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POV: Rhaenys Targaryen – Kings Landing – 298 AC.

Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, eldest daughter of King Rhaegar Targaryen first of his name, made her way towards her father´s solar. She was nervous what his reaction to her request would be. And yet it did not matter to her. She wanted to do that. Needed to do that. For the love of her life.

As she entered her father’s solar she was met by the same expression as always. Ever since mother Lyanna had died her father had become withdrawn and indifferent to all but her brother Aegon. It had gotten so bad that Rhaenys hadn´t had a proper conversation with her father in the last few years. But as bad it was for her she had been fortunate when compared with her youngest brother Jaehaerys. Both Jae and their father hadn´t really exchanged words for all of her brother´s life. Her father simply unable to look at Jaehaerys and not see Lyanna.

“What a surprise to see you here Rhaenys.” The King greeted her even as there was no warmth in his voice. “What brings you here?”

“I have a request for you father.” Rhaenys responded. “I want to marry Jae.”

“No.” Her father imminently shut her down. “That will not happen. You will not marry your brother. Instead I have decided that you will marry Renly Baratheon.”

“And why would I do that?” Rhaenys pressed. “If I ask Jae do you think you could stop us? Stop us when Jae has her at his back?”

And it was the truth. If Jae really wanted to marry her as much as she wanted then there would be nothing Rhaegar could do stop them. After all Jaehaerys had a dragon at his back and call. The only dragon alive in fact. Lyannix had hatched as Jae was born. And yet despite her little brother being the first dragon rider in more than a hundred and fifty years he was still ignored and spent almost all of his time with Lyannix.

“You will not marry your brother. And that is an order Rhaenys. We both know that Jaehaerys will never go against my orders.” Rhaegar once again reaffirmed his decision. “He seeks my approval to much to do so.”

“Then you are truly deluded father.” Rhaenys countered. “If you think that Jae would chose you over the only member of his family that actually cared for him when you did not you are truly lost. Things have changed father.”

“You will not marry Jaehaerys. In fact you will return to your chambers and stay there until Lord Renly arrives.” Rhaegar demanded. “Ser Arthur, see that the princess stays within her chambers.”

“As you command your grace.” Came the reply from the Sword of the Morning. And yet in giving the task to Arthur her father had made a fatal error. The legendary knight was loyal to Jaehaerys and not Rhaegar. He had sworn to protect Jae after all. It had been the last wish of Lyanna Stark that he did so and Arthur had taken this oath very serious. In fact he was aside from Rhaenys and her mother Queen Elia the only one within the Red Keep that even remembered Jae existed and cared about him.

“I need to see Jae Arthur.” Rhaenys spoke as soon as no one could hear them. “We cannot stay here any longer.”

“Of course Princess.” Arthur agreed and together they moved towards the gods woods of the Red Keep.

Once they entered the Gods Woods Rhaenys imminently found her brother. Jaehaerys was leaning against the snow white scales of Lyannix whist the dragoness shielded him with one of her massive wings. At the age of five and ten Lyannix was a titan. Fifty meters in lengths with wings spreading as wide as three times her length. Her blood red eyes were focused on Jaehaerys and yet she also kept scanning her surroundings for any possible threats towards her rider.

People kept their distance from her. And wisely so as the dragon was rather aggressive to anyone who was not one of the very few people she liked. In fact aside from Jaehaerys only Rhaenys and Arthur were tolerated by the dragon.

As they drew closer she could see that her brother was cleaning one of the few things he processed. Dark Sister having been given to them by their several times removed great uncle Aemon. Who serves as the Master at Castle Black. And while Rhaegar, Aegon and the court had protested such a move none of them had been stupid enough to take the blade from Lyannix saddle, where it normally was stored. One knight who tried to so having been turned into ash for his troubles. In fact her brother stored everything he held dear on the dragon´s saddle. He basically lived here in the God Woods as Rhaenys knew that he simply did not feel welcome within the Red Keep. That her brother also felt unsafe when he was away from his dragon did not help the situation either. By the seven her brother even slept within the Gods Woods most nights. Something that often broke Rhaenys heart.

She hated seeing her brother so isolated. So neglected. He had never know a fathers love. He wasn´t respected by the court. Only seen as a bastard even though Rhaegar and Lyanna had married. And while Rhaenys mother Elia had tried to help Jae, the queen had been unable to reach him. Lyannix simply did not let her close as the she dragon felt Elia´s love for Aegon and did not want her rider near someone that loved a person that had tried to bully Jae. In fact as much as Rhaenys was Jae sister so was Lyannix. And the dragon was even more protective than she was.

As Rhaenys and Arthur approached Lyannix lifted her wing slightly to allow them close. Rhaenys imminently embraced her brother with all the love she could. She had been close to Jae from the first time she had met him. That he had been so neglected had caused her to spend most of her time with him. And over the years this close bond had blossomed into love. Something she knew her brother shared and yet lacked the courage and self-esteem to tell her. After all Rhaenys was one of the few people he had and Rhae knew that her brother was simply scared that she would reject him.

“Rhae?” He asked her. “Is something wrong?”

“It is.” Rhaenys confessed. “The King is trying to sell me like a broodmare. Only caring for political gain.” She never referred to Rhaegar as their father when Jae was near. As Lyannix really did not like to hear it.

“B-But? What will happen now?”

“It won’t happen Jae.” Rhaenys reaffirmed. “I will not marry this man. I will not leave your side. In fact I have come to ask something of you.”

“What?”

“I have loved you for years now Jae.” Rhaenys confessed. “With all my heart. I know that you are the only one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Will you take me as your wife?”

“I-I… I-yes.” Her brother answered her totally shocked that someone actually wanted him. That someone wanted to spend their life with him. “B-But the King… h-he will not allow t-that.”

“And that is the second reason I have come.” Rhaenys continued happily. Her brother had said yes. “We needed to leave Kings Landing. Just you, me, Arthur and Lyannix.”

“O-Okay. But where will we go?”

“North. To Winterfell. To Lord Stark.”

“I would like that. Uncle Ned was always nice to me.”

“We should hurry up.” Arthur spoke up. “Men are approaching.”

To that both Rhaenys and her brother simply nodded and all three of them climbed onto Lyannix back. And once they were secured dozens of Targaryen Guards entered the Gods Woods. The King along with four Kingsguard followed them.

“WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?” Rhaegar demanded to know.

“WE ARE LEAVING YOUR GRACE! Rhaenys replied as Lyannix roared and launched herself into their air and turned north. It would take they several days to reach Winterfell. But once they had done so Rhaenys knew that they were safe. The Starks were loyal to their own first. And Jaehaerys was half Stark.

They had been traveling for three day now. And finally they had passed the neck and were now within the North. It would take them one more day to reach Winterfell but that did not really matter as just being here made Rhaenys feel a lot safer. The North were loyal towards their own. And most of the Lord had seen how Jae was treated during the celebrations held on his tenth name day.

Though in reality this celebration had only been held because Lyannix and Jae shared their name day. And the entire tourney had only focused on celebrating Lyannix. Not even once had someone mentioned Jae´s name five years ago. And only because Lord Stark had made the effort of actively searching for her brother had someone even cared that this celebration should have been for Jae and not his dragon.

Lord Stark however had found them in the gods woods five years ago. He had seen how Jae had suffered. And he had even offered that they could come north whenever they wished. Even Lyannix had been somewhat friendly with Eddard Stark. Sure one meeting was not enough for the dragon to trust anyone but she hadn´t been aggressive towards him.

As they made camp for the night Rhaenys could not help but notice how much Jae´s mood had improved since they left Kings Landing. Her brother now actually smiled at her sometimes. Even Lyannix had become more relaxed. The mighty she dragon not constantly fearing that someone would hurt her rider. Rhaenys had watched as Jae and Arthur spared. And while she had known that her brother was good she had not expected him to be near Arthur´s level.

Later when Jae had already fallen asleep Rhaenys observed her brother. Simply seeing him sleep without a frown on his face made her heart jump with joy.

“He looks happier now.” Arthur spoke softly. So that he wouldn´t disturbed Jae.

“He does.” Rhaenys agreed. “I think we should have left Kings Landing a long time ago. That place only ever hurt him.”

“We should have. But we cannot change the past princess.” Arthur replied. “But maybe Jaehaerys will find the strength we both know is hidden under all those years of neglect.”

“We can only hope.” Rhaenys spoke softly. Hoping that Arthur´s words would become true. “Thank you for being with us Arthur. For always having our back.”

“You don´t have to thank me for that princess. Queen Lyanna´s last wish was that I take care of her son. That I keep him safe. I gave my oath this day. Swore that I would. And the Kings actions go against everything Queen Lyanna would have wanted. They may see me as an Oath Breaker now. Someone who abandoned the Kingsguard. And yet it sleep easy knowing this. As I have kept a far more important oath.”

“And for that you have my thanks.” Rhaenys spoke as she made her way towards her brother. And with great care to not wake him she snuggled up next to him. The simple act of doing this made her happier than she had ever been in the Red Keep. Here no one would question their relationship. No one would oppose her feelings for her brother.

She did not need to hide who she was any longer. No longer would Rhaegar dictate her life. Who she should and could love. No longer would he hold power over her. And should the King try to force them back Rhaenys was sure that he would find a rather angry dragon standing in his way. Lyannix would protect her just like the dragoness did with Jae. Rhaenys may not be the dragon´s rider but Lyannix knew how much Rhaenys meant to Jae. And the dragon would do anything for him. Of that Rhaenys was sure.

Chapter Text

POV: Eddard Stark – Winterfell – 298 AC.

The way back to Winterfell had been rather interesting this far. After executing a deserter of the Watch. Ned alongside his sons Robb and Bran had come cross a Dire Wolf mother had had just recently given birth to six pups. Four grey ones, one black one and one pup white as snow. And in his heart Ned already knew to whom this pup belonged to.

The coloring was simply too similar to be a coincidence. The Old Gods had spoken. The white Pup would belong to Jaehaerys. Its snow white fur and red eyes perfectly matching the dragon of his nephew. Though thinking about Jaehaerys did not bring back good memories. And he found himself once again cursing himself that he hadn´t been able to do more for him five years ago.

He had seen how his nephew had suffered. How he been neglected by the King and his court. How they treated him lesser than some bastard even though he was a trueborn prince of the blood. Old Gods be damned his nephew was a dragon rider and they still did not care for him.

Even his name day hadn´t been about Jaehaerys. Instead honoring the dragon. Lords had brought gifts for the dragon but totally neglected his nephew. Only Ser Arthur Dayne, Princess Rhaenys, Queen Elia and Ned and the Lords of the North had even remembered that Jaehaerys existed. They had been the only ones who had honored him that day.

And Ned had felt like a fool that day. He had believed that the King had loved his sister. That he would love and honor her son. And yet Jaehaerys found nothing but neglect. He had even offered his nephew that he could come north whenever he liked. That Winterfell would always be open to him. And that if he needed a family he would find it here.

But his nephew had refused him. Had seen himself as not worthy of the love Ned had offered him. And that had broken Ned´s heart. His nephew simply did not believe that one would care for him. As aside from Rhaenys, Arthur and sometimes the Queen no one ever had. But nevertheless Ned had prepared chambers for Jaehaerys just in case he would show up. His nephew had a dragon after all and so could reach them even faster than any raven could.

They were near Winterfell when he felt his horse becoming uneasy. How the pups became nervous. And while Ned did not knew what was going one he drew Ice nonetheless. Something that was followed by Robb and his men.

Though the reason for their unease soon became apparent as they were plunged into darkness. And as Ned looked up he couldn´t help but be awed and happy at the same time. Above them flew Lyannix. The she dragon had grown quite a bit since Ned had last seen her. She had become a true titan. At least 50 meters in lengths with her wings spanning three times her length Lyannix was simply awe inspiring.

With a nod to his men he and Robb raced as fast as possible to the gate. And they reached it just in time to see the dragon land. And as Ned dismounted he couldn’t help but take her in carefully. She was just like he remembered. Still fierce. Still protective and alert. Still dangerous. Only now she was bigger. But there was more to her. To Ned the dragon looked almost relieved.

He watched as three people dismounted from the dragon´s back. Ser Arthur Dayne, cloaked in white with Dawn over his shoulder. Ned respected the man. Dayne was nothing if not loyal to the oath he had sworn to Ned´s dying sister. And Oath that he would always protect Jaehaerys as best he could. And the knight hadn´t broken this oath once.

Next came Princess Rhaenys. The oldest child and only daughter of the King looked happy to be here. The Princess had always been someone who had cared for his nephew. Always did everything in her power to make Jaehaerys life better. And even though she herself was mostly ignored by the King her focus had always been on her little brother. And for that Ned was happy to host her.

And lastly his nephew. Seeing Jaehaerys Ned could not help but compare him to Lyanna. And the resemblance between mother and son was really quite astounding. And while his nephew looked slightly happier to Ned´s eyes he could still clearly see the deep emotional wounds his nephew bore. It was clear in the way he stayed near the dragon even as the Princess and Ser Arthur walked towards him. The way he never left her shadow. Almost as if he was afraid that if he did that something bad would happen.

“Princess.” He greeted Rhaenys as he dropped to one knee. “You and your brother´s arrival is a welcome surprise to House Stark and the North.”

“Please rise my lord.” The princess spoke softly. “But sadly I have to tell you that our arrival is not merely a thing for fun.”

“What do you mean by that princess?”

“May I be blunt my lord?” To which Ned simply nodded. “The four of us have fled Kings Landing. We are on the run from everything the Capital has done to us had we hope that you will allow us into your home.”

That was not what he had expected. There was obviously a lot more to this story. But that did not matter at this moment. His nephew and his nephew´s sister needed shelter from something. And Ned would provide it to them.

“You may stay as long as you wish princess.” Ned replied. “And perhaps after you and your brother have settled down you would be willing to tell me what happened.”

“Of course my Lord.”

It had taken quite a few hours for his nephew be comfortable enough to actually enter the keep. Even longer for him to be comfortable with having his own room. Something only possible because it was one of the few rooms with a balcony. A balcony that Lyannix used to constantly look into the room. Jaehaerys clung to his dragon. After all she had been his constant in life. The one that was always there.

But even then it had taken a lot of effort from the Princess that his nephew actually accepted the room. Without her influence on Jaehaerys Ned doubted that his nephew would have accepted the room.

To Ned this once again showed just how much his nephew had suffered. He simply did not believe that he was worthy of something as simple as having his own room. Ser Arthur had explained that Jaehaerys had spent his nights with Lyannix in Kings Landing. That his nephew had simply curled up against the scales of his dragon.

And now seeing him at the family dinner things only became clearer. Jaehaerys almost seemed to shrink in on himself. Eating only when Rhaenys encourage him to do so. His nephew did not speak openly. He did not respond to the attempts by Robb and Arya to get his attention. Only Rhaenys was able to get him to speak. And even then his nephew was always spoke quietly.

“You mentioned that you and your brother had to flee Kings Landing princess.” Ned spoke. “Would you be willing to explain why that was the case?”

“Of course Lord Stark.” The princess responded. “I had approached my father about marrying Jae. I told him that I love my brother and that he was the only one for me. But he rejected it. Instead ordering that I marry Renly Baratheon.” Rhaenys continued. “Something that would take me away from Jae. And that was not something I could accept. My brother already had so few people that cared about him that he couldn´t lose a single one. And so I told my father that I would not follow his command. He however ignored me and ordered Arthur here to make sure I return to my chambers and that I stay there until Lord Renly arrived. We however made our way towards Jae and Lyannix. I talked to him. Asked him if he would take me as his wife. And after he agreed, the two of us knew that our father would force us apart regardless. That he would take me away from Jae when he so clearly needs me. Not that Rhaegar ever cared about what my brother needed.” The princess spat. “So we decided to leave the capital before our father could ruin our lives even more for his little games. And that is how we ended up here.”

Once the princess had finished Ned was simply lost for words. He had expected that Rhaegar had done something. But not to this degree. The prince who had brought war to Westeros because he had loved Lyanna was now denying that every same love to his children. Not caring about their feelings in the slightest. Ned may have seen Robert like a brother, before he was slain by Rhaegar on the trident, but he was not blind to who Renly truly was. Renly was more interest in Loras Tyrell and clearly wouldn´t have loved Rhaenys. And the try to force them to marry regardless was something Ned would never be able to understand.

And that was without even considering what separating both Rhaenys and Jaehaerys would do to his nephew. Without Rhaenys his nephew was lost. That much was clear to see. She was the only one who managed to reach him emotionally. And to lose her would break Jaehaerys beyond any hope of recovery. Ned may have his issues with marrying brothers and sisters. And yet it was something normal of House Targaryen. And when he looked at his nephew it became clear to him that a marriage between Rhaenys and Jaehaerys was perhaps one of the few paths Jaehaerys had left that lead to him crawling out of that hole he had been forced into. That maybe the unconditional love Rhaenys felt of Ned´s nephew was the key for Jaehaerys to become the person Lyanna would have wanted. And so he would support their marriage if it was what they really wanted. He would support the last part of Lyanna and Rhaegar be damned.

“That he would do something so stupid…” Ned spoke softly. Mostly to himself. But he could see that his sentiment was echoed by his wife and children. Or at least the ones old enough to understand. “You have my support Princess.” Ned spoke with conviction. “If the two of you wish to marry under the Old Gods you shall have my blessing and help. I may have my own issues with it. But I also see that my nephew needs you princess. And so for Jaehaerys´s sake I will help you. The North will help you.” Ned continued. “The North remembers my sister and we will stand by her son.” Something that caused both his wife and his children to nod in agreement.

It was later that night. After Rhaenys, Jaehaerys and Ser Arthur had left that he discussed the situation with Robb, Sansa, Arya and his wife. And together tried to come up with way to help Jaehaerys. Each of them would try to approach Jae from a different prospective in the hopes to reach him. Ned and Catelyn would do the best they could to more than just Jaehaerys´s uncle and aunt. They would try to fill a role long since open in his nephew´s life. They would try to from a parental bond with him. Robb would try to get to know Jae with sparring and building a brotherly bond. Sansa would try to become friends with Princess Rhaenys and reach Jaehaerys over that way. And Arya would try to bond with Jae over his dragon. And maybe when they all combined their effort with Rhaenys and Ser Arthur they may managed to pull Jaehaerys out of the emotional hole he was in.

Chapter Text

POV: Rhaegar Targaryen – Kings Landing – 298 AC.

It had been three weeks since Rhaenys, Jaehaerys and Arthur had defied his orders. And since then a lot had changed within Rhaegar. Things he had taken for granted suddenly were not there anymore. Be it the waking roar of the dragon that sounded through the halls. Be it the small glazes over the day he would throw into the Gods Woods to see the Dragon and … his son.

He had taken Jaehaerys for granted. Taken the dragon’s majestic and terrifying presence for granted. He had taken his daughter presence for granted. And yet now he was forced to realize that it was not. That the things he had thought to be cornerstones of his day were now gone.

His daughter´s presence no longer filled the halls of the Red Keep. Her almost magical aura of regal beauty gone. The dragon no longer terrified the people entering the gods woods. All one found there now was the a few shed scales that reminded people of the legendary creature that had called those woods its home.

But most of all he noticed the absence of Jaehaerys. The son he had ignored for his entire life. The boy who had grown up without a mother or father. The boy that was broken. The last part of his beloved Lyanna. The only dragon rider in the known world. And what had he done? He had ignored him. Believed that a child would understand his grief. That a boy who he had neglected for five and ten years understood him. Not once had he even though how Rhaegar´s absence must have felt of Jaehaerys. That in the five and ten years since his son was born they not once had a true conversation. Not once had Rhaegar told Jaehaerys that he was proud of him. Even though he was.

He had watched as his son had trained with Arthur. Had silently cheered when he had first beaten the Sword of the Morning. He had watched as his son took flight for the first time and spend the rest of the night celebrating. He had watched Jaehaerys and Rhaenys interact. Seen the warmth between them. And yet he had denied them their happiness. And it was only now that he realized that he had almost been a father to Jaehaerys. All he had to do was share it with him. And yet he hadn´t done that.

Instead he had left his son in the dark. Never gave him good memories. By the seven he had even celebrated the dragon’s name day but had totally forgotten his son´s own. He had let the court threat his son as nothing more than dirt under ones boot. Had people wisher about him. Even gone as far as trying to take things away from him. And why? Just because Jaehaerys resembled his mother?

And where he had shone with absence and neglect other had taken his place. Rhaenys, his oldest had cared more about her brother and Rhaegar ever did. It had been Rhaenys who had told Jaehaerys about what it meant to be a Targaryen. Rhaenys who had comforted Jae when he needed it. Rhaenys who had always expressed how proud she was. And what had he tried to do? Send her to Storm´s End so she could marry a lord that did not love her? Take one of the few people away that actually cared about his son.

Ser Arthur Dayne. The Kingsguard who had become something of a father. The father Rhaegar had chosen not to be. It had been Arthur who had thought Jaehaerys right and wrong. Arthur who had encouraged and defended his son´s honor when Rhaegar had remained silent.

And lastly there was Lyannix. The dragon had cared more about his son than all other´s combined. It had been her presence that had given Jaehaerys comfort. She had kept the people that wanted to hurt him away. She had protected the things Jaehaerys valued the most. Lyannix had been the constant in her rider´s life. A constant Rhaegar had been able to become but had chosen not to.

And now he had pushed all four of them away. He had tried to force Rhaenys to be a pawn. Something his daughter had taken badly. He then had made the error of entrusting her to Arthur. And when he had realized that it had already been too late. And all he had been able to see was the dragon taking of. All he had been able to see had been Rhaenys and Jaehaerys running away from him. The Sword of the Moring helping them. And as he had stood in the gods woods all he could do was watch as the dragon faded in the distance.

Lord Varys had just informed him that the dragon had been spotted in Winterfell. That his son had made his home with his mother´s kin. And while he was glad to know where Jaehaerys was he wanted him back. He wanted to make things better. To be the father he was always meant to be. And so as both Ser Gerold Hightower and Ser Barristan Selmy entered his solar he made up his mind.

“Your grace.” They greeted him.

“Good Sers.” Rhaegar replied. “I have need you two to do something for me.”

“Of course my King.” His lord commander replied.

“You two will travel to Winterfell and bring both Princess Rhaenys and Prince Jaehaerys back to Kings Landing.”

“At once my King.” The white bull relied. “But what should we do should they not wish to return.”

“If necessary bring them back with force. I need them here. But you are not allowed to harm them in any way.”

“At once my King.” And with that the two Kingsguard left the room. They would be joined by at least 100 hundred men sworn to House Targaryen. And they would bring his children back. He needed them here so that he could tell them how proud he was of them. So that he could be what he always meant to be… their father.

POV: Robb Stark – Winterfell – 298 AC.

Three weeks had passed since his cousin, Princess Rhaenys, Ser Arthur and the dragon had arrived in Winterfell. And while his father had told him about his cousin. How Jaehaerys was neglected. He had not expected it to be that bad. That it had gotten so bad that his cousin only spoke to Ser Arthur or Rhaenys. That he spend almost all of his time near the dragon.

But things had improved slightly over the last three weeks. The Dire Wolf pup Robb´s father had gifted Jaehaerys had improved his cousin´s mood. It had also allowed Robb´s father to gain some of Jae´s trust. And two days ago Jaehaerys had actually spoke with Robb´s father. Something that had pleased his father greatly. And to Robb it signaled that there was still hope for his cousin. That the lifetime of neglect could fixed. Even if it would take time.

Currently he was making his way into the training yard. He knew his cousin would be there, training with Ser Arthur. Something that Robb had also started doing. And by the old gods his trust in his own skills had been utterly shattered when he first faced Ser Arthur. Aside from his father he had been able to beat anyone within Winterfell. And yet against the legendary knight he had lost in mere seconds. He was simply nowhere near the level of the sword of the morning. But his cousin was. Jaehaerys even managing to take some wins from Ser Arthur.

When he entered the training grounds his eyes imminently found his cousin and Ser Arthur. Both engaged in a spar that held everyone’s attention. Dawn and Dark Sister moving with such grace, speed and precision that Robb had difficulties tracing the blades. It was simply beautiful to watch. And to a swordsmen this was utter perfection. The display of skill was utterly captivation to watch. And he was a little saddened when after ten minutes his cousin managed to disarm Ser Arthur and the knight yielded as that meant that he could no longer watch this utter perfection.

But what happened next truly shocked Robb. While he had noticed that his cousin seemed to relax more and more he had not expected him to actually agree to what was to happen now. And yet he found himself face to face with his cousin. They both had their blades drawn. And the spar was about to commence.

And once it did Robb was taken aback. If he had thought Dawn had been fast then Dark Sister was on another level entirely. As while Dark Sister lacked Dawn´s sheer reach it more than made up for it in speed. The thin Valyrian Steel blade moving faster than anything Robb had ever seen before. And so it was no wonder that he lost the first three points in mere seconds. Though as his cousin backed away slightly Robb chose to start attacking himself. Though he might as well have done nothing. His cousin simply side stepping his swings and those that came to close were simply deflected without effort. The end however came far too soon for Robb´s liking. He overextended only slightly and yet that was enough for him to be disarmed. And without a sword in hand he soon found himself yielding.

“I yield, cousin.” He said smiling. He may have lost. May have been utterly defeated. But that did not matter to him at this moment. He had taken a small step towards bonding with his cousin. And that was what really mattered. Jaehaerys was part of their pack. And he would make sure that his pack was protected. Physical and emotional.

“Good spar, Lord Robb.” His cousin responded. And while his cousin´s voice was quiet and he sounded unsure, Robb was happy about this small progress. His cousin had actually spoken to him. And even as Jaehaerys left right afterwards Robb could not help but smile for the rest of the day. He had taken the first step of bonding with his cousin. Of gaining his trust. And that was something that made him happy.

Over the next two moons the Lords of the North had begun to arrive. All of them coming to see his cousin and Princess Rhaenys wed. And every single Lord and Lady of the North had been incredibly happy to see that Jaehaerys was in Winterfell. Almost all of them had seen how he had been treated in Kings Landing five years ago. And the Lords of the North had taken great offence that the son of Lyanna Stark was so neglected. Having stopped just short of taking up arms for Jaehaerys.

Now though Jaehaerys was in Winterfell. Here he was surrounded by people that cared about him. And that had helped Robb´s cousin immensely.

Robb and his cousin would spar daily with one another. Hells sometimes Jaehaerys would even laugh at japs Robb made. And Robb was not the only member of his family that managed to get close to Jaehaerys. Arya, having bonded with Jaehaerys over his cousin´s dragon, had probably the closest bond aside of Lyannix, Rhaenys and Ser Arthur with Jae. Arya was fascinated by both Jae´s dragon and his skill with the blade. And seeing how annoyingly charming Arya could be both Jae and Arya had formed a bond that was closer to siblings then cousin. Even Robb´s father and mother had connected to Jaehaerys.

But of course none of them came even close to replacing Rhaenys or Arthur. And no one could possibly replace Ghost, Jae´s dire wolf pup, or Lyannix in his life.

Jaehaerys however was still very closed off. Never speaking to anyone he didn’t know. His cousin still was mostly silent. And yet progress had been made. It would take a lot more time before Jaehaerys would be a fully functioning person for the first time in his life. But instead of this happening looking like a distant dream it was now only a matter of time.

And tomorrow Jaehaerys would take the next big step in his life. Tomorrow Jaehaerys and Rhaenys would be joined as husband and wife.

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POV: Rhaenys Targaryen – Winterfell – 298 AC.

Today was the day. The day she finally got to wed her brother. Rhaenys had been in love with Jae since she first seen him. At first it had simply be the normal love between siblings. But over the years as Rhaenys got older it had become so much more than that. Over the years of their father´s indifference in her case and in Jae´s total absence, they had grown extremely close. So close that Rhaenys had begun to love Jae as more than just her little brother.

But of course their father had not cared about her feelings. Rhaegar had tried to marry her off to Renly Baratheon. Even when he must have known how important she was for Jaehaerys mental stability. But then… when had the King ever cared about Jaehaerys. Something that had often enraged her. Especially has Rhaegar had chosen to celebrate the tenth name day of Lyannix but not Jaehaerys five years ago. Even when they were born on the same day. This injustice and Jae´s emotional state afterwards had been what had caused her feelings for him to shift from sibling to romantic love.

Yet her father´s attempt to marry her of had been even worse. Rhaenys knew that Renly preferred the company of men over that of woman. That the marriage would have been nothing more than a vow. That she wouldn´t have found any happiness in it. And when she had resisted her father had tried to confine her to her room. Though thanks to the help of Arthur Rhaenys managed to flee the Red Keep with her brother and his dragon.

It had been Winterfell where they found their new home. Her brother´s uncle welcoming them. Even supporting their marriage despite his own feelings about this Targaryen tradition. And yet Eddard Stark had seen Jae´s dependency on Rhaenys. That a marriage between Rhaenys and Jaehaerys may be one of the most important pieces for Jaehaerys to finally become the person he was always meant to be. That if they she was his wife he wouldn´t fear that she might abandon him like anyone else. Sure her brother knew that Rhaenys would never leave him. That she would always have his back. And that she would risk everything for him. And yet Rhaenys knew that the years of their father´s neglect had left Jaehaerys feel undeserving of love. Made him fear anyone could at any point abandon him.

Even the rest of the Lords of the North had accepted what was about to happen. They all had seen Jae five years ago. Had seen how deeply wounded he still is. They did not like seeing the last part of Lyanna Stark so broken. It also helped that Rhaenys and Jaehaerys were only half-siblings. And so a marriage between them was rather tame by Targaryen standards. Additional Jae was a dragon rider. His dragon the only one alive. And to control Lyannix in the future strong Valyrian blood would be needed. And yet all those arguments had been irrelevant once the Lords of the North had been told that this union my help Jaehaerys overcome his trauma. This simple information had been enough for them to support the marriage.

And so currently she was getting ready for her wedding. Sansa was helping her. Especially with the styling of her hair and putting on the dress Sansa had made for Rhaenys. It was rather simple when compared what would normally be expected of a princess and yet Rhaenys loved it. It was snow white. Perfectly mirroring the color of both Lyannix and her brother´s new dire wolf ghost. In fact Sansa had even sown Lyannix´s and Ghost´s likeness onto the dress. Both of her brother´s companions replacing the sigil of House Targaryen. And while they still had a few hours before the wedding would take place, in front of the Weirwood tree in Winterfell, Rhaenys had already finished donning her outfit.

Though of course nothing could go to plan as suddenly Arya Stark came running in.

“Rhaenys.” The girl spoke as she tried to catch her breath. “Father said you are needed at the gate.”

“Why?” Rhaenys asked confused.

“I don´t know. Something about Targaryen banners having been spotted.” Arya replied. And that caused Rhaenys to panic. Were those men send by her father? Were they here to take her back? Would they force her?

“Does my brother know?”

“Robb is telling him as we speak.” Arya answered.

“Of all the things… I will come.” Rhaenys spoke.

“Don´t worry Rhaenys, you belong to us now and we will not let them take you away.”

“Thank you Arya.”

“You are pack. And a pack protects one another.”

And with that said they made their way towards the gate. On their way they met up with Jae who was escorted by both Arthur and Robb and had his dire wolf pup running at his feet. Rhaenys even saw how Lyannix took to the sky and disappeared into the clouds. And at that moment she knew that nothing would happen to her and Jae. The she dragon would act long before anything or anyone could harm them. Lyannix was even more protective of Jae than Rhaenys herself. And the dragon had no problems in making that very clear.

When they reached the south gate she shocked to see one hundred men wearing the colors of the Targaryen household guard as well as two members of the Kingsguard. But not just any two members but Lord Commander Gerold Hightower and Ser Barristan Selmy. So clearly whatever they wanted could only come directly from her father. And that couldn´t be good for either her or her brother.

“What brings you to Winterfell Sers?” Lord Stark spoke. And it was clear from his voice that her brother´s uncle was not happy.

“We come on orders of the King Lord Stark.” Ser Gerold spoke. As he took out a piece of paper and began to read it out loud.

“His Grace King Rhaegar Targaryen, first of his name, does hereby order that both Princess Rhaenys and Prince Jaehaerys are to return to the Red Keep at once so that he may be the father he should have been. Should the Prince or the Princess resist they are to be taken back by any means necessary and anyone harboring them will be branded as a traitor to the crown.”

As soon as Gerold had finished Rhaenys could do nothing more as stare at the Lord Commander in utter shock. Fatherly love be damned. Rhaegar was trying to force them to come back.

“And you expect me to hand over my nephew and his sister?” Lord Stark replied angrily. “That you can simply take my sister´s son and his son to be wife with you so that they can be neglected once more. Well my answer is no.”

“That is not something you can decide Lord Stark.” Ser Gerold said as he put his hand on the hilt of his sword. “The King has made his wishes clear. So stand aside and nothing will happen.”

Gerold´s action caused Arthur to mirror the actions of the lord commander. But not only that. Rhaenys noticed how Jae´s anger began to rise. And to Rhaenys it was clear that he did not care what it could mean for him but for her. Jae depended on her but more than that. Her brother was incredibly protective and possessive of her. And in response to Jae´s anger Lyannix reviled herself. Landing behind the Targaryen men. Something that caused great panic. Especially as Lyannix chose to roar.

But it was not just the dragon´s mere presence. Those men knew that Lyannix was aggressive to anyone she considered to be against against her rider. She had once even turned a knight into ash simply because he wanted to take something that belonged to her brother. Simply said those men fear the fifty meter long dragon. And were right in doing so. Lyannix did not play around. And they knew that.

“My Prince, my Princess.” Ser Gerold directed his voice onto Rhaenys and her little brother. “I must insist that you follow the King´s order. He only wants what is best for you.”

“That will not happen Ser Gerold.” Rhaenys declared. “We will not go back to a place where my brother was neglected and ignored. Where I am forced into a marriage that I do not want, that wouldn´t make me happy and that would break my brother because it forces me away. We will stay here. Where our love is accepted. We are accepted. And if you have a problem with that you can bring it up to Lyannix.” Rhaenys spoke and then turned towards Jae. “Come brother we are done here. Our wedding is waiting.” And with that Rhaenys hand in hand with her brother left.

Ser Gerold and his men had left soon after both Rhaenys and Jaehaerys had left. As with Lyannix making it very clear that they were not welcome it had really been leave or burn. And while Ser Gerold may be loyal to a fault he wasn´t stupid enough to anger the dragoness even more. Though Lyannix had given them a fiery farewell as the dragon had decided to … encourage … them to move faster as the she dragon had burned the ground behind them.

Something that had caused quite a lot of laughter amongst the Northmen. Seeing the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard running for his dear life had amused the Lords of the North. Especially as they knew that they had nothing to fear from Lyannix. Her brother´s dragon had been surprisingly calm in Winterfell. While the dragoness still did not like anyone near her she did not respond aggressively. And while Rhaenys was not exactly sure why that was she could reasonably guess that Lyannix somehow knew that the Northmen wanted to help her rider. That they were loyal to Jae. Something that had earned the Northman probably some of Lyannix respect.

Though now that the sun was setting Rhaenys did not think about any of this. It was finally time for her wedding. The moment she and her beloved little brother would be joined as husband and wife. Something that would not only give her what her heart desired the most but also hopefully be a major step in her brother overcoming his trauma. To him becoming the man he was always meant to be, but never got the chance to because of all the neglect he faced.

And as Rhaenys entered the Gods Woods, with Arthur serving as her escort, she couldn´t be happier. Sure she was a little sad that, thanks to this whole Ser Gerold debacle, her brother had already seen her in her wedding dress, it really did not matter. Because as soon as they entered the clearing before the Weirwood Tree Jaehaerys eyes snapped onto her. And Rhaenys was glad to see that he was wearing one of his incredibly rare smiles and had for the first time a quiet but potent was fire burning behind his eyes.

“Who comes before the Old Gods tonight?” Lord Starks voice thundered through the ancient woods.

“Princess Rhaenys of House Targaryen comes here to be wed, a woman grown, trueborn and royal, she comes to beg the blessing of the old gods. Who comes to claim her?” Ser Arthur responded.

“Prince Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, Rider of Lyannix, her brother. Who gives her?” her little brother spoke with a level of confidence Rhaenys hadn´t believed he was capable of yet. It was the first time her brother had raised his voice. The first time in the fifteen years since his birth that he had shown confidence. And that made her happy.

“Ser Arthur Dayne, sworn shield to Prince Jaehaerys.”

“Princess Rhaenys, do you take this man?” Lord Stark asked her. A smile on his face as he did so.

“I take this man.”

“Prince Jaehaerys, do you take this woman?”

“I take this woman.”

 “What the Old Gods have joined today in this scared oath is true and forever, let it be known that Jaehaerys and Rhaenys of House Targaryen are of one heart and soul, now and always.” Lord Stark proclaimed loudly.

And as Jaehaerys pulled her in for a kiss Rhaenys was sure that this was the happiest day of her life.

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POV: Rhaenys Targaryen – Winterfell – 298 AC.

A northern feast was unlike anything Rhaenys had ever seen. Where a feast in the Red Keep always carried whispers and intrigue with it. Where anything one did would be used to gain an advantage and not a single true word was spoken. Here in the North there was nothing of that. All everyone here cared about was having fun and celebrating. Simply enjoying the atmosphere.

That it was her and her brother´s wedding that was celebrated only made it better for Rhaenys. She had waited years for this moment to happen. Had even defied her father for that. And now she was sitting beside her husband. And that simply felt like a dream. Both Rhaenys and Jaehaerys hadn´t joined the dancing. Not because they weren´t happy but simply because her brother was nervous about being around so many people. And while his trauma had plagued him less and less since they left Kings Landing it was still was a large part of her brother.

Jae´s trauma was also the reason why Rhaenys would not have to deal with a traditional northern bedding. Her brother was simply still too unstable emotionally for that. No one could predict how he would react if other men tried to remove Rhaenys´s dress. After all she was her brother´s emotional anchor. And Jae was incredibly protective of her.

And while the lords of the north, particular some heirs, had been disappointed that they wouldn´t get to see her naked. They were not alone in their disappointment. Many of the ladies had hoped that they would get to undress her husband. Though that idea had been shut down by Lord Stark himself. The emotional wounds Jae carried with him may cause him to see this not as good natured tradition but continuation of the abuse and neglect he faced in Kings Landing. And that was not something Eddard Stark was ready to risk, as it could reverse all the progress her little brother had made over the last two moons.

That however did not mean that their wedding night would be boring. On the contrary. Rhaenys had planned something special that would hopefully encourage Jaehaerys to take a more active role and show him that she trusted him fully and would always stand by his side. Not only as his sister as she had always done but as his wife. She now belonged to him. And while their marriage would was not a conventional one. It would be still her duty as Jae´s wife to support him in any way she could and follow his wishes to the best of her abilities. Not that changed anything between them. Rhaenys however also knew that Jae would never abuse the power he now held over her. Her brother cared deeply about her. He would never ask anything of her that she did not like. In fact Jaehaerys was the only person in all of Westeros that she could fully trust in that regard. A wife was depended on her husband, this was simply the way things always had been, and only because it was her little brother did she feel safe about that.

But before she would be able to make her plan reality there was one more thing that needed to be done. The Lords and Ladies of the North had brought them wedding gifts. And as Lord Stark approached them Rhaenys knew that it wouldn´t take long before she could finally be alone with her husband.

“Nephew, god-niece.” Lord Stark greeted them. “What I want do gift to you is not something one can simply hand over. Instead I want to offer you a home in the north. A place you two can call your own. Because of that I have decided to rebuild Moat Cailin. And I offer you the chance to claim it as your own once it is inhabitable once more.”

And after a quick glance at her bother Rhaenys answered for them. Her brother obviously overwhelmed by the offer and the prospect of a true home.

“We thank you for your kindness Lord Stark.” Rhaenys spoke softly. The appreciation in her voice clear to hear. “And we gratefully accept your offer.”

“Please just call me Ned or uncle.” Lord Stark responded. “You and my sister´s son are married now. You are family. There is no need for formality between us.”

“But only if you call me Rhaenys or niece.”

Most of the Northern Lords gave them something to help them settle into Moat Cailin once it was finished. The Umbers gave them large fur carpets that would keep them warm in the winter. The Manderly´s gave them several small ships that would serve them as fishing vessels. Not once did they receive anything that could be considered useless. Nothing was simply given to show wealth or buy favor. And while others might have seen that as a slight Rhaenys did not. In fact she quite enjoyed the northern simplicity and their pragmatism. It was so different from anything she had known. And that was refreshing. Something she could get used to.

As they entered Jae´s chambers Rhaenys could barely contain her excitement about what was soon to happen. That her brother would claim her fully as his wife. The only problem with that was her brother´s trauma. That he still feared that he would be abandoned. That deep down he still believed himself to be unworthy and powerless even if that was not the case.

Her brother was a dragon rider. Bonded to the only dragon alive. He was a prince of the blood and an incredible swordsman that wielded Dark Sister. He even could hold his own and even win against Ser Arthur Dayne. And yet because he had never been praised or even told he was worth anything by their father and the court her brother did not realize that he does have power. That he can take control of his own life. And that he did not have to tolerate everything thrown at him.

And because of that she had come up with a plan that would give her brother all the power tonight. That everything they did was something he wanted and was ready for. That she would give up all control tonight and simply let him do what he wanted to.

Rhaenys was the first to undress. She took great care that her brother and husband could see her fully before she moved to kiss him softly. And after they had broken apart she went to a small chest that had been placed there by her. From it she produced two leather bindings that she fastened around her wrists. And with that done she crawled onto his bed and gently secured her leather bindings to the bed posts. Leaving her completely helpless and giving her brother the chance to be in control.

“Are you just going to stand there brother? Or are you going to join me?” Rhaenys asked softly and yet she did not managed to hide her hunger and eagerness for Jae. Not that she would hide anything from him.

“A-Are you sure about this?” Her brother asked unsurely. Though his eyes roamed over her naked body.  And there was a fire behind his eyes. A fire he had not yet found the courage to unleash.

“Yes brother. I am sure. I love you and only you Jae. But if you don´t feel ready yet we don’t have to do anything.”

Though to that her brother simply shook his head as he finally let his fire break free. He undressed quickly and joined her. And as Jae took her again and again. And after hours of love making Jae freed her of her bindings and the two of them fell asleep in each other´s arms. And Rhaenys could not be happier. Not only had she and her brother become one but her brother had for the first time in his life taken control. He had taken a big step towards becoming the man he was always meant to be. And while the road ahead may be long she would be by his side for the entire way. No matter what happened.

POV: Rhaegar Targaryen- Kings Landing – 298 AC.

The atmosphere in the small council chambers was tense. Ser Gerold´s party had been spotted. And yet neither Jaehaerys nor Rhaenys were with them, even though Gerold had been send to Winterfell to bring them back. Something must have happened as Rhaegar knew that his Lord Commander of the Kingsguard wouldn´t simply return without fulfilling his mission.

And whatever it was he also knew that it was something he could not tolerate. He knew that he had neglected Jaehaerys and ignored Rhaenys´s wishes. That he only had eyes for Aegon, who as crown prince had always been his priority. So in some ways he did understood why they had fled the Red Keep. But he also could not let this open defiance of his orders go unpunished. But before he would chose his next actions he needed to hear what happened.

He had tried to send both Ser Gerold and Ser Barristan north to bring his children back. That he could finally be the father to them that he was meant to be. And to avoid having to brand their actions as open rebellion. And yet this had failed. And instead of keeping the whole thing quiet he now was forced to act.

“Your Grace.” Both the White Bull and the Bold greeted him as they entered the chambers. “I regret that I need to inform you that both Princess Rhaenys and Prince Jaehaerys have refused to comply with your orders and instead have chosen to remain in Winterfell.” Ser Gerold continued.

“What happened Lord Commander?” Rhaegar questioned. “I was of the assumption that you wouldn´t return without my other children.”

“I had not wish to return without them your grace.” Ser Gerold answered. “But due to the situation we found ourselves in retreat had been the only choice. As while we managed to reach Winterfell and deliver your royal decree both Lord Stark and Princess Rhaenys have refused to follow it. Even the threat of a forceful return was dismissed as the dragon made its presence known. And with Winterfell in front of us and Lyannix behind us returning the Prince and the Princess was simply not possible.”

“This cannot stand father.” Aegon replied. “We cannot allow the only dragon alive to be not under the crowns control.”

“The crown prince makes a valid point.” His Hand Jon Connington agreed. “Should Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Rhaenys refuse to return we must consider all options, even force if necessary. The Dragon makes prince Jaehaerys simply too powerful to be not under the crowns control.”

“I would like to preach caution.” Lord Tywin joined in. “We cannot hope to challenge the dragon on the field. It is simply too large and powerful for that. No army would be able to stand against her.”

“There is more you grace, my lords.” Barristan spoke up. “As the princess left with the prince she mentioned their wedding. And from the way she dressed it was quite obvious that it was to take place on the day we arrived in Winterfell.”

“They did what?!” Rhaegar could barely contain his anger. “I had explicitly forbidden such a union. That a marriage between two siblings was considered illegal.”

“You must act father.” Aegon insisted. “Because if you don´t than others may follow them.”

Rhaegar knew that Aegon was right. He knew that he needed to act. That if he did nothing another rebellion could break out. And yet he also knew that the use of force was not possible. Lyannix couldn´t be harmed by scorpions. And that alone made the dragon way to powerful to ignore.

But on the other hand he did not want to act against his children. He did not want to declare them traitors. He wanted to form a bond with them. Even if he had neglected them for the last fifteen years. And so he came up with a plan that would give both Rhaenys and Jaehaerys one last chance to come back. One last chance before he had to declare them his enemies.

“And we will act Aegon.” Rhaegar spoke with conviction. “Grand Master, send a raven to Winterfell. Both Rhaenys and Jaehaerys have three moons time to revoke their marriage and return to Kings Landing. Should they not comply with this order they shall be no longer considered as members of House Targaryen. They shall lose their titles and be branded as traitors.”

Chapter Text

POV: Eddard Stark – Winterfell – 298 AC.

Two moons had passed since his nephew and Princess Rhaenys had married. Two moons since Ser Gerold Hightower and Ser Barristan Selmy had tried to take them back to Kings Landing. Two moons since Ned had chosen his nephew over his oath to the crown.

And now looking at his nephew it was clear that it had not only been the right decision for Jaehaerys but the only one that allowed him to start moving past his trauma. Yes Jaehaerys was still withdrawn with how he really felt. Sure his nephew still did not trust people he had never met. And yes Jaehaerys was still not the boy he knew his sister would have wanted her son to be.

But Jaehaerys had improved greatly in the four moons he had been in Winterfell. He wasn´t hiding in his dragons shadow constantly. He spared with Robb, played with Arya and talked with Ned. But it was more than that. Jaehaerys almost seemed to have a childhood he never had in Kings Landing. It went even so far that at times one would almost forget that Jaehaerys was fifteen and not five.

Though of course Rhaenys was the person his nephew spent the most time with. Whatever she was doing was helping her husband greatly. And while at first he had seen the marriage between bother and half-sister somewhat critical that had changed since they had been married two moons ago. Jaehaerys was slowly beginning to become a leader. It were small things for sure but it was there. Be it simply deciding what Jaehaerys, Rhaenys, Arya and Robb would play today or actually voicing his disagreement.

If fact this change had caught him so unexpected that he had asked Rhaenys about it. Though the Princess had simply said that she had her methods. Methods she would not share with him. And seeing that they had worked so well in the last two moons. That his nephew had made progress in the last two moons that Ned had believed would take Jaehaerys at least six to accomplish. So whatever Rhaenys was doing it was working and that was all he cared about.

Jaehaerys had even gotten somewhat closer to the Lords and Ladies of the North. All of them had chosen to stay in Winterfell until they had heard what the King would do now that both Jaehaerys and Rhaenys had defied a direct order and that the North had backed them in doing so. That it had also allowed them to build a bond with his sister´s son was something that had been greatly appreciated.

As while Jaehaerys may not have seen it yet, he did have Lyanna´s aura of leadership and love around him. The people of the North simply loved him. They followed his word not because he was a prince but because he carried the same energy as his mother. Sure it may be hidden but if one looked close enough it was clear that the spirit of the she wolf lived on in her son. And it was only a matter of time before Lyanna´s spirit would be fully embraced by her son. Of that Ned was sure.

And so from the Mormonts to the Manderlys, from the Umbers to the Reeds. The Lords of the North had begun to admire Jaehaerys just like they had his mother. And Ned was certain that should the King try to force the issue than Jaehaerys would soon find himself named as King in the North. After all he combined both Stark and Targaryen blood. Was bonded to both a dire wolf and the only living dragon. Simply said underneath all the trauma his nephew carried lay the perfect northern King. And his lords had seen that.

But all of that was something he could think more about later. They had just received a raven from Kings Landing. A raven bearing the seal of House Targaryen. And so he had called a meeting of his lords and ladies. Though sadly both Rhaenys and Jaehaerys alongside Ser Arthur had gone flying on Jaehaerys´s dragon.  Yet what this message read had to be important and so he had decided that he would tell both Rhaenys and Jaehaerys once they returned. And so with the still sealed scroll in hand he rose to his feet and addressed his lords.

“My Lords and Ladies.” Ned´s voice filled the great hall of Winterfell. “Just an hour ago we have received this raven from Kings Landing. A raven bearing the sigil of House Targaryen. We all know that this can only be about one thing. And while both my nephew and his wife are currently flying his dragon I find it of the utmost importance that we learn how the King had responded.”

And as his Lords nodded their agreement Ned broke the seal and began to read it out loud.

“To Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen,

By the order of King Rhaegar Targaryen first of his name, King of the Andals, Rhoynar and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. You are to return to Kings Landing without delay. Furthermore both Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Rhaenys are ordered to disband their marriage at once.

Should these orders not be followed to the letter than in three moons time then Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Rhaenys of House Targaryen shall lose their titles and be considered traitors to the crown. Furthermore both the Prince and the Princess will be no longer considered members of House Targaryen and anyone harboring them shall be considered in open rebellion to the crown.

Signed Lord Jon Connington, Hand of the King.”

Once Ned had finished a heavy silence fell over the hall as the Lords and Ladies of the North let the words sink in. But this was no normal silence. This was the calm before the storm. And Ned felt it. More than anyone. Jaehaerys was HIS nephew. The last part of HIS sister. And he had just started to heal from years of trauma and neglect.

And now this man who shamefully named himself a king and father wanted to destroy all of that. All this man … no he was no man … no man would first neglect his child for years and then threaten that every same child when it had finally enough. Rhaegar wanted to tare Rhaenys away from his nephew. Break their bond, which had been forged under the protection of the Old Gods. Rhaegar had to know that this would break Jaehaerys. And for what? That Rhaegar could neglect Jaehaerys once more? That he could marry Rhaenys of to someone she did not want? Or was it simply that the King had realized that the dragon belonged to Jaehaerys? And that he needed control Jaehaerys to control Lyannix?

“WHO DOES THIS MAN THINK HE IS?!” Greatjon´s voice thundered through the hall. “FIRST HE TREATS LYANNA`S BOY AS WORSE THEN A BASTARD AND NOW HE THREATENS HER SON?! HE CAN GO AND FUCK HIMSELF FOR ALL I CARE!”

“AYE!” Came the response of the entire hall.

“We all loved Lady Lyanna. We all have seen how the so called King treated their son. We all have seen Lyanna´s boy heal here in Winterfell.” Marge Mormont joined in. “He demands that a marriage under the old gods is broken. He demands her son return so he can be hurt once more. Even going as far as threating her son. Well fuck him. If the King does not respect us why should we follow him and not her son?”

At that the hall fell silent once more as the lords thought about Lady Marge´s words.

“Lady Mormont speaks harshly and truly.” Lord Manderly began. “King Rhaegar threatens everything the North had valued for thousands of years. He tries to force us to choose between peace and protection of our own. And yet Prince Jaehaerys is the dragon rider. Should we refuse there is nothing the south can do. Lady Lyanna would demand it of us that we take care of her son.”

Something to that the Lords of the North nodded their agreement.

“We all seen how Prince Jaehaerys was treated.” Howland Reed spoke up to even more nods. “Lady Lyanna´s last wish was to protect her son. With her last breath she made us promise that.”

“All of you are right.” Ned joined in. “We will not let this so called King harm my nephew again. We will not bow to his demands. And we will not abandon our own. My Lords I say we chose a King of our own. And I say we chose my nephew. That we chose Lyanna´s son. What do you say my Lords?”

“AYE!” Came the response of the entire hall. Not a single Lord or Lady of the North was against what was to happen. Before Rhaegar had send his raven there had been some who while willing to support Jaehaerys were not ready to rebel for him. But now? There was no one here that disagreed with what Ned had just proposed.

The south did not care for their traditions. Demanded that something brought together under the old gods was dismantled. They openly threatened one of their own. Yes Jaehaerys did not have Ned´s name but the blood of Lyanna flowed through his veins nevertheless. The North would stand up for their own. Just like they have done for all everyone can remember. One again someone with Stark blood was threatened by a Targaryen King. And just like fifteen years ago the North would rise in defiance.

They would declare their own King. They would have someone with Stark blood ruling over them. The North would rebel once more. And this time they would not fail. This time they would not march. This time they had a dragon.

“Once my nephew has returned from his flight I bid you all to gather in the Gods Woods. It is time they we crown our King.”

And with that said the meeting came to its end.

It was almost night when his nephew finally returned. And once he had Ned was already waiting in the Gods Woods for him with all his lords and ladies by his side. He had send Robb to fetch Jaehaerys and Rhaenys and bring them here. And so as his son and heir entered the Gods Woods followed by both Targaryen royals he steeled his mind and prepared to change northern history forever.

“Has something happened uncle?” Jaehaerys asked him. He was clearly nervous and yet his nephew seemed happier than ever before.

“It has nephew. We received a raven from the King. A raven with demands so outrages that there is no way they could ever be accepted in good faith.”

“What demands Lord Stark?” Rhaenys asked.

“They the both of you are to return to Kings Landing, disband their marriage or face disownment and be branded as traitors.”

“W-What? I won´s leave Rhae.” Jaehaerys protested. “Especially not when she is with child!”

That had not been what he had expected and yet he was happy to hear it. But as much as he wanted to simply congratulate his nephew he had a duty to perform first.

“We know that nephew. And we stand behind you.” Ned spoke solemnly. “But before we continue we as the north have a few questions you need to answer.”

“Okay uncle.”

“Jaehaerys Targaryen. Do you pledge to uphold the laws of the North and protect her people?”

“I do uncle.” His nephew asked slightly confused.

“Do you pledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with a fellow Northmen and have a place in your halls when they need it the most?”

“I do.”

“Do you pledge to remember the past and follow the path of honor?”

“I do.”

“Then kneel Jaehaerys Targaryen.” He spoke. And as soon as his nephew had done so Ned pulled the ancient crown of the Stark Kings out his cloak.

“Jaehaerys Targaryen. We the Lords and Ladies of the North have chosen you to lead the North. To become our King and lead is into a better future.” Ned spoke softly and yet his voice carried the gravity of what was happening. “Do you accept the honor and duty, nephew?”

“I do.” Jaehaerys answered after a short pause. And with that said Ned placed the Crown of Winter onto his nephew´s head and bid him to rise. And once Jaehaerys had done that all the Lords and Ladies of the North loudly spoke as one as they fell to one knee.

“KING JAEHAERYS TARGARYEN. THE KING IN THE NORTH AND LORD OF WINTER.”

And with that the history of the North had changed forever. Nearly three hundred years after the Conquest the North was a Kingdom once more. And this time they had the dragons.

Chapter Text

POV: Tywin Lannister – Kings Landing – 298 AC.

A disaster. They faced an utter disaster. And there was no easy way to fix it. The North was in open rebellion. They had crowned their own King. Defied the orders of King Rhaegar. And done exactly what Tywin had feared. And yet the situation the crown now faced was far worse than either the crown prince or the lord hand had realized.

Because they did not simply face the North. Oh no that would be way too easy. No instead they faced the only dragon rider alive with the North firmly behind him. Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen … or rather King Jaehaerys now was the biggest threat they could possibly have faced. And both Connington and Prince Aegon had been too blind see that.

They still believed that Jaehaerys was blind to the power he had always possessed. That the newly named King in the North could never realize the power he wielded. That because of that they could control Jaehaerys easily and no matter how bad he was treated that he would come back to them. But they were wrong to believe so. And Tywin had known that for a long time.

He had known that should the moment ever come that Jaehaerys realized what power he wielded. Just how invincible his dragon made him. Than there would be nothing capable of controlling him anymore. He could not be controlled with fear, as what could possibly make a dragon fearful. He could not be controlled with the help of family bonds, as those had never been established. And you could not control him by holding those he cared about as the only people that Jaehaerys cared about were with him. And to actually get to Rhaenys one needed to get past Ser Arthur Dayne and the dragon. So this was simply not something that was even remotely possible.

But of course it got a lot worse. Both Connington and Prince Aegon had, by influencing King Rhaegar as they did, given Lord Eddard Stark not just a reason to rebel but also the moral high ground. While Tywin did not care about the traditions of the North he was well aware of them. He knew that Rhaegar´s demand that a marriage under the old gods should be broken was something the North would have never been able to accept. They would have never given up Jaehaerys, after all he was the trueborn son of Lyanna Stark and King Rhaegar. A son that had been severely neglected and degraded in Kings Landing. And now the crown´s ultimatum had pushed them over the edge.

And now both the Crown Prince and Lord Connington pushed for the crown to call its banners and crush this rebellion. Still totally ignorant to the fact that King Jaehaerys held no love for them and neither did his fifty meter long dragon. A dragon Tywin was certain could not be brought down by scorpions or other anti dragon weapons. And even without the dragon invading the North was a sure way lose a lot of men and in the end achieve nothing in return. Getting and army through the Neck was simply not possible. And that was without even considering the fact that Lord Stark had started to reconstruct Moat Cailin. And once this was finished they would be able to do even less. And yet waging a war now was simply a death sentence. Because of that he decided to add his own voice to the conversation that troubled the small council now for nearly two hours already.

“And invasion of the North is not something the crown should pursue.” He spoke up. “Getting and army through the neck and past Moat Cailin is already difficult enough. And that is without even considering the power of the dragon. Any action involving calling the banners would certainly lead to disaster. Instead the crown should focus on using other methods to try and bring the North and Prince Jaehaerys to heel.”

“What do you propose Lord Tywin?” The King asked him. And to Tywin it was clear that Rhaegar was locking for every possible way to avoid war.

“We need to cut the North off your grace.” Tywin began. “Stop them from buying supplies from the rest of the seven Kingdom. Furthermore we should withdraw the protection the Royal Fleet is offering the ships of the North. It is important that we do not attack the ships of the North directly as this could trigger the dragon´s wrath.” He laid out the strategy he would use. “This would result in hardship for the North and eventually force them back into the fold.”

“And why should we wait Lord Tywin?” Crown Prince Aegon questioned him. “My so called brother does not have the mind or heart to unleash his dragon. He never had. So why should we wait and let those rebels live when we could crush them now.”

“As already stated invading the North is simply not possible. Even with how ruined Moat Cailin is it will hold for moons if not years. And all this time the entire army would be stuck in the Neck were it would undoubtedly face relentless attacks and ambushes. And even then I would not be so sure that Prince Jaehaerys would not unleash his dragon my prince. Jaehaerys seemed to realize the power Lyannix gives him as otherwise he would not have refused King Rhaegar´s orders. It is not only possible but likely that should it come to it the dragon would be unleashed. And with Commanders like Lord Stark and Ser Arthur at his side open hostility is a sure way to meet the stranger.”

“Lord Tywin as the right of it.” Lord Monford Velaryon, the master of ships, added his voice. “None of us have given Prince Jaehaerys a reason to hold his hand. And if he truly comes to see the power he controls, the power we always feared than things will not go well for the crown.”

“We will adopt your strategy Lord Tywin.” The King decided. “We cannot risk open war against Lyannix. But we will also not be unprepared. I want at least 20.000 men stationed at Harrenhal so that should war come we can contain any rebels within the neck.”

And with the King´s decree the meeting came to its end.

POV: Oberyn Martell – Sunspear – 298 AC.

He was furious. Or rather he was long since passed that. Who did Rhaegar think he was that he could declare Rhaenys a traitor to the realm? To try and marry her of to someone she did not want to? And then when she rejects Rhaegar´s stupid plan he simply declares Oberyn´s niece a traitor. No he would not have it.

Oberyn did not care about Jaehaerys. He had always seen him as the last reminder that Rhaegar had betrayed his sister for Lyanna. Yes he knew that this whole marriage idea had been Elia´s and that she had loved Lyanna. And while he did not blame Jaehaerys for what his parents had done, Oberyn had never made the effort to connect with the prince.

That however hadn´t meant that he had joined the rest of the people in Kings Landing in mistreating him. In fact as a father himself Oberyn had found himself more than once pitting the young prince and the fact that he was neglected. Hells hadn´t it been for Rhaenys and Ser Arthur than Jaehaerys would not have anyone how really cared for him other than his dragon.

He also knew just how much Jaehaerys meant to Rhaenys. He knew that his niece loved her half-brother with all her heart. And so when he had heard that the two of them had fled Kings Landing he had known that they would get married soon after. Something they had done two moons ago in Winterfell under the Old Gods. And now Rhaegar had demanded that they disband their marriage or be branded traitors. That was something he could not and would not accept.

He had argued with Doran about what the King had done. That both Rhaenys and Jaehaerys were now wanted criminals, that his niece was now the Queen in the North. And that there might very well be a war against them.

But his brother had dismissed Oberyn´s concerns. All Doran cared about was that Aegon was the Crown Prince and that Dornish blood would rule over Westeros. And as long as they stayed so Doran would do nothing. He would not support their niece. And he would not reason with the King to restore their royal status and revoke the fact that both Rhaenys and Jaehaerys had been disowned.

And so Oberyn had done the one thing he could think of. He had stormed out of his brother´s solar, had gathered his girls and his paramour and together they had packed their things. They would travel to Winterfell. He did not care that his brother disapproved of that. He did not care that Doran had said that if Oberyn did that he was not to return. Rhaenys was his niece. And he would stand with her when the rest of her family would not. Just like Jaehaerys had the Starks backing him up so would Rhaenys have him.

POV: Barristan Selmy – Kings Landing – 298 AC.

The tension in the Red Keep was clear to see. Even for him. Even though he cared not about politics. King Rhaegar was trying to shore up support and to bind as many kingdoms to the throne as possible. In particular the King focused on trying to repair the relationship with the Stormlands.

With Rhaenys fleeing a marriage to Renly Baratheon things had not gone well. And now in an attempt to fix this situation the King was instead trying to marry Princess Daenerys to Renly. Even though the princess did not want to do so. It was common knowledge that Renly preferred men over woman. And that the King was once again trying to force a princess into a loveless marriage stood in contrast with everything Barristan believed in.

He had started to question his King the moment he noticed how Prince Jaehaerys was neglected. How Princess Rhaenys and Princess Daenerys had become almost invisible to the King. But at the time his oath to the crown had won out. But now the King was pushing it too far. The King had branded Arthur as a traitor because the Sword of the Moring had prioritized the wellbeing of Princess Rhaenys and Prince Jaehaerys over the King´s orders had had helped them flee.

And seeing the King brand Arthur as a traitor had been too much for Barristan. Seeing just how unhappy Princess Daenerys was with the marriage she was being forced into had forced him to act. And so when he been assigned to guard the princess´s chambers at night, to make sure she could not run, he made his move. When he entered Daenerys´s chambers he found her crying on her bed. Something that only steeled his resolve.

“S-Ser Barristan.” Daenerys sobbed out as she tried to steady herself. “What are you doing in here?”

“I have come to help you princess. I know that you don´t want this marriage. And so if it is your wish it would be my honor to escort you to Winterfell so that you may join with King Jaehaerys and Queen Rhaenys.”

“Y-You would do that?” Daenerys asked in utter disbelieve.

“Yes Princess.” Barristan reassured her. “If it is your wish to leave Kings Landing and travel to Winterfell than on my honor I swear to you that I will see it done.”

“I-I would like that. Thank you Ser.” The princess´s gratitude was clear to hear.

“Then you should grab what you cannot live without and we should be on our way.”

The Princess did not grab much. In fact the only thing Daenerys took with her was the crown of the former Queen Rhaella. And so with the Princess covered in plain clothes Barristan and Daenerys mounted two already prepared horses and rode out of Kings Landing. And seeing as he still wore his white cloak no one dared to stop them. And while for the first time he had broken his oath he did not feel bad. Because he had upheld honor and the first duty any knight had. He had protected the innocent. And as they rode towards Winterfell all he could hope for that he managed to gain the forgiveness of Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Rhaenys. That they would forgive him for not acting sooner.

Chapter Text

POV: Daenerys Targaryen – North – 299 AC.

She was nervous. More than nervous if she was honest to herself. Ser Barristan had said that they were just a day´s ride away from Winterfell. A day´s rider away from her niece and nephew. A niece and nephew she did not know very well. They had lived in the same keep for the entirety of her life. She had seen Rhaenys and Jaehaerys several times a day. And yet she had never interacted with them. At least not truly.

Hells she hadn´t even spoken a single word with Jaehaerys in the whole fifteen years since they both were born. And all of that was simply her fault. She had let herself be influenced by the court, by her brothers and her other nephew. She had taken after them and ignored Jaehaerys completely. And while she had never taken part in any of the things Viserys and Aegon had planned to hurt Jaehaerys, she had also never spoken up for him.

And because of the Rhaenys had completely rejected her. If not hated her for it. To Rhaenys she had only been one of the many people who did not care for Jaehaerys. The people that remained silent as Jaehaerys was threated less than a bastard. When no one cared about him. Seven be damned she had even completely enjoyed the dragon´s tenth name day whilst completely forgetting that her nephew and his dragon were born on the same day.

And now she found herself in the exact same situation as Rhaenys had. Running away from the King because he tried to marry her of too Renly Baratheon. Only were Rhaenys had fled with Jaehaerys, Ser Arthur and Jae´s dragon to a place they knew they find refuge. Daenerys had nothing of that sort. All she had Ser Barristan and a slim hope that she too would find refuge in Winterfell.

But that was the problem. The Lords of the North had crowned Jaehaerys as their King. And since Rhaenys had married Jaehaerys she was the Queen. A Queen to a North that was in open rebellion to the crown. And now after never standing up for them and behaving just like anyone else. She needed their help. And she had no idea if she would be getting it.

There was a real possibility that they would just turn her down. That they would deny her refuge just like she had denied Jaehaerys dignity. And should they do this she did not know where she could go to. But of course it got even worse as Ser Barristan had been unable to offer her reassurance. The Bold had followed the King´s orders and followed Ser Gerold to Winterfell just four moons ago. And he had stayed silent as the forceful return of Jaehaerys and Rhaenys was demanded. It had gone so badly that both the White Bull and the Bold had been forced to run as her nephew´s dragon had made clear that he was not welcome.

And so as she went to her tent to sleep for the night she found out that she could not. Just lying awake and fearing the worst could happen.

It was the next day when Winterfell came into view. And yet Daenerys was unable to marvel at the eight thousand year old home of the Starks. She was simply too worried that everything would turn out badly for her. That she would be turned down. And as they reached the outer gates Daenerys and Barristan were imminently stopped by the guards.

“HALT! Who goes there?” Came the cold and unyielding command.

“Ser Barristan Selmy and Princess Daenerys Targaryen.” Ser Barristan responded. “Here to speak with King Jaehaerys and Queen Rhaenys.”

As soon as Barristan had finished Daenerys noticed how the guards tensed and how some of them drew their weapons to be prepared should anything happen.

“And what brings you and the princess here?” One of the guards questioned them. “We here in the north have no love for your southerners.”

“We are seeking shelter from King Rhaegar.” Daenerys answered.

“You wait here.” The guard spoke once more. “You there go and inform the King and Lord Stark.”

And as another guard saluted and made his way into the castle all Daenerys could do was wait and see what was about to happen. The fact that several dozed arrows were aimed at her did not help her feeling either.

It must have been at least fifteen minutes since the guard had left. And when he finally returned he did so with nearly three dozen men and Ser Arthur Dayne. And before anyone even spoke with them the guards surrounded them.

“Until your intentions are clear you are both to be placed under arrest.” Ser Arthur spoke with no emotions in his voice and yet there was a quiet hatred burring in his eyes. “Ser Barristan hand over your weapons.” Arthur commanded as he placed his hand on Dawn´s hilt making it very clear that this was no request.

Once Barristan and done as Arthur had ordered they were approached by guards he chained their hands and prepared to escort them away. And while Daenerys wanted to protest she was simply unable to find her voice.

“Until the King and Queen have determent your fate you will remain as prisoners of Winterfell.” Ser Arthur declared. “Take them away.”

And the guards did without hesitation. They grabbed her by the arm and lead her into what must be the dungeons of Winterfell. There they locked her into a cell with Ser Barristan, removed their chains and simply left them.

“Don´t worry Princess.” Ser Barristan spoke up once the guards were out of hearing range. “This is normal for war time. They are simply extremely cautious. Probably thinking that this is some kind of game from King Rhaegar.”

“R-Really?”

“Yes. I don´t think we will remain in here for long princess.”

That reassured her slightly. At least Barristan was not worried about their future. And so she tried her best to mirror him. Though it mostly failed.

They had been in this cell now and finally something happened. Dozens of guards entered the dungeon. And walking behind them were a slightly pregnant Rhaenys, Lord Stark and Ser Arthur. Her nephew was nowhere to be seen.

“Well, well, well.” Rhaenys began. “What do we have here? Daenerys Targaryen, my “beloved” aunt. And Ser Barristan Selmy, the man he stood in silence as Ser Gerold threatened me and my husband on our wedding day… Two people who never cared about Jae come here just after my husband was crowned ...” she continued completely cold. “Why did you come here? And why now?”

“King Rhaegar has tried to marry Princess Daenerys to Renly Baratheon, my Queen.” Ser Barristan answered. “And seeing the princess so unhappy forced me to act on her behalf. So in the middle of the night I helped her escape Kings Landing and we made our way here in the hopes of finding shelter from Rhaegar.”

“So what. For fifteen years you ignored the sadness and neglect that Jae faced. The fact that he was bullied, treated less then dirt and disrespected at any opportunity? But when Daenerys is forced into a marriage she did not want you break your oath to help her?” Rhaenys spat out. “Where was this level of care when it was I who was being forced? Jaehaerys who was being ignored? Where was your conscious then Ser Barristan?”

“I know that what I have done in the past is wrong.” Ser Barristan sounded completely broken by what Rhaenys had just said. “I know now that I should have acted sooner. That I should have stood up for the two of you my queen. I know now that all I can do is beg for your forgiveness.”

“It is not my forgiveness you need.” Rhaenys responded. And then turned to face Daenerys. “And what about you. What is your excuse for coming here? And don’t tell me that you are seeking the help of family. You have shown more than clearly what you think of such. So after years of silence towards Jae. Years of standing aside as other´s hurt him. What brings you truly here?”

At that Daenerys could do nothing more than break down. She knew Rhaenys was right. Her niece hadn´t spoken a single lie. And the truth, as it so often does, hurt. And it hurt badly.

“I-I just d-don´t w-want t-to be a-a pawn a-any longer.” She sobbed out. “I-I know t-that I-I have w-wronged y-you and J-Jaehaerys in the past. I-I know t-that y-you h-have e-every r-reason to h-hate me. B-But please d-don´t send m-me back. L-Let m-me prove m-myself to y-you. P-Prove t-that I w-want t-to c-change.”

After a long pause Rhaenys spoke again. “Very well. If Lord Stark agrees you may stay. But let me make one thing very clear.” Rhaenys continued as her voice suddenly got a whole lot colder. “Should you even think about betraying or hurting my husband in any way you will die. If you ever approach Jae without his permission you will die. And if this is some kind of game for you, you will die. Is that clear?”

POV: Rhaenys Targaryen – Winterfell – 299 AC.

After leaving Lord Stark to deal with the details of Daenerys and Ser Barristan staying in Winterfell, Rhaenys made her way back to her and Jae´s chambers. This confrontation with two of the people that had hurt her Jae, because they remained silent when he was neglected, had taken a lot out of her. And now she defiantly felt the need to simply he held in the arms of her husband.

And while it had been taxing, Rhaenys was glad that she had been the one to do it. She had barely managed to hold back the urge to simply order Arthur to cut their heads off. So there was no way of telling how her brother would have dealt with it. Had it been Jae down there, it would have been possible that all the neglect he faced from them, all the bad feeling towards anyone connected to their father, would have broken through his still fragile self.

In the six moons since they had come to Winterfell her husband had improved greatly. He actually interacted with people. Did not spendhis entire life under Lyannix wing. Her brother was finally becoming the person and leader he was always meant to be. Jae was gaining confidence and finally saw his own worth. He finally saw that because he rode Lyannix he did not need to accept when others treated him badly.

But all of this was only possible because the people of Winterfell and the North supported him. Because it was safe for him here. Because all those that had hurt him in the past were far away. And Rhaenys feared that had it been Jae who had needed to deal with Daenerys and Barristan it could have made, all this progress her brother made, null. Or even worse that it brought all those years of pent up feeling uncontrolled to the surface.

Once she had fully entered the safety of their chambers she found her husband sitting on the ground playing with his white dire wolf pup. And just seeing Jae play, living the childhood he never had, mad her happy. Ghost had helped in her brother´s recovery. The simple joy her husband felt when he was with his dire wolf simply helped him forget some of the things he faced. And of course the dire wolf was the first to notice her as he ran towards her so she could give him his welcoming pet.

“Rhae.” Jae greeted has as he took her in his arms and kissed her deeply. “Everything went well? You are unhurt?”

“Aye my love.” Rhaenys responded. “All is well. Both Barristan and Daenerys have been allowed to stay but I made it clear that they will leave you alone.”

“I don’t want you near any of them.” Her husband spoke after a short silence as he softly touched her slightly swollen belly. “Especially not now.”

Not that Rhaenys would have wanted to spent time near them anyway. But even if she had that wish she would still follow Jae´s wishes. After all she was his wife and so she was obligated to follow his wishes. But it was more than that. She knew that she meant everything to her brother. And so if it made Jae feel safe she would do so even without the obligations as his wife or her own feelings.

And after Rhaenys had reassured him that she would not go anywhere near Daenerys and Ser Barristan. The two of them made their way to their bed. Rhaenys undressed first as always and crawled into the middle of their bed. Once there she laid down on her back and placed her arms near the bed posts.

Jaehaerys wasted no time in securing them with leather bindings leaving her helpless and at his mercy. Though Rhaenys did not fear her own helplessness. No she welcomed it. After all it had been her idea. To give her brother total control over her body. To force him to take the lead. And since their wedding night four moons ago it had worked. But it was not only about helping Jae in his recovery. No Rhaenys herself had quite enjoyed this to. Enjoyed the fact that for once she did not have to been the strong woman she was to the world. That when she was here, so completely helpless and exposed, she did not need to constantly think about the problems of the world. Here in the safety of their private chambers, with her hands bound to the headboard of their bed, she could simply be Rhaenys. Not the queen, not the princess, not the protector. Here she could simply be Rhaenys, the loving sister and wife.

Chapter Text

POV: Oberyn Martell – White Harbor – 299 AC.

The journey from Sunspear to White Harbor had not been a smooth one of Oberyn, his paramour and daughters. The weather and winds had not been good. And so a trip that should have taken only three weeks now took him nearly six. Six weeks in which he could do nothing as sit in his own rage at Rhaegar´s actions. He hadn´t been able to spar with his girls as the weather had been simply too bad to do so.

Just an hour ago he had seen the massive white dragon that belonged to Prince … or rather now King Jaehaerys flying north and vanishing from view. At first he had not understood what he was doing here but as they drew closer to the harbor Oberyn noticed that the some fields around White Harbor were burned.

And seeing how calm the city was it was clear that this was not attack. No it was something they must have known about beforehand. And then it came to him. During his time in the Citadel he had read about a way to revitalize old field. A way to increase the crop yield by a huge margin. And the way to achieving this was fire. To burn an unused field. And the more he thought about it the more it made sense to use the dragon for that. After all, when it came to fire, nothing came even close to a dragon.

When the ship docked they were met by Lord Manderly and several dozed guards. And while it was unusual that so many guards came to meet them it made sense. The North was in open rebellion. They had crowned their own King and declared independence from the Iron Throne. It is was only natural for them to be on edge, even though no open hostilities have commenced in the almost three moons since this rebellion started. And as far as he could tell there would be none.  After all the North had Jaehaerys and with him came the only dragon alive. And no one could be stupid enough to try and challenge a 50 meter long dragon in open battle. At least he hoped that was the case.

For while Oberyn did not really care about Jaehaerys. He did care about Rhaenys. And his niece had married her half-brother. They loved one another and he knew that she would not want to see him fight in a war. Oberyn knew that Jaehaerys had been neglected in Kings Landing. He knew that Rhaenys had been one of the few who had even cared for him during that time. And he also knew that Rhaenys depended on Jaehaerys just as much as he did on her. He had not come to support Jaehaerys. Not to fight for the North or its new King. But he had come for his niece. To stand by her side. To help her when the rest of her family turned away from her. He had come to help the Queen in the North. And because of that he hoped that Rhaenys would not need to see her husband go into battle.

After speaking to Lord Manderly and explaining his reasons for coming. He and his family was allowed to continue their journey towards Winterfell. Oberyn had openly stated that he had come for Rhaenys and Rhaenys alone. That it was she and the treatment she faced from the crown. The disrespect King Rhaegar offer her, even going so far as to disown her because she married her brother against the King´s wishes and his brother´s inaction to this, which had caused him to come here on his own and go against Doran´s wishes.

And thankfully Lord Manderly had not taken offence that Oberyn had come for Rhaenys and not Jaehaerys. Though the Lord of White Harbor made it clear that Jaehaerys had the undying loyalty of the North. That as the son of Lyanna Stark he should be respected and that should Oberyn try to disturb the King´s healing progress, from the years of trauma, that Rhaenys would be the first to throw him out. Something he knew to be true even without Manderly´s words.

Rhaenys had always cared deeply about her brother. Had always stood up for him when no one else had. And it was common knowledge by this point that Rhaenys had defied the orders of her father, the King of Westeros, so she could marry her brother. Simply said there was nothing Rhaenys would not do for Jaehaerys. And this was also reinforced by the fact that Lord Manderly informed Oberyn that his niece was with child.

That fact alone had nearly made him turn around, sail to Kings Landing and use his spear to run Rhaegar through. Rhaegar had not only disowned Rhaenys and branded her and Jaehaerys as traitors. No the King had also demanded that they break their marriage. And now that he knew that his niece was with a child this only made the whole situation even worse. His anger even stronger. But in the end his desire to see Rhaenys won out. And so after staying two days in White Harbor Oberyn, Ellaria and his girls made their way towards Winterfell.

POV: Robb Stark – Winterfell – 299 AC.

Things in Winterfell had been rather tense. Ever since Princess Daenerys and Ser Barristan arrived there was just something off. It was not something he could really put into words. It just wasn’t the same. He was unsure if it was the fact that his cousin seemed to be doing everything in his power to avoid those two. Or the fact that since their arrival Jaehaerys had become even more protective of Rhaenys.

Not that he could not understand where his cousin was coming from. Both Daenerys and Barristan had never stood up for his cousin when he was neglected and bullied in Kings Landing. They had been just some of the many silent people who had simply watched and then interacted with the culprits and if nothing had happened.

Jaehaerys did not trust them and neither did Rhaenys. And Robb understood that. His father too was on edge about them. And so Robb had been the one assigned to keep an eye on them. Make sure they followed the rules set for them and did not interfere with his cousin´s recovery. And while at first the princess had been rather timid and scared in the last moon Robb had more than once cursed her.

There was a clear arrogance in Daenerys. The type of arrogance one found in people that had grown up with the full support of the royal court behind them. Daenerys had complained about the fact that her quarters had been placed within one of the outer buildings within Winterfell and not inside of the main keep. That she was not allowed to join Jae, Rhaenys and Robb and his family during meals. For someone who had fled here without leverage, without something to offer and without good will Daenerys behavior was simply unacceptable. Especially as she belonged to the people that had hurt his King in the past and was only here because for some reason Queen Rhaenys had allowed her to stay.

Ser Barristan on the other hand had been easier to deal with. The knight never complained. It was clear that he felt bad for his actions in the past. That he wanted to make amendments. Something that clearly separated him from Daenerys as the princess while remorsefully was, as of yet, not willing to make the necessary amendments to his cousin. Of course Barristan was forbidden from carrying weapons or wearing armor. After all his loyalty was still in question. And Robb still questioned if Barristan is actually willing to go against the Iron Throne and support Jae fully or simply here because he found some actions unacceptable.

And with all this going on it had been no surprise to Robb that his cousin had jumped at the opportunity to leave Winterfell. Even if it was just for a few days, as Jaehaerys, Rhaenys and Ser Arthur had flown atop his cousin´s dragon to different keeps within the North. Maester Luwin had found a text that mentioned that dragon fire, once used to burn old fields, could make them workable once more. And after some tests near Winterfell, that had actually worked, his cousin had set out so that he could do so to even more fields within the North. And should everything go to plan that the North would have enough food to be self-sufficient for the first time since they lost the gift.

And with his cousin´s return yesterday it was now his turn to leave Winterfell and help the North. Robb would travel to Castle Black. There he was to speak to Lord Commander Mormont and deliver him a deal that would benefit both the Watch and the North. The idea for this had come from Rhaenys and Robb sometimes wondered how the Queen in the North could come up with something like that.

Basically the North would provide whatever supplies the Watch needed without cost to them and help them repair their castles. Furthermore should it come to war with the south then the North would send half of the prisoners of war they take to take the black. And in return the Watch would hand the New Gift back to the North. Also both his uncle Benjen and Maester Aemon Targaryen were to be released from their vows so that they may find a place in his cousin´s inner circle.

It was a deal any Northmen would happily accept. Not only would it strengthen the North and help right a two hundred year old wrong. But it also would make sure the North could survive the coming winter even better. The New Gift alone would solve all their food issues and when this was combined with the burning his cousin was doing it was very likely that the north would very soon be able to produce more food than they could need for survival. No longer would the North be reliant on the south. No longer would they need to use all their coin to buy food for unreasonable prices.

But not only would the North benefit from it but the Watch to. They would foster even greater connections to the North. Guaranteeing that in their time of need the North would come to aid them. Furthermore the castles of the watch could be restored and the watch equipped like it should have been. Losing the New Gift wouldn’t even be such a big deal for the Watch as they couldn´t use it any way. One needed a Lord to manage land. But the Watch had no lords. They were protectors of the realm and not its rulers. And having the most valuable land in the North simply go unused was something neither the North nor the Watch could possibly want. Simply said this deal if accepted would make the watch strongest since the conquest.

And so as he along with ten men at arms rode out of Winterfell he felt hopeful that this mission of his would go smoothly. After all it was the first time that he represented his father and the North. The first time he was tasked with something outside of Winterfell or Wintertown. And it was his first mission for his cousin. The first diplomatic mission from the newly named King and Queen in the North. And that he had been chosen to do this filled him with pride. This was his chance to prove himself. To improve the North in a way few others could. If this mission if his succeeded than the North would be fully independent. Not only in name and King but also in food. This was the opportunity for the North to finally fully shed the shackles the south had placed on them. And he would make sure it would be successful. That vow he had made to himself.

Chapter Text

POV: Aegon Targaryen – Harrenhal – 299 AC.

A ruin. He was forced to sit in a fucking ruin. He the Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. He was the future King and yet he needed to sit in this fucking ruin. And why? Because his so called brother no longer accepted his proper place. That Bastard Jaehaerys refused to stay hidden any longer. And all of that was the fault of his seven be damned sister.

Without Rhaenys the bastard would have never questioned anyone. The crown and by extension he would still be able to control the fucking dragon. A dragon that should belong to him and not this bastard. He was the future King so by right he should be the dragon rider. But that cursed beast had not let him close. Even going so far as nearly burn Aegon on more than one occasion.

Jaehaerys had even been too stupid to name the dragon properly. Instead of giving it a dangerous sounding name. A name that would make the crown´s enemies shake in fear like Balerion. But no that bastard had named the dragon after that northern whore Lyanna Stark. Lyannix was simply no name for a dragon.

But the dragon was bonded to Jaehaerys and so Aegon had no control over it. The bond between rider and dragon could only be broken by death. And while he had tried to arrange the bastard´s death more than once it had always failed. There had been simply no way to get past the dragon and Ser Arthur. He had even thought about doing the deed himself but he was not stupid enough to go anywhere near that dragon anymore.

And so he had done the only thing he could. If he could not control the dragon and could not eliminate Jaehaerys. Then all he had been able to do was isolate the bastard and prevent him from realizing the power Jaehaerys wielded. And that had worked. Jaehaerys had been unable to resist, had not thought he could say no and took every bit of neglect and abuse Aegon and his loyal supporters had thrown his way.

But of course Rhaenys had to ruin all his plans. Make all the hard work meaningless. No his sister, instead of joining him against the son of the woman his father had betrayed their mother with, had chosen to side with the son of Lyanna Stark. Rhaenys had undermined all his efforts by simply giving that bastard her love.

And so he had encourage his father to marry her of too Renly Baratheon. So that she would be out of the way and could no longer support that bastard. But instead of doing her duty and strengthening the crown, Rhaenys had defied their father´s will. But even worse. She had then taken Ser Arthur, HIS dragon and that bastard and together they had fled north. And after ignoring several direct orders to return and disband her marriage to that bastard. His so called sister had stood by as the fucking North had crowned that bastard their King and declared independence for the Iron Throne. And his seven be damned sister now stood as that bastard´s Queen.

And because of that he was now stuck in Harrenhal. To command 20.000 men that were simply to sit in this fucking ruin and do nothing but wait until that bastard made a move to attack them. And why? Because everyone was too scared of that fucking dragon to crush this rebellion. His father had made it more than clear that Aegon was only allowed to move his men should the North send an army past the Neck. He, the crown prince, was simply to sit here and play guard dog. But it only got worse.

With his absence in Kings Landing he had been unable to influence his father to do the right thing. And so because of that his father had tried to “fix” the situation with the Stormlands by trying to marry Daenerys to Lord Renly. Daenerys was however far too good for Renly. In fact he had planned to take her as his wife so that he could escape his betrothal to Margaery Tyrell. But of course in trying to marry her of Rhaegar had ruined that plan as Daenerys, with the help of Ser Barristan had fled to Winterfell. To his damned bastard. His loyal Daenerys, the person that had always remained silent and let him play his games with Jaehaerys, had run begging to that bastard because of his father. He could not even think about how badly the Starks, his sister and that bastard must treat her.

He knew that he could not let this stand. He needed to march north and free her. But to do that he needed to provoke the North into attacking the Seven Kingdoms. He just was not sure how he would accomplish this. And so he did the one thing he could think of. He wrote a raven to Jon Connington. The Hand of the King was his strongest and most loyal supporter and he would know what to do.

POV: Oberyn Martell – Winterfell – 299 AC.

Winterfell made for a truly impressive sight. It´s high double walls and dozens of Towers making it clear that this was no fancy castle one would find south of the Neck. No this castle was built for one reason and one reason only. Defense. Be it against the cold or anyone stupid enough to march against this castle. As unlike in the south where the looks of the castle often was more important than it´s defenses, with a few exceptions of course, Winterfell´s design clearly focused on the things a castle was meant to be. And Impenetrable stronghold that would keep its people safe.

And while to some Winterfell might not look like much, to Oberyn is was a thing of beauty. He had seen the wonders of the south. Been to Highgarden, Harrenhal, Casterly Rock and the Red Keep. He had grown up in Sunspear and travel across Essos. And yet in all his travels he had never seen a castle like this. And to think that Winterfell was not only one of the largest castles in all of Westeros but also arguably the oldest. If the stories are true, something that Oberyn believed as the Starks had no reason to lie about that, than this castle was 8.000 years old. Something only a few chosen structures could even compare to. And they while impressive were nowhere near Winterfell´s size.

He had never really cared about the Starks. Never taken the time to understand them truly. But now looking at Winterfell he was certain that he should have. That just like the rest of the south there were many things they could learn from the oldest ruling House in all of Westeros.

But Winterfell gave him more than just the appreciation for the Starks. It also put his mind at ease. Rhaenys and Jaehaerys had fled to Winterfell. Had made it their new home. And while he was still worried about the safety of his niece just seeing the castle she now called home eased his worries greatly. As if someone wanted to get to her they would need a castle that had never fallen to an invading army. And in the past Winterfell was not home to the single most dangerous creature alive. Oberyn knew that Lyannix is also within its walls. And no one could match the only dragon alive. Let alone besiege the castle that the dragon called home.

And even though he was traveling with men of House Manderly they were still stopped at the gates.

“Who goes there?” Came the question from the walls. Even though the Manderly banner was flying high above them Winterfell and it´s men were on high alert. After all assassins from the Iron Throne could easily be send and use a false banner to enter the castle. And seeing that the Northmen not only relied on their walls but also remained vigilant made it even clear that this was without a doubt the best place of Rhaenys to stay.

“Lord Wyman Manderly, Lord of White Harbor. Here to escort Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne and his family to meet the King and Queen.”

The Lord of White Harbor answered. Of course they had made sure to inform Lord Eddard Stark that they were coming and yet the Guards still followed protocol and did their duty. It took only a few minutes for the gates to open and once they did so they were greeted by someone that Oberyn knew was here but had not expected to meet so soon.

“It is good to see you Arthur.” Oberyn greeted the Sword of the Morning.

“Oberyn, Lord Manderly.” Came Arthur´s response. Ever since Jaehaerys had been born things had been a bit different between them as Arthur, while had had understood the fact that Oberyn had not really cared for Jaehaerys, had taken it somewhat badly nevertheless. “If you would follow me. The King and Queen are waiting for you.”

They were lead into the Gods Woods. That fact alone was something Oberyn found hard to believe. He simply could not comprehend that inside Winterfell´s wall there was a small forest larger than the average castle. And as they neared the Weirwood Tree he soon saw Lyannix. The white she dragon looked exactly like he had remembered her. Snow white scales with blood red eyes and a size that she simply should not have at only fifteen years old. And yet the dragoness was fifty meters long and a wingspan three times her length. Simply said she was nearly double the size one would have expected her to be.

And underneath the dragon´s massive form stood his niece. Slightly pregnant, maybe five moons in if he had to guess, holding the hand of her husband. Jaehaerys himself was dressed in armor. Dark Sister hanging at his hip ready to be used in Rhaenys´s defense should it be needed. And laying in front of them was a dire wolf pup that shared the colors of Lyannix. Though calling the wolf a pup did not do it justice at it was nearly as large as a normal adult wolf already.

“Prince Oberyn. Lord Manderly.” Jaehaerys greeted them. And this came fully unexpected to Oberyn. This was no longer the neglected boy who hid in the Gods Woods of the Red Keep. No longer the boy he had never developed a sense of self-worth. And as she saw the smile on Rhaenys face he knew that it was his niece who had helped her husband and half-brother so much.

“King Jaehaerys, beloved niece.” Oberyn spoke.

“Why have you come uncle?” Rhaenys questioned him. Clearly still as protective of Jaehaerys as ever.

“Isn´t that obvious Rhaenys?” Oberyn responded. “I have come for you. To offer you and your husband whatever support I can give you.”

“Why now?” Jaehaerys responded. “For fifteen years you have never cared about me and never stopped the bad things that happened to Rhae, because she stood up for me when no one did. So why are you here now?”

“King Rhaegar has gone too far. I could no longer stay silent. That Rhaenys´s own father decided to disown her, because she would not do as he wished, was a step to far. A disrespect I could no longer accept. That is why I have come.”

“I appreciate your honesty uncle.” Rhaenys spoke softly. “But if you want to remain by my side you will not only have to care for me but also for Jae. We are one. Husband and Wife. King and Queen in the North. And if you cannot accept that then you will find no place here.”

It was true. Oberyn had never cared about Jaehaerys. Always seeing him as a living reminder of the woman Rhaegar had betrayed Elia with. That however did not mean that he had not felt bad for Jaehaerys and the way he was treated. He also knew that Rhaenys was loyal to Jaehaerys before anyone else. So this was not something that came unexpected. And because of that he fell to one knee. Something that was quickly copied by his paramour and his daughters.

“You have my word niece. We will stand with you and your husband. We will protect you children and the people you rule over.” Oberyn spoke.

And after he had finished, he was bid to rise and found himself engulfed in a hug by Rhaenys. Even the dragon looked satisfied for once. The normally aggressive dragon looking at him with approval in her blood red eyes.

Chapter Text

POV: Benjen Stark – Castle Black – 299 AC.

As Benjen made his way to the Lord Commander´s office he wandered what Jeor wanted to discuss with him. But whatever it was Benjen was sure that it had something to do with the arrival of his nephew Robb. He had spent the last evening with his nephew, hearing stories how his other nephew Jaehaerys was doing better and that Jaehaerys was soon to become a father. But while they had talked for hours Robb had not spoken of his reason for coming here. Stating that it was only something he could discuss with Lord Commander Jeor personally.

When he entered the Lord Commanders office he noticed that Maester Aemon was also present. Though considering the wisdom of the old Targaryen Maester this was not surprising at all. And after greeting his Lord Commander and the Old Maester, a man he called a firm friend, he took his place.

“The two of you must be wandering why I have called you here.” The Lord Commander of the Night´s Watch began. Something to which Benjen nodded but surprisingly Aemon did not. Instead the old Maester seemed to smile.

“You have revised and offer by Robb Stark. One written by my grandniece Queen Rhaenys Targaryen. And now you want our thoughts on it.” Aemon spoke.

“Aye.” Came the response from Mormont. “Lord Robb has indeed carried a proposal written by the new Queen in the North and signed by both her and her husband King Jaehaerys. The offer is good. Almost too good to be true and yet I have not yet managed to make up my mind if the Watch should accept it.”

“What does it say, Lord Commander?” Benjen questioned.

“They offer us any help we could need, be it repairs to our castles or supplies, for free. They also offer us that should a war break out between the North and the South that they would send half of the prisoners they take during this war to join the Watch.”

“That sounds good so far.” Benjen spoke. “And what do they want in return?”

“In return the Night´s Watch would need to return to New Gift to the North, so that the land can be used and is not simply left abandoned, and the both of you are to be released from your vows so that you may join King Jaehaerys if you so wish.”

“It is a good offer.” Aemon spoke after some time.” Both for the Watch and the North. We cannot managed to New Gift. We are barely using Brandon´s gift as it is. Losing it won´t hurt the Watch. In fact it is likely to strengthen it as it gives the North more resources. The food, wood and ore the north gains from it will also help the Watch. The North promises to help the Watch in any way they can. So by strengthening the North we are improving the situation of the Watch. And as for the vows. While young Robb said that Jaehaerys is healing I have no doubt that he will need yet more help to overcome all the abuse and neglect he faced in the past. Yes this will hurt the Watch in the short term. But in the long term it can only strengthen it. Jaehaerys rules the North as its King. And by helping him heal we strengthen the North once more. Something that will help the Watch in the end. So I say the Watch should accept it.”

“I agree with Aemon. We should exept it. The Watch is dying, our sworn brother´s starving and freezing to death. If this deal is not accepted it could be the case that after 8.000 years the Watch no longer guards the realm of men. We cannot stand alone anymore. For a long time the Watch had been a part of the North, yes we did not take orders from the Kings of Winter or take part in their battles, and yet the Watch was always closest to the North. But since the Conquest the Watch has fallen into disrepair. Our numbers once numbered tens of thousands but now … not even a thousand men wear black. Accepting this deal is regaining the favor of the North. Not only would the North´s armies help us in our time of need but also something the North and the Watch never had.” Benjen spoke. “My nephew is a dragon rider. His dragon the only one alive after they have died out 150 years ago. And so gaining the favor of my nephew means gaining the help of his dragon. We should accept it. Even if abandoning my vow is not something I would do lightly. But for Lyanna´s boy I am ready to do it.”

Jeor seemed to really think about what both Benjen and Aemon had just said. Yes this deal was good for the watch, yes it was good for the North. But it was not why Benjen hoped that Jeor would agree. While Benjen loved his live here at the Watch, loved serving the realm as the first ranger and loved protecting the North and all of Westeros. He still wanted to leave. Ever since he had heard from Ned how their nephew was treated. How neglected Jaehaerys was in Kings Landing. That they could do that to a prince of the blood, the first dragon rider in 150 years, but most importantly his sister´s son and the last piece of her, was not something he could ever forgive.

But now it seemed as if his nephew was healing. As if he was becoming the man Lyanna would have wanted him to become. He wanted to see his nephew, see him heal and help him in any way he could. And he knew that Aemon felt the same way. Sure the old master was Jaehaerys´s several times removed great uncle. And yet Benjen knew that Aemon cared deeply about Jaehaerys. After all it had been Aemon who had send Jaehaerys Dark Sister. And if what Robb said was true than his nephew could even best Ser Arthur Dayne in a fight.

And so when Jeor finally spoke Benjen could only pray that the Lord Commander would accept.

“Very Well. The Night´s Watch will accept this proposal. You are both right. The watch cannot stand alone, it cannot manage its land and if we want to survive we need the help of the North. The two of you are free to go and join Robb Stark when he returns to Winterfell. As from this point forward you shall no longer be considered Brothers of the Night´s Watch.”

And with that the meeting came to an end.

POV: Olenna Tyrell – Highgarden – 299 AC.

Growing strong seemed to be a distant dream. Or at least it was in Olenna´s eyes. The situation in Westeros had changed in the last seven moons. The whole game had been upended in a single day. The situation was bad. And there was very little she could do to fix or improve it.

Yes Margaery was set to marry crown prince Aegon. Her golden rose was to become a queen in the future. But that exactly was the problem. Her granddaughter was set to become a queen, not the queen. The Seven Kingdoms weren’t whole anymore. Ever since the North declared its independence and crowned their own King and Queen. And instead of crushing this rebellion the Iron Thorne and King Rhaegar had done nothing in that regard.

And Olenna knew why. The newly crowned King in the North, Jaehaerys Targaryen and his Queen, wife and half-sister Rhaenys Targaryen, possessed the one thing that everyone in the south feared too much to act against it. Jaehaerys possessed a dragon. But not just a dragon but the only dragon alive. Olenna knew this beast wasn´t small either. It had hatched 15 years ago, on the day Prince now King Jaehaerys was born, and yet it was half the size of Vhagar already. And she knew that facing a 50 meter long dragon was not something the combined might of the south was capable of. The fields of the Reach just as flammable as during the conquest.

Oh but of course it only got worse. She her spies had told her of Prince Aegon´s obsession with Princess Daenerys. Though thankfully the princess too had run away to the North. Olenna also knew that it would be only a matter of time before the crown prince would do something stupid. Perhaps going as far as attacking the North to “rescue” the princess.

She needed to prevent that so that she could gain the time she needed to reunite the realm. Though thankfully the first of her objectives would soon be achieved. A date for the wedding between Aegon and Margaery had been set. It would happen in two moons time. And with that completed her golden rose would be able to distract the Prince.

The second objective however would be a lot harder to achieve for her. She needed to unite the realm, and do so preferable under the banner of House Tyrell. Sure they would not rule but such an act would guarantee their position for all of time. The simple problem was that it was not as easy as she may have wanted.

Olenna had thought about marring her son´s heir Willas to Sansa Stark and in doing so binding the North to the Reach. And would it only have been the Starks she was dealing with it may have worked. But with Rhaenys Targaryen in Winterfell, with her being the Queen in the North and with the North in open rebellion, there was simply no way her game would be allowed to continue.

While Rhaenys wasn´t one of the great players of the game, or at least not yet, she had nevertheless grown up in the Red Keep. Rhaenys was the oldest daughter of King Rhaegar, she knew that ways the game was played. But even worse now that Jaehaerys was no longer being neglected Rhaenys´s moves became harder to predict for Olenna. Simply said without Rhaenys in the North her life would be so much easier.

But removing her wasn´t even an option Olenna was willing to consider. Not only would be getting to her be incredibly hard. But getting past Ser Arthur Dayne and the dragon was simply impossible. But not only was it impossible to remove Rhaenys from the board it was also the worst move possible as this would without a doubt cause Jaehaerys to unleash his dragon Lyannix without remorse or constrain. And that was not something Olenna could risk.

Jaehaerys was another problem of course. After all he was the King in the North and the dragon rider. And yet that was not what made Jaehaerys truly dangerous. What made the King in the North so terrifying is that he has no connection to his father King Rhaegar. Jaehaerys had not emotional bond to anyone in the south. A lifetime of neglect, bulling and belittling had not even allowed any semblance of restraint to form. He could not be controlled by threating his loved once. After all Rhaenys and Arthur where with him in the North. The Starks to where unreachable. Jaehaerys had no love for Rhaegar or anyone of House Targaryen not named Rhaenys. Though for a long time he had not realized the power he had always held. Something that seemed to have changed in the resent moons and that worried her greatly.

And while it was frustrating for Olenna she could not blame Jaehaerys for it. After all the boy had never even spoken a whole sentence with his father and Jaehaerys´s mother, Lyanna Stark, had died birthing him. He had no confection with Aegon, Viserys or Daenerys. In fact Aegon and his jealousy and greed of the dragon had been the driving force behind Jaehaerys´s treatment.

Jaehaerys and Rhaenys had also married, something that made all of this even more problematic of her. As did the fact that the North had stopped buying grain from the Reach. Yes they were banned from selling it by royal decree. But not a single request had come. Willas had proposed a theory that they were using the dragon to burn old field and now the North had enough food for itself. And if her grandson was right, something she started to believe he was, than their situation was even worse. Though as she read the message one of her spies in the North had send it only got worse.

The North had regained control of the New Gift once more. And with it any hopes that it still needed the grain of the Reach to survive was gone. The last piece of leverage she had had just turned to ash. And she knew that his had to come from Rhaenys. Someone how Olenna now knew had not only the potential to become a great player but was already one.

Chapter Text

POV: Aegon Targaryen – Kings Landing – 299 AC.

He had been recalled to Kings Landing. To take part in a wedding he had not wish to be part off. Aegon had no interest in marrying Margery Tyrell. No interest in the Golden Rose of Highgarden. Yes she was elegant, smart and beautiful. There was no denying that. Even politically she was the perfect match for him. And yet she had one flaw. One reason why he did not want to marry her. She was not Daenerys Targaryen. Margery was not his aunt. She was not his Dany.

But there was nothing he could do about this marriage. Not only did he need the support of the Reach to crush his so called brother in the North. But he also could not allow himself to be seen in the same light as Rhaenys. He was the Crown Prince and as such he needed to do his duty where his so called family had failed or refused it. Rhaenys had run from her wedding. His Dany had been forced into an unwanted marriage and was forced to flee from it. Though this was not something he could and would hold against her. After all he did not want his Dany married to someone not worthy of her. And Lord Renly, with his preferences for man over woman, was defiantly not worthy of Daenerys.

Aegon also had to stay in his father´s good graces. After all he still needed to convince his father that they should crush the rebellion of the North as soon as possible. Or if that was not possible than he needed to remove his father from power. He would never allow one of his Kingdoms to declare independence. And if his father would not act than it would be Aegon that took the lead. After all how hard could it be to crush the North. Its armies were outnumbered at least five to one. The Northmen also were savages that would stand no chance against true knights. And while his so called brother had a dragon, Aegon was sure that the bastard would be too stupid to use it. After all Jaehaerys hadn´t done so on the fifteen years Aegon had bullied him relentlessly and because of the he knew the bastard was simply too stupid to be trusted with the dragon. And once the bastard was gone and Rhaenys married to Renly, like he had planned from the start, the dragon would be his and no one would dare to question his rule anymore.

And so he would do his duty. He would marry Margery Tyrell. He would endure the wedding and after that he would speak to his father about taking action. But should that fail he would begin planning the removal of his father. He already knew what he would do and all he needed to do to remove his father was convincing the right people. And he already knew how he would do that.

The great sept was filled with people. Lords and Ladies from all regions exept the North had come. They all had come to see him wed. And while he despised the wedding he also was glad that everyone was here. It would have been rather difficult to gain the support of the people he needed had they been all in their keeps as he would not have been able to use ravens. They were simply not secure enough for what he would be discussing.

But now he had the chance to talk with his uncle Prince Doran, Lord Tywin Lannister and Lord Renly Baratheon personally. The crownlands were his already due to the support of Connington. The Hand of the King had always been his most loyal supporter after all. And while both Lord Jon Array and Lord Holster Tully were present he would not risk speaking to them as he was sure that they were closer to the bastard Jaehaerys and might even support him should it come to war. And he could not risk the bastard finding out about his plans.

Aegon was so court up in his planning that he barely noticed how Margery was lead into the hall by her father. His hand moved to take hers without him thinking about it. Even when he spoke his wedding vows he was barely present. It was almost as if he was simply a spectator at a murmurs game. He watched. He responded and did what he was supposed to do. And yet Aegon did not do so actively. His body simply moving without his command.

Even during the feast his situation did not improve. He was still only a passenger in his own body. He was simply functioning and playing the dutiful crown prince like he had always done. He played the perfect husband and gracious host without thinking about it. In fact he was doing it so good that people did not even noticed how far gone he was mentally during this moment.

It was only in his chambers that he came back to himself and realized what had truly just happened. And he even knew why it had happened. Or at least he was pretty sure. He had simply imagined that Margery was Daenerys. That the so called golden rose was his Dany. But now seeing her naked this illusion was shattered and Aegon found himself once more in control of himself.

And while he was enraged that his daydream had been shattered and that it was not Daenerys in front of him, Aegon knew that he needed to consummate the marriage. But he would make sure that Margery would not enjoy it. He would not be soft on her. Not the gentle prince he had just played. No he would punish her for her one fault. Margery was not Daenerys. And that was all that mattered to him.

POV: Benjen Stark – Winterfell – 299 AC.

It had taken a lot longer for them to travel to Winterfell than Benjen would have liked. The journey normally took around a moons turn. But because Maester Aemon could not travel as fast as Benjen or Robb could they had been forced to make more stops and traveled less per day. And because of that it was only after two moons of travel that they finally saw the gates of Winterfell. But of course Benjen did not hold Aemon responsible for that. After all his firm friend was almost one hundred namedays old.

Now though he was happy to see Winterfell. To finally meet his sister´s son. His life at the wall was behind him and now he looked forward to starting his new life at his nephew’s side. He had thought long and hard about what he would do with this chance. How he could help his nephew and keep him safe. And in the end there had really been one option he could think about. One way he could serve his nephew and keep him safe. Benjen wanted to join Ser Arthur Dayne and become a Kingsguard to the King in the North.

They were stopped at the gates and guards demanded that they identify themselves. And while Benjen found it a bit strict he welcomed it nevertheless as it meant that his nephew would be safe with the walls. Once Robb had spoken his name the gates of course opened for them without delay. After all his nephew was still the heir to Winterfell.

Robb, Benjen and Aemon were lead to the main court yard of Winterfell. And once they reached it Benjen could not believe what he was seeing. There in the middle of Winterfell stood an old gods be damned dragon! And not a small one at that. The snow white beast was 50 meters long and its blood red eyes looked at them with caution.

And underneath this massive dragon stood two people. A young woman, maybe nineteen namedays old, who was clearly pregnant, likely in the seventh moon if he had to guess. Her dark, almost black hair, dark skin and violet eyes naming her as Rhaenys Targaryen. The older half-sister and wife of his nephew. And when he turned his eyes on the person standing next to her, Benjen simply fell to both knees as he could not believe what he was seeing.

There standing right beside the Queen in the North was his nephew. And by the gods it was as if he was looking at Lyanna once more. Jaehaerys had the same dark hair as Lyanna, the same dark grey eyes and the same unmistakable gaze. Hells even Jaehaerys´s face was almost a copy of his mother. The only difference between Lyanna and her son was the fact that Jaehaerys was a boy and, at the age of sixteen, was already a lot taller than his mother. But other than then it was as if Benjen was seeing his beloved sister once more.

After Robb helped him up once more Benjen noticed that Ned, Cat and their children were also present. As was Prince Oberyn Martell and Princess Daenerys Targaryen. Though the princess stood nowhere near Jaehaerys and Rhaenys. In fact it was clear to see that the dragon always keep at least one eye on her. Benjen of course knew that Daenerys had been one of the people that had neglected Jaehaerys in Kings Landing. That she had been one of the people who had remained silent whilst his nephew was bullied and treated as less than dirt. And so he fully understood why his nephew´s dragon was doing what she was doing.

“Uncle, Maester Aemon.” Robb spoke. “King Jaehaerys Targaryen, King in the North and Lord of Winter. As well as his wife Queen Rhaenys Targaryen.” And after the dragon let out some smoke Robb hastily added. “And of course the mighty dragon Lyannix.”

“Cousin, Rhaenys.” Robb continued after the laughter at Lyannix antics had stopped. “Our Uncle Benjen Stark and Maester Aemon Targaryen.”

After that Robb went to greet his father and mother whilst Rhaenys and Jaehaerys slowly approached Benjen and Aemon. While Rhaenys looked exited to see them. Jaehaerys wore a look of caution on his face. His hand firmly enveloping the hilt of Dark Sister. Benjen of course knew that his nephew had trust issues. That because of all the neglect and bulling he faced Jaehaerys´s trust needed to be earned with time. And seeing as Rhaenys was so clearly pregnant, and Jaehaerys had been even incredibly protective of her before that as Rhaenys had been one of the few people that had cared of Jaehaerys in Kings Landing, it was totally understandable.

When Rhaenys and Jaehaerys finally stood before them Benjen could not speak. His mind simply unable to form the words necessary. The last time he had seen his beloved sister had been seventeen years ago. Lyanna had been sixteen at the time. And now her son stood before him. Sixteen years old and an almost perfect copy of his mother. It was as if Benjen had traveled back in time and was looking at his sister once more.

“You… You just like your mother.” Was all he managed to get out. His voice barely above a whisper as he did so. And yet that was enough to change his nephew’s expression. Where just a moment ago suspicion had marred Jaehaerys´s face now there was something different. He could not directly name it but if he had to he would name it as surprise and confusion mixed with recognition and longing.

“Lord Benjen, Maester Aemon.” Rhaenys spoke. “Both my husband and I are glad to see that you decided to join us.”

“We thank you my Queen.” Benjen responded. “After all without your proposal to the watch we would still be sworn brothers.”

“Rhaenys, Lord Benjen.” Rhaenys continued. “We are family so call me Rhaenys.”

“Only if you call me Benjen god niece.”

“Can you tell me about my mother?” Jaehaerys joined in. And of course Benjen agreed to that.

It was three days after he arrived in Winterfell that he was welcomed into the Kingsguard by Ser Arthur Dayne. And as he don the White Cloak for the first time he knew that this was the life he was meant to live. Not as a brother of the Watch guarding the realms of men but as a Kingsguard guarding the last part of his sister.

Chapter Text

POV: Daenerys Targaryen – Winterfell – 299 AC.

She needed to do something about her current situation. She would no longer accept the insult her current accommodations were. She would no longer stay in one of the outer most buildings of Winterfell. She would not accept to be barred from attending meals with the Starks or being kept away from her niece and nephew.

She was a princess of House Targaryen after all. The sister of the one true King. Yes she had run away from what Rhaegar had tried to force her into. Yes she had found refuge here in Winterfell. Yes she knew that she had stayed silent when Viserys and Aegon had bullied Jaehaerys. And she also knew that she was only here because Jaehaerys and Rhaenys allowed it. She knew they hated her. And yet that did not matter. She was a princess and as such she deserved respect. Respect that was not given to her.

Even her only ally in Winterfell was not trusted. Ser Barristan had helped her flee. And yet the legendary knight was not allowed to carry a weapon or even wear armor. Furthermore neither Barristan nor Daenerys were allowed atop the walls or inside the main keep. The Gods Woods were also not an option as Lyannix had made them her home. And even as the she dragon was friendly to Northmen it absolutely hated her. And that was not something Daenerys could understand. After all she was a pure blooded Targaryen Princess. And yet the dragon was loyal to a half blood.

She needed to talk to her niece or even her nephew. She needed them to understand that she was their aunt. That she was their family and that they could trust her. That it was her right to be close to them. But Daenerys had not yet managed to do that. Instead she had watched who the bastard daughters of Prince Oberyn Martell got to spent time with Rhaenys and Jaehaerys. How the children of Lord Stark got to do what was her right. Hells even some of the smallfolk had spoken with their so called King and Queen in the North. But she? A Princess of the Blood did not.

 And so when Daenerys saw her nephew and niece enter the Gods Woods with their two Kingsguard Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Benjen Stark as well as the so called Dire Wolf of her nephew Ghost. This was her chance to speak to them. Her chance to come close to them. There no one would be able to tell her that the meeting had not been granted. Though the issue of Lyannix still remained. But Daenerys was certain that as long as Jaehaerys was close by the dragon would not try to hurt her.

As she approached the ancient Weirwood in the middle of the massive Gods Woods she spotted her niece and nephew standing near the massive dragon and talking softly to it.

“I wish we could fly Jae.” Rhaenys spoke softly whilst leaning against the armor of Jaehaerys. The armor he always wore. Just like he always carried Dark Sister at his hip.

“I know Rhae. And once our child is born we can fly as long as you wish.” Jaehaerys spoke softly. And for Daenerys it was probably the first time she had really heard something her nephew said. “But we both know that currently you cannot.”

“I know.” Rhaenys said softly and kissed Jaehaerys lovingly. Though Jaehaerys suddenly broke the kiss and tensed. His hand went to the hilt of his sword and both Lyannix and his wolf snapped their eyes onto Daenerys. Ser Arthur and Ser Benjen also spun around and even went so far as to draw their blades.

“You.” Jaehaerys spat out. “I thought my wife had made it more than clear that we don´t want to see you anywhere near us.”

“I know.” Daenerys responded softly. And continued to walk towards them. “But I thought that we as a fami-“

The rest of the words died on her tough as she felt the cold sharp point of Dark Sister pressed against her throat. Her nephew having drawn his sword faster than Daenerys could blink.

“Don´t you dare finish that sentence.” Jaehaerys almost growled out. Something that made Daenerys skin crawl and turned her blood into ice. “Don’t you dare call us family. Family stands up for one another. But when I was bullied and neglected. When I was treated less then dirt and forgotten by my so called father. What did you do? Did you stand up for me? Helped me? NO YOU DID NOT! YOU REMAINED SILENT JUST LIKE ANYONE ELSE!” Jaehaerys screamed the last part at her.

“Let her talk.” Rhaenys joined in. Though her niece was clearly as angry as Jaehaerys was. “I want to hear what she has to say. Why she chose to ignore my direct commands?”

“Very well.” Jaehaerys spoke and withdrew his sword slightly. Though it was still pointed at Daenerys and ready to strike. “But let me make this very clear. Dark Sister has a hunger for blood and if you take one more step towards Rhaenys it will be stated. And should you say something we don’t like or insult us in any way?” Jaehaerys spoke and then shifted his eyes onto his dragon. “Lyannix will be more than happy to show you how she feels about you. IS THAT CLEAR?!”

“I- I- yes.” Daenerys managed to stutter out. Fear had taken hold of her. Fear of the Dragon who looked at her with utter hatred and fear of the sword her nephew was holding. He was right. Dark Sister was said to have a hunger for blood that was rarely sated.

“Good.” Rhaenys spoke once more. “Now speak of the things you thought so important that you ignored my commands because of it.”

Her niece sounded utterly cold. Rhaenys seemingly having it quite badly that Daenerys ignored the restrictions on her and then interrupted a quiet moment between Rhaenys and Jaehaerys.

“I… I… I…” Daenerys tried to explain herself and why she had come here. And yet the utter fear she felt at this moment prevented her from doing so. After all her nephew had said he would kill her without a second though if she did or said something he did not like. And Daenerys believed him. After all she had never taken the time to form a bond with Jaehaerys. She was basically a stranger to him. And one that had hurt him indirectly in the past on top of that.

“Let my guess.” Rhaenys began after some time. “You got upset that we ignored you. You feel that your current quarters are an insult to your perceived status. You are jealous that you don´t get to spent time with us. That you are not allowed to enter the main keep. You think that your birth alone allows you these privileges. That you are entitled to them.” Her niece continued. And Daenerys found it scary how well Rhaenys could read her and her intentions. “You think you are treated badly and you want to change it by simply appealing to some false sense of family. Yet you forget one important fact. This is still far better then what you and your friends to do Jae.” Rhaenys spat out. “You complain about your quarters? At least you have a room to stay in. That is so much more than my brother ever had. You sleep in a warm bed and complain and yet as Jae spent his nights in the Gods Woods of the Red keep he did not. You complain about being excluded from the family? Well what did you and the rest of those leaches in court do to Jae? Was he allowed to join meals? Was he welcomed into the Keep? Did someone speak to him or bring him food? Did someone care about his wounds or how broken he was? NO THEY DID NOT! YOU DID NOT!” Rhaenys screamed at her. “So tell me why we should offer you something you never offered my husband?”

At that Daenerys simply fell to her knees and began to cry. Rhaenys words had hit home. Not because they were lies. No her niece had spoken the truth and only the truth. And the truth hurt. More than she had ever thought possible. She had done all those things to her nephew. Yes she had not been the one doing the bulling. But she had remained silent when she could have helped. She had been friends with the people that had hurt Jaehaerys. She had been part of the problem. And that broke her.

“We are done here.” Rhaenys spoke coldly. “Forgiveness is earned Princess. Not given.” And with that Rhaenys and Jaehaerys left the Gods Woods. Hand in hand with their Kingsguard and the dire wolf following behind them. And as they left her field of view the dragon leaned in closer to Daenerys and roared right into her face. And after that Lyannix launched herself into the air.

Daenerys was alone and she deserved that in her eyes. She needed to change. She wanted to change and prove to her nephew and niece that she was their family. Or at least she would try as she was not certain that they would ever forgive her. But she owned to them that she at least tried to change.

POV: Aegon Targaryen – Kings Landing – 299 AC.

It had been a week since his wedding. A week since he had been forced to marry Margaery Tyrell. A week since he needed to call this so called golden rose his wife. Or that least he needed to do so in public. In private he had made sure that she did not enjoy their married life. Especially in their marriage bed had he made sure that Margaery regretted their wedding. Though of course had had made sure that she did not notice that his goal was to make her uncomfortable. Instead Aegon had taken great care that he made it look like it was lust he felt for her. That it was that lust and not his wish to punish her for her one fault that had him be so rough with her.

In all honesty Margaery was perhaps the perfect wife for him. Smart, beautifully and she secured him the loyalty of the Reach. And yet she was not his Dany. Margaery was not the woman he had wanted to marry for a long as he could remember. But Daenerys had run away. Fled to the North because his father had tried to force his aunt into a marriage that originally had been carefully crafted by him so that he could remove Rhaenys from the board. Yet his sister had not done her duty and instead she and the bastard Jaehaerys had fled north and now called themselves King and Queen in the North. And his father, without speaking to Aegon about it, had decided to offer Renly Baratheon Daenerys hand instead. But Renly had not been worthy of Daenerys´s hand. After all it was common knowledge that he preferred the company of Loras Tyrell over that of a woman. And so he did not hold it against his Dany that she had run away from it.

And now his Dany was in Winterfell. In the hands of that bastard. And he needed to rescue her. The only problem was that his father had yet to allow Aegon to call the banners of the Realm and crush the rebellion of the North. And all because of the Dragon Jaehaerys commanded. But Aegon was sure that Jaehaerys was too stupid to unleash the dragon.

And so he had come up with a plan. He would walk into his father’s solar and demand that they take action. That they crush this rebellion once and for all. And should his father refuse than Aegon had already prepared everything to remove him.

He had the support of his uncle Prince Doran Martell and with his him Dorne. Lord Renly also supported Aegon as the Lord Paramount of the Stormlands felt insulted by Rhaenys´s actions and saw Aegon´s father responsible. Lord Tywin Lannister had also been brought to Aegon´s side already. After Aegon had promised Tywin that the daughter of Cersei Lannister and his Uncle Viserys would marry his first born son, the Old Lion had promised to support Aegon in overthrowing Rhaegar should it be needed. And of course the Reach would need to support him because he was married to Margaery after all.

And so as he entered his father solar to demand that they take action he knew that he held all the cards. And should this meeting not go his way then in a few days’ time his father would be removed from power and Aegon would be King.

Chapter Text

POV: Rhaegar Targaryen – Kings Landing – 299 AC.

It was late at night and King Rhaegar Targaryen, first of his name, was sitting in his solar. His wife Elia had joined him and the two of them were once again discussing the situation in the North. How the entire Kingdom had declared its independence and then crowned the son he had always neglected as their King.

In some way he respected Eddard Stark and the Lords of the North for what they done. They had spoken up for Jaehaerys when he had failed to do so. They done what he should have done a long time ago. And if the reports he got were true than his son was finally overcoming all the neglect Rhaegar had unintentionally shown him because he simply could not look at Jaehaerys and not see Lyanna. And because of that he had ignored his son. Never spoken a full sentence to him. So if he was honest with himself he appreciated that the North had done what he could not.

And yet. The fact that the North had declared its independence was not something he could accept. Nor could he accept the fact that Jaehaerys and Rhaenys had married. In the first few weeks as King he had made the marriage between brother and sister illegal after all. But even with how difficult the current situation was for him he could not change it. He may be the King of Westeros and yet he was utterly powerless against the dragon Jaehaerys commanded. Simply said any attempt to change the current situation would be nothing other than suicide.

But Aegon had not seen it that way. His son and heir had demanded that they take action. That Rhaegar called the banners and crushed the northern rebellion. Aegon having argued that they outnumbered the North five to one in men alone. In mounted men there superiority was even more dramatic. And that was without adding the fact that plate armor was not common in the North. And yet Aegon had ignored the two things that made any successful action against the North impossible.

First there was the terrain. Any army that wanted to attack the North would need to move through the Neck. And if that was not bad enough before leaving the Neck one needed to get past Moat Cailin. And while the Old fortress was a ruin, it would still be able to hold back any army for moons. Moons in which the Northmen would be free to raid the army and its supply. And that was without even considering the fact that Lord Stark had ordered Moat Cailin to be reconstructed. Something that, while it would still take years to finish, had already made it even more difficult to actually pass the fortress.

And then there was Lyannix of course. At fifty meters long Jaehaerys´s dragon was something no one could face on the battle field and hope to live. He was certain that scorpions and other anti-dragon weapons could no longer harm the dragoness. Any army marched against her would simply burn.

And because of that he had rejected Aegon´s proposal to call the banners. Doing so would only doom them. He had already seen one war and he did not need to see a second. Especially one where one side had a dragon.

Elia had also agreed with his decision to not act against Jaehaerys and the North. His wife had always been critical of how Rhaegar neglected Jaehaerys and almost completely ignored Rhaenys. His wife had berated him more than once because of it. And over the years she had even managed to get him to try to approach Jaehaerys several times. Though this had failed as Lyannix had, at this point, already developed a strong disapproval, if not hatred for him. And as much as he wanted to make his wife happy he was not stupid enough to go near a fifty meter long dragon that despised him.

In fact his wife was currently arguing that Rhaegar needed to travel to Winterfell himself. That he needed to try and fix his relationship with Rhaenys and develop one with Jaehaerys. Elia argued that this was the only way forward and their only path to peace. And while he agreed with his wife it was not something he could do. Rhaegar, as the King of the Seven Kingdoms, could not simply travel north and speak to people that were in open rebellion against him. He also was doubtful that Rhaenys and Jaehaerys would ever forgive him.

“You need to do this Rhaegar.” Elia once again tried to convince him. “Because if you don’t there won´t be a Kingdom for much longer. I am telling you war is coming. A war that you know we cannot win. So swallow your damn pride and head north. This is the only chance for peace you have left.”

Before he could answer his wife however Ser Gerold Hightower, Ser Oswell Whent, Ser Brynden Tully and Ser Jaime Lannister came running into the room. All four Kingsguard had their blades not only drawn but also bloodied.

“Your Graces.” Ser Gerold greeted them. “We need you to follow us.”

“What is going on Lord Commander?” Rhaegar could not help but ask.

“The Gold Cloaks as well as guards from the Stormlands, Westerlands and Dorne are trying to take over the keep. They speak of Prince Aegon´s orders that you are to be captured.”

“A-Aegon wouldn´t…” Elia managed to overcome her shock first. “We need to get out of here.”

“THERE THEY ARE!” Several men in Lannister colors shouted as they ran down towards Rhaegar and Elia. “SIZE THEM!”

“I will hold them off.” Ser Gerold decided. “Oz take their graces to safety.” And with that said the white bull turn and left the room. And once he had done that Ser Jaime looked the door while Ser Oswell opened a hidden passage for they to flee.

“Lannister, Tully take the lead. Take us to the hidden cove. A ship is waiting there for us.” Oswell commanded. “Your graces follow them I will be right behind you.” And with that Rhaegar and Elia hand in hand hurried into the tunnel. And as Rhaegar looked back he saw how the Black Bat threw a lit torch into the room and closed the passage behind them.

POV: Elia Martell Targaryen – Narrow Sea – 299 AC.

They had been sailing for hours now. With no particular destination in mind. All they wanted was to get away from Kings Landing and all that happened there.

Elia had still problems to understand what just happened. Her heart refusing to accept what her mind had already accepted. Aegon had usurped them. Her only son had taken power and send men to arrest both Elia and her husband. Aegon the boy who had always been loved by both Elia and Rhaegar had turned against them. And why?

Because he wanted to go to war with Jaehaerys? Because he was jealous of the fact that Jaehaerys rode the dragon? Or was it simply the fact that he was using this whole situation to gain power? Had he planned this for a long time or was this just some resent event? Elia simply could not tell. And that was the worst part. She could not make sense of her son´s actions.

And yet she knew what would come next. Aegon would call his banners and march north. He would fight a war against Jaehaerys and Rhaenys. Aegon and Rhaenys had never liked one another. Elia was aware of that fact. And yet she simply could not believe that Aegon would go to war with his older sister.

Though that Aegon would try to fight against Jaehaerys was sadly something that did not surprise her. While Jaehaerys was not her son. He was the son of Lyanna. She had loved the Stark girl. Even been happy that she had become Elia´s co-wife. And so when Lyanna had died birthing Jaehaerys Elia had shed tears of grief for her. She had even done her best to be a mother to Jaehaerys. And yet that had failed. Lyannix had grown to dislike her. Not because she did not support Jaehaerys but simply for the fact that Elia had also loved Aegon. And that she loved someone that had bullied Jaehaerys was not something the dragon tolerated. And so she had not been able to reach Jaehaerys and be the parent he would have so dearly needed.

Now though she and Rhaegar needed to discuss what they would do next. And realistically there was only one things they could do. But convincing Rhaegar to actually do it was something she knew would take quite a bit of effort.

“The way I see it, we have several options.” Elia joined the conversation between Rhaegar and the Kingsguard. “We can either sail to Dragonstone and hope that House Valaryon is still loyal to us or we can sail north and seek shelter from Rhaenys and Jaehaerys.”

“I… I don’t know.” Rhaegar spoke. Her husband sounded utterly defeated. “I think Dragonstone is our best option.”

“Respectfully your grace I must disagree.” Ser Brynden responded. “We cannot be certain of House Valaryon´s loyalty. For all we know they might be working with Prince Aegon.”

“Yes I think we should head north and make our way to Winterfell.” Elia agreed. “We cannot be certain that Dragonstone won´t be a trap. And while I admit that Jaehaerys and Rhaenys may hate you Rhaegar, they are still our children. Rhaenys would not let come harm to me and I am sure that while our stay in the north would not be gentle it would also ensure that we avoided certain death.”

“But Jaehaerys and Rhaenys despise us.” Rhaegar argued back. “I have done nothing to form a bond with Jaehaerys and everything to destroy the one I had with Rhaenys. Lyannix hates me and the Lords of the North despise me. I have driven them both away. Even gone as far as threaten to disown them because they married. They have no reason to take us in. And it is all my fault.”

“And yet they have taken in Daenerys when she came to them without leverage. Daenerys was also hated by Rhaenys and Jaehaerys. They despised her because she remained silent whilst Jaehaerys suffered.” Elia retoured. “And yet she has found shelter in Winterfell when you tried to force her into a marriage with Renly Baratheon. Yes her live in Winterfell might not be perfect and I am sure she is offered only the bare minimum of comfort. And yet Daenerys found shelter there. And if Daenerys found a safe haven in the North than so can we.”

“Say Brynden?” Ser Oswell joined in. “Your niece is the Lady of Winterfell is she not? With her as Lady Stark we might have someone that could speak up for us.”

“Aye. Though I doubt that Catelyn will be much help to us. But nevertheless I think that heading north is not only our best option but also the only option your grace.”

“I don´t know if I am ready to face all the hatred Jaehaerys must feel for me.” Rhaegar spoke. “And I don´t think that we will be even welcomed into the North.”

“Then we don´t give them a choice.” Ser Jaime proposed. “We land north of White Harbor, far enough away so that we remain unspotted, and then we make our way to Winterfell. This way we cannot be stopped before you get the chance to talk to Princess Rhaenys and Prince Jaehaerys, your graces.”

“And that is what we will do.” Elia decided. She finally had enough of Rhaegar´s inaction and from now one she would give the orders. Or at least until her husband came back to his senses. “Ser Jaime tell the captain to sail towards the North. We will make land two day´s sailing north of White Harbor and then travel to Winterfell by foot.”

“As you command my Queen.” And with that sorted out Elia turned her thoughts to the inevitable confrontation with her daughter and Jaehaerys. She knew she would managed to speak to Rhaenys. After all Elia had always had a good bond with her daughter. And yet she also knew that if she did not managed to convince Jaehaerys Rhaenys would never support her. After all, the most important thing in Rhaenys life had always been Jaehaerys and Elia knew that she would not change that fact nor would she even try to do so.