The day began slowly at the Red Keep. At least, it was slow for Ashara.
The queen was probably up and about already, as was the king and the rest of his small council. The servants were no doubt going about their duties in the background which kept the royal castle functioning.
What was Ashara doing then? Sleeping in of course.
Sleeping in had not been Ashara's intention, but she had gone to bed late last night. She hadn't slept in her chambers either, rather keeping the energetic Shaena company for the night. It was something that had happened a couple of times since the announcement of the dragons' return had reached the capital. Shaena had been full of excitement since then and needed someone to share that excitement with.
And Ashara fit that criteria pretty well.
Then, another raven had arrived around five days ago from Winterfell. Rhaegal was finally on his way back, and apparently he had some more surprises that he wanted to show before the court. The letter had contained no specifics, but the cryptic words had sent the court buzzing with rumors about what these surprises could be.
After bringing back the dragons, what else could Rhaegal be hiding?
Imaginations ran wild.
Shaena had been unable to contain her growing excitement. This was also true for Daeron. The two of them had been in such high spirits that it was hard for the rest of them to keep up. It was worse when the two would get into arguments about who would become the third dragon rider alongside their brothers. It was so bad at times that the queen had to intervene and separate them for most of the day lest they start hitting one another.
Yes, the two siblings were not on the best of terms right now.
And Ashara doubted that Rhaegal realized this. He was probably just excited to share the news with his family and sent the raven without giving it much thought. Not that she could wholly fault him. The royal family had become happier because of it. Both the king and queen had been in high spirits for the past week. The king in particular was seen humming to himself as he walked through the halls of the Red Keep with a prideful look. He made no effort to hide his own excitement, for the dragons had finally been returned to Westeros under his reign. He would forever be known as the king who achieved the Targaryens' long held dream for the past century.
In her mind, Ashara mocked the king for his ego, as this accomplishment belonged to Rhaegal, not him. But in public she made sure to go along with it like everyone else. She might not have a highly favorable opinion of the man, but he was still the king. He was also Rhaegal's father. For that reason alone, she would show some decorum.
Queen Rhaella had been more concerned about the well being of her sons and swore to give them an earful for going off on their own and doing something so dangerous without consulting them. Of course, like her husband, she couldn't keep her pride hidden away either. At the end of the day, she too was a Targaryen, and the fascination with dragons was within her blood.
By now, all of the realm must have heard of the return of the dragons. In preparation for the upcoming tourney and name day celebration, knights and lords had begun pouring into King's Landing like an infestation. They had started to arrive much earlier than expected, no doubt to try and see if they could catch a glimpse of the dragons before anyone else.
Unfortunately for them, Rhaegal and the others had yet to return. Based on the letter, Ashara knew that it wouldn't be too much longer.
She couldn't wait to see him again.
"Urgh, it's too cold…"
Ashara's thoughts were interrupted by the mutters from Shaena who was hidden under her sheets.
If the princess thought this weather was cold, then she would probably hate the North. Not that Ashara had ever been there herself.
Clearing her mind, Ashara decided to finally get out of the bed. Her hair was a mess, and she was going to need a long bath in order to wake herself up. It was a luxury that she had grown accustomed to after living for so many years in the Red Keep.
The royal family knew how to live in luxury.
But first, she was going to have to wake up a very sleepy Targaryen princess.
The highlight of her day.
Despite her thoughts, Ashara enjoyed the time she spent with Shaena. It was almost like she had a little sister. She had only grown up with two older brothers, so it was a novel experience for her.
After calling for the servants to prepare the bath, Ashara spent the next several minutes trying to coax Shaena into getting out of bed. It was not easy, and it took Ashara resorting to promising her she could have cake later for Shaena to finally agree.
The princess loved cakes.
By this point, none of the female servants batted an eye to seeing Ashara spend the night with the princess. They were used to it, and they knew of her friendship with Rhaegal. It went without saying that Ashara enjoyed many privileges in the Red Keep that other ladies were not granted.
This included Elia, who had grown more frustrated over the weeks at Shaena's lack of interest in forming a close friendship with her.
This fact surprised Ashara too. She didn't know why the young girl gave Elia the cold shoulder. She hadn't asked. Ashara didn't want to get involved in something that did not concern her even if she was curious. Besides, it was Elia's fault to begin with. Ashara wasn't going to help her childhood friend in her schemes to cement herself in the royal family.
The bath was enjoyable as always. Despite having to make sure that the young princess properly washed herself, Ashara enjoyed herself.
From there, Ashara let the maids handle the rest as she returned to her own chambers in order to get dressed herself. She wore a loose silk dress of purple and white in honor of her house. Her style reflected her Dornish background, something that clashed with the other ladies in court. It was something that Ashara had long since stopped thinking about, though.
There was a knock on her door.
Ashara went to answer it. There, one of the maids was waiting for her, head bowed.
"Lady Dayne. The queen requests you join her at the gardens with the princess at your earliest convenience."
The queen already knew they were up. Not surprising. Most of the maids answered to her directly.
"Thank you. I shall be there at once."
Closing the door, Ashara retreated back into her chambers to finish the last of her preparations. She was not nervous. She had shared many talks with the queen over the years. She was like a light in this fortress of schemes and double talk, for the queen had little patience for both. She only cared for her family. In that regard, Rhaella Targaryen was the best queen a king could ask for.
Ashara left her chambers after she was finished. She wasn't one to wear much jewelry. Not that she hated it. It was the opposite. She loved to dress up. It was just bothersome to put them on every day when they got in the way. Her family had sent her the best jewelry they owned. To better represent the Dayne name in court. Actually, now that she thought about it, it was more like her mother had done it. Lady Cassella Dayne, formerly of Vaith, was both a stern woman befitting her Dornish background but also one to enjoy the finer tastes in life. She made sure that things were always running smoothly back in Starfall, and she made sure to keep in touch with her and Arthur even though they were in King's Landing most of the time.
Ashara had only returned on a couple of occasions to Starfall since joining the queen's ladies. To be frank, she preferred her home over the filth that was King's Landing. A lot less people. Less noise. Less politics too.
She knew that she wouldn't go back if given the choice, though.
Ashara cleared her mind from those thoughts as she joined the queen with her two children in her private garden. It was located inside the godswood but was created as a personal area for the queen and her circle of ladies. She would also take Shaena and Daeron with her often, just as she was doing today.
Ser Oswell Whent was standing nearby, as was Ser Willem Darry. She had come to regard the latter as an earnest knight who held great loyalty to the Targaryens, and thus took his post very seriously. He was not a Kingsguard, but he was the closest to them in terms of his devotion.
The two knights permitted her entry as Queen Rhaella welcomed her with a smile.
"It's good to see you again, Ashara. Come. Enjoy yourself."
The queen gestured to all the treats served on the table. Shaena was already eating her favorite cake while Daeron played on the floor with his wooden dragons. They had been a gift to him from the king for his last name day celebration. Supposedly he had named one of the dragons Bael in honor of the Black Dread himself. He said it was the name that he would give his own dragon some day. At the time, Ashara had just chalked it up to the imaginations of a child.
Now….well, things changed fast, didn't they?
While she sat on the offered chair facing the queen, Ashara watched how one of the servants prepared her tea for her before serving it.
The queen was still smiling at her. "It appears you were up late last night."
There was no point in trying to lie over something so mundane.
"Yes, your Grace. Princess Shaena wanted to discuss her dragon with me. And how she was going to fly over the city alongside the prince."
"Mhmm!" The princess hummed as she nodded enthusiastically. She did not say anything, though, preferring to stuff her face with another piece of cake instead.
Hungry herself, Ashara got a piece of her own. It wasn't the best of meals to start her day off with, but morning was almost gone now. Breakfast was a moot point.
"These children of mine." The queen sighed. "Their imaginations are too much for me."
Despite her words, there was a clear fondness in her tone that did not go unnoticed.
"How about yourself, your Grace?"
"Me?" Rhaella tilted her head.
"Yes. The dragon might choose to bond with you instead."
Ashara did not know much about dragons, but she did know that they could be unpredictable. There was apparently no one clear method that guaranteed success when it came to becoming a dragon rider. Not unless the egg hatched in the crib of a child. It just seemed to come down to the whims of the dragon.
"I highly doubt that." The queen did not seem to entertain the idea. "My children seem more suited to becoming dragon riders. Not that I have never fantasized about it." She smiled softly. "I remember when I was a child I used to believe that I would find a dragon egg in the Red Keep and that I would somehow make it hatch. A child's fancies really. Nothing more." She glanced at her children with a loving glance. "Now it appears that they will have their chance where I did not."
Ashara felt as though the queen was selling herself short, but she did not argue the matter.
Queen Rhaella savored her tea for a few moments as a comfortable silence settled over the garden. However, it did not last forever as soon septa Edyth appeared in the garden, wearing the traditional white septa robes.
"Your Grace. Excuse my intrusion. Princess Shaena was late attending her lessons today. I hope everything is alright."
While Shaena's mood soured at the appearance of the septa, the queen answered happily. "Everything is quite alright. My daughter just decided to sleep in today. However, not that you've had your fill, I think it's time you catch up with what you've missed."
"But mother, those lessons are too boring!" Shaena huffed. "Do I really have to?"
"Yes. Otherwise, when your brother arrives, I will make sure that you are unable to see him. Or the dragons."
Shaena's face went paler than usual as she shuddered at the threat.
Ashara tried not to laugh. She knew then that Shaena would do as asked.
Sure enough, after promising to be good, the princess practically ran to follow the septa to get started with her missed lessons.
Ser Willem followed like a silent shadow, leaving the garden to the rest of them.
"Children. Always have to fight every little thing," the queen said with a small sigh.
Thankfully Daeron was too preoccupied with his toy dragons to notice.
"It does seem like a challenge." Ashara did not know what else to say.
"Hmm." Rhaella gave a noncommittal hum. "You will understand one day. Once you become a mother."
"Yes…." Ashara drank from her tea to hide her nervousness at that topic.
"Speaking of which." The queen stared at her. "You will soon be fourteen, no? What are your plans regarding your future, Ashara? Have your parents spoken to you about it? I do not mean to pry, but I wish to stay informed of such things. To plan for the future you see. I have lost many companions to their marriages and do not wish to be caught off guard."
Somehow, Ashara doubted that that was the reason for the queen's curiosity. She answered nevertheless.
"No. My parents have not spoken to me about any potential matches."
To be honest, it sort of surprised Ashara. She would have assumed that her father would have tried to pressure her into some kind of marriage by now. But no letter had ever arrived speaking of such arrangements. Ashara would have fought it of course, but the lack of a fight was what confused her.
"Hmm, I see. Very curious. Perhaps I'm just letting my own experience cloud my judgement. I'm sure each house handles their affairs differently."
Ashara did not respond, just enjoying her tea. Inside, however, her mind was trying to understand where the queen was going with this. She had not been prepared to discuss something like a marriage so soon after waking up. She was very confused.
"My parents had my betrothal sorted when I was around your age. Did you know that?"
Ashara had not.
"My uncle's wife, Jenny, had a friend who was a witch. I only met her once, but I will never forget what she looked like when she arrived at court. Nor will I ever forget what she said to me."
Ashara tried her best to not look uncomfortable. "What did she say?"
"She prophesied that a great hero would be born to my brother and I." The queen's smile dimmed a little. "Our parents did not hesitate to have us wed after that. Although I believe that they always intended for that to be the case. Unlike my grandparents, they did not shun the marriage practices of our ancestors. There was never a moment where my future was undecided. I used to think that it was unfair."
Ashara could understand that. She was ready to fight her parents for her future, but she knew that much of her bravery stemmed from her friendship with Rhaegal.
"Even before my betrothal, I was expected to be mindful of my actions. To not look at a certain knight for too long. To not spend in the company of a man by myself. Whatever the truth may be, gossip will always find a way to twist it. And you are left suffering for it."
The queen left the words hanging between them. Ashara was starting to understand what the queen was trying to really tell her.
Even while Daeron played in the background, Ashara was starting to feel the pressure. She had never expected this sort of confrontation to come from the amiable queen. It rattled her.
"Queen Rhaella, I promise you that nothing has happened between me and Prince Rhaegal. We are friends."
The queen's eyebrow rose. "No? But you have feelings for him, do you not?"
Ashara's mouth opened to speak. "I-"
"There is no reason to make excuses, Ashara. Rhaegal has been independent for many years now. This latest venture of his proves that. But he's still my son, and I like to pay attention to those who surround my children."
Ashara's mouth closed. No words left her.
"If I thought you were a threat, then I would have dismissed you long ago. But I know that Rhaegal cares for you. However, the fact of the matter is that he and my daughter will be together. Neither you nor anyone else will change that."
This was the first time the queen was directly challenging Ashara, and it cut her deep. To know that Rhaegal's mother disapproved of her….it hurt, plain and simple.
Rhaella Targaryen appeared docile on the outside, but she too carried her own fire. And Ashara was seeing it for herself.
"I…I know my place, your Grace." It was all Ashara could say right now.
Rhaella's eyes studied her for a few long moments before she finally gave her a nod.
"Very well. The realm is already undergoing a rapid change. My family has avoided causing too much unrest during these times. It cannot afford any more….variations to tradition."
Those were the queen's final words, but they would stick with Ashara for the rest of the day.
It was an ambush that left her feeling defeated.
---
Mina Tyrell watched the countryside change through the window of the carriage.
She and her family had left Highgarden some days ago. They were headed for the capital in order to take part in the twin princes' name day celebration which was set to last for a week.
Except now the celebration was also taking place for another important reason: the rebirth of dragons.
Information was sparse, but every house in the Reach had received a raven from the capital relaying the information. No doubt that ravens had also been sent to every corner of the Seven Kingdoms, all carrying the same information. The hows were uncertain, and despite how unbelievable it sounded her mother was at least taking the news very seriously.
"How long until we get there, mother?" Her sister, Janna Tyrell, asked with a small pout from the other side of the carriage.
Her mother, who was seated next to her, scowled. "Need I remind you to behave properly when we're on this trip? There is much riding on this celebration for house Tyrell."
No matter how much her mother repeated herself, Mina doubted that her little sister would understand. She was still much too young for this sort of game.
"But I'm bored. And I want to see the dragons!" At least she remembered that piece of information. "Do you think the princess has one too!? Do you think we'll get to ride with her!?"
Such an imagination. Mina envied her sister sometimes.
Olenna Tyrell scoffed. "You must understand something, Janna. The princess has a brother. Younger perhaps, but still one that will one day become a man. Do you think the king would let her become a dragon rider over him? Seven hells, he might become one before she does."
Mina understood her mother's logic. Dragons weren't normal. They were weapons, only more dangerous. She had been reading more about them ever since the raven had arrived at Highgarden proclaiming their return. And weapons were meant to be wielded by men, not women.
The Targaryens had defied tradition in the past, though. Perhaps they might do so again?
"Both of you need to get the dragons out of your minds," Olenna snapped at them. "If your foolish brother has done his job properly, then one of you will be attending court with the princess. That is where we will build our strength."
Princess Shaena. The future queen. Only six and already betrothed to her brother, the future king.
Brother-sister marriages were seemingly becoming more common with the Targaryens. Mina didn't know all of their history, but she did know that the king's parents had been siblings. So were the king and the queen. And now the crown prince with his sister.
Mina felt weird just thinking about it. The idea of her marrying Mace made her feel disgusted.
"Hopefully the princess picks me." Janna sighed blissfully. "It would be like a dream to live in the castle with her."
"This one, I swear. She has her head in the clouds already," their mother grumbled.
Mina did not take it personally. She already knew why her mother was in such a bad mood. The Hightowers had yet to respond to her mother's offer to a betrothal between Mace and Lord Leyton's second daughter, Alerie Hightower. There were rumors that the man's eldest daughter, Malora Hightower, suffered from madness. It was why she rarely appeared in public.
The Hightowers were going to be at the name day celebration, so Olenna hoped to get a clear answer from the man then.
This had little to do with Mina herself, so she didn't give the matter further thought. Her mother's hopes for her and her sister were to try and befriend the princess during their time at the capital. Maybe get close to Prince Daeron as well. Other than the crown prince, the two other Targaryen princes had no matches set for them.
Mina had heard that Prince Rhaegar shared the crown prince's good looks. And he was also now a dragon rider. If she could marry him, then perhaps he would take her flying on his dragon one day?
Mina could only hope.
---
It was the first time in Cersei Lannister's life that she would be leaving Casterly Rock. And it was not for a short trip inside the Westerlands. Oh no. For Cersei was going to the one place that she had dreamed of most.
King's Landing. The city of kings and queens.
Her city. She was going to be queen one day, after all. Her father had promised her so the last time she had seen him, and he would never lie to her.
Inside the carriage next to her, her twin brother Jaime was practically bouncing in his seat in excitement, although for very different reasons.
"I can't wait to meet all the Kingsguard! I hear Ser Barristan is the strongest of them all!"
Cersei wanted to scoff at her brother. She had wanted to learn to be a swordsman too, just like him. But then her father told her that that was no future for a highborn lady such as herself. That her future was much brighter than that of a mere knight. That she belonged to stand next to Prince Rhaegal Targaryen, heir to the throne.
Cersei's excitement was palpable. She was finally going to meet the one that was destined for her. She always enjoyed reading those stories about the legendary heroes and their loved ones.
Now it was going to be her turn.
Their mother, Joanna, chuckled softly as she cradled her belly to protect it against the tumbling of the carriage wheels on the dirt road.
"Remember what your father said, Jaime. Ser Barristan isn't currently at the capital. He's with the crown prince."
Jaime pouted at this. "I know, but he's gonna come back, right? Maybe he'll teach me?"
"Look at this one." Their aunt, Genna, ruffled Jaime's golden locks from her spot next to their mother. She had accompanied them as a handmaiden to their mother, who needed all the support she could get right now.
"Just a boy and already trying to join the men on the battlefield."
"Don't do that, aunt Genna." Jaime tried swatting her hand away, but he was much too slow. "I'm definitely going to become the best knight when I grow up."
"I think you have more than knighthood to look forward to, little lion," Genna joked. She then scrunched up her nose. "I wouldn't get my hopes up about King's Landing either. The place is filthy. It's nothing like Lannisport."
"Not like father let's us go there very often," Cersei complained.
"It's for your safety, my lioness," Joanna said softly. "We can't have you two wandering off whenever you like. The world can be a very dangerous place."
Cersei had heard that excuse too many times to count. She tried not to get too irritated, though. For she was finally on her first worthwhile adventure!
"Do try to remember your father's words, my sweetlings," Joanna said, catching their attention. "Befriend the princes if you can. Princess Shaena as well. That will make your father's job a lot easier."
Cersei was put off at the mention of the princess. "Why do I have to be friends with her? Isn't she the enemy?"
"Cersei!" Her mother all but hissed at her while Genna looked at her with disapproval. "Mind your words. Talk like that while in the capital and you will get in trouble!"
Jaime looked confused while Cersei crossed her arms with a scowl.
"But it's true! Father says she wants to be queen too, but she can't! Prince Rhaegal will be with me!"
Cersei missed the hurt on her brother's face while her mother massaged her temple.
"Oh dear." Genna sighed. "It seems Tywin let his excitement get the better of him, telling all of these things to her. What was he thinking?"
"He's become too obsessed with a hypothetical future, that's what," Joanna replied, her tone bitter.
Cersei didn't understand. Why was her mother acting like this? Didn't she want her to become queen?
"Cersei, look at me." The young girl found herself staring into her mother's serious gaze, causing her to freeze momentarily. "I want nothing but the best for you. You deserve that and more. But you must choose your words carefully. Saying such things out in the open will place you and us in danger. When you're at the capital, you must remember to think first before speaking. In King's Landing, there are ears everywhere. And we must make a favorable impression on the prince."
"The princess might just become your sister through marriage," Genna added. "Think of it that way."
Her sister? Cersei had always wanted a sister. Hopefully the baby inside her mother was a girl. That would be amazing.
'For now, I guess the princess will have to do.'
Yes, the princess would need someone to console her when she realized that she wasn't going to be queen. Who better than Cersei, who was going to be queen?
With her mind made up, Cersei nodded. "I understand, mother."
She would be the mature one.
Joanna nodded while trading a glance full of relief with Genna.
Jaime didn't say anything, but there was a small frown on his face that he tried to hide away by staring out the window of the carriage.
And Cersei? She returned to her dreams about her beloved prince and her future as queen.
---
Jon Arryn had rarely felt so….trapped.
For many years now, Jon had felt as if he was one of the few lords left that understood just how unstable the Targaryens had become. He had lived a long life, and in his life he had seen rebellion after rebellion, all caused by the Blackfyres. A treacherous branch of the Targaryens that did not seem to know when to quit. He had seen the Peake Uprising. He had seen the effects of Aegon V's policies and his staunch position to take away the rights of the lords that served the Iron Throne. Jon could understand wanting to be a pious man and support the smallfolk, but at the cost of the loyalty of your own vassals? It was madness.
Jon also had to witness the destructive tendencies of Aegon V's children, how they squandered their beneficial matches that could have brought much power and support to the Iron Throne. Prince Duncan choosing a commoner woman rather than the Lady Baratheon, which led to Lyonel Baratheon and the Stormlands seceding from the Iron Throne. Then there was Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Shaera, choosing to elope together and get married rather than honor their own respective marriages, earning the ire of house Tully and Tyrell respectively. Then Prince Daeron cut ties with the Redwynes after a failed courtship with Olenna Redwyne, now Lady Olenna Tyrell. Only Princess Rhaelle had honored her duty, marrying Lyonel's son and creating some peace between the dragon and the stag.
And what came after Aegon V's reign? A short reign by his unruly son Jaehaerys, who had chosen to wed his children together and continue the incestuous practices of their ancestors, thus further isolating the crown from the rest of the realm.
It was madness. It was clear to Jon that the glory days of the Targaryens were well in the past. Something needed to be done to check their behavior in the future, lest their rule bring about more instability to the realm.
For a long time, Jon didn't know how to get his plan started. Who to approach.
The War of the Ninepenny Kings had given Jon all the opportunity he needed to put his plan in motion. Through it, all of the lords of the realm had united, and it was there that Jon met Rickard Stark and Steffon Baratheon. The wolf was dissatisfied with his kingdom's isolation. He was eager to build connections with the other great houses, connections that could help strengthen the North in the future. Steffon on the other hand had been a young lord at the time who had just lost both parents and was looking for guidance. Jon provided him with that guidance. Thanks to these two friendships, Jon was now fostering the heir to Storm's End and one of Rickard's sons at the Eyrie. His own heir, his nephew Elbert, also stayed at the Eyrie with the two young lords, forging bonds of his own.
Another generation was being raised to carry on the alliance should anything happen to Jon, for he was not a young man anymore. Additionally, at this point in his life, he doubted that he would have children of his own. The Seven had not been kind to him in this endeavor, this was true.
Jon doubted that Steffon understood his motivations for having Robert come stay at the Eyrie with him. The Baratheon lord just saw it as a way to foster more connections for the future. He was loyal to his cousin, the king.
Robert did not seem to share those same inclinations, at least not to the same extent as his father.
It had all been going well for a few years. The crown prince's magical abilities had made Jon a little weary for the future at first, but as always the Targaryens kept their focus inward. They did not bother to pay attention to the movements of their lords, which suited Jon just fine.
But now, as he crumbled the letter in his hands, Jon felt all his hopes and plans melt away like snow. If he had the energy, he might have slammed his fists on his table in frustration.
His nephew and heir Elbert watched his reaction with caution. He bore the traditional looks of an Arryn: blond hair and blue eyes. He was well fit, befitting a knight of his stature.
They were in Jon's private solar after Elbert had delivered the letter to him which had arrived earlier from Winterfell.
It was not good news. To Jon, it was the worst news imaginable.
"How could this be happening?" Jon no longer understood the reality that he was living in.
"Uncle, what's wrong?" Elbert's voice was full of concern. "What has happened?"
Rickard had written a well detailed letter outlining everything that had occurred in the North during the prince's stay. The annexation of Skagos to the Crownlands, the return of the Gift to the North, the prince's unexpected friendship with Rickard's heir, the respect the prince had earned from the Northern lords, the prince's magical abilities, Dark Sister, the prince's talks with the Night's Watch, and most of all….the dragons.
Jon had known of the prince's upcoming visit to the North, but all of this far exceeded his expectations.
Prince Rhaegal Targaryen was no longer just a pyromancer. He was also now a future dragon rider with a Valyrian steel sword of his own. Jon had heard rumors that the red priestess who had joined the court in King's Landing had somehow procured a Valyrian steel sword for the crown prince. But now he also had Dark Sister with him? With dragons?
If the gods were real, were they just favoring Rhaegal Targaryen now?
Jon was not the most pious of lords. He understood the power behind the Faith, however. And he'd heard whispers that the people of King's Landing and the Crownlands were proclaiming the young Targaryen as blessed by the gods.
Maybe they were right.
It was different in the Vale, though. In Jon's kingdom, the Faith was well entrenched. Only those damned mountain tribes kept to their blasphemous worship. Jon wouldn't mind that as much if they didn't persistently raid his lands for goods and people. Sending any kind of a force to oppose them always proved fruitless. The mountains were a protective barrier to the Vale from invasion, but they also gave the barbarians the perfect area to hide and ambush.
It was madness.
Jon was getting sidetracked. He had heard of some of the unrest going on in the smaller villages inside the Vale. Some begging brothers had been spreading word that the crown prince was a sign of the vile ways of the Targaryens and that his birth signified the end times, similar to what had happened to Valyria during the Doom. That the prince's fires were not divinely inspired but rather were an act of evil that needed to be put down. The High Septon had asked Jon directly to put an end to these practices directly so as to not attract the attention of the king. The High Septon was not interested in starting a conflict with the house of the dragon over something he considered to be a minor nuisance.
Jon hadn't had much success in this, not when the people themselves were protecting these men from his search parties.
And now the prince had dragons. What did this mean for the future? For Jon and his plans?
In his letter, Rickard urged Jon to move away from trying to act against the crown. For his safety.
Should Jon do that?
The answer came to him quickly.
'No.'
The Targaryens had not changed. They were not gods. They were not blessed. Jon had seen many of them come and go. Died pointless deaths or be consumed by their own madness. They were volatile. And now that they had dragons, the danger they posed had only increased.
This did not mean peace. It was the opposite.
And Jon was probably the only one who could see that.
What would be his next move, though?
Jon took a few moments to gather his thoughts while his nephew watched him anxiously, still waiting for an answer.
Jon would tell him everything, but not just him. For there was a trip that they needed to plan. Dragons or no dragons, they still needed to attend the princes' name day celebration.
"Elbert. Bring Robert and Ned in here. I have some things to tell you all."
---
Addam Velaryon gazed out into King's Landing as his ship began its course to dock. After serving for several weeks in the Stepstones, guarding trading lanes from pirates, it felt good to be able to relax and not be on edge all the time.
Pirate activity in the Stepstones had been rising for the past several years. Once it was known that the Iron Throne was supplying the Free Cities during their trade war, outlaws began to pour into those damned islands again despite the clean up operation the Iron Throne had conducted after the War of the Ninepenny Kings. This resurgence was supposedly being led by one of those nine so-called kings who saw an opportunity to enrich himself.
Needless to say, tensions were rising on those islands again. His father, Rhogar Velaryon, had been killed during a skirmish with pirates a couple of years ago. A stray arrow that had turned fatal. It was far from the most glorious of deaths, but the man had been satisfied dying out in sea like their forefathers.
In just a few years the Velaryons were once again making their presence known in the seas. Ever since the Dance, their house's prestige had faded. They were no longer regarded as the masters of the seas. No, the Redwynes held that honor now. It had been a source of frustration in house Velaryon for a long time now.
Thanks to the crown prince, those days seemed to be fading into the past. And Addam couldn't be more thankful.
Even now, his uncle, Lucerys Velaryon, had accompanied the prince personally on a vital mission to the North. It was only recently that Addam learned how vital the mission had actually been.
Dragons.
How wondrous.
Addam knew his story. He knew where his name came from. Unfortunately, it did not seem like he was going to be a dragon rider like his ancestor, but Addam wouldn't cry too much about that. Being the captain of his own ship was a suitable prize for him right now.
"Nephew."
Addam watched as his aunt, Alyssa Celtigar, née Velaryon, joined him on the deck. Her long silver hair flew in the wind.
"How long until we dock? My brother and husband should be arriving with the princes soon. I would prefer to greet the queen first before they get here."
His aunt had brought her three children with her to the celebrations, to see if any of them could build a bond with the Targaryens. His cousin Monford was already a close friend to both Prince Rhaegal and Prince Rhaegar. Alyssa wanted a similar relationship to develop with one of her children. Unfortunately, she had never been able to join the queen's circle of ladies during her youth. It was not surprising. The Targaryens had stopped regarding them as fellow Valyrians since the Dance. This indifference was so apparent that Prince Rhaegal was the first Targaryen to set foot on Driftmark for over a century. King Aegon III's marriage to Daenaera had been their final moment in the spotlight, not that anyone had known it at the time.
Funny. His sister shared the name of the former Velaryon queen while he shared the name of a past dragon rider. Out of the three of them, his brother, Daemon Velaryon, had the worst luck when it came to their names.
Their father had chosen quite the names for his three children.
While his own long silver hair fluttered in the wind, Addam made to reply. But before he could answer his aunt, his eyes caught sight of a familiar ship approaching the Blackwater Rush just as they were.
Addam smirked.
"Unfortunately, aunt. I think we're a little too late."
The crown prince had finally returned to King's Landing.