Kings Landing 300 AC.
Rhaenys.
She made her way to her father's solar, her mother she had already told and now it was time to speak to her father about her plans. Willas was to arrive in a day or so and she had already arranged to have a meal with the Queen of Thorns, but she'd still need her father's agreement. Not that it should be an issue, Rhaenys knew he'd wished her wed for many years, and to marry into the Tyrell's would alleviate a huge problem for them, even should Daemon manage to rescue Aegon.
"Is he inside?" she asked Oswell and he nodded before knocking on the door and bidding her enter.
She walked in to find her father sitting at his desk, his papers were strewn everywhere, and he looked to be far busier than she had ever known him to be. Not that he didn't work hard before but for some reason, this seemed different to her, he seemed far more focussed. Taking a seat she waited until he finished whatever it was he was looking at and when he looked up and saw her, he smiled.
"I didn't expect to see you today, did we have meeting?" he said jesting.
"We've both been busy lately father." she said and he nodded at her.
"So what is it that brings my daughter to my solar today? Obviously something you don't wish to wait until tonight to discuss.".
"I, Aegon, father, should Daemon bring him back, should be lucky enough to find him and bring him back, things are going to be different.".
"I know." her father said before sighing.
"He and Margaery Tyrell they can't marry father, it can't happen. As much as you may think it'll fix things, it'll only make them worse.".
"I promised Mace Tyrell that they would Rhaenys, while I may not have announced it, I all but told the man to his face that it would happen.".
"Almost, it can never happen father, if it does you'll end up losing House Tyrell, the things Aegon did, the things he would do, you can't allow it." she said "Which is why I've come with a solution." she added quickly before he could speak.
"A solution?" he asked intrigued as he stared at her.
"I will marry Willas Tyrell." she said determinedly and saw the surprise on his face.
"Why would they Tyrell's give up a queen for a princess, Rhae?" he asked.
"Because they're not idiots, they know Aegon cannot be king.".
"Rhae." her father said admonishingly.
"No father, if my brother sits the throne then we will fall, all of us. What happened in the rebellion will seem like a walk in the gardens compared to what will happen with Egg on the throne. He'll be worse than grandfather." she said.
"You have no idea what your grandfather was like." her father said dismissively.
"Do I not, or is that what you hope for father? I remember grandfather full well, I smelt Dornish to him." she said and saw her father grimace. "I don't mean this to be harder than it is father, truly I don't.".
"You can never be queen Rhae, not with your brothers ahead of you, this isn't Dorne.".
"I know father and I'm willing to support my brother as king." she said as he looked to her confused "Daemon, Father, not Egg.".
"I don't understand." her father said and were it not for the seriousness of their discussion she'd have laughed at the confused look on his face.
"I know father. Daemon and I have come to an agreement, he, like me understands that Egg would see our family fall and despite not wishing for it he's willing to take the throne." she said and looked to her father who smirked.
"Is he now, just like that, and what of you Rhae, what do you get from this?" he asked curiously.
"He will name me as Hand." she said and saw that her father was taken aback.
They sat there in silence for a few moments, her father looking at her far more calculatingly than she'd ever seen him do before. When he eventually nodded she had no idea of what he'd decided upon, and so she waited and waited until he eventually spoke.
"I do not know if I agree with this, I can see it makes sense but to pass your brother over, gods, I don't know. However, I can see you're right about the Tyrell's and so you're free to bring it up with them, if they agree then I'm in favor of the match." her father said looking to her.
"They already do father." she said as she rose to her feet.
"Rhaenys?.".
"I've got a lunch to go to father, Lady Olenna and I have much we need to discuss.".
After leaving her father's solar she felt so much better, she had expected far more pushback, many more questions, and so she was glad when he'd accepted the idea at least. While he hadn't come around to Daemon as crown prince, it was clear his own doubts about Aegon were there. A very small part of her hoped Aegon wouldn't be found, and she hated herself for it, for the mere thought of it. Clearing her mind, she made her way to the Maidenvault and as she and Ser Jonathor reached it, she composed herself for her meeting with Olenna.
They passed by Margaery and her ladies and she was unsurprised to see the smiling face of the Rose of Highgarden, the girl may wish to be queen, but she had no desire to be tied to her brother. That she wasn't even pretending anymore was a good thing. She only briefly spoke to the girl, continuing on her way and soon was standing outside the room, the Queen of Thorn's giant guards moving out of her way.
"Lady Olenna, I believe we're to lunch together." she said walking into the room.
"Princess, I'm so glad you could make it." the woman said her smile genuine.
She had enjoyed the lunch with Lady Olenna and had even afterward met up with Margaery and spoken to her about her brother, the girl eager to sing Willas's praises. All she knew of him was that he was serious, driven, and walked with a limp, that it was her uncle who'd given him said limp should give them both pause, yet it did not. Even Oberyn hadn't a bad word to say about Willas and they had built up a kind of kinship over the years.
As she walked to the family dinner she'd been invited to by the Tyrell's she wondered what he was really like, Was he as handsome as his brothers? Was he kind or sweet? Would she like him and him, her? Would he make her heart beat fast and her eyes light up the way Daemon seemed to do for Myrcella?. She had agreed to this match without ever having met the man and she felt nervous now knowing she would see him soon.
Nearing the room she almost turned back, only the thoughts of leaving the worst impression by leaving rather than staying kept her on track. She nodded to Ser Jonathor and he opened the door for her, walking inside she saw the Tyrell's ready to greet her. Lord Mace and Lady Alerie, Loras and Margaery, and finally Olenna and Willas.
"Princess Rhaenys, may I introduce my grandson Willas." Olenna said proudly.
"Lord Willas." she said holding out her hand to the handsome brown-haired man, smiling as he did when he kissed it.
"Princess Rhaenys, a pleasure, truly." he said and she found herself agreeing, it really was a pleasure.
The dinner itself was nice enough, not that she ate very much, the conversation though she was more than charmed by, not to mention the man himself. He was witty, smart, attentive, and she was pleased to see the rest of the table seemed to leave them to themselves, almost allowing them to ignore them. Though she wondered if they had not would she have done so anyway.
She was disappointed when the time came to say goodbye and surprised when he offered to walk her back to Maegor's. Almost considering refusing until she saw just how eager he looked to escort her. Walking with him was pleasant, even with the cane, and while they talked of inconsequential things, they did speak all the way there, not once running out of a conversation or being bored.
"I thank you Lord Willas, I had a most enjoyable evening." she said when they were saying their farewells.
"As did I Princess, I look forward to getting to know you better while I'm here." he said and she found herself eager to get to know more about him too.
Qohor 300 AC.
Daemon.
His brother didn't recognize him that much was clear, that they'd done terrible things to him even more so. Just how terrible though he had no idea and so she waited. The mere fact it had been he who'd rescued him meant Aegon trusted him somewhat, that it was a woman who examined him was because he trusted no other men it seemed. So he waited while Mariana examined him, holding his brother's hand and looking at his face as she did so.
Once she was done and he moved to get up Aegon panicked, trying to get up from the bed even though he was too weak to do so. Marianna handed him the milk of the poppy and he held it to Aegon's lips, his brother at first refused it, only to drink it quickly once he nodded. He waited with him while his eyes began to close, brushing his hair from his face and covering him up when he finally drifted off.
"How bad?" he asked.
"Very, he's lucky to be alive, they..they." she said shakily.
"Marianna?" he asked worriedly.
"They unmanned him my prince." she said and he shook his head.
"But I saw.." he said.
"Just the stones my prince, the stem they left." she said uncomfortably.
"Why?" he asked "For what reason?" he said shaking his head, trying to keep his anger in check.
"The sorcerers believe that a man's essence resides there my prince, his power, to burn the stones is to absorb that power, your brother is lucky…" she said and never got to finish.
"Lucky, how is he lucky, look at him." he said angrily pointing behind him.
"He is lucky that they brought him to Qohor and not Qarth, there they would have taken it all my prince." she said and he looked at her, regret at shouting at her and anger for what they'd done to his brother both fighting each other in his features.
"Will he recover, get better I mean." he said breathing deeply to remain calm.
"The wound will heal, he needs time and he must eat my prince. I don't know for certain but I believe he'll recover." she said as she moved to the door.
"Thank you, Marianna." he said and she nodded.
When she left the room he turned back to Aegon, his brother was looking peaceful in his sleep and he found sympathy for him that he'd never been able to find before. He also felt guilty, even though he knew it hadn't been his fault. Still, a part of him wondered if in going back to Westeros had he brought this onto his family. If he'd stayed in Essos would have been able to keep them safe, or was this always going to happen.
Knowing that Varys and Baelish were working against them, perhaps it was, which led him to wonder just who else was part of this. Mopatis, Hoat, they weren't the only ones, just the only ones he knew. Qohor, Pentos, where else did this group operate out of, Naharis had escaped, but where? He tried to think, to concentrate and, yet when he closed his eyes it was brown hair and brown eyes he saw. The memory of her unbidden and the pain in his heart still as cutting as it had once been.
"You should get some rest my prince." he heard the voice say and turned to see Thoros standing behind him.
"I'm afraid what he'll do when he wakes." he replied.
"I'll stay with him, go, sleep, I'll send for you if I need to.".
"Where's Drogo?" he asked.
"They've taken the palace, he's pulled most of his men into line.".
"Marianna?".
"She and the acolytes are offering shelter to those who requested it." Thoros said with a soft smile on his face.
"I need to speak to Drogo, make sure he doesn't allow them to take all the wealth. Qohor may have fallen but it's not his." he said and Thoros nodded.
"Tomorrow my prince, sleep for now.".
He got up from the seat and looked at Aegon once more, his brother still resting peacefully for now. Patting Thoros on the shoulder as he left the room, he walked to a smaller room, opened the door, and then closed it again, walking out in search of Drogo now rather than waiting. The unsullied surrounded the temple and Daemon nodded to their leader, he'd asked for one man to speak to and they'd picked an older man named Black Fist.
Soon they'd make their way to Tyrosh with some of the red priests accompanying them, and he could see they were eager for the journey to begin. Grey Worm's brethren were never the happiest sort, but even among their stoicism, he had seen the difference in them once they'd been freed. While these men weren't exactly there yet, they were close and he was happy for that at least.
"This one wishes the honor of guarding you my prince." a young unsullied captain said, a half dozen of his spears with him.
"Your name?."
"Black Dragon." the unsullied captain said and then quickly added as if he'd caused some offense "This one changed the name to honor his prince.".
"A good name, strong, may it serve you well." Daemon said and the captain nodded.
They walked the streets and he was surprised at the lack of destruction, there was some but the city hadn't been sacked completely. Behind closed doors and shuttered windows he could hear people move and as he made his way to the largest of the palaces he found the main force of Drogo's Khalasar. He wasn't stopped or questioned, just allowed to walk into the palace and he found Drogo in the largest of the halls.
Some musicians played loudly in the corner, while around the room men drank, women danced and the Dothraki celebrated as only they did. Fights, arguments, disputes, men and women coupling, and overlooking it all was Drogo. As soon as he saw him, his brother ordered the music stopped and Daemon was enveloped in the man's large arms. Drogo almost dragged him to sit beside him, and Daemon had a horn of mare's milk in his hand before he knew it.
"A great victory brother." Drogo said with a smile which he returned.
"An easy victory?." he asked.
"Less than one hundred men to take this city, a story for the Dosh Khaleen. Drogo doing what Temmo and Zekko could not." Drogo said laughing.
"To the Khal of Khals and his great victory." he said standing up, his voice loud as he turned to Drogo, both of them smacking the horns together to large cheers.
"Our victory brother." Drogo said when the noise quietened down.
"How much tribute will you take?." he asked softly so no one else could hear.
"There is much here, but we'll take a quarter it is more than enough. Weapons Daemon, I wish for weapons and we will need them soon." Drogo said looking to him.
"The smiths here are some of the best Drogo. I'll speak to the Red Priests, have them arrange them to work on as many Arakhs as they can.".
"Your brother?." he asked and if he didn't know Drogo as well as he did he'd have thought he'd caught a small note of jealousy in his voice.
"Will live, as thankfully will my other brother." he said slapping the man's massive shoulders as Drogo smiled.
They drank through the night, the Dothraki not lessening up on their celebrations. Drogo never once leaving his side as they both tried to celebrate and not think that they'd only just delayed the war to come. When the acolyte arrived he was still a bit drunk, needing to dip his head into a small pond in one of the gardens to wake properly. He followed her back and found Aegon agitated and awake though he calmed somewhat on seeing him.
It took a week for his brother to be strong enough to take him home, a week where he came back to himself a bit, though not fully, and Daemon wondered if he ever would. By the time he was ready to go the Khalasar too was ready to leave, the unsullied and the red priests who'd bring them to Tyrosh also eager to set off.
Marianna was now the most powerful person in the city and had already organized the defenses, though Daemon knew it was R'hllor who would see this city thrive or fall. As Lyanax landed he asked Thoros to help Aegon up on her back, knowing he'd know where to place him, and he moved to say his goodbyes to his brother. They would see each other again and despite how he felt about Drogo, he couldn't help but hope it would not be soon.
"Thank you brother, the favor is repaid." he said as the clasped their arms together and looked at each other forehead to forehead, Drogo needing to bend so they could do so.
"Next time I do for free." Drogo said making him laugh.
"Be well brother, may the Great Stallion watch over you." Daemon said.
"May R'hllor keep you in his light brother." Drogo said as they embraced.
He climbed up on Lyanax's back and felt Aegon's arms wrap around him, Thoros sitting behind his brother just in case. Looking back at Drogo and nodding he gave the word and soon they were in the air heading for home.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Margaery.
Her cousins thought her upset, they wouldn't say it of course but they thought it. Princess Arianne on the other hand had no qualms about trying to get a rise out of her when they met. Almost reveling in the idea that she wouldn't be queen, at least until she heard about Rhaenys. Once she had, then that had quickly changed the tone of the conversation. While still trying to get a rise, the effort was half-hearted at best, and Margaery felt a sense of satisfaction at wiping the superior look from her face.
The truth was though she was glad of it, glad she'd not have to be married to a man who held no interest in her, who didn't stir her heart or even interest her as men do. While she was still a maid, she wasn't innocent, far from it, she liked men, especially attractive men who had something about them. Unfortunately, they were few and far between and Aegon was certainly not one of them.
Walking around the Red Keep she sighed when she saw Myrcella Lannister some distance in front of her, the white wolf walking alongside her along with some of Prince Daemon's men. Now that was a man who could have stirred her heart, a man who had already stirred her desires, and yet it was not to be. Not only did his interests lie elsewhere but with Rhaenys and Willas, she knew that was it when it came to royal matches for her house.
"Oh no, I think she's coming over." Elinor said.
"Is that the prince's wolf?" Megga said turning to her.
Margaery didn't answer, instead, she prepared for more gloating at her expense and so she schooled her features, and put on her most practiced smile.
"Lady Margaery." Myrcella said when she reached her, her voice neutral.
"Lady Myrcella." she said back.
"I was just heading to the sparring yard, I wonder if you'd care to join me?" Myrcella asked and Margaery was at first caught out, she'd been heading there herself to see Loras but found it odd Myrcella would wish her company.
"I would." she said simply such was her confusion.
They made polite conversation as they walked, talking about very little actually and she quickly found herself bored. Though when Myrcella brought up Rhaenys and Willas she felt her anger rise, was this to be her life now? Mocked by every lady she met, she turned to say something to Myrcella and found both her expression and how it changed to be a surprise.
"I think they'll be a nice couple don't you Lady Margaery?" Myrcella said and Margaery glared at her, saw the confused look, and then the apologetic one.
"I do, I wish my brother and the princess every happiness Lady Myrcella." she said the answer, not the one she had intended to give.
"Myrcella.".
"What?" she asked looking to the girl.
"Call me Myrcella.".
"Myrcella, Margaery." she said and then giggled at the stupidity of how that sounded.
"Pleased to meet you Margaery." Myrcella said and then she too giggled.
The rest of the walk to the sparring yard was much different, the conversation much lighter and by the time she reached it, she began to wonder if perhaps she'd misinterpreted things. Was Myrcella actually trying to be friendly? To be her friend? And if so why? What was there to gain from it?. She found she couldn't figure it out, couldn't see the game that was being played and she tried to ignore the voice which said there wasn't one.
She looked out to the yard and was surprised to see Loras standing with Ser Jaime and his nephew, Myrcella's brother. Both of them listening as Ser Jaime gave them pointers and then she, her ladies, and Myrcella took a seat as the two boys sparred. Margaery knew how good Loras was but Tommen surprised her, while her brother took the match it had been close.
"Your brother is very good." she said to Myrcella while they started to spar once again.
"As is your own." Myrcella said back and there was no lie in her voice, a simple statement which only added to her confusion.
This time Tommen took the match and she found herself surprised at the small smile on her face as she watched him. She blushed when Myrcella noticed and tried to ignore the way the girl looked at her from then on. Loras and Tommen sparred another three times with Loras taking the day three to two. Once the sparring was done she almost embarrassed herself when Tommen waved up to them, her hand almost moving of its own accord to wave back, only for her to realize it was to Myrcella he was waving.
"I think we should go down and thank our brothers for such a great show, what say you Margaery?" Myrcella asked and Margaery nodded her agreement to the idea, unable to speak for a moment.
They walked down the stairs from the balcony to the sparring yard, Loras and Tommen both being critiqued by Ser Jaime on their performance and thankfully she was more composed when they reached them. Shaking her head and breathing deeply and hoping it wouldn't be noticed or commented upon, which to her relief it wasn't, she allowed Myrcella to make the introductions.
"Uncle, brother, this is Lady Margaery Tyrell." Myrcella said as both Tommen and Ser Jaime looked at her.
"My lady a pleasure." Ser Jaime said with a polite nod and a quick kiss to her offered hand.
"Ser Jaime.".
"My lady." Tommen said as nervously as she felt, and she felt his lips lingered a little bit longer on her hand than his uncle's had.
"Lord Tommen." she said smiling, happy to see him do likewise "Lady Myrcella my brother Ser Loras." she said quickly introducing Myrcella to be polite and noticing the small frown which appeared on Tommen's face.
She hadn't meant it as a snub, more she was nervous and feeling strange and it was all she could do to keep composed. The smile she gave Tommen a moment later seemed to make up for it and she found herself looking more closely at the boy as they talked. His golden hair and green eyes marked him out as a Lannister, and he was much more filled out than a boy of his age really should be, evidently spending a lot of time in the yard.
"We were just about to have lunch Cella, perhaps you and Lady Margaery would like to join us?" Ser Jaime said and she hoped that Myrcella would accept for her, glad when she did so.
Walking back to her room, later on, she and Loras spoke and her brother seemed to have enjoyed his time with both Lannisters. Telling her just how good a swordsman Ser Jaime was and how different Tommen was to Joffrey, his voice both excited at the thoughts of a new friend and sad at the memory of a departed one. When she asked if he thought he'd be spending more time with the Lannisters, her brother seemed very keen, almost as keen as she was.
She had thought today was going to be trying, it had certainly started out that way, and yet walking into her room she found herself excited about the morrow. Myrcella had invited her for a ride outside the city and Ser Jaime had said Tommen should join them, much to be boy's embarrassment. A lion and a rose was not the match her grandmother had expected for her, but given the circumstances, it was certainly a good one. Given how she was starting to think of Tommen himself, for Margery it was perhaps even more than that.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Tyrion.
His father had asked him to speak to the red priests and he'd arranged a meeting, though it had taken him far longer to actually get to see the woman than he'd expected. That she had arrived with the Northern Lords was a surprise to him, that she agreed to meet him once they'd spoken even more so. Firstly though the woman had gone to speak to his niece and so Tyrion was now sitting face to face with three men who looked at him warily.
Three men as different from each other as could possibly be. Lord Manderly was fat, very fat, Lord Reed not much bigger than he and as for the last man, he almost felt that it was some sort of jape. The Greatjon was a giant, almost seven feet tall, and even sitting down he was taller than he. Tyrion was getting a crick in his neck from looking up to the man, and he could only imagine what was going through the Greatjon's mind as he looked down on him.
"My lords, have you eaten?" Tyrion said as he nodded to the servant to bring in refreshments.
"Aye, we've broken our fast." the Greatjon said and Tyrion swore he saw a brief look of annoyance on Lord Wyman's face.
"I'm sure some drinks would be welcome though?" he asked and the Greatjon nodded "Before we get started my lords, I have a question?" Tyrion said and almost cringed at the way they looked at him. Suspicion obviously the default expression on Lord's of the North's faces he assumed.
"Ask away my lord." Lord Wyman said and Tyrion at least felt the Lord not to be overly hostile, yet.
"My lords, to my understanding you import most of your supplies from Essos is that not right?".
"It is." Lord Wyman said.
"Even food my lords?" he asked.
"Aye, the prices you southerns charge, even should you sell to us are twice as expensive at least." the Greatjon said angrily.
"Indeed, though I believe that mainly due to our former Hand's own predijuce my lords.".
"The fucking Griffin was a fool." The Greatjon said.
"You'll get no argument with me on that point my lord, ah, the drinks." he said with a smile as the tray was laid on the table.
While he was a wine drinker by choice, he'd asked for ale and bread and cheese, along with some cold meat. The Greatjon poured himself and the other's a mug full and he was pleased when the man did the same for him. More so when he saw Lord Wyman smile as he began to pick at the bread and cheese, the fat lord obviously not agreeing with his friend when it came to being hungry.
"My lords, with the Griffin no longer in place and with Prince Daemon's return, things have changed in the south and old predijuces are no longer a way to win favor in court.".
"For fuck sake speak plainly." The Greatjon said and Tyrion laughed.
"Forgive me my lord, force of habit." he said getting the first smile from the giant Umber "We no longer need to be seen to placate the Hand's biases my lords, no longer need to be in his favor." he said.
"Which is why you now wish to deal more fairly with the North?" Lord Reed asked doubtfully.
"Not quite, my lord, we wish to deal more fairly with the North because of Prince Daemon." he said and saw the stiffening of the three Lords when he spoke "We owe him my lords." he said and watched them soon relax.
"The sword, aye we heard." The Greatjon said.
"The sword was boon my lord, of that there's no doubt. Were it for that alone then we'd probably seek to repay it in some way. What we owe Prince Daemon though is more than that, more than the return of a lost sword." he said pausing to drink some of the ale.
"What do you owe him for?" Lord Wyman asked.
"Thanks to Prince Daemon my family is now being treated with the respect it should. My House too suffered from the Griffin's bias, that and court being split between two camps. With no effort of ours, no plans on our part and at his own behest Prince Daemon changed that, by his actions, he made it clear we had his favor, just as he did with the North." Tyrion said and saw the small smiles on two of the three northern lords, Lord Reed not joining in for some reason.
"We heard he's to marry your niece?" Lord Reed said a moment later.
"He is my lord, something that he and Myrcella decided upon themselves. Oh, don't get me wrong my lords, my father is most pleased with the match and had he thought it possible he may have sought it. But this was them I'm happy to say, a match they decided on." he smiled genuinely at that, something which even Lord Reed picked up on.
"You like him, the prince?." Lord Reed asked.
"I do my lord, I always have." he said and saw the small nod the man gave him "So it's because of that my lords, the sword plays a part, the joining of our house to a son of a dragon and a wolf plays a part also. But what Daemon has done for us we're most grateful for and so we'd be prepared to offer more favorable terms than you get in Essos.".
"For what items my lord?" Lord Wyman asked and Tyrion handed him the list watching as he went over it.
As he watched the lord read through the list, he tried to also judge the two other lords with him. The Greatjon seemed to defer to Lord Wyman in terms of the actual details, while Lord Reed was an enigma, the man seemed to care nothing about trade whatsoever.
"You're sure about these terms my lord?" Lord Wyman asked.
"I am.".
"And you can deliver these amounts?".
"We can, however, and this is no reflection upon you my lord, nor White Harbor, but perhaps a western port would reduce the cost's even more." he said.
"Aye it would, but for now only White Harbor is able to load and unload ships of the size required my lord, with the savings from the trade though maybe we can do something in the future." Lord Wyman said and he nodded.
"Then we have an accord?" he asked.
"We do my lord, we're most grateful to you and your family, and to the prince of course." Lord Wyman said a smile on his face.
"I look forward to dealing with you in the future my lord, perhaps I'll even take a visit to the North myself at some point." Tyrion said as they stood up.
"We'd be most happy to host you at the New Castle Lord Tyrion." Lord Wyman said and shook his hand.
After the lords had left and he had the tables cleared he waited and waited, finally sending a servant to find Lady Melisandre, they too had much to discuss.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Melisandre.
The Lannister manse was large and showed off their wealth and power and yet she found Myrcella sitting quietly in the large garden, watching on as Ghost ate. As she walked over to the girl she found the garden itself to be a refuge, the sounds and smells of the city all but forgotten here. Ghost noticed her despite the fact he was eating, though the white wolf never moved, and instead, it was Myrcella's guards who alerted her to her presence.
"Lady Melisandre, please join me." the girl said and the guards moved from her path and allowed her to walk further into the garden.
Taking a seat beside the girl she turned down the offer of refreshments, even the juice the girl offered her a drink of.
"Has there been any news?" Myrcella asked and Melisandre shook her head, the girl's disappointment all too clear.
"I'm sure our prince will return soon though Myrcella, before your nameday." she said catching the girl by surprise.
"How did you know?.".
"The queen's men are very thorough, that and your family are planning a big celebration." she said and Myrcella smiled, the nameday a little over two weeks away.
"You're sure Daemon will be back by then?" Myrcella asked hopefully.
"I am never certain with my prince, but on this, I believe." she said and saw the girl relax somewhat.
"You know we're to be wed?" Myrcella asked.
"I do." she said smiling at the girl, a smile which Myrcella returned.
"A wedding in your religion Melisandre, what does that entail?".
"Fire, my lady, you stand in front of the fire and then are tested by it.".
"Tested?" she asked confused.
"To see if R'hllor blesses the union." she said and saw the nervous look that came over Myrcella's face "Which in your case he already does." she said and Myrcella's head quickly turned to look at her.
"He does?.".
"Daemon is his chosen, Myrcella. If it was not so then the test would be more true, as it is it's symbolic for if he didn't bless this wedding we'd already know." she reached out and took the girls hand in her own "I look forward to seeing my prince wed to someone who makes him happier than I ever remember." she said softly.
Myrcella smiled and they sat and talked about how quickly a wedding could be arranged, Melisandre asking the girl if there were people who needed to come to the wedding. Knowing her prince had family among the Northmen she expected they'd like to come, and Myrcella too had some people in the West she'd wish to be there. They spoke on how the order was settling in, how the priests and priestesses were doing. Melisandre telling her they'd had no more trouble with the faith for now, and that she believed she owed her grandfather some thanks for that.
They were both sent for at the same time, her for her meeting with Myrcella's uncle, Myrcella to speak to her mother. Though they'd not talked very much since she'd come to King's Landing, she felt something for the girl, be it that she knew how her prince felt or because of the girl herself she wasn't sure. She hoped they had time together, that they got to share some normal, fun times, before Daemon's destiny called.
"Lady Melisandre, its' good to finally meet you." Lord Tyrion said, the dwarf waiting at his door for her so eager was he that she didn't skip this meeting.
"Lord Tyrion." she said as she walked into the room, taking the offered seat.
"My lady forgive me for my bluntness but I'd like to know more about R'hllor and your plans in Westeros?".
"Why?." she asked curiously.
"Many reasons, that you're here at all is curious, that you've come with Prince Daemon even more so. Another religion brings great change my lady, my father worries about that change. How to manage it, how to ensure it doesn't cause too much disruption. There is the faith and the crown and all of us in between and if those weren't enough reasons…." he said.
"Myrcella." she finished for him.
"Myrcella." he said nodding "My father, my brother, sister, and I myself we all worry, no forgive me, my lady, we're all concerned as to what the religion may mean to my niece." he asked and she could see that he was speaking the truth, of his concern anyway.
"My god intends to offer an alternative to those who seek it, Lord Tyrion, an alternative to the faith, to the Old Gods, to anyone who seeks it.".
"And to those who don't?." he asked.
"They are free to pray to whomever they wish, just as we wish for our god's faithful to be free to pray to him. My god doesn't seek to force any into his embrace Tyrion, he doesn't have to, they will come of their own free will, as I have, as Thoros has and as Prince Daemon has." she said with a soft smile.
"Are there more of your priests and priestesses on their way?".
"In time perhaps, for now, we are who my god sent.".
"My niece?."
"Wishes to marry in R'hllor's light, so she will." she said determinedly and he nodded.
"What of coin?" he asked catching her by surprise.
"We have coin." she said and he laughed before shaking his head.
"I wasn't offering any, my lady, I meant do you, does R'hllor, seek the people to pay him coin?."
"We are not the faithless heathens your faith would have us believe, nor are we the ones who take coin from those who can least afford it. Do we accept donations from those who can, yes, but only from those who can." she said her annoyance clear.
"Forgive me my lady, but how do you know who can afford it?" he asked curiously.
"The pouch you carry on your person contains 50 gold dragons, 25 each of stags and stars and 50 coppers." she said and he gasped as he looked at her "A pittance compared to the chest you carry with you." she said and he laughed loudly then.
"A good trick my lady.".
"Is it? Or is it no more of a trick than a prince rising from the flames? I leave tricks to those who follow a different god Lord Tyrion, mine needs none.". she said and he nodded.
"Forgive me my lady I meant no offense.".
"There is nothing to forgive my lord, I'm used to scorn, ridicule, and suspicion, today you've only shown the last one and given Myrcella's closeness to my prince, that is understandable.".
"I thank you for your understanding." he said smiling.
"We are here to help, my lord. To help the people and make their lives better, some may not see that and some will, but you've met my prince, do you think him a fool? A man who seeks power? Or someone who wishes to help?.".
"It is the fact you're with Prince Daemon, my lady, that I find myself comforted." he said and she nodded.
After bidding him farewell and hoping she'd cleared his worries, she walked to the manse and readied a bath once she got there. Laying in the warm water she felt herself relax and was in a good mood once she made her way to dinner that night. She was in an even better one by the time she rested her head on her pillow. Moqorro would be leaving on the morrow, taking the prince's ship back to Volantis, his work here was done.
That alone would have caused her comfort, but the fact that the prince's ship was coming from Lys was more the reason for it. She had not seen Shiera in many a moon, her and the others arriving meant they were moving to do more, moving to help more, and her heart soared at that.
Kings Landing 300 AC.
Rhaella.
Hearing that Shiera Seastar would be arriving on the morrow was not what she had expected that night during dinner. Finding the priest would be leaving relaxed her, she had seen how Melisandre looked to Davos, how pleased both seemed to be by it and so she was glad he was going. But then upon hearing that Daemon had more people set to arrive, and amongst them would be someone who should be long dead, she was soon contemplating things.
She found herself eager for sleep, which meant of course that it was hard to find, the night seeming to stretch on forever. What time she eventually drifted off she couldn't be sure of, but when she woke the next morning she knew it was early. She took her time dressing, laughing at the fact that despite how early it was she'd still not beaten Bonifer up.
Nor others it seemed, as by the time she arrived in the dining area to break her fast, it was to find the room was quite full. Seeing Ser Davos was up and that Bonifer had already gone about his duties, she grabbed her food and moved to sit close to the knight. Eager to know more about who these people arriving with Shiera were and about the woman herself.
"Your grace." Ser Davos said moving to stand as she walked to the table, her raised hand enough to keep him in his seat for now.
"Ser Davos." she said taking her seat.
She ate quietly, waiting until the room emptied some before she spoke of what was on her mind. The red priests were an enigma to her, young, old, some coming from wealthy families and others from the poorest. They were from as far away as Meereen or as near as Pentos, and yet all shared the same faith in both their god and her grandson.
"These people Ser Davos, on the ship from Lys who are they?." she asked once the room had cleared some.
"Former slaves your grace, some who served the Old Blood in Volantis, others who served the masters in Astapor, some who worked in Pentos, slaves still but of a different sort." he said.
"Why? How did they come to be with my grandson?.".
"Some made their way to the Red Temples, others he freed from their masters. Those from Volantis left of their own choice to join him." Davos said proudly.
"Left? How could they just leave if they were slaves, Ser Davos?."
"The Old Blood fear an uprising your grace, Volantis is at its heart a slave city, five to one they outnumber free men and the guards are Daemons if he wishes."
"I don't understand?" she said shaking her head and Davos laughed though not at her she was pleased to see.
"The Tiger Cloaks follow R'hllor, your grace.".
"And Daemon is his chosen." she said to a nod from the knight.
"Shiera?" she said a moment later asking the question which really preyed on her mind.
"Daemon met the lady in Asshai and she's been with him ever since.".
"You've met her?" she asked.
"Many times your grace, an interesting woman to say the least." Davos said an odd look on his face.
She almost laughed at that, calling Shiera Seastar interesting didn't even come close to the truth. Who she was alone made her interesting, the life she'd led before her disappearance made her even more so, and all of that paled in comparison to the fact she was actually alive still.
The ship arrived at midday and she was glad Ser Bonifer was back, her love not speaking of what he'd been doing, but only because he could sense her attention was elsewhere. As they stood on the dock waiting she looked to the ship to see the people who walked from it. Just like the red priests, they were a mixed group, young and old, some looking as if they'd never worked a day in their lives, others looking like they'd worked far too hard.
When she saw Shiera herself she almost gasped, not only was she clearly who they said she was, her eyes proof enough of that. But she was younger even than Rhaella, thirty and three she had been when last seen in Westeros, and to Rhaella's eye, she was thirty and three still. She practically glided down the gangplank, all eyes in the docks turned to look at her and even Rhaella was entranced.
She seemed nervous and there were tears in her eyes when she placed her foot on the docks, and then upon seeing her she smiled as she moved over to her. Within moments she was standing face to face with her and Rhaella could barely speak, so unreal was the moment that it had stolen her voice.
"It is good to finally meet you, my queen, Daemon has spoken of you often." Shiera said and Rhaella found herself eager to know as much about that as she was about the woman herself.
The Vale 300 AC.
Littlefinger.
He had convinced her to travel with him, saying the request coming from both the King and his Hand was too much to turn down. That to do so would lead the Vale to war and while they would fight if need be, they'd not be the ones to provoke this war. Something which endeared him to the Lords of the Vale and to Lord Yohn in particular, and something he knew he could use later when it was needed.
Lysa would fall while in King's Landing, she and the guards he'd picked for her, good men, true men, and men he had no need for. The rest of the accompaniment would be his own men, men he controlled and paid for from his own purse. Corbray and Brune, Shadrach, Byron and Morgath, the Brotherhood of the Winged Knights. Bodyguards for Lysa and Sweetrobin, or so people thought.
"Are you ready my love?" he asked as they prepared to descend from the Eyrie.
"I am, are you sure we're safe Petyr?" she asked and he smiled as he kissed her.
"I would never see you in harm's way my love, were I even for a moment concerned for your safety then I'd not travel." he said and her smile was perhaps her truest, and yet it did nothing for him at all.
Lord Yohn accompanied them from the Eyrie to Runestone and the size of the party made traveling slow and cumbersome. The long nights on the road were some of the worst of his life, as here he could perform no mummery, here the ravishment Lysa requested had to be done by him and him alone. He had consumed so much of the draught that by the time he got to Gulltown, he feared he'd never rise without it again.
But the impression he'd left on Lysa and on those traveling with them would certainly stand him in good stead. While he thought himself an accomplished lover, with Lysa he had never needed to be. Simply his presence was enough to raise her libido and the sounds she made at the merest of touches reverberated around the camp. Though the woman was never content, never satisfied with just one coupling and so despite the minimal effort he put in, most mornings he was still drained.
"Come back to bed Petyr." she said to him as he dressed, the ship having set sail the day before.
"I must see to the men my love, make sure they have their orders. I fear I cannot rest unless I'm assured they are alert." he said making her giggle, something that was supposed to be charming and something that had grated on him even when they were children.
"You truly love me so, it makes my heart swell to hear it." she said and he smiled and blew her a kiss, knowing if he moved to close he'd be caught like a fly in a spider's web, ready for her to devour.
Shuddering as he left the room he walked to Lyn's cabin, thankfully finding the man alone. More than once he'd walked in on Lyn Corbray while he was at play and it was not a pleasant sight. He knew he'd have to see to the man's entertainment once they got to King's Landing, but he much preferred him to do what it was he did far from his eyes.
"All is set?" he asked after he'd closed the door.
"It is, the boy?".
"Is needed, for now, see that he's protected.".
"I will. Have you decided when and where?" Lyn asked.
"No, I need to see the lay of the land, see where best it can be done, where it'll bring us the most advantage.".
"Are you sure this is safe my lord, even with the Griffin gone?.".
"We're more than safe Lyn, we're needed, the old lion unlike the Griffin doesn't bear grudges unless they're against him personally and we've not pulled the lion's tail." he said though that wasn't the truth.
"If you're sure my lord." Lyn said and Petyr nodded before walking out on the deck.
Standing there he looked at out at the Narrow Sea, his eyes drawn between Essos and Westeros. He wondered if the prince had already fallen, if the plans were ready for the next step and then he smiled at the idea that they were. Soon he'd be in King's Landing and not only would he bring the Vale to bear when called, but he'd also take up Varys's role, surely something worthy of even greater reward.
Storms End 300 AC.
Stannis.
Seven and ten years he'd suffered slights, insults, seen his rule questioned and he'd taken it and accepted it as his lot in life. He'd lost friends, allies, power, and influence, seen his marriage decided for him, his brother's marriage decided for him, with no way to deny it or seek an alternative. Even after showing his loyalty, it was still questioned, still doubted, and yet to keep his house alive, to keep them safe he'd accepted it.
Delena was a good woman though, a Florent but not the highest-ranked, not a suitable wife for a Lord Paramount but then again he was no true Lord Paramount. She made him happy though and she'd given him two children that any father could be proud of. Edric his heir was a good lad and Shireen was the apple of his eye. When he'd heard he'd to marry a Florent he had accepted it and not complained and in the end, it could have been much worse.
Time was not as good a healer as people thought, he'd not been accepted back into the fold like his goodfather said, nor had the restrictions on him lifted as his brother had thought. Despite Queen Rhaella's suggestions and Ser Bonifer's promises, things had not improved either. This was why when the raven came from King's Landing he almost ignored it, only for Maester Cressen to suggest he read it.
"We cannot ignore them, my lord, no matter how much we wish to." the old Maester said and Stannis nodded, the man's wisdom still serving him well.
"Very well Maester." he said grinding his teeth as he opened the scroll.
Lord Stannis,
As you are aware Lord Connington is no longer Hand and I find myself in the position of needing to right the wrongs of many years. To fix finally the scars of a rebellion long since past and to re-establish in the realm seven kingdoms united as they should be. To that end, I invite you to come to Kings Landing and pledge fealty to the crown once more, and to take up a position on his grace's small council. To facilitate this and to show that things are to indeed change, we intend to lift the restrictions that Lord Connington placed upon House Baratheon, to see you raised to your rightful place. I look forward to seeing you my lord, to working together, and to see the realm and House Baratheon prosper.
Lord Tywin Lannister.
Hand of the King.
Stannis handed the note to Cressen, who read it with probably the same expression on his face that he had worn a few moments earlier. That the Griffin had been replaced by the old lion was not news to him, but being invited to King's Landing, having the suggestion made that things would change was. He waited until the old Maester had finished and then looked to him, eager to hear his advice once again.
"Well?" he asked.
"I think you should go, my lord, if this is true then it's what you've wanted and deserved for so many years." Cressen said.
"And if it is naught but a lie?.".
"Then it's a wasted journey, I cannot see why it would be though. Were it the Griffin then yes but what dealings have we had with the lions?.".
"Perhaps he's just the same." he said.
"Perhaps my lord, but even so with Prince Daemon around maybe Queen Rhaella is ready for some movement herself." Cressen said and he found himself agreeing "Also the note from Ser Davos my lord.".
He thanked Cressen and set the Maester to make the arrangements, asking for Ser Cortnay to be brought to him. Davos he knew was in the prince's employ, his old friend had sent him a letter when they'd arrived back in Westeros. He'd been happy to see House Seaworth do well over the years and to finally know how Davos had managed it, the note itself was simple, a suggestion he come to King's Landing to speak to him.
Stannis had ignored it though, having no interest in traveling there while the Griffin was in a position of power. The fool saw conspiracy everywhere, and seeing him travel for no true reason would have no doubt tried to use it against him, so he had reluctantly ignored it. Maybe now he could at the least meet his old friend once more, see if there were any truth to the old lion's request, if not for him then at least for his children.
"You sent for me my lord? "Ser Cortnay said when he entered the room.
"I did, I shall be traveling to King's Landing Ser, I leave Storm's End in your hands." he said walking from the room.
As he headed down the corridor she came running towards him, the excitement clear on her face.
"Father is it true, are we to go to King's Landing?" Shireen asked.
"It is. Do you wish to see the dragon?" he asked and saw the smile she gave him.
"Very much so.".
"Then we need to get packed don't we." he said and before he'd finished she'd rushed off to get her things ready.
He looked out the window at Shipbreaker Bay below him, it had been many years since he'd traveled to the capital, and the last time he'd known exactly why he was going, and what he'd face when he'd get there. It felt different this time, the sense of uncertainty and the eagerness, he felt almost as excited as Shireen, hopeful, he found he actually felt hopeful.