Chapter 217 - Chapter 14 Home Shores

Casterly Rock, The Westerlands...280 AC...

Tywin Lannister was wondering just how he could respond to the growing instability in the realm as it was only getting worse the longer things went on. Cersei had proven an even worse partner than he had imagined as she was only pushing Aerys' madness to even greater heights.

He could only imagine what Joanna would think if he could see their daughter now, Cersei had none of her warmth or wisdom...none of her careful planning or calm and measured thinking. He had no idea just where this evil had come from but he was now left to deal with it alone he thought with a sigh of bitterness.

The fact that today would have been the nameday celebration of her and Jaime's birth seemed a mocking irony but that was when he heard footsteps running up the corridor towards his room. He got to his feet while making sure his dress stick sword was within reach if he needed it, half expecting an attack but then Kevan, his loyal brother and right hand came bursting into the room. Half out of breath and it was so different to his normal respectful behaviour that Tywin raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Is there a reason you are charging into my chambers like this?" Tywin asked with a sardonic voice, Kevan however was more used to his brother's attitude than anyone else in the entire world and answered without wasting time with apologies that he knew would not be accepted or even required.

"Prince Haeron Targaryen's ship has been sighted on the coast. It will be docking in Lannisport about now." Kevan said quickly, himself confused at the direction that it was coming from as their sightings had it coming in from the west which was impossible as no-one came from the west, disappeared that way but never came from it.

Tywin himself was confused by this but then was struck by another more immediate thought. If the Queen Visenya was returning to Westeros then...Jaime was too.

His son was coming home!

Tywin wasted no more time as he got himself ready and walked out of the room, not bothering to even speak to Kevan as went to make preparations.

Docks, Lannisport...A Short Time Later...

The Queen Visenya came into view of Lannisport, the best port in the Westerlands was out in force to see just who was approaching shore, the word was that it was a mystery visitor from some strange land across the Sunset Sea but as it came into dock the entire Lannister family appeared at the quayside. Lord Tywin Lannister leading with his new wife Maylee and young son Tyrion in a wheelhouse alongside Genna Lannister whose husband and weak child had stayed cowering at the castle. Kevan Lannister and Gerion Lannister rode with their brother as they waited with bated breath although Maylee, Genna and Tyrion had yet to be told just why they were here. Tygett was the only one missing as he was out on patrol and could not be reached quickly.

The reason when they saw it became abundantly clear as the black and red coloured ship came in and tied itself to the pier. The three headed dragon emblazoned on its sails made them all gasp but some screamed in fear as the large dragon appeared seemingly from nowhere and flew over their heads, crying out is terrifying roars. Tyrion while instantly enthralled by the dragon immediately knew just whose ship this was as did some of the more informed members of the Lannister family but then the gangplank lowered and a single figure descended to meet with them.

He was a tall lad, looking more like a man even if he was only about half way through his teenage years, his blond hair was to his shoulders and in somewhat dented and scratched armour that looked like one that belonged to House Lannister. His eyes were a familiar green and lit up with humour as was his face like he was enjoying some private joke.

He stepped forward towards Tywin who dismounted from his horse and walked over to him, they came to a stop while everyone on both the dock and the ship watched and waited. No-one sure just what to expect.

"Father, I'm home." Jaime said with a smile as he stood tall and proud, not flinching from his father's gaze which he would have done. When he said 'father' in a loud and clear voice it was now apparent to everyone just who was standing in front of them. They all looked on in amazement as the prodigal son had returned.

"Indeed." Tywin said calmly, as if they were discussing the weather rather than greeting his eldest and most dearest son home which seemed immensely cold. But then Tywin put a hand on his son's shoulder and told him with some pride in his voice as it truly lifted his spirits to have Jaime home again. "You left this place a boy, you have returned a man."

"I hope so, but before anything else happens...father there is someone I want you to meet." Jaime said and turned to the ship, holding out his hand and a young woman about his age made her way down the gangplank. She was pretty, many would say beautiful with dark brown hair falling straight to her mid back in breeches and a skirt which confused many and seemed scandalous especially as her jacket clung to her top half and showed how well endowed she was and how slim her waist was. She had warm but intelligent dark brown eyes and looked somewhat nervous as she approached Lord Lannister. She came up to Jaime and Tywin looked at her with suspicion but Jaime held her by the arm and told him.

"This Alicys Questyr, daughter of one of the most wealthy merchant princes of Braavos." Jaime said to introduce her before telling her in turn. "This is my father, the Lord of the Westerlands and Warden of the West. Lord Tywin Lannister."

They stared at each other, assessing them with their eyes against whatever they knew of each other. Alicys was certainly the better off in this situation as she had been told long ago about the sort of man that Tywin Lannister was.

"Lord Lannister, I have heard of your expert administration of the Seven Kingdoms along with your re-securing of the Westerlands from chaos. I had thought you would be taller, they speak of you as if you were as large as the mountain on which your castle sits." Alicys said with a small smile that made many gasp in astonishment that someone would dare speak to Tywin so but strangely his eyes glazed over as if his mind was elsewhere.

And it was, remembering a girl that was both sharp tongued and quick witted but with blonde hair and glittering emerald eyes that had once enchanted his heart so greatly that never would anyone else touch it again.

Listening the girl now, seeing her standing there and despite being shorter than Joanna had been...Alicys had the same fire inside her...the same spirit. He knew better than to just see the similarities between them but he could at least see why his son had fallen for her.

"And I hope you can balance your tongue with your cunning, you need both to rule the Westerlands with my son...if I allow it." Tywin said cautiously and while Jaime was secretly worried that this meeting was going to blow up in their faces but Alicys just grinned back and told him.

"I will have to prove it then won't I?" Alicys said as she clearly saw it not as an obstacle but a challenge to overcome.

Tywin nodded in approval much to their shock, seeing the girl for what she was...a doer and not a wilting flower like so many girls were that she might match with his son. She would be he hoped the extra steel he might need to act and guard the home from threats Jaime did not see.

He would need to make sure before agreeing to join her with his son but her father's wealth and contacts were something he wanted to access.

"You shall." Tywin told her and then had to turn his attention to the figure that was coming down the gangplank after Jaime. He was as tall and as well built as ever but if anything the fact figure he cut was even more intimidating, not least by the shadow of the dragon that was flying overhead. But the two women at his side stole the breath of just about every man who saw them besides Tywin and Jaime.

The women were pure Valyrian beauties with long silver hair and hypnotic violet eyes, their skin was perfect like they were sculpted. One was taller with a harder kind of beauty but still voluptuous and incredibly beautiful, this one had a babe in her arms who was snuggled against his mother and on the other side was another woman. She was a softer beauty, not as tall but as voluptuous and had the belly of a woman who was with child.

The wives of Haeron stood boldly at his side and with their dragons at their heels, small at the moment but they were the size of large hounds! Another half a year and they would be likely be big enough to ride.

The image the three of them made was very intimidating, familiar to Tywin most of all who had seen the paintings of the three famous conquerors in the Red Keep for years immediately saw the similarities between them and the three people that stood before him now. There were differences given that it was the Visenya of this new group Harmony as Tywin believed she was called her been the first to give birth instead of Rhaenys this time and the boy did not he think look frail as Aenys had done. Instead he looked strong as his father had been at that age Tywin noted and the other bride would soon give birth and give him a second child.

Already he was considering that when Maylee finally gave birth to their new child as it had been confirmed she was now carrying a child just the day before that if it was a girl he might tie that to the prince's son. But that was for another time and Haeron came up to Tywin, staring him dead in the eyes, conscious Tywin was sure that things must have changed since he was away and he was wise to think so.

"Your grace...welcome home." Tywin said calmly with a slight bow which Haeron returned with a nod before replying.

"Indeed it is good to be home. Now I suspect we must speak of whatever has happened in my absence." Haeron said calmly, due to the distance he had travelled it had been some time since he had been able to acquire trustworthy information on how things stood in Westeros and there were sure to have been shifts in the landscape since he had been gone, so he would need to learn what had happened in his absence.

- x -

Casterly Rock, Later that Night...

A feast had hurriedly been prepared for both their esteemed guests and Jaime's return, the servants had achieved a near miracle to get it ready in time.

Tywin sat at the head of the table with his family all around, his mood lifted by the return of his eldest son so he had even allowed Tyrion to sit with them at the high table. Jaime was of course at his father's right and was entertaining the entire table with Alicys of their stories of 'adventures' as they all listened. Haeron, Harmony, Evelyn, Vaena, Davos and Septon Jonos all shared quiet smiles to themselves as they knew some of the details were exaggerated but allowed the boy and girl their moment.

"Can you show us Brightroar?" Gerion asked eagerly, all of his life he had dreamt of that sword...not just seeing it but touching it and even wielding it. He had long been sure he would be the one to finally bring it home after it had been lost for so long, only for his young nephew to do it before he had the chance! He did not begrudge his nephew the honour and now just wished to see it for himself! His devotion to the sword being first and foremost.

Tywin likewise alongside all of the Lannisters in the hall all turned to Jaime who smirked and then unsheathed his sword and held it in the air so they could all see it. The glinting steel with its dark ripples and large golden lion pommel immediately grabbing everyone's attention. For Gerion it was a dream come true, it was more magnificent than he had ever dreamed and almost seemed to have a golden halo around it in his eyes.

Genna, Kevan and Tywin were more practical in how they saw it, the sword being returned was a major step forward in the prestige of House Lannister, at last they too had a Valyrian steel weapon...technically they actually had two as Maylee had her own family's ancestral sword Wraith which would pass down to her children who would be Lannisters. This did mean that House Lannister now stood alongside House Targaryen in being one of the only two known houses to have more than one Valyrian steel sword, even more so since Dark Sister was still missing meaning they were the only ones that had both in their possession.

Tywin now felt for once that things were going well for House Lannister, despite their problems with Cersei they had their great sword back and now he could focus on other aspects of improving their legacy. Hearing that a route to the faraway lands could be achieved by sailing west would allow far greater trade for Lannisport as it was the closest port to that important new shipping lane. Also making sure to tie this new Alicys girl to Jaime when he had assured himself that she was fit to bare the next generation of Lannisters was a high priority for him, her father's connections would be vital in ensuring the growing of their coffers with the gold mines starting to run dry.

It was later that evening when the realm would gain a new Targaryen, Evelyn went into labour.

Haeron wasted no time and carried Evelyn to a separate room while Harmony tended to her own son. Vaena came with them to the room and the maester of the castle came to assist but found himself very ignored as the birth began.

Haeron defied convention and was there to comfort Evelyn throughout the entire process, holding her hand and mopping her brow. This confused many as it was unheard of for male nobles to be in the room with their wives as they gave birth, but Haeron as always bucked tradition.

- x -

Elsewhere in the castle Jaime sat at a table Tyrion, both finally alone with Brightroar on the table in front of them. Jaime was sharing some more stories with his brother before asking him with a concerned look on his face.

"Have they been treating you well brother? I mean, everyone?" Jaime asked and Tyrion smiled, he honestly was touched at his older brother's worries and told him.

"It has been as good as it could have been. Thankfully between the new lady of the castle and our sister's latest exploits I have fortunately been left to my own habits." Tyrion said with a bitter smile and the fact they had a new mother was shelved for a moment before Jaime asked one question.

"What about our sister's latest exploits?" Jaime asked with a growing sense of worry in his gut, so Tyrion told him just what their sister had been doing since not just him leaving this place over a year ago but also having somehow managed to get to Kings Landing and become the mistress of the Mad King...not to mention her actions since.

Jaime sighed in frustration as he put his head in his hands, he was so caught off guard at the depths to which Cersei could sink too. He had over the course of the voyage to the edge of the world and beyond come to see just how cruel and manipulative she was underneath her golden facade but this was even worse than anything he had thought possible. He had no doubt she would probably try to kill the Queen next to take her place and even the Prince and all his siblings to try and get her spawn on the throne.

It would be her character Jaime thought with disgust.

"I had thought her bad but nothing as terrible as this." Jaime told his brother with a shake of his head while Tyrion looked at him in surprise as if he would find excuses for her and in the past he might have done but Jaime had stopped making excuses by now. He tried for now to put thoughts of his vicious twin aside and told Tyrion something he should have long ago.

"I know that I am the next in line to rule the Rock but you are far better at ruling than I. Brother, want us to rule together. I'll fight and keep the vassals in line while you make sure the castle isn't falling apart around our ears. What do you think?" Jaime asked seriously.

Tyrion was momentarily stunned, he knew his brother cared but to actually ask for him to help him rule and be trusted with so much power...it showed how deeply Jaime trusted him. He was never one to shed tears, years under Tywin had make sure of that but he managed a smile and told him.

"I think we can make a go of it." Tyrion said and Jaime now smiled too, knowing he would have his brother at his side.

"Good, I hoped my future goodbrother would be able to stand with us." Alicys said as she came in with a bright and cheeky smile on her face. She came up to Tyrion and sat on Jaime's lap, pressing a kiss to his blushing cheek.

"It would be a benefit." Maylee said as she too arrived and sat next to Tyrion, giving the confused young man a smile and telling him. "I hope my child will have two strong brothers to look after him...in case." Maylee told them with a sad smile but Tyrion told her with kind smile as he knew why she was afraid of giving birth and leaving her child alone as she had been except for her brothers.

"You are not going to die. Besides some fresh blood around here might help shake things up." Tyrion said with a small smile which she returned before Maylee turned to the suspicious Jaime and straight up told him her point of view.

"I know you might think me the evil stepmother but here Jaime is the truth. I lost my mother and my brothers so now there is no-one left but your family to care for my child if I die. I don't care whether my child gets to rule Casterly Rock some day or not but I would like to hope that they will have two brothers there to look after them like mine did for me." Maylee told him thinking it better to be more upfront with Jaime although honesty was better as it unlike lies wouldn't come back to bite you later.

Jaime was taken aback as was Alicys by what she said but Tyrion nodded sadly, knowing her fears himself now. Although he could find some amusement that his brother had found a girl as bold and daring as he was, he knew that Maylee would need their reassurance.

"It will be our honour but don't think you are going to die. You fight tooth and claw for your child and that means that you have to try to be here too." Alicys told her sternly and Maylee smiled slightly.

"I intend too but I need the reassurance."

"You have it." Jaime told her calmly, showing how much he had matured since leaving this place. "Between the four of us I am sure that we can handle anything that comes our way."

"The four of us?" Tyrion asked with a smirk wondering if they had formed their own inner circle inside House Lannister now but it was a thrill to think so even if it wasn't true.

"The Four of us." Jaime said with confirmation as they all looked at each other and nodded in agreement, sealing their secret pact.

- x -

As the night dragged on and eventually dawn peaked over the horizon, but in Casterly Rock a long hoped for event occurred.

Haeron sat with Evelyn and their son, wrapped in a blanket and cuddled in her arms while she was in Haeron's. Both smiled at their little boy, he looked so serious already that Evelyn made a decision on what to call him.

"There was a man, the first mate on our ship. He was wise and strong, always keeping the crew in line but he always would teach you anything you needed to know. His name was Jasen." Evelyn said with a hopeful look in her eyes and Haeron nodded in agreement.

"Then Jasen he will be." Haeron told her and she smiled, eagerly holding her son and looked up only when Harmony came in with Aemon who looked curiously at his new younger brother while Harmony cooed over the babe.

"Brothers, we'll make sure they are brothers in arms. So one can rely on each other." Harmony said and Evelyn nodded alongside Haeron, the boys would be close in age and while they might compete it was up to them to make sure they were brothers first and foremost. They would hopefully have each other's back and fight for each other as brothers should, ignoring problems in the family had caused so much trouble for House Targaryen in the past and it was something they personally would not repeat.

Crackclaw Point, The Crownlands...

Aerys had been so distracted by his mistress that he had almost forgotten about his wife and children, but maybe as someone had made a loud note of not seeing the Queen, Princes or Princesses at court for sometime recently so he had demanded that they come to court.

Something that was answered with something that had actually stunned him...a refusal.

He had been completely taken aback at his normally submissive wife and sister, he had been enraged but then she had consented to a meeting at Crackclaw Point. He could bring his Kingsguard, and they would meet in a tent after they had checked it. Even though Ser Dayne was with Rhaegar at Dragonstone Aerys had agreed just to beat his wife into submission after his advisors had told him it would be impossible to pull her out of Dragonstone if she didn't want to go give how strong of a fortress it was.

Bristling with rage he and a small force of men had ridden to Crackclaw Point leaving Cersei in Kings Landing which had not amused her but it was better for than open warfare against his own family.

The tent was being blown around slightly by the wind but it was firmly put down enough to not be blown away. He saw it and Ser Gerold and Ser Barristan checked it from top to bottom, making sure it was safe before he stepped inside.

There Rhaella was waiting for him and Aerys was momentarily stunned by what he saw when he took her in.

In the months since she had last been in the Red Keep it was as if she had become a new woman, her posture was straighter and more confident, her bosom seemed to heave with teats that were much bigger than he remembered and her gown clung to a figure that would stir even the most pious man to have illicit fantasies. Her face too was slimmer, more angular but there was still a softening effect which made her look like a goddess among men.

How had she managed to make such a transformation Aerys thought to himself in amazement thinking her for the first time in the same vein of the original Visenya and Rhaenys as if you combined the best parts from both of them into one person but her eyes glared at him which broke his illusions.

"Well, what is your excuse? I am very interested to hear why you make a girl of fifteen your mistress? Joanna's lesser daughter in fact." Rhaella demanded with a hard glare that was so out of character that Aerys honestly was wondering if someone was impersonating his wife but doing a piss poor job of it. Nevertheless he bristled at the insult.

"Who I bed is my choice! I AM THE KING!" He yelled at her but this time Rhaella did not just meekly take it and in her fury she even shouted back!

"SHE'S A VICIOUS LITTLE THING THAT IS USING YOU! DO YOU HAVE TO DO THINGS FOR HER TILL SHE FUCKS YOU?!" Rhaella shouted at him which actually scared him a little especially as she continued. "SHE MADE YOU GET RID OF THE ONE HAND WHO YOU COULD TRUST TO RUN YOUR COUNTRY AND MAKE AN ENEMY OF HIM! HOW SHORT SIGHTED AND STUPID IS THAT! BESIDES YOU COULD NEVER SATISFY ME...HOW COULD YOU EVER SATISFY SOMEONE LIKE HER?!"

That was a hard blow to Aerys male ego and he went to slap her but she just grabbed his hand and held it in a tight grip.

"Pathetic." Rhaella said with a sneer and then stoked the fire even more as years of anger and sexual frustration came out all at once. "You can't handle a real woman. So you need a girl to stoke your ego."

"YOU DARE! I CAN FUCK YOU ANY TIME I LIKE!" He screamed but then Rhaella now so angry herself that she didn't care what she did stepped back and sat on the table with her skirts raised and her legs open.

"Go on then...make me satisfied. Prove me wrong." She challenged him with a sneer on her face. Aerys now so angry and at the same time horny as he had never seen a woman as beautiful as Rhaella daring him to fuck her dropped his breeches and did as she challenged him to do. They rutted hard and it was anger not any other feeling driving them except lust in Aerys case but it was only a short time before he ran out of will and came inside his queen who never actually managed to get some pleasure even if it was frustration in how right she had been about Aerys.

She just shook her head in disgust and got off the table, her anger now becoming cold and furious at herself for getting so riled up and actually letting Aerys fuck her. But she had the satisfaction of taunting him as she turned to leave with her hips and arse being worshipped by his eyes.

"Just as I thought, not up to it. Can't keep it up! The only good thing you have ever managed in our bed was making the children that I love so much, that is all I needed from you." She said as she walked away to her own men and horses that would take her back to the boat which would take them back to Dragonstone.

Aerys meanwhile had never felt so unsettled in his entire life, Rhaella's compliance and fear of him had always been something he could be sure of and even take pride in but now she had taken that away from him. More than that seeing her in this confident way and the fact she had actually become more beautiful than he had ever imagined but rejected him...it felt like he was being crushed under her boot.

Like he was less than her.

That unnerved him so much that he pulled up his breeches and went back on his horse with the Kingsguard who all looked uncomfortable as they had heard what was said. It was something they felt their ears should never heard. The fact the Queen was now standing up to the king so brazenly was shocking especially as many of them had seen their entire reign and the way their relationship was and yet now Rhaella was so confident half of them were confused and the other half glad. Glad the woman that they had seen being beaten time and time again had finally stood up for herself. Confused at what had caused this transformation and worried too at where it might end.

The Red Keep, Kings Landing...Hours Later...

Aerys had not managed to fully recover his wits by the time they returned to the Red Keep, the Kingsguard and the Bloodmen much to their mutual disgust at each other closed ranks around him as they entered the throne room and Cersei was there to greet him alongside Varys.

"My love." Cersei said with a seductive smirk and took his hand, her hand soft and warm which made him feel better as he put the bitch he had married out of his mind as much as possible. But Varys with a grave expression on his face stepped forward and told him without hesitation as he had news of a most important nature and could not wait till they were in private.

"Your Grace, my birds in the West have sent word...Prince Haeron has returned to Westeros."

That brought not only Aerys and Cersei but all of the Kingsguard and Bloodmen along with all of the courtiers and servants to a standstill. The silence was tense and awkward, Aerys had frozen like a statue with his eyes wide with fear. Varys however had more to say and continued his report.

"His ship has managed to sail successfully across the Sunset Sea and made port in Lannisport. Prince Haeron's dragon is now grown to the point that he can ride it properly and he has two sons by his wives. More in fact my little birds have revealed that Jaime Lannister has made the decision to court a daughter of a very wealthy merchant prince from Braavos. Lord Tywin is said to be interested in pursuing the match to strengthen his house."

While the king heard that all he had feared was finally coming to pass Cersei felt a furious anger wanting to explode inside her. Jaime was hers! She thought almost screaming to her face as it twisted with rage, he belonged to her! Not some whore from Braavos! She had been going to have Aerys name him to the Kingsguard so that he would be at her side again when he returned to Westeros, with time she would get him back at her side she thought with certainty but now there was so little time she thought with desperation before he wed that trollop and he would never be where he should be at her side!

She was considering just how to get that Braavosi whore killed when an unknown figure approached holding a long narrow bundle in his hands. The unknown figure was tall, his features hidden by a long black hood with green embroidery and had frail looking hands, like the skin was stretched over the skin so tightly that the slightest pressure would tear it but he was speaking with a cold and refined voice, one that spoke of important breeding and status.

"Your grace. I understand the return of this dangerous prince is of great concern but if I might be so bold I have a solution to your problem but to prove my intention to assist you...I return this to your keeping." The old man said and handed the bundle he was holding to one of the Bloodmen who sneered before unwrapping it carefully. It was a silk wrap around the object but when it was finally parted and the contents were revealed...it was enough to bolster Aerys.

It was a sword, a long sword by design but it was somewhat different than a regular one. It was more slender and light, designed for a smaller hand such as that of a woman. It had a golden crossguard styled to look like waves with a red jewel in the centre and a hard steel handgrip before ending in a golden pommel which was made to look like flames. But crucially the steel had the distinctive dark ripples along the blade, ripples that were famous the world over.

Seeing the design of the sword, there was one name that could be given to the blade or rather returned to it as it had returned to the place it had once been home too.

"This is Dark Sister." Aerys said with reverence as he took it and held it in his hands, it was a sign! He thought with joy, the ancestral sword of House Targaryen back where it belonged! Now he had a sword of his own to equal those held by the cursed Haeron he thought with delight, visions of burying it in the bastard's chest filling his mind and making him smile with sick satisfaction.

"How did you acquire it?" Aerys asked as he held the sword close to his chest and the old cloaked man stood up, a pointy and sharp chin being exposed as he did so and a thin mouth with it.

"I took it from the man that once held it, who that man was I am not sure but I took it from him as he was not as strong in magic as I am." The old man said, they could almost feel the lie in the air. That was not true or at least in part although how much they could not tell. However Aerys at the mention of magic was instantly intrigued despite the Kingsguard all drawing their swords to cut down the man where he stood as a threat to the king.

"Magic!? Show me." Aerys demanded with an almost lustful want in his eyes and the old man did not disappoint as he held out his empty hand and conjured a ball of green flame out of thin air that began to twist into strange and unusual shapes as he held it. Aerys suddenly laughed with an almost childlike delight as he did so and Cersei too looked amazed at it having never seen true magic before.

"I can do much more than that and I can offer protection from the rogue prince, keep him from ever entering the city even with his dragons. But I will require not only for some statues to carry the barrier I will place around the city, I have those prepared but to enchant them I must have...sacrifices." The old man said with a sinister grin coming onto his thin lips, making sure only he and Aerys could hear all of what he had said. The Knights of the Kingsguard, Varys and the courtiers that heard it all felt a cold chill grip their bones at the mention of sacrifices and who knows what horrors might be unleashed now. They were desperate to speak up but no-one dared as they all saw clearly that Aerys would never listen nor would Cersei. In a strange way there were both suited to each other very well, they were both obsessed with themselves and with their own power and willing to do anything to get it.

Casterly Rock, The Westerlands...The Following Morning...

After a couple of days Haeron finally sat down with Lord Tywin to discuss the events that had occurred in his absence and learn what needed to be done now. Haeron not a fool who would just rush blindly into a situation...he knew he needed to know the lay of the land so to speak.

Tywin was now telling him in detail all that had happened in his absence and Haeron sat back in his chair and felt a headache coming on.

"I had hoped my not being here might have made things easier." Haeron said with dismay and Tywin nodded.

"It has in some ways but your father's madness is getting worse and my daughter encouraging his insanity it was only a matter of time." Tywin said, himself angered at his daughter disturbing the peace that had been so fragile in Westeros. It was only a matter of time before more rebellions formed and exploded out across it.

"Then it is imperative I act before the situation gets any worse." Haeron said with a fresh determination. He had the means now, enough coin to gather an army and Kara was large enough to fly mounted now. Two wives with two sons, the situation was now more unstable as Aerys showed how bad he really was so finding more people willing to support him in Westeros should be easier now.

That being said he was now much more able to use his magic, it was strong enough now that he should be able to just apparate into the Red Keep and kill him. He wished he had been strong enough to do that before the voyage but he could now and that was enough he thought hoping that he could end the reign of terror Aerys was making tonight. Security should be easier to breach at night with less chance of being seen.

Still he thought with consideration he needed to at least try and go through the motions until then, so he began to negotiate with Tywin.

"This cannot go on. I will need your support to take him from that throne. What would you ask of me?" Haeron said deciding to not bother with any pretence and double talk, it wasted time and he knew Tywin hated that so they might as well get to the point. Tywin didn't didn't disappoint as he made his terms quite clear, both of them being on the same page.

"At least one Lannister of my choosing on the Small Council and when Jaime and his wife have a child which should hopefully not be so long they will be betrothed when they have a girl to the crown prince...Aemon I believe." Tywin said quickly and firmly, having learnt that much from Jaime.

"Done." Haeron said simply, knowing it was a lot to ask for but with the Lannisters on his side it was bit step forward. It was bad to give his son's hand away when he was so young and Jaime had not even married Alicys yet but that was something they could work on later. It gave him a great advantage in having the port at Lannisport to help bring in foreign sellswords if needed but as Haeron thought about it, he would need a lot more.

Haeron spent the afternoon working out the finer details with Tywin before making plans, he hoped that he could get the North on his side and so he would open a dialogue with them as soon as he could but if he wanted another port to use to bring in a foreign army or influence and support in Westeros then it was important to get the Reach on his side.

They had the food basket to support an army and gold like the Lannisters did not to mention the largest army in Westeros. It might with his dragon be enough as a plan b if he couldn't get Aerys he though knowing better than to rely on just one potential option.

"I will name your brother Tygett as my head of the Guard for the moment and when I form my own Small Council he will be Master of Laws. Is that acceptable?" Haeron asked carefully and Tywin thought for a moment before nodding.

"Indeed." Tywin said but was keen to get his more rebellious brother out of the castle as Tygett while loyal was always resentful of his place as head of the family so it might be good to get him out of Casterly Rock for awhile to stop him from poisoning Jaime or his new wife with his hard words.

Kings Landing, The Crownlands...

The sight before them made the men shiver with fear, it was a horror that they had never even imagined let alone thought might actually occur in Westeros and especially Kings Landing itself.

A man, a Valyrian bastard who worked among the city's blacksmiths was tied to a stone with his chest exposed as the old man stood over him. The prisoner was gagged and looking around frantically for help but with so many of the Bloodmen around none of them could do anything to help him or the other poor people that had had been taken tonight.

The old hooded man raised up a strange and vicious looking dagger above the prisoner's body and plunged it into his chest, the gagged prisoner screamed as it tore into his flesh and then forced his ribs open till the robed man found what he wanted and cut it free from the man's chest.

He pulled the man's heart from his chest as the prisoner died right in front of him and then plunged it into a vat of some strange bubbling potion, coating it in a foul smelling blue liquid before putting it into a compartment inside a wooden statue shaped like a column with a snake wrapped around it.

"Take it and place it along the city walls, roughly half a mile from the last." The cloaked man ordered and the Bloodmen nodded, taking the statue so it could be put in place. While they understood nothing of magic they were told these statues would prevent Prince Haeron from entering the city as long as enough of them were placed along the outer walls.

This new horror only made the people inside the city more afraid than ever but also anger from those that were growing sick of being afraid all of the time. The tension was building more and more, it would eventually erupt somehow.

Dragonstone, The Narrow Sea

Rhaella was actually in a good mood for once as she had finally let Aerys know exactly what she thought of him but more than that she was now about to become a grandmother!

Tonight...Elia had gone into labour. She was excited but also worried, Elia had such fragile health she thought as the children slept. Who knows if she would be able to cope with the stress of everything she had to go through, normally she would not doubt her but it was a hard thing to bring new life into the world.

The fact Rhaegar had actually taken an interest surprised her though she thought with a smile, hoping to herself that maybe becoming a father might finally get him to take an interest in something other than these ancient myths of his.

So they stood outside the room where Elia was giving birth and heard cries of pain, they heard the scurrying about of the midwives and maester inside before finally as the moon rose to its highest the moment finally came.

The Maester opened the door, wiping his hands on a cloth which were covered with blood but he was blocking the door so they could not see inside. Both Rhaella and Rhaegar stared him intently before he told them what had happened.

"The Princesses are well." The Maester said with a smile, the mention of 'princesses' revealing that the child had been a girl which made Rhaella and Rhaegar smile slightly but something else hung in the air, the tension in the maester was hard to ignore.

"But?" Rhaella asked with caution and the maester told them reluctantly.

"The birth was hard on Princess Elia, very hard. She almost died and...I fear that should she try to carry a child again if she can even become pregnant again...it would probably kill her." The maester told them not wanting to deliver such terrible news.

Rhaella felt deeply for the young woman to have such news delivered to her, it would be devastated but she vowed to make sure to be there for her and went into the room.

Elia was sitting on the bed upright but extremely pale as she held a bundle in her arms, Rhaella smiled gently as she approached and Elia despite the pain that was clearly in her eyes was still looking at the little girl in her arms with adoration. Rhaella soon joined her in doing the same, staring at the little girl who was a mix of her father and mother. Tanned skin and dark hair like the Dornish but her cheekbones were like her father and so were her haunting purple eyes.

Rhaegar came up to them and looked down at the little girl himself, staring at her with interest and then somewhat reluctantly taking hold of her awkwardly.

Rhaella looked at her second son and smiled slightly as he looked at his daughter, frowning as if not sure just what to say or do before making a single suggestion.

"I think...we should call her Rhaenys. After the beautiful queen of Aegon." Rhaegar said carefully and given how Elia already thought her daughter the most beautiful thing in all of the world she did not object.

"Rhaenys it is." Elia said before the babe was carefully passed to Rhaella who held her with the experienced arms of a mother many times over. Rhaenys looked up at her with her large eyes and reached out a tiny hand which Rhaella let hold her finger, trying to control her tears at having her little granddaughter here with her.

The door crept open and they all turned to see Shaena and Daeron come in slowly, gods they were getting bigger Rhaella thought as they seemed to grow every time she let them out of her sight.

"What are both doing up at this hour?" Rhaella asked them with annoyance at them being up this late at night. Both sheepishly stared at their feet for a moment before admitting.

"We just wanted to know, about the babe?" Shaena asked with curiosity before Rhaella sighed and waved them over as she handed little Rhaenys back to her mother. They came up to the bed and sat on either side of their good-sister who smiled warmly at them as she showed them the babe and they stared at their little niece with awe.

Eventually the maester returned with a message that had just arrived and handed it to Rhaella who took it with curiosity and seeing the three headed dragon seal on the back wondered just what hell Aerys was going to send their way to ruin such a beautiful moment but when she opened it and read its contents she gasped and her eyes began to water with tears of joy.

"What is it mother?" Rhaegar asked, himself now broken from his thoughts by the mysterious message. She had to wipe away her tears before she told them with a huge smile on her face.

"Haeron is back!" She told them with excited joy.

That took a moment to sink in before Shaena and Daeron both smiled excitedly and Elia smiled gently too at the great prince's return given how much they adored him.

"They have made landfall in Lannisport after circumnavigating the world. The first ones in history to do it!" Rhaella added with amazement as she read the message which only increased their awe. "He has now crossed the Sunset Sea and now has a dragon large enough to ride and his wives have both given him a son each! Aemon and Jasen! I have become a grandmother three times in one night." Rhaella said with tears falling down her face in sheer joy as her eldest son was home at last! He had returned with a dragon and two grandsons for her and now would start to work on improving their situation, it felt like a dream come true she thought to herself with complete joy.

While Rhaella excitedly told Shaena, Daeron and Elia the details Rhaegar was suspiciously quiet. He was now wondering about the prophesy as he needed three children, he thought to himself, the three heads of the dragon.

He had a Rhaenys, but he needed both an Aegon and a Visenya.

And Elia couldn't have more children.

That he thought to himself meant he needed a second wife of his own, the ice to his fire. Rhaegar pondered briefly on just who that might be and then realised to his own disbelief that the answer was so obvious...ice...the North...the Starks...who had a daughter Rhaegar thought calmly and now wondered just how to see for himself without making it so obvious.

He would need a plan he thought before sitting quietly as the rest of his family listened and decided to sponsor a tourney in the Riverlands to draw as many to him as they could, supposedly to see about getting more support to remove his father from the throne but secretly it would be to see if Lyanna Stark was the one he had been looking for all this time.

- x -

Outside the castle meanwhile Aurora, elated by the emotions of her human and one day future rider took to the skies and started roaring loudly in celebration at the birth not to mention blasting out large streams of fire.

Unfortunately that was seen by a passing merchant ship, one heading for Kings Landing!

Tarth, The Stormlands...

Grace sat in her solar, helping with the management of the castle while Selwyn was busy with his young children and wife. They were delightful she thought with joy and they called her 'Aunt Grace' affectionately which she liked a lot.

She did miss her sister though she thought with sadness, Evelyn was so far away now and who knows what had been happening to her. Sometimes she wished they were still together even if this had been the life that she wanted and she loved it.

But then the Maester came in with a letter addressed to her, she frowned as people rarely wrote to her except to seek her hand she thought with a blush as her sister was right in that men thought she was beautiful. Opening in though she blinked in shock as she saw her sister's elegant handwriting and then read it carefully.

A smile broke out on her face as she read that her sister was finally in Westeros herself, that she had circumnavigated the world. A part of Grace that was more adventurous wished she could have been a part of that voyage but at the same time it sounded like the most dangerous thing she could imagine Grace thought with a shiver.

But more crucially she learnt that she now had a nephew!

Jasen, Grace thought with a smile as she thought about her little nephew and wondered just what he would be like. In her mind he was cutest little boy and she already wanted to see him so badly! She thought with eager joy. Evelyn said she would be in Oldtown soon and so Grace got up to make arrangements for a trip to Oldtown herself. Her excitement building as she was going to see her sister again!

Outer Wall of Kings Landing...That Night...

The quiet of the night was broken as a harsh popping sound echoing slightly in the air, Haeron falling out of thin air and crashing into the ground with a hard thud. Haeron momentarily winded took a moment to gather himself and looked up at the walls in surprise as he got to his feet.

"What the hell?" Haeron said aloud as he had been aiming for the Red Keep and yet he found himself outside of the walls. While he had never managed to apparate in the city before they shouldn't be able to stop him he thought with confusion. He took a breath and concentrated, disappearing with a small pop only to reappear a short way up the wall and fall to the ground again.

He dusted himself off, clearly this wasn't working so he decided to try another approach and took a nearby twig from the ground and held his ring to it, concentrating on the cellars of the castle as he said.

"Portus."

The twig glowed briefly and Haeron took a firm hold of it before saying.

"Activate."

He felt the familiar jerk behind his naval and then much to his frustration was throw to the ground again!

Still outside the walls!

Clearly something was keeping him out he thought and disposed of the useless portkey before trying to sense what it was that was preventing him getting inside, he even walked right up to the stone wall and then found himself before thrown backwards violently the moment he was within touching distance!

Haeron felt magic, dark and twisted but it was also he felt familiar...wards! He realised from his experience as an Auror and not the ordinary sort either. Whoever had set these up knew their magic as they did not just keep him from apparating in or using portkeys but also physically kept him away at the same time.

Seeing he was out of his depth for the moment he apparated back to Casterly Rock, appearing in the same room where Harmony and Evelyn were waiting with the boys.

"That was fast." Harmony remarked but then she and Evelyn saw the expression on his face and Evelyn asked with concern.

"What's wrong?"

"I can't enter the city." Haeron told them bluntly, his own worry great as he had not suspected anything like this could happen. "There are wards that are keeping me or any other magic user from entering either magically or physically."

"How?" Evelyn asked confused and shocked as they had not seen anything like that in this world but Haeron shrugged and told them.

"They are wards, like the ones we had on our old world but far more intricate. Whoever made them knew what they were doing." Haeron admitted with reluctant admiration.

"Could they be made by someone from our world do you think?" Harmony asked, deeply worried as that possibility was something they had never considered. Immediately she started making plans to put up so protective wards of her own around the boys. If they could block apparation and portkeys then they could likely use those skills too so she wasn't taking any chances with the children.

"I hope not." Evelyn said with worry as if they were from their world then who knows what they might be capable of.

"We'll need to look for a way to take those wards down though, otherwise we can't get rid of Aerys." Harmony said biting her lip as she knew it would take some time and investigation before they could breach those wards and at the back of her mind wondering just who had set them up?

But as they worried about that they cheered themselves up by placing a red dragon egg into Jasen's bassinet just like they had for Aemon.

- x -

Lannisport...The Following Morning...

The Queen Visenya was once again preparing to set sail again, many of the crew that had families had relocated to Oldtown when they sailed so for many especially Davos it was like going home. There was a sense of excitement among those with families as they were returning rich men with great tales to tell.

But there was also a sadness too, as two members of their crew would be leaving them.

Jaime hated the thought of staying here even if he did have much to learn yet about ruling the Westerlands, Alicys was writing to her father to get him to come to Casterly Rock to treat with Tywin to arrange a marriage between them but she like him was not used any more to staying in one place. Seeing the same sights every day and the same routine, it was as strange to him now as travelling had been at the beginning.

Also the fact that he would be separated from Prince Haeron, that was even harder.

The Prince had been his mentor and even a figure akin to an older brother who had always given him good advice, taking him on so many adventures and even led him inadvertently to the woman who had managed to chase out any trace of attraction there might have been for Cersei. It would be hard to say goodbye Jaime thought sadly but it would not be forever he consoled himself with a smile.

That was when Alicys came in holding a letter and told him with a worried expression.

"This came from Kings Landing for you." Alicys told him, someone writing to him from Kings Landing could only mean one thing or rather one person. Jaime nodded slowly and took the letter, grimacing as he braced himself for whatever was about to be sent his way.

My Love,

I have learned of your return to Westeros with our family sword and I am most upset that you would not write to me yourself to let me become aware of this. I have also learned of a potential marriage to some Braavosi whore.

I have missed you my brother, my beloved and cannot bare the thought of you entangled with some trollop that wants our gold! Kill her Jaime, kill her any way you can and we can finally be together. We will kill father and take our rightful inheritance, make sure the little whore he has married dies and no one will even be able to question us.

I eagerly await you in Kings Landing my brother, bring the head of Haeron and the King will give us anything we desire! Even make me his queen once the old bitch and her brood are gone and our child will rule instead.

Everything can be ours.

Do not fail me.

Your loving sister.

Jaime read the words and felt nothing but the greatest disgust, not just at the bitch that had written the letter but himself for ever even thinking well of her.

Cersei was poison, nothing but a whore who used her beauty and sex to get what she wants while rotting everything around her. He crushed the letter in his hand and threw it into the fire, Alicys looked on with concern before asking.

"Who was it?"

"The enemy." Jaime said with cold disgust, that was all that Cersei was to him now...the enemy to defeat.

- x -

At the dockside Tygett Lannister was getting ready to join them for the voyage to Oldtown, he scowled at being sent away but at least he would be away from his brother for awhile he consoled himself. He bowed to Haeron as he walked up the gangplank who gave a nod in return with Harmony and Evelyn before they turned to see Jaime and Alicys approach them. It was sad for all of them especially for Haeron and Jaime who had been through so much together and Haeron gave one last piece of advice to Jaime to try and help him in his new journey.

"Every step is a part of a wider journey with challenges to overcome. Learn what you can now to prepare for the future." Haeron told him and Jaime nodded with sad acceptance.

"I will."

"Then Ser Jaime Lannister, take care of yourself as I will be seeing you soon." Haeron said with a smile while Alicys bid a reluctant farewell to Harmony and Evelyn who took their sons aboard the ship and then when Haeron had joined them the plank was pulled up and the lines cast off.

Watching from the dock Jaime and Alicys watched them go before reluctantly going back to Casterly Rock, while onboard the crew as excited as they would soon be seeing their families again, Tygett was finding his temporary berth while Evelyn and Harmony settled their children. Haeron stood on the deck with Davos who smiled broadly.

"Glad to be going home Captain?" Haeron asked with a smile as the older man nodded quickly in response.

"My wife and sons, its been so long. I can't imagine how much they'll have grown." Davos told him with excitement as much as dread. Haeron then admitted something to him.

"Well I have been doing some thinking recently. While Tygett Lannister will be my Master of Laws when I form my own Small Council, there are other positions that will need to be filled. Like the title Master of Ships...that is the role I am giving to you." Haeron said with a smile.

Davos froze at that, not able to understand for a moment before it finally settled. He blinked in shock and stammered back.

"Your...your grace. I am not worthy of such a position." Davos insisted but Haeron wasn't going to let him off the hook so easily.

"You are the best sailor that I have ever seen, you know the sea and ships but also when I introduce the cannons to the wider fleet of Westeros I will need someone who understands how to use them in charge. That is you, lands will be given to your family the moment that I can arrange it. Honest men who are capable are rarer than diamonds, they can't be made you need to seek them out." Haeron told him with complete honesty, He knew that Davos might not feel worthy of those positions but that only made him deserve it more, he would not take the boons for granted and do his job serious.

Davos shifted, not able to argue but wanted too. He knew it would mean the world to his family as it would elevate them to the rank of nobility, a new life for them but he did not in any way feel worthy of it.

"Think on it." Haeron said gently to let him relax a little. "We have to get to Oldtown yet."

Davos nodded glad of the distraction as the ship made its way south towards one of the greatest cities in Westeros.

Oldtown, the Reach...A Couple of Days Later...

Passing through the Shield Islands and then up the Whispering Sound the city finally came into view, Hightower the enormous castle and lighthouse which gave the ruling family here its name. It was an impressive structure standing on an island although it was not as tall as the Titan in Braavos.

Haeron stood with Harmony and Evelyn next to Davos, Vaena and the cold and aloof Tygett as they came in, they didn't really like the Lannister yet and Jaime's presence was sorely missed especially alongside Alicys but that was the way it had to be for now.

On the dockside a large group of people had assembled to greet Haeron who to the common folk was a figure of legend already and then there were the nobility that had gathered to meet with him. The Hightowers of course led by Lord Leyton Hightower with his son and heir Ser Baelor the Brightsmile but they stood near the front only due to it being their city...higher ranking nobles stood with them.

Lord Mace Tyrell looked visibly nervous as he had never really met the Prince before and he was incredibly intimidated by him. The finest warrior produced by House Targaryen since the Dragonknight, the first dragonrider in centuries, sailed the world and built an enormous trade network that was unrivalled in this world.

What could he boast of? He considered but he had one thing to rely on, one person who always knew what was best...his mother.

Lady Olenna Tyrell stood alongside her son and was glad to be here as she knew these negotiations could well see House Tyrell raise in prominence or possibly fall depending on what happened. Her own real relief in this situation was that Prince Haeron was a reasonable man, his actions showed that he was calm and determined but more than that he could use his mind to solve problems rather than terror or his brawn not that he was lacking that area she thought impressed at what she had learned of him.

But that also made him dangerous, he was not an easily led fool like most men were she considered especially as he knew his own strength. Nor would the two women he had married which she personally was both impressed by and dismayed with as she could not tie one of her own daughters to him nor did she currently have any granddaughters to tie to his sons. Although she considered maybe she could offer Willas or Garlan for his younger sister Shaena or Elaena.

But for the moment she waited as the sight of the enormous ship belonging to Haeron Targaryen grabbed their attention, it was an intimidating sight with its large black hull and sails emblazoned with the red three headed dragon of House Targaryen. There were a small number of Brigs in the harbour but nothing like this and more to the point they were all wondering about the strange new weapons the prince apparently stored on the ship but all those thoughts disappeared as a deafening roar filled the skies.

From seemingly nowhere the dragon of the prince took to the skies, roaring so loudly that people were terrified at the sight of it and some even bolted in fear, while the Hightowers and Mace looked scared of the dragon however Olenna was more calm and studied it intensely. It was now big enough to ride which was faster than the Maesters had led her to believe should be possible for a dragon. It was fearsome and she could see now why the Targaryens had conquered near all of Westeros with them, also reminder why it was important to be extremely careful when dealing with the prince less he set his dragon on them.

The ship came into dock, lines were thrown out and men on the dock secured them as gangplank was lowered. Everyone on the dock held their breath as the man that they had all come to see descended, followed by his wives and their entourage.

Haeron was dressed as his 'Red Dragon' persona; meaning he wore dark cotton breeches, shirt over coat and a long black leather coat with red red leather sown onto it in the shape of a dragon. At his waist the hilts of Crimson Heart and Blackfyre were clearly visible in their scabbards.

He was taller than all of the men there and his body was strong and well built which made all of the maidens there wish they had been the ones to ensnare him. But the two women at his side were equally coveted as they were true Valyrian beauties looking like goddesses with their great beauty as did their companion. Tygett Lannister was an intimidating presence at their side too with his battle scars and stormy expression.

Lord Hightower thankfully was a brave and intelligent man who knew his manners and so stepped forward, kneeling to the prince as they came face to face on the dock.

"Your grace welcome to Oldtown. It is a honour to meet you in person at last." Lord Hightower said calmly and Haeron nodded before telling him calmly.

"Rise Lord Hightower, I appreciate the fine welcome." Haeron said, allowing Lord Hightower to get to his feet. Haeron turned to Lord Tyrell who was still staring at the dragon flying overhead and Lady Olenna sighed quietly before jabbing him in the back with her walking stick to get his attention. He cried out in pain and looked around to see who had poked him and saw that everyone was just staring at him, he at least took the hint and went over to bow deeply to Haeron.

"Your grace! Welcome to the Reach. It is a great pleasure to have you here and I am sure our houses can create a lasting bond of friendship." He said quickly, fawning over Haeron who just raised an eyebrow while Olenna looked on in complete despair at his ineptitude while everyone else just thought him a complete fool.

"I am sure we will." Haeron said with a deadpan calm before turning to Lady Olenna who he knew was the real person he had to convince and given her age she nodded her head and he greeted her with a nod in return.

"Lady Olenna, I have heard much of your intelligence and reasoning. Myself and my wives are hoping to discuss things in depth." Haeron said and she nodded in agreement but then Mace said something extremely stupid.

"Foreign harlots! What use could they be?!" He said with a loud scoff.

There was an auditable gasp as everyone heard that, Olenna herself honestly expected Haeron to explode at them or for his wives too but the three of them all turned their eyes on Mace and just glared at him. The cold and harsh looks he was getting promising retribution.

"What use are you? They at least have dragons and a brain to work with. I'm not even convinced you have the latter." Haeron said coldly before turning to Lady Olenna who was somewhat relieved they had not just set the dragon on them. "I suggest we adjourn to a more private location for our discussion. I have always been interested in the Citadel so perhaps to not force ourselves on House Hightower we might discuss things there." Haeron said although it was more of a statement than a suggestion and Lady Olenna nodded in agreement.

"I understand, I have already arranged for a room to be made available to us there to speak in private. Shall we go?" Olenna said and Haeron nodded in acceptance graciously before they all began to walk to the Citadel with their various entourages. Haeron seeing the evil looks Harmony and Evelyn were giving Mace just whispered to them.

"Whatever you do, just don't kill him. I am hoping to get the Reach as an ally." He said calmly to them and they just shrugged as if they didn't care before Evelyn had an idea and then whispered it quickly in Harmony's ear. They both smirked with sinister glee before whispering back to Haeron.

"Don't worry Harry, we have a pretty good punishment in mind for him."

Haeron might have felt some sympathy for Mace if he wasn't a major arsehole, he knew whatever they had in mind was going to be harsh.

- x -

The Citadel, Oldtown...Some Time Later...

The greatest centre of learning in Westeros was impressive enough when they finally got to see it although Haeron and Evelyn were fairly sure that if they let Harmony loose in the library they would never get her out with the sheer number of books in there. To momentarily distract her from this she had returned to the ship to not only keep an eye on the children with Vaena but also remove the cannons and hide them so they didn't fall into the wrong hands.

Sitting with Olenna in a private room they got down to business.

"You want House Tyrell to have influence in Red Keep, I understand that so the question we must ask is what kind of power you want?" Evelyn said as she sat down, getting straight to the point. Olenna nodded with a small smile.

"No fool like my husband and son I see. Good...a royal marriage wouldn't go amiss but for the moment a Tyrell on the Small Council would be a start." Olenna said starting with what she wanted for the moment as Haeron could not offer anyone but his own sons at the moment until he took full control of House Targaryen, Olenna was also mindful of the earlier insult was being more cautious than she might usually be. "A stable realm needs people to run it and your father is making a lot of people extremely afraid."

"I know." Haeron said with a sigh of dismay at how bad things had been getting and might still get worse. "I have a master of ships and a master of laws already so unless you are asking for your son to be made Hand of the King?" Haeron suggested but Olenna actually scoffed at the mere idea.

"Lords no, the realm would never survive with that half-wit in-charge. A Master of Coin would be acceptable though." Olenna said, getting to the point as she full well knew Mace would completely screw up anything that important. Evelyn nodded in agreement before asking.

"Have any of your family got any particular skill as a merchant or at managing wealth? We can't just take a simpleton." Evelyn said bluntly and Olenna actually smiled before admitting.

"I like you, straight forward and to the point with a good head on your shoulders. Hold on to this one Your Grace." Olenna told Haeron and Evelyn who actually smiled at the rare compliment before Olenna made her suggestion. "Gorman, one of the Tyrell Cousins is good with money, he is currently at here."

"If he proves up to the job then he has it." Haeron said with a nod. He wondered just how scared the rest of Westeros must be though as it had not taken much convincing to get both Tywin and Olenna Tyrell onboard. They were both notorious game players and yet this time they weren't ever going half as hard as they could be.

But with Aerys who seemed to be getting worse than Maegor with the only saving grace being that Aerys didn't have a dragon but still a sorcerer could be just as dangerous Haeron thought and it made removing them all the more important. Tywin and Olenna knew how to use chaos to get what they wanted but they also knew it was better to keep things stable to ensure their families survival and success.

Haeron was wondering about that later in the day after the meeting was over when he saw a face that he had not seen in years, wearing the robes and chains of an Archmaester he realised it was his old childhood teacher, Robar. The old man looked likewise surprised to see him but bowed deeply.

"Your grace." Robar said, shocked at how much the prince had changed since he had last seen him, towering over him now. He had left not long after the prince had recovered from...what happened Robar thought with that old shame came back but the prince to his surprise did not seem angry or distant with him at all.

"It is good to see you again Robar, I see you have added many new links to your chain." Haeron said calmly and the old maester was confused as he would have thought the prince would have disliked him.

"Thank you your grace." Robar said cautiously. "Being here has allowed me much time to reflect and study. I have heard of your many accomplishments and they had been discussed here many times." Robar said truly as indeed the ideas he had come up with had been hot topics of debate here and many now formed the basis of their thinking.

"The seeds can only grow if they are properly tended." Haeron said with with quiet wisdom. "If you ever wish to return to the position of Grandmaester though I would be glad to have you." Haeron said which made Robar almost stumbled as he heard him say it.

"Your grace...after what happened..." Robar started to say but Haeron just shook his head before telling him.

"You were not at fault that day. You were one man and a maester not a warrior." Haeron said, actually feeling somewhat pleased to see his childhood mentor again. "I have never held you responsible for what happened as there was nothing you could have done to stop it. More than that your care helped me survive, I might not have done if not for you."

Robar honestly felt astonished and somewhat touched that the Prince did not blame him, it was a great relief as he had felt responsible for not helping the prince and while the offer to serve at his side was tempting he was Robar felt he was too old for those games any more and politely declined.

"I am most honoured your grace but I feel my place is here now...but one of my students. A man named Horus is a highly capable man who would serve you well." Robar said and Haeron nodded, knowing highly intelligent men were hard to come by and he had found himself a good ally in the Citadel and more than that a smart man to stand as the new Grandmaester.

- x -

That night in Hightower, Mace was getting drunk as his mother had given him a right earful for insulting Prince Haeron's wives saying that there was little to no chance of a royal marriage for a long while now thanks to him. He scoffed in private as why would he want foreign bitches as queens of Westeros however good looking they were or whatever beasts they had ensnared.

Unknown to him one of the maids who brought him fresh wine when his current jug had run dry was paid to add a little something 'extra' by Evelyn and Harmony. It was sweet and fruity substance but a potion underneath would leave him with some permanent reminders of what he had done. He drank it without even noticing anything was amiss but he would by morning.

Two large and unsightly warts appeared on his face as he slept that night, extremely noticeable and made his already dislikable face more ugly. They would not go away and if cut off they would just grow back, unless one had the counter potion and that was sadly never going to be given to him. However it was not the only change taking place, it was a good thing that Mace already had two good sons Willas and Garlan as they would be the only ones that he would ever sire. The potion made an important change in the body chemistry, so they could only father girls from now on unless as said before they got the counter potion.

No matter who he slept with or how hard he tried, Mace Tyrell would have only daughters from now on but they were sure Lady Olenna might actually be glad of that.

Seaworth Home, Oldtown...That Night...

Davos stood outside the building that had been his family's home ever since he had moved them to Oldtown, the one that he had never seen but had secured for them thanks to Prince Haeron. It was a nice home Davos thought with a smile, it had three floors and was fairly sized, in a law abiding area of town where it was safe to go out at night...far better than where they had been living before.

He knocked the door with his heart in his throat, he had not seen his wife in so many years and yet the time fell away as he took in her kind face when the door opened. She was not the most beautiful woman in the world but to him she was the best of all of them. Her kind smile lit up the moment she saw him and she cried out in joy at the sight of him, rushing forward to embrace him and he gladly returned it, holding her tightly in his arms. He breathed in her scent and relaxed knowing that he was at last home again.

"FATHER!" He heard cry out and opened his eyes in time to see Dale, Allard and Matthos all appear behind her and rush forward to hug him too. The whole family soon was wrapped up in one tight bundle and Davos could only marvel at how much they had grown since he had last seen them and swearing to himself to stay around this time so he would not miss any more of their most important years.

"Welcome home." Marya said with her wide smile and then brought them all inside. "I take it you had a good voyage."

"Eventful." Davos conceded when he thought on all of the places it had taken him too but more than that he added. "And with much reward, we shall not be parted for some time."

"Really?" Marya asked with hopeful eyes, she hated when Davos went off on long voyages but it was how they made their living and from the sound of it he had brought back enough coin they would not need to part from some time, Davos even went one better and produced the sword he had been given by Prince Haeron after they tangled with those pirates. Showing the Valyrian steel sword as enough to make the boys all break out in cries of excitement and Davos smiled while knowing he would need to make sure to keep the blade out of their reach less they hurt themselves.

"Indeed, but Prince Haeron is assembling a new Small Council of his own and he has named me the Master of Ships." Davos said with his face creasing in worry but Marya smiled as she knew that meant their family would be secure for many years to come. There was danger but they would overcome it she thought with determination.

So for the first time in a year Davos sat with his wife and sons to have a meal, enjoying their company and that night he and his wife would discover their passion and love for each other had not dulled in the slightest as they went about making a new son.

- x -

The Following Morning...

Vaena sat in the rooms of Hightower, nervous as she was to meet with some of the best jewel smiths in Westeros and those who dealt in precious metals. Exactly the kind of people that she needed to make deals with to start her jewellery merchant house, she had plenty of coin but to get the attention her work needed she would need to get the right sponsors.

She was nervously set out her plans and with Harmony staying for emotional support sat nearby and when the men finally arrived, she said nothing as Vaena presented her designs and terms of contract, the men were all looking at her dismissively. Not just because she was a woman though, they were openly making jokes about her skin colour as she was darker than they were. All of this was infuriating to her and to make them stop she called her dragon from the rafters.

Arrax was now larger and while it would be months yet before she could fly with her dragon, they were large enough to intimidate the men. The dark red and blue scales glimmering in the sunlight as it came down and landed on the table, letting out a burst of flame into the air although thankfully her beloved dragon did not set anything on fire.

The sight of her dragon made them stop instantly, that was when they all began throwing all kinds offers her way but she got crucially what she wanted. The contacts to supply her work with the materials and opportunities to get noticed.

Harmony smirked at her from the side and she smirked back, glad that things had gone as well as they had hoped.

The Red Keep, Kings Landing...

Varys walked though the corridors in the Red Keep and was feeling an incredible sense of dread as he unfortunately knew that the Queen's dragon had been seen. It was only a matter of time before someone reported it and he knew if he wanted to keep his position here it had to be him. He would be of no use to anyone dead he thought not to mention he was rather attached to his own skin.

The arrival of the supposed Warlock though, that unsettled him worse than anything he thought with a shudder as he thought of the sights he had seen since his appearance. He had lost his cock to a man of similar practices but this man was a man that went even further down that dark path, Varys thought with a growing sense of horror. Seeing the hearts cut out of men when they were still alive, hearing the screams of those people echoed in his ears even now.

He had done his best to protect the Queen and he could only hope the return of Prince Haeron would provide a useful distraction.

Arriving in the throne room he saw the warlock in question was thankfully not present and neither was the King's whore Cersei Lannister. The King was brooding with six of his Kingsguard around him as he played with Dark Sister, the sword had not left his possession since it was returned and he seemed to be imagining himself slaying some invisible opponent. Varys ignored this and made his statement immediately.

"Your grace, it seems that a dragon has been spotted at Dragonstone, one with green scales that does not belong to Prince Haeron or his ladies. My birds have sung that it belongs to the Queen." Varys said and just hoped that he would still have his heart in his chest or not be burned alive by the end of the day.

The sound of Dark Sister falling to the ground clattered in the room as the news was received, Aerys seemed to stare into nothing for a moment. Varys and the Kingsguard all waiting with baited breath to see what he would do next before Aerys told them coldly.

"Send for my hand...now." He said with an almost animalistic growl, Varys knowing when to leave did as he was told while the Kingsguard all looked between themselves in worry, none of them sure just what Aerys would do with this information.

Jon Connington appeared with remarkable speed, the lord of Griffin's Roost almost breathless as Aerys wrote a note to him and then passed it to him.

"See it done." Aerys commanded but none of them could get a chance to read the note before Jon disappeared with it.

Jon Connington retreated to the Tower of the Hand and opened the note to read it.

I have decided to make Rhaegar my heir, but he will never sit on the throne while Haeron is alive!

Kill him and all you want will be yours.

Jon stood there with an astonished look on his face and then a bright and happy smile on his face, Rhaegar as king! Jon thought with delight, everything would get better then! The chaos would end and Westeros would have the most noble and gallant man to sit on the Iron Throne, not an old wretch or a cowardly sailor with foreign whores as his brides Jon thought with disgust.

However getting to Haeron would not be easy he thought, already he was assembling a power-base of his own around him in Oldtown so no mere assassin could handle such a task.

No, Jon thought to himself with determination, for Rhaegar to get his throne and claim the dragons that should have been his...he would deal with this himself.

He did not care whether he lived or died as what he wanted most could never truly be his but he could get the man he loved what he deserved he thought with determination and in his excitement he crushed the note in his hand and threw it away, aiming vaguely in the direction of the lit fire and went to get his horse and ride to Oldtown himself to kill Haeron in any way that he could. Taking only what he truly needed before riding off and out of the city, unaware that Varys had used the secret passages to gain access to the Tower of the Hand the moment that he left, seeing that the young lord had been careless in his throw and thankfully the note had landed beside the fireplace but not inside it. He quickly picked it up and read, his eyes going wide and seeing the contents he understood just what Jon Connington was going to try and do. He also guessed that Aerys wanted to try and claim the large dragon Prince Haeron had for himself, after all it was the only one large enough to ride and counter the ones owned by the Queen and Haeron's own wives.

Without wasting another moment, Varys leapt into action knowing that the only person who might be able to overthrow Aerys and end this madness was Prince Haeron. He could not allow Jon Connington and his delusions to ruin that and so went to send a message to Haeron by the fastest means that he had.

He just hoped it reached him in time.

- x -

Flea's Bottom, Kings Landing...

The sacrifices and public burnings were starting to take a toll on the people of Kings Landing, not least in Flea's Bottom where the law would rarely go, where people sometimes disappeared down dark alleys and 'special' soup was served the next day.

The Bloodmen who always travelled in packs though dared venture in there, they were eager to enjoy themselves and going in and seeing a warehouse where food for the city was stored with a brothel next door was perfect for them.

They broke into the warehouse and took a good chuck of the food and the others went next door to enjoy the whores, but drunk and full of themselves they did not check the behaviour and started fighting with the locals.

The locals who did not like their food being stolen and the patrons did not like their favourite whores being hurt or even killed not to mention a good number of them were drunk. So instead of being afraid they got angry and for the first time...they fought back.

All of the tension that was gripping the city exploded in Flea's Bottom, spreading like wave outward from the brothel across the entire area in a riot! Gold Cloaks and Bloodmen alike attacked as the citizens organised themselves into armed gangs that roamed the streets. Outnumbered by the sheer number of men against them the Gold Cloaks and Bloodmen pulled back out of Flea's Bottom and went to regroup.

Aerys saw the plumes of smoke rising from the slum and he predictably exploded into a rage! His anger was so loud that he was not yelling but just screaming in rage as Cersei looked on with a similar expression of disdain and disgust on her own face.

"Maybe my love we should do what none of ancestors were brave enough to do." Cersei suggested with a smirk on her face. "The rat hole is a cesspit of decay where all of the wastrels and wretched people of Westeros come, so many worthless people and such an ugly sight in what should be the most beautiful city in all of the world. Get rid of it, all of it and all those who live there. It will make the city easier to feed at the very least." Cersei suggested with a sickly sweet voice which made Aerys grin as found particular delight in the idea.

The Kingsguard all looked horrified at the idea but only one, Ser Barristan protested.

"Your grace." Ser Barristan said, gripped by horror at what the whore and the king were planning to do. "There are many people in Flea's Bottom, women...children." He reminded the king in the hopes of making him realise how many would die as a result of this but Aerys did not even hesitate and laughed.

"Exactly, why let them live such terrible lives? Why let crime flourish? Why make it so hard to feed the city when we can get rid of the worthless?" Aerys said before turning to the leader of the Bloodmen, a man that he called Harbinger and told him with a sick glee. "Burn down Flea's Bottom...tear it down. I want nothing left standing and no-one left alive."

"As you command your excellency." Harbinger said with delight at the task at hand while the Kingsguard all shared looks of horror and yet none of them moved a muscle to stop it.

- x -

That night the Bloodmen and the Gold Cloaks, many of the latter filled with the utmost disgust at what they were being ordered to do gathered and began tearing down buildings on the edge of the Flea's Bottom to create fire stops and then using catapults and scorpions from the city walls to set the entire area ablaze.

Many of the buildings while made of stone had hatched roofs and wooden shutters, as flaming oil covered rocks and barrels along with bolts with flaming heads were fired into the area it did not take long for fire to take hold. The people, still in their armed gangs realised too late just what was happening as a great scramble to get out took over the streets. Men, women and children running for their lives as the fire grew stronger, a stampede forming in the streets as they rushed forward, anyone who fell or was too slow was crushed by the sheer mass of people or were stepped on by the fast moving crowd till they died.

Even when they did reach the edge of the slum they were not safe as streets were blocked off or chained up! Bloodmen and Gold Cloaks using shield walls, spears, crossbows and bows to kill anyone that tried to rush them! The slum going up like dry grass in a fire, the heat so intense and the smoke so thick that it only increased the panic not to mention all of the lead in the area melted and formed large rivers that moved through the city streets, making many impassible and the few that dared try were burned alive!

Only some of the smallest and the most lucky would escape this night, through buildings upper windows, small alleys missed by the Bloodmen or by breaking down walls that were weak enough and a clever few managing to get into the sewers to use them to escape. They fled into the other areas of the city, many of the inhabitants watching with complete shock and horror at what was happening right before their eyes. Some took in the few that survived while others prayed for the souls of those that had been lost. Many took sanctuary in the crypts under the Great Sept for now until it was safe to leave.

Three days later the fire finally consumed the last parts of Flea Bottom still standing and the few left alive with it. The fire burned so intensely that they would never be sure of exactly just how many had perished as the bodies had been burned to ash but it was sure to be in the thousands at least but likely in the tens of thousands.

- x -

White Sword Tower, the Red Keep...

The knights of the Kingsguard met in the tower they called their home, looking out across the waters of Blackwater Bay so it was a blessing in a way as they did not have to see the massive fire gripping the slum of Flea Bottom. But those guarding the king had been forced to see it when he had looked out over the city from the balcony of the keep. It was a sight that would haunt them forever as tens of thousands perished. It was easily the greatest single loss of life in recent history outside of war.

"What are we going to do?" Ser Michel asked, his own honour deeply shaken by what had just happened but Ser Gerold just shook his head.

"We are sworn to protect him, not to judge him." Ser Gerold said sternly but Ser Barristan interjected.

"You cannot let that justify what he has just done. We have not known a king like this since the days of Maegor." Ser Barristan said with anger at the sheer callous disregard for life that Aerys had.

Ser Lewyn Martell nodded in agreement but Ser Jonothor Darry scoffed.

"Are you going to take your sword to him? Will you end him? Break your vows? Be labelled a Kingslayer forever? Always shamed and disgraced? I think not." Ser Jonothor said with dismissive bitterness.

"None of will, we want to be valiant knights. Can't do that if you break your vows can you? What price is honour?" Ser Oswalt Whent said with dark humour and he was right...none of them could find it in them to break their vows and end Aerys, the man they were sworn to protect even if they hated him with every fibre of their being.

How long could they stay silent or refuse to act? The question hung in the air, if anything Haeron's return was spurring Aerys to become more violent than ever. Or perhaps it was the demonic daughter of Tywin Lannister that was to blame but it did not matter, all that mattered for their honour would not let them act.

- x -

The Warlock was working in the rooms that Aerys had provided for him, moving over cauldrons which bubbled with foul smelling concoctions, he was devoted to his work and so it did not get in the way of his experiments revealing a man with a bald head and a thin silver beard. He was so caught up in his experiment that he did not notice someone appear at the other side of the room until they spoke.

"You're younger!" Cersei Lannister cried out in shock as she looked at him and it was true, his hands were now looking far less wrinkled than they had as was his face and the Warlock looked up in surprise, nearly ruining his potion but he managed to stop himself from simply cursing the girl out of existence or into so much pain that she would wish she were dead. He had so much disdain for non-magical filth but he needed the filth this time he thought with revulsion at being so dependant.

"The sacrifices have some benefits." The Warlock said in a cold but intelligent voice that for a moment made Cersei think of her father but far more intense that Tywin Lannister had ever been. "Such benefits can be taught if one has the right teacher." He then added as an idea sprang into his mind.

"You can teach me to stay young?" Cersei said with longing as it sounded perfect to her ears, to be young and beautiful forever! She thought with a deep desire lit inside her.

"It can learnt if one is willing to do what is necessary." The Warlock said calmly, inwards smirking at the useless mortal who thought they had the ability to use magic. The stupid child had no spark inside her but he realised that he would be able to use her desire to his own advantage. "I would need for you to make sure that the King remains open to me and that he respects my place here. That is the price of such knowledge." He told her with certainty that he had hooked her interest.

And Cersei, ever the vain opportunist leapt on with eagerness.

"I will, in exchange for the secret." Cersei said with a hunger and eagerness in her eyes and words.

The Warlock nodded before confirming.

"Then we have an accord. But for now I must return to my work." The Warlock said coldly and Cersei left with a triumphant smirk on her face while the Warlock just sneered at the stupidity of muggles.

But for the moment he needed to maintain his ruse until his weapon was prepared and that was still some time in the future he thought as he produced a dragon egg from inside his robes, smirking as he held it in his hands as it glowed a sinister green light along the edge of its scales and a faint whiff of smoke raining from it.