Chapter Text
Rhaegar POV
The loud roar of battle, the echoing screams of panic, and the roar of boots slapping against the ground all swirled in my ears like a never-ending chorus. The sight of men and boys alike running in the muck with terror in their eyes as they ran around the throne room.
I looked at Elia's love pooling in her eyes, worried filling them as she clutched my son Aegon tightly to her chest while Rhaenys clung to her leg. Both looked filled to the brim with terror. I knew that they did not think that they were safe.
"I'm going to send you with my mother to Dragonstone. Lyanna is on her way there with Jaehaera, and Jaehaerys, the king's guards, is with her. I will not have you in any more danger than them ignoring what my father said. Go now Ser Barristan will go with you." I spoke in a low whisper careful of those around me.
The gentle loving smile that pulled at Elia’s lips told me that I had said all the right things. I looked over at Jamie. I could see the worry that flashed in his eyes. I knew that he was not sure that he wanted to be left alone with my father.
Even from here, I could still hear his angry bellows about how he was going to disown me. I did not care that he was a mad man and once I dealt with Robert, I knew that I would have to have my father executed for his many crimes against the realm.
The thought saddened me as I spoke to Jaime in a warm tone, “When I get back things will change, I can promise you that." I gave him my best smile hoping it did not show my doubts and fears.
His bright emerald green eyes stared back at me. His gilded armor and shield gleamed in the light as he looked at me with a gentle smile pulling at his face as he gave me an unsure nod.
Taking in a deep breath I started to make my way out of the throne not leaving until I knew that my wife and children were on the boat that would lead them to the safety of Dragonstone where my mother and brother waited for her. As the sails began to recede from my line of sight only then did, I begin to take off.
At the Battle of The Trident
Blood erupted into the sky and rained down on me as I watched as the battle raged on, the thick gurgling water of the river that had once been a deep green. Now ran red with the blood of young boys and hardened warriors. Ser Lewyn stood by my side along with Ser Barristan, gripping tightly to his long sword.
I pushed the tip of my blade at the disarmed Baratheon. A man that I knew to be a friend now turned into a bitter enemy. It was like the whole world stood still as the Stormlands forces saw their Lord under the weight of my foot.
My right foot pressed just a bit harder against his bleeding chest, as the tip of my sword pressed firmly against his skin and crimson blood dribbled out, and as the tip ripped through his skin it felt like I was slicing through the air. His black hair lay damp with sweat against his face; his horned elk helm laying forgotten in the muck.
Venom pooled in his eyes as he glared at me, his brows slick with sweat as he glared up at me with hate in his eyes. “All of you lay down your weapons and pledge your allegiance to the Targaryens once more and I will let you all live. Defy me and you may join my cousin here at the wall.” My voice boomed over the now stilling environment.
Many of the Baratheon forces were cut down like lambs to the slaughter, the sight of so many dead filled me with guilt and pain. They were my men as much as they were Robert’s, and this is a mess of my creation.
Taking a deep breath, I looked over to see a slight frown on Roberts's face as he spoke in a venomous voice. “I will rise up again, I will end you and your scourge of a family. I will keep fighting until not a single person will survive my fury. Send me to the wall all you want but I will not be staying there for long. I might not even make it there at all.” Robert’s voice was a mix of smugness and outrage.
By the sound of his voice, I knew that he was not bluffing and that he would never accept the fact that I was in love with his bride. She was marrying him for sure but not for love and she knew that he would never stop whoring around she would never genuinely love him.
Now here he laid a man with so much hate in his heart that I knew that he would never accept me as his king he would never accept, and truth and banishment would never work. Whether it was across the sea or at the wall he would rise and try to kill us once more. I could not put my family at risk like that ever again.
A sense of cold unadulterated hate rushed over me as I looked to the very man that would have killed my new set of twins that would have seen my children and my wives dead and all I could think of was murder. I looked at the war hammer that rested forgotten at his side. The thick steel taunted me to reflect the fury in my heart.
A sneer began to pull at my lips as I looked down at the bull-headed man as I spoke. I did so with a cold amused voice that echoes in the air.
"You can't rise up without a sword hand." The hatred that filled my voice, the coldness that settled deep in my chest making me feel numb almost scared me but at the same time empowered me.
Bringing Blackfyre down with all my might watching as the blade sliced through the pale flesh of the stag lord. The minute that he watched his hand leave his arm there was something in his face frozen in place before a scream so loud burst over the field.
In an instant, the fighting stopped and the pain that rested on his face was all that I needed to see to forget the pity or guilt that might have filled my chest. Al I could think is that this is what my wives and our children would have sounded like if he had gotten his hands on them and I was not going to let that happen.
I hope to see a change in his eyes to see them soften and watch his murderous intent fade away, but his eyes grew harder. Pain flashed in his cobalt blue eyes shining with hate, his eyes grew wider with hate. His panic screeches echoed in my ears as I looked to the battlefield.
"Tend to his wound and the moment that it is healed up enough that it won't get infected and die we will send him off to the wall." I tossed a glare over one of my men and nodded his head as he rushed off to get help.
While another stood at Roberts's side tying off his arm. Instead, I turned to look to the masses of the dead and injured the pain that filled my heart was immeasurable as I nodded my head sadly.
Taking in a deep breath I turned to look at Ser Martell, his deep brown eyes staring at me with a narrowing look awaiting an order. “Send a raven to the capital, tell them I'm coming home, and let them know Robert has been defeated,” I spoke in a commanding voice that echoed over the now stilling air.
Lyanna POV
My skin is clammy and cold as I shivered slightly as I clutched my two newest babies to my chest. My sweet boy Jae, he suckled at my breast hungrily with his soft indigo colored eyes locked on me.
He had the black hair of the Stark’s, but he was his father in between his ears. Then there is his younger twin sister Jaehaera who had hair as pure as snow and deep gray eyes that glimmer in the light both had the beauty of their father.
I leaned against the wall of the painted table. The loud screams of Rhaella filled my ears as I looked out to the crashing black waves that rested just below me. I could hear the soft creaking of the door, but I did not let my eyes leave the crashing waves and the ship that rested on top of the water. Glittering black sails with three-headed dragons stared back at me. I knew that ship held Elia and her children.
She knew about me and Rhaegar, and we agreed that we would both stay married to him, that Aegon would be an heir and my children would not be. I had no problem with that. I never married Rhaegar because I wanted my child to be a prince or princess of the seven kingdoms. I just wanted to be with the man that I loved.
The soft creek for the door began to grow louder as the loud bellowing screeches began to fill my ears as I looked to the door to see Arthur, a gentle smile pulling at his smooth pink lips. His soft blue eyes and blond hair shined in the light.
As handsome as ever he walked over to me gently and laid Dawn at my side, his hand resting on the hilt as he smiled gently at the babe at my breast.
“We have received a raven from the capital.” There was a dangerous sparkle to his eyes like he was enjoying the suspense.
Even as he said the words my heart began to thump with panic only for a moment but then Arthur gave me an award-winning smile.
“Rhaegar won the battle. Robert is dead but we were given orders not to leave until Ser Barristan comes for us.” Arthur spoke with a beaming smile pulling at his lips, I knew that he had been anxious about Rhaegar going into battle without him.
When I looked over I could see a maester running into the room with a wide happy grin on his face as he spoke in a cool tone as joy made his eyes turn a bright color as he spoke in an enthused voice.
"The Queen had a beautiful baby girl, Daenerys Targaryen" There was a brightness of his eyes that forced a warmth to run over me as I grinned warmly at him. This has been both a bloody year and a good one at that. Four knew Targaryens were brought into the world.
"How are things in the capital that have Rhaegar dealt with the current king you know the one that is hellbent on killing us all?" My tone questioned and cool as I turned from the docking ship.
Elia and her children were getting off the ship. The thought that I might lose the family that just forced me to grow weary at the thought. I looked at Arthur. I could see the way that his eyes turned hard and cold as he spoke in a low tone.
"My lady your brother died but the king slayer saved your father by cutting the rope from his neck before he could die but your brother burned. After the king slayer cut him down, he killed his grace." Arthur’s eyes darkened as he leered at the blackened sky.
I felt my mouth grow dry, my tongue heavy and awkward in my mouth as my legs then gave out. I stumbled to the head of the paint table. I could not breathe my mind raced and I could not think straight. A rolling wave of grief threatens to swallow me whole. My brother is dead? All for my love?
I could look down to the sweet children who would never know their uncle Brandon, fear ate away at me breaking my train of thought as my mind rushed without any real thought. What would their lives be like in the north and what would they think of my Targaryen children after their liege lord was killed? Pain echoed deep in my chest as my mind went blank all I could think is that all this death is my fault.
I had to do better for my children so that they are not the ones fighting a rebellion when their brother rises to power. I could only hope that when my father heard of the truth that he would not hate me for the choice that I made for the choice that he knew the truth.
Rickard Stark POV
My neck aches and grief rolled over me in a never-ending wave that threatened to swallow me up and left nothing but a broken man in my wake. I looked to the throne where my son was nothing more than a smoldering pit of ash.
Bright green flames licked gently against the ground almost tearing me apart as if to say that I should have moved faster. I looked at the boy that rested before me. Jamie's green eyes locked on me as he averted his gaze; it took all that I had not to kill him.
He collapsed in the throne of the very king that he slew, blood dripped down his blade as he rubbed his brow wearily.
"Why wouldn't you move faster? Why did my son have to die for you to get up the nerve to fight back?" My voice bubbled with hate bubbled in my stare and venom pooled in each word that I spoke.
Doing my best not to freak out I looked over to the large throne that seemed to be taunting me laughing at me. The thought of him forcing murderous intent to bubble in my chest as I looked at the boy, the young boy that was more worthy of death than my own son.
"He was my king; he committed no crime until then I couldn't just forget my vow. I made a vow to protect him but the moment that he killed the innocent I knew that I had no choice." Jamie spoke as if that absolved him of his crimes.
I turned to look at Varys. He looked panicked as he stood there humble, not saying a word, letting his gaze fall to the ground as he did his best to hide the shame that was glimmering in his eyes. Varys is a plump, bald, and effeminate eunuch. He has soft white hands interlaced behind his back.
He powders his face and smells of lavender, lilacs, and rosewater now he was wearing a rich purple velvet robe with a soft slipper where his gaze just happened to be locked on. Maester Pycelle glared at me as if to say that you dared yell at his sweet Jaime. The very sight of his force hated the bubble in my chest.
The door slammed open. I turned to see the very man that caused all of this. Unbridled rage forced me to act before I could think clearly. I lurched forward my hand ached to curl around his throat.
I could see the way that his eyes widened with guilt as he glared at me. The stony look in his eyes forced me to shudder as his eyes ran over to my son's crumpled remains as he spoke in a soft gentle voice.
"I know what this may look like and I know that the whole realm had you believe that I was kidnapping her but I love her and we have two children together, if you just wait I will explain it all." Indigo eyes were locked on me as he pushed a few loose strands of silver hair out of his face.
There was a sadness that filled his eyes that told me that he was not lying, but that did nothing for the cold seeping rage that echoed deep in my bones. I turned my attention to Jaime. It took all that I had to not kill either of the boys that rested before me. I turned back to Rhaegar, taking in the sight of his black armor with a bright red gilded dragon made from rubies.
Jaime’s soft emerald green eyes began to soften with regret as he began to get up from the throne. “Sir I truly am sorry, but your father went too far he was burning his own men” I knew that the regret that oozed in his voice was fake even I knew that.
"He is right he was sending his pyromancer to burn us all and he was in the middle of burning my son when Jamie cut me down and killed your father Lord Varys can testify to that." My voice was cold and informative. I did not want to help save his life but now I knew that there were more important things to deal with than the backstabbing lions.
Taking in a deep breath I looked to Varys a grim look pulled at his lips as his deep brown eyes glimmered with fear and worry. His lips were pulled into a tight grim line like the last thing that he wanted to do was come to the defense of the Lannisters.
"It is true my grace he was going to kill us all. He kept screaming the same thing and burned them all. I'm sorry to say but if your father had lived even another moment longer then we would have been ashes.” Genuine regret echoed in the words of Varys.
Taking in a deep breath I moved my lips to speak but two words fluttered into the air, words that did not come from my mouth but the mouth of the very man that was not to be trusted. The scent of burning flesh filled my nose forcing my heart to ache as I looked at the man that appeared in the walkway of the throne room. “Your grace?”
I could hear the words of Tywin Lannister fill my ears and the moment that I turned my tired gaze to him, I could see his golden flaked eyes staring at me with an urgency and confusion.
I knew that he wasn't it be trusted he held out his armies and I knew why he was waiting to see who would come out on top and we were all just lucky that it was Rhaegar if it was Robert that came out on top I knew that the Lannister would be the real ones that ruled the kingdoms.
“Get the small council together what has left of them anyway, it is about time I told you all the truth about the origins of this war, as for you Jaime I pardon you I was planning on executing him when I got back for the crimes in which he committed. Let this be known your vows are taken for life and when it comes down to it you would save the lord of the North. Have the silent sisters collect the body and prepare Brandon for transport." Rhaegar’s voice was sure and strong as he gazed at the shard corpse of my son.
I glanced over to Jaime. He looked more shocked than before as he nodded his head and turned his attention to me. I gripped tightly to his arm, jerking him back as I watched Tywin make his eye out of the room I spoke in a low whisper.
"We need to talk about what really happened with Tywin," I spoke through gritted teeth knowing that they could not and should not be trusted.
When looking at Rhaegar I could see the doubt that began to rush in his deep purple and blue colored eyes. After a moment he nodded his head though could tell by the way that his body tense that he did not like where any of this was going.
Taking in a deep breath we both made our way into the hall safe from prying ears. The castle was up in a panic and they were not looking at us. Once I knew that we were not beginning to watch, I took in a deep breath one that I knew would force my shoulder to be thrown back.
"Maester Pycelle urged your father to open the gate to the Lannisters when everyone else screams for him not to. If you lost your battle at the trident or died none of us would have been here. They would have sacked the city and went to the island to kill your children and if what you say is true my grandchildren.” Blood lust forced my veins to bubble and seeped into each word that I spoke.
I scanned the empty hall doing my best to steady my own rage-induced heartbeat, I looked to Rhaegar when he broke the silence. I could see the inner turmoil just by looking at his eyes that were clouded over with his own form of grief.
"Are you saying that the Lannister are enemies." Even as he spoke, I could not help but scoff, of course, they were enemies.
My family has never trusted Lannisters and it was not just because they are pompous assholes with no moral compass. That is not going to change now that my family was part of the royal family and I would not have my daughter and her children put in danger because of Rhaegar’s lack of vigilance.
"No, I'm saying that you shouldn't trust them, keep them close but don't be at the mercy of them like your father was." The shock that filled his eyes told me that he knew that what I was saying was true and he had been suspecting it for a while now. The moment that Tywin left the role of the hand of the king, the realm started to fall apart and now there is a new era of dragons happening. I just hope that it is one that does not end in death.
Rhaegar POV
The words of Rickard struck me hard, there was something unsettling about the way that he talked about the Lannister that force shudders down my spine. I knew that he was right even if I did not want to admit it Jaime might have been doing the right thing at that moment.
But his father could not say the same, he would do anything to come out on top. I knew that he wanted Cersei to marry me. Not only did I spurn her by taking Elia as my bride, I spurned them both a second time by taking Lyanna as my second wife.
Rickard moved swiftly and silently at my side. He did not say a word, but I could tell by the confusion in his eyes that he did not like the idea of this. I am sure that there was still a part of him that did not trust that any of this was real.
That I was buying myself more time until I could find a way to keep him from killing me and rising again. My chest began to expand as I watched the long coiling hallway begin to grow wider as the small council chambers started to grow closer with each passing moment.
I walked into the small council's chambers in silence as I dropped into a chair at the head of the table, dropping my head into my hand as my whole body felt like lead. There would be a word from Dragonstone at any moment telling me that my newest sibling and my children and wives are all safe.
I knew that the faith was going to have a problem with me taking two wives that this wasn't the first time, Aegon the Conqueror took two wives and while they might have allowed us to wed brothers and sisters together they aren't going to allow me two wives and I don't have dragons to fight against their will so our relationship with the faith will be tested.
Rubbing my eyes angrily I tried to force away from the doubt and worry that mingled in my mind as I could barely think straight. I did my best not to lose my shit but each breath I took hurt and it felt like my world was crumbling away to nothing. My silver locks fell into my face and as I shove them roughly behind my ears, I could hear the loud slapping of the large doors being flung open.
Taking in a deep breath I watched as the gold armor of Tywin shone as he walked into the room, a look of hate in his eyes. Maester Pycelle walked into the room like a whipped cur followed at his master's heels, I'm under no impression that he will be loyal to my family not after what Rickard said he had no reason to lie to me.
He was not like the southerners he had the honor and he would not lie about something that could mean that men are either dying or locked up in the dark cell. I would not let the innocent in for that and there would be. He would not say it unless he knew it for a fact.
I took in the appearance of Rickard Stark, he has a long, stern face and quiet dignity that told me that he is a man of honor. He had thick curls and dark red gray eyes that turned me the dark then wet stone.
He was the first one in the room after Tywin. I am sure that he did not want to walk in first for fear that there might be a dagger sticking out of his back. There was not much left of the council thanks to my father's madness. All his hands were either dead or in exile and many of the men that had served him were dead or missing.
“Be seated, we have much to talk about starting with Lyanna Stark. I didn't kidnap her.” At the sound of those words, I watched Lucerys Velaryon sit wordlessly simply glaring at me as hate burned in his eyes as he looked to the Lannister that didn't take part in any of the battles that had happened.
Rickard stiffened at my side. The hate that filled his eyes told me that he didn't believe a single word that I said the hate in his eyes told me as much but he forced his lips to pull into a blank grim line as he waited for me to speak.
“I didn't kidnap her, Robert just didn't want to admit that his love, loved another, I in the typical Valyrian fashions took two wives. I am still married to Elia but I have also married my Lyanna in secret, she had twins a boy and a girl prince Jaehaerys and princess Jaehaera both are at Dragonstone with Elia and her children, as well as my mother and her children. Ser Barristan Selmy, Arthur, and three other men are with them and will bring them back when we know this place to be safe. But we have more pressing matters to worry about and those are filling positions and changing rulers. That starts with you Maester Pycelle from this moment you are fired you may leave.” Even as I spoke, I could see the dismay flashing across all their faces.
I watched panic gripped him as he gave me a wide-eyed stare like he was not sure that any of this is real. He looked on the verge of tears. He gave a look to Tywin with large pleading old eyes. But he simply turned his head away as the poor old fool was forced from the room. There was a sly smile that began to pull at the lips of Rickard’s gray eyes and began to sparkle with amusement as he looked at me as if to say for once you have done well.
“Next order of business, Lord Staunton, I want it known that my son Aegon will be the heir to all seven kingdoms. The girls should be here within a few days until then we will begin to prepare to tell the realm of what really happened. Jamie has been pardoned for his actions since he saved a great many people.” As I spoke his name, I fought the urge to sneer.
A mere teen slew his own king; his words might have been true but there were far better ways to handle that situation that would not have made him an oath breaker.
“Onto the next thing I want a letter written to Jon, his banishment has been revoked and all of his holdings shall be returned, and I name Stannis Lord Protector and Paramount of the Stormlands." My matter of fact voice echoed over the silent chamber.
Each one of the men in the room looked ready to gawk at me I am sure that they thought that I was now going mad. But if I stole their place of power from them there would always be unrest and bad blood between us.
"One Baratheon rose up and his bannermen were duty-bound to follow him. He is maimed and on his way to the wall where we will live out the rest of his days. Stannis followed his lord. If I strip the Baratheon’s of their title, that will only make our relationship worse. The same can be said for the Vale. Jon Arryn was trying to protect his foster son, that is the only reason that they rose in rebellion to us." My voice was cool and calculating this is a new era of power and we needed to act accordingly.
“The north has lost one of its liege lords and almost lost another. They much like the other kingdoms only rose in rebellion after they were killed and their lady was thought to be kidnapped, no further punishment will be issued towards them.” Even as I spoke, I could see the varying emotions in Tywin's eyes, first relief that his pride and joy than out right annoyance.
I looked over to Rickard watching as he nodded his head numbly thanking me but not liking me in the same respect. I knew that I could not send Tywin back to the rock where he could plot and convey his way into the throne. There was just too much to do and I should not have to worry about vipers in our garden.
"Castamere the castle is rich, and the veins of gold are still strong; they should be awarded to a family that had been loyal to a fault without thought of anything else. We will have the castle fixed up, the mines will be drained and opened back up. I'm giving the castle to the second-born son of Doran Martell to start the building."
Even as I spoke, I could see the doubt and worry that etched its way into Tywin's face, but I needed someone loyal in the west to look after the Lannisters. I knew that he did not want those veins of gold to go anywhere but his hands.
Taking in a deep breath I turned to look to Rickard who had this smug look on his face as he resisted the urge to give Tywin a taunting smile. I thought back to my wives and children. I could only wish that they were alright and making their way back here to help me fight against the vipers that swirl around me.
Lyanna POV
The soft adoring stare of my babe forces a ghosting smile to pull at my own worried lips, his face calm and at ease. His sister on the other hand was screaming at the top of her lungs until her face was bright red.
The loud shouts filled my ears drowning out the soft seagull's shrieks, as the soft lapping of waves helped put my babe at ease. I pace back and force along the dock as my heart thunder with worry.
Viserys and Rhaenys giggled happily running about the deck with joy bright in their eyes, silver, and black hair rippled down their back as they giggled and pushed at each other playing tag. While Balerion the black kitten raced after them bright green eyes brimming with joy.
Rhaella stood off to the side little Daenerys bounced happily her arms, the soft snoozing of Dany filled my ears forcing a weak smile on my face as Rhaella’s hair shone like molten gold in the light as she gave me a gentle stare.
Elia stood at my side humming softly to little Aegon as he let out a low babble and giggled as the port came alive. I could see that the port was alive with people as I looked to see that one of those people was my father but not my brother. Greif hung in my heart as well as my eyes.
"I'm sure that there is going to be a lot that we all need to talk about. I know that this is going to be rough on you. I am sorry for the loss of your brother Brandon. He seemed like a good man. He didn't deserve what he got." The sweet and thoughtful voice of my sister 's wife echoed in my ears.
But even as I looked at her gentle obsidian eyes all I could think about was my brother's poor wife that now had to marry my younger brother. I knew that she must have been lost in her grief and now she had to start a life with a man that she did not love.
"Thank you, may the old gods look after him and all that have fallen to this war. I can only hope that my father isn't to cross with me he left the safety of our home thinking that I was in danger and now to find out that I was fine I knew that he was going to lose his temper which you would think is impossible for a man like him but I'm sure that he will find a way to be upset." I spoke softly as a weak smile pulled at my lips, though each word that I smoke oozed with melancholy.
I turned to look to Rhaegar in the hopes of steadying my heart and my panic, I could see the way that his eyes brimmed with love as he looked over the children that rested not only in my arms but the arms of his first wife Elia. His mother looked at both of us with pride and love in her eyes, but I knew that there was something else, something that we were all missing, a reason that things were all so tense.
As the ship docked, I gave Elia a fleeting and warmth filled before making my way over to my father. The stern yet loving to look on his face did help to put me at ease just a bit.
"Where were you?" His voice harsh and cold ripped at me as he gripped tightly to my arms, but he did not shake me as he looked down at his two grandchildren.
“I love him, father. I am sorry that I went about the way that I did, but I will not say that I would regret it. I love him more than anything in the world as we have two children together. Please don't be too angry with me." I pleaded gently as I let my finger run along the black tuffets of Jae's hair. He had the long face of the starks but the beauty of the Targaryens the very sight of him forced warmth to slowly spread throughout my entire body.
The tear that emerged in his eyes as he looked down on them pulling Jae from my arms and pulling him close to his own I knew that he would have forgiven me the moment he looked at his grandson.
"Father, I would like you to meet your grandchildren prince Jaehaerys and princess Jaehaera Targaryen." A soft smile pulled at my lips as pride glared in my eyes. I knew that they were the future and I would protect them with every fiber in my being.