22

Chapter 22 – Shattered Lives

Kings Landing, the Crownlands…

The docks of Kings Landing were again buzzing with activity after nearly a year of inaction, the ships of the Royal fleet were now joined by vessels flying the flags of House Arisye and House Velaryon. Men were boarding the ships in full armour as they prepared to sail across the Narrow Sea to Dragonstone and take the island by force. Once Dragonstone was under their control they would at last be able to open the city to trade again and more importantly end Stannis if they managed to catch him there. The rest of the Narrow Sea houses and Stormlords had already bent the knee after their devastating defeat at the hands of Tyrion and his forces but with Stannis' death the War would at last be over and they could focus on getting ready for winter.

Hadrian was boarding the Lionstar, a war galley of the royal fleet which would serve as his flagship for the invasion of Kings Landing. At his side was his lion Raga whose snarls un-nerved the sailors and soldiers who were not used to the large beast but no one dared say anything about it. Hedwig meanwhile sat on his shoulder, it was an odd image but no one said a thing, afraid of disturbing the lord.

The small fleet carrying nearly twenty thousand men soon set sail, taking dead aim on Dragonstone and Stannis Baratheon.

Dragonstone, the Narrow Sea…

Stannis Baratheon meanwhile was beyond caring about such things as he lay on his bed, his body near burning with fever and his skin pale and damp with sweat. The maesters and red priests tended to him but his body seemed ready to burn up as an infection from his battle wounds gripped him. Lady Selyse had only seen her husband once when he first arrived on one of the few ships to have escaped the ambush by the Lannisters and the treacherous houses that had been their vassals. She prayed fervently to the one true god to grant her vengeance against them and save her husband's life, she had even had another of Robert's bastards burnt as some would put it to 'sweeten the deal' but there seemed to be no answer to her prayers.

She finally got off her knees and left the shrine to go and see her husband again and tried her best to remain composed as she walked through the corridors of the dreary island castle to the rooms of her husband. She was feeling her fear for him growing as each moment passed without any sign of improvement and what might happen if he should perish. No she resolved to herself, she would not even entertain the idea that her husband would not recover from this. He would get better she thought fiercely and as she walked into the room her heavy heart lightened considerably when she saw Lady Melisandre sitting at her husband's side.

"Lady Melisandre, I had feared you would not come to see your king." Selyse said with relief as she took the seat at the other side of the bed where her husband was lying helpless. The Red Priestess' presence already seemed to helping as her husband was much calmer and her hand when pressed against his forehead revealed his temperature had finally begun to fall back to normal. She was convinced in her own mind that this meant her prayers had been answered and they would yet find a way to triumph over their enemies.

"I had thought my presence would do little but it seems that I may yet have a role to play in the Azor Ahai's journey." Melisandre said with a sad smile, she still felt cold and nothing she had done seemed to offer warmth but when finally seeing her chosen one before her again she had felt a small flicker of fire inside her. He too seemed to respond to her presence as his fever began to abate so she took it with great joy as a sign that her lord was finally showing his hand again.

Whatever Selyse was about to say next was cut short when the doors to the room suddenly burst open with her maiden family's lord bursting in like it was the long night come this very evening. His grey hair was windswept and his eyes panicked as he said quickly.

"Your grace, Lady Melisandre the Lannisters sail for Dragonstone with a force of thirty thousand men. They will be here in a mere six days, less if they have the wind."

The news came as a stunning blow to both women in the room, they had not anticipated that the Lannisters would launch an attack against Dragonstone this soon after the last battle. The news of the sudden attack was made worse by the fact that they at present only had three thousand men left to man their defences all of whom were demoralised and near broken, against a force that was ten times bigger and if rumours were to believed had weapons capable of breaching their defences with ease. Lord Alester or rather Ser now since his castle and lands had been taken looked to his niece who was silent.

Selyse was frozen, she had no idea what to do. Her mind had gone completely blank. If they stayed and fought they would surely lose, her husband would be killed in his bed and all their heads would be mounted on spikes at the gates of Kings Landing as examples of what happened when you challenged the Lannisters. But if they tried to flee, where could they go? Braavos was the only place in Essos her mind could think of and there was no guarantee that they would find sanctuary there if the city's rulers turned them out. No other kingdom would give them safe harbour now that they had failed to take the capital, especially as doing so would bring the wrath of the Lannisters down on them. Her uncle was likewise unsure and gripped by fear but Lady Melisandre, wondering if perhaps that meant the lion would be coming to finish her off looked over to the burning fireplace in the corner and her breath caught in her throat when she saw images in the flames…something that she had feared she never would again.

Intently she stared into the fire and took in the images that were sent to her from her god, she saw the Azor Ahai her king fighting in the North with her at his side and men of a house she did not recognise fighting alongside her king. Seeing a future in the flames when the present seemed bleak lifted her spirits and she told them in her usual sensual tone instead of the quiet and broken voice she had used over the last couple of weeks.

"It is to the North we must go. There we will find the help we need to regain our strength."

Melisandre's statement caused both Ser Alester and Selyse to look to her in confusion and Ser Alester snorted after a moment to use what brains he had to think.

"The Starks would never help us."

"It is not the wolf we need to talk too. But regardless we must sail or the Lannisters will destroy us all and then the ancient enemy will triumph." She said feeling more confident and some of her old posture started to return. Ser Alester looked unconvinced but Selyse immediately took her words to heart and said.

"Then we must leave immediately, pack whatever we have onto any ships that remain to us. Now." She said seeing her uncle look like he was about to argue but the glare she gave him made him back down immediately and he went to start the evacuation. Both Selyse and Melisandre began to regain their confidence, they might yet win this war and gain all that they were due.

But for Melisandre it was also a sign from her lord, he had not forsaken her and she might yet deliver the people of this country into his fold but also that they might yet triumph over the ancient enemy.

In the rush to leave however which happened only an hour or so later, no one thought to check the loneliest of all the towers in the castle. Something that would only occur to them after leaving, but when the Lannisters were so close that they could not turn around and go back.

Kings Landing, the Crownlands…

Tyrion was back in his solar looking out across the bay below, the sun was shining in the sky and he took in a deep breath of the air which no longer smelled foul. Today he thought to himself quietly would be a good day; Dragonstone would soon be in their hands and hopefully Stannis would be dead at last. Joffrey was also at last no longer a problem and they could finally start putting the kingdom back together after the War of the Kings as the smallfolk were calling it as well as preparing for the long winter that was to come. The mood in the capital was upbeat and joyous with genuine hope for the future and Tyrion grinned, yes he thought today would be a good day.

He got to his feet and walked down the stairs of the Tower of the Hand to meet with his people, today was the day when Tommen would arrive to assume the throne after the death of his brother and the Tyrells would be here to witness the event.

The Martells had even decided to come out of their desert to discuss the plan to wed his niece Myrcella to Prince Trystane Martell although it would be a few days yet before they got here and Tyrion was hoping his brother was back by then because Hadrian had a friendship with Prince Oberyn who would be representing Dorne in their discussions and would know better than he how to deal with the man. He had sent out Ser Gwayne out to escort the party from Casterly Rock and the party from Highgarden to the Red Keep and as he arrived in the throne room he saw his man Bronn standing there looking smug as ever while young Podrick looked to Tyrion with apprehension.

Tyrion smiled at the young man that had saved his life but refrained from laughing as the story of how Pod had fainted when Kettleblack lands had been awarded to him. The poor young man had already found himself the butt of many jokes around the castle but Tyrion would silence them any time he heard such things, Pod did not deserve such scorn he thought to himself.

"Wicked new scar my lord." Bronn said with a smirk looking impressed despite himself that Tyrion had managed to pull such a victory off and he felt pride in himself that he played a part in that.

"Indeed my wife will no doubt adore it." Tyrion said quickly before getting to the point. "Have our newest guests arrived yet?"

"No, still taking in the sights." Bronn said with a shrug not caring either way. Tyrion nearly frowned but restrained himself, hoping that his sellsword friend did nothing to sour relations with the people that were coming to the capital. Tommen was as innocent as a babe and the Tyrells could be easily offended.

He had no more time to think on what insults his sworn sword could inflict however as the doors to the throne room opened to admit a crowd of newcomers. Leading the party was Tommen looking around the halls where he had grown up like it was a strange new land, the fear on his face was plain to see as Tyrion realised how nervous the poor lad must be. Tyrion swore to himself that he would speak to the boy later to hopefully calm his nerves. Beside Tommen however much to Tyrion's surprise was Leonard 'Leo' Lannister his eldest nephew, why was he here? Tyrion wondered to himself, after all the boy was so absorbed by his art that the servants at Casterly Rock had to regularly remove him from his studio by force so he would eat. Maybe the boy had decided to come and attend court for the first time he speculated, it would definitely be a change.

Ser Raynald Westerling stood just behind Tommen and Leo, his eyes scanning for any threat to his young charges, he was the knight that his brother had entrusted with leading the sworn shields that guarded his children and therefore was their foremost bodyguard. Ser Raynald gave Tyrion a small bow which Tyrion returned, Raynald was known for his absolute loyalty to those he was sworn too and would guard his young charges with his life.

But there was something of an unexpected element to the party coming from Casterly Rock; young Edric Storm and his protectors led by Ser Penrose were with them. The young bastard looked around the Red Keep with awe, having never seen anything like it before but was quickly drawn back to a girl that he had on his arm who much to Tyrion's surprise was none other than his own bastard niece Sybelle Hill, Jaime's second bastard daughter. The young girl had inherited the blonde hair and green eyes of her father and as time went on revealed more of the beauty that she would one day become. The girl's smirk that was remarkably like her father's seemed to draw poor Edric in like a moth to the flame. Tyrion sincerely hoped the boy knew what he was doing, otherwise Sybelle would eat him for breakfast.

The Tyrells it seemed had yet to arrive so Tyrion tugged on his tunic to straighten it and went over to Tommen before giving him a bow.

"Your grace, welcome home. Rooms have of course been prepared for you and preparations are already underway for your coronation. It will be a grand occasion indeed." Tyrion told his nephew whose eyes revealed that this was not exactly welcome news. Tyrion knowing that what he really needed to say was better said without others present told the rest of the people in the room.

"It would perhaps be best for the rest of you to retire to your rooms and prepare for dinner. I think our young king would have words with me where he can speak without an audience." His voice was level but held a level of authority that made the others in the room agree without argument, quickly leaving Tyrion alone with Tommen who almost quivering as his eyes drifted over to the Iron Throne.

"Tommen, are you alright?" Tyrion asked abandoning propriety for a moment, feeling increasingly worried for his young nephew who promptly burst into tears.

"I do not want the crown uncle." Tommen said feeling all his fear of the responsibility that was about to fall on him come forth. The last few months at Casterly Rock had been amongst the happiest of his life. He and Myrcella had been free of Joffrey and his sadistic bullying and they had managed to spend time with their cousins who were fun and treated them as family. He had been able to play with his cats and learn from the maester in peace. Now it seems that all of those warm times were over as his place was the iron throne…but the chair only filled him with dread.

Seeing the young boy weeping so openly brought a lump to Tyrion's throat as he realised just how unprepared Tommen was for the throne. The boy was never meant to be a king, to rule and lead a kingdom. The strains and hard nature of the great game would break all but the strongest of people and Tommen was not the strongest of men. He walked over to the young boy and grasped his arm gently causing Tommen to look away from the throne and meet the black and green eyes of his uncle.

"Tommen you are not alone. I will be here to guide you, my brothers will fight for you and your sister and cousins will be here to stand at your side."

His words seemed to have a calming effect on Tommen who finally managed to stay his tears and stop shivering.

-x-

Outside Kings Landing…

From her spot in the wheelhouse Sansa looked out and saw the walls of Kings Landing in the distance, the sight of them was enough to fill her with dread as she thought of all that had happened in that city the last time she had been here. She absentmindedly stroked Lady's fur for comfort, causing the wolf to rub her large head against Sansa's hand.

"Do not frown, it will only give your lovely face wrinkles." A voice said from the other side of the wheelhouse, doing her best to stop frowning Sansa turned back with trepidation to face Lady Olenna who had taken on the role of her mentor now that Margaery had left Westeros to visit her brother Garlan in Lys. She tried to force her features into an expressionless mask but despite her best efforts she could not hide her nervousness from Lady Olenna.

"Afraid of returning to Kings Landing child. Take it from me the only way to conquer fear is to face and rise above it. The mad boy Joffrey is dead and his uncles now control the city under his younger brother." Olenna told her simply, wondering and not for the first time if agreeing with her grandson's insane plan to wed her rose to the young wolf dragon was really going to work and whether she should have tried wedding Margaery to Tommen Baratheon instead who Olenna knew her granddaughter would wrap round her little finger with ease. The Targaryen boy was an unknown and she hated unknown elements when making plans.

"I had thought the worst always survive." Sansa admitted to Olenna and the older woman nodded slowly and told her gently with a smile.

"It does seem to blow that way all too often my dear but eventually those that live like Joffrey or the Mad King find their deeds catching up to them. That is why it is better to be loved and admired than be feared although I do admit fear has its place." She explained to the Stark girl that she had taken under her wing who nodded, turning a pep talk into a lesson for the girl who had a long way to go before she was ready to call herself a Tyrell.

The Twins, the Riverlands…

Cersei Frey although she glared and screamed bloody murder at anyone who called her by that name sat on her bed that she was forced to share with her decrepit old weasel of a second husband in the darkest of moods. The reason he had fathered so many children was now very clear to her she thought with mockery, the old bastard was so quick to reach his climax it was over and done with in a flash. He was the most disappointing lover she had ever imagined and certainly nowhere near as good or as…big as her twin.

But her circumstances were not the sole source of her dark mood…her son Joffrey, her golden lion, her little king was dead.

She had known that her brothers would betray her eldest son! They had let him die, no they had him killed she thought fervently as her eyes grew wilder and more filled with rage. She knew they had, he would have been greater than any king that had come before, no any man that had come before and would come after and they in their jealousy had killed him before he showed them how he would surpass them.

Well she thought wildly, she would make them pay for her son's death and they would not stop her from being there to make sure Tommen did not suffer the same fate. He would never be as good as his brother, but he would still be a great king she would see to it.

Her thoughts were manic and her hair which had once been pristine was now wild like an animal. Her frame was become fatter with all the wine that she had drunk to ensure that she did not remember the old weasel's attempt to put a baby in her belly, something she would never allow making sure he fell asleep before completing the deed or drinking the moon tea that she had bullied one of the maids into getting her.

The door to her room opened and one of the grandsons of her husband although she thought that last part with great contempt entered the room. His name was Walton or Walder she did not care but knew his weasel eyes had been eying her up ever since she arrived here. He already had his breeches open with his cock out, so sure she would fuck him that it made her grin a bloodthirsty smile as she got off the bed and picked up the sharp knife at her bed side.

Dragonstone, the Narrow Sea…

The fleet approached Dragonstone and Hadrian felt himself grow somewhat nervous, as Stannis had discovered in the last battle a landing from the water against opposition was a nasty business. However when he saw no soldiers on either the castle walls or the beach. Hadrian was suspicious at first and wondered if Stannis was trying to set a trap of his own and so Hadrian looked to his owl Hedwig who sat in the rigging looking bored. He gestured towards the island and the snowy owl gave an indignant hoot before taking flight with some reluctance. Using their bond Hadrian channelled his magic into his eyes and it was a good thing that he was facing out to sea as his eyes gained a golden glow as he saw through the eyes of his owl.

It was strange to see through Hedwig's eyes, the sensation of flight he had to admit was exhilarating as he felt the wind beneath Hedwig's wings. It made him wish briefly for the days in his previous life where there had been broomsticks to fly on and he had felt the wind flowing over him as he zoomed across the skies, but he forced himself back to the present and focused on the matter at hand.

Through the eyes of his owl as she flew over the island and castle that shared the same name, Hadrian saw absolutely no one in the castle, not a single soul. There were still people in the streets of the port but not a sign of anyone baring the colours of Stannis and the harbour was empty of most of the ships.

Frowning at the strange sight Hadrian retreated back into himself and called Hedwig back via magic. He did not know what to make of it, the castle had been completely deserted from what he had been able to see. The first thing that jumped into his mind was some kind of ambush or trap but there had been no men in positions to ambush and surely Stannis would at least try to make things look normal if he were trying to draw them in. Deciding to avoid the port for now Hadrian turned to the captain and shouted.

"Drop anchor! We are going ashore here. Men to the boats." He commanded going to ladder and climbed down the ladder into the boat where Raga was being lowered into. Ser Raphael his second in command turned to him as he joined him in the boat and asked.

"A trap you think?" He knew his long-time friend well enough to see what was on his mind, Hadrian nodded.

"It is too easy, we should be able to see at least some signs of activity but…nothing. If this is a trap it is not very well put together." Hadrian commented and Raphael nodded thinking the same thoughts himself. Caution was how to stay alive in warfare, foolhardy heroics and charging in recklessly would only get you killed and both men knew that lesson well enough to take their time and to be ready for whatever awaited them on the island.

As the smaller boats were rocked by the water the men in them were quietly confident as they rowed closer to the beach, Raga felt his master's concern and pushed his large head against Hadrian's hand, causing the man to smile as he petted the creature which enjoyed the attention. As the boats reached the shore however, it was all business as they put their feet down on the sand and moved up the beach towards the castle. The tension was strong but the men that Hadrian had brought were all veterans, men who had seen a lot of combat and knew how to keep their cool so they stayed disciplined as they moved up the paths towards the stronghold that shared its name with the island it sat on.

When nothing happened, Hadrian began to question what kind of game Stannis was playing. No challenge on the beach, no ambushes in the rocky hills around them and no fire being rained down from the walls. Hadrian was honestly wondering if Stannis had lost his mind when he saw the castle gates were wide open, Dragonstone was one of the most defensible fortresses in all of Westeros. Even a handful of men could hold it against a larger force for a long time as long as supplies held out and Stannis was famous for holding Storm's End for a year against the Tyrells.

A man as stubborn as Stannis would not give up so easily.

Hadrian turned to one of his knights; Ser Lyle Crakehall and instructed him.

"Take two hundred men and scout inside, beware of any traps Ser Crakehall this situation is too unusual."

The 'Strong boar' as he was known laughed and told him in a voice similar to a fog horn.

"Aye my lord, I will find those fuckers wherever they are hiding."

Hadrian frowned at the knight's over confidence but allowed him to proceed, Ser Crakehall without any hesitation charged forward followed by his men, yelling like a madman. Hadrian had expected to hear the sounds of an ambush but there was nothing, cries of battle turned into calls of confusion. Minutes later Ser Crakehall returned to his liege lord looking both annoyed and confused.

"The place is deserted my lord." Ser Crakehall looked cheated, he had been expecting a battle and only gotten an abandoned castle.

Hadrian meanwhile was started to wonder if Stannis had indeed survived the Battle of Blackwater Bay or if he had whether he was able to command because the whole situation seemed incredibly out of character considering what he knew of the man. All the same Hadrian thought with satisfaction, they had captured the castle without any resistance and opened the shipping lanes to Kings Landing again. But also more importantly they had access to the vast reserve of dragonglass on the island, while many would consider it next to useless, Hadrian and those who knew of the threat of the White Walkers thought differently. As soon as was possible Hadrian would begin sending shipments of the material North and to the Westerlands so they could turn it into weapons for the inevitable battle against the White Walkers. That was what the rockets had originally been designed to fight against until the war had forced his hand but now they might have little time to prepare if the information he had received from his sources in the North was accurate.

"Well then." Hadrian said as he turned to his men and told them. "Search the rest of the castle, if you do find anyone alive bring them to me, I want prisoners where possible. Ser Raphael take ten thousand men and secure the port." He gave his orders and the men, loyal and disciplined went about them without argument. Hadrian meanwhile with Raga at his side walked into the castle. It had been a long time since he had been here last, nearly twenty years in fact when Rhaegar ruled the roost. Little had changed although there was a starkness to the place that was nearly lifeless. Nothing in the way of decoration and more in line of practicality which fit Stannis perfectly Hadrian supposed.

He walked through the corridors and rooms of the castle and began to think that the inhabitants must have fled in a hurry given the haphazard way things were scattered around. Whoever had been given orders certainly was not someone of Stannis Baratheon's legendary seriousness, it had been sloppily done with plenty of valuable things left around and most of the food stores still in place. Not to mention the chance to inflict damage on him and his men had been missed with no setting of traps or ambushes. Hadrian was amused at the lack of thought put into the evacuation of Dragonstone and wondered if had been Lady Selyse or the Red whore behind it, but he shelved those thoughts as he came to one of the most famous room in the castle, the Chamber of the Painted Table.

The carved dragons on the walls looked fearsome and the placing of the windows in the room to face each point of the compass was interesting but the table in the centre of the room was what really commanded his attention. It was enormous taking up most of the room with immense detail in terms of the geography of the land. All of Westeros was represented and Hadrian could almost see in his mind's eye Aegon the Conqueror planning his invasion of Westeros from this room, as Harry he would have loved to have something like this when fighting Voldemort although it would he admitted to himself have been rather pointless.

As he stared down at the map there was noise from behind him and Hadrian turned to see Ser Crakehall stomping into the room with a young girl about the age of his own daughters, holding the girl roughly by the elbow. The fact that the man's grip was tight enough to cause the girl pain was evident by the expression on her face and she did not struggle, probably realising it would have been pointless.

"Found the girl in one of the towers my lord. She seems to be the only one here." Ser Crakehall said shoving the girl roughly forward who fell to her knees and looked up at him with frightened blue eyes. Hadrian was shocked when he saw the girl's blackened skin on her left cheek and realised just who she was, Shireen Baratheon was here on Dragonstone while her parents had fled to who knows where.

"Lady Shireen, I must say this is a surprise. I come to Dragonstone expecting to do battle with your father and yet I find you here alone. Where is your father Lady Shireen?" Hadrian asked sternly but not as harshly as he might have done for an adult. Shireen's blue eyes when she met his emerald ones were scared but determined even with the terrifying lion at Hadrian's side, Raga looked intently at Shireen assessing her worth but the young girl did her best not to think of the great creature eating her.

"My father and mother fled the island some days ago my lord. It seems they did not deign to take me with them." She said politely but with steel in her voice. Hadrian actually felt himself smiling at this poor girl before him, she was a true Baratheon. He could see her fury being a terrible thing when she got older and yet she had the graces to handle politics if someone would actually teach her how. There was a core of steel under that slight exterior and that strength had kept her sane when many would have gone mad, there was potential there Hadrian decided and put the girl's mind at ease.

"I can reassure you Lady Baratheon that you have nothing to fear from me, I am not my father and I do not harm children but if you are willing perhaps you can aid me in an experiment. A special bath that I have created which might heal your skin."

The girl's eyes were surprised at his statement and were soon full of interest at his idea. Hadrian smiled and went over to the nearby desk where he took a piece of parchment and a quill before jotting down a list of things and handing it to Ser Crakehall who looked at his lord with confused shock.

"Go to the Maester's stores, everything we need should be there and the rest should be available in the port below. Then find a bath tub and make sure it is filled with hot water, I will handle the mixing of the fluids myself and get some women up from the port to attend her. Shireen will need a maid and fresh clothes too." He commanded and the still shocked knight did as his lord bid as if in a trance. Shireen watched, amused at the knight but looked to Hadrian with guarded curiosity and hope in her eyes.

"Can you truly heal my skin? Or is this just some elaborate way to kill me?" She asked him straight and again Hadrian was impressed at how strong the young girl really was looking him, the man that held her fate in his hand straight in the eye and despite her fear not looking away. He wondered what had her parents been thinking by not taking this girl with them, Hadrian then decided it did not matter their loss was his gain and ended that line of thought.

"I assure you young lady that I can indeed cure you and as I have already said, I do not hurt children, much less kill them. Now while we wait for the supplies I ordered perhaps you should tell me about yourself. What activities do you enjoy?" He asked her, taking a seat and bidding her to do the same. She gratefully did so and cast her eyes over the large map table with awe, Hadrian was starting to realise the young girl in front of him had spent little time outside of her bedroom/cell but her eyes were bright as she answered his question.

"I love reading, Ser Davos has always found me good books to read. The ancient legends and tales of faraway places are so thrilling, but Maester Cressen used to let me read his books too." The girl then started on a long speech on all the things she had read about and Hadrian politely nodded as he considered the girl in front of him. Clearly she had a desire for knowledge and learning that would equal that of his own son Richard and had the confidence to stand up for herself when she needed too, something he knew his son would appreciate.

The girl went on for a long time until finally the things he had ordered arrived, the men were confused when they saw the strange collection of herbs, liquids and a bath that their lord had ordered. The woman who would attend to Shireen looked confused as well but she curtsied to Hadrian and Shireen.

"My lord, my lady my name is Daena. I am at your service." Daena had Valyrian features like the Targaryens which was common on Dragonstone but her eyes were warm brown rather than violet.

"Lady Shireen here is in need of a maid to attend her during the special bath she is about to take. She will need you to dress her and attend to her needs." Hadrian said and Daena was somewhat put off by the greyscale on Shireen's cheek but nodded. Hadrian told his men to leave while he began personally started mixing the liquids and herbs into the warm water while his magic kept it warm and aided in the mixture although he ensured that the two ladies present did not see him do this.

They did however watch, fascinated as the clear water turned a strange white almost like milk and Shireen looked nervously at the fluid but with an encouraging smile from him, she shed her clothes to take her bath while Hadrian averted his gaze by going behind a nearby screen to give them some privacy. It felt strange to Shireen as she slipped into the strange liquid, thicker than water but her skin tingled pleasantly as she immersed herself.

Without moving from behind the screen Hadrian then told Shireen and her maid what they needed to do next.

"Lady Shireen see the tube next to the bath." He asked and Shireen who looked around as best she could and saw a small hollow tube so she told him.

"Yes." Curious about what it was going to be used for.

"You need to fully immerse yourself in the liquid. Use the tube to breathe for as long as you can, the longer the better." He said knowing this was the moment of truth, Daena looked concerned at the fluid while handing Shireen the tube who taking all her Baratheon courage into her heart, placed the tube in her mouth and fully immersed herself in the liquid breathing through the tube.

Neither Shireen nor Daena knew that the white liquid was a mix of several potions and herbs blended together with a little magic to give it an extra boost. He had tested it on several people with scars and it had healed them without any trace being left behind, with the additions he had made it should prove equally effective on Greyscale.

Five minutes passed which Hadrian counted in his head, he spoke out to Daena.

"That should be enough Daena, bring her up."

What happened next was more than he could have imagined, Daena put her own arms into the tingling liquid and shook the girl gently to get her to come up. As Shireen's head broke through the surface, Daena gasped at the changes to the scarred girl she had seen enter the liquid only minutes before.

Firstly and foremost, the flaky and blacked skin of her cheek had completely healed without even the tiniest trace that it had once been scarred by disease. Daena was truly astonished, never had she believed such a thing possible but then she caught on to other changes that had occurred to the young girl. Her skin had not just healed, but become perfectly clear like marble, the likes of which she had only heard of in the Targaryens.

But another startling change was her hair, no longer was it the dark shade of House Baratheon but instead the silvery blonde that House Targaryen was famous for. The only part of Shireen which was recognisable from before at least at first was her stormy blue eyes that she had inherited from her father. Daena was open mouthed in shock over the changes that the young girl had gone through in the last five minutes but managed to gather her wits enough to help the girl out of the tub and wrap her in a robe after drying her with a towel. Shireen of course had no idea of the incredible change that had come over her and was startled somewhat by the expression on her new maid's face.

"Did it not work, I am I still scarred?" She asked wondering if it had been all for nothing. Daena could only reach into her pocket and withdraw a small mirror that a sailor had given her years ago as a gift when her brother had died to save him. She held the mirror to Shireen's face and the young girl was speechless, she put her hand up to her still tingling skin to reassure herself that it was indeed her reflection and not that of someone else. When her hand touched her left cheek she could only feel smooth skin where once it had been flaky and stone like, she massaged her cheek still not convinced it was not an illusion created by her hopes and dreams. When her mind finally caught up to the fact that it was indeed real the feeling was indescribable. Like the whole world had been pulled out from under her, in her wildest dreams she had dreamt that she might one day be cured of her scars but never had she thought it might actually happen. Her hand pulled a strand of her now silvery blonde hair in front of her face and felt its silkiness, much finer than her previous dark locks.

"Are you decent?" Lord Hadrian's voice called out from behind the screen, sounding amused but Shireen could only just manage to say yes as she tucked the robe she had been given closer and Lord Hadrian emerged from behind the screen. He handled the surprise better than them with only a raised eyebrow but inside his mind was going a mile a minute trying to figure out what had just happened. All the potion bath had been supposed to do was heal her skin, but it had actually managed to slightly warp her features although many would say it was a drastic improvement. He could see the Valyrian features as clear as day and wondered for a moment if his magic and the potions he had mixed together had somehow brought out Shireen's Valyrian heritage that she got from her father's family, specifically her great grandmother Rhaelle Targaryen. It was certainly an interesting side effect, Hadrian thought to himself somewhat annoyed that something had gone wrong but glad it had not been a bad side effect.

This might be worth study he thought.

Meereen, Essos…

The hot Essosi sun was burning down today as Jon sparred in the exercise yard, working out with the men of his Kingsguard and Ser Jorah. The men he was fighting held nothing back, despite him being their king but that Jon was glad to say had been at his request. He did not want to be allowed victory solely on his title, it was against his own pride he thought as he parried another strike from Ser Barristan that could well have taken his head off if they had been fighting with real steel. The sweat was rolling off his forehead from both the heat and the exertion of the fight but losing himself in sparring was one of the few pleasures that he had and it was a skill that he had long been told been some he had in abundance. Ser Rodrick had once commented, out of earshot of Lady Catelyn of course that Jon was the best student he had ever trained and was the best sword in Winterfell. Right now it was taking all of his skill and energy to keep up with swordsmen who had far more experience than him.

Already they had knocked him down several times but sheer determination and will power got him back on his feet and to fight again. The expert knights he was training with were sweating too, Ser Barristan and Ser Clayton worse than the others but despite this they kept going immaculately. Jon then side stepped and parried a series of attacks from Ser Brune and Ser Chelsted before hitting Ser Brune in the face with the pommel of his sword and kicking him in the gut which knocked the skilled knight to the ground before then jabbing his sword just past the gut of Ser Chelsted. The two knights withdrew from the fight leaving Jon fighting against Ser Barristan, Ser Jorah and Clayton who were more skilled and able to keep up their defence. The smiles on their faces was mirrored by his own, they were enjoying the spar just as much as he. Training against multiple opponents would help him advance or possibly break him Jon concluded but it was thrilling anyway to duel with men that really knew what they were doing.

Eventually Samwell appeared at the side of the yard and seeing his friend and advisor, Jon called a halt to the battle.

"Hold, it seems other matters require attention good sers. It was a most exhilarating fight." He said to his Kingsguard smiling as he took a cloth from the nearby rack to wipe the sweat from his brow, the other knights nodded as they tried to calm their quickened breathing. Ser Barristan, the Lord Commander told him with a gentle smile.

"Yes your grace. It seems you have inherited your father's skill with the blade and improved on it. It will be an honour to fight at your side when you return to take the throne."

Touched by his words Jon nodded. It troubled him at times how he was compared to his father, it was almost as if they expected he to be the Rhaegar Targaryen reborn, the Stark parts of him were ignored and it made him angry but his suppressed it. He might never have wanted this legacy that had been forced on him but he was never going to be the Silver Prince, he would be himself…Jon and no one else. With some anger still burning inside him Jon walked over to Samwell and asked.

"Something on your mind?" He asked Samwell who was still dazed by his awe of the sword fighting that had been on display merely moments before but with the intense eyes of Jon on him he rallied and told him.

"The Fighting Pits have been reopened but under the rules you set; no killing once someone has surrendered, no unwilling combatants and no one under the age of sixteen is allowed to compete." Jon smiled and told his friend.

"Good, make sure that they stick to that rule. Post some men to keep an eye on things. Was there anything else?"

"One thing my lord, the ship carrying Lady Tyrell is to arrive later today so it might be wise to get a bath." Samwell said seeing how sweaty and dirty Jon was after the prolonged duel. Jon would have said something but he then caught a whiff of how badly he smelt when he took off his gloves. Grimacing Jon nodded.

"Then I had best clean up before Lady Tyrell gets here." Anything else he was about to say was stopped in its tracks by Ghost bounding up to him and rubbing his large fluffy head against Jon's hand and while gently rubbed his dire wolf behind the ears much to his wolf's pleasure.

-x-

After bathing and changing into fresh clothes Jon walked into the throne room of the Great Pyramid and his nerves mounted as he tried to prepare himself for meeting the daughter of one of the most powerful families in Westeros. One that could well be his queen someday if his grandmother had her way, Jon himself however was very unsure of such an arrangement. He had never met this woman before and now he was being expected to marry her and trust her to not only be his queen but more critically at least in his own mind bare his children and raise them with him. He had only seen two queens in his life; Cersei Lannister who was a calculating and vicious schemer and his own grandmother who was cold and distant. He could only hope that Margaery was not like that, if she was he would regret ever leaving the North.

Jon sat on the small bench they had set up in the main hall while his Kingsguard stood in their positions around the room, getting ready for a potential attack, Samwell stood at his side very conscious of the fact that he was about to meet his former liege lord's daughter and being at Jon's right side implied how much trust Jon had in him and how highly positioned he was at court such as it was.

Jon straightened his back as the footsteps echoed down the corridors and Jon schooled his features into a calm mask, determined not to show weakness and was annoyed that Daenerys was absent. Her presence was expected and given she was most experienced and educated in politics of all his current council, her insights would have been very useful in the first meeting but as he did his level best to not show his frustration he caught the worried and nervous expression on Samwell's face and stood briefly to grip his shoulder in a firm grip while giving him a warm smile which Samwell returned knowing his king had faith and trust in him.

As the Tyrell party entered Jon turned to face them and was struck as he looked past the silver and green coloured guards to focus on the Lady Margaery Tyrell. The first thing he noticed was her beauty of course; curly light brown hair that fell nearly to her bottom, she had very enchanting brown eyes and she was nearly as tall as him with a slender but gently rounded figure outlined by the form fitting dress she wore of light blue silk with a floaty skirt that had some quite daring cutaways showing her shapely legs through slits at the sides and even showed her exposed midriff. It was quite daring by normal Westeros fashions especially by the Northern fashions which Jon had known where women were covered from head to foot but he acknowledge it was stunning on her.

When her eyes met his Jon instantly saw how well she disguised her emotions, he could tell nothing from the way she had schooled her features into a calm mask but he acknowledged her's was far better than his. Still he thought to himself that he might have caught a glimpse of curiosity in those warm brown eyes when she glanced at him and he could admit at least to himself that he was intrigued by her, what was going on behind that beautiful face? Jon looked over her entourage briefly and saw much to his surprise, a Northern girl as her lady in waiting. He recognised the girl immediately, Mira Forrester the daughter of one of his uncle's most loyal vassals. What in blazes was she doing here? He wondered quietly to himself.

On the other side of the hall Margaery was feeling somewhat flustered by the intense eyes of Jon Targaryen. He was not what she had expected she thought; he had none of the traditional Targaryen features which she had been told about silver hair and purple eyes but his powerful grey eyes were none the less drawing her in. His wild dark brown hair was nearly black and his body was well muscled but sleek and lean designed more for speed but without compromising on strength, she had to work hard not to blush like a love sick maiden when he stared at her. She curtsied and introduced herself although given he knew who she was it seemed like a waste of time but she observed the established protocol.

"Your grace, thank you for receiving me. I am Lady Margaery Tyrell and I bring greetings from my father and brothers in hope of renewing the old loyalty of my house to yours." She had been drilled in court politics and manners since she had been born and it was like second nature to her. Jon nodded and told her.

"Lady Tyrell, I welcome you to Meereen and hope your stay will be comfortable." He said and walked down to meet her face to face. He reminded her of a stalking wolf when he moved towards her, lithe and graceful but also deadly. She suddenly felt like prey in the eyes of a predator. His intense eyes held her, wrapping her in some kind of spell that drew her closer and he told her with a deep voice that sent a shiver down her spine. "Gilly will show you and your party to your rooms, I will look forward to getting to know you better my lady." He said indicating the quiet maid at the side of the room who stepped forward and curtseyed.

Margaery's smile grew at his words and told him while her smile grew more sensual.

"I look forward to it as well your grace."

Jon was taken aback by the sensual tone slightly and as she went to follow Gilly he could not help but admire her as she walked down the corridor especially much to his own embarrassment her firm ass in blue silk.

A familiar laugh to the side made his face grow red and his head whipped around to see his aunt Daenerys laughing from one of the side corridors. His embarrassment however quickly turned to anger.

"Enjoying yourself Daenerys?" He asked with a definite edge to his voice but his aunt merely stopped laughing and kept a smirk on her face before telling him.

"Oh she has you by the balls Jon, I mean seriously you have her interest too but the two of you are acting like hormonal fools." She laughed again briefly before coming to the point of her staying hidden. "I thought it better to stay out of sight and observe, get the lay of the land as it were. She has a brain that one and the wit to use it properly, I had heard that Tyrell women were taught from an early age to play the game but it seems this one is quite taken with you Jon." Daenerys smirked and enjoyed seeing his embarrassment before she became serious. "She can manipulate Jon and knows how to hide her true feelings and intentions, watch yourself around her or you will soon be her puppet."

Jon nodded in response, feeling a little foolish for acting like a fool but still was intrigued by the Tyrell woman.

-x-

On a wall of the city not far from the docks an image had been painted on a wall…that of a harpy.

Winterfell, the North…

The cold winds whipped around Lady Catelyn and Brienne on their horses as they moved on the road up to the castle. It had taken longer than they had hoped to get back to the North, bandits and other outlaws had become rampant in some areas and slowed their process as they hand to go around those areas. Lady Catelyn had tested Brienne's patience to the limit by first demanding to return to Renly's camp and then as they went west before going north she had changed her demands to try and get them to Casterly Rock, apparently to visit her youngest daughter but Brienne had obeyed her king's orders and continued on towards Winterfell. She was untrusting towards the woman that had struck her own daughter and tried to drag her daughter back home to certain death. The queen Margaery had explained to her the circumstances of Sansa's exile and the danger posed by returning home, Brienne was astonished that a woman of Lady Stark's rank would be so foolish as to start a possible civil war over such a matter.

But finally much to their relief they had arrived at Winterfell and Brienne nearly let out a sigh of relief, finally she could deliver Lady Stark home and then return south to serve her king. She only hoped that he had not already claimed the throne as selfish as that sounded much to her own embarrassment, it was sight she dearly wanted to see.

As they rode through the castle gates and were greeted by the sight of Lord Stark standing there, looking as grim as Brienne had heard him to be. His eyes were not full of welcome at the sight of his wife, something that did surprise Brienne a little since she had heard that they had a warm marriage, however it did not strike her as too odd given that their wedlock had been organised solely to get the North and Riverlands on the same side. The party dismounted their horses and Brienne suddenly noticed a large and strong looking man with a wild looking red bear and hair staring at her, all her life she had been gawked at for one reason or another so it should not have concerned her but there was a look in the man's eyes she did not recognise, it was almost smouldering and intense which made her self-conscious so she did her best to ignore it and approached Lord Stark who was greeting his wife.

"Welcome home my wife it is good to have you back, I hope your journey was pleasant and our daughter is well." His voice was lukewarm at best but he did seem to be trying only for Lady Catelyn to walk past him without saying a word. That raised a lot of frowns and eyebrows around the yard and Lord Stark looked pained for a moment before turning to Brienne.

"Welcome to Winterfell my lady, I see from the sigil on belt that you are of House Tarth." Lord Stark said to her warmly. "I take it your father is Lord Selwyn Tarth?" He queried and Brienne bowed slightly before answering, hoping to make a good impression on the Northern Lord.

"Yes my lord, I am Brienne of Tarth. Knight in the service of his grace King Renly Baratheon and one of his chosen Kingsguard." She said proudly and she was surprised to see a pained look quickly appear on Lord Stark's face.

"So you have not heard the news?" He said but it was more a statement than a question. Brienne started to feel a sense of anxiety settle upon her and she quickly asked wondering what could have happened in the time she had been away from her king. His answer struck her deeply.

"I am sorry to tell you Lady Brienne that Renly Baratheon was murdered not long after you left the camp. It is said by many that it was done by an assassin in the pay of his own brother Stannis who himself has recently suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Blackwater Bay." His words were sincere and his eyes full of sympathy but it did nothing to soften the blow to Brienne.

Shock was the first thing she felt, it did not seem real and for a moment her mind refused to accept that it was possible. That lasted for a few brief moments before grief fell upon her like great weight, she visibly slumped her shoulders only for the next emotion to straighten them and hold them rigid.

Red hot anger surged through her like a fire through a pile of dry wood, it filled her entire body and made her want to scream in pure fury but somehow, she repressed that impulse and said calmly to Lord Stark who was looking at her with concern, something that angered her all the more for appearing weak.

"I thank you for Lord Stark…I hope that you might allow me a room until tomorrow before I return home."

"Of course." Lord Stark said with worry.

-x-

Ironrath, the North…

The castle was buzzing with excitement and anticipation as it prepared to welcome home the house's second born son home after years in exile. Lord Gregor was looking eagerly through the open gates for a sign of the son he had been forced to exile to keep the peace, his wife was also eager to see Asher who she had missed terribly and worried for all this time.

The rest of House Forrester stood by their parents' side to welcome their brother home, Rodrik was impatient. He had much to tell him and was eager to introduce Asher to his new wife Perra, a cousin of House Glover and their new born son Eddard. Mira of course was with Margaery Tyrell but had sent a letter telling them that she wished she was there to see Asher again. Talia Forrester was standing at her mother's side peering through the door, had been practising all week for her brother's return feast and was hoping to impress everyone with her singing.

Talia's twin Ethan was also hoping to impress his elder brother but with the scholarly boy it was with how much he had learned in his absence while the youngest son Ryon was just eager to see the brother he had dearly missed. Gwyn Whitehill, officially a hostage of House Forrester was there to welcome Asher, the man she had loved enough to risk her family's ire and more importantly her future husband. She was hoping that despite all he had gone through for loving her and the years they had been separated, he might still hold her in his heart as he had promised to too when he left

Other ranking members of the household like Maester Ortengryn and Ser Royland Degore their master-at-arms were also present and the tension kept building till at last, horses appeared in the distance and rose through the gates.

Asher was instantly recognisable, though he was older and carrying more scars than anyone remembered, something that worried his mother and betrothed in near equal measure. He dismounted from his horse and walked over to his father and with eyes as hard and as cold as ice met his gaze, it was a worrying sight for all concern but as Asher came up to his father he grasped him in a tight hug while laughing loudly which caught the older man by surprise but it was quickly reciprocated.

"Welcome home my son." Gregor said as he returned his son's hug, glad that apparently he held no ill will towards him. Asher released him to go over to his mother Elissa and gave her a strong hug that robbed the woman of breath for a moment before the young man was distracted by the rush of his siblings to greet him.

Gwyn held back from joining in the rushed and joyous reunion but it only took a short while for Asher to turn his attention to her. Breath caught in her throat and her body stood stock still as his eyes focused on her, taking in every detail before coming over to her and taking her hand with surprising gentleness before kissing her palm causing her to blush heavily.

Kings Landing, the Crownlands…

Tyrion found himself welcoming two parties to the coronation of Tommen, the Tyrells had been expected and seeing Willas Tyrell again brought a small smile to his face and he hoped the man would be willing to join him for a game of cyvasse and a long talk. Alongside the Tyrell heir was his younger brother Loras Tyrell with Sansa Stark on his arm which was enough to make Tyrion chuckle. However he had not expected Prince Oberyn Martell, his paramour Ellaria and a Dornish host of three thousand men that were already busying themselves in the city's brothels and other facilities. Prince Oberyn was wearing his customary smirk as was Ellaria as they greeted Tyrion.

"Ah the Lord Hand and Regent himself, I am honoured." Oberyn said with an exaggerated bow that brought chuckles from around the room, even from the Tyrells and Tyrion found himself smirking too. He was however also concerned at what the Martells were doing here, especially with such a force of men but he had at least the security of the men that his brother had left here and the city watch at his command.

"I too Prince Oberyn am honoured by your presence in this great city. I regret to inform you that my brother is away at Kings Landing, chasing down Stannis Baratheon in hopes of ending this war once and for all."

"Such a shame, I had been hoping to spar with him again." Oberyn said sounding not at all disappointed. "I will however wait until his return, he and I have business to discuss as to do you concerning the possible betrothal of your niece the Princess Myrcella to my nephew Trystane." Oberyn added, that brought a sigh to Tyrion's lips, this was going to be a long day.

-x-

Tyrion could not have known however how hard a week it was going to be as a man and a party of thugs at his command used the hidden passages of the city to enter undetected. His goatee and hair as groomed as ever Petyr Baelish fumed at having to enter the city he had once controlled at least behind the scenes in such a covert manner. He scowled at how he had been driven out of this city and forced to hide, the Lannisters had ruined his schemes time and time again but now he was going to take his revenge and get what he desired.

-x-

Hadrian on the deck of the Lionstar looked out at the city as the ship returned to the city of its origin, now with not only him and his men but Shireen Baratheon and her maid in tow. He had left Ser Merik Arisye as the temporary castellan of Dragonstone and instructed for shipments of dragonglass to be sent to both the Westerlands and the North to make weapons. The reports about the White Walkers return had sent a chill down his spine, no pun intended. While many would not believe in the terrible 'Others' really existed outside of legends passed down through millennia, Hadrian knew better. He had learned his lesson from being Harry, who had merely as some put it 'rolled with the punches' and taken things as they came, rushing in without a plan most of the time, counting on luck to succeed. Now as Hadrian he planned for as many possible threats as he could in advance. Better to have a plan and even the means and not need them, then need them and find yourself unprepared.

As the ship came within sight of the city Shireen emerged from the main cabin, looking out at the capital with awe.

"I had always dreamed of what Kings Landing would look like, it is glorious." Shireen said with childish glee, making Hadrian painfully aware of just how much of a sheltered and isolated existence the girl had lived so far.

"Fifteen years ago you might not have been so impressed, the smell was enough to send people running once. New sewers had be built to rid us of it." Hadrian told her with a smile. "And then there was the run down slums that littered the city until we cleared them out."

"I think I would still have been impressed even then, so many people." Shireen said starting to feel overwhelmed slightly as despite being a prisoner of the Lannisters, she had seen more of the world under their care than she had when in the custody of her parents. She looked down at the water over the side of the ship and saw her reflection in the clear water and was still caught in amazement at the face that shone back at her.

She jumped back in surprise when a creature leapt out of the water right near the ship, only to be amazed at its grace as it dived back into the sea and leapt out again moments later. A dolphin she thought in delight, she had only read about the beauty creatures and longed to see one for so long. Ser Davos had told her so many incredible stories about them…but the thought of her ex-sailor guardian sobered her instantly. Ser Davos Seaworth, her only true friend and confidant who had been more of a father to her than Stannis Baratheon. She had not heard anything of him since he had set sail with her father to conquer this very city, with so few men that had come back she was now worried that his corpse might be in one of the mass graves that had been dug after the battle. She turned to Lord Hadrian Lannister and dared ask the question she was afraid to have answered, but had to know the answer to all the same.

"Lord Lannister, was Ser Davos Seaworth amongst the causalities of the battle? I…hoped that you might know."

Seeing the girl's worried face made Hadrian wonder how much this girl had come to rely on Ser Davos Seaworth. As a key member of the household of Stannis Baratheon, Hadrian had made sure to have Ser Seaworth investigated and knew he was the girl's greatest companion and some would say surrogate father. His loyalty to this girl might be enough Hadrian realised with interest to break Davos' loyalty to Stannis, so Hadrian cast his mind back to the men that had been captured during the battle until he could give her an answer.

"Ser Davos was one of the men captured during the battle, he is at present in the black cells. I will arrange for him to be brought to us once we arrive." Hadrian reassured her and the smile on her face when she heard that the former sailor was alive was so bright it dazzled the men on deck. The changes to her appearance had been hailed as a blessing by the gods by some, witchcraft by others however no one could deny that Shireen could one day be one of the most beautiful women in the Westerosi Empire. Hadrian however thought that her mind was her strongest quality, after all to survive such an affliction as Greyscale and the terrible scarring that followed and the isolation of being confined to that tower without going mad or even being capable of joy and compassion was a real testament to Shireen's strength of will, her mind was also sharp too absorbing facts with ease. Untrained in the great game but that could be fixed if needed, he thought to himself as they came into the harbour.

-x-

Later in a private room of the Red Keep, a dishevelled Ser Davos Seaworth found himself wondering what he had done to merit being brought up from the Black Cells. He knew their legend of course, that no light existed there but the reality was just as bad as the stories said. No windows, no beds or straw, not even a bucket to relieve himself and the solid wood door barred any light from the torches outside. If hell existed, he was sure that he might have found it. His dreams provided no escape either, images of his son's death haunted them every night and only by the most slender threads had he held on to his sanity.

The door opened and to his dismay he saw Lord Hadrian Lannister with a group of his knights' walk in however the girl that accompanied them drew his attention, shocking him from his dark thoughts. She was the same age as his princess but this girl obviously had the blood of Old Valyria in her as her silvery blonde hair proved. He was shocked however as the girl ran right up to him and in a familiar voice shrieked in joy and she wrapped her arms around him.

"Ser Davos!"

Davos froze, he knew that voice belonged to his princess but this child could not be her he thought in confusion. This girl had no greyscale scars for a start and her hair was a rather dazzling shade of silver but as his eyes studied her, he saw the familiar lines of her face and the stormy blue eyes that she shared with her father.

"Princess! How?" Davos managed to say in complete awe of the changes but knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was the princess he had sworn to protect.

"A technique I acquired when Myr fell, it is a technique of Old Valyria but one that used potions that anyone could make. The ruling houses of the city had been using it for years but kept the secret to themselves. Since Lady Shireen has Valyria blood in her, it must have brought some of those traits to the surface at the same time." Hadrian explained which was partly true. The potion had once been used to treat burns and skin disorders in Old Valyria but he had made some changes with ideas of his own to deal with greyscale. Ser Davos accepted that before kneeling to his princess and asked her with complete seriousness.

"How do you come to be here your grace? Is your father gone?" He asked assuming that her father must have passed for Shireen to end up in Lannister custody only for her answer to shake his belief in the man he called a king to breaking point.

"Mother and Father left me behind when they fled Dragonstone." Shireen said with a tiny amount of anger creeping into her voice as the betrayal was remembered. She was lucky that Lord Hadrian had found her, if it had been his father Lord Tywin she would probably have been killed on the spot like Rhaenys Targaryen.

Davos meanwhile was in complete shock over what the girl had just told him, he knew that his king had made a lot of decisions recently that Davos personally thought were misjudged, not least the burning of his own bastard niece at the stake but to abandon his own daughter to the mercy of the Lannisters! Davos immediately wanted to deny that Stannis would do that, but something stopped him from saying the words. His mind drifted back almost against his will to how little time Stannis had spent with his daughter, how both he and Lady Selyse had locked the girl in the tower and forbidden her to leave. Davos himself and Maester Cressan had been the girl's only visitors, the only ones to encourage the girl and even remember her name day. Since the war had started Shireen had received even less attention than before and considering that she was Stannis' only heir the lack of attention became all the more damning. His loyalty had never wavered before, doing as the king he had served bid but now he was honestly questioning whether or not Stannis was worth his service, especially after the loss of his son a stab of pain in his gut from the memory of his son's death.

"Edric Storm is to be given the Baratheon name and the seat of Storm's End." Lord Hadrian said breaking in on the moment. "He has signed away any possible claim to the Iron Throne and will be wed to my niece Sybelle once she has been given the Lannister name. Lady Shireen however now she is in my care will need a match of her own and I am suggesting my son Richard, the future lord of Castamere. I trust you Ser Davos would be willing to accept on her behalf." Hadrian queried with a smirk.

That made both Davos and Shireen whip around in surprise, Shireen was the daughter of his family's greatest enemy and now the lands of Dragonstone were in his hands she had little to offer in a marriage alliance, especially to one as high as Hadrian's third son who was set to inherit one of the richest and most powerful seats in the Westerlands once he came of age. Davos narrowed his eyes and was about to say something when Shireen beat him to it.

"Why?" She asked, wondering what would possess him to marry her to his third son. She knew little of his children but if they were like their father then Richard would surely be handsome indeed a small blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"Simple my lady, you would suit him well." Hadrian said with a smirk that irritated both Davos and Shireen slightly before he explained. "You have beauty or will do as you grow, you have two noble lines in your family but more importantly, you have a mind that is sharp, the strength to stand up for yourself and you have imagination. Traits that I know my son treasures."

Davos and Shireen were silent as they absorbed what Hadrian had told them and Shireen said quietly as if unsure this was really happening and expected at any moment to wake up back in her cell on Dragonstone, still scarred and ignored.

"Surely such traits exist in many of us Lord Lannister."

"If only it were so young lady." Hadrian told her with a sad smile. "Finding a high born girl to marry my son is easy, he is a Lannister with wealth few can dream of and skill beyond his age, many would flock to marry him but my son is not looking for a brainless girl to share his life with. He is a quiet lad who only speaks when he has something worthwhile to say, spends his day shifting through enough knowledge to put a maester to shame and has kept his more boisterous twin in line when I have not been there. I am not looking for a match that is completely strategic or even monetary, what I am looking for is a girl that suits his temperament. One that shares the same interests as he, a partner for him in the truest sense of the word with mutual interests that can be used to build a good marriage on." Hadrian explained to an amazed Davos and Shireen who had never considered such things before, when marriages were arranged it was nearly always for dynastic reasons or for love if one was extremely lucky.

"I intend to send you to Casterly Rock to meet Richard beforehand of course. I will allow Ser Davos to accompany you as a sworn shield. I think you will enjoy the library at Casterly Rock, it has the most extensive collection of Valyrian lore in the world right now." He added and seeing the girl's eyes light up made him smile, she was right for Richard of that he was certain. His third son would always do his duty for the family but Hadrian wanted his son to have a happy marriage, the reasons he had told Shireen did not guarantee that but at least it was a start.

-x-

Later as Shireen was settled into secure quarters with Ser Davos as her sworn shield, Hadrian journeyed to the gardens of the Red Keep. The sun was shining and many young ladies were enjoying the lush and verdant setting but Hadrian ignored all of them as he looked for an older woman that had recently arrived at the Red Keep and from his information was already trying to gain power in the city. He found her in the sheltered veranda looking out over the bay, taking advantage of the shade and was bossing her poor maids around. The moment she noticed him however she turned her razor sharp gaze on him and Hadrian although it did not intimidate him personally, could see why people feared this woman.

"Lord Lannister, please join me. My little flowers were just going to find me some cheese." The old woman said and Hadrian was instantly weary of this old woman, like his father her mind was sharper than any blade and just as lethal. Still curtsy had to be given so he took his seat and said back calmly.

"Thank you Lady Tyrell, it has been a long few days. How are you liking the capital?" Hadrian asked as he studied the woman in front of him.

"Oh, it is all right…certainly an improvement to when that oaf Robert Baratheon or Aerys the Mad man was on the throne. Still it is ruled by a weakling boy under your and the Imp's thumb now so I guess things will be more stable for the immediate future but the boy will fall apart or be pulled this way and that by the game. He will not last long and you know it."

She was certainly not afraid to speak her mind Hadrian remarked as his eyes narrowed. He abandoned his more polite tone for a colder one, this woman was too used to having it her way…time she realised that some men do not bend as easily as her husband and son Hadrian resolved.

"A good king will last depending on the intelligence of his counsellors and his own wisdom to heed their advice." Hadrian said firmly while his own eyes glared slightly at Lady Olenna. "Do you know that your house is more responsible for the downfall of the Targaryens than nearly any other?" Hadrian told her and with her eyes narrowing he elaborated. "Had your son and the rest of your family had the balls to actually face Robert Baratheon at the Trident and not wasted time by sieging Storm's End then Rhaegar would have swept Robert aside and the Targaryen dynasty would still be on the throne today. You would have been honoured by the Silver Prince rather than ending up with nothing after the war was done."

That was a verbal slap in the face to Lady Olenna who maintained her cool despite fuming inside and retaliated quickly.

"I seem to recall your family did little aid the dragon also, at least Lord Tarly gave them at victory at Ashford. And if my memory is not as frail as the rest of me then I seem to remember that Rhaegar Targaryen counted you as one of his closest friends? The betrayal must have struck him deeply."

Her barb stung indeed and Hadrian was fuming inside, not helping Rhaegar was one of his greatest regrets and had motivated him to join the conspiracy to restore Rhaegar's family to the throne. Hadrian did however have to admire the older woman's fire.

"Touché. Both our houses it seems played our part although I am not surprised to hear that you acknowledge it was Lord Tarly that defeated Robert Baratheon, your son never has." Hadrian said with a slight nod, he had to admire her strength.

"My son is an idiot. Much like his father, I wonder what would have happened if I had married your father. It would have been a…passionate pairing to be sure." Lady Olenna said with a strange smile, Hadrian wondered how much Luthor must have disappointed her if she would rather have married a man like Tywin Lannister. He however saw all too well how such a marriage would end.

"I and my siblings would no doubt have been dead within a week and my father you would have undoubtedly killed each other not long after." Hadrian said calmly, knowing she would never allow children of another woman to stand in the way of her own brood and his father would never have allowed his legacy to be threatened by her ambitions.

"Oh but it would have been fun." Lady Olenna said with a wistful smile. "I considered approaching you to marry my Margaery, did you know that?" She said and Hadrian having been fully aware of course nodded slightly before she continued. "Of all my children only my daughters, granddaughter and two grandsons have shown even a modicum of intelligence and cunning. You and Margaery would have been the most powerful couple in Westeros, both our families have grown with the empire and would have dominated it for years to come." Olenna said wistfully.

"And they still might." Hadrian hinted to her, with Tyrion as the hand and Margaery as the queen. He raised a goblet of wine in toast and Olenna raised her own too with a smile on her face.

-x-

That night while the rest of the castle slept that night, four men met in a room of the Red Keep. Varys and Hadrian scanned the letter from Shaena Targaryen which was presented to them by Oberyn. Willas who was sitting nearby had already read it and was lost in his own thoughts.

"Do you believe it is genuine?" Hadrian asked both Varys and Oberyn. He had to admit it was an incredible stroke of luck if it was, but he was wondering if it could be a Blackfyre trap or a fraud.

"I cannot be sure." Oberyn admitted with an unusual look of seriousness on his face. "But if it is then we cannot ignore it. The lost princess at last brought into the fold."

"She is in the Vale Oberyn, we have virtually no influence there." Hadrian said exasperated as he went to sit ignoring the looks of the men around him. "The region has turned into a warzone since the arrival of those pirates and the princess, if she is indeed the princess is right in the centre of that."

"True my lords but it is still an opportunity to at least restore order to the kingdom and remove many of the thorns in our sides." Varys said with his legendary calm, something that Hadrian could respect but still irritated him at times.

"Still the Vale has some of the best natural defences in all of Westeros. Even with a considerable army and supplies it would be a difficult task to invade." Willas added thoughtfully, stroking his short beard as he pondered their situation.

"Have the Targaryens been informed?" Oberyn asked Varys who slowly nodded.

"Yes Prince Oberyn. They were not pleased that we kept secret the possibility that one of their lost children might still be alive but respected our reasons. Ser Jon Connington will be joining us soon to journey to the Vale and attempt to make contact. She might be more willing to trust a known supporter of her family, Prince Oberyn has already said he will joining him as soon as we are done here." Varys told them and Willas and Hadrian looked over in worry to Oberyn.

"Are you sure that is wise?" Willas asked, concerned about what his old friend was proposing to do and worried that his vow of revenge against Horus the pirate and slaver that had killed his nephew might be clouding his judgement.

"Wise no, but I will do it. Alone if I have too." Oberyn said with a glint in his eyes harder than steel. The other three men knew it was useless to argue with him when he was like this. Vengeance burning through him that needed to be satisfied no matter what it cost. Pain the likes that few could understand, let alone relate too.

-x-

The sun rose slowly the following day hinting nothing of the trouble to come, only one man knew that it was a day that would prove to be hard on many, the man who was going to strike at the very men that had been discussing the letter the previous night although he knew nothing of the letter and was motivated only by dreams of power and gold.

Hadrian was in a room with Tyrion working to establish the new position on the Small Council. The Master of War who would be responsible for commanding the combined armies of Westeros in any future wars, making plans for the expansion and defence of the empire's territory and advising the emperor on military matters. The man chosen for this position was Lord Randyll Tarly.

The Master of Foreign Affairs was the next new seat added to the Small Council who had duties such as; keeping abreast of affairs in foreign countries by working with the Master of Whispers, developing trade and diplomatic agreements with other kingdoms and advising the king on matters that fell under their remit. For the moment Prince Oberyn had accepted the role but a new man would soon be needed and the man was currently planning to leave soon so his nephew Trystane would take the seat for now.

The third and final seat added was the Master of Internal Affairs. This chair was responsible for maintaining peace within Westeros and its foreign territories, developing internal trade and developing the infrastructure of their empire. The position would be given to Jon Connington once he arrived.

In the Tower of the Hand meanwhile, Leo Lannister was taking advantage of the unique view of Blackwater Bay it offered to paint his representation of the battle that had been fought there only a short time ago. He was just taking his time with the explosion of wildfire and making every effort to make as strong and beautiful an image as he could. As he finished the final touches he went to dab his brush in water to start cleaning it. As he did so he accidentally knocked over the glass of water on the table nearby. He groaned as the water spilled across the table and went to look for something to mop it up with when he saw something strange, the water seemed to be disappearing into a tiny, near invisible break in the table but curiously did not seem to emerge underneath.

Now his interest had been peaked Leo brushed the water away with his sleeve and began to examine the table in depth. While he might not be as smart as his siblings were when it came to facts and figures, he was far from stupid and soon to his delight discovered a secret. Gently moving it with his fingers Leo was amazed to see a small hidden compartment open in the table and inside the compartment was a leather bound book with the image of an eagle in white and blue engraved on the cover.

With mounting excitement Leo picked up the book and opened to the first page, hoping that it would not be just a blank book that someone had forgotten and to his relief and joy it was not empty at all and he eagerly scanned the lines written on the first page.

This is the journal and memories of Lord Jon Arryn…

Lord of the Eyrie…

Lord Paramount of the Vale…

Hand of the King to his grace Robert Baratheon…

Leo was now buzzing with excitement, this was the journal of the late Hand of the King and would not doubt have many interesting stories to tell. He began to flip through the pages just to get a quick idea of what was in the book, most was public knowledge except for Lord Arryn's private thoughts until he reached the last few entries made only days before his death. Leo's eyes widened as he studied the pages and what they revealed, he was shocked at the revelations in them but one in particular concerning a conspiracy aimed at Lord Arryn and the entire Vale itself. Quickly stuffing the book in his pocket he completely forgot his painting and ran down the stairs of the tower and out towards the Red Keep and his father, he had to know what he had discovered Leo thought with great urgency.

He rushed through the corridors of the Red Keep, looking for his father or his uncle Tyrion who Leo knew he could trust. He could not find them in the throne room or any of the normal places so he was about to turn and run for the training yard where he knew Ser Raphael Daniels would be when he saw a commotion down the corridor.

-x-

Sansa Stark was leaving her room in the Red Keep, trying her best to control her anxiety at being back in the castle again after what had happened last time, Lady was napping in her room which was just as well given how scared everyone was of her larger than normal wolf. However as she walked around the castle she noticed a remarkable change since she had been here last. Everyone in the castle from the servants to the long term guests seemed to have a spring in their step she had realised now that Joffrey was gone and she with a small guilty smile could not blame them. That little vicious troll had made so many people's lives a living hell that no-one but his own mother would miss him and that Cersei was not here to even do that and blight everyone with her… well it seemed to have brought a new sense of joy to the Red Keep and everyone was enjoying themselves in the preparations for Tommen's coronation.

She was going to go and join Lady Olenna in the gardens soon but decided to take a quick walk around the castle first to clear her head. She did not want to be distracted or Lady Olenna would tear her to pieces in lessons this afternoon. Lost in her thoughts she did not realise just where she was going until she nearly collided with a man.

"Sorry, I was just on my way to the gardens and became lost in my thoughts." Sansa said mortified that she had nearly walked straight into someone. She looked up rather well made clothes to a face that was familiar to her and not in a good way, she had not seen him in many months but the well-trimmed goatee, slender built and sharp features were instantly recognisable.

"Hello Lady Sansa. Perhaps I can offer an alternate destination?" He suggested and before Sansa could even think to respond she felt a foul smelling cloth being pressed against her mouth as someone seized her roughly from behind. She struggled, determined to get him off but her vision soon darkened and she fell into unconsciousness.

-x-

Petyr looked at the unconscious form of Sansa Stark and had to admire the lines of her body which had developed in recent months, his thoughts becoming lecherous as he studied her form. She had her mother's beauty and would be a useful hostage for use in the future, perhaps he might even make her his wife when he was done with Lysa. His thoughts were disturbed by a voice calling out from down the corridor.

"What is going on here?"

Turning around Petyr saw a blond haired young man coming down looking at them with alarm when he noticed the unconscious Sansa in the arms of one of his men. That was one of Hadrian Lannister's sons, Petyr thought with disgust. He walked forward to the young man and quicker than any of them could act he pulled a dagger from his belt and plunged it into Leo's gut.

Leo himself suddenly found himself frozen, he felt the cold steel as it pierced into his gut but the numbness soon gave way to a burning pain that radiated out from the wound as Baelish pulled the blade out. Blood trickled down from the wound at an alarming rate and his entire body was gripped by shearing pain. Baelish walked off with his thug who carried the unconscious Sansa over his shoulder.

His mind in complete disarray Leo struggled to press his hand over the stab wound, desperate to stem the flow of blood and channelled what magic he could muster to try and heal the wound but to no avail. He with great effort focused on putting one foot in front of the other as he stumbled forward, desperate to tell his father. No longer was it just to give his father the book that had seemed so important moments ago, nor to save himself. No if he could find his father before Baelish escaped the city then they might just be in time to catch him and save Lady Sansa.

So with all his strength and all his magic focused into each step, he carried on.

-x-

In one of the ballrooms of the castle; Lord Mace Tyrell, his sons Willas and Loras and Lady Olenna were sitting at a table with Oberyn Martell, his paramour Ellaria, Obara Sand and Trystane Martell and chat flowed between them. Oberyn and Willas talked amongst themselves about any number of things that the old friends had in common, Mace Tyrell was sitting at the table helping himself to the excellent wine that Oberyn had bought with him much to his mother's annoyance who distracted herself until her meeting with Sansa later by talking to Ellaria and Obara taking a shine to Ellaria in particular. Trystane however busied himself by talking to Loras about the tourneys he had participated in, Loras puffed up with pride was only too happy to oblige the younger man. Loras meanwhile was wishing Sansa was here, he would like to have impressed her with those tales too.

As maid entered with fresh wine, the occupants of the room hardly gave her any notice. Mace Tyrell having finished off his cup eagerly refilled it with fresh wine, Oberyn ignored the man as he poured some for himself and took a moment to smell the wine before he tasted it as was his custom. The smell of a wine could tell someone much before they had tasted it and while it was a rather good looking Dornish Red when he smelt it he hesitated from drinking. He had grown up drinking all kinds of wines from his homeland and there was something off about this particular wine, it smelled…wrong, there was a slight acrid quality to it. Oberyn was wondering what it reminded him of when it came to him in a terrible flash, he actually was paralysed for a moment as he took it in and called out in alarm.

"DO NOT DRINK THE WINE!"

Willas who had been about to sip his own cup stopped immediately, as did everyone else except Mace Tyrell who had just finished off his cup. The fat flower of Highgarden soon started coughing as under his skin the veins turned black. Everyone watched powerlessly as he violently coughed and struggled for breath as black lines spread across his body. Willas and Loras rushed to their father's side but there was nothing they could do as their father died. Olenna stared in shock while the Dornish were quick to grab their weapons but no other attack came.

-x-

As Hadrian and Tyrion were just finishing up their work when Leo stumbled into the room before falling to the floor.

"Leo." Hadrian cried out in alarm as he rushed over to his son while Tyrion rushed to the corridor and called out to anyone who could hear to fetch Pycelle immediately. Hadrian however was appalled, the gaping wound in his son's gut was slick with blood and he desperately put his own hand over the wound and concentrated his own magic into the wound to try and save his son but he could feel he felt something in his son's blood interfering with his magic. "Basilisk venom, the blade must have been tipped with it. Leo who did this?" Hadrian said in alarm as the black lines formed under his son's skin.

"Baelish, he took Lady Sansa. I tried to save her but I failed. I'm sorry father." Leo said as his struggled for breath, Hadrian tightened his hold on his son while he desperately tried to think of a way to save his son, the only thing he could think of was phoenix tears. The same thing that had saved him as Harry when a Basilisk had bitten him but there were no phoenixes here except in legend. Hadrian cursed inwardly and told his son.

"Hold on son, just hold on." Desperation in his voice apparent as he tried again and again with his magic but it was hopeless. Tears began to form in the corner of his eye as he looked into his terrified son's. Then Leo with a hand that was shaking hard pulled a book out of his pocket and placed in next to them.

"I found this…it…is the journal of…Jon Arryn. Use it to stop him. Stop Baelish." Leo said with as much effort as he could manage. The black lines had now reached his neck and his breathing was becoming harder and harder.

"I will son, I will just hold on." Hadrian said now feeling truly terrified, his son was dying in his arms and there was nothing he could do. Tyrion came over and crouched next to them, picking up the journal and taking his nephew's hand.

"Sorry father…I could never be the son you wanted me to be." Leo said as he gripped his father's hand for comfort. Hadrian tightened his grip on his son, afraid if he relaxed it for a moment he would discover his son gone.

"You have never disappointed me." Hadrian told his son quickly, hoping that he could at least let his son know how much he loved him. "You have always been your own man. Blessed with talents I could never have and produce things that people will marvel at for generations to come. I am proud of you my son, I always have been and always will be."

Leo managed a smile and Hadrian despite the tears in his eyes managed to smile back for his son before Leo's eyes grew glassy and his breathing slowed and finally stopped. Hadrian smiled at his son for a moment before he realised he had gone. His smiled fell from his face and Hadrian's hand reached for his son's face, gently stroking his hair for a moment before closing his eyes. Tyrion looked at his brother with tears in his own eyes, worried about his eldest brother and what he would do.

Hadrian was struck by what could only be described as emptiness, his son was lying dead in his arms and he was totally gripped by shock only for a rumbling to start inside, coming from the darkest places in his soul. Filling him up like a volcano ready to erupt, his face warped as anger and hatred took a firm hold and before a scared Tyrion, Hadrian let out a cry of pain, anguish and anger all in one. His magic amplified his voice and its cry, shattering every window in the Red Keep and it is said could be heard all across Kings Landing.