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

"Yes—Yes, Your Grace. Just like that. Just like that," Margaery moaned as Jae fucked her, nearing his climax. Her nails scratching his back, legs wrapped tightly around him, it pushed him over the edge and he came with a groan, filling her womb with his seed. Margaery orgasmed right after him, screaming out in pleasure as a climax rocked her body.

Or so she led him to believe. If a woman's lucid enough to call you by your proper title during sex, you're really not as good as you'd like to believe. Jae off of her, staring up at the canopy of their bed.

They'd been given the Lord's chamber of Cider Hall by its Master, Lord Tanton Fossoway. A week had passed since their almost-perfect escape from King's Landing and Margaery, for one, seemed eager to take advantage of their newfound marital status. Or to wrap me around her finger with sex now that she's given up on her charms. She crawled up to him and laid her head on his chest.

"That was amazing, my love," she said.

Jae hummed in agreement, his mind already far away. He slipped out of bed and walked naked to the settee to dress himself. Margaery, still lying in bed, said, "Come back, Jaehaerys, it's too early to wage a war."

Jae looked back at her as he dressed. Margaery let the blanket cover just enough of her to hint at the glory beneath, her ruffled hair only adding to the flavor. Whatever could be said about her intentions, Jae couldn't deny she looked stunning. "War waits for no man, my Queen." He put on his doublet and fastened his swordbelt.

"Make sure to show your face to the army today," he said before he left his chambers. Ser Arthur and Ser Barristan waited outside and greeted him with formal nods.

"Your Grace," Ser Arthur said. "Lord Fossoway has asked for the honor of your presence in his study. He's received the news."

Jae decided to postpone his breakfast. He couldn't risk being uninformed. Not around these Reacher Lords. Though some of them lived up to the codes of chivalry they all so passionately espoused, most of them did not. Power-hungry vultures with delusions of grandeur.

Aegon the Conqueror's cunning political ploy had come to bite him in the arse. Every Lord he'd met so far held himself as if he deserved to be the Lord Paramount of the Reach. It made for objectionable men, arguing against plans not because they thought them misguided, but because they themselves did not propose them.

When's the last time the Reach scored a great military victory against another Kingdom? From what Jaehaerys could remember of his histories, the Lords of the Reach knew best how to fight each other and no one else.

It didn't take them long to reach Lord Tanton's chamber, Cider Hall being a small castle, though lavishly decorated. Statues and paintings littered the hallways, depicting the long and glorious history of the House. The two guards standing in front of the study both bowed and opened the door for him to enter when he approached. Stepping inside, he found Lord Fossoway's small study fit to bursting with the nobility of the Reach.

Lord Tarly stood at the head of the table, Merryweather by his side. Lords Fossoway, Caswell, Ashford, and Meadows stood around the table, various knights in service to them standing behind them. They joined his growing army in the past week, eager to get a taste of battle. Lady Olenna sat alone in the corner, tapping her cane on the floor. They all bowed when he entered, murmuring, "Your Grace."

"I've been told we've received some news, my Lords?" Jae asked as he walked to the front of the table and took his place between Tarly and Merryweather.

"Aye, Your Grace. Lord Tyrell sent a raven from Highgarden," Lord Merryweather said, voice hesitant and worried.

"And?" Jae asked. "What does it say?"

When Merryweather bit his tongue one too many times, Tarly took over, shooting the man a derisive look. "It says that the Florents and the Oakhearts joined forces with the Golden Company at the mouth of the Mander. Their combined force should number some twenty-five thousand men now."

Varys, he growled internally, knowing better than to show his surprise. They all watched him, waiting for any sign of weakness. Only he and the Tyrells were on the chopping block if all went wrong. Aegon would pardon the rest, and they all knew it.

But the move did catch him off-guard. He should have known Varys would make sure the Golden Company enjoyed a soft landing in Westeros. This offers them legitimacy, this makes them a true threat.  It would save them an untold amount of logistical problems. So much for having a hard time supplying their army.

Jae's advantage vanished. The Golden Company consisted of seasoned warriors. Jae's army consisted of strutting knights and peasants who'd never held a sword in their lives. If he had far greater numbers, it might've been enough. Now I don't even have that.

He never expected to command the full might of the Reach, at least not when dealing with Blackfyre. The Reach may boast a massive army, but it takes time to gather it. The fifteen thousand men he had at his disposal all came from nearby fiefdoms like Bitterbridge, Ashford, Cider Hall, and Grassy Vale.

The Hightowers and the rest of the Houses from the southernmost parts of the Reach wouldn't arrive in time. Lord Rowan and his armies of the northern marches were also questionable. It's a miracle Lord Tarly's men will be arriving in two days as it is.

That would bring his army up to some twenty-five thousand men and, if Lord Tyrell managed to gather the men under the direct vassalage of Highgarden, he would have around thirty thousand. Is it enough? He couldn't know. He had wanted to bloody his troops before provoking a full-scale engagement with Blackfyre, but now he doubted he would get the chance.

"Do we know why these two Houses have turned their cloaks?" Jae asked to buy himself time to think. Can't be seen stuttering.

"Lord Alester Florent and his son and Heir died a few moons back," Olenna piped up from her seat in the corner. "Murdered by pirates on their way back from Essos. His brother Axel is a far different man."

Varys again. "And the Oakhearts?"

Olenna shrugged. "Lady Oakheart is a tiny, delicate woman. It appears that hot-headed son of hers got tired of listening to her advice."

"They'll move against Highgarden next," Lord Caswell said with certainty.

"That would be a fool's choice," Lord Tarly said. "His Grace is the true threat. If I were in their position, I'd move against us with all speed before we gather the rest of our army."

Jae had to agree with Lord Tarly's assessment, though he did not know what his counter-move should be. Rush straight at them, surprise them with our aggression? Maneuver across the countryside to buy time and a chance to pick a battlefield of our choosing?

One important question loomed above all others, however – how much should he tell these Lords? He had no doubt there were spies in the Keep, itching to learn anything they could of the army's movements so they might report them to Varys. Unless I go straight at them. Then there'll be no need for deception.

"But they can't leave Highgarden and Lord Tyrell at their back. They have to defeat his force or wait for us to come to them," Lord Fossoway said. Jae had the chance to speak to the man over the previous couple of days and found he liked him. Lord Tanton considered war to be the greatest game of the Gods – daring and brave, never daunted throughout the ups and downs while enjoying every moment of it. To Jae, he represented the knight of the Reach the stories promised.

"They'll want to defeat Lord Tyrell. They have the greater numbers and it would do wonders to convince the rest of the Lords of the Realm that they are a legitimate force." Lord Ashford nodded, his jowls jiggling.

"They'd be smarter to swing to the north, force more Houses to join them, and grow their army," Lord Meadows replied. The discussion dissolved into an argument, with each Lord and knight proposing another plan, each more daring and bold than the last.

What to do? What to do? He did not know the lay of the land. Since he'd set out of King's Landing, he'd dreamed of out-maneuvering the Golden Company. If only he could find a battlefield where he'd hold all the advantages, his victory would be all but certain. This Daemon Blackfyre couldn't retreat, couldn't allow himself to retreat. Invaders cannot be seen retreating, makes them look weak.

The boy would have to force a battle and end up annihilated. Florents and Oakhearts joining him might be a blessing in disguise. The Golden Company on its own represented a cohesive fighting force. If Jaehaerys had to play his politics to keep his Lords in line, then Daemon was bound to have the same problems. Is he a King? Or just another warrior?

"Enough," he said and the bickering came to an end. "At this moment we can do nothing. We must wait for the forces of House Tarly to arrive. Until then, send a raven to Lord Tyrell and tell him to remain in Highgarden. The Pretender will not able to besiege it nor move past it to attack us, thus having to stay right where he is. Either that, or he must swing south or north. All of which buys us time to gather our entire army."

They wanted to argue, the obnoxious bastards (Lord Caswell being the worst of them all), pissed he hadn't taken their plans into account. They held back when Lord Tarly nodded in approval. "A sound plan, Your Grace, and the best thing we can do at the moment."

"Very well, then. You are all to focus on the training of your men until we move out again. Dismissed," he commanded and they all bowed and left the chambers until only he and Lady Olenna remained. He watched them go, knowing he couldn't hide behind Lord Tarly's military reputation for long.

"What of Lord Tywin and Aegon?" he asked. Lady Olenna served as his unofficial Master of Whisperers, though neither one of them acknowledged it.

"They've found themselves in quite the quandary. Word of your escape and Lord Arryn's heinous murder at the hands of the Lannisters has spread throughout the Kingdoms," she said, fiddling with her cane. "The Lords of the Vale threw Lady Arryn and that Baelish fellow out the Moon Door and are marshaling their forces for the invasion of the Riverlands. And the news from the North claim Lord Stark's won a great victory against the Wildlings."

"You seem displeased," Jae observed.

Olenna gave him a cut-the-horseshit type of look. "It will be moons before Stark can invade the south. Tywin may leave you alone to deal with Blackfyre, but the Arryns alone cannot stand against the might of the Crownlands, the West, and the Riverlands. And you've got to kill twenty thousand men before you can move to help them, so do not act as though I'm supposed to rejoice at your great success."

Jae had no intentions of defending himself. He had to project confidence. She has to wonder what I have up my sleeve next. "And the Stormlands?"

"Gearing up for civil war," Olenna said. "Prince Oberyn is marching up the Prince's Pass to add to Lord Orys' problems."

Outmatched on every front. He had to win in the Reach and he had to win quickly. "It seems we've got ourselves a proper war, no?"

"Amusing, Your Grace." Olenna rolled her eyes. "I suggest you start winning it."

"Indeed." His growling stomach reminded him he should get something to eat. "If you'll excuse me, my Lady, I'm going down for breakfast."

He left the study and walked downstairs to the Great Hall. The castle buzzed with activity as did the surrounding lands. Tents as far as the eye could see, all in the land prepared for a great war. Hedge knights poured into the camps to offer their services, eager to prove their worth. Boys no older than eleven namedays watched Jaehaerys pass with stars in their eyes, dreaming of fame and fortune. I'll have to go out among the men today, I have to gauge their mood.

He didn't know these people, didn't know what made them tick. He'd never been outside of King's Landing before his escape a week ago. He'd battled his entire life to make sure they'd live a peaceful life, but didn't know the first thing about them beyond what he read in books. They have to get to know me as well. The people of the Reach love their tales of gallant Kings and brave warriors.

Well, that and Dorne. Perhaps I should stir some of those old hatreds. He remembered Aegon and his unwillingness to send Jae to the chopping block. I'm supposed to be thinking toward uniting the Realm as well.

The occupants of the Great Hall jumped to their feet when he entered. "Please, please, return to your meals." He gestured for them to sit down and made his way to the dais where Margaery waited, a light breakfast in front of her. He took a seat beside her and ordered a servant to get him some eggs and bacon.

"I trust the news was welcome?" Margaery asked as she took a sip of orange juice.

"Not entirely, but nothing we can't deal with, my love," he said, giving her a kind smile. Let them think we are madly in love.

He saw Lord Caswell enter the Hall and said, "Lord Caswell, would you grant us the pleasure of your company?"

Lord Caswell bowed. "It would be my honor, Your Grace." He shot Meadows a smug look. Jae thought it amusing that the petty problems of petty men were the hardest to solve. He's going to be pissed when Meadow's sitting next to me at evening's feast.

Olenna told him all about the grudge between the Meadows and the Caswells, stemming from Meadows' refusal to marry his son and Heir to Caswell's eldest daughter. Only seeing Meadows humiliated will satisfy him and it is something I cannot give.

Jae had to figure it out. His commanders had to focus on defeating the enemy instead of killing each other. And I have to get them there. Only then will this become my army.

Lord Caswell took his seat next to Jaehaerys, saying, "I must say, Your Grace, you look radiant this morning."

Margaery smiled, innocent and true. "You are most kind, my Lord. My brother Loras tells me your son is quite the jouster, he said he hasn't faced one like him in a long time."

Very good, my dear, I've just remembered why I married you.

Lord Caswell swelled with pride, nodding in agreement. "Aye, Your Grace, he's become a formidable warrior."

"This I must see," Jaehaerys added in. "Perhaps your son will grant me the chance to test my sword-arm against his."

"It would be our honor, Your Grace," Caswell said, his smile wide, the flattery working wonders.

Now we must turn a corner. "We shall have a great need of men of such caliber soon enough, my Lord," Jae said.

"You can count on us, Your Grace. We shall stand behind you."

I know, my Lord, it's what you mean to do there I'm worried about. Jae looked him right in the eye. Caswell found it so disconcerting he stopped gorging on a loaf of bread to give Jae his full attention. "And I cannot thank you enough for it. We shall have to properly reward such loyal men after the war. Lands, titles, and so on. I hear your son is already betrothed but perhaps we may still arrange an advantageous match for your daughters, hm?"

"Oh, a lovely idea, my love," Margaery exclaimed, having cottoned onto his plan. "In fact, I do believe Lord Rowan's son has had his betrothal annulled recently. Who better to fill that role than a daughter of a House as distinguished as yours?"

Caswell's gaze jumped between them, as though hardly daring to believe it. "Do you—Do you believe he will agree to it, Your Graces?"

Margaery's idea had merit. Lord Rowan served as the Guardian of the Northern Marches, a powerful position in the Reach. Only the Hightowers and the Redwynes eclipsed his power. Caswell, on the other hand, stood at the back of the room when the Major Lords of the Reach were put in a pecking order. A man who could never threaten Lord Rowan, never make him worry about his influence. Rowan cannot hope to find a better match. "I'm sure he'd agree with our assessment if we were to suggest it."

"Thank you, Your Grace, thank you. You shall find no more leal servant in all the Realm than I, this I swear," he said, drawing the Seven-Pointed Star in the air.

And the opening engagement is concluded. Next time I have to convince him to do as he's bloody told.

"We are heartened by your loyalty, my Lord," Margaery said. "It is because of men like you that we shall win this war."

Caswell nodded, already back to stuffing his face with ham. It did not take him long to excuse himself. No doubt he wants to run and tell everyone.

"Well done," Jaehaerys said, his voice quiet. He gave her hand a light squeeze.

"Rowan will go for it, too. His Heir's supposed to be an idiot. He lives in fear of having his son controlled by another House if anything should happen to him," Margaery explained, taking a ludicrously small bite of bread.

"It'll be winter by the time you're full if you keep eating like that."

Margaery gave him an exasperated look. "Being a symbol of virtue and elegance is hard work, you know."

"I should hope so." Jae grinned. "Can't have you enjoying yourself while I'm off fighting wars."

"How selfish of you, husband." She pouted.

Jae had no idea if she acted for the benefit of the men present or if she truly meant it. Then again, I'm not sure about myself either. "I shall have to make up for it somehow," he said, leaned in and kissed her. "Enjoy the rest of your breakfast, darling."

He walked out of the Great Hall, his knights behind him, waiting for Ser Jaime to make a jape about love-struck puppies or somesuch. But Jaime isn't here. The reminder left a foul aftertaste in his mouth.

Men bowed left and right as he walked across the courtyard. He made sure to nod back in respect, cursing Tyrion Lannister the entire time. Tyrion knew there would be no pardon for him after the war if he executed Stannis. He knew Ser Jaime would never side with me if it meant seeing his little brother die.

Jae did not blame Ser Jaime for it. He abandoned Jaehaerys for his brother, for his family. But I always thought he'd be at my side if I went off to war. Another consequence of his failure during the Council; he'd lost his best friend.

That's what civil war is; friends killing friends, brothers fighting brothers. Whoever ends up winning this war, I doubt they'll be feeling very victorious.

"Your Grace, if I may ask, where are you going?" Ser Barristan asked as they approached the gates of the castle.

"Into the camps, it's time I talked to the men who'll be fighting for me."

"Your Grace, I must insist, it is not safe. The Blackfyres might've sent a catspaw to make an attempt on your life." Ser Barristan hurried to fall into step with Jae so his counsel would not be overheard.

"That's why I have two legendary knights at my back," Jae replied. "Besides, if I can't walk among my own men, I'll be in a world of trouble once the fighting starts." He marched on without looking back, right into the organized chaos that is a military camp.

When he first arrived, a pristine meadow graced the land outside the castle walls. Fifteen thousand men had turned it into a mud-bath, his booth squishing as he walked. Squires ran up and down, fetching water and food for their knights. Whores crept in and out of tents, while men-at-arms sat around small tables, drinking and laughing, boasting of all they would achieve in the coming battles, only to be out-done in their bragging by their comrades. Not unlike some Lords I know. Jaehaerys walked slowly through the camps, taking it all in. The faces of the men, their laughter and good cheer. A healthy army. We'll see what they look like after the first forced march.

He saw two men sparring in between tents and quietly approached. Both were novices in matters of swordplay, that much was clear, but their height and strength could balance out the shortcomings of their technique.

"Roll your hips," he called when he saw one of them did not put their weight behind his swing.

The men paused mid-fight. The stronger of them turned around, about to curse the man who presumed to give him advice, when his eyes fell on the white knights at Jae's back. They fell to their knees without further ado.

"Come, come, get up" Jae approached.

"Your Grace," they murmured.

"What's your name, good man?" he asked.

"Meryl, Your Grace," the taller one replied.

"And yours?"

"Jayson, Your Grace."

"Roll your hips when you swing, Jayson. There's no point in being so strong if you're not going to put your weight behind it. Isn't that so, Ser Arthur?" Jae asked, hoping to lighten the mood while calling to attention the presence of a legend.

"Indeed, Your Grace," Ser Arthur said, taking off his helm. Unearthed your inner politician, have you, Ser?

Jayson smiled as he nodded, his eyes wide and full of awe.

"Now, do it again, and this time lead with your hips," Jae instructed. Jayson nodded, picked his sword off the ground, and faced Meryl again. Where before the fight went against him because of Meryl's height, Jayson had him staggering backward on the second go-around.

"There you go." Jae nodded approval, Ser Barristan and Ser Arthur mimicking him. "And you, Meryl. You must set your feet like this. It will make it much easier to fend off Jayson's strikes."

"Yes, Your Grace. Thank you, Your Grace." Meryl grinned. Jae noticed a crowd had begun to form around them, drawn by the spectacle.

Jae looked at the expectant faces of the men and got an idea. "In fact, perhaps you should see a demonstration. Ser Barristan, Ser Arthur, would you mind?"

"One of us must remain on guard, Your Grace," Ser Barristan said.

Jae grinned. "Well, Ser Arthur, I suppose you shall have to contend me with me, then." Dark Sister sang as it slid out of its sheath. Ser Arthur followed it up by exposing Dawn to the crowd. The oohs and aahs of the men were music to his ears.

Jaehaerys took his position, and the dance began.