Chapter Text

The Embers of the Dragons

They sat in the Tower of the Hand, somehow untouched by the wildfire that devastated the city, debating and planning the future of the Kingdoms. Two babes, a year apart, slept soundly on the other side of the room. Rhaegar gazed at them, unseeing as he contemplated the events that brought him here. Tried as he might, he could not deny his hand in the mistakes that brought Westeros to war. Despite their efforts, the news of his love for Lyanna arrived too late to the Lords of the Seven Kingdoms. The "kidnapping" of a Stark coupled with the deaths of the Warden of the North and his heir was too much momentum to stop. He was sure there were other machinations afoot, unseen hands pulling at strings known to only a few. But it mattered not. It was his actions that was the tipping point that led to war. So, with no choice left to him after his ravens were ignored, Rhaegar marched. 

After securing Lyanna and sending Elia and the children back to Kingslanding with Ser Jamie and Ser Barristan, he set off for the Trident after gaining the army from Dorne. He could even now still hear the clash of steel and the roaring of his cousin as came upon him at a ford in the river. What a terror he had been to come upon, swinging his warhammer with the strength of three men. It was a close thing, but an errant shift in the mud underfoot was far from the simplest of things to have changed the course of history. 

With their leader captured in the mud and waters of Trident, the fight went out of the army. His conversation with Lord Stark and Lord Arryn following the battle, sharing the truth and letters from his sister, was enough to crush whatever defiance was left. His decision to exile Robert even laying the foundation for potential allies. 

It was as he was preparing to depart to Dorne with Lord Eddard and a small retinue that word reached him of a Lannister army descending on Kings Landing. It was the first time in the war that he had felt true panic. His children. His wife. He could never claim to know the motivations of Lord Tywin. But he knew nothing good could come of Lord Tywin marching on a city that contained his father in it. His family was in danger. He gathered Lord Stark, his remaining Kingsguard and rode hard ahead of the army. The sight that awaited them coming upon Kings Landing was a surprising and horrifying one. The city was partially destroyed, an army camped outside with the banners of House Targaryen and House Lannister flying above the Red Keep.

It took hours to sort through the chaos of it. His father was dead, killed when Tywin Lannister sacked the city. It appeared that his father had sought to ignite wildfire around the city, making Kingslanding his funeral pyre. It seems it was only partially successful. Large swaths of the city were in ruins, as was the Red Keep. Tywin Lannister claimed that he ordered his army into the city in an attempt to save it. But Rhaegar doubted this. There was far too much damage for just wildfire to account for. If it weren’t for Ser Jamie getting his family out of the city, Lord Tywin may already be clapped in irons. But Tywin must need wait. After seeing to the safety of his family, sending Lord Tywin with terms to Storms End and placing Lord Arryn in charge of Kingslanding, Rhaegar gathered Arthur, Jamie, Barristan, Eddard, Howland and set off once again for Dorne.

It was there, in the sands of Dorne in a tower of red stone that the heart of Rhaegar Targaryen truly and fully broke.

"Promise me, my loves, promise me".

Lyanna knew of the prophecy and of Rhaegar and Elia's plans. Lyanna loved and trusted them both. She would help as she could, and as she loved Elia's children as if they were her own, her only request was that they would give everything, do everything to protect their children. To give them every advantage for the wars and future to come.

"Your Grace?"

Rhaegar was snapped out of his musings by the low voice of Lord Stark.

"Apologies, my lords. The days have grown long and my mind wandered"

He looked around the table, at the men and women he had chosen to start the shaping of the future of the kingdoms.

Elia Martell, his future Queen. Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of North and brother to his love. Ser Arthur Dayne, Sword of the Morning and his most trusted friend. Prince Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper. Lord Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie and Warden of the East. Olenna Tyrell, Queen of Thrones and the true force behind Highgarden. A fact told to him, unnecessarily, by his mother. Mace Tyrell was a good man. A good man that lacked the ruthlessness in which Tyrell operated in both politics and trade. The truth was obvious to Rhaegar, a fact that seemed to please the old woman.

"We were discussing your coronation, Your Grace,” said Olenna with a smirk over her wine glass. 

“That must wait. The realm is in need of fixing now, my lords and lady, especially the capital. We must begin that healing first.” 

“Your Grace?” asked Lord Stark. 

“We must make a new Small Council. One that represents the needs and unity of the realm. One that can begin work immediately to restore order. Mayhaps we also summon the remaining Wardens. I would have your input on how this should be done.”

It was a calculated risk. A King makes his own council. To delegate it to others would run the risk of seeing weak or appointments that he did not like but was forced to take. But by allowing the input, it brought these lords and lady closer. It made them feel trusted. It also showed that he was not his father. That he would listen to counsel and value the opinions of his advisors. Thoughts of his father and his actions, as they were wont to do, further darkened his mood. 

“I seek to heal the divisions caused by the conflict.” There was a slight tightening at the words from Lord Arryn and Lord Stark, which he ignored “The quickest and surest way to do this, I think, is to form a council that represents all the Kingdoms. And to work with the great lords of the realm to repair the damage done to the kingdoms directly affected by the war.” 

Olenna looked at him with slightly narrowed eyes, calculating plain in them “It would also do good for the people to see replacing your fathers council with one of your own choosing. As well as using your new influence to bring over the great lords to your side. Distancing yourself from his reign.

Rhaegar nodded in agreement. So it seemed the Queen of Thrones lived up to her reputation. 

“All of the Kingdoms are to be represented, Your Grace?” Lord Arryn asked. The unspoken question being heard by all plainly. What would Rhaegar do with the Vale, North and Stormlands?. 

“My lords, you marched as a last resort. You sought justice that was denied you, to protect those that you love. I allowed my fathers madness to go on too long. I am just as guilty of “treason”  as you are.To seek punishment of you, my lords, would be folly. Let the old enmities be buried with my father. And together let's begin to rebuild and plan for the future stability of the realm”. 

 Rhaegar knew that mere words would not convince them that he held no ill intention towards them. He’d not be able to persuasively explain that he found no fault in their decision to rebel against his father. Only actions would do that. Actions that he planned on making in this very meeting. Decisions made moons ago by Elia, Lyanna, Arthur and himself. 

“Lord Arryn. You did not call your banners for ambition or lust for battle. You rose to protect those you’d name sons. You have ruled the Vale with fairness and firmness. You handled the chaos of Kingslanding with poise, patience and mercy. And you even convinced Lord Stannis to bend the knee without further bloodshed in your letters to him. It is those virtues that the crown needs now. Jon Arryn, I would name you Hand of the King.” 

The stunned silence was not a surprise. It was a bold move, some would say foolish, naming a former rebel to the second most influential position in Westeros. But Rhaegar was far from worried. He’d taken Lord Arryn’s measure these past weeks. Everything he said was true. Jon did not care for power or trappings. He cared only to do the right thing, no matter the circumstance. He was not easily influenced and cared not to speak his mind plainly. It was these things that the realm desperately needed in a Hand. And the trust that Lord Stark had in the man was something Rhaegar desperately needed. 

“Your Grace, i cann-”

Rhaegar cut him off with a raised hand. This would need to be done delicately. 

“I would not force you, my lord. Nor can I wipe away the deeds of my father. But I believe this is what the realm needs. With you by my side, we can see to the peace that has eluded us these past years. With your influence and your honor we can bind the lords more closely together. I’d name Lord Stark, but from what Lyanna said, I know how loath he would be to be away from the North. I just ask for the chance for me to show you that I am indeed not my father.”

The small reminder of the truth of his relationship with Lyanna, his apparent consideration for his foster son and above all, a call to his honor. He regretted the manipulation for he truly had come to respect the Lord of the Eyrie. But it was needed. 

“It would go a long way,” Lady Olenna said thoughtfully. “The lord who started the rebellion, serving the new king. It would sooth the pride of the rebel lords from kneeling.”

“But what of the loyalists, Your Grace? Those that marched and died for the throne. I do not see them taking kindly to this decision.” Prince Oberyn said, anger touching the outside edges of his voice. 

Elia stirred at his side.

 “It must be done, brother” she said softly, eyes warm as she looked at Oberyn. “This is a step to fix what was broken. The King will balance the council, he will seek to reward the loyalists as deserved. But this choice isn’t just symbolic.”

Rhaegar, taking his wife's hand, said “My Queen speaks truly. I will not forget the prices paid by those that marched with me. But my duty now is to all of the Kingdoms, not just the ones that sided with my father”. 

The reminder that the loyalists were loyal to a madman was a calculated one. Loyalty for loyalty sake was not always virtuous. 

Lord Arryn had appeared to be deep in thought during the exchange. Then with a look to Lord Stark he said, “Your Grace speaks true. This is not something I thought to be offered. But I will not decline. I would do my part in the rebuilding of the kingdom. With honor, I accept, Your Grace.” 

Rhaegar nodded “You have my thanks, Lord Hand. I am most pleased with the knowledge that I will have you with me in the coming months.”

Rhagar then looked around the room.”Lady Olenna, I’d name your son as Master of Coin. The wealth of Highgarden is well earned through trade and negotiation and not just simply collecting resources” 

The subtle dig at Lannister gold making the old women smirk. Rhaegar knew that by naming Mace Tyrell, he was actualling naming his mother. And the look Olenna gave him told him she knew it as well. 

Elia spoke next, her hand still in his “Brother, many see you as deviant and whimsical in your fancies” she said with a smirk, causing a bark of laughter from the Prince. 

“But I know you. Your time at the Citadel and traveling was not wasted. You have a head for politics and ruling should you care to. The King would name you Master of Laws”. 

There were surprised looks around the room, and a small, angry one from the Queen of Thorns. Rhagar had expected it. The Red Viper, father of and lover of bastards as Master of Laws? But Elia had told him the truth and he’d agreed to her suggestion. Oberyn was a passionate man, true, but he was also just as intelligent. He would bring a passion and frankness to the handling of the book of laws. 

Still smirking, Oberyn dipped his head “As you wish, Your Graces”. 

Rhaeger, pleased, decided it was time. “My lords and lady, we still have much to discuss. We have a long path ahead of us and many more decisions must be made. On the marrow we will begin the discussions that will lay the foundations of those plans. I ask you to consider your own ideas on how to accomplish this. How to bind the realm and well as repair it. We have many cities and lands in dire need of repairs and directions, the capital most of all. We must also consider the bonds between the lords of the realm and how to strengthen them. But for now, I'd wish time with my sons and wife before the hour grows to0 late. if you’d be so kind.”

They rose with murmurs of respectful farewells and made to leave the room.

“Lord Stark, if you could remain. Ser Arthur Guard the door if you would.”

This seemed to startle the man. “Of course, Your Grace,” he said quietly. 

He made his way back to his seat and met his eyes. 

So like his sisters it made his heart ache with memory. 

Shaking his head slightly. “We must discuss the future, my lord”. 

“The future, Your Grace?” he asked, confusion plain. 

“Call me Rhaegar, please, my lord”

Eddard nodded “The future? You speak of your sons and your plans for them, I assume?”

Elia and Rhaegar exchanged a look. This also would have to be done delicately.

“Yes. And to a promise we made to your sister, Lord Stark.”

Sadness filled his grey eyes.”Call me Ned, Princess. What promise? Does it have to do with Aemon?” 

“It has to do with all three of our children, Ned,” Elia said softly “Just as I see Aemon as my son, of my blood, so to did Lyanna see Aegon and Rhaenys”. 

Ned gave a small smile. “Aye, that sounds like her. She always loved a pack.”

“That she did,” Rhaegar said fondly.”We promised her that we would do everything in our power to protect our children. To give them every advantage to survive and grow strong”. 

Nodding, Elia added “And it is because of that promise we have made a plan. A plan only known to us, Ser Arthur and Ser Barristan”. 

“Why, Princess?” Ned asked “Why the need for secrecy?”

“For our children. For their safety. The fewer that know of our designs for them, the better. It allows for fewer chances for outside influence”. 

Realization dawned on the Lord of Winterfell.

“You speak of their futures, of what you wish for them. Not just what you wish to do now”. 

Rhaegar nodded in agreement. “You are a part of those plans, Ned. We plan on sending Aemon North with you when you depart the capital.”

Ned looked at him in surprise. Elia looked over to the two cradles on the other side of the room, she rose and walked over them. Gently as to not to wake him, she picked up Ameon and brought him close, sadness filling her expression. It was not an easy choice to send him away, but they both agreed. Lyanna’s son belonged in the North, away from influences of court.

For a time, at least. 

“We intend for children to be given every resource and advantage that we can give them. Just as we promised. But we’d also have them know the love of family. We’d have Aemon know the family of his mother.”

Ned, still looking at him in shock, was silent. 

“But let me speak, plainly. We will not be idle. Ser Arthur will go with Aemon. When he is of age, he will begin to squire and train with him. Over time we will send other members of the Kingsguard, the best warriors in Westeros, to train him as well. We will send him military thinkers and supply masters. Maesters to train in him the histories of Westeros and Essos. The histories of their wars and battles. Aemon will be the Sword of our house. Given every possible skill and every piece of knowledge we can give him so he can protect himself and his siblings.”

Elia, still holding and looking down at Aemon said “In time, he will be his brother's Hand. His sister's shield.” 

Ned looked to him again, then to Elia, his gaze finally falling on his nephew. 

Rhaegar, still looking at the the Lord of Winterfell, paused before he spoke again. What he said next, more than anything, had the possibility to create a bud of resentment between the man and himself. 

"There is one more thing we must tell you in regards to Aemon, Ned" Rhaegar said, his voice soft, tinged with the faint beginnings of sadness. 

Ned took his eyes from his nephew in Elia's arms and once again focused on Rhaegar, waiting for him to continue. 

"The realm stands at the swords edge. Now is the not the time for risks. I believe it best to keep secret my wedding to your sister. The faith has much and more influence, particularly in the Crownlands and the Reach. After my father saw to the destruction of the Great Sept, I fear the relationship between the Faith and the Crown is as weak as it was during the reign of Meagor. Announcing a second marriage would serve only to further weaken that relationship. It would also likely cause friction with the Dornish, seeing it as an attempt to supplant Elia. 

Ned appeared shocked for moment before he took the time consider the meaning behind Rhaegar's words. Once he did, his eyes widened. "Your Grace, you mean for Aemon to be raised a bastard?". 

Elia turned her gaze once more down to Aemon, who had begun to stir. Gently, she placed a finger on his had and immediately Aemon latched onto the finger with one small fist. 

It was then Elia spoke "In our eyes, he will always be a Targaryen. He will always be Stark as his mother was. But we must do all in our power to honor our promise to Lyanna. Declaring Aemon trueborn could serve to destabilize the Realm and create even more danger for he and his siblings. And he will not be raised as other bastards. He will be raised by the finest and most honorable knights and lords of the Seven Kingdoms. He will also know love. Love from his family and one day his friends". 

Rhaegar then spoke up "I know this is distasteful to you, Ned. Just as it is for me. But the coming months will be trying enough. Bringing aide and protection to the small folk effected directly by the war will be a large task. One that could be made easier with the help from the Faith." 

Rhagar's voice hardened then "You have my word, though, my lord. One day Aemon will be recognized as true born. His false bastardry will only be temporary. Aemon was born Aemon Targaryen of Houses Targaryen and Stark, no matter what his last name may be and for however short of a time. As Elia said, Aemon will be trained and taught by the best we can find. We will provide him with everything resource available to us". 

“And that is not all. We will be doing the same with Aegon and Rhaenys. They will also be trained and taught. When they are of age they will first foster with Aemon for a number of years, to grow their relationship. Then we will foster them until their majority in places that suit them best. That gives them even more advantages,” said Rhager 

Still looking at Aemon in Elia’s arms, Ned said quietly “And this is what my sister wanted? To have her son's path laid out for him before he can even walk or talk? To have the taint of bastardry upon him?  My sister was not one for having no choice” 

Rhaegar regarded the man. He was just as Lyanna described and not. There was a protectiveness to the man that even Lyanna did not describe fully. He had not known Aemon for a moon yet and already his son was a part of the Lord of Winters pack. 

Good. 

“It is a parent’s responsibility to guide and look after their children. For a King, even more so. We will provide the tools and knowledge. It will be up to the children on how to wield them”. 

This seemed to mollify the lord. He looked back at Rhaegar “Aye, I can agree to that.”

Rheagar sighed and relaxed. “I thank you, Ned. Lyanna told me a great deal of you to Elia and I in our time with her. There is no one else that we would trust with Aemon's safety. In time Aemon will be a Prince of the realm. I plan to rebuild and make Summerhall his seat. You will need to help him prepare for that day. There is no better man to teach him of honor and the duty of ruling.”

Ned seemed surprised by these words, by the trust that Rhaegar was showing him. It was not trust in him, not yet. It was in Lyanna’s words that Rhaegar trusted. 

Ned finally spoke after a pause “Aye, you have my word not that it’s needed. Aemon is my blood, I will protect him regardless.”

Later in the privacy of their room, Elia and Rhaegar stood looking out over the quiet capital. Rhaegar holding Aemon, Elia holding Aegon with Rhaenys slumbering in their bed. 

“Do you think we’re making a mistake, Rhaegar?” Elia said quietly. 

Still staring out over the city, gently rocking his son, he was silent for a time. 

Was it? Training Aemon to be the warrior of his House, to be a Hand to his brother. To train Aegon to be the finest ruler since the Conqueror. To make Rhaenys the finest and sharpest political mind in all the kingdoms. Three heads have the dragon. The future of their house. Would these plans rob them of their choices? Would they seek other paths? 

Finally breaking his silence he said 

 “No. As we said to Lord Stark. We guide and give them the means to forge their paths. But the way they are raised will be important. We will raise them with our desires for what we want them to be but we will also raise them with love, Elia. Love first and foremost. It is a path not often walked by members of my House. To our sorrow. But our children, they will know family then they will know duty. If they are anything like their parents, convincing them to protect one another will be a simple thing”. 

Gently moving a silver curl from Aegon's face his queen said “ I suppose you're right. I will miss him though, my love. So much. He is all we have left of her”. 

He made a small noise of assent. It pained him as well, sending away the last proof of his love for their winter wolf. But he’d still have his other children. He’d have Elia. 

He looked at his wife. Theirs was not a match of love at first. It was one that was meant to be an insult to Lord Tywin. They had fondness for each other, true, which grew with the birth of their children but it never grew into love. That had changed with Lyanna. Their she-wolf had bridged the gap between fondness and love and allowed Rhaegar to see Elia anew. Her quiet but fierce strength. Her love and protectiveness for her family and his children. Her quick wit and formidable mind hidden behind soft smiles and a small stature. But most importantly he saw how she loved. Fully and truly. No, it was no longer just fondness Rhaegar felt for his Sun Queen. 

“I know, my love. But he must needs be forged.”

Gazing down back at his son, he said 

“Forged into the Sword of the Dragon.”