The first moon had passed since Aegon and the Golden Company arrived in Essos. News trickled in about the attempt on the Usurper's life and the agreement sealed by Lord Varys with Lord Tywin to aid him in the war against the Usurper. Aegon would get their support to conquer the Iron Throne as long as Old Lion became Hand of the King and the three bastards of Jamie and Cersei were legitimized into House Lannister.
This agreement didn't fully sit well with Aegon, since he still wasn't sure of his stance on the Lannisters. His allies, on the other hand, had urged him to accept the alliance. They would gain a powerful friend to aid in their reconquest, while the only thing they'd have to give in return was the Handship once the war was done. Not to mention Tywin was an old man. It wasn't like he'd serve as Hand of the King for 20 more years like he had done with King Aerys. With their insistence, Aegon had finally relented. He could always deal with the Lannisters later if his desire for vengeance ever overwhelmed his pragmatism.
Soon they would depart for Westeros, but a few details should be decided before they did so. Where to land was perhaps the most important with every councilor advising a different entry point into Westeros. The heiring of more sellswords was also important. Many Westerosi had flocked to the banners of the Golden Company once it seemed clear they were poised to set sail for Westeros. They numbers had nearly doubled. Still, even if they reached the number of 20 thousand troops, it would only be enough to rival the forces of one of the smallest Kingdoms in Westeros. Of course, they had allies, but the more troops they controlled directly, the more secure Aegon's rule would be.
Then there was how to deal with Viserys. During the first days of their stay, his uncle had avoided him as much as possible and whenever they met for meals with Illyrio or by chance around the castle, Aegon only received glares from his counterpart.
This situation didn't resolve with time, but it had improved once his hair continued to grow and the dye to fade, showing everyone the glimpses of his white hair. While that didn't mean much, since many descendants of Old Valyria had these traits, it was at least the minimum requirement in Viserys' eyes for one to even dare claim to be a Targaryen. At some point he had stopped calling Aegon pretender, either because of the hair or because Illyrio had convinced him to keep quiet.
Still, Viserys had started drinking more than ever and it was known around the palace that his anger was endured mostly by his sister.
Aegon felt pity for Daenerys. At first, he thought about intervening, but he didn't want to provoke his uncle into doing something even more stupid like trying to kill her or trying to kill him, which would make Aegon have to bear the sin of Kinslaying. That being said, he tried his best to find any excuse to keep her company for as long as he could.
He told her stories from his time in the Golden Company and also what he had seen in his travels. Although he was younger than both his uncle and aunt, it was evident he had far more life experience than them. She was shy at first, not daring to look at him in the eyes. But as time moved on she became accustomed to his presence and recently their talks had shifted from his monologues followed by simple questions from her part to actual dialogues. They both enjoyed each other's company and Daenarys started to feel safe in a way she never had with Viserys.
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"Nonsense!" shrieked Viserys, pointing at Aegon "I won't give up my claim for this upstart. The Iron Throne is mine by right!"
He looked at the people assembled in front of him. On his side of the table were the Magister and his sister, while on the other side were Aegon, Jon Connington and Harry Strickland, Captain-General of the Golden Company.
"Prince Viserys" Illyrio tried to speak in a diplomatic tone "That would be true indeed, but the laws of Westeros are very strict in this sense. As the son of your older brother Rhaegar, Prince Aegon's claim precedes yours. Unfortunately, the Lords of the Seven Kingdoms would not support you over him. I know it is hard to accept. You believed your whole life that you were the last male heir of House Targaryen, and honestly so did I, but Prince Aegon's arrival changes everything. I'm sure that the Prince won't leave you unrewarded for all that you've endured so far"
"The arrival of a fake changes nothing, Magister" he shouted "He isn't a king and I'm sure he isn't even a Targaryen. While he was being pampered by the Golden Company, I was fighting for mine and my sister's survival. They even dared call me the Beggar King! Beggar, Illyrio! What reward do you think is worthy of our suffering? No! Only the throne will appease me! The pretender can renounce his own claim and in turn I'll let him live and even be willing to play along that he's a Targaryen"
Aegon had had enough of his uncle's tantrums. He stood up with such strength that his chair fell behind him. With purposeful steps, he walked towards Viserys, who once again took a few steps back, just like when they first met. This time, however, Aegon didn't stop and approached Viserys until they were almost touching face to face.
"Listen well, uncle. I understand that your time of fleeing from the assassins of the usurper and the time you've endured poverty dealt heavy blows to you and I understand that my presence here is taking away from you something you aspired to gain for a very long time. That being said, I am who I say I am and I come with the backing of an army. How many soldiers are on your corner, uncle? Let me answer that for you. None." Aegon continued "I have the supplies, the army and the better claim. I have even segmented an alliance with a powerful Lord in Westeros. Tell me uncle, how many Westerosi allies do you have? How many of them swore loyalty to you? None. Do you really believe they all drink secret toasts to your health and that the common folk will flock to your banner and carry you on their backs to the Iron Throne as soon as you land? Don't be delusional. The common folk don't give a single fuck to whomever sit's on the throne as long as there is peace and food."
Viserys wanted to retort that all his nephew's soldiers needed to obey him. He was the rightful king, their loyalty was their duty. But the look in Aegon's eyes told the son of the Mad King to keep quiet. His thoughts demanded this pretender's death, but his instincts screamed for him to run away from him.
"If you call me a pretender again, I'll make you regret it." Aegon finalized "I won't kill you, for I'm no Kinslayer, but I'll give you a beating that will make you bedridden for a year, if not the rest of your life."
Viserys' eyes widened even more at the direct threat. He was about to lash out, like a cornered animal, but Illyrio interfered before the situation escalated even further. Daenerys looked at Aegon with a mix of awe and fear. Anyone who could make her brother, the dragon, afraid, was certainly very strong.
"My Princes, please, let's resume our conversation at the table" asked the Magister, who had started sweating, despite the pleasant weather. "There's no need for violence."
"Indeed" added Jon Connington "please, Prince Aegon, let's return to the table. We have much to discuss"
"Of course, I apologize for my loss of temper, My Lords, uncle" Aegon grinned as he made his way back to the chair on the floor, raising it and taking his seat "It was just a small fight amongst kin. All families have it and we Targaryens have the blood of the dragon, so it's only logical that our fights would be fiercer."
"Yes, yes" the Magister smiled "I'm sure you meant nothing serious by it. Coming back to our discussion. Prince Viserys, while your loss of the claim to the Iron Throne is for sure a pity, there is a silver lining to be looked at here."
"And what is it?" answered the boy, seething.
"A marriage! And not any marriage, I might say. One to Princess Ariane of House Martell. Our ally in Westeros found out that years ago a marriage contract was signed by Ser Willem Darry and Prince Oberyn Martel under the witness of the Sealord of Braavos. This is one of the Martel's best guarded secrets. Under this contract, House Martel is honor bound to aid in the restoration of House Targaryen to the throne as long as you wed Princess Ariane. And this is not the only advantage, My Prince. Rumors are that the Princess is a woman of extreme beauty and that many suitors are so bewitched by her charms that duels in her name are common."
"Ha! So not only is there a Great Noble House backing me, but I'm also bethroved to the Princess of Dorne? See that nephew? I'm not as void of support as you thought" Viserys grinned.
Indeed, Aegon had not expected that Viserys would have such a powerful ally. He imagined that the Martels probably just wanted to use him to get their blood on the throne as it had been with his mother. If that was true, he had no problem in offering his own hand to Ariane instead if only to shut up Viserys. He, of course, didn't say that.
"Well, uncle, that is definitely good news! The more support the better! But where are the armies of Dorne? As I understand, only the Westerlands called their banners. If they are part of this alliance, aren't they supposed to be mustering to join the Old Lion? But, even if they do, that changes nothing. I still have the strongest claim and the higher numbers. The Iron Throne will still be mine."
Viserys glared at him, but Aegon gave him no chance to speak.
"That being said, in recognition of our blood ties and your importance as family, I am ready to name you my heir until I have a son and offer you Dragonstone or Summerhall as your fief in perpetuity. If you choose Summerhall, once I take the Throne, the crown will pay to rebuild the ruins there into a palace even grander than the previous one. Something befitting of the Targaryen name. What do you say?"
"I urge you to accept, my Prince" incentivized the Magister "you'd rule one of the ancestral seats of your house. It's a great honor!"
Viserys' anger subsided ever so slightly as his greed was momentarily appeased by the idea of having a grand palace. He thought that if he could indulge himself in prestige, drink, riches and bitches while another took the burden of ruling, it wouldn't be that bad.
"When you mean a grand palace, do you say something the same size or smaller than this one?" He asked.
"Even bigger, uncle! Something so grand that your name will be remembered through the ages and you'd be envied by every noble lord whose castles would seem like mere shelters in comparison." Aegon answered, aided by the nods of the other three men present. Everyone understood that Aegon was the best choice of ruler. He was better educated and far more mentally stable. An unspoken alliance had been formed by all of them to try and convince the Mad Prince to take the deal quietly. Moreover, who wouldn't want a free palace and little to no concern in life. It was still a great deal in their eyes.
"Fine, but I want both Dragonstone and Summerhall!" he snapped "Dragonstone by itself is mostly a pile of rocks and Summerhall is a ruin. Even if it will be a grand palace one day, that will take time and I want somewhere to rule until then."
Aegon made a fake frown, trying to show he was deep in thought before he spoke.
"I normally would agree to it, but what about my aunt? I was thinking of offering whatever fief you rejected to her."
"What about her? She doesn't deserve it! She will do her duty and be married off to the first one willing to offer me the best price. Before you showed up here, she was going to be given to a Dothraki horse lord in exchange for his army. If to have the two castles you need to take her, torture her, kill her or rape her, I don't mind. You can even marry this bitch for all I care!"
Viserys regretted those words as soon as he said them. Not for any love for his sister, who more than anyone awoke the dragon in him. It was because he had given his adversary a grand prize almost for free. By looking at Aegon's smile, he understood he could have gotten the two castles without it, just by insisting a little bit more. He was about to take it back, when Aegon uttered the words that made his and Daenerys' heart sank.
"Deal! I'll marry her." said Aegon to the agreement of those present "Just like my predecessors I shall wed our Kin to make sure the blood of the dragon continues strong. Daenerys will be my Queen."
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Daenerys was in her room looking at the window with a deep conflict inside her heart. She was glad to know that plans were being made to secure their return home. She knew little of Westeros, but based on all the stories she had heard from Viserys and even more from Aegon, she longed to go there and to meet its people. Her people.
She also couldn't help but feel afraid. Fear gripped her heart for three reasons. How would Viserys discard his frustration on her this time? Was the feeling of safety she had with Aegon just a lie and he'd be like her brother after they were married? Worse, perhaps? And, would Viserys and Aegon end up killing each other in name of the throne and leave her alone in the world?
A small part of her hated Viserys for what he had done to her over the years. A bigger part was afraid of what he could still do. The biggest part of her, however, longed for him to return to the times when they were smaller. The times when he took care of her, protected her and kept her safe from all dangers, together with Ser Willem Darry. The time she lived in a house in Braavos with a red door. Perhaps he'd come back to his former self once he was the ruler of Dragonstone and Summerhall.
The same could be said for Aegon. She was afraid of his strength? Absolutely, but it also captivated her. In Aegon she could see the real strength of a dragon, even though he was younger than Viserys and only a few months older than her. She placed all her hopes that he'd succeed in bringing them home.
He could be kind as well. Their time together had proven as much. Even she understood that much of the time he spent with her, at least in the beginning, was more focused in deterring Viserys from beating her than actually enjoying her company. She found herself hoping that the reason for his visits had changed to being with her, especially now that he had agreed to marry her.
Also, despite what her brother may say, for Daenerys, Aegon is a real Targaryen. He behaves like one, looks like one and he has the support of her father's loyal men. There's no shadow of doubt in her mind to that extent.
A knock on the door took her away from her thoughts. Instinctively, she flinched and stood up quickly, trying to find a hiding place in case it was Viserys coming to beat her up again.
"Aunt, it's me, Aegon. May I enter?" he said with a kind tone.
The girl breathed a sigh of relief and took a seat on an armchair before answering a timid yes. The door opened to reveal Aegon, who smiled candidly at her. She felt her cheeks blush under his gaze. It was not the first time she had received such looks from men, but coming from him she felt herself willing to answer. Was it because she now knew they were supposed to get married? Or would it happen anyways just because he was the first man to stand up to Viserys?
Aegon approached, kissed her hand and then sat on the armchair across from her, assuming a relaxed posture.
"I imagine today's negotiations brought a lot of surprises for you. How are you feeling?" he asked.
"I'm alright, nephew." she said, neither fully avoiding nor meeting his gaze.
"If you don't mind, I'd be happy if you could call me Aegon. Especially now that we're to be wed, I'd like us to be closer."
"Very well" she murmured, then upon gathering her strength she added "but then you must call me Daenerys"
"I will!" he chuckled and then changed the topic "you look worried. Is it because of our marriage? I promise you, I'll be gentle with you and you have nothing to fear from me. In fact, I hope that with time you will grow to be a strong member of house Targaryen."
Daenerys couldn't control her smile. His words brought to her more than just relief or hope. She felt like she was going to be taken care of again, nurtured again. She wasn't alone anymore.
"Of course, for that to happen, some changes will need to be made." he said, taking her away from her revery.
"Which changes?" she asked with curiosity and some apprehension.
"The first one is regarding your physical integrity. From now on you're under my protection and that includes the protection of the Golden Company. You will have guards with you at all times and neither your brother nor anyone else will ever dare harm you again. That, I promise you. He will behave or I'll make him behave."
Her smile couldn't have been brighter at that moment. Aegon caught himself entranced by it and had no alternative but to mimic the expression.
"Also, I have talked with Magister Illyrio and it seems that your education has been rather neglected, even worse than Viserys'. Starting tomorrow, Septa Jordane and Maester Haldon will be your tutors as they were mine. They will teach you the history of Westeros, as well as everything you need to know about each of the noble houses. They will also teach you about the doctrines of the Faith of the Seven and noble etiquette in Westeros. Lord Jon Connington will also help you in the main aspects of ruling, so you may assist me in running the Seven Kingdoms once we conquer it. It won't be easy, but I have absolute faith that you will manage it."
"You really mean it? You want me to rule by your side?" she asked him with blush in her cheeks and wide eyes.
"Of course, after all, the dragon has three heads"