(Not in chronological order).
King's Landing 300 AC.
Daemon.
His first day as a married man was one he enjoyed more than any other he could remember. Laying in bed beside Myrcella, breaking their fast together and walking in the garden of the Manse. Sitting with his wife in his lap as they kissed and whispered their feelings to each other, all of it combining to make him feel content. It was a strange feeling for him, one he'd known only a handful of times and he felt a shiver down his spine as he remembered the last times he'd felt this way.
Life was never something to take for granted and his more than any, he hoped this peace, this happiness that he felt right now wasn't to be taken from him, though he feared it would be. He knew what he had been trained for, why his god had chosen him and looking at his wife he knew now just how much he had to lose. For the briefest moment, Myrcella's green eyes were replaced with brown ones, her blond hair turned black and her porcelain skin turned a shade darker.
"Daemon?" Myrcella said worriedly as she saw the panic in his eyes "Daemon?".
"What? Oh sorry, I was elsewhere." he said shaking the image from his head, she was not her, no one would take her from him, no one, he thought to himself as he kissed his wife's lips.
"Is everything alright?" she asked and he kissed her again, laughing this time which seemed to relieve her some.
"More than alright, my love.".
They had dinner that night with his grandmother, aunts, and uncle, along with Davos, Thoros and Melisandre. More of his family in one room than he could ever remember and as he looked at them he felt a pain in his heart, a brief moment of worry at the thoughts of any of them coming to harm. Myrcella noticed and took his hand before leaning in to whisper in his ear and Daemon felt himself relax and tried to enjoy the meal.
After dinner they retired early, Daemon both wishing to be alone with Myrcella and worried what he'd see as he looked to the others. While he'd not seen images of their demise, he'd felt them as if he could and it rattled him more than he thought it would. Again it was Myrcella who noticed and again it was her that took away his fears and when he woke the next morning it was as if those fears had never existed at all.
"What are your plans for day?" she asked him as they dressed.
"I think my grandmother wishes me to meet with Lord Stannis, to see if we can work together in the future and to explain to him about R'hllor." he said and she nodded.
"I was going to go and speak to mother, spend some time with her." Myrcella said as she bent over to put on her small clothes.
"Leaving me already, how am I to survive?" he said his hand on his forehead as he sighed loudly.
"Idiot." she said smirking and then gasped when he moved behind her.
"Hmm, my beautiful wife thinks I'm an idiot, what can I do to change her mind" he said placing his lips at her neck as he began to softly bite.
"Daemon." she said breathlessly.
It was almost noon when they were ready to leave, Myrcella still flushed and Daemon feeling even better than he had when he woke up. Grabbing some fruit to break her fast Myrcella kissed him goodbye and headed to her family's Manse while Daemon sat down to a far more hearty meal. His grandmother and Bon had already left as had his aunts and uncles and so he ate alone until Ser Davos arrived.
"Long night?" Davos said with a smirk as he sat down.
"How long ago was it you were wed Davos?".
"Twenty and two years." Davos said with a grin.
"Yet I'd wager you remember the night even now, that and the one that followed?" Daemon said and Davos laughed as he looked at him.
"Each night I sleep alone, my prince, each night I sleep alone." Davos said and Daemon smiled as he nodded.
"What can you tell me of Lord Stannis, Davos, we've never really spoken of him?".
"He's a good man, tough but fair and he raised me up, Daemon, me a smuggler from Flea Bottom. He made me a knight and gave me a keep, a future for Marya and my boys." Davos said and Daemon could see the fondness and gratitude was still there in his voice.
"He took your fingers did he not?" Daemon said and Davos nodded as he looked to him, his hand going to the pouch around his neck.
"A small price to pay for a future is it not?" Davos asked and Daemon could see why he'd think so.
"My grandmother wishes me to speak to him, to get to know the man and judge for myself whether her own opinion of him is right, it seems she agrees with you about him, old friend." he said.
"I shall await your own opinion, Daemon, I do have a request for you?".
"For Lord Stannis?" he asked curiously.
"For the Lady Shireen." Davos said and his smile was one Daemon had only ever seen him use when he spoke of his children.
Lord Stannis arrived less than an hour later and without even checking Daemon knew he would be precisely on time, and found himself surprised at the escort he brought with him. While the knights looked capable, there were so few of them or guards, Stannis arriving with only four, and Daemon welcomed him at the door before walking with him to the solar in his grandmother's room.
"Forgive me my lord for not greeting you sooner." he said as they sat down.
"It's understandable my prince, I'm most pleased to meet you now." Stannis said and Daemon watched as the man gave nothing away.
"I believe congratulations are in order Lord Stannis, Master of the People, and your rightful due as Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, both long overdue." Daemon said with a smile and while the answer was pleasant enough, the smile wasn't returned.
"I thank you my prince, though I find myself ill-suited for the role.".
"Really my lord?" he asked.
"Indeed, my prince, I don't see the need for such a thing, Master of the People, would not the duties fall under other members of the council's purview, the Master of Coin perhaps or the Master of Laws?".
"The problem my lord is that they do and have, yet the people have seen no benefit from them as they have no advocate. I believe we seek to change that, to see them have a voice at the table and someone to speak for their interests. For me I wish to know of their needs, their wants, and to see funds or resources directed to see to them, it cannot just be the faith who do so." Daemon said while Stannis looked at him curiously.
"Speaking of the faith, my prince, I believe they too are someone who I'm to deal with, they and the red priests." Stannis said looking to him when he said the last part.
"They are my lord, I cannot speak to the faith for I don't follow their gods nor subscribe to their way of thinking, on R'hllor though and on my own plans I can tell you whatever it is you wish to know.".
"These red priests my prince, they answer to you?" Stannis asked.
"No, that's not how it works my lord, we serve the same god, I'm his chosen and yes they defer to me but they serve R'hllor and he's who they answer to.".
"His chosen?" Stannis asked looking at him oddly.
"It's hard to explain my lord and I know saying it out loud to someone who's not seen it or experienced what R'hllor can do would seem mad, crazy, or insane. Suffice to say my god has a role for me to play and that role won't interfere in your work." he said and Stannis nodded.
"I've been told there is tension between the faith and your priests." Stannis said.
"They're not my priests my lord but yes the faith has attempted to move against some of the priests and priestess. I've sent my guards with them, Lord Tywin has sent the city watch, but I have no doubt the faith will continue to agitate.".
"And I'm supposed to what, stand in the middle, or do you wish me to take their side against the faith?" Stannis asked.
"Your job is to mediate, my lord. To see that neither side steps out of line and to punish those who do. I can guarantee that those who follow R'hllor take no issue with the faith, they seek to practice and preach our religion and talk of our god and any who wish to listen are welcome. I'd see that the faith respects that as all followers of R'hllor will their own teachings.".
"And should I find it's the red priests at fault?".
"Then they'll be dealt with as would anyone else who steps out of line. I'll not have them persecuted Lord Stannis, not them nor the faith, nor the old gods or the drowned god,. Who a man or woman chooses to place their faith in is up to them and them alone." Daemon said and Stannis nodded.
"The people, the things they need, will it just be the crown supplying them?" Stannis asked.
"R'hllor will provide where he can my lord, the faith has it's own way of doing things also, what I wish for is that the lives of the people can be made better, who makes it better I care not, only that it happens.".
"Very well, I look forward to working with you in the future my prince." Stannis said standing up.
"As I do you, my lord.".
King's Landing 300 AC.
Davos.
Seeing the girl walk with her brother and father he couldn't help but smile. He'd shown them around King's Landing and Shireen had spent the entire day pointing out things and telling him more about them than he had her. She was such an avid reader that her knowledge on things far outstripped anyone he had ever known, despite her age. Though she was blown away by just how big the Sept was or how red the walls of the Red Keep were.
Today though it would be something special for the girl and he was glad that it would just be the two of them, Edric deciding to test his skills against some of the knights on the sparring ground. When he had asked Daemon he had expected a reason why it couldn't be done, be it the prince's own reluctance or that Lyanax was too far away. Instead, though he'd been told that Lyanax had only flown to Dragonstone and that if he left it until after his meeting with Stannis, then he'd see it done.
So while Stannis met with Daemon and Edric sparred, Davos walked with Shireen through the streets, stopping to listen to Melisandre as she preached. He felt Shireen's hand in his own as they stood at the edge of the crowd and Davos couldn't help but be impressed at the crowd that had gathered. While he'd never fully converted to the red priests teachings, he did respect them and the fact that they didn't seek to force him to bend to be one of them.
"Does she really believe in R'hllor?" Shireen asked and Davos was unsurprised that she knew the god's name.
"She does, as does the prince and most of those who follow him." he said and she looked at him.
"You?" she asked and he shook his head.
"No, I believe in the seven, just as I always have." he said and she smiled as they listened some more.
They moved further into the streets and stopped off to eat some lunch, Davos feeling that it would be time to head to the Dragonpit when they'd finished. When she saw where they were going he felt her excitement and he hoped it made up for the disappointment she'd felt when he'd not taken her the last time they'd explored. Seeing Daemon and his guards there Davos smiled and led Shireen over to him, the prince happy to see them both.
"My prince." Shireen said with a shy curtsy.
"Lady Shireen a pleasure truly, Ser Davos has told me much of you." Daemon said and Shireen looked to him.
"He has?" she said nervously.
"Our Ser Onion Knight likes to talk my lady." Daemon said with a chuckle and Shireen giggled along.
"Is the dragon, your dragon, is it coming?" Shireen asked looking to the sky.
"She, Lyanax is a she and yes she'll be here in a few moments, Ser Davos tells me you've read all the books on my family's dragons?" Daemon said as they walked into the Dragonpit.
"I have, on Balerion and Meraxes, Vhagar and Meleys. Caraxes and Vermithor." Shireen said excitedly.
"And which is your favorite?" Daemon asked.
"Silverwing." Shireen answered almost immediately.
"For Good Queen Alysanne?" Daemon said and Shireen smiled and nodded eagerly.
"She flew her to the Hightower and to Winterfell and the Wall." Shireen said and Daemon looked to him smiling all the while.
"I think I've found our new Maester, Ser Davos." Daemon said and Shireen frowned before she saw he was japing.
"The Lady Shireen is far more clever than any Maester, my prince." Davos said and the girl looked to him only for Daemon to direct her attention to the sky.
"Lyanax, my lady." Daemon said and Davos watched as Shireen looked to the dragon with awe.
Lyanax landed in the middle of the Dragonpit and Daemon took Shireen by the hand and led her to the dragon, Davos looking on as she showed no fear whatsoever. He smiled when Daemon lifted her up so she could look into the dragon's eyes and heard her laughter from where he stood as Daemon spoke to her. When he saw Daemon lead her to the outstretched wing he gasped, having not expected her to be offered a ride.
Daemon placed her in front of him and as Davos looked on he could see the girl's face, and the look upon it was one he'd remember for a very long time. They flew around the Dragonpit and over the city before flying back, no more than a few moments had elapsed when they returned and Shireen seemed reluctant to leave the dragon's back when they did so.
"Did you see Ser Onion Knight, did you see, I rode on the dragon." Shireen shouted as she ran to him, grabbing him in a tight embrace.
"I saw my lady." he said as he held her.
"Thank you, Ser Davos, thank you so much." she said when he let her go and she looked up at him, her eyes full of tears though he knew these were of joy.
"I believe it's the prince who you should be thanking, not me." he said and she shook her head.
"Prince Daemon said this was all because of you, that Lyanax did so because you wished it, not he." she said as she hugged him again.
Davos looked at the prince as he spoke to the dragon and as Lyanax then took to the sky. He had not wished it nor even asked for it and yet the prince had done so because he knew it would please the girl. Davos nodded to him as he walked back and received one in return. A simple acknowledgment to be true but one he knew his prince preferred.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Shiera.
Walking to the Red Keep with her niece she looked forward to speaking to her other one, though not to the work she must do this day. When Melisandre had told her what needed to be done she hadn't balked at it nor argued but she felt no joy in it either. She knew though she must do it and that Daemon would not, he had not until now and should he wait even longer then it would be too late.
" You've seen this clearly?" Shiera asked.
" I have, if we don't act then she will die and all will be lost." Melisandre said.
" You have the powder?" she asked and Shiera nodded.
" I have, you've experience with this?".
" I know how it works." she said as she took the vial.
They met Rhaenys as soon as they got there and Shiera was happy the girl had come to the right side. Daemon would need as many allies as he could get in the moons to come and the fight they would fight couldn't be won without her. The lunch they had was pleasant and it was then she saw the girl that she had truly come to see. She closed her eyes and once again wished it was not so and that there was some other way. Though she knew that there was only one path she could follow.
Tyene was a beautiful girl, blond-haired, and blue-eyed, and were you not to know better you'd think her as innocent as the maiden herself. That she had tried to kill Daemon once was enough to seal her fate and yet the prince hadn't acted, be it because he'd not had the time or for some unknown reason that she'd not yet figured out. What she planned to do now though was something they couldn't allow to happen and R'hllor had sent the vision to Melisandre to see it did not.
Shiera looked at the princess who was the true cause of this girl's demise and felt almost willing to see her dead rather than Tyene. Yet she knew it could not be done, even were Arianne to fall, the danger to Myrcella wouldn't go away as only Tyene's death would see that true. Looking at the girl she smiled more than once and saw the interest rise, so she stood up and made her excuses and hoped her eyes would tell the tale she wished.
"If you ladies will forgive me, is there a privy nearby?" she said and Elia looked to her and went to call a servant.
"I'll show you Lady Shiera, I was just about to go myself." Tyene said and Shiera smiled once more and nodded as the girl took her arm and led her from the room.
She took the vial out and rubbed the powder on her fingers before placing it back into her dress as they walked. Tyene made small talk and yet Shiera felt her hands touching her with an almost eagerness to explore, and each time she looked at her the girl licked her lips. As they walked she looked around and found the garderobe she remembered so well from her youth. Tyene giggled when she pushed her inside and then was silent when she felt her lips at her cheek, Shiera searching for and soon finding her mouth.
"I really did think you needed to use the privy." Tyene said as Shiera kissed her.
"I needed to use you." Shiera said as she placed her fingers in the girl's mouth.
Whether it was her words or her fingers that caused Tyene to shiver, Shiera couldn't be certain. Each one she placed into the girl's mouth she licked clean and when they then traveled down her body and under her dress she saw the passion rise in the girl's eyes. She silenced her moans with her mouth as her fingers found her core and soon the girl was shuddering against Shiera's hand.
"What about you?" Tyene said when Shiera began to lead her from the garderrobe.
"We can do this again, for now, let this be my gift to you." she said kissing her neck.
"I look forward to returning your gift, my lady." Tyene said.
"Shiera." she said softly.
"Tyene.".
They returned to the lunch and all through the rest of it Tyene kept looking her way, licking her lips and squeezing her legs together and Shiera tried not to feel guilty at what she had done. One life against the life of countless others was a small price to pay she felt, though it didn't assuage her guilt or regret as much as she hoped it would. She returned to the Manse to find Melisandre waiting for her, the glass full and ready to drink.
"Is it done?" Melisandre asked.
"It is, how long?" she asked.
"By the morrow. Did you ingest any?".
"No." she said but drank the antidote just in case "Will she suffer?" she asked and Melisandre looked at her before walking away "Will she suffer?" she asked a little more loudly.
"Not in this world no, but she tried to kill his chosen, R'hllor will not forgive as much as you or I." Melisandre said.
She proved true to her word and it was during lunch the next day that word came to the manse. Tyene had been found dead in her bed, no sign of injury and not even Marwyn would find a sign of the poison they used. Shiera knew the Dornish would find reason to think it murder and in a way she cared not, Arianne would fear her plot to be known and it would force her to scurry in fear for now at least. As she got up from the table she closed her eyes and saw the deep blues ones of the girl. She felt the guilt over the loss of yet another life that had been lost because of lust for what it was she was and she shuddered as she walked from the room.
Essos 297 AC.
Daario.
He had never been in the Pureborn's presence, a man such as he would have no place in the Hall of a Thousand Thrones and they no wish to look at, let alone entertain a visit from him. Yet he stood now looking at the ornate chairs as the men looked down upon him. Wendello Qar Deeth, Egon Emeros, and Mathos Mallarawan, these men had spoken to him after the ceremony and told him what to say and he looked at them, the rest of the men in the room looked down eager to hear his words.
"I come before you not as a man seeking solace or comfort, but as the representative of a god seeking the merest of your aid, ships I require and ships you shall give me, many, numerous, and when I desire them." Daario said and he saw one or two of the men look closer at him.
"Why should we aid you Daario Naharis, you or this so-called god?" a voice called out.
"Here you may be princes, but one prince of this city has already fallen as he dared defy a god's will. Do you think Xaro Xhoan Daxos thought that was the day he'd die? Do you think he woke up that morning knowing it would be his last? My God knew it, how you ask? He knew it because he willed it, does any man here wish to go against the will of a god?" Daario said and heard the mummers.
"You shall have your ships, one thousand strong when you call, now go, do not deign to sully our sight with your presence no longer." a voice called out and Daario strolled from the hall his work here done.
He relaxed in Mathos's palace that night enjoying the comfort of the two bed warmers he'd sent to keep him occupied. The man happy that he'd followed instructions and Daario knowing that they weren't his that he'd listened to. Since the ceremony, the voice in his head had gotten louder, sometimes so loud that it hurt to listen to it. Words that at first were no more than whispers or suggestions, soon turning into orders and commands.
" Listen to the weak, listen to them and do as they say but know it's my will that sees it done and not theirs." the voice said.
" Many miles have you to travel Daario Naharis, many men have you to meet, but know you see my will done and my protection is at hand."
" These men seek foolish rewards, they think so small, you will think big and I'll reward you far more than they. Together we'll see the world and watch as it trembles before us.".
He slapped the arse of the girl and sent her to fetch his clothes as he told the other one to leave the room. Once dressed he made his way to the meeting and found it was only Pyat Pree who was there and he began to wonder if the others were as important as they thought they were.
"You have come my friend, good, we have much work to do." Pyat Pree said.
"You are coming with me?" he asked and the warlock smiled.
"I am, we have miles to travel and many men we have to meet." Pyat Pree said and he knew then he was right, their role was larger and he'd climbed many rungs to get here.
Daario had traveled many times by ship but never in such luxury, the Silken Cloud had been Xaro's personal ship and not only was it fast and sturdy, but it was well-armed also. More than that though Xaro had not traveled in discomfort, far from it as the ship was decked out with the best fabrics, soft furnishings, and the wines and food it carried were as good as any found on land.
As he watched Qarth fade in the distance and they sailed the Jade Gates and into the Strait of Qarth, he felt more than saw Pyat Pree beside him, the warlock looking out and he turned to see the blue-lipped man smile.
"Long have I wished to travel on my god's work, to see the gates of Yin." Pyat Pree said and Daario felt himself shudder.
His dreams that night were of dark hair and brown eyes, of tears and blood, and of running for his life. He woke up in a cold sweat and shivered against the cool air which blew in through the open window, the naked girl beside him covering herself up as he got up from the bed. Taking a glass he filled it with wine and drank it down, filling it once more as he closed the window and looked out onto the dark sea.
" You will have your chance to make him run, to take what is his and make her your own. I give you my pledge and ask only your obedience, I chose you Daario Naharis, what do you say?".
"I am yours to command, my god." Daario said as he knelt down on the floor, looking to the closed window as the flames on the candles went out in the room.
Dorne 300 AC.
Oberyn.
It had felt an age since he'd set foot in his homeland and he was so happy when he did that he almost kissed the ground. He looked to see Tyrstane standing in front of him and he smiled to see his nephew though he received none in return. That no questions he asked were answered annoyed him and he knew he'd get no answers at Sunspear either.
So he stayed only long enough to change and bathe and grab some found and he left during the night, he and Ser Daemon riding to the Water Gardens. He stormed through them getting angrier all the while, knowing something had happened and not sure why it was being withheld from him. Reaching Doran's chambers he calmed down some, brother or not, Areo would refuse him entry if he presented himself in an overly agitated state.
"My brother is inside?" he asked the guard who nodded and knocked at the door.
He walked in to find Doran sitting at his desk, his brother reading through papers with Areo standing over his left shoulder, ready for any threat to his brother's life. Even annoyed as he was he enjoyed looking at the large Norvosi, the axe was shined and polished and perhaps as lethal as his spear. It had always given him comfort knowing he was his brother's sworn shield, that what Doran lacked in martial skill was more than made up for by the man by his side.
"Sit Oberyn, much has happened since you left and we have good, bad, and terrible news to discuss." Doran said.
"Terrible?".
"In good time, you'll find why I wished you here and why Trystane and others were not to discuss it with you, first tell me of your trip?" Doran said.
So he told him of not being given access to the red temples, of how Daemon was spoken of in Volantis and then of Malaquo and the offer he had made him. Doran looking on eagerly as he spoke and nodding at the mentions of the Golden Company and the Tigers and what they were offering.
"You say this man suggested more?" Doran asked.
"It seems Daemon made many enemies while in Essos, they are all eager to see him fall." Oberyn said with a smirk.
"We do not wish war on our shores brother, at least not unless we have no choice, far better it happen there than here though I fear here it will be.".
"Doran?".
"While you were away there was an attack on our niece and nephew, Rhaenys is safe but Aegon was taken, and… he was unmanned." Doran said and Oberyn looked at him with incredulity.
"How? Where?".
"Essos, Prince Daemon brought him back but he's no longer a man, Oberyn." Doran said shaking his head.
"Surely this suits our purposes, if he cannot provide an heir he cannot be king and while I'd not wish my nephew harm, it's Rhaenys we seek to crown and not he.".
"Rhaenys was saved by Daemon, Oberyn, she and he are on the same side." Doran said and Oberyn laughed.
"Our niece would not desert us, not for that bastard." he said but seeing Doran's face soon wiped the smile from his.
"And yet she has, Daemon is crown prince now Oberyn, named as his father's heir and Rhaenys is to be his Hand, she too to be wed." Doran said and Oberyn shook his head, this couldn't have all happened while he was away.
"Married?" he asked.
"To Willas Tyrell." Doran said and Oberyn would have laughed some more only he could see this too was no Jape.
"Then we kill the bastard, see him dead and Willas too if need be." he said and again was met by Doran's look which stopped him dead in his tracks.
"Read this." Doran said handing him the raven's scroll which he took and looked at, the words not making any sense.
Father,
Prince Daemon had fallen, I saw the body myself and the funeral was held in the Dragonpit. He was placed on a pyre and the dragon's flames burned it and as we watched the prince rose again, he lives father and I know not how, but he lives and breathes as much as you or I.
Arianne.
"Is this some sort of jape?" he asked as he held the scroll in his hand.
"You think Arianne would make up such a story?" Doran asked and Oberyn shook his head.
"So what are we to believe, that he is immortal, that he can't be killed?" Oberyn asked.
"We are to believe we must tread carefully, but that's not the only news I received from King's Landing brother, I received other more tragic news." Doran said and Oberyn couldn't ever remember his brother's voice sound that way before, nor the look on his face when he spoke.
Few times in his life Oberyn had felt pain such as this, his mother's death had been one, and when Ellaria miscarried their first child had been another. This though made even those pale into insignificance, to lose his daughter, to see her go before he did was something no father should ever live to see. Standing looking into the pool he watched as his tears splashed against the water.
His thoughts were full of the little girl who ran and jumped into that very same pool without an ounce of fear or doubt. Who swam rather than sank and laughed when he threw her in the air and splashed water in her face. Her blue eyes stared back up at him and he could almost reach out and stroke her blond hair. The image of her smiling face soon replaced by one of her crying out in fear. Blood dripping from her nose and lips as she called for him.
" Papa, papa, where were you?".
" I needed you, where were you?".
" You left me alone to die, why papa, why?".
Falling to his knees he began to pound his fists against the water, the image now replaced with a different one. Dark hair and indigo eyes replaced blond and blue, a scar over the eye looming clear and Oberyn felt the hatred in his heart rise as he looked at the bastard prince.
"I will kill you for this, I will see you dead." he shouted as he tried to punch through the water to get to Daemon Targaryen.
Kings Landing 300 AC
Elia.
Being with her granddaughter was an absolute joy and she cursed Aegon for not letting her know about her before now. She'd missed almost four years of the young girl's life and despite being assured that she was healthy and well and that her home life had been better than most, it still bothered her greatly. Elia's mother had been working in one of the brothels and when she'd fallen pregnant she'd found out that Aegon had actually done the right thing, to a point at least.
He'd seen them set up in a home and made sure they had anything they needed, that it had, in the end, cost him so little coin, only showed that much more clearly the difference between those who had and those had not. When Rhaegar told her what Daemon had said about the girl, Elia had almost headed to his Manse to give him a piece of her mind. How could life at the Red Keep not be better, life at Summerhall when they moved there surely would, would it not?.
The more she thought about it though the more she knew Daemon made some valid points and she began to look at things more clearly. It wasn't what she wanted that was important, nor what Rhaegar or even Aegon wanted. It was Elia and her mother's choice and so she spoke to them and asked Marla what it was she wished for her daughter. Finding out that a name and a future was pretty much all the woman wanted, to see her daughter not raised as a bastard and for her to have the best life she could give her.
"What do you think?" she asked Rhaegar as they sat together in their room.
"I think Summerhall offers the best for her, my love, with us, Marla, maybe Aegon too if that's what he wishes.".
"You're really going through with it?" she asked looking to him.
"I cannot make up for the mistakes I've made, I find I don't have the energy to do so, better the realm be placed in the hands of someone who could start anew. Daemon and Myrcella will be what we were not able to be, what I was not able to be and with Rhaenys by his side and her marriage to Willas, the realm will be more united than before." Rhaegar said.
"Doran will not accept this Rhaegar, no matter how you try to sell it to him, nor will Oberyn." she said regretfully.
"They must, I don't understand the power Daemon possesses, even reading through the prophecy it was never made clear but it's clear what he is, who he is, and we've seen the proof of that. If Doran doesn't accept it then I fear for him and for Dorne." her husband said and she found she was fearing for her homeland too.
They spoke of Daemon's own words and she found herself in far more agreement with him than Rhaegar on the downsides, yet she was eager to be gone from this place, to be away from the worries of the realm. Aegon needed her and so did her granddaughter, that there was now an actual option to allow them to live a different life, she found herself drifting off in wishful thinking about what that life would be like. Elia was eager to find out just how far along Summerhall truly was and so she found herself speaking to Rhaenys and Rhaegar about the finer details of what their move would entail.
Her days were spent with Elia watching her in her lessons and finding the girl to be smart and eager to learn. They'd eat together with her mother and Elia found Marla to be as caring and attentive as any mother should be. That she had once had to sell herself not changing the fact that she was a good mother to her granddaughter. Aegon would sit with them and her son showed a side of himself that she didn't know existed, her son being patient and gentle anytime he was near his daughter.
Like all things in her life though the peace and quiet was fleeting and when the news came it not only was shattering to her but she knew how Oberyn would feel about it. Standing by the bedside looking down on her niece, Elia could barely believe that just the day before Tyene had been as healthy and as happy as she'd ever seen her. Looking to her sisters she could see both the upset and the willingness to blame someone, anyone, for her death.
"Well?" she asked Marwyn after he'd finished examining Tyene's body.
"It looks as if her heart gave out your grace, I can see no evidence of any other cause of death.".
"Then you are a fool." Nymeria said and Obara moved forward.
"She was healthy yesterday and today she is dead, someone killed her, poisoned her." Obara said loudly.
"Is there any sign of poison Maester?" she asked and Marwyn shook his head.
"If she was healthy yesterday then any poison that acted this fast would cause far more damage, there would be signs of it on her person. Blood from her nose or mouth, discoloration of the eyes, lips, or tongue. Even a smell of where the damage had been focussed would linger, your grace. Does it seem to any of you that any of these are present?".
"What of Dreamwine or Milk of the Poppy?" Elia asked and Nymeria snorted.
"No one could ever give Tyene such a drink, she'd know it as soon as they tried." her niece said.
"Yet you think someone poisoned her all the same, Marwyn leave us." Elia said and the Maester walked from the room "You think I do not know of poisons? You forget your father is my brother, I know of them as well as you do Nym or Tyene did.".
"Then what other explanation is there, that she simply died? You think we believe that, that Oberyn would, my queen?" Ellaria said.
"Who would wish her dead? Why?" she asked and saw her nieces look to each other.
"Daemon." Obara said and Elia laughed and it bothered her that they'd made her do so while standing over her niece's corpse.
"What reason has Daemon to wish Tyene dead?" she asked to silence "When would he have gotten the opportunity? Or do you think Tyene would let her guard down with Daemon given how you all so clearly feel about him? No this was not murder, not a poisoning, you should mourn your sister, as will I." she said as she walked from the room.
She called for Arthur and Rhaenys and told them both what had happened, listening as her daughter told Arthur to ensure that her cousins were watched. When the knight left she took her daughter in her arms and allowed her to cry against her shoulder. Elia tried to remember the young girl that Tyene had been, the smiling face and eager eyes that would look to her when she played in the gardens. Though it was her brother's faces that came to mind, Doran and his willingness to use anything he could to gain more power and Oberyn whose temper would no doubt cause trouble.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Rhaella.
Breaking her fast with her family was becoming something she looked forward to, she and Dany had become ever closer and both were doing their utmost to make up for the lost time they'd missed out on. Viserys was becoming less the sullen prickly boy he'd been when she arrived and more the son she'd always hoped he'd be. Her talks with Shiera were enlightening though she found the woman strange at times, which given what her grandson had been through was something she couldn't understand. As for Daemon himself, seeing him so happy and having him close to her was what she had truly missed all these years.
Today though the meal was different, they'd heard of Oberyn's daughter and she knew the trouble that would bring. Bon having confirmed to her that the girl had simply passed and that there was no evidence of foul play. Given that both Varys and Littlefinger too had died in such a manner had led Rhaella to look to her grandson. Something she felt ashamed about as she knew that Daemon had no reason to see the girl dead and it was not something he'd do without a reason.
After finishing eating, she was about to make arrangements to spend the day with Dany and Missandei when Daemon asked her to join him. Walking down to her room she found Melisandre standing there holding a package and she looked to Daemon to see him smiling. Her grandson was not one for presents, either giving or receiving them and she wondered why he'd decided to get her something now, though she appreciated it and opened it eagerly.
"Daemon?" she asked looking at the breeches and jacket.
"I thought it'd be better than your dress, besides it can get cold on a dragon's back." he said with a smile.
She looked at him to see if he was jesting and then smiled as she kissed his cheek, Daemon walking from the room to allow her to dress. Standing in front of the looking glass after she had was strange, apart from the occasional ride with Bon on Dragonstone she never wore breeches. Looking at the figure she made and turning from side to side, she felt that maybe it was time to rectify that.
"How do I look?" she asked her grandson when she walked out of her room.
"Like Visenya or Rhaenys, like Alysanne." Daemon said his smile beaming.
"I do not remember teaching you to be so charming, grandson." she said with a smirk.
"Thankfully I do, grandmother." he said and she chuckled as they walked to the horses.
She was surprised to see such a large group ready to ride and she wondered had Daemon told them beforehand or arranged it that morning. Climbing up on her horse, she rode over to Dany and Missandei and along with Bon, they began to ride from the manse. All in all, there were over thirty of them who made their way to the Dragonpit, her grandson, her son and daughter, Shiera, Bon, and their guards making quite the procession.
Lyanax was waiting for them when they got there and after Bon helped her from the horse, Daemon took her hand and walked her over to where the dragon stood. He led her to the front and she found herself looking into the most intelligent, caring eyes she'd ever seen. The dragon almost looking at her the same way that Daemon did and for a moment she was taken aback before she leaned her head against the dragon's and felt a vibration as it made a noise.
"She likes you, says that she too feels as you." Daemon said and she wondered if he was right, was the dragon as protective of her grandson as she was? Would she too die for him?.
"She's beautiful Daemon, incredible." she said and felt the dragon's vibration once more.
Taking her hand he helped her up onto the dragon's back and once she was sitting comfortably he wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear.
"Are you ready grandmother?" he asked and she nodded "Sōvegon.".
In the blink of an eye, they were in the air and she felt the butterflies in her stomach as they flew over the Dragonpit. Daemon having Lyanax do a circle or two of it to get her used to it before she nodded and they flew away and over the city. She looked down on the Red Keep, the Sept of Baelor, saw White Sword Tower and the city below. Soon they were flying over Blackwater Bay and she was laughing as freely as she'd not done since she was a child.
Daemon alternated between having Lyanax fly low and close to the sea and then taking them high into the sky, and Rhaella felt her breath being taken away. When they flew over Driftmark she found herself seeing the island far differently than she'd ever imagined. Spicetown and High Tide looked far more impressive from the sky and she could see what Corlys had planned, compared to them Hull and Driftmark Castle looked poor and she resolved to speak to Lucerys when she returned.
Soon though they had left Driftmark in the distance and she could see the Dragonmont and Dragonstone itself, her breath catching in her throat as she looked at the island when it came into view. This was how it was supposed to be, they were supposed to be masters and mistresses of the air, to look down at this island and see it from above. Seeing the Stone Drum and Sea Dragon Tower from atop a dragon she could see why her family called this place home. When Daemon landed on the cliffs she climbed down and thanked the dragon and her grandson for the gift they'd given her.
"Thank you Daemon, thank you both so much." she said hugging him while she looked into Lyanax's eyes.
"I should have done this as soon as I returned grandmother, I'm sorry I waited so long." Daemon said and she shook her head.
"I'm glad you did, had you told me of her when you returned I'd not have known what to do, now though, this was the right time Daemon." she said and he smiled when she kissed his cheek.
They stood on the cliffs for some time, looking out when Lyanax took to the air and went flying over the sea to feed. When she came back Rhaella was keen to fly once more and Daemon though heading directly back to King's Landing, didn't do so with any great urgency. Instead, he allowed her to enjoy the flight, and at one point they flew her so high that the world below seemed to cease to exist.
That night as she lay in bed beside Bon she found herself unable to sleep, her mind filled with images that she'd seen, sights that she'd never imagined even conceiving of. The smile on her face was both because of spending the day flying on a dragon and because of something she had at first thought to have been silly thought. Now though she was sure it had not been, it hadn't been her own voice in her head she'd heard, it had been Lyanax's and she had told her all she needed to know.
"I would die for him." the dragon had said.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Daemon.
When he found out that Tyene had died he knew who was responsible though not how it had been done and not truly why. He didn't need to ask R'hllor or look to the flames, she had tried to kill him and for that even had he not had his own plans to deal with her in time, R'hllor would have and so he'd left it at that. Daemon knew though it would cause problems with the Dornish, though those problems would more than likely come either way.
To take his mind of that and of what he may need to do when the time came, he instead fixed a mistake he'd made since he came back. Finally, he took his grandmother for the ride and he could feel Lyanax and his grandmother's joy as he did so. When they returned he looked forward to their meal that night and the night he'd share with his wife, unfortunately, it was only one of those things he got to really enjoy.
"Tell them to go away." Myrcella said impatiently and Daemon chuckled.
"My wife is eager for me to continue?" he said as he brushed his finger over her nipple, feeling her lean into his touch.
"Most eager." she said and he kissed her and laughed when she bit his lip "Now away with them.".
He wrapped himself in the sheet and walked to the door, finding not a servant or one of the acolytes but Thoros standing there. The look on his face one he'd hoped not to see for some time, closing the door behind him he stepped out into the hall and was glad to see the smirk which appeared when he looked to his friend.
"Were you busy my prince?" Thoros said and Daemon chuckled as he looked at him.
"What do you think?".
"Forgive the interruption." Thoros said a moment later.
"I can, my wife, maybe not so much." he said and Thoros laughed though not as fully as he'd expected.
"We need to talk Daemon, one of the priestesses saw a vision in the flames, we need to consult R'hllor, you need to consult him. "Thoros said and Daemon didn't need to ask him how urgent this was, the mere fact he'd come to his room was proof enough of that.
"I'll meet you and Melisandre in a few moments, I need to dress." he said.
"I'd be grateful if you did, that sheet doesn't truly cover everything." Thoros said chuckling as he walked away.
Whether Myrcella knew from his face or from the fact he'd gone outside to speak to Thoros, Daemon didn't know for sure but she knew their night together was at an end. He looked as she rolled over on her side and he could see the worry she felt but try as he might he couldn't relive it right then, and so he dressed and went to meet Thoros.
In the room, he found Shiera too had been woken and he wondered had Melisandre gone to her, only to find that she had her own reasons for being there, reasons she explained only after he had found out what R'hllor wished from him.
"Who had the vision?" he asked.
"Barla." Melisandre said and Daemon was surprised at that, the girl being one of the younger of the priestesses.
"Shall we." he said taking the knife and stepping to the fire, cutting himself and allowing the blood to drip into the flames.
He saw the tree white as snow and its blood-red leaves, the child beckoning him forward. Inside the cave the man waited in the tree, no the man was the tree and as he looked at him he knew who he was, the birthmark on the face, and the hole where the eye had once been marking him clearly. Around his neck, he wore the ruby necklace and he nodded to Daemon as it fell into his hands, the man fading from view.
The children climbed on the dragon and they flew over the snow, over water and ice, and below them, he saw the tents, the huts and the men, women, and children covered in furs. In the distance he saw them come, the army moving in the darkness and the blue eyes staring at him. He saw the flames cover them and the men in ice who moved quicker than the eye could see and he saw them fall one by one. The flames cutting through them until only one remained and then he heard the laughter as they rose once again.
He looked to Melisandre who seemed untroubled and to Thoros who was anything but, his oldest, closest friend seemed more worried than he'd ever seen him before. Reaching out Daemon placed his hand on Thoros's shoulder and felt him relax somewhat.
"You saw?" he asked and Thoros nodded.
"Blue eyes." Thoros said and both of them looked to Melisandre.
"I saw myself standing by Myrcella's side, me, Ghost and Grey Worm, standing with her, watching over her and keeping her safe until your return." Melisandre said and Daemon nodded and looked to Shiera.
"We need to seek out Bloodraven, find him before it's too late, and put him to rest." Shiera said.
"The ruby?" he asked and she nodded "This is the war we've prepared for, the first one anyway, blue eyes come for us and we must close them or we are lost, are you with me?" he asked and all three of them nodded.
He sent Thoros to make the preparations and then walked back to his room, finding Myrcella asleep he decided to give her to the morning and instead made his way to the Red Keep. Rhaenys was asleep but he had her and the king woken up, and as he sat in the room waiting for them to come to them he searched for any fear or doubt inside him, finding he had none.
"Daemon?" Rhaenys said as she walked into the room with Rhaegar walking in behind her.
"Forgive me for waking you both, I must speak and I fear I'll not have time on the morrow." he said and both of them looked to him "I must go North, far North, beyond the wall.".
"Daemon?" the king asked.
"This is why I told you that you cannot stand down, I have no control over this, no will of my own, I go and fight or they fall and then we do." he said looking to the king.
"Who falls? Who are you to fight?" Rhaenys asked.
"The Free Folk, I need you to give me a proclamation allowing them through the wall, I'll speak to my uncle but I need a letter from the king." he said and though he hesitated briefly Rhaegar soon began to write it out.
"Who are you to fight? "Rhaenys asked.
"It doesn't matter Rhaenys, I have to fight and I know not how long I'll be gone. I need you to be there for Myrcella, to be who I'll need you to be." he said and she nodded before embracing him tightly.
"Promise me you'll return." she said and he nodded before taking the letter from the king.
"Daemon, 1.." Rhaegar said.
"We'll speak when I return, speak of my mother." he said and smiled as Rhaegar nodded.
He sat up the rest of the night, checking his armor and gathering his supplies, Thoros doing likewise. When he felt it was time he went to his room and woke Myrcella up. When she saw him with his armor on and the look on his face, he could tell she already knew.
"You're leaving?" she asked.
"I must, it's time Cella, I have no control over having to go, only that I shall return and do so as soon as I can." he said and she nodded though he could see she was putting on a brave face, be it for him or herself he couldn't tell.
"When?".
"Lyanax is on her way, I leave as soon as she arrives." he said and she reached out to touch his face. her fingers tracing each inch of it as if she was memorizing it before she kissed him deeply "Rhaenys, Melisandre, Ghost, Grey Worm, all will be here for you, I'm sorry Cella, truly I am, this was not what I wanted.".
"Yet you knew it would happen and told me so." she said and he looked at her before kissing her and stepping back from the bed.
"I need to talk to my grandmother, I…".
"Go, speak to her, Daemon, I will be here when you return." she said with a smile and as he moved to the door he saw Ghost climb into bed beside her.
He could hear the crying when he closed the doors and he wanted nothing more than to go back inside and climb into his bed and hold her tight, though he knew he could not. Instead, he walked to his grandmother's room and found Bon standing in front of it the knight looking to him with concern.
"She knows?" he asked and Bon nodded as Daemon walked into the room.
His grandmother stood at the window looking out and he could tell she'd been crying as he walked to her.
"I need you to look after her for me grandmother until I return I need you to be there for her." he said and she nodded as he handed her a letter "For my uncle, tell him I need him to do this, to be ready when I come.".
"What are you to face?" she asked nervously.
"I don't know, only that I've been preparing for it my whole life, this is my purpose grandmother, my burden to carry and I am ready to do so, more than ready." he said as determinedly as he could.
"Should you not bring more men, I thought you had more men?" she said.
"I do and I'll need them too, but not for this. I have what I need and R'hllor will provide the rest." he said and she looked to him.
"You're sure?".
"I am his chosen and this is what he choose me for, if I needed more than I'd have it, I am ready." he said and she hugged him tightly.
When he heard Lyanax land he walked to the garden and found Shiera, Thoros, and Melisandre waiting for him. He nodded to them and Thoros and Shiera climbed up on Lyanax's back. Melisandre walked to him and he felt her arms wrap around him and her words of encouragement in his ears.
Climbing up on the dragon he looked to the manse and saw them both in the windows, his grandmother being held by Bon as she cried and Myrcella wiping her eyes as she looked into his. He was unafraid though, that much was true, all his life had been leading to this war and he was ready. As Lyanax took to the sky he had only one thought in his head, when the war came you had but one choice, you ran or you stood and he would stand.