บท 64: Chapter 63

She dreamed of him once more. Daenerys had dreamed about the same man ever since the vision in Qarth. The man in the ice. She could only see shadows of his face. Daenerys could never see his face properly. He had black hair and icy skin. He was ice. The man enveloped her in ice and he burned her deliciously so. She awoke frustrated once more. "Wake up your grace." Missandei whispered urgently.

The queen opened her eyes and stared at the young woman's face. "Prince Aegon asks for your presence." Missandei said carefully.

Daenerys frowned deeply. She would not have another Viserys in her life. Aegon was not cruel but he was entitled. He believed himself the future king of Westeros. Ilyrio and Varys had said as much. Aegon was the true born son of her brother Rhaegar. Jorah was back in her council. She needed him and Ser Selmy. They knew Westeros and she wanted them by her side. Mopatis and Varys had helped her and protected Aegon. They wanted the Targaryens back in the throne. "The Targaryens wed among themselves. Your nephew will be your king. You will rule. We support our Queen and so does Dorne." Varys whispered. "You are a formidable woman but no lord in Westeros will support your claim when they have the true born son of the last Targaryen male. You need him to make your claim stronger."

"I have two armies. I have my dragons. I am the true and only Queen of the Seven Kingdoms." Daenerys had stated with a hint of hostility in her voice.

"And yet you know next to nothing of your lands. The lords of the Seven Kingdoms accepted a baseborn bastard as the next ruler of Westeros. They will rally behind Aegon as soon as he speaks the tale Jon Connignton spun for him." Ilyrio said. Jon Connington had been sent by Rhaegar to rescue Aegon before Tywin Lannister sacked King's Landing and ordered the raping and killing of princess Elia and her daughter Rhaenys. Her nephew's trusty advisor died before their eyes. He had contracted greyscale and was in the last stages of madness.

Jorah and Selmy concurred with Vary and Mopatis. "You need to strengthen your claim. Khaleesi, he will be a minor threat that we will learn to control." Jorah explained.

"I will not be controlled once more. The Seven Kingdoms are mine." Daenerys raged in the privacy of her quarters.

"And they will be yours. Your grace; you have to compromise. Dorne will not let you cast aside their seed. You need their support to have easy access to Westeros." Ser Barristan declared. "He has the Golden Company as well."

Daenerys reluctantly agreed to recognize Aegon as her nephew and essentially place nice with the man. Aegon did not strike her as what she thought Rhaegar would be. The queen thought Rhaegar to be a charming and strong prince. She wanted Aegon to be the same but he was not. Viserys told her that their brother was formidable. She sighed and remembered her late brother. Viserys had not always been cruel to her. There was a time before they had to sell of mother's jewelry when Viserys was nice to her. He loved her once. She was sure. He loved her before she had her moon's blood for the first time, before she grew beautiful.

Daenerys wanted to like her nephew a bit more. She tried to make an effort but so far Aegon was just another arranged husband she would have to endure. He had not attempted anything so far. In fact, he did not seem interested in her, at least not in that way. Daenerys considered her nephew an annoyance more than anything else.

She dressed and had Missandei braid her hair. "Take as much time as you need."

Daenerys met with Aegon an hour later. He was on the deck looking over. "We will be home in two days' time dearest aunt." He sounded excited. His blue eyes sparkled prettily.

Daenerys smiled; she had forsaken Daario for Westeros. "I hope that chair is worthy of you my queen." The man had said sorrowfully. She felt eager to leave Meereen. Daenerys wanted to find home, a place where she felt at ease.

Aegon, Jorah, Ser Barristan and her discussed their approach. The unsullied would be led by Grey Worm and secure Storm's End and Dragonstone. Jorah would lead part of the Dothraki forces and invade the Reach. Barristan Selmy would lead the Stormcrows and the Golden Company and ride ahead. Aegon and Daenerys would wait ashore and then travel to King's Landing and claim their right as true born heirs and rulers of Westeros. Daenerys. "We would avoid unnecessary damage if we used the dragons." Aegon drawled once more.

Daenerys rolled her eyes, "We agreed that I would ride Drogon. Rhaegal and Viserion will fly by my side."

Aegon frowned, "I will mount Viserion."

Daenerys frowned, "They are my children." She was tired of the same conversation. They had discussed her dragons since Pentos. Viserion had taken a liking to Aegon. He let him pet him but she doubted her child would let Aegon ride him.

"He is not a pup to be played with. He is dangerous and can kill you." Daenerys stated as if speaking to a simple child.

Aegon blinked, "I know you care dearest but I am a Targaryen and it is my birthright to ride Viserion." Her nephew said firmly and left.

"His birthright." Daenerys simmered. "They are my children. Mine." She was outraged.

"You need him." Varys reminded gently as he offered her some wine.

Daenerys had been named after the princess who married into Dorne. The place was truly beautiful. The Martells kissed and delighted when they met Aegon. Doran Martell had wept when he saw his nephew and declared his cheekbones to be Elia's. She was taken aback with the easiness in which they took to Aegon. Her nephew loved Dorne. He spoke with his cousins and Quentyn. The Dragon queen learned that Lyanna Baratheon had died in the birthing chamber two weeks before. She had birthed a stillborn babe.

"It is a blessing she died here and not in King's Landing." Obara Sand had said recklessly.

Quentyn's eyes hardened. "Never again dare speak my late wife's name."

Doran Martell sighed, "The usurper has requested we do not let you pass."

"What news of the Reach? Daenerys asked eagerly.

"Ser Jorah has managed to break the siege in Highgarden. The dothraki have subdued the Tyrell's vassal houses. I daresay they did not put much of a fight. Mace Tyrell is not a fighter and Olenna Tyrell was smart to counsel her son." Varys said pleasantly.

Daenerys was in the big games now. There was so much underhandedness. She would be a fool to trust these snakes. She made sure to have her dragons within sight. Lest Aegon and his newfound family plot against her.

They stayed in Dorne close to two months before Grey Worm arrived from Storm's End. "My queen." He had rasped and thrown many swords at her feet. "Those lands are yours."

"Dragonstone?" Daenerys asked with trepidation.

"Yours my queen." Grey Worm replied. "There are prisoners there. A Baratheon princess by the name of Alayne, an Onion knight is gravely injured as are his sons."

Aegon smiled brightly. Daenerys nodded, so many names she did not know. Vary and Ilyrio were correct. She knew nothing of westerosi politics. An Onion Knight, who must this fellow be?

She did not let the anxiety show. Daenerys was a queen. She was the mother of dragons and breaker of chains. She would take King's Landing and then resolve the prisoner and fealty problem in her kingdoms.

"We ride for King's Landing today." Daenerys felt compelled to leave Dorne at once.

"Your wish is our command my queen." Doran said.

She unchained her children and almost fainted when she saw Aegon pet Viserion golden scales. Her child looked at her and then at the young man in front of him. Daenerys nodded; her child understood. He was not to harm Aegon. The dragon let out some smoke and then lowered his head. Her nephew looked at her with genuine happiness.

"Aunt please." Daenerys looked at the man in front of her. He was older than her by almost two years, yet she was more experienced. This was Aegon's way of asking for permission. The dragon queen had to accept that Aegon was her kin. He mounted Viserion easily.

She climbed over Drogon. Rhaegal flew by first. It was as if he knew that no one would ever ride him. He flew towards what she imagined was King's Landing. Somehow she understood that Rhaegal would head there. She had told their children to fly her there. Ser Barristan would hopefully be outside the city, waiting for her and her nephew.

Daenerys felt the wind on her face and felt alive. There was nothing like riding a dragon. Aegon seemed to feel the same way. He took to Viserion, his silver hair flew back as did hers. She felt a kinship to her lands. They flew high, all they could see was green lands, and outlines of great castles and keeps. These were hers. She was the queen. Daenerys would take what was rightly hers. She looked over Aegon and realized that it did not matter if he was her nephew or if he was an impostor. She would have to put up with him. The lords of Westeros would want her to have a consort. She would have one; Aegon would suffice. She would be queen and rule.

They landed outside the city. Ser Barristan gave her a detailed report. "Stannis refuses to open the city gates. He claims his right to fight our armies in open field."

"Let him. We have more men with these two companies that he has inside the city." Aegon said assured of their military strength.

Daenerys had heard the tales so many times. It was as if she had lived it herself. Father had sent mother and Viserys to Dragonstone just days before he opened the gates to his friend Tywin Lannister. Lannister sacked the city and ordered the Mountain, Ser Gregor Clegane to rape Elia and murder her children. Jaime Lannister killed her father; stabbed him while he turned. Daenerys and Viserys were almost caught in Dragonstone. They fled to the free cities. The "beggar king" they called his brother. Daenerys knew her father was not an upstanding king but it hurt that she never knew him. Oftentimes she imagined what her life would have been if her parents had been alive. She liked to think her mother would have loved her dearly and not let Viserys sell her to Drogo. She would have grown up side by side with Rhaenys and Aegon. Daenerys made her mind and looked at Aegon and Barristan, "We will force the gates open. Aegon and I will fly to the Red keep. Have your soldiers understand that they are not murder anyone who is unarmed or that yields. No women or children will be raped or taken. There will be no sacking. Whoever does so will have to reckon with me and my children."

Aegon and Daenerys waited patiently as the battle raged on. They were there a few hours. It seemed Stannis had loyal people by his side. She could not wait any longer. Aegon followed her in Viserion. Their forces were winning. She saw as her sellswords subdued Stannis' men. They landed outside the Red Keep and dismounted quickly. Aegon pulled out his sword and made way to the castle. Daenerys followed him; a group of the Golden company surrounded and protected her.

This was her home. She entered and opened the door to the throne room. A tall man fought Aegon. Daenerys saw as the sellswords pulled out a beautiful woman with a babe on her arms and a girl on her other side.

"Leave them." The tall man growled and threw his swords. Aegon smiled triumphantly.

"You will be executed in public." Daenerys explained. She looked toward the throne. It was ugly and it looked painful to sit on but it was hers.

She went and sat there. "I am a merciful ruler. Your family will be allowed to leave for the narrow sea. You will abdicate the throne and publicly admit that you usurped the Iron throne." Aegon smirked.

The man spoke clearly, "I will do no such thing. I am the king of the Seven Kingdoms. The rightful and only king."

"Stannis, please." The young woman said. The man looked at her with sorrow. "I should have shipped you and our children away. Your grandfather was right. Forgive me my love."

Stannis' eyes hardened; he addressed Daenerys once more, "they will go North with her family."

Daenerys shook her head, "you are in no position to make bargains." She spat. "She will go across the narrow sea."

Stannis drew his sword and suddenly the Kingsguard attacked Aegon and her soldiers. A big guard drew a sword. The man pulled the young woman and the children to a chamber. Another knight with a golden hand made sure to fight all those who came near them. Daenerys found herself flanked by a circle of men from the Golden Company.

She saw as Aegon and the other soldiers fought the kingsguard and the usurper. Daenerys focused on Aegon and Stannis. Her nephew fought the older man and bested him. The queen saw as the younger man struck Stannis. She saw the sword pierce his chest.

It was easier then. It seemed the kingsguard lost motivation. Soon the Golden Company closed in on them and slayed the golden cloaked figures. Daenerys walked down to see the bodies. One caught her attention. It was the man who aided the other knight who took the usurper's family away. He was handsome, older, he had a golden hand. Someone had cut his throat it seemed.

"That was Jaime Lannister." Ser Barristan explained.

Daenerys was startled and looked at the old knight. That man fought valiantly. She saw as he worked his way through the Golden Company and managed to distract her men from the guard that took the usurper's wife and their children away. "The city is yours my queen." He said with a small smile.

"There was a young woman; younger than me. She had two children; a girl and a babe." Daenerys spoke softly.

"History has a tendency of repeating itself." The man said. Daenerys felt a strange tug in her belly.

"History will not repeat itself. They escaped. I saw a guard lead them out." Daenerys said.

"It is of no matter. They will be captured by the end of the night." Aegon said. He had a cut above his eyebrow.

"You must rest and address your people in the morrow." Ser Barristan led her and Aegon away from the throne room and into the royal quarters. Daenerys chose the king's quarters. "Your father slept here. Queen Rhaella preferred her childhood quarters."

Aegon slept in Rhaegar's quarters and seemed more solemn all of the sudden.

"See you in the morrow, sweet aunt." He said and looked younger than she ever thought him.

She was left alone and looked out of a window. Her children had behaved. They were in what used to be the Hand's Tower or so she thought. There were spacious lands around it. She could see the outlines of Drogon and Rhaegal, Viserion preferred to sleep a little farther away. Daenerys always thought she would sleep easier in her kingdoms. She thought she would find comfort in these walls but she did not find any solace. She looked out the balcony once more and surveyed the city at night. Grey Worm and his unsullied had reached the city at last. He could see them entering gates. The queen was sure Barristan would give her detailed reports in the morning.

The Westerosi were not pleased with the change in royals. It had been almost a fortnight before her soldiers could contain the peoples outside the gates. Daenerys and Aegon were garbed in the best silks and leathers. Her children flew high in the sky. Daenerys addressed the masses around her. "I am Daenerys Stormborn of the house Targaryen Queen of the Andals and the First Men Lady Regnant of the Seven Kingdoms Protector of the Realm Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons. Your rightful and only queen." She said with a fierce voice. She motioned for Aegon to join her, "This is Aegon Targaryen Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. The Targaryens have come at last. We will return Westeros to its former glory." There were many gasps and chatter.

"Where is king Stannis?" many chanted.

"He was put through the sword as was the kingslayer." Daenerys repeated.

"Where is queen Joanna, princess Shireen, prince Steffon?" an elderly woman asked loudly.

Daenerys frowned; "She fled to the Free Cities." There were many whispers, some called her liar, other asked what would happen with them, some asked for their family members.

"We will build a new Westeros. Those of you who have been displaced will be relocated to castles and other lands. You are encouraged to keep with your daily life." Daenerys continued.

"How can we? You will execute many of us. That is what happens every time. It happened when King Aerys died, it happened when the Wolves attacked the city and killed Catelyn Baratheon and it will happen again now that you are here.

"There will be no senseless killings. We will make the city safe once more." She enforced. Aegon remained quiet by her side.

"I will hear grievances in a few days." Daenerys replied.

She felt bitter. These people did not love her. They feared her; some may even respect her but did not love her. They loved Joanna and her children. They even had some sympathy for their deposed king. Daenerys was used to conquering and having the majority of the people love her. She was a level headed and fair ruler. She would make them see that.

Aegon and her met in private a week later. "We do not need the Stormcrows any longer." He said honestly. The Golden Company had secured the city. All the lords in King's Landing had sworn fealty to her. Barristan cautioned her to not trust their loyalty. The fact was that they city was overcrowded with people.

"We no longer need as many dothraki here either." Daenerys mused.

"What do you propose dearest aunt?" Aegon asked.

Daenerys had thought about the next course of action. The westerosi grew disenchanted with the new invaders. Savages, they called the dothraki. The dothraki did not want to be in Westeros. She spoke clearly, "I will send half of the dothraki across the narrow sea. I trust the Stormcrows more than I do the Golden Company."

Aegon sighed, "It will be as you wish aunt. We are the last ones." Aegon said sorrowfully.

Daenerys looked puzzled, "the last ones?"

"The last dragons. I always wished to grow up with my mother, to have Rhaenys by my sides, to meet you and uncle Viserys." Aegon explained.

"I will rule by your side. Aunt, you will be my wife. I want to care for you. You have to learn to trust me." Her nephew stated.

"I trust you." She lied quickly.

"Words are wind and yours are empty." Aegon poured her wine.

"I have a proposition for you." Her nephew continued. "Let me ride Viserion West. I want to take Casterly Rock and avenge my mother and sister."

Daenerys nodded, "Who will you appoint West? I need you here." She did not want him away from her side, lest he rebel.

"Whichever lord I so choose until we find a suitable Warden of the West." Aegon said without much care.

"Do so. You have my leave." Daenerys accepted.

Aegon left with a small part of the dothraki. Daenerys shipped half of her dothraki men and the Golden Company left for good. The Stormcrows and her Bear advanced to Riverrun and overpowered the lady of the Castle. Tommen Stark had left for the North almost two years ago. Lady Stark had spun a tale of wights and frozen corpses. Jorah wrote in a long letter. Cassana Stark nee Baratheon was a compliant prisoner. She assured them Tommen was a good man. The Riverlands yielded without a fight because the Lady believed her husband would not have liked more bloodshed. She begged ser Jorah and the queen to free Joanna, her sister in law. Cassana wanted to house them. Daenerys send a categorical refusal and explained that Joanna and her children had fled with a guard and she knew nothing of their whereabouts.

Daenerys ruled in King's Landing. The commoners continued their lives. The small lords were subdued and those who attempted to seize her throne were executed. The Tyrells in the Reach yielded and swore loyalty. They had no sympathy for the Baratheons or the Starks for that matter. All they wanted was Margaery back. Daenerys learned that she had been forced to marry Robb Stark. Daenerys ruled without much impediments for half a year. Grey Worm and some of his unsullied were in the city once more. The Onion Knight and his sons were dead. Alayne Baratheon was a hostage in her home. Grey Worm left his second in command in charge of the castle. The adjacent commoners and lords were encouraged to follow their daily life as well.

The queen appeared publicly very sparsely. She visited an orphanage once and helped the poor but she needed to attend to matters of the Kingdom. The Iron Bank paid her a visit when Jorah left to siege the Eyrie. They wanted their gold back. According to Tycho Nestoris the Crown owed the Braavosi bank almost all of her ships. She decided to send Grey Worm to the Iron Islands. He would conquer them for her. Daenerys sent a quarter of her fleet to the islands and gave precise instructions for the ships that took the dothraki back to Essos to be given to the Iron Bank as an advance.

Jorah and Aegon came back within a week of each other. Her Bear looked older than she had ever seen him. "A Lannister holds the grounds for Robb Stark who is also in the North."

"What do you advise?" Daenerys looked concerned. This news was troubling. The North was as vast as the other kingdoms combined. All Starks in the North. They held the biggest houses. All the lords in the court attributed Stannis' ascension to the throne to Ned Stark and his male children. They called them the Northern wolves.

"To treat with Eddard Stark." Jorah concluded. Aegon who arrived bloodthirsty opposed to decision. "We have to attack them. We will take the dragons, the remaining sellswords, the dornishmen and the Tyrell forces. We will crush them." Her nephew raged. Aegon found Casterly Rock inhabited by the wrong Lannister. He killed a Lancel and a Frey married to a Lannister woman. Tywin Lannister had left Casterly Rock a month before the Targaryens took back the throne.

Daenerys looked at Barristan Selmy. "What say you Ser Barristan?"

The old knight looked at her and Aegon. "Eddard Stark is an honorable man. We fought to claim the Iron Islands for Robert. Treat with him. Give him your terms of surrender. If he does not yield, then attack him."

"Is he not married to Cersei Lannister?" Aegon asked. "The eldest daughter to Tywin Lannister"

Jorah nodded, "Cersei is as much a Stark as Ned is."

Daenerys noted the familiarity in his voice. She remembered then that this Ned Stark was the same that exiled Jorah. Her advisor once told her that it could have been worse. "He should have killed me for treason. Instead he showed mercy and exiled me."

"What of the ravens?" Daenerys asked Missandei. They had sent ravens to all of the seven kingdoms including the northern houses. The Eyrie was in siege. The Knights of the Vale claimed fealty to their lord Robb Stark. The north was quiet; eerily so.

"No ravens your grace." The young woman said.

"Roose Bolton would have heeded your call in exchange for being named Warden of the North." Jorah continued.

Daenerys frowned, "The Dreadfort is no more. It all Starks now." She had made sure to read the books Stannis kept in his solar. He was a thorough ruler and kept a stack of letters neatly organized. Ned Stark asked for help more than once as did the new Lord Commander; another Stark. Jorah learned of his father's death during his time in Riverrun and was eager to go to the Wall and get some answers. Daenerys kept quiet and waited.

That night when they supped Daenerys proposed her plans. Jorah, Barristan, Aegon and Missandei listened to her. "Ser Barristan and Missandei will stay in King's Landing. You will rule in my stead. Aegon, Jorah and I will go North. We will take the North once and for all."

"It will be more prudent to have Prince Aegon stay and rule in your stead." Varys proposed from a corner.

Her nephew shook his head, "They have Tywin Lannister. I will go with you aunt." Daenerys thought it prudent as well; not because of Aegon's desire for revenge but because she did not want another civil war. Aegon's ears could be filled by the ambitious lords in the court. The same lords that promised her loyalty and respectfully asked for her favor. The marriage proposals had stopped once she declared Aegon to be her king once all the kingdoms were united by the Targaryen rule.

"What news of the Iron Islands?" Aegon asked.

"Grey Worm and his unsullied travel back. The Greyjoys did not put any fight. The Greyjoy woman spoke of Victarion Greyjoy, the uncle. He is said to have sailed to Essos. He took her last ships." Jorah informed. Daenerys was not worried about the Iron Islands. They were conquered time and time again by lesser forces. She had her children and had armies at her disposal. Her focus was North.

Daenerys mounted Drogon, Aegon did the same with Viserion. Jorah and fifty of his men followed them by land. Daenerys smiled brightly when she felt icy wind hit her face for the first time.