is on Dragonstone with the rest of my and my husband's council," Joanna told him.
"I will leave you and your party to rest. Tomorrow, we will lay your father, our king to rest in the crypt of Storms End," Ser Cortnay told her.
"Is it possible for you to send for your Maester to look over my wife, your queen," Aegon asked.
"I will send him to you, my king," Ser Cortnay said.
Robb, Catelyn, Jon, and Theon were in Robb's tent. He looked around the group as Catelyn read out Joanna's words. Robb's eyes went wide at the news that his father had arranged a marriage for him with a Frey. He was set to marry Roslin Frey at his mother's deal. But now he was set to marry Lady Marleina Frey. The beautiful blonde that had been to Winterfell. Who was not afraid of his or his siblings' direwolf? Who took care of the lioness? She truly is a worthy lady of Winterfell. Talisa and his flirtation with her completely went out the window. He would hold to his vow to marry Marleina.
Talisa was spying outside of the tent. Her eyes went wide as she heard Joanna's words about the Greyjoy rebellion. And the fact, that Sansa was now arranged to wed Prince Gendry Baratheon. Who in the seven hells was that? Theon eyes were wide, and he looked sick to his stomach. Joanna's letter mentions crushing this rebellion like her father had. That had cost Theon all of his older brothers.
"Do you think she will do it?" Theon asked.
"She will if he doesn't bend the knee. She would make another Harrenhal to prove her point. She has the dragons to do it. They may not be the same size as Balerion but what they lack in size they make up with numbers. Seventeen of them. But if you swear loyalty to her, she will see you made Lord of the Iron Isles," Jon answered.
"Seventeen of them they are not a child story," Robb asked.
"Stormsroar, Vhagar, Aegarax, Caraxes, Gaelithox, Tyraxes, Meleys, Nightshade, Arrax, Syrax, Tessarion, Silverwing, Stormfyre, Moondancer, Vermithor, Greyghost, Vermax are their names. They are bound to Joanna and Aegon and Gendry," Jon listed their names.
"She is giving Walder Frey what he wants just not in the way he wants," Catelyn told them.
Talisa ran off before a guard brought in their nooning meal. She had a letter to write to Kings Landing. She left before she heard what Jon said next.
"Theon if there is to be another Harrenhal and I would be more worried about the Twins than the Iron Isles," Jon told him.
"What do you mean," Catelyn and Robb asked at the same time.
"I saw her there. Lord Walder Frey made her skin crawl," Jon said.
"That alone will not make her turn her back on him," Catelyn argued.
"Tyrion explained it to me later. They share a family with Lord Walder Frey. Tywin's sister is married to Lord Walder's second son. He said Joanna knows the man that Lord Walder is. He is a coward. She knows he waits to see who will win before he enters the fray. Like he did when Robert won on the trident. That is why Robb is to marry Marleina, it is to stop him from claiming that Robb broke his vow. She knows he will tell anyone anything they want to hear," Jon explained.
"She is a lioness in doe fur," Catelyn commented.
"No, she is a dragon. I fear her more than I fear Aegon. She will not back down. If any that stands in her way. They will burn. Aegon is the voice of reason. Her temper alone is enough to make most men back down. She was raised by Tywin. Tywin spoils her but also teaches her his ruthlessness. Any that stood in her way family or not will fall. What do you think she will do to a man who willingly would betray her to save his own skin?" Jon replied.
Catelyn, Robb, and Theon exchanged looks. Greywind came over to Robb brushing his leg. Ghost stood by Jon's side.
Cersei came to Joffrey's chambers. He was dressing for the day. A young whore was nude black and blue with blood running down from her wounds. She was discarded on the bed. No one paid any mind to her. She was taking shuttering shallow breaths. She was near death door. Cersei walked over to the table in the room pouring herself a goblet of wine. Joffrey had his crown on his head.
"Mother do I really have to marry her," Joffrey complained.
"Janei is a young lady of meek nature. She is your cousin. She will be a great bride for you. She will cement your claim to the throne. You need heirs legitimate ones, unlike your father. After you are wed and bedded and have a child in her belly you may do as you, please," Cersei said taking a deep drink of her wine.
"Why now," Joffrey growled.
"Your sister, rumors state she is married to a Targaryen combining her claim and his claim on your throne," Cersei tried to explain.
"If it is true she will die," Joffrey stated.
"If the gods will it so. I fear the men around her have forced her hands. Joanna knew her place. She will marry to support your claim once this fake Targaryen is dealt with," Cersei said calmly she knew if Tywin heard Joffrey talking of killing Joanna. Tywin would sooner have his head than help him rule.
"Why my cousin surely there are plenty of willing brides for a king," Joffrey stated storming over to her.
"We are at war my lion. Yes, normally there are. Lady Sansa Stark is missing, and you were not pleased with her. The Riverlands have no woman to be your bride unless you wish to wed a Frey. The Vale has not declared for anyone. The Stormlands either have declared for Joanna or Renly. Same thing with Reach," Cersei explained.
"If I don't like her, will I have to marry her," Joffrey asked sinking into his chair.
"Your Grandsire and your great uncle will want you too. But my lion, I will not force you," Cersei reassured him.
"Let's get this over with. Guards see that this thing is removed from my chambers by the time I get back," Joffrey ordered.
Joanna started at the painting of Lady Argella, The Storm Queen and wife of Orys Baratheon. It was like staring at her sweet sister's face. Aegon entered the library with Maester Jurne.
"Valzȳrys, do you see what I see," Joanna asked.
"Sweetheart, I brought Maester Jurne to look you over," Aegon said as he came over to her.
Aegon caught what she was staring at his eyes went wide. Joanna turned and greeted them. Aegon walked over to her wrapping his arm around her middle. She went back to staring at the painting.
"Who is that?" Aegon asked.
"Lady Argella Durrandon later Baratheon, the last Storm Queen, Wife of Orys Baratheon. Who was the base-born brother of Aegon, Visenya, and Rhaenys. He was Aegon's closest friend and follower commander. Ser Cortany is right she does bear a striking resemblance to Myrcella," Joanna answered.
"It is uncanny. And the Lannister family has no ties to Durrandon Family?" Aegon questioned further.
"They morphed into the Baratheon family. The last time Lannister joined the Baratheon family, before my parents' marriage, was Gowen Baratheon and Tya Lannister. They had one son, but he died in infancy. That was thirty years before the first time they intermarried. That union had three daughters and one son. But I don't believe any of them are direct descendants of my mother, Uncle Jaime, or Uncle Tyrion," Joanna explained the history Tywin made her learn.
"That would mean that Myrcella is your father's daughter," Aegon announced.
"And my makes my Uncle Stannis crimes that much more. Besides his treason charge he now faces the crime of slander against a princess of blood," Joanna stated.
Joanna buried her face into Aegon's chest. He held her close. He kissed the top of her head. The punishment for that crime had not been enforced since Maegor the Cruel. It was the dance that would likely never have happened.
"Joanna" Aegon murmured into the top of her head.
"I'm going to have to kill him, aren't I?" Joanna questioned.
Her blue-green eyes looked up to Aegon's face. There were tears in her eyes. Aegon bent his neck so he could rest his forehead against her own. It was a truly intimate gesture to witness. It was at that moment that Jurne realized that Aegon and Joanna were truly in love with each other. This was more than a political arrangement. He cleared his throat. They broke apart for a moment remembering that there was someone else in the room. Aegon kissed her softly.
"Your Graces," Maester Jurne addressed.
They turned to look at him. Maester Jurne motioned to Joanna to lie down on the sofa in the room. Joanna did as he bid. Aegon came to stand by her head never letting go of her hand.
"His grace tells me that you have had a severe case of sea sickness. And you both wanted to check that it is nothing else," Jurne addressed.
"Yes, if it not too much trouble Maester Jurne. I have never suffered from seasickness before. And I have been on rough seas much like the ones we encountered on our way here before," Joanna explained.
"What do you believe it to be?" Jurne questioned as he began his examination.
"Poison, I would not put it past my bastard half-brother or my mother to do it if I could not be controlled. That would mean an investigation on anyone that got close to me. Not to mention my uncle Stannis has stated in open court that he should be king, not me. Why not add Kinslaying and Regicide to the list of crimes," Joanna confessed.
Aegon at those words went white. Joanna's meaning and the way, she thought made him realize how much like the mindset those stories of Rouge Prince. He knew that was like Daemon was ruthless like her being raised by Tywin for he was just as ruthless. He would hate to see what would happen if the dragoness in her truly came fully to the surface. Right now, it is just below the surface bubbling with the fire of her temper.
"Forgive me, my queen, but the ruthlessness of your grandsire is well known surely he would also be capable of such an act," Jurne questioned.
"I know my grandsire is capable of monstrous things. But my great uncle Tygett and Uncle Tyrion both say that my grandsire loves me too much to harm a single hair on my head. And if anyone would try to do so and he found out. They would suffer a fate worse than the Reynes and Tarbecks," Joanna explained.
Jurne nodded as he pressed on her belly. He was very thorough. After he was finished, he turned to clean his hands. He then helps her to sit up.
"You have not been poisoned your Grace," Jurne started. Aegon and Joanna exchange looks as Jurne continues. They both could tell that he had found something. "I would say you are in perfect health. Forgive me, my queen, when was the last time you have bled with your moons blood," Maester Jurne asked.
"At the Wall," Joanna replied with a wide wide-eyed look.
"Then I assess that you now carry an heir to your and your husband's throne," Jurne stated.
Aegon and Joanna's eyes met. Joanna's hand went to her belly. Aegon's hand quickly followed suit. They both had a huge smile on their face. Aegon kissed the crown of her head. Jurne caught a look in Joanna's eyes as he left the room. It told him if any harm came to the child was now in her womb the seven kingdoms would burn.
Joffrey sat on the Iron Throne dressed like a true lion. Cersei sat in a smaller chair near him. Tywin stood on the other side. The Kingsguards stood at the front of the Iron Throne. The full court was assembled. Kevan and Dorna entered the court as they were announced. Joffrey's eyes went to the sight of his cousin who would be his bride. Her golden blonde hair was pulled back in braids that wrapped around a smooth bun. Her bright forest-green eyes stood out on her pretty face. Cersei was happy that at least she seemed to inherit more of the Lannister beauty not like her mother. She was dressed in a Lannister red gown with golden lion shoulder pads that had chains of rubies and gold coming down to a gold woven belt. The gown flowed the floor. It hugged her curves. It had long sleeves that were tight to the arms. The neckline was more modest than most wore. She wore a golden two-stranded pearl necklace with two lion heads on either side of her neck with rubies in their mouths. She looked down as she faced Joffrey. Joffrey smiled at that.
"Your Grace, I and my wife would like to present my daughter Lady Janei Lannister as a possible wife for his grace," Kevan announced.
"Thank you, Uncle Kevan, Lady Janei what do you say of being my bride," Joffrey questioned.
"I would be honored to be the bride of the most handsome and honorable and rightful king of Westeros. I hoped he would find me pleasing enough," Janei said meekly.
Janei dropped to the floor in a deep bow. Her skirt flowed out around her. Cersei was even more pleased by this meek and weak-will girl. She was not near as beautiful as Sansa was but what did that matter as her lion was pleased. Joffrey looked over to his mother and his grandsire. His mother looked pleased with her. Tywin had a ghost of a smile on his face. Even her voice drove him crazy. It was like Sansa which was like nails on board. He pursed his lips for a moment. Before, he rose from the throne. The Kingsguard parted as he walked down the girl. Lady Janei bowed her head. Joffrey took her hand gently helping her to stand. He kissed her chastity for show. The court let out loud cheers. He took her arm linking them as they moved back up to the throne. He glared at his mother to stand. Cersei did so unhappily. He led Janei to the seat. She sat in the chair. Joffrey retook his seat on the Iron Throne. Their hands were still joined. A sword tip nicked her gown. Kevan looked very pleased with himself. Tywin had a stoic look on his face. Janei played the part well on that much Tywin agreed. But he knew there was no way in the seven hells that she would keep Joffrey's focus for long.
"Thank You, Great Uncle, for presenting me with my new bride. She will make a fitting Queen of Seven Kingdoms," Joffrey announced.
Daenys was in Viserys' chambers. He had been called off to a meeting with Illyrio to go over something. Her eyes traveled to the dragon egg. Her silver blonde hair was down and hung loosely around her body. She was dressed in a pale sheer teal gown. There was a slight swell to her belly. She had been there to inform him she was also with child. The dragon egg shimmered in the firelight. She walked over touching the egg. She saw an image of a beautiful younger version of herself beside a dragon with sunray-like horns on its head. Her hand went to her belly. She knew she now carried a girl.
"Your Grace, you know he would not be happy with you holding that," Ser Jorah told her.
"what he does not know will not hurt him," Daenys told him placing the dragon back down.
"Your fellow wife requests your presence," Ser Jorah told her.
"Then we must keep her waiting," Daenys said coming down to him.
Daenys stumbled when she was assaulted with a new vision. Ser Joarh caught her. He had a concerned look on his face. As he noted the ghostly paler to her face along with far far-off look in her lilac eyes. Her dainty hands gripped his shoulders with fear.
"Your Grace, Your Grace," Jorah called trying to get her attention. She was shaking in fear.
The image that invaded her mind was a dragon as large as Balerion the Black Dread. the dragon was black and yellow in color it was asleep in the middle of a storm. There was stag appeared in the middle of a storm. The stag was suddenly killed, and the dragon's eyes snapped open. And then the images of places that she did not know but she assumed were Westeros burning. Before, the images of Essos followed suit. They were all burnt by the dragon of black and yellow. Then the dragon morphed in the woman from her first vision of dragons being reborn as she sat on a throne made of swords.
"Get Viserys…" Jorah ordered another guard. Daenys trembled in his arms. There was real fear etched on her features. He had real concern and fear on his own face. "Your Grace… Daenys" Jorah said cupping her face.
Cersei and Tywin were having supper in his chambers. Cersei took her wine. Tywin looked at her with a hard look.
"what do you think of Lady Janei," Tywin asked.
"She is pretty enough. She is a meek weak-will thing," Cersei explained.
"I see the same thing. The wedding will take place in a week," Tywin said, taking a drink of his wine.
"So fast," Cersei commented.
"She will hold his attention for long. We need her to carry a legitimate heir to the throne. If we hope to win," Tywin said taking a bite of his meal.
"Any news on where my little doe is?" Cersei asked.
"No," Tywin answered.
A maid ran into Tywin's chamber without waiting to be announced. Tywin sat back fixing the maid with a look. She fell to her knees, she was trembling. Cersei eyed the maid in contempt.
"What it is?" Tywin asked calmly.
"Forgive mi lord hand, but His Grace is in a fit of rage. He has destroyed his chambers. When the servants went in to bring him his meal he held her at sword point. It is only because of one of Kingsguard that she still lives. She is with Maester Pycelle now," the maid explained.
Tywin frowned. He brought his fingers to pinch the bridge of his nose. He could feel a large headache coming on. Cersei looked deeply concerned about her darling boy. He could hear a voice starting to defend him. Tywin removed his hand from his face. He fixed Cersei with a glare. He waved the maid off. Cersei went white in the face as she read her father's face. It was clear as day what the look said. It read if he could not be controlled, he would have to go. He had served one mad king he would be damned if he served two in a row.
Renly and Margaery were in his tent. She had her hands a large jug of arbor gold. She poured herself and Renly a goblet of it. Ser Robar Royce, Ser Bryce Caron, Ser Emmon Cuy, Ser Guyard Morrigen, Dame Brienne of Tarth, and Ser Loras Tyrell were all in the tent. Ser Parmen Crane stood at the entrance to the tent. Renly was looking over his maps and battle plans. Night had just fallen. She looked around the tent to ensure no one was paying attention to her other than Loras. They had this all planned out. They would blame either Stannis or Joffrey, seven hells, if they could think of a way to blame Joanna. Margaery would do so in a heartbeat. That woman scared her, more than she cared to admit. She met the princess once. She had charmed everyone in High Garden. Their father wanted Tywin to agree to a match between Willas and Joanna. But Tywin stated it was his match to make but he would present it to the King. But what scared Margaery more was that Joanna saw through all of her and her grandmother's schemes. Loras nodded slightly. Renly over his battle plans. Ser Bryce caught Ser Loras' nod. He knew something was up. Margaery turned towards Loras pouring liquid into one of the goblets from one of her rings. She came over to Renly handing him a goblet. She took a drink of her wine. Renly took the goblet and set it down on the table's edge. He moved a marker on the map.
"A letter your Grace," Ser Parmen announced coming into the tent.
Ser Robar took the letter presenting it to Renly. Renly took the letter from Ser Robar. He moved away from Margaery before she could see who it was from. She tried to move closer to him to try to read over his shoulders.
"Who is the letter from Husband," Margaery asked.
"Storms End, I'll call on you later, Leave me," Renly replied.
Margaery pursed her lips. She exchanged a look with Loras. Loras linked arms with her as they left the tent. She hoped that he would take a drink of that wine. Once they were out of earshot. Renly started to read the letter.
"Joanna and Myrcella have arrived at Storms End to lay my brother to rest," Renly announced.
Ser Bryce poured the wine that Margaery handed Renly on the grass. Before he poured Renly a fresh goblet. The rest of Kingsguard looked at Renly as he read. Brienne followed his every move and looked at him in an adoring way. Suddenly wind blew through the tent. The night sky was illuminated by firelight. Renly looked up from the letter to a mirror. The Kingsguards gasped loudly as a shadow version of Stannis appeared behind Renly. The shadow stabbed Renly through the heart. He collapsed blood pouring out of his chest and mouth.
Brienne and Ser Bryce reached him first. Renly was coughing up blood.
"Take my body to Storms End. Swear fealty to my niece Joanna. She is the rightful queen," Renly coughed.
Before Renly drew his last breath. As the death rattle echoes through the tent. Ser Loras busts into the tent killing Ser Robar Royce and Ser Emmon Cuy. Ser Bryce pushed Brienne behind him. She held Renly's body as tears fell down her face. Ser Bryce locked blades, he made Ser Loras yield before he knocked him out. Ser Parmen Crane looked at Ser Bryce in shock.
"Inform Lady Margaery that her husband is dead. We head to Storms End as it was Renly dying wish," Ser Bryce ordered.