The Red Keep, Kings Landing...
The city was in a state of upheaval as the first hours of Haeron's reign began, the Red Keep was the only secure place in the city as the knights Haeron had brought with him and the Gold Cloaks that had joined them secured the castle and the city gates while doing their best to find any remaining Bloodmen that remained inside the walls.
Haeron had moved to the Small Council Chamber with Lord Stark, Jaime, Davos, Varys, Ser Fergus and Ser Lewyn Martell as they looked at maps and tried to get plans together.
"The people of the city are only too happy to help." Ser Fergus said as they looked down at the layout of the city. "We have hundreds willing to join the Gold Cloaks that have sworn their loyalty to you your grace, hunting down the traitors and the Bloodmen wherever they are hiding. It will not take long."
Haeron nodded, worried about potential mob behaviour but appreciated the effort.
"Good work Ser Lockwood, you are to be commended and be sure to pass my gratitude to them." Haeron said calmly and Ser Fergus nodded with appreciation.
"Brandon is joining the hunting parties, he and his companions are only too willing to end those rotten bastards." Lord Stark to them and then Haeron turned to an issue that had to be addressed.
"Now, the matter of Rhaegar." Haeron said with fury as he thought of his idiot brother, while Aerys might have been the main force behind it, Rhaegar had pushed them almost to the point of civil war and things were still so unstable that it was a distinct possibility that it might come to that. The Starks were still livid Haeron could see about Lyanna being abducted and he could only imagine what Robert Baratheon would do if this went on any longer.
"We need to find him." Haeron said with determination. "At very least we need to know what is happening and what is the condition of Lady Lyanna. So if you have contacts that can bring any information to solve this problem reach out to them." Haeron said and the men nodded before Varys appeared at the side of the room.
"I may be able to help with that your grace." Varys offered and Haeron looked at him with suspicion as did the others before he spoke.
"I am sure you would but what would be the price of that help I wonder?" Haeron asked not knowing anything about the spymaster and yet he was from all reports very good at his craft. The fact he had helped did earn him some favour with Haeron which was the only reason he was not in a cell right now like most of Aerys other supporters.
"To continue my position here in your service perhaps." Varys suggested and Haeron frowned, knowing that spymasters were incredibly hard to come by especially those that were good at it. In most respects he would be mad not to keep Varys here but at the same time he could never really be trusted. His mental resistance to having his mind read was high for a non-magical and he could not probe any deeper without being more obvious that he was doing it.
Haeron frowned, looking to his current advisors who all showed their discomfort at this before Haeron decided to test Varys and see if he was as capable as he appeared to be and that he would support his reign.
"Find Rhaegar, and I will consider it." Haeron said seriously and Varys bowed in acceptance before saying.
"I will give it my full attention your grace." Varys said before leaving the room with all of them unsettled slightly as they had no real idea just what to say in the moment. But a tapping sound broke them from their thoughts as they looked up to see Tygett Lannister enter the room with his leg wrapped tightly in bandages while he held a walking stick to help stay on his feet.
"Ser Tygett, your wounds are not too bad I hope?" Haeron asked calmly and Tygett grimaced before telling him with anger in his eyes.
"According Pycelle I might need the stick for the rest of my life." Tygett said with anger but Haeron nodded before saying.
"Lady Vaena, the lady I met in Volantis has some experience in the healing arts. She may be able to help with your leg." Haeron said with complete confidence. Tygett looked disbelieving at the idea that some foreign lady could help him with his injured leg but he had the sense to not anger him by saying such things aloud.
"Your grace, I can report that the army of your...wives has arrived." Tygett said now getting to the point that he had originally come in here for.
Haeron immediately felt relieved as that meant they now had enough men to properly secure the city and root out any more enemies that might remain.
"Open the gates and allow them to enter, I leave the hunts for the Bloodmen and the rogue Gold Cloaks in your capable hands. Ser Fergus will assist you." Haeron commanded and the Gold Cloak knight and their new commander turned to his new leader who nodded and the two men went to see to it, making sure they were completely safe and prepared.
Haeron with Lord Stark, Jaime and Davos went to the nearby balcony and watched as the Reach Army arrived, marching through the gates. The sight of it was a relief and Kara was now resting in one of the larger yards echoed his feelings as they could feel the arrival of the other dragons, roaring loudly in greeting.
The sound terrified Lord Stark as while he had yet to see just how big the...King's dragon had grown making himself remember to call him the king now rather than the prince. The idea that even more dragons existed was terrifying to him but it was a fact now Rickard thought to himself.
Better to try and make good relations with them Rickard thought and he was just glad that his grace was doing what he could to find Lyanna and bring her home. Rickard did not want to imagine the treatment she might be receiving from the fucking Prince Rhaegar and only hoped that she was alright.
- x -
In the Throne Room a short while later Haeron stood with Jaime, Lord Stark and Davos as Harmony and Evelyn entered the room accompanied by Vaena and Lord Tyrell along with a group of Tyrell guards.
"Your grace!" Lord Tyrell started to say loudly, hoping to make sure he had the favour of the new king but Haeron barely acknowledged him as Harmony and Evelyn came up to him, he took them both in his arms and then Grace came in with the boys. The three of them gestured for her to come over and seeing the two young princes was shocking to some let alone the smaller dragons which accompanied them.
"Your journey was trouble free I hope?" Haeron asked with a hopeful look on his face but the slight twisting of their features made him know it hadn't been.
"Lord Rykker decided to try and stop us. He won't be a problem any more." Harmony said calmly which made him smile as did Evelyn. The words did send a shiver down the spines of those that heard it but that was when Haeron decided to make the best of this opportunity.
"Then we had best find a man that we can trust with ownership of Duskendale. Ser Davos...you have always been loyal and came even though swordsmanship is not your primary skill to see the vile regime here torn down." Haeron said turning to the man who was suddenly shocked to be the centre of attention as all eyes in the room turned to him. He was easily beginning to sweat which would only be made worse by what Haeron said next.
"Davos Seaworth, I hereby bestow upon you the lands and titles formally belonging to House Rykker. From this day forth House Seaworth will rule Duskendale which will be the centre of a brand new shipyard for the Royal Fleet where new Frigates, Brigs and other vessels will one day be built and repaired. Congratulations Lord Davos Seaworth." Haeron added and those who stood there looked on with Davos was rooted to the spot in surprise and fear as this was far from what he had expected.
"My lord...I am not worthy of such a honour." Davos said quickly, hoping to talk them out of it but then Mace Tyrell opened his big mouth again.
"Indeed your grace, such an important position and holding should be placed in the hands of a true lord and trustworthy servant of the crown." He said with disdain as he looked at Davos like a peasant. The air instantly became cold as Haeron, Harmony, Evelyn, Grace, Vaena and Jaime all began glaring slightly at him for the insult to a man that they respected while Davos himself was stunned at what Harmony and Evelyn did next given they were not only angered at the insult but also having had the man annoying them all the way from Oldtown.
"Ser Davos was here, fighting for Haeron. Davos won an important race for Haeron. He could have killed us a thousand times over on the course of our long journey around the world." Harmony said as she and her dragon rounded on the now quaking lord of the Reach. "But he always was loyal and true, a man of principle who has long proven that he can be trusted."
"You most certainly have not Lord Mace Tyrell and yet you are so free with your opinions and judgement especially on a man you know nothing about." Evelyn then added with a smirk on her face. "I now see why Lady Olenna is so important to House Tyrell. I hope she will be luckier with the next generation, speak out of turn again and we will ensure the regency of young Willas Tyrell begins the moment after in her capable hands." She warned him which actually made Mace piss himself as she stared at him intently along with her dragon.
The sight did not endear the lord to anyone and Haeron shook his head before turning back to Davos who was surprised they had come so quickly to his defence.
"I intent to put those who are just in both their deeds and thoughts in places they can excel in. For someone to rule Duskendale, I can think of no one better than you Lord Seaworth." Haeron told Davos who still looked reluctant but bowed to the king and said.
"I am honoured your grace and will ensure Duskendale is a true bastion of loyalty and justice." Davos told Haeron who nodded with a slight smile on his face.
"I know you will." Haeron said with faith in him while Davos was quietly wondering just how to tell his wife and their sons that they now were lords!
- x -
Dragonstone, The Narrow Sea...Same Time...
Rhaella held the message in her hands, still enjoying the relief that came as at last the chaos of Aerys was over.
A new day was dawning, a new king on the throne.
She had been dreaming of this day for so long, that it would be the end of the madness and a return to a calm king who could rule wisely. Outside Aurora was flying around in joy, sharing the feeling with her. Already a ship was being prepared to take her and the rest of her family to Kings Landing, she still felt uncertain though as she felt her stomach. She knew it was still early but she could feel there was something she would need to speak to Haron about, one last thing from Aerys she thought with her hand on her belly.
The Red Keep, Kings Landing...A Week Later...
Harmony and Evelyn looked around the enormous castle and it was impressive enough they thought to them even if they had seen better.
"Hogwarts was more charming and endearing." Harmony said with a sad smile while Evelyn added.
"Beauxbatons was more beautiful."
They decided to not start trying to assert just which school was better and instead checked out the chambers they would be sharing with Haeron. The sight of the bed where Aerys had fucked his insane little whore thought made them sick and instantly they blasted it into pieces with curses! They pulled the chest out and opened it so they could pull out the shrunken bed they used on the ship and expanded it to fit the room.
"Better." Harmony said with relief as who knows what had happened in that other bed she thought with a shudder running through her.
"Fancy some target practice?" Evelyn said with a smirk as she drew her attention to the wardrobe full of Aerys' clothes. Harmony smirked before telling her.
"You read my mind."
- x -
Haeron would have been showing his wives around their new home but he was still dealing with the matter of getting everything secure. He had already sent ravens to all of the great houses to invite them to Kings Landing but convincing them would be difficult he thought with a tired sigh.
He was already making a change to the Gold Cloaks, one partly to help them rehabilitate their reputation. He was replacing their Gold Cloaks with blue ones and renaming them the Watchmen. It was a small thing but it was he felt a necessary to get away from their dirty reputation and make them less pretentious. He was also adding a baton to their standard equipment to take down opponents without killing them, it was he remembered used by police back on Earth so it would he hoped be useful here too.
While he was writing a letter to Riverrun on behalf of Brynden who was now caring for his niece Lysa, he knew that she had been tormented by Cersei and the Mad King as had most of the other prisoners and was extremely fragile for the moment...recovery would take some time.
He pitied her and the other prisoners, he did consider perhaps removing the memories of what they had suffered but that seemed like playing god here rather than merely helping.
Mace Tyrell however would not take the hint and leave him in peace! He thought fuming.
"Your grace, I would like to make a request." Mace Tyrell told him and Haeron gritted his teeth before forcing himself to be calm.
"And what would that be Lord Tyrell?" Haeron said with a cold edge to his voice to make it clear that he was pushing his luck but Mace with typical lack of thought just kept going.
"I was wondering if my sister Janna Tyrell might be considered for a position as a lady to one of your...ladies." Mace said with a smile. "She is a great beauty and would I am sure be a great aid to you as a native of this country. And with Lord Stark surely going home soon and...well not being a true man of the Seven would it be better to not choose a new hand now? Maybe from a loyalist?"
Haeron's hand stopped as the suggestions sank in, he did not need to read his mind to see what Mace was trying to do here. He wanted to Hand of the King, a position that he barely understood or would be able to perform in. But that was only the beginning of it, he wanted his sister here to try and take the position of queen, the fact he had referred to Harmony and Evelyn as his ladies rather than as his queens or even his wives was telling enough. Harmony and Evelyn were not of Westeros and had put him firmly in his place during the march so he was now trying undermine their position here.
Haeron looked Mace dead in the eye with all of his cold fury, Mace wilted immediately at the strength of his will.
"Any position as ladies to my queens will remain their decision but Janna Tyrell will be considered. As for the position of Hand of the King? I will decide my hand when I am ready, understood Lord Tyrell?" He said with a glare that made Mace want to run.
"Clearly your grace." Mace said but Haeron knew to watch him, an idiot especially one with an army was someone who needed watching.
Haeron finished the letter and went to join the inspection of the damage to Kings Landing, wanting to see for himself how much work there was needed to put the city to rights.
- x -
Haeron rode his dragon, getting a proper aerial survey and grimaced as the blackened ruins of Flea's Bottom came into view, he didn't even want to think how many people had died there and sighed knowing the entire area would need to be properly demolished and rebuild, just as bad was the ruin of the Great Sept. Seeing the ruined building left him with a difficult decision at just what to do with it, it would take a long time to rebuild what was lost but it would he resolved be done.
He was about to turn back to the Red Keep when he saw at the docks a ship baring the red three headed dragon on its sails, smiling as that meant the arrival of the rest of his family he turned back for the Red Keep to greet them there.
On the docks Rhaella watched from the deck as she saw Kara flying high above the city, smiling at the sight of the great dragon flying over the city, thinking it was like the days of long past when dragons had been a common sight once upon a time. Aurora who had been flying alongside the ship and eagerly started to explore about the city with Kara who thankfully did not seem to mind.
She was somewhat bittersweet about returning to the city as it was after such devastation she thought seeing the ruined Great Sept and knowing Flea's Bottom was no better. But at the same time she was elated as at last Aerys was no more and her son was about to take the throne himself which she knew would make things stable again.
"Is father really gone?" Shaena asked her mother again who smiled as she told her daughter.
"Yes sweetling, your brother will be king now." Rhaella said kindly and Daeron smiled broadly but saying loudly.
"KING HAERON! THE GREAT DRAGON!"
"Quietly Daeron." Elia said kindly to the boy who looked a little embarrassed at his outburst but Elia's smile made him feel better. Elaena and Rhaenys in their mother's arms giggled as if they felt the energy in the air. Viserys meanwhile pouted as he was not sure what that meant but it was still weird to be back in the city after so long away.
Clearly they were expected as Ser Lewyn Martell and a group of men stood with a wheelhouse and horses nearby, kneeling to them as they approached.
"Welcome back to Kings Landing your graces." Ser Lewyn said with a smile as they approached.
"Thank you for meeting us Uncle." Elia said with a smile as she just glad that he was okay after everything that had happened. She knew he had been miserable serving the Mad King but he was safe and alive. More than that she knew he had been a big help in bringing the magic barriers down and letting Haeron into the city.
"It is a pleasure and an honour." Ser Lewyn said with a smile as he helped the Dowager Queen, Elia and the children onto the wheelhouse. They then started going off with over two dozen knights around them, the guard seemed heavy even for them but Ser Lewyn explained why they needed so much protection.
"The city is still deeply unsettled after the Mad King was overthrown, there are still many criminals about and the Bloodmen are still hiding. The Reach Army has helped secure the area but we still haven't managed to get peace inside the walls yet." He warned them and Rhaella nodded, understanding that while the Red Keep was probably safe the rest of the city was far from that.
The ride was understandably tense, almost expecting to be attacked at any moment but as they passed some of the taverns on their way to the Red Keep they heard something that made their hearts raise a little.
The men inside were praising Haeron, calling him 'The Great Dragon' for tearing down the Mad King and riding a dragon above the city like he was Aegon the Conqueror reborn and calling the two queens at his side a pair of goddesses with dragons of their own.
They were in fact speaking so loudly that when Rhaella raised her hands to stop the wheelhouse she listened to what they were cheering Haeron's name. She smiled and gestured for them to carry on to the Red Keep, Shaena and Daeron both grinned widely as they thought their brother was a hero already and now he was being called that by everyone. Elia as she held Rhaenys and Elaena just gently smiled while Viserys looked annoyed at being in this smelly wheelhouse and pouted.
"I want to go home!" He demanded angrily, all of the control of a young child on the edge of a complete temper tantrum. Ser Lewyn, Rhaella and Elia looked at him with a frown while Shaena and Daeron stared at him with confusion, wondering why he was so immature.
Eventually the wheelhouse arrived at the Red Keep and standing there waiting to greet them was Haeron with Harmony and Evelyn. They smiled broadly in greeting, Haeron personally helping his mother and Elia off the wheelhouse before lifting Shaena and Daeron down but pretended they were heavier than they were and told them with a smirk.
"You two are getting too big for me to do this any more." He told them with a smile before they laughed and hugged him tightly which he returned, he then turned to Viserys he saw the boy was sneering in arrogance and got down slowly before demanding.
"I want something to eat."
Everyone looked at him but before Rhaella could say something Haeron looked his youngest brother straight in the eye and told him sternly.
"You will say please if you want something and maybe it will be given to you, if you behave as a prince should." He told him knowing they needed to be firm but Viserys glared back at him and said with a childish scream.
"I AM A PRINCE! I WANT IT NOW!" He screamed out and Haeron raised an eyebrow refusing to act in a similar way and told him.
"And I am a king, you will do as you are told. I think it would be best for you to go to bed as you are clearly tired." Haeron told him, Viserys stamped his feet and told him with petulance.
"I AM NOT TIRED!"
"Now." Haeron told him as he gestured for Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Jonothor Darry to take him there, they nodded quickly, just glad to be out of their cells as the new king had decided to release them to help guard the Royal Family. Ser Lewyn however was now the leader of the order as he alone had fought to end the Mad King. Ser Gerold was not happy about it but it was the best they could hope for.
Viserys screamed as they picked him up, he kicked and yelled vile curses that honestly shocked those that heard him as where he could have heard such language?
Rhaella watched with clear worry in her eyes, she had seen something like this before...as a child...in her brother.
Haeron seeing her concern spoke to his wives.
"Could you see my younger siblings and Elia to their rooms? I think I need to speak to my mother." Haeron told them gently and having seen the little boy's outburst they nodded, understanding her worries. They led them away under the escort of some of the knights that served as the guards for the moment.
Haeron took his mother by the arm and together they walked to the gardens in silence, arriving there quickly and sitting on a bench. Once they were sure of relative privacy with only Ser Gerold Hightower around they were at last free to speak.
"It is a relief...for it to be over at last." She told her eldest son with a sigh of tiredness, like him she had been carrying the weight of this for years. He put an arm around her and held her close, sharing their mutual worry and relief.
"I know, but there is a great amount of work to do." Haeron said with a smile. "A city and trust to rebuild, our house to be restored to its true status."
"There is something else." Rhaella admitted with sudden fear. "I am pregnant again."
Haeron was stunned, he had no idea just when that had happened but he knew his mother well enough to know she would not take a lover outside of her marriage, she wouldn't risk a bastard. Such a move would likely have meant her death and that of his siblings too.
"And that worries you? At your age?" Haeron asked thinking she might be concerned for herself and the babe inside but Rhaella shook her head gently.
"No, whether I live or die doesn't matter to me as what happens will happen anyway but...what if this child is like...him?" She said exposing her own greatest fears to him. "I don't think I could take it...seeing one of my own children become like Aerys."
Haeron took his mother tighter into his arms and told her with complete confidence.
"I know it won't, this child will be yours and my younger sibling. We'll do anything we can to make sure that doesn't happen." He told her, knowing it was a lie but she needed to hear it. They would keep a close eye on this child and do anything they could to ensure it did not turn out like its father but there were other things that plagued her mind.
"Viserys, you saw how he is." Rhaella told him with grimace. "I know he is young but...it was exactly like that with your father once. That same entitlement...it frightens me." She admitted before then adding the new worry. "And Rhaegar, I know he has always been so easily distracted by his myths and legends but...what was he thinking with this business with Lyanna Stark?" She asked in confusion, not understanding just why Rhaegar had done this.
Haeron nodded with his own anger rising at all of the trouble Rhaegar had caused, what had he been thinking? Haeron thought to himself with exasperation. Aerys might have created the tension but Rhaegar was the one who had lit the fuse on that particular barrel of gunpowder. They might have temporarily put it out but it would only take a little push for it to start burning again.
"We will find out and if we need to beat some sense into his head we will." Haeron said coldly and Rhaella asked with sudden concern.
"Just don't hurt him too badly." Rhaella asked, really worried for her sons and Haeron nodded with a sigh.
"I will try." Haeron said with resignation before attempting to smile. "I will need some help to get things back to stability."
"You'll have it." Rhaella told him with a small smile appearing on her face, fully prepared to help Haeron as his reign began.
- x -
Tygett Lannister was groaning as the maester tended to his wound again, the pain was excruciating but he gritted his teeth and bared it refusing to appear weak.
"Any tighter and those teeth of yours will shatter." A voice sounded from nearby and he turned with his face red from the pain, seeing a lady with dark skin and silver hair standing there looking very unimpressed. He recognised her as Lady Vaena Belaerys from Volantis, a companion to the new queens and a dragon rider in her own right. She walked over with a bag slung over her shoulder and the maester looked up with annoyance.
"My...lady." He said knowing that while she was not a lady in the realm she was a trusted companion to the new queens and a dragon rider too so he gave her respect. "This is not a sight for a woman."
"Clearly, seeing you make a complete mess of treating Tygett's wound." Vaena said before simply pushing him aside which made the maester stumble back but in his shock he didn't speak before she began rubbing a ointment into the wound which made Tygett cry out in pain.
"What are you doing woman?!" He demanded but she just carried on doing what she was doing before wrapping in a fresh bandage from her bag that Tygett could smell, smelling briefly of lavender. Then when she was done, she explained.
"The salve will keep the wound clean and encourage the skin to heal while keeping infection out, the bandage is soaked in a liquid which will ease the pain. Come to me once a week to replace it and in a month it will be fixed, you might not even need the cane again more." Vaena told him and Tygett's face twisted but in surprise as the pain was subsiding and actually the bandage was not too tight and was very soothing. He looked down at it in surprise before saying with some reluctant admiration as to his mind women should not be tending to men's injuries.
"Thank you my lady." Tygett said reluctantly and she nodded with a long suffering sigh as she knew difficult patients were often the ones that needed the most help, she just walked away and went to see her new man while exploring her new home she thought with interest at all of the history and sights around her.
- x -
Rhaella was enjoying the chance to show the Red Keep to her gooddaughters; Harmony, Evelyn and Elia. This would be their home from now on so it was only right that they knew the place where their children would be raised.
"This is the Queen's Ballroom, it will be where you hold court yourselves." Rhaella said as they entered the large area where she had once held court herself but thankfully that was not her responsibility any more.
Some would have thought she guessed that she might be unwilling or reluctant to give up her position as queen but she felt nothing but relief she thought to herself.
"It seems a bit much." Evelyn said with a frown as she was used to smaller quarters than this while Grace followed and with a laugh said.
"I don't know, seems grand and not as dramatic as the throne room." She joked and Evelyn just gave her an exasperated sigh as her sister's humour but smiled all the same as she had missed it more than she could say.
"Well, I can see the advantages to having a quiet place." Harmony said with a smile herself before asking. "Is the library next? I would be interested in seeing what volumes you have here?"
"Books? Are they your hobby?" Elia asked gently, not really knowing her new goodsister very well yet but Evelyn laughed and gave her an answer.
"Oh its more than hobby, she spends more time reading than anything else."
"Hey." Harmony said indignantly, not liking being called out on that and defended herself. "Knowledge is important."
"That is enough." Rhaella said with a chuckle, smiling as she saw the playful banter for what it was. Family getting to know each other and prodding each other lightly without malice, she could only have imagined this sort of thing a year ago. Now she had three gooddaughters and three grandchildren, not to mention her own children and more dragons than ever. She had promised Shaena and Daeron that they would hatch their eggs in a couple of years and now Viserys and Elaena would have dragon eggs as well. Viserys demanded they hatch his dragon now but when they told him that he would need to wait awhile until he was old enough to care for it he had devolved into another harsh tantrum.
She hoped he grew out of it, otherwise he might never be ready for a dragon.
Rhaella herself meanwhile was wondering how the future would be shaped now, House Targaryen was now free of Aerys and his madness. They had dragons again for the first time in centuries and from what her eldest son had hinted at funds to rebuild Kings Landing and the Merchant Guild he had established to bring more trade to Westeros.
Still she knew there would be a lot of work ahead of them and she was eager to get started while spending some time with her children and growing family she thought with a smile.
She was about to indulge Harmony and take her to the Library a face that she had not seen in years entered the room, older like hers but in the moment she was taken back to the days when she had been a young princess and the world had seemed a lot brighter.
"Bonifer." She said under her breath as she saw him, his own eyes widened in surprise at the sight of her. He was older, his hair now white and thinning with age and his face lined with age but he was still in good shape she noticed before remembering she had an audience who were looking at them with curious interest so she told them. "If you would, allow me a moment to speak with Ser Hasty in private?"
They looked at her, considering just what they were seeing before Elia gently nodded her head and guided the others out so she was left with her own childhood love.
The weight of the years between settled heavily, both not sure just what to say in the moment but Ser Hasty cleared his throat in an attempt to hide his nervousness.
"Your grace." He said, trying to be respectful even if he not sure what else to say.
"Ser Hasty. It is a great pleasure to see you again." Rhaella said with a warm smile on her face, he actually still blushed when she did that she thought with amazement as it had been so long.
"As it is to see you...your grace." Ser Hasty said without realising how intimate that sounded and trying to put boundaries up again with the reminder that she was royal and he was just a knight.
"I must thank you, for coming to my son's aid in retaking the city and clearing it of the corruption that had spread inside it." Rhaella said with gratitude for his actions and he told her with a calm if proud voice.
"It was my honour your grace, to free this city from all of the terrible things that were happening here, and your son is a great man already. Truly noble and intelligent, he will be a great king I am sure." Ser Hasty said and Rhaella nodded in agreement.
"He will, he has such strength but he is the man who acted as a father for his siblings and used to read them stories when I was unable. He checked on me frequently when I have had my children and I honestly am so proud." Rhaella said before coming up to him and rallying her courage, he was breathing quickly as she did so as the expectation of what might happen ran through them but she kissed his cheek gently and whispered in his ear.
"I have never forgotten and I have missed you all of these years, but I know our stations continue to conspire against us. Me here with my family and you with the faith but know that I still care for you as deeply now as I did if not more so. Farewell and take care my love." She said before walking away with tears threatening to fall. He too felt them gathering in his eyes but at the same time he was so happy to see her again and that she was still be gracious, kind and loving woman that she had always been.
It was hard both of them had thoughts of what might have been but they took with them what they had and smiled knowing they were still as connected as they had been back then and they would have that love forever.
- x -
Haeron meanwhile was in the nursery, looking at his two sons as they slept, Elaena was not too far away asleep too as they settled in their new home. Rhaenys however was having trouble as she had never been anywhere else than Dragonstone before and was struggling to adapt.
"You are going to have to sleep eventually." Haeron told the little girl in his arms who stared up at him with wide purple eyes with stubborn refusal to sleep. Haeron sighed before telling her. "Then I will tell you a little about your namesake."
He walked over to the window nearby and began speaking to the baby girl.
"She was born on Dragonstone, the same island you were. She was married to older brother Aegon along with her older sister Visenya. She was a beautiful and graceful woman, she loved music and dancing alongside poetry. She was playful and kind with a daring and adventurous spirit. When Aegon decided to conquer the Seven Kingdoms she flew on the back of her dragon Meraxes to help him. She named him king while their sister placed the crown on his head and established this very city. She conquered the Stormlands, becoming the eyes of the Targaryen army there. Then they flew to the Reach and bathed the Lannister and Gardener armies in fire, winning Aegon the Reach and Westerlands. While Aegon was the king it was Visenya and Rhaenys that ran his kingdoms." Haeron said and smiled as he saw the little girl slowly falling to sleep in his arms. He smiled as she did so, your father might have failed you little one but I will make sure you are never alone he swore silently to her.
He held her gently and with great care put her to bed, leaving them carefully with the nursemaids that he and the others had checked with magic up and down for their loyalty and even made them sign magical contracts just to be sure if they were going to leave their children in their care. Ser Lewyn nodded as he left the nursery, Haeron returning it as he left the younger members of House Targaryen under his careful watch.
Haeron was about to meet with the new Small Council and see just what other work was needing his attention when Varys approached him silently, the way he moved as impressive as if you weren't looking you would never know he was there if he didn't want you too.
"Your Grace." Varys said respectfully with a bow before telling him the news. "My little birds have found your brother."
The news was both welcome and stirred anger in him, Rhaegar had nearly brought everything down around their heads and it might still happen if they weren't careful he reasoned and asked Varys calmly.
"Where have they been hiding?" He asked and Varys told him.
"They are in the Tower of Joy in Dorne, to the north in the Red Mountains. He is there with the Lady Lyanna Stark and Ser Arthur Dayne. If I might ask your grace, what is it you intend to do?"
He pondered on that question, not sure he should care what the spymaster thought but if he was to be an advisor and a member of his Small Council which he was giving serious thought too, maybe it was worth it to ensure his loyalty.
"I will personally send a message to Prince Doran, telling him to have them brought here. I would go myself but I cannot leave the city at the moment, things are still too unsteady." Haeron said with a sigh of annoyance but Varys nodded in approval of his decision.
"If I might be so bold to say so Your Grace, you show yourself to be wise already. A trait not seen in many men so I hope it will endure." Varys said without fear.
"Bold Master Varys but I accept the compliment. If I am to make things better in Westeros and the rest of the world then I must first make sure things are made stable again. Power is not nearly as important as how it is used. And I intend to be respectful of that power less it destroy me as it has done my others before me. Come Master Varys, your seat on the Small Council awaits." Haeron said, making sure to add the last part so he knew that he would be keeping his position which Varys gladly accepted, sure now that he had found a wise and strong leader worthy of his service.
They silently made their way to the Small Council were he saw his people had already gathered, Jaime and Tygett sat there, the latter being the Master of Laws as agreed. Lord Davos Seaworth looking rather out of place in settings that he felt belonged to greater men than him as he took the position of Master of Ships. Lord Rickard Stark sat there with the Badge of the Hand on his tunic to represent his position as Hand of the King. Varys took his seat as Master of Whispers while Pycelle had apparently been taken ill after a brief spell in one of the cells so he was absent.
"So I will send for a new Grandmaester as soon as possible. A position on the Small Council will not be left open for long. I will also send for the new Master of Coin from House Tyrell. But for the moment I should inform you Lord Stark that your daughter has been found, I am sending for Prince Martell to have her sent here along with my brother and Ser Dayne to explain their actions." Haeron informed Lord Stark who looked relieved that Lyanna had been located and would soon be returned but at the same time he was worried at what might have happened to her at the hands of the King's own brother.
"What of Prince Rhaegar your grace?" Rickard asked with suspicion, thinking the king would not punish his brother but Haeron coldly told him.
"My brother nearly brought the realm to the brink of civil war. I will wait till he has a chance to explain himself before I decide just what punishment he will be given." Haeron said and Rickard nodded, understanding that despite whatever Rhaegar might have done he was still Haeron's brother and he wouldn't condemn him without good reason.
"I will also be inviting all of the Great Lords here to discuss the realm and its current state, they will need reassuring that I am not intending anything extreme or too much at this time. My main purpose at this time is to make sure that the realm is made stable again. That faith in House Targaryen is restored and bonds rebuilt." Haeron told them and they all nodded in agreement, knowing it was a good move as it would also allow them to find out just who would be an enemy.
"The Age of the Great Dragon begins." Jaime said with a smirk which made many look at him with surprise, Haeron just raised an eyebrow wondering just what made Jaime say something like that.
"I have never claimed to be either 'Great' or a 'Dragon' let alone both at the same time." Haeron said drily but Jaime just kept smirking.
"You might not have claimed to be but that is what those that know you think so. Its not just them any more, people who saw that battle you and your dragon had over the city...the tales are spreading. Getting wilder each time." Jaime told him and Haeron wanted to groan but kept his composure.
A legend, just great Haeron thought as he knew how those could go or turn against you.
The Eyrie, the Vale...
"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?" Robert yelled in a fury as he listened to what Jon Arryn had said. "THAT DRAGON FUCKER TAKES MY WOMAN AND NOW HIS FUCKING BROTHER WANTS US TO SUCK HIS COCK!"
The Baratheon heir had been in a complete frenzy since Lyanna Stark had been taken and Jon had been sure it was now getting to the time to launch their own attempt to remove the Targaryens from the throne. But then to his great annoyance Haeron Targaryen had acted before he could and saved Rickard and Brandon Stark. It sounded ruthless but he had wanted for the Mad King to kill them, that would give him all of the justification that he needed to raise his banners against the Targaryens and he had the heir of the North right here to control and the Baratheons would have no choice but to join them.
Elbert would have been potentially lost but that was a risk that he was willing to take, but to his great anger Haeron Targaryen had stormed the city and Aerys Targaryen died! It was astonishing but it was the truth, he had freed the Starks and now was pledging to put the realm back together.
In short, all of Jon's plans were ruined he thought with fury.
Haeron was not officially king yet but that was a formality, he was king in all but name with a dragon that was fully grown now and to make matters worse the Dowager Queen had a dragon herself that was almost as big, the foreign queens and two of their ladies also had dragons and each member of House Targaryen apart from Rhaegar would likely now have a dragon egg.
Jon did not want to give up on his plans, so he knew his only real chance now was to go there and undermine the support Haeron had. He was tempted to leave Robert and Ned here but he knew they would need to come with him, he could not trust them to continue if he was gone.
Not to mention he had to retrieve Elbert he thought and decide just who to marry him too.
"We will go, at the very least we can ensure the release of Lyanna Robert." Jon told him while Ned stood to the side with his own fear over the fate of his family, his father and brother had nearly died at the hands of the Mad King and his sister was still missing. He would believe that until he saw her with his own eyes, seeing them would ease a great deal of his concerns but Jon being more practical added.
"But we will go with enough men to ensure our protection. Lyanna will be there Robert, Ned." Jon told them and they nodded, Robert looking ready to erupt in flames with how angry he was while Ned remained concerned, things still seemed so unstable and the wrong move could plunge them into war. Ned was just worried for his family and hoped dearly that things would finally begin to improve.
The Tower of Joy, Dorne...
Prince Doran was leading his party of men personally, given the importance of these times he could hardly leave it in the hands of anyone else with his brother in Essos. He led a retinue of his best men with the intention of eventually going to Kings Landing to meet with the new king but before that he was first going to the Tower of Joy to find Prince Rhaegar, Ser Arthur Dayne and Lyanna Stark.
His own personal feelings towards this situation remained cold until he knew just what was going on, the disrespect to Elia to not even inform her about whatever he was planning infuriated him not to mention the implication that Rhaegar was in love with Lyanna...Doran remained controlled but he was fuming inside.
The tower when it finally came into view was somewhat a relief, at least he might finally get some answers. He saw Ser Dayne at the doorway, Dawn already in his hands. He turned to his best warrior Areo and told him.
"Have the archers ready."
"As you command." Areo said calmly despite the fact they were now face to face with Dorne's finest warrior. They rode towards the tower and Ser Arthur tensed as they approached, Doran dismounted from his horse and stood in front of Ser Arthur who bowed his head in respect to his former liege lord.
"Prince Martell." Ser Arthur said before standing ready. "I cannot let you pass."
"The situation has changed Ser Dayne...but I am prepared for that." Prince Doran said as his archers readied themselves. Arthur knew he would be killed easily, he knew some of these men personally and they were excellent archers, they would not miss at this range but he was resolute in his duty to defend the tower and stop them getting in.
Fortunately his self-sacrifice was not necessary as Prince Rhaegar appeared from behind him, dressed thankfully and spoke to Doran who unsurprising did not give the respect to him you might expect.
"Prince Martell, I am surprised by your presence but I do apologize for any confusion, I assume my father sent you." Rhaegar said without worry.
Doran raised an eyebrow, he didn't know he realised and wondered how after days of the news spreading that they had missed it.
"Aerys Targaryen is dead." Doran told him calmly.
The look of surprise on both Rhaegar and Arthur's faces was proof that he was right.
"When did he die?" Rhaegar asked with confusion and then worry as he realised just how big this revelation was.
"Some time ago while trying to burn Rickard Stark to death and was only stopped by your eldest brother invading the city with an army. He has commanded that you be brought to Kings Landing to explain your actions." Doran said with stern disapproval over his actions.
"What happened?!" A female voice said with sudden fear and Lyanna Stark appeared with a loose fitting robe and messy hair, making it clear to anyone with half a brain just what she and Rhaegar had just been doing.
Doran's eyes narrowed with anger and became as icy cold before he told them again.
"Your brother, the new king has ordered that you and your...retinue be brought to Kings Landing to explain yourselves." Doran said with cold determination and leaving no room for excuses or debate. Ser Arthur looked ready to fight him on that even in the face of certain death but Rhaegar stopped him with a gentle word.
"Stop. My friend it seems we must do as they say. My brother will understand." He said with confidence which made Lyanna, Arthur and Doran look at him with confusion as they wondered just what he meant by that. However they had a long journey to make and so they went to get ready to depart.
The Red Keep, Kings Landing...Two Weeks Later...
Haeron sat in his solar, or at least it was his now. It belonged to the king so with his father's death he was the owner now.
He had already stripped any of the possessions his father had filled the place with and now it was bare for the moment, at least until he had made his own changes.
But decorating a workspace was low on his list of priorities right now he thought with a look of concentration on his face as he wrote several letters to his allies in Essos.
Now that he had the throne he had the ability to use Westerosi ports for their trade ships as well, meaning they could expand their trade reach and more due to having the Westerlands and Reach ports now he could use them to trade with Sephora and the far east once they had enough frigates for the longer voyages.
He intended to give the design to his lords freely now, it was hardly worth keeping a secret any more and it would allow more long distance trading. His allies in Essos would also be receiving the designs for the same reason.
But while he was considering just where he needed to sent the various plants he had collected on the journey around the world Ser Bonifer Hasty entered, the old knight was respectful and bowed to his king which Haeron accepted with a smile as he had nothing but respect for the man. He unlike most of the knights that he had met Ser Bonifer held true to the vows that he had sworn too. If he wasn't already sworn to the Faith he would have named him to be a part his retinue but since he was he hoped to get his support in something.
"Your Grace, the last of the rioters and loyalists to the previous king have been rounded up. What is it you intend to do with them?" Ser Bonifer asked and seeing no reason to lie Haeron answered honestly.
"The Bloodmen will be executed, their crimes are too severe for any other sentence but other loyalists, they will treated with more compassion. Once their own crimes have been weighed we will decide. Those that have committed more terrible offences will be given the choice of execution or the Wall, just to put them to some use." Haeron said calmly and Ser Bonifer nodded in agreement, seeing that as fair and just.
"Ser Hasty, my mother says you are one of the most honourable and righteous men she has ever met and I trust her judgement." Haeron said seriously and the man looked almost pleased at that as clearly his mother's word still carried weight with him. "I have grown very disillusioned with the Kingsguard. Not only did they stand by for years while my father committed crimes worse than have the men already at the Wall but when the time came to help...only two of them stepped forward. One of which is dead. There are limitations as well with the traditional structure of Kingsguard, seven when House Targaryen is far bigger than that already. I intend to set up a new Royal Guard, a larger one to protect the Red Keep and House Targaryen but I need someone that I can trust to help create the code for them...their charter. Ser Hasty, will you write it? A fair and just contract to hold the guard too?"
Ser Bonifer was clearly shocked if extremely honoured at the request if feeling undeserving of such a thing.
"Your grace, it is an honour to be asked to do it but are you sure that there is no-one else more deserving?" Ser Bonifer said with modesty that only made Haeron certain he had found the right man.
"No one. I need a man that understands duty and integrity, such traits are things to be treasured in this world. I would ask no one else." Haeron said with a calm smile.
Ser Bonifer Hasty looked reluctant but nodded in acceptance, knowing it was not right to refuse a request from a king.
"Thank you Ser Hasty." Haeron told him with a genuine smile. "I might make a few changes but it will be a great help to me."
- x -
Tywin Lannister was the first of the great lords to arrive apart from Mace Tyrell who was of course already here.
He saw the destruction that had been inflicted on the city and managed to remain impassive but knew history would record his daughter as being responsible for this. It made him fume inside that his house would be associated with such a thing as while he did not care what the smallfolk thought their respect and reputation as a house would be tainted forever by Cersei's whims.
He was clearly expected as the guards at the Red Keep allowed him in and he dismounted from his horse and accompanied by his brother Kevan and their men made his way through the familiar corridors of the castle to the throne room. He was greeted by Haeron finishing the trials of Aerys's inner circle., sitting on the Iron Throne as a beheaded man was dragged away.
Seeing him arrive Haeron got up and descended from the Iron Throne, Jaime appearing from the side and walking to meet them.
"Lord Lannister, Ser Lannister. Welcome back." Haeron said with a tired expression having been doing these trials non-stop for days and many had been either killed or sent to the Wall. Some were sadder stories as they had merely been doing what they felt was their duty and others were gleeful in carrying out their duties. So he had been forced to use both magic and careful judgement when deciding their fates.
"Your grace, is she still alive?" Tywin asked without waiting and everyone knew what he was talking about.
"For now, I felt you might want a say in her fate." Haeron said coldly and Tywin nodded in agreement while Jaime and Kevan looked uneasy, not that they were talking about killing Cersei. Her fate was sealed whatever Tywin had to say but what the two of them might come up with worried them deeply.
"Just get rid of her!" Tywin said with anger, strange as he never let himself show anger but Cersei had pushed him to his limits, he wanted her gone so she couldn't cause any more humiliation to House Lannister.
"Understood." Haeron said before telling him. "I will need a new Hand of the King, Lord Stark is only doing it temporarily so I would name your brother Kevan to the role."
The news shocked Kevan and Jaime especially as they would have both expected for him to name Tywin but he and Haeron both knew the reason for it. Kevan while loyal to his family was not a schemer by nature, he was a follower albeit a capable one, he would not try to manipulate Haeron the same way Tywin might do.
It was good move Tywin thought with a nod.
- x -
Black Cells, A Short Time Later...
Cersei Lannister sat in her own filth in the pitch black, her fury growing as she had screamed herself hoarse in anger to get them to let her out. She had expected Jaime to come and let her out, sneak her to safety. He loved her she thought with complete certainty that he would never love anyone else but her, he had married some other whore but that was only for appearances she was sure.
He was hers she thought with arrogance and no other woman could ever equal her.
The door slowly opened with a creek and she looked up in expectation that Jaime would be there but instead she saw her father standing there imperiously, her fear spiked as she saw him and went to put on her most devoted face.
"Father." She said with a trembling voice that was designed to earn her sympathy but instead of speaking back, her father lunged forward and wrapped his hands around her throat. She yelled out briefly as his hands wrapped around her throat and she desperately struggled for breath while clawing at his face and hands to get him to let go but he refused to allow her any respite.
For all of the problems that she had caused him, all of the humiliation and loss of opportunities Tywin refused to let go. She would not risk the future of House Lannister any more he thought with cold ruthlessness.
Cersei felt herself getting light headed and desperately looked past Tywin for anyone who might save her but her heart leapt in her chest as she saw Jaime standing there, looking from behind him. She looked him straight in the eye, her pleading for her life and desperately begging for their love to get him to act.
But instead Jaime just looked at her coldly and walked away without a single word or looking back even once! Her heart or what might count as a heart shattered in her chest as she finally realised that he had stopped loving her...he did love that little whore he had married and now no-one was going to save her!
The fact she was going to die hit her as her vision started going dark, the end of her life...the fact she was never going to be queen! Never have children! That struck her with a harsh and cold realisation and that all of her life she had believed a lie, that witch bitch had deceived her and she could only curse her as the life was choked from her lungs.
When she finally stopped breathing and died at the hands of her own father, her body was not even given the dignity of a funeral or sent back to Casterly Rock. Instead she was thrown in a pit with other bodies from the other executions without a care.
- x -
Hoster Tully was the next Lord Paramount to arrive, he rode in and there was only one person that he wanted to see. The sight of his brother holding Lysa by the shoulder made him break into a run and Lysa did the same, running over to him with tears in her eyes.
"Father!" Lysa called out as she jumped into his arms, he held her so tightly as she cried into his shoulder.
"Sweetling, I have missed you so much." Hoster said with genuine relief that she was well. He had been so worried about her and held her close, not wanting to let her go again.
"I was so scared." Lysa said as she cried into his shoulder but he just comforted her while Brynden looked on and Hoster mouthed to his brother.
"Thank you."
Brynden nodded with a small smile, relieved that his youngest niece was safe and that their family was whole again.
The approach of the new king nearly went unnoticed but his appearance made Brynden bolt upright and thankfully Hoster with his arms still around Lysa stood up quickly.
"Be at ease Lord Tully, I can quite understand your joy at being reunited with your daughter. There are matters though we will need to discuss, some plants and bounties that I wish to bring to Westeros." Haeron told him and Hoster blinked in surprise before asking.
"Bounties your grace?"
Haeron nodded before telling him.
"We will speak on that later, for now...take time with your daughter." Haeron told him before leaving them alone to bond while Lysa clung to him, just taking comfort in her father.
The arrival of the Arryn party and and the Baratheon party was timed deliberately by Jon Arryn, he hoped to get Steffon Baratheon alone to speak with him on their alliance but it was not to be as they were met by Haeron Targaryen himself at the city gates. But instead of riding out on a horse he flew down on the back of his dragon, even Robert was stunned as he had never seen such a large creature before.
Jon Arryn though realised this was a deliberate move on Haeron's part, to remind them of his power and that he could destroy them with ease. He had to admit seeing the dragon with his own eyes now made him realise just how powerful they really were and why his own ancestors had bent the knee to them.
Steffon was like Jon was sure of the intimidation tactic and had to concede it worked, still as he stood there he saw Robert glaring at the creature.
"Should kill it, I know I could." He said with a snarl but Steffon smacked him upside the head and grabbed him by the beard to make him look him in the eye.
"That creature could destroy you and everyone of us without a second thought. I will not allow your ego to ruin our house." Steffon told him with a stern hiss. Robert blinked but cowed to his father, not able to stand up to him.
"Greetings Lord Arryn, Lord Baratheon. I am glad that you came." Haeron said politely and while that was true of Steffon, Jon Arryn was a completely different story. He had not forgotten the man's plans and he could tell by reading his mind that Arryn had not changed his mind, in fact he was actually going to try and stir up dissent if he could.
Haeron coldly thought that he couldn't allow that.
"WHERE IS LYANNA!? WHERE IS THAT SILVER HAIRED SHIT!?" Robert demanded with spit flying from his mouth in rage. Haeron just raised his eyebrow while telling Robert.
"We have managed to find Lyanna Stark and my wayward brother. Prince Martell is bringing them to Kings Landing so we will soon learn just what has been going on." Haeron told him coldly and Kara snarled at Robert which made the big tall Baratheon back away in fear.
"Thank you your grace. For both finding Lyanna and saving my father and brother." Eddard 'Ned' said with genuine gratitude, not to mention he was keen to not bring the wrath of the dragon down on him. It was a truly incredible to see it in person as all of the renderings and paintings in the world did not convey just how big and strong real dragons were. He certainly did not want to anger either the new king or his dragon.
"It was my duty to seek out the truth and it is as important to my family as it is for yours." Haeron said with nod to the younger Stark who honestly he was taking more of a liking to than most of the Starks. "Still we should retire to the Red Keep, your father awaits your arrival." Haeron said to Ned who looked immediately happier. Haeron remounted his dragon and flew back towards the Red Keep, leaving them to follow on horse back.
- x -
Ned was silent as they rode through the city, his heart feeling deeply for the damage he was seeing especially the ruins of Flea's Bottom where so many people had died. He felt haunted at seeing it like he was looking at someone's grave which in reality he was.
He averted his eyes back to the Red Keep and saw another large dragon flying around it with the new king's, when had that happened he thought with astonishment as their numbers were obviously growing. He just hoped that he never had to face a creature like that as regardless of what Robert said they would not be so easy to kill as a boar on a hunt.
Arriving at the Red Keep he had not thought any castle could truly be a match for Winterfell and yet he had to concede that the Red Keep was very impressive. At least as large as Winterfell and made of red stone it was tall and imposing, seeing his father and brother standing there to greet them though instantly stole his attention and he went over to them as soon as he could. For once forgetting appearances and rushed forward to hug them. He grabbed them in a tight hug and surprisingly his father who would normally have chastised Ned for such a display hugged him back along with Brandon.
"You're safe." Ned said with relief and Brandon laughed loudly before boasting.
"Of course Ned! They would not dare harm us!" He joked proudly but Rickard glared at him coldly as he knew how close to disaster they had come thanks to his arrogant foolishness.
"Things are well enough Ned and hopefully Lyanna will be back here soon so we can get to the bottom of this." Rickard said with certainty, glad that his much more level headed second son here to help him deep an eye on Brandon before he caused any more damage after nearly getting them both killed.
- x -
Steffon meanwhile was taking his son to a private place in the castle and when he found a bedroom that was currently unoccupied and slammed the door shut. He turned his face towards Robert with a thunderous look on his face.
"You have got to stop causing problems with House Targaryen! They have dragons now they could destroy all of us if you push them too far." Steffon told him harshly and Robert despite being as tall as his father now and just as muscular was intimidated by his father's presence which was so strong it made Robert feel like he was only up to his knee.
"They took my woman!" He said back weakly and Steffon gritted his teeth.
"We nearly lost the betrothal because of your adventures with women! You have no idea just how hard myself and Lord Arryn had to work so Lord Stark wouldn't break it. Whatever has happened with Lyanna Stark you have done plenty of damage yourself." Steffon told him sternly and continued harshly to make sure the scared Robert accepted his words. "If you marry this woman or not will be decided on what happens when she and Prince Rhaegar arrives. From what I have heard the new king is as angry with him as you are but he has something known as self-control. He will punish Rhaegar whatever has happened." Steffon said with certainty as he knew that Haeron would not let Rhaegar get away with his bad behaviour.
Robert looked rebellious but stayed quiet and did not argue with his father, still hating the Targaryens but at least not openly showing it.
- x -
Jon Arryn was eager having seen Stark and Baratheon reuniting to find his own nephew, Elbert looked better than he had expected having been lucky in having the maids feed him while he was imprisoned.
"My boy, it is good that you are safe." Jon said calmly as he embraced his nephew but the reunion seemed cold as Elbert was standoffish with him.
"Uncle." Elbert said with a serious voice, he had seen the power of House Targaryen now and was fully aware of his uncle's ambitions to remove them from power. Largely because he felt that things in Westeros would be more stable with them gone but also that it would be a better chance for him and others to gain power for themselves. Maybe all the way to the throne itself he thought with some reluctant admiration for his uncle's ambition.
But there was he thought too much risk in that plan, the Targaryens were not as weak as they had been half a decade ago and with Haeron in charge now it was looking like they were in for a restoration. Not only with dragons to ride once again and enforce their will but also had more members than ever before.
Crossing them would be a huge danger, far too much to make his uncle's ambitions worthwhile.
"I have spoken with the new king, he has considerable plans for Westeros that will bring prosperity for many years to come. Not least of which is trade with the far east." Elbert said calmly and noticed the tightening of his uncle's eyes at the mention of Haeron having plans. He shouldn't be surprised as Haeron was not the sort of king that would just sit on the Iron Throne and let others rule, he would seek to make his own mark for good or bad.
"Are the other great lords as pleased with these plans of his?" Jon Arryn asked Elbert, fishing for any potential allies and Elbert narrowed his eyes, not sure if he should answer or not as he did not want to destroy his family if his uncle got ahead of himself. In the end old family loyal compelled him to speak.
"Lord Tyrell has been slighted somewhat due to his own arrogance." Elbert told him and Jon frowned as he knew that was useless. Mace Tyrell was nothing but a puppet for his mother and if she was against it then it simply wouldn't happen, as much as that infuriated him that his plans were effectively being frozen by an overbearing woman he thought with anger boiling beneath the carefully controlled surface.
Jon Arryn had no idea that at the moment Haeron was informing his wives of Arryn's schemes, to say they were not impressed would be an understatement and they all made the decision that the last thing they needed in the opening period of their reign was one of the major lords plotting to usurp the throne and destabilize everything. So they would have to make sure that didn't happen.
Ned was wandering the Godswood of the Red Keep, looking at the oak tree with a carved face he could not help but think this was not a real place of worship as it had no Weirwood Tree. It was just a murmur's facade he thought with disdain at the pathetic attempt.
He however was distracted by the sight of a beauty unlike any woman that he had ever seen before, one that only a short time ago had stolen his heart at Harrenhal.
"Lady Dayne. I...I had not expected to see you here." Ned said with sudden nervousness despite everything that they had shared at Harrenhal, he had written to her often and she had written back but recent events had proven to be a large and considerable distraction from their courting. They hadn't told anyone about it, not Jon, not Robert not even Elia. This was their little secret he thought proudly.
"Nor I you but it is a genuine pleasure to see you again." Ashara told him with a wide and enchanting smile that never failed to bring Ned to his knees. He gently took her hand and kissed it, making both of them blush as they enjoyed each other's presence. Sitting against the tree they cuddled together and in a moment of daring Ned kissed Ashara and she while surprised kissed him back before they enjoyed each other's bodies in the way only a couple of lovers could.
- x -
Ser Barristan Selmy was feeling extremely unsettled, recent events had shaken his confidence in his role and that of the Kingsguard. Haeron was now king and that promised change, having served in the Kingsguard of two previous kings he knew that when a new monarch came to the throne there was always going to be changes. Haeron himself was a breaker of tradition and if anything he could say his voyage around the world and marriage to the two new queens had made him more bold than ever before. He had been gathering all kinds of things on his journey that he was introducing to Westeros, new plants and fruits that Barristan had never had heard of before but things like Strawberries as they were known sounded like they would be very popular in Westeros.
But he still felt the wall between them and the new king, the same one that had been there ever since he was a boy. Haeron had released them from the cells only because he needed them to help guard the Red Keep but only Ser Lewyn was allowed to guard him personally or the younger children, Haeron meanwhile remained as closed off as ever.
So when they finally were standing alone in the King's Solar that night Barristan dared to ask the questions that he really needed answers too.
"Your grace. If I might dare to ask, what you intending to do with the Kingsguard?" Barristan asked with as polite a voice as he could manage. Haeron looked up, his eyes cold and hard as he stared at Barristan.
"A daring question Ser Barristan. I am in no way inclined to answer but I have nothing to hide. I intend to form a larger body to protect the whole Royal Family, the existing structure is incapable of doing that so I will make a larger one. But until I am finished your position is secure I assure you." Haeron said coldly which sent a chill through Barristan.
Changing the Kingsguard was fundamentally against everything he believed in but at the same time Haeron had a point, that made it worse as it was simply not possible for the seven of them to protect every member of House Targaryen at once.
"But tradition..." Barristan protested in defiance but Haeron looked him dead in the eye and silenced him with a look.
"Tradition has its place but when it comes to the protection of my family I will not allow it to interfere. I need people that can be trusted to protect them and to speak up when there is a problem. All of you kept your months shut when Aerys was running amok, causing so much death and destruction that he will be listed as one of the worst kings that Westeros has ever had alongside Maegor the Cruel and Aegon the Unworthy. Only two actually did something when it really mattered and one of them is dead, I am allowing you and your brothers to serve as for now I have little choice but I am watching you all." Haeron warned him. Barristan felt deeply unsettled as it was clear that he was serving a king that did not hold them in high regard or truly respect them.
This he could feel was going to be a hard situation for all of them he thought with dread.
- x -
Unknown to Barristan or anyone else in the Red Keep, someone was taking steps to remove a dangerous threat to their family.
Jon Arryn was getting into bed, he had checked it of course but found nothing and so settled down to sleep. He was planning to start talking to the other lords tomorrow so he could plant seeds of doubt that he could use later to erode the power and influence of House Targaryen but as he settled down to sleep on the best way to approach this and who might be the most receptive to his efforts he did not notice that the bed he was now sleeping in was connected to the ceiling of the room.
It had been built during the days of Maegor, it was a 'special' place for certain guests, a small door in the bed frame above opened from the room over it and allowed a snake to enter along the drapes and beams that held it up. It made its way down onto the bed and while the Lord of the Vale slept, and locked in on his body heat, stealthily making its way under bedding before biting him in his sleep. It was a small bite, in his deep sleep, helped by the potion his bedding had been dosed in he did not even feel it which was completely by design. The bite was so small you would probably miss it if you weren't intentionally looking for it.
After this the snake was lured back up the beams and drapes and through the door by potent smells she had created for the task at hand. Evelyn smiled as she stunned the snake, then killed it to dispose of any evidence that it had even been there.
She would not tolerate any threat to her family she thought with a dark smirk.