Frozen Flames: The Saga of the Ice Dragon (Completed)

"Get up, Jaehaerys, it's time to make your brother King," Arianne's voice woke him up.

Jae groaned and rolled over just in time to catch a delicious glimpse of her flesh before she pulled on her dress. "Already?"

"Mhmm, you made me late enough as it is." She did not seem very regretful.

"You're the one who showed up in my chambers last night," he replied without putting much thought into it.

"You're the one who attacked me like a hungry dog," she said, threw her hair back, and walked out of his chambers, winking back at him on her way out.

Jae huffed in amusement. She told the truth, he supposed. Drunk on wine and high on beating Lord Darry into submission, he'd learned a naked Princess sitting at the edge of his bed could be an irresistible temptation.

He slid out of bed, his mouth parched, and walked over to the table to pour himself a cup of cool water. Two more followed before he felt a bit better. His maid, who'd apparently been waiting for Arianne to leave, stepped into his bedroom with a bucket of hot water, a half dozen of her assistants behind her.

None of them even blinked to find the Crown Prince standing naked before them and quickly went about filling his bathtub to the brim. He slid into it with a sigh, the steaming hot water embracing his body. He loved it. He brushed his entire body, not wanting the maid to do it, and washed his hair. He would've liked to stay in the bath until the water turned cold, but the maid tapped her foot on the floor, standing by the door, so his time had to be short.

He stepped out of the bath and dried himself off with a towel the maid gave him and returned to his bedroom where they'd laid out his clothes for the day.

They'd been made by the finest seamstress in all of King's Landing for the special occasion. His doublet was black with two silver dragons on each side of his chest. Silver clasps took the place of buttons and silver linings further drove home the point of the Ice Dragon. Aegon's drunken jape had caught on and Jae saw no reason not to take advantage.

The maid helped him dress and put his hair in order, allowing Jae's thoughts to drift away to the previous night. Thinking about his confrontation with Aegon during the feast made him worry but he held onto hope that things could still be smoothed out. What came after he felt much better about.

Lord Darry had folded like a house of cards when Jae confronted him about his plans and the misdeeds that would prevent him from executing them. Thank Gods it was so easy, I was quite drunk.

The source of his information bothered Jae more: Lord Varys. He hated the man and his enigmatic ways. He could admit himself scared of the man. Varys considered loyalty a strange concept, and for all his professed devotion to the people of Westeros, his actions didn't match up. Or he'd never have told the Mad King about Rhaegar's plans for the Tourney of Harrenhall.

The knowledge itself did him no good, of course. Being aware of Lord Varys' deceitful nature and doing something about it were two vastly different notions. Jae understood the power of the secret passageways of the Red Keep better than most. If one can listen to conversations, he can interrupt them as well. Bread and Cheese came to mind. If Jae uttered one word about harming Varys, those little birds would come swarming out of their nests. 

But this time he had saved Jae's butt. What will be the price, I wonder? No doubt Varys would come to collect in due time.

All of it didn't matter, he thought with no small amount of giddiness. His plans had come together. A symphony where not one instrument would play out of tune. Jae would be the conductor during the Council and lead Westeros exactly where he wanted it to go.

He'd been going from one meeting to another without pause since the arrival of the Lords, charming the loyalists and placating the rebels into doing his bidding. By the end of the day, Lord Rosby would be Hand of the King and Stannis Baratheon would be Master of Laws. Lords Velaryon and Tarly would retain their positions as Masters of Ships and War, respectively. Tyrion Lannister would be named Master of Coin to serve as a bitter consolation prize for Lord Tywin and a delightful present for Ser Jaime, while Varys would remain Master of Whisperers.

He had put a lot of thought into the positions and who should take them. He felt it the best combination of men and though he would have liked more former rebels on the Small Council, he wasn't deluded enough to think he could pull it off.

Stannis Baratheon will have to be enough for now. All his allies, the begrudging as well as the willing, knew exactly when to speak up. He couldn't have only former rebels championing any proposal; no, he needed unilateral support. Any proposal championed by the former rebels had to be seconded by one of the loyalists just when it seemed their proposal could be shot down on account of it being championed by rebels only.

He smiled contentedly in the looking glass as the maid finished her work. He looked quite well, he wasn't ashamed to admit, and it was only right that he should look like a proper Prince on the day of his greatest triumph.

He thanked the maid for her help and walked out of his chambers, Ser Jaime falling into step behind him as they made their way to the courtyard of the Red Keep where the Royal Procession would begin its journey to the Sept of Baelor.

Several large carriages were arrayed around the courtyard to transport the Ladies of the Court – he spotted Arianne getting into one of them – while the Lords and the knights would ride ahead of them. Nearly two hundred Goldcloaks were ordered to offer escort to the party to ensure the commoners lining the streets wouldn't be an issue.

"Big day, eh?" Ser Jaime said by his side.

Jae nodded. "Should be interesting."

They mounted up and joined the procession, riding right behind Aegon as they began the slow trek to the Sept. People along the streets threw flowers in their path (Jae had them distributed for that very reason) and cheered as Aegon rode by, his back ramrod straight, looking for all the world as a perfect King. Jae had to fight hard not to snort at the thought. If he read him correctly, Aegon suffered from a terrible hangover.

I wonder how many Kings have been hungover for the coronation. More than he would have liked, no doubt, but it did not make him feel any better about Aegon either. After today, we'll have to come to some sort of agreement. But that would be after they'd crossed the treacherous ground that laid ahead. 

When they arrived at the Sept, the King stopped on its stairs and there he would wait and say a prayer to the Seven while the rest of the nobles entered the Sept and prepared for his arrival. Jae dismounted and made his way inside. He would sit in the front row, next to Queen Elia.

The Lords and the Ladies followed him inside in an orderly fashion, while Jae went over his plans for the final time. The blaring of trumpets interrupted his thoughts and sent a lance of pain through his head. Then the doors of the Great Sept opened. All rose to their feet. Aegon stepped through, dressed as befitted a King, wearing a black doublet with golden linings, a red dragon on his chest. A gold medallion hung around his neck with seven pieces, representing the Seven Kingdoms. A red cloak hung from his shoulders, trailing after him as he slowly made his way to the altar, the eyes of Westeros on him. My better version, Jae thought, pleased. His thoughts on the man were irrelevant as long as he looked right to the people and the nobles.

He made his way to the altar and those hungry eyes watched him as he was divested of his cloak, followed by the doublet and his tunic. Bare-chested, he knelt before the High Septon who began the long and dull sermon, anointing Aegon with the seven oils. When, after a grueling hour, his sermon came to an end, the High Septon's disciples clothed Aegon and helped him back to his feet.

He turned to the crowd of nobles as the High Septon placed the crown Jae had procured upon his silver curls. "All hail King Aegon Targaryen, Sixth of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. Long may he reign!"

"Long may he reign!" the crowd answered as one.

Let's hope so.

Aegon descended down the stairs and retraced his steps back out of the Sept, the Lord and Ladies following after him. A massive crowd had gathered outside the Sept to hear the King give a speech. The Lords of Westeros arrayed behind him, Jae and the rest of the Royal Family in the front. Aegon stepped forth and gave a passionate speech about the future, of peace and prosperity and a realm that will last for a thousand years.

Jae himself felt moved by the speech, a sentiment shared by the commoners but not the nobles. None of them blinked an eye at his words. I wonder what kinds of speeches the Mad King gave. It would explain why they all knew better than to believe a few flowery words.

The Royal procession returned to the Red Keep shortly afterward. A small feast would be held before the Council of Lords would commence. Jae got goosebumps thinking about it and grew more anxious for it to begin. He would be alright once it started but anticipation meant to torture him until then. He had too much time to think and fret over every little thing he said, time to wonder if he'd missed anything. Lord Varys' last-minute warning did not help matters in that regard.

Upon their arrival at the Red Keep, they all made their way to the gardens where the feast would be held. Jae sleepwalked through the entire affair.

The unfair trade deals and extortionate taxes would be done away with. The only thing he could be absolutely certain of. They hurt the rebels and loyalists alike and so no one would accept anything less. The feelings of disenfranchisement by the rebels and resentment by the loyalist, that would prove trickier. Aegon had to be seen keeping the rebels on the leash but it had to be done in a way where the rebels didn't feel like it.

Love came in handy in that regard. Lady Ayla Waynwood had long been in love with the eldest son of Lord Gyles Rosby, the soon-to-be Hand of the King. A good way to ensure the loyalty of the Vale if ever there was one. Lord Royce would never march against the King if it meant risking his daughter's life. A lovely little nuisance for Lord Arryn, as Arianne put it.

Lord Edmure Tully was the other problem solved through marriage. Jaehaerys meant to have him marry Jeyne Darry, thus linking another rebel House to a family whose loyalty to the Crown could not be questioned, sating Lord Darry's desire to see Riverrun burnt to the ground in the process. He'd negotiated the deal the previous night since Lord Darry saw no issue with being executed for his crimes if it meant the Tullys would be right behind him on the path to hell.

He himself would play the part of the hostage, ensuring the North's loyalty and Stannis Baratheon serving as Master of Laws in the capital would secure the Stormlands. A pretty ribbon to tie all of Westeros together and allow everyone to feel comfortable enough to give the former rebels some breathing room and provide Jae with the chance to negotiate deals that would make them all rich. It will take time, but if we pull it off we should be on the right path.

He knew in his heart he was right. He'd studied his history extensively since he saw no point in repeating the mistakes of his ancestors. One undeniable fact formed in his mind; keep the righteous men satisfied. When an honorable, just man calls his banners against you, that is the time to piss your breeches.

Those myths of chivalry, honor, and nobility were useful things. Religion kept the commoners in line and those myths did the same for the nobles. They made them forget that savagery, manipulation and murder bought them their titles, not fancy armor and a condescending attitude. Those nobles were the ones who would go to war if they believed the reason to be just.

Sharks like Tywin Lannister would manufacture that reason and it was their kind one had to worry about. The men who remembered their origins and knew the only difference between a commoner and a nobleman was that nobles applied far more finesse to murder.

They were the men who would block Stannis Baratheon's appointment as Master of Ships, the ones who would sabotage Edmure Tully's marriage and instead provide Lord Darry with another incentive for war. Not many of them existed – thank the Gods – but then you only needed one to render all plans useless.

They were the ones Jae looked for as his eyes roamed the crowd below the dais, searching for a snake in the grass. After the meal had finished, Jae thought to go and talk to some of them, stopping by the table by the Starks first.

"Enjoyed your meal, my Lords?" he asked as he approached. Other than Lord Stark and his heir, Lords Manderly, Dustin, Karstark, and Ryswell followed their liege Lord to the capital. They all bowed their heads at Jae's approach.

"It was good," Lord Stark applied his vast vocabulary, his tone terse. He knew what he had to do after the feast and did not like it one bit. The rest of them nodded in agreement.

"I wanted to thank you, Your Grace," Robb Stark spoke up. "For your assistance yesterday."

Jae smiled. "It was nothing, cousin. What else is family for?"

Robb nodded with a smile of his own. "Would you like to join us, Your Grace?"

The rest of them looked eager and Jae hated to let them down. "I thank you, but unfortunately I have much to do. Perhaps at the evening's feast?" They looked a bit mollified by that, though not by much.

I haven't taken enough time to get to know them, Jae thought. But he moved past their table all the same. The meal having come to a close, the nobles moved around freely, enjoying the many entertainers that had been placed around the gardens, from jugglers and jesters to exotic dancers.

He came across Lady Olenna on the way as she watched a Summer Island woman dance with a bored look in her eyes. "Last night was interesting," she said, clearly reminding him that his ability to make Margaery Queen represented the lynchpin of their arrangement.

He could come up with a thousand excuses and still it wouldn't make things better. So he did the petty thing. "Your granddaughter's ability to charm men seems to have been a bit overestimated, my Lady."

She huffed in amusement, entirely aware of his tactics and apparently entertained by them. "In the case of the King, I cannot entirely dispute that." Because she too could make a thousand excuses and it wouldn't make a bit of difference.

"We both know what's really going to happen, do we not?" he asked as a servant presented a cup of wine to him.

She nodded, her lips pursed in a tight line. "The King will marry for political reasons, but it will not be a happy marriage, nor will his wife have much say in the affairs of the state."

"The first is true, but the latter remains to be seen. Your granddaughter might still earn His Grace's trust even if she will never earn his love."

"Sounds like most successful marriages I know of," Olenna conceded. "But it's Lord Tywin I'm more worried about. He knows you've got everyone whispering of Margaery in the King's ear and he hasn't done anything to stop it."

"Stopping it would require drastic measures," Jae said.

"You believe Lord Tywin is above drastic measures?"

"Only when he's holding all the cards. He does not, at the moment."

"You're doing well so far, I'll grant you that, but in all my years I've never seen a plan run so smoothly," she said, looking at a young Lady that passed them with disdainful eyes.

"Perhaps after all the years of strife, the Gods have offered us a chance at peace."

Olenna gave him a derisive look. "You don't believe that. You think you're the one who's engineered it all so perfectly." She huffed. "I pity you, in a way."

She wasn't wrong. Jae did believe he played his hand correctly. Ser Daemon told Aegon exactly what Jae wanted him to and Rhaenys took care of the Martells. Jae had brought everyone onto the same page and Aegon had yet to go rogue when sober. The chances of it all going well seemed excellent.

"I cannot deal with problems I can't see, my Lady," he said.

"Indeed not, but can you deal with problems once they appear, Your Grace? Think on that while I go make sure my son doesn't make a complete fool out of himself."

Jae nodded and watched her go. He meant to go talk to Stannis when none other than the King approached him. "Brother," he said with a charming smile.

"Your Grace." Jae bowed. "I must say you gave an excellent speech after the ceremony."

"And I meant every word of it." Aegon gave him a meaningful look. He gestured for Jae to walk with him. "I wanted to apologize... again. I'm afraid me and alcohol do not go well together."

"I do believe that's true for most of us, Your Grace," Jae said, pleased by the apology but worried if it would become a regular occurrence.

Aegon gave him a feeble smile. "I want you to know, Jaehaerys, I will do all in my power to do as you asked during the Council. I see the wisdom of your advice."

But Jae hadn't given him any direct advice, which could only mean... "Yes, yes." Aegon chuckled. "I'm aware Ser Daemon and the rest of my family are acting according to your wishes."

Jae's lips quirked into a sheepish smile. "What gave it away?"

"Men rarely agree on everything, I suppose." Aegon clapped him on the back, "Besides, I've never heard Oberyn talk such sense before."

And there he showed a glimpse of a great King. A man who could see through the masks of those around him and unearth their true motivations, see who really pulled their strings. The single most important quality a King could have, as rare as prolonged periods of peace in the history of Westeros. And yet... and yet. If he's smart enough for it, why all the dumb mistakes?

Jae made himself chuckle at his words, couldn't deny Oberyn's tendency for impulsiveness.

"I do have one question, though..." Aegon began as he stopped and turned to Jae. "You truly believe Lady Margaery to be the best match available to me?"

Jae ran a hand through his hair. Even he did know not the answer to that. Margaery had the makings of a great Queen. She understood the nuances of Court and how to manipulate people to her advantage but would she act in the interest of the Crown or in the interest of her? Margaery Tyrell, if she became Queen, would have to be taught that she was a Targaryen and so duty-bound to protect the interests of every Kingdom, not just the Reach. And that would take time.

"I do, Your Grace, though I will not deny Her Ladyship will have to learn a thing or two before she can be trusted to become a true member of the family."

Aegon nodded, clearly having considered the same. "I suppose that's the best we can hope for."

"In the current climate, I would agree, Your Grace."

"Then I shall heed your advice. After all, I do believe there's a reason why your diplomatic skills are held in such high regard by all of Westeros." Aegon paid him a compliment for compliment's sake. A clumsy attempt at a closer bond.

"Your Grace flatters me." Jae bowed his head because Jae knew his place.

Aegon snorted, apparently amused by Jae's humility. "I may not know much, but I know that if Rhae—our Father was here today, he would be all too proud to see what kind of a man you've become."

Jae would've considered it a condescending comment coming from a man two years older than him if Aegon did not sound so wistful. He did not mean to compliment Jae, he inadvertently expressed his desire for people to say the same about him.

"He'd feel the same about you, Your Grace." Jae tried his best not to sound as if he pitied Aegon.

"I think I rather mucked it up, to be honest."

"You are seven-and-ten, Your Grace. After you've reigned for fifty years over a peaceful realm, no one will remember a few choice words said at a feast."

"You truly believe that, don't you?" Aegon asked, looking at Jae as though he found him to be the most fascinating creature he'd ever seen.

"I do, Your Grace."

"Well, how I deserved a brother like you, I'll never know." He chuckled and walked away without another word.

Jae didn't know what to think of that – becoming a tradition, isn't it? – but he prayed to the Old Gods and the New that Aegon would keep that attitude for the rest of the Council.

He moved around the garden, talking to Lords and Ladies left and right until the time came for the Lords of Westeros to convene in the Throne Room. Daenerys joined him on the walk, eager to make another one of her reports.

"Everything seems to be going according to plan," she told him with a bright smile. "I've heard some people complain about your plans for the Small Council, but honestly, I'd be more concerned if they all kept their mouths shut."

"True enough," Jae replied as they marched up a staircase. "What of Tywin?"

Daenerys furrowed her brows. "He disappeared after the ceremony, I don't know where, he only came back by the end of the feast."

"Alright…" Jae left his answer hanging. "I suppose there's nothing we can do about it now."

"Most likely. But I can ask around if you like."

The two of them reached the door to the Throne Room. "No need, Dany." He gave her a peck on the cheek. "Thanks for all the help. Go get some rest, you probably need it."

Dany patted his arm before walking off, and Jae stepped into the Throne Room, the first one there. Not long after, the rest of the Lords of the Seven Kindoms trickled in. Jae took his place to the right of the Iron Throne, Prince Oberyn sitting to the left. They all took their seats, the Great Lords sitting in the front row, the Major Lords sitting in the rows behind them and the Minor Lords foolish enough to think they'd have any say in the discussion sitting behind them.

When everyone had gathered, Aegon stood from his seat atop the Iron Throne and said, "Seeing as we are all present, I declare this Council of Lords has begun."

Lord Royce shot to his feet. "My apologies, Your Grace, but Lord Arryn is not present. He should be here any moment."

As if on cue, the door opened one final time and Lord Arryn walked in. But he didn't come alone. A woman trailed after him. She had her eyes on the floor and her hair prevented Jaehaerys from ascertaining her identity.

Arryn made his way to the front of the Throne Room and stopped before the stairs to the Iron Throne. Jae watched him with a frown. Something's wrong. Any man approaching the Iron Throne had to bow. Arryn stared up at Aegon, eyes defiant.

Aegon could sense it too. "Glad you could join us, Lord Arryn, and I see you've brought... a guest?" he asked.

"Not a guest, but a witness," Arryn said and a ripple of whispers spread among the Lords. Lord Stark got to his feet next and moved to stand beside Arryn. Jae felt a shiver run down his spine.

Arryn turned his back to Aegon and addressed the Lords present. "My Lords!" he called. "We have been deceived." He turned and pointed an accusing finger at Aegon. "This man sitting upon the Iron Throne is no King at all! No son of Rhaegar Targaryen! He is a pretender!"

A preternatural hush fell upon the room, all of them staring with bated breath, wondering if Arryn and Stark had gone mad, exchanging dumb-struck looks.

Arryn must've known he had but moments to explain himself before chaos erupted and quickly continued, "The real Aegon Targaryen died on the voyage to Dorne and the Martells in their bid to retain their ties to the Crown found a child with all the Valyrian features and passed him off as the son of Rhaegar Targaryen!"

Jae's eyes instinctually snapped to Aegon who sat on the Iron Throne, stiff as a plank but showing no emotion. Prince Oberyn stepped forth, a look of rage on his face. "What evidence do you have to prove these treasonous accusations?!"

"The only treason is yours, Prince Oberyn!" Eddard called. "Your plot to deny Prince Jaehaerys his rightful crown."

What in the world are you doing, you bloody fools?!

"And she is our proof!" Arryn continued. The girl looked up, tears staining her cheeks.

Lord Velaryon shot to his feet after one look at the girl. "Daenys?!" he cried in shock.

"Indeed, my Lord!" Lord Arryn confirmed, nodding. "Prince Aegon's wetnurse. The woman who'd seen Prince Aegon die." He turned his enraged gaze upon Oberyn. "And the woman you wanted to kill to keep the truth hidden!"

"Woman, is this true?" Lord Mace Tyrell, in a show of stupidity typical of him, asked.

She could only nod. The Throne Room erupted in chaos, the Lords yelling over each other. Some accused the Martells of treason, some accused Arryn of concocting a false tale to make Jaehaerys king.

Jae did not watch most of them. Jae watched the sharks. Oberyn, Tywin, Darry. He could not find Varys.

Oberyn paced before the Throne but a hint of panic lurked beneath his anger, that much he could tell. Darry looked flabbergasted and more than a little gleeful about Arryn's folly. Tywin looked mighty pleased and so Jae's eyes stayed on him.

"Enough!" Eddard called, bringing an end to the pandemonium. "The evidence is undeniable and we call upon all of you to ensure this pretender does not presume to govern us any longer. To do your duty as Lords of the Realm."

The men present exchanged looks. Jae could tell they waited to see who would stand up first. But no one had the guts to do so. Jae did not know if he should stop them or encourage them. Stopping them meant sentencing his Uncle to death. Encouraging them meant becoming a traitor. Both options meant he'd start a fucking war.

He did not get the chance to make a decision because Tywin Lannister rose to his feet. The doors of the Throne Room burst open and men in red cloaks filed in, surrounding the room. Lannister men, every one.

The Lords, unarmed as they were, shut up and watched the men-at-arms take control of the room.

"Your Grace!" Lord Tywin called as he moved to stand before the Iron Throne. "Through a fortunate turn of events, I was able to discover the sinister plot against you and take measures to ensure it would not be successful. These are my men and they have secured the Red Keep against all threats."

Judging by the blood on their armor, Jae assumed they'd slaughtered every single one of the Goldcloaks. He did not worry about Daenerys and Rhaenys or even Robb. Lord Tywin wouldn't dare.

He felt dizzy, the room spun around him. He took a deep breath and focused. Can you deal with problems once they appear? Lady Olenna's words echoed in his ears. Who in the Seven Hells could have predicted this? And how in the world was I kept blind to it?

"These men have to be secured to ensure they do not spread any false tales until the truth of Lord Arryn's and Lord Stark's treason is ascertained, Your Grace." The Throne Room rose in protest at the thought of being held hostage, but the Lannister men lowered their spears and suddenly the idea of it became quite agreeable.

"Yes—Yes, Lord Tywin, you are—you are quite correct," Aegon said. Tywin gave a nod to his men and six of them moved forth to grab Lords Stark and Arryn.

They knew they were beaten. They knew it from the moment the Lannisters burst into the Throne Room. Jae stepped forth and yelled, "Who told you this? Who gave you this information? Who found the woman?"

The Lannister men stopped in their mission to drag the two of them out of the Throne Room. "Varys," Arryn replied. "Lord Varys informed us of it and found the woman. He's the one who saved her from the Martells."

Jae looked at Lord Tywin and said, "How did you discover this plot?!"

Tywin, who looked perplexed by Arryn's words, turned to Jae, his lips pursed tightly.

"I am your Crown Prince and I order you to answer me at once!" Jae thundered. Yes, you've seized the capital but do you dare say it out loud, Lion?

"Lord Varys," he replied as though it pained him.

Gods, we are truly fucked.  He turned to Aegon and said, "Your Grace, they have been deceived, every last one of them. Varys is behind this and I assure you that if he means to divide us so, it is with good reason."

"Do not believe a word he says, Your Grace." Lord Darry shot to his feet. "Only yesterday Prince Jaehaerys meant to prevent me from revealing the treachery of House Tully by extorting me! He is a traitor himself!"

Jae turned to the vengeful Lord. "And save you from your own treachery, you mean?"

Lord Darry's smile was all malice and vengeance. "Oh, but I've never committed any treasons during Connington's Regency. I simply did not deny your accusation because I was so interested in what you had to say about the actions of the Tullys."

Jae felt as though he'd been gut-punched. He'd been out-maneuvered to the fullest! He did not allow himself to look panicked in front of all the Lords but looked up at Aegon with a straight face, awaiting his judgment.

"Take Lord Stark and Lord Arryn to the Black Cells where they are to await my judgment," he said, then turned his eyes upon Jaehaerys. "Prince Jaehaerys is to be confined to his chambers until the truth of these matters is revealed to us."

And so two Lannister men stepped up to him, Ser Jaime or Ser Arthur nowhere to be found.

Lord Tywin Lannister owned the Capital and everyone in it.