Dragons of Destiny

Winterfell 305 AC.

Aegon.

He sat at his desk looking over the figures, their losses had been so much less than he had even dared to hope for. Last time they'd been devastated, the unsullied had lost more than half their number as had the Dothraki and of those who'd survived and been fit to fight it was less than half yet again. Both dragons had taken injuries and Rhaegal wasn't truly fit to fly and as for the Northern army and the Free Folk, they'd almost been wiped out. They'd also suffered losses that were even harder to take than sheer numbers alone. Losses that were more personally devastating to both him and to Dany.

Edd and Lyanna Mormont's losses had hurt him terribly and considering he wasn't in the best frame of mind in the first place, they had taken time to truly hit home. Dany had lost Ser Jorah and he supposed him too, for all the good he'd done the woman he loves and had claimed to then. Worse was to come, but the Dany who'd left Winterfell was already a lesser woman than the one who'd arrived. She'd been hurt, ignored, abandoned and soon enough she was to be left almost completely alone.

This time it was very much different, the Dothraki had lost less than 4,000 with another 1,000 or so injured, the unsullied a little less than 1,000. Of those inside the keep they'd lost 300 Northmen and twice that in Free Folk, Ned Dayne had lost only four men. Other than the Knights of the Vale who'd lost almost three-quarters of their number, a little over four hundred uninjured men and a hundred who'd most likely never fight again would be returning to the Vale, they'd been damnable lucky. As for the losses of people, Lord Yohn Royce was no friend of his and so Aegon wouldn't mourn him, Beric, Podrick, Howland Reed he would to different degrees. Rubbing his eyes he looked down at the numbers and the plan began to form in his head.

"You didn't wake me?" Dany said walking into the room, Aegon gladly accepting the kiss she gave him and moving his chair so that she could sit on his lap.

"For this?" he asked with a chuckle and pointing to the page with the numbers written upon it "For this, I think you having a long lie in was very much merited." he said as she took the page from the table.

"Is that our strength?" she asked looking at the number he'd written near the bottom of the page.

"Aye, both the Unsullied and Dothraki are in much better shape than we could have hoped for, the losses though regretful aren't devastating." he said and she nodded.

"What's this number?" she asked pointing to the number he'd written to the side.

"Northmen I intend to bring with us." Aegon said.

"So few?" she asked shaking her head.

"If what Ned Dayne says is true then we will be joined by Dornish spears. Had the losses been greater than I'd seek to bring more but 2,000 is more than enough. All we need is confirmation that the North rides with us, not the men themselves, and the rest would be best served to prepare the North, Winter is Coming." he said as she giggled.

"Those really are your words." she said laughing still.

"No my love, that's just the fact of life in the North, my words are the same as yours." he said kissing her deeply.

They kissed for some time before the knock came to the door, Aegon bidding whoever it was to enter and relieved when it was Missandei who did so. He saw the smile she gave Dany and heard her mention breaking their fast, Dany surprising him when she said she'd do so in the Great Hall today. Kissing him once more, his wife got up from his lap and made her way into the other room to dress for the day. Aegon looking down on the paper once more and taking the quill in his hand.

Winterfell.

The North.

Tyrion.

Sansa.

He wrote the four words out and sat looking at them for a few moments, each of them problems that needed to be handled.

Arya's reluctance to be the Lady of Winterfell left him in a bind. While he had his own issues with that side of his family, he did agree there should always be a Stark in Winterfell. Now not only would there not be when they traveled south, but there also may not ever be one again. That the North itself wasn't ready for winter and would need to be made so and made so quickly, was another problem. Aegon staring at the paper before he nodded as he came up with plans for Winterfell and the North that he hoped were the right ones.

Tyrion was another matter, Aegon hadn't been there when Rhaegal died and Missandei was taken, only for the aftermath of it. He'd seen Dany broken almost beyond repair and despite being the one person who may have been able to bring her back to herself, he'd mutely stood by and let her fall the rest of the way. But over the years he'd wondered how Euron had known that was how she would travel. No one was that lucky and as far as he knew Euron wasn't a warg. So how had he known that they'd sail back to Dragonstone?

He'd waited in the perfect place for an ambush, Davos showing him the cove as he sailed to Dragonstone himself. But it was only perfect if you knew that Dragonstone was the destination. Even going to Dragonstone itself was a damn dumb idea and it was for that reason that he'd ruled out Sansa as the one who'd told Euron that was the plan. Not only had it been Tyrion's idea for Dany to go back to the island, but it had been also his to split their forces and for Aegon to march with the Northern Army rather than join them. Aegon had been so wrapped up in his own head that he'd not thought to argue and he had also perhaps wished to be away from Dany too, he realized now to his shame.

"He planned it." Aegon said running a line through Tyrion's name "He planned it and so I'll let him do so again."

He was certain of it now, just as he was that Tyrion had ensured that Dany lost Dorne and the Iron Fleet, not because of incompetence but malice. The Reach was lost because of hubris, Tyrion thinking himself far more clever than he was, but Dorne had been deliberate. Tyrion sought payback for a niece while weakening Dany at the same time. Euron had been all about making Dany even weaker than she was, weak, alone, and in need of Tyrion even more. Not only did he wish to be the man in his wife's bed, but Tyrion also wanted to be the only power behind the throne as well. Aegon would give him the opportunities to think that he had a chance to achieve both this time around, and he would make sure he never came close to either.

Looking at the last word on the page he ran his fingers over her name, the girl he'd once thought a sister and had felt great sympathy for. No one had played him as well as she had, Sansa hitting all the points to make him worry far more for her than he did even for the woman he loved. She'd played the family card, the damsel in distress card, the need of a protective older brother card, and Jon Snow had fallen for each and every one of them. Aegon Targaryen would not, she was not his kin, not his blood and her game was far less complex than she thought it was. He closed his eyes and found himself standing on the Docks and saying goodbye to what he had thought was his family. Arya barely recognizable, Bran playing what he thought was a clever wordplay jape, and Sansa still playing her game.

" Can you forgive me?"

The last words she had ever spoken to him, even then at the end it had not been about him, only her and now finally he could see it all so clearly.

"No, Sansa, I cannot." he said as he held the paper to the candle and watched it burn, Sansa's name the last of it to go up in flames.

Volantis 305 AC.

The Frog Prince.

The blood from his sword dripped onto the ground and he looked at the body that lay in front of him. She'd been a beautiful woman once he supposed, but now she was anything but. Quentyn turned from the room and walked down the long corridor, smiling as he listened to the carnage around him. He'd expected far more resistance, the Fiery Hand was supposed to be as resolute as the Unsullied and yet he'd found no sign of them or of the high priestess. Everyone else they did find was put to the sword, Quentyn and his men reveling in the bloodletting. As did his benefactor who finally showed his face as soon as he knew there was no danger to him.

"Ah, my prince, I see you've been busy." Belicho said.

"Not busy enough, that priestess cunt got away, Kinvara is not here nor are the Fiery Hand as you said both would be." Quentyn said.

"That is most odd, perhaps her god gave her eyes the others did not have." Belicho said with a chuckle.

"Perhaps, come we do have some left alive, Benerro and Moqorro were here and Ser Archibald and Ser Gerris are no doubt keen to begin their fun." Quentyn said with a chuckle of his own.

He walked down and into the large open hall of the Red Temple. Near the altar, the two red priests were bound and gagged among a sea of bodies, young, old, worshippers and acolytes, the Windblown had shown no mercy and given no quarter. Well except to these two and that was only a temporary reprieve. Quentyn looked to Belicho who seemed more than happy at the sight in front of him. Nodding to Gerris, Moqorro's gag was removed and Belicho moved closer to the Black Flame.

"Where is she?" Belicho asked to no answer.

"He asked you where she is?" Quentyn said nodding to Archibald who pushed the man down to the ground and swung his hammer, the scream reverberating around the room as the Moqorro's hand was crushed.

"Must I ask again?" Belicho asked and Quentyn was pleased to see that the answer was yes.

For the next hour, Archibald swung his hammer. Hands, feet, arms, legs and finally he slammed it down with all of his might on the back of Moqorro's skull. Belicho and Quentyn both splattered by blood and brains as the man's head was crushed.

"Perhaps this one will be more forthcoming?" Belicho said as Benerro's gag was removed.

In one aspect he was, Benerro was far more willing to speak, unfortunately, the words he spoke only enraged Belicho and Quentyn himself. Tales of fire and blood, of dragons burning them away until they were nothing. Benerro spoke of a fiery sword wielded by a prince that was promised and that when death finally came to them both they'd welcome it with open arms.

"Where is she, Benerro?" Belicho asked annoyed.

"Gone to them." Benerro said as he began to laugh loudly.

Quentyn gave the nod to Archibald but then he, Belicho, Gerris, and Archibald were all forced to move quickly away from the red priest. The flames that covered Benerro threatening to cover any of them who strayed too close to the man. He looked on in shock as Benerro continued to laugh as the flames took him, the man's words now suddenly feeling that much more ominous as he watched him burn. Even Belicho looked a little nervous and since he'd met the man he'd been anything but. Quentyn glad when he was given the word to leave the Red Temple alongside his benefactor.

That the slaves in the street didn't immediately attack them was only a further sign of the grip on the city Belicho and the other Triarchs now had. Even the occasional cries of Mhysa or the words that had appeared painted on walls were now a distant memory. He joined Belicho in his palanquin and they were brought back behind the Black Walls, Quentyn certain that Gerris and Archibald would ensure that the Windblown celebrated accordingly. When they reached Belicho's manse he was unsurprised to see Malaquo Maegyr and Nyessos Vhassar waiting for them. The fat Nyessos looking nervous while Malaquo looked as confident as ever. Quentyn once again amazed by the difference between Tigers and Elephants.

"It is done?" Malaquo asked.

"It is." Belicho replied simply, Quentyn noticing how the man left out Kinvara's escape.

After practically being dismissed, Quentyn made his way to his room, eager for the warm bath and even warmer women that would be waiting. He'd been a maid when he came to Essos and while his partners had always been unwilling in some shape or form since he got here, there had been numerous of them. Slaves, whores, and those unlucky enough to fall under the Windblown's blades, he'd tasted them all since he'd taken both the Tattered Prince's head and his company from him.

He reached his room and stripped from his clothes, putting on the robe before walking the few feet to the baths. Happy to see the two slaves already in the water waiting for him. Quentyn was soon floating in the water, the girls having washed him from head to toe and the younger one had serviced him with her mouth. In his hand, he held a glass of the finest wine and he almost chuckled at his good fortune. His time in Essos had known great hardship and danger but also great joy and rewards and the last year had been the very best of it. That he would be soon leaving it was both something that he very much looked forward to and something he wished was not the case. His memories of Dorne, not ones he thought on with any great fondness, and yet he was its prince and it was far better to rule than be ruled.

"Triarch Belicho wishes to see you, my prince." the tall man said and Quentyn nodded as he finished his wine.

He left the baths, dressed, and made his way quickly to the Triarch's rooms. The man was not someone you kept waiting, even if you had a sellsword company at your side. Entering the rooms he was happy to see Belicho was alone, Nyesssos was a blubbering fool, and Malaquo despite the fact they were both men of the sword, had no real liking for him. Though the man hated all Westerosi equally ever since news of his daughter's death had reached him.

"You wished to see me.?" he said taking the offered seat.

"I do, Kinvara, Prince Quentyn, she is a problem." Belicho said.

"She is one woman, Belicho." he replied with a shake of his head.

"One woman with the Fiery Hand, Quentyn. Why do you think I was so eager for her demise?" Belicho asked.

"Because the Red Priests were the only ones who would dare call you out over your plans regarding Daenerys Targaryen." he said seeing Belicho's expression change.

"I care not for those who call me out, it's those who'd stand against me that give me pause." Belicho said.

"A woman and some warrior priests." he said with a snort.

"Who are now on their way to a woman with dragons." Belicho said.

"My people have faced and beat dragons before." Quentyn said proudly.

"Did they? Is that the only part of your history you remember, Prince Quentyn? Is the Dragon's Wroth not something that is taught in Dorne?"

"You have scorpions and other weapons, besides your Black Walls can withstand even a Dragon's flames can they not?" he asked.

"I do and they could, but what use is it to me if I'm forced to hide behind said walls? How do I see Essos righted if I'm stuck here in fear for my life? Do you really think I reached out to a small sellsword company to kill a few damn priests?" Belicho said his anger rising.

"I know why you reached out to me, I've set events in motion have I not? I've even sent a man to get close enough to bring the dragons to heel." Quentyn said his own anger rising just as much.

"You place too much trust in one man, Quentyn, I place mine in many." Belicho said.

He looked at Belicho trying to figure out what he meant only to realize that he wasn't going to be told, instead, he watched as a piece of paper was taking from a drawer and handed to him.

"What's this?" he asked.

"My approval for your plan. Malaquo has gone to see to the ships and the men, you leave within the moon." Belicho said.

"You're giving me the army?" he asked surprised.

"Under Malaquo's command, Quentyn, our men won't follow you, but they will do as you bid."

"As long as they help me take Dorne back from my whore of a sister, I care not whose orders they follow." he said with a smile.

"Malaquo has his own reasons to see Westeros suffer, bring him the heads of the Starks and he'll be even more loyal to you than he is me." Belicho japed, or at least Quentyn felt the man was japing.

"And you?" he asked.

"Will put Essos to rights once I know the Dragonqueen won't be coming my way."

"Meereen?" he asked and saw Belicho smile even more broadly.

"It's time The Bay of Dragons got a new name don't you think?"

It took them a little over a moon to make ready to sail. Quentyn looking awestruck at the armada that Malaquo and Belicho had assembled. A little over 15,000 men made up the Tiger army, slave soldiers, archers, charioteers, along with his 2,000 Windblown and whatever forces they could call on in Dorne, he felt it was more than enough. Arianne wouldn't be expecting him and even if she was, she'd not be able to stop him, and should the Darkstar do his job then Daenerys and her dragons wouldn't be too much of an issue either.

Bringing the Starks to heel for Malaquo was not something he cared about. If he could do so then he would, a loyal man was a good friend to have but for him, it was not one that was needed. He only hoped the man could contain his bloodlust for those he blamed for his daughter's death, at least until Dorne was his. As long as he did that then he could traipse all over Westeros killing wolves and lions to his heart's content. Quentyn looked back at Belicho as the ships set sail, the look the man gave him in return was one that promised only one thing. Failure was not an option and should he not manage to bring him Daenerys Targaryen, then he had better hope she got to Belicho before Belicho got to him.

"Home." Archibald said slapping him on the back as the ship sailed from the bay.

"Dornish Sour." Gerris said joining him.

"My father's seat." Quentyn said as the three men turned and walked to their cabin.

Winterfell 305 AC.

Dany.

After Missandei fixed her hair and she dragged her husband away from his numbers and plans, all three of them made their way to the Great Hall to break their fast. She enjoyed the mornings that she and Aegon go to spend together and eating alone with him had its own benefits, but since Sansa Stark had left the atmosphere around Winterfell had changed. The arrival of the Mountain Clans, the acknowledgment of the Northern Lords that she was their queen, and the battle itself all combining to make how she was viewed very much different from how it had been. In turn, this made her morning and evening meals so much more enjoyable. Dany able to join in with the banter just as she did with her own people, as the Northmen now seemed to see themselves as hers also.

As they were walking, Ser Jaime approached with Ser Brienne, the lady knight looking to her and to Aegon before she began to speak.

"Your grace, your grace. I would like to most graciously accept your offer." Brienne said and Dany saw Ser Jaime's smile.

"We are most pleased by this Ser Brienne, most pleased, perhaps after we've eaten we can swear you in? she said looking to Aegon who nodded.

"Of course, your grace." Brienne said with a nod.

"Have either of you eaten?" Aegon asked and Ser Jaime and then Brienne shook their heads "Then perhaps you'll join her grace, Missandei and I."

"I would like that, your grace." Jaime said and Dany smiled at the man as he and Brienne joined them on their walk.

Reaching the Great Hall they were quickly joined by Arya and Ghost, Aegon bidding the former Lord Commander of the Night's Watch to their table too. Dany found her appetite to be lesser this morning, Aegon leaning in to ask her if she was feeling well and she giving him a small smile to show that she was. They were eating and she found herself laughing as Aegon did his utmost to annoy his sister about her budding romance with the smith. Dany looking up to see the Maester rushing their ways carrying a raven's scroll in his hands.

"Your grace, from the Riverlands." Wolkan said handing Aegon the scroll.

She watched as Aegon broke the seal, her husband frowning when he saw the trout, Dany then looking on surprised as Aegon's expression soon changed into one that seemed far happier.

"Jon?" she asked as he handed her the scroll.

"Your grace?" Missandei asked when her own expression matched her husband's.

"Lord Tully has named Jon as his king and says he's willing to swear oaths to such." she said smiling as she saw Aegon look at her.

"He's taken back the Riverlands?" she heard a voice call out and she looked to see Tyrion walking to their table.

"He has, he and the Lords of the Trident say they intend to live up to the oaths sworn to my brother and they intend to kneel to his heir." Aegon said.

"This is most excellent news your grace." Tyrion said surprising her.

"It is?" she asked rubbing Aegon's hand to let him know that it wasn't out of doubt she was asking the question but more because of who was speaking.

"It is, your already queen of the North by marriage and oath and soon to be the same in the Riverlands. Dorne wishes to swear to you too, that's three of the seven Kingdoms that his grace and your grace control before we've even marched." Tyrion said with a smile and she found herself looking to see if it was genuine or not.

"Should we ask for some of their forces to join our own?" she asked turning to Aegon.

"We should, but perhaps we can finish eating first." Aegon said smirking at her and then ducking when she went to slap him "Ser Jaime, Ser Brienne, Ghost, Protect your king." Aegon said when the next slap actually caught him.

Dany laughed loudly as none of them moved and Aegon shrugged his shoulders before muttering something about them liking her more than him. She bid Tyrion join them and saw Aegon nod to her as he did so, his own wishes regarding Tyrion influencing her choices far more than the man himself. By the time they were done the Northern Lords had joined them as well. Dany seeing Tormund sitting with the Mormonts and Ser Jorah began making his way to her though she bid him eat with his family.

After Aegon told the Northern Lords that they'd speak to them later and she told Tyrion she'd welcome him at their meeting to discuss traveling south. She, Missandei, Ser Brienne, and Ser Jaime along with Arya headed to the Godswood. Brienne would not just be swearing an oath to join the Kingsguard but would be soon privy to a secret that Dany wondered just how much longer could be kept. Her people knew and Arya knew, Ser Jaime and Lord Varys knew. While she trusted them all, it was she felt only a matter of time until it outed, and perhaps it was for the best that they get in front of it now while they held so much goodwill. It was something she knew she would need to speak to Aegon about and so she resolved to do so when she got a chance. For now, they had other things to do and so when they reached the Weirwood, Dany nodded to Aegon and she waited for him to tell Brienne the truth.

"You're truly Prince Rhaegar's son?" Brienne asked as Aegon finished, the woman had already sworn not to reveal anything she was told and Dany believing her to be true to her word just as Aegon did.

"I am, there are papers and things I found. Lord Reed also confirmed it to me when he arrived, he traveled with my uncle to Dorne and found my mother at the Tower of Joy." Aegon said.

"Why not just tell the realm, your grace?" Brienne asked.

"There are those in the realm who would use this against my wife, Ser Brienne, those who would seek to use it for their own ends. We have three kingdoms based on my wife's name and mine own. Dorne hasn't sworn to me yet and when the truth outs of who I truly am, there are issues there that will need to be resolved. The North I may believe would kneel to me still, they certainly would to my wife." Aegon said and she found herself smiling knowing he was speaking the truth "Or they may think differently and the Riverlands."

"Have sworn to Jon Snow." Brienne said as Aegon nodded.

"Until Cersei is removed and my wife sits her throne, I believe it's safer that I remain Jon Snow, after that we'll let people know." Aegon said.

"You have my word, your grace. Nothing of this shall pass my lips without your leave." Brienne said.

"I have no doubt of it, Ser. Ser Jaime if you will." Aegon said and she watched as Brienne took a knee and swore an oath." Aegon surprising her and them when he called Ser Jorah into the Godswood, her bear bearing three pieces of white material in his hands.

"Ser Jaime." Aegon said taking one of them.

Dany looked on as he put the first on Jaime's back and the second on Brienne's before taking the third and bidding Ser Jorah kneel too. When he handed her the white cloak she smiled at him before she placed it on her bear's back, Jorah looking up to her with a proud look on his face.

"Arise, Ser Jaime Lannister, Ser Brienne Tarth, and Ser Jorah Mormont, Kingsguard, Queensguard, are outdated concepts, Arise now and be known as the Dragonguard." Aegon said.

Dany finally saw the outline of the three-headed dragon that had been done in the same beads that Missandei had placed in her wedding dress and she looked to her friend who looked sheepishly back at her.

"Lord Commander, I leave it to you to assign duties, and to all three of you to begin to look out for your further four." Aegon said to Ser Jorah and she nodded to her bear as the three of them walked away.

She waited until they were gone and she turned to Aegon who was looking at her intently. Missandei speaking to Arya nervously as if she'd displeased her somehow.

"When?" she asked her husband moving closer to him.

"I asked Missandei to make the two cloaks when she traveled south, the third after speaking to Brienne yesterday.

"And Ser Jorah?" she asked.

"You think I was only doing numbers this morn?" Aegon said as she leaned against him.

"Thank you for naming him Lord Commander." she said softly.

"He was your Queensguard for years, my love, he protected you when I could not." Aegon said as he kissed her, Dany chuckling when Arya made an annoyed sound.

"Really? What's wrong little sister, jealous, wishing you were with a certain smith?" Aegon said before he was hiding behind her as Arya tried to hit him.

"My brave husband." she said to laughs.

They made their way back to the courtyard, Dany listening as Aegon told her that he was going to speak to the Northern Lords and so she decided to join Missandei and Arya in the training yards. She was soon joined by Ser Jorah and Ser Brienne and she looked to see Ser Jaime following after Aegon. The Dragonguard taking up their positions and their white cloaks quickly garnering looks. That they were approving ones was a welcome thing and when they reached the sparring area she saw Ser Gerold facing a Northman. His cousin Ned walked her way as the man noticed her and began to show off.

The Vale 305 AC.

Sansa.

Whether it was by virtue of her name or her cousin's orders. Sansa believing it was more the latter, she had been treated as if she was the most important lady in the Vale since she got here. People deferred to her, servants were at her beck and call and she was even given seamstresses and material to make dresses and clothing more suitable to the Vale's style. That had been something she greatly appreciated, being able to dress more suitably than she had been since she arrived here. Her northern simplicity while not frowned upon in the Vale, was something she knew the other ladies looked down upon her for.

What made that harder for her to take is that left to her own choices then she'd not have dressed down so much in the first place. It was instead something she had done only to ingratiate herself with the Northern lords. Sansa had found that unlike when she was a girl and dressed in pretty things and used the best fabrics, it was not something the North wished to see in their ladies and so she had complied to gain favor. Now as she stood in front of the looking glass she felt more her true self. The silk dress was blue and brought out both her hair and eyes, Sansa frowned though at her covered shoulders but she knew something's were beyond her control.

Once she was sure that she looked her very best, she turned and walked from the room. The guards that Sweetrobin had made available to her walking behind her as she headed to the hall to break her fast. She composed herself and took a breath before she entered and immediately Robin looked her way, her cousin smiling to see her and bidding her join him. Sansa could see Lady Myranda, Lady Ysilla, and some of the other ladies of the court looking at her with varying degrees of annoyance and jealousy. She'd monopolized Robin's time since her arrival, both during meals and the days and nights themselves, the younger boy quickly falling under her spell.

"Cousin, you look beautiful, blue truly is your color." Robin said his attempts at flattery basic but welcome as it showed his interest.

"And you look most handsome today, Sweet Robin." she said Sansa had realized that how she had said it at first reminded the boy too much of his mother and so had changed it, now emphasizing the sweet part which Robin seemed to enjoy.

"We must meet with the lords today, Sansa, though I wish I could just spend my time with you." Robin said softly as he leaned into her, Sansa laughing as she brushed his hair from his face and watched him blush.

"As do I, but they have questions that they need answers to, do they not?" she said as if she was as upset as he, something she was very much not.

"They do, they're fools, Sansa, mother was right about that, I see how they look at me and were I not as strong as I am…" Robin said annoyedly.

"Then I thank the seven that my Sweet Robin is so very strong, just as my aunt always said you would grow up to be." she said brushing against his arm and seeing him puff up in pride.

She had thought it would be harder, that it would take longer and she'd face more resistance. Not from Robin himself, Sansa sure she'd ensnared her cousin not more than a day or two after she'd arrived. All it had taken was the simplest pieces of flattery, most of which she remembered his mother would use from the last time she was in the Vale and the promise of all she had to offer. Sansa wondered if none of the other women had touched or kissed Robin suggestively and if so why not? Had this been King's Landing then the Lord of the Vale would have been surrounded by people trying to get into his bed and given how Robin reacted to her touches and kisses, he'd have wed the first one who tried.

Here however there seemed to be none of them doing the same thing and it was not as if the women here were more chaste of virtuous. Lady Myranda had bedded two knights including Ser Daveth since her arrival and others were equally as free with their favors. She had though noticed that Robin didn't seem to be interested much in the ladies around him. Sansa putting that down to her own arrival, as he was very clearly interested in her and in that he wasn't alone. Ser Harrold Hardyng had also shown his own interest very keenly anytime that he and Sansa found themselves alone.

"After we speak to the lords, I'd most enjoy a stroll in the gardens cousin and then perhaps we can lunch in our spot?" Robin said eagerly.

"I'd very much enjoy that cousin, very much." she said fluttering her eyes and smiling at him as she delicately ate the food from her plate.

She forced the last few bites of food down, her appetite suddenly fading as she knew her touches would be required once more today. As bad as doing those things felt to her, thinking of them was so much worse and she swallowed her milk and pushed the plate away. Sansa looked out to see that Theon could see her concerned expression and she smiled at him and shook her head. She'd had to intervene when they went to send Theon away, the Vale lords and her cousin just like Jon not having appreciated all that Theon had done for her. Only Sansa revealing more of Theon's truth than she had wished to had allowed Robin to agree he could stay. Her cousin taking great delight in hearing that Theon had lost his manhood and Sansa had luckily so far, being able to stop him from saying anything publicly about it.

"Shall we cousin." Robin said offering her his arm as he stood up, Sansa smiling as she took it and wondering when it was that her smile became so practiced.

She didn't look at those who stared her way when they walked from the hall, Sansa knowing exactly the thoughts that went through their minds and caring not about them. This meeting was the last remaining barrier to her becoming the Lady of the Vale and once she was, then she would have the power she needed. All those who looked at her that way would be soon forced to show her the deference her position required and with the Vale behind her, Robb's will could be contested. Sansa was certain that the Faith would back her and not the North when it came to that.

Walking to the large meeting room, she could see that Robin was eager for this meeting to be done with too. Not for the same reasons as she however but he wanted it over and that was something she could use if she needed. Robin was at heart still the same boy he always had been and was still prone to throwing temper tantrums if he didn't get his way. The Lords of the Vale had seemingly come to accept it was easier to give him what he wanted rather than deny him and that Robin actually wanted so little that truly affected the Vale helped them with that. All of that would change when they were wed though as then what Sansa wanted would be what Robin would want to, she'd make sure of that.

Entering the room she saw most of the important lords of the Vale, Lady Waynwood, Lord Hunter, Lord Redfort, Lord Belmore, Ser Symond Templeton, and Lady Ysilla representing her father and brother's interest along with some other lords that she wasn't as familiar with. Taking a seat when Robin did she allowed her cousin to take the lead and reached into her pocket to ready the letters.

"My cousin and I are to be wed, this you know and so I've agreed to this meeting at your request." Robin said his voice firmer than she thought him capable of unless he was in mid-tantrum.

"We thank you my lord for the opportunity to speak. While I speak for all of us here and am most pleased you've decided to wed, it is the choice of your bride that gives me and your lord's pause." Lady Waynwood said.

"You think my cousin unsuitable?" Robin said angered.

"Not in of herself, my lord, Lady Sansa is a fine lady as all can see." Lord Belmore said with a nod.

"However there are problems that she brings that others do not." Lord Redfort said.

"My prior husbands." she said reaching out to calm Robin down a little, she'd stoke his anger later if needed.

"Indeed my lady." Lady Waynwood said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Sansa almost had to force the tears to come, her mind going to those deep dark places that she had done her utmost to lock away and hope to forget. She took out her handkerchief and wiped her face and noticed that only half those present showed her any sympathy in their looks, Sansa hoping to generate far more of it with her tale of woe.

"When I was in King's Landing and at the mercy of Joffrey Waters, I suffered greatly my lords, my lady, I was beaten, humiliated and tormented. Each time my brother won a victory on the field was another day I was to be punished for it. Whatever tales you've heard of Joffrey don't do him justice, he was far crueler than any of you dare to imagine. I had hoped that when his grandfather reached the city that things would change. That Lord Tywin despite his reputation would at least see the value in my safety and fair treatment. I was proved very wrong and then I found that he himself had his own plans for me."

She looked now to see one or two of the lords looking shamefaced, she'd known that Robin had raised the fact they'd not marched to rescue her, not once but twice. That his mother was the reason for the first and he himself for the second, not something she'd let him dwell on, and instead it was the honor of the Vale Lords that was called into question.

"I was three and ten when they married me to Tyrion Lannister, a scared and beaten child married to the Imp, wed to the Demon Monkey. I feared more for what was to face me in my marriage bed than I did each time I was brought in front of Joffrey." she said her tears falling once more "And yet it turned out that despite it all, Tyrion at least had a shred of human decency."

She took out the two letters, holding them in her hand as Lady Waynwood looked at them both with intrigue.

"Lord Tyrion refused to lay with me lest I wished it so, his decency something I'd not expected though I very much appreciated. As you can imagine it was never something I wished for and so when Lord Baelish sold me to the Boltons it was as a maiden I was sold. These letters offer proof of that, the first is from Lord Tyrion himself confirming that we never consummated our marriage and agreeing to an annulment of it because of that fact. The second is from Maester Wolkan who examined me at the Bolton's behest, it confirms that my maidenhead was still intact before I was forcibly married for the second time."

She looked out on the Lords who were looking to each other and to Lady Anya who was standing up ready to walk and take the letters from her hand, Sansa ready to add the final piece to her tale and almost certain to its impact.

"Alas for me, Ramsay Bolton had no shred of decency, nor any such care for my wishes, and so my maidenhead was soon taken without my consent." she said as she began to cry openly.

Later sitting in the quiet corner of the garden, lunch finished and a wedding date set and a request to the faith sent and signed by the Lords and Ladies of the Vale. Sansa wished she could relax and reflect on a job well done, only to see that look on Robin's face and to know she could not. She moved closer to him and tried not to shake when his fingers closed on her breast and she closed her eyes when his lips met her own. Sansa tried her utmost not to wretch when he took her hand and placed it on his hardness. Feeling the bile in her mouth as she gripped him through his britches and he shuddered when she rubbed him there. Only the quickness of his release offered her any respite.

Winterfell 305 AC.

Tyrion.

He'd done his best to put aside his feelings about Jon Snow and had instead played the game. Tyrion had flattered when necessary, he'd offered sound advice when called for and was now finally somewhat back in both their good graces. The queen's smiles were directed at him once more and filled his heart each time that she did so. Now he, the queen's men, and some of the Lords of the North had been called to a meeting by Daenerys and Jon Snow. The topic for that meeting clear for any with eyes to see. The Dothraki had begun to ready to leave, as had the unsullied and soon they would be saying goodbye to the cold north. All-day Jon Snow had met with Northern Lords and Ladies while the Queen, Missandei, and Arya Stark had strolled around Winterfell as if they were saying goodbye.

They were leaving, marching South and he was being invited to share in the plans for the war to come. It had been what he'd been waiting for, what he wished for, and yet he was surprised that he'd been accepted back so soon. It was only when he reached the door and saw Ser Brienne in her new white cloak that he truly understood why that was. Military tactics and preparing for war was Jon Snow's wheelhouse, preparing to rule and for what came next was his. They needed him, not to win the throne but to keep it and so he was now being brought back into the inner circle. That it was not as Hand or in any position was something that irked him still but small steps were needed for now.

Entering the room he saw Jon Snow and Ser Davos looking over a map with Jaime and Ser Jorah both close by. His brother was wearing his own white cloak and seemed to Tyrion to be guarding Jon Snow while Ser Jorah as always was close by the queen. Daenerys looked radiant, her white fur coat was buttoned tightly and her hair was done in an elaborate braid. Beside her, Arya Stark, Lady Maege, Lyanna Mormont, and Missandei all seemed to be engaged in some conversation or other and Tyrion was happy to see the queen smile and nod when she saw him enter.

He was about to walk over and speak to her when Jon Snow called them to the table. Daenerys walking straight to her husband's side which Tyrion tried his best not to feel annoyed about. Hurrying over so he didn't miss anything, he was happy to see there were chairs for each of them to sit at, more so that his own had a cushion to place him of a height with the others. Tyrion surprised to see that it was Jon Snow who nodded at him when he took his seat and so he nodded back at him as the meeting began.

"Cersei has 20,000 men of the Golden Company at her disposal and according to Ser Jaime, at least another 10,000 of Lannister forces in and around King's Landing with perhaps as many as another 20,000 in the West that she may call on once she knows we're on the march. The Iron Fleet has perhaps 10,000 or more men it can call on, though mainly at sea."

Tyrion began to do the sums in his head and was just about to compare it with their own when Jon Snow began speaking again.

"We suffered far fewer losses than we could have during the battle against the Army of the Dead, Qhono still has over 90,000 men under his command, and Grey Worm almost 7,000. I intend to bring 2,000 Northmen with me too, giving us more than 100.000 men compared to Cersei's 60,000, almost a two to one advantage." Jon said.

"Along with Drogon and Rhaegal." Daenerys said.

"Aye, along with Drogon and Rhaegal." Jon Snow said bringing the queen's hand to his lips.

"So few men of the North, your grace?" Lady Maege said.

"Aye, my lady. As I told the Northern Lords earlier, had things been different I'd have sought to bring more but the North has both suffered the most over the course of the wars the realm has faced and its men are more needed in the North. Winter is Coming." Jon Snow said.

"Winter is Coming, your grace." Lady Maege said with a nod.

"When we reach White Harbor, her grace will send a representative along with ships provided by Lord Manderly to Meereen. Food and other essentials will be made available along with access to some of her grace's own reserves of gold and coin to see that the North is provided for to ensure it survives the upcoming Winter." Jon said and Tyrion looked at the surprised look on Lady Maege and her daughter's faces.

"I thank you, your grace, on behalf of the North." Lady Maege said to the queen.

"The North named my husband their king and me their queen, my lady, it is our responsibility to see that it thrives, my lady" Daenerys said with a smile.

"I know you'd no doubt join me if I asked Lady Maege, as would you Lady Lyanna, however, the North is in need of its hero's and I'll not take any away from it that are best needed here. Eddison Tollet has agreed to serve as my Castellan here in Winterfell and Lord Wyman has agreed to serve as our Lord Guardian of the North on a temporary basis. Her grace and I would ask you to serve as it's Warden for now also." Jon Sow said and Lady Maege looked from Jon Snow to the queen before nodding.

"I'd be honored, your grace." Lady Maege said.

"I thank you, my lady, perhaps you, Lord Wyman, and Lord Tollet could discuss any further issues you may have before we leave?" Jon Snow said.

As dismissals go it was a subtle but effective one and soon the only Northman left in the room was Jon Snow, Tyrion wondering why that was but saying nothing. He listened then as Jon Snow explained his plan, the ships sailing to Dragonstone and he taking the Dothraki and Northmen through the Riverlands on foot while Daenerys sailed with the fleet. That the queen was not best pleased was clear for all to seed and yet when Jon Snow turned to him to ask his opinion, Tyrion was torn. On one hand, were he to suggest that they all travel together he'd no doubt receive more of the queen's favor, on the other this way allowed for more opportunities. In the end, it was that and the chance to be alone with the queen and to blame what was to come on Jon Snow that won out.

"Your grace, while I believe it perhaps for the best that we all travel together, I can see your reasoning here and I find no fault with it. A two-pronged attack would be for the best. Her grace coming by sea from Dragonstone and you by land would force my sister to look to you both and cause confusion among her ranks." Tyrion said and saw the king nod and the queen glower at him.

"I thank you Lord Tyrion for your counsel, perhaps it's for the best if you traveled with her grace in case more of it is needed?" Jon Snow said and he smiled as he nodded.

"As you wish, your grace."

After the meeting was done, he hurried to the rookery and was glad to see that Wolkan wasn't there. The door was locked but easy enough to open and he quickly moved into the room, looking through the cages until he found the two that he wished for. Switching the two birds he left the room and almost ran back to his own, quickly writing out the two notes and hiding one inside of the other before he sealed it with the Three-Headed Dragon. He then calmly walked from his room and headed back to the Maester's, knocking at Wolkan's door rather than heading back to the rookery itself.

"Lord Tyrion?" The Maester asked surprised when he opened his door.

"Maester, I wish to send a raven to Dragonstone." Tyrion said and the Maester looked at him oddly for a moment.

"For their graces, my lord?" Wolkan asked.

"For their graces, Maester." he said and Wolkan bid him join him as he walked up the stairs and into the rookery for the second time that day.

He handed the Maester the sealed note and was pleased to see he didn't seem to pay it any mind, instead moving to the cage and taking the raven out. After attaching the scroll to its leg, Wolkan moved to the window and within a moment the bird was in the air. Tyrion almost whistling at the simplicity of it all as he walked down the stairs and back into the courtyard. Seeing the queen, Ser Jorah, and some guards walk his way he felt his heart stop but when he saw her smile, he knew it wasn't as he feared.

"I've sent a message to Dragonstone your grace, to ready for our return." he said explaining his visit t the Maester.

"Very good. From now on these men are to act as your guards, Tyrion. You seem to have given much thought to your position while on the road and to my husband's own, continue to prove yourself loyal to not just me but to Jon as well and perhaps there is a role on our council for you after all."

"I thank you, your grace, for the second chance." he said with a smile.

"There won't be a third one, Tyrion." she before said walking away from him.

He slept well that night knowing that Cersei would soon receive the raven, his words spoken to her when they'd met alone he hoped would be enough to prove them true. That he actually did care for her unborn babe was no lie and that he wished she'd live to see the babe born was one of the few good thoughts he had in relation to his sister. He'd told her so when they'd met and it had been enough he'd thought to bring her to their side. That it had not was something that he should have realized and yet he did not. He could only hope he wasn't making the same mistake this time and that she'd act based on the information he was telling her. The fleet would be attacked and Jon Snow would take the blame for it. Tyrion ready to tell the queen that her husband wished to rule and rule alone, after all, how else could they have known where they would be.

The West 305 AC.

Daven Lannister.

He looked at the raven scroll and shook his head, his cousin really was a fool if she thought an order from her carried any weight with the true men of the West. After what she'd done in the Sept of Baelor they would never follow her again, as it was only respect for Ser Jaime had kept their allegiance in line. Even that was fleeting after the loss on the King's Road but they had been prepared to follow him to the North and to fight this so-called Army of the Dead.

Daven had not been and would have preferred to see the North burn to the ground than to see Westermen's blood spilled to protect it from any army dead men or not. His feelings he knew were clouded by the loss of his father at Rickard Karstark's hands and the fact he'd never gotten his vengeance against the Lord or the Northmen themselves. So he'd refused to go even despite Ser Jaime and Ser Addam's request and as Warden of the West, it had been up to him to refuse the other's leave to do so when Cersei's orders were to stay were made clear.

Was it hypocritical of him to follow one order from a crazed woman and then to ignore another, perhaps? He knew though it was one thing not to wish to fight alongside men that you blamed for your father's death and another to fight against them. Especially when those men also had dragons to call upon. So they could name him a hypocrite if they so wished, he cared not. Compared to some others who'd made decisions in the wars that had ravaged the West over the past few years, being a hypocrite wasn't actually all that bad.

Looking at himself in the mirror, his long hair tamed and his beard trimmed, he looked every inch the Western lord, instead of the crazed and angered lion he'd looked for so many years. His sister finally getting through to him that while it was for a noble reason that he'd said he'd not cut his hair or beard, the reality of it shamed them and their father's memory.

" You're a Lannister, Daven, one of the few that remain and one of the only ones that are worth a damn, it's time you started to look like what you are and not what they see." Cerenna said.

He left the room and walked down the halls, Casterly Rock now back in the hands of the Lannisters after being abandoned first by them and then by the Unsullied who'd taken an empty keep. A cunning plan that Jaime had come up with though were it left to him, he'd have broken the unsullied against its walls. Still, they were back, and as he strolled down to the Great Hall he readied for the meeting ahead. His own decision was made and as Warden, it carried the might of the role he served in but he was no Tywin Lannister and so on this, they'd make their own choices too.

Entering the hall he looked to the High Table, Lady Genna, Ser Emmon, his mother and sister's, the last remnants of house Lannister apart from Joy Hill. Should Lady Genna pass she would be the new lady of Casterly Rock and it was she who Daven was being pressured to take to wife. That the girl had all the beauty that the Lannister's were known for and was next in line to the Rock itself was enough for most men but not for him. He wished his wife to love him and wish to be his and he feared had or would never see him that way. Taking his seat he looked out on the Lords of the West and nodded to Genna to begin.

"We've received a raven from her grace ordering the West to rise, she demands her Warden, my cousin, call the banners and bring them to bear on the force that the bastard and the Draognbitch now march her way." Genna said and Daven chuckled, he'd wondered if she'd use those terms and he had wagered that she would.

"And what does our Warden say?" Ser Addam called out.

Daven looked on as the other lords and knights stared his way, their eyes focussed on him as they awaited his reply.

"My cousin is our queen and it's our sworn oath to come when she calls." he said reaching out and taking a swallow of his drink "But there are men here in this room who marched along the King's Road, men who faced a dragon's wrath once before. Were that the only thing that gave me pause then I'd name myself a craven and think my courage to be faltering but it's not. It's the nature of the queen herself that gives me reason to doubt our oath." he said.

"You say we should not march?" Lord Banefort asked.

"That we should refuse our rightful queen?" Lord Crakehall asked and Daven glared at the man, Desmond was not one who'd answer any call, good or true, the man as craven as the day was long

"I'm saying that I have reason to doubt whether the call from this queen is in the best interests of the West my lords. We all know what happened in the Sept of Baelor, do we really wish to march and risk such a thing happening to us?".

"Lies."

"Lies."

"It was the imp."

"If there is a man fool enough here to believe Tyrion responsible then I fear for him and his house. My nephew may be a monster, a kinslayer who is cursed by the gods, but my niece is just as guilty of the very same crime. It wasn't Tyrion who destroyed the Great Sept, no my lords that was all Cersei's work, and among the many, she sent to their death day was mine own brother, her uncle Kevan." Genna said and the voices calmed.

"We are faced with a choice my lords, we march and face an army thrice our size and with Dragons at its head, to protect a woman who killed her kin and would no doubt see each and every one of us dead for one more day on the throne, or we stand down and we wait this out." Daven said loudly.

"And should the Dragonqueen win?" Ser Addam asked.

"Then we kneel and pledge fealty, Addam, we've not risen against her and she'll need a pliant Westerlands will she not?." Daven asked.

"And should Cersei?" Desmond asked.

"The perhaps it's time for someone else to hold the crown." he said as men turned to each other and the decision was made.

A few hours later he stood in the Golden Gallery and heard the footsteps behind him, Daven turning when he smelt her perfume.

"Ser Daven." Joy said with a smile.

"Lady Joy." he replied.

"Are you really seeking a crown?" Joy asked standing beside him as he looked at the gilded ornaments and tapestries that lined the walls.

"No, there will be only one winner in the war to come, and one person wearing a crown."

"The Dragonqueen." she asked nervously.

"Aye, the Dragonqueen." he said turning to her.

They stood in silence for a moment and he took in just how truly beautiful she was. Seven and ten years old and a woman grown, her green eyes and long blond hair made her Cersei's twin, was Cersei not mad and bitter. She caught him looking and smiled and when he went to turn away he found her hands stopping his head from doing so.

"You know my aunt wishes us wed, Ser Daven?" she asked and he nodded "It is something you wish for too?"

"I wouldn't presume my lady." he said softly.

"And were it something that I wished for?" she asked surprising him.

"I had thought you… I did not expect you may feel that way."

"I believe in time that you and I could fall for each other Ser Daven, I know the politics and why my aunt wishes the match and that the West needs it too. I believe we could be happy together." Joy said with a smile.

"I would try to make you happy my lady." he said returning her smile.

"Then I have but one request of you, Ser." she said and he nodded "Treat with Daenerys Targaryen before she faces Cersei. Meet with her and offer our fealty before the fight to come."

"You ask too much, my lady." he said shaking his head.

"I do not, Ser. The words you said in there were good and true but you made one mistake in your thinking." Joy said.

"Which was?" he asked curiously.

"While the queen may require a pliant West, it doesn't have to be one that we're a part of, Ser Daven. We're Lannister's and she may seek to punish us just for that. Staying out of the war to come isn't enough, we must offer our swords so that she knows us to be true."

"The West would never go for it." he said looking into her green eyes.

"It doesn't truly need to Ser. A large enough force of men you can trust riding out to treat and meeting the queen under parley. Remember what Ser Addam said about the terms that she offered Randyll Tarly and he fought against not with her. Make the offer Ser Daven and I'll give you my hand and my heart." Joy said leaning in and kissing his cheek before walking from the Golden Gallery.

Daven stood there for a few more minutes alone before he turned and walked through the doors, his mind made up and his course set and he only hoped that he was making the right choice.

Winterfell/White Harbor 305 AC.

Aegon.

He placed the blue winter rose in her hand and said his goodbye and then walked from the crypt and out into the courtyard. Edd looked at him nervously and yet was resolute and Aegon felt he'd made the right decision to name him as Castellan. Though he didn't have the true experience to run Winterfell, he left enough men around him who did, and yet it was the fact that he knew he could completely trust him that had made the choice so simple. After embracing him and telling him that he'd try and not make it too long until he was relieved and laughing when Edd said at least there wasn't a Wall for him to bring down around him. He said his goodbyes and moved on to the others that he needed to say them to.

Tormund stood with the Mormont's and after saying goodbye to Maege, a quick and easier one than the one he was now having with Lyanna, he looked and knew that Tormund would be harder still.

"You told me once that Winter is here and we need the King in the North, in the North." he said looking to Lyanna.

"Aye I did your grace." she replied.

"You'll not say so again?" he asked with a smile.

"Your grace has seen the Army of the Dead defeated, he's made plans to see the North fed for Winter and has placed capable people to see the North is made ready while he is away." Lyanna said looking to him "I have faith in my king, your grace, when the North needs him, he will return, and until that day he shall be missed."

"I thank you Lady Lyanna, for that faith and for everything else you've given me without my asking." he said and received a nod in return as he moved to Tormund.

The hug he was enveloped in was bone-crushing, Tormund lifting him from his feet and Aegon barely able to wrap his arms around the man in return. When he eventually relaxed his grip and put him back to the ground, Aegon looked through his glassy and wet eyes to see Tormund's were tear-filled too.

"I don't have the words, Tormund." he said softly.

"Nor I Jon Snow, nor I."

"All I know to say is that it has been the privilege of my entire life to name you my friend, to fight alongside you, and to drink, laugh and cry with you. Thank you Tormund, thank you for all of it." he said as Tormund's tears fell from his eyes.

Aegon looked on as Tormund nodded and around the yard every single one of the Free Folk knelt as one, Tormund doing likewise.

"The King Beyond the Wall." Tormund shouted loudly

"The King Beyond the Wall." the voices rang around as Aegon turned and walked to his horse.

He looked back as the horses rode out the gate, Tormund stood speaking to Lyanna and Maege Mormont, Edd looking at him before turning away and every eye he could see in Winterfell was watching as he rode away perhaps never to return. Dany rode close by him and Ser Jaime and Ser Brienne on either side, while ghost raced on ahead. Aegon felt he'd done right by the North, he'd named Lord Wyman as Lord Guardian, basically, the political might of the North while Maege was the Military might. Edd was to keep Winterfell until he knew what could actually be done with it. Dany would see the North fed and he'd left them as many capable men as he could, he felt he'd done right by it, he believed he had.

When they reached Wintertown, he was pleased to see the men and woman had come out to wave them off, more so to hear them cheer Dany's name as loudly as they did his own. That his wife appreciated it only making him feel proud of his people for finally showing her the true North. When the little girl came running towards his horse, he saw Jaime and Brienne look nervous and he shook his head to reach down and muss the girl's hair, only for a note to be placed in his hand. Aegon reading it as he rode and then showing it to Dany who read it and looked his way before nodding.

A few miles outside of Wintertown they stopped, Aegon calling Ser Davos and the Dragonguard and telling them what he and Dany were about to do, leaving them with orders for them to continue the march. It took less than an hour for Rhaegal and Drogon to land and as he and Dany walked to the dragons, Arya joined him wondering where they were flying off to.

"Jon?" his little sister asked as she caught up to him.

"We need to go to White Harbor, Lord Varys has news of great import to share."

"Can it not wait?" Arya asked and he shook his head "Can I come with you?"

"Not this time, I promise I'll take you up again when I return." he said and she nodded.

"How long?"

"A day maybe two, it won't be longer than that." he said and she nodded before he grabbed her and kissed her forehead, Arya making an annoyed face, and yet he saw the smirk before it went away "Look after Missandei and the others."

"Aye, I will." she said as she then walked over to say goodbye to Dany.

After speaking briefly to Rhaegal and telling him of their plans with the Iron Born and feeling his eagerness to see them done, he climbed onto the dragon's back. Dany doing likewise with Drogon and soon enough they were both in the air. It was nightfall when they reached White Harbor and they landed close enough to the gates that they would be seen to be who they were. The guards only coming their way once the dragons were back in the sky.

It took some time to get to the New Castle, night though it was people had seen the dragons and so they were stopped many times along the way. Men, women, and children were eager to see the king and queen, and Aegon thinking it again a far different reception than the one Dany had received just moons earlier. Lady Wylla awaited them and told them she'd see a room readied for them and that Varys was inside. The girl asking about her grandfather and relieved to know that she'd see him soon enough.

They were no sooner in their room than Varys came to them, the look on his face one that made Aegon most eager for his news.

"it's good to see both of you so well, your graces." Varys said smiling as he took a seat.

"You too Lord Varys, your note said you had news to share?" he said and Varys nodded eagerly.

"Lord Jon Connington and a large portion of the Golden Company are yours, your grace perhaps even all of it." Varys said and Aegon looked to Dany to see that she was as shocked as he.

"For true, Lord Varys?" Dany asked.

"For true, your grace, there may be a price, some lands and some honors, but the realm is in need of new lords and Lord Connington I believe will make the deal fair."

"He accepted the truth?" Aegon asked.

"Most happily, your grace." Varys said.

"And we trust his word?" Dany asked.

"When it comes to Aegon, yes your grace, knowing that you two are wed even more so." Varys said and Dany smiled.

"That's not the only good news, your grace, from Lord Hightower." Varys said handing him a letter.

He read it quickly, his smile becoming ever more full as he did so and Dany looking at him eagerly, only his frown at the end causing her own to appear.

"Aegon?" she asked worriedly.

"We have the Reach, my love." he said trying to smile.

"Yet you seem displeased." Dany asked reaching out her hand to ask for the note.

"It seems they know of me and of our wedding, Dany." he said handing her it.

It took some time for her to read it and once she did she looked to Varys as did he, the master of whisperers not seeming as concerned as either of them was.

"Ser Baelor told me his sister knows things, I believe she's a greenseer, your grace, as for your wedding news has no doubt reached throughout the realm by now." Varys said.

"Aye but it's yet more people who know the truth of me." he said worriedly.

"Perhaps it's time we use that to our advantage, Aegon." Dany said.

"It's too dangerous, Dany." he said and Dany shook his head.

"Is it? We have the North, the Reach, Dorne, and the Riverlands, The other loyalists houses will swear to us now too. We're married, Aegon, we're together. I say we name you as true and that we are wed and seek to rule together." Dany said.

"I.."

"You have the Riverlands, Dorne?" Varys asked surprised before Dany explained it to him and then about the North, Aegon sitting and trying to think if he should or should not do as Dany suggested.

"Lord Varys?" he asked.

"I believe her grace is right. I'd speak to Lord Wyman first, let him know this truth, but once you've done so then I'd send word to the rest of the Realm your grace, name it as true."

He got up and walked to the fire, Aegon looking down into the flames, and was soon joined by his wife, Dany taking his hand and leaning in close to him as he looked to her.

"We are together Aegon, you, I and our babe, we have our army, our dragons, the Reach knows the truth and the North I believe will accept it too." she said her voice barely a whisper.

"And the Riverlands, Dorne, the others?"

"Will kneel or be brought to their knees. We are dragons my love it's time the realm knows the dragons have truly returned."

"They can live in our new world, or die in their old one" he said as she smiled and he leaned down to kiss her, Aegon finally seeing the words for what they were, truth.