A tale: Reborn in Westeros

Chapter 35

Daenerys Targaryen ~ Dragonstone

I am exhausted. It took a lot out of me to give birth to Rhaella, but two lovely children at the same time... it drains the energy out of you. However, the joy of seeing them is worth any effort. Their soft small innocent faces, their small hands... my children bring peace and joy to my heart. I only wish was that Alex was here to see his newborn son and daughter. His absence leaves a hole in my heart.

From my bed, I look out of the window towards the sea. I hope to see the ships of Yara. Hoping to get my husband back. I know it is foolish to think they return so soon. Over the last couple of days, I barely heard anything about Alex, which worries me deeply. The last thing I heard was that they were nearing Starfall. I sigh deeply as I feel my bed dip slightly. As I turn to my left to see what it is, I begin to smile as I see Rhaella trying to climb on my bed.

I pull Rhaella next to me, and she worms her way under the sheets, snuggling in my side. "Daddy?" Rhaella asks. I gently and affectionately squeeze Rhaella. "He will come back home soon, love. We just have to wait patiently," I answer. "I miss him," she says softly. That makes my heart clench. I turn on my side, so I am fully embracing her with my arms. "I know. I miss him too," I say softly.

—
Aegon Targaryen ~ The Citadel

Days went by as we arrived in the Citadel. I was brought in and given a private room. My surface wounds have healed, but my bones are still healing according to the measters. During most days, I am being taken care of by one of the higher ranking measters. Only sometimes, I get routinely checked by some of the lower rankings members of the citadel.

As my hand moves to the parchment, it is shaking heavily as I hold the quill. My eyes are being pricked by tears as I try to write a letter. God, even this is so painful. I write two words before my hand gives out and slumps next to me. "Damn..." I hiss out as the pain slowly subsides. The door opens, and a young man walks in with a trolley. He is on the heavier side, but one of the few with a good heart. Samwell Tarly.

"Your Grace," he greets me as he stops near my bed. "Sam, thank you once again for taking care of me." He smiles softly. "My pleasure, Your Grace. How are you feeling?" He asks as his hand motions to asks for permission. I nod and he starts examining me. "A lot of pain still, but at least I can breathe more easily and move a bit." He nods as he examines my limbs and chest thoroughly.

"Your bones are mending well. Give it a few more days. Luckily, your cuts weren't deep and did not get infected," he says largely to himself as he finishes. "Writing a letter?" he asks. "Yes, to my wife. I can barely write, however. The pain..." I answer softly as I look at the barely written letter. Sam clears his throat a bit. "Shall I write it for you?" He asks hesitantly. "Please... I want to ease Daenerys by telling her I am alive," I almost plead to Sam. He chuckles as he sits down, taking the paper and quill.

As Sam finishes the letter, I let out a sigh. "Thank you, Sam. I am very grateful for the help," I say to him. "Of course, Your Grace. I'll make sure to send the letter right away," he says, and starts to prepare to leave. "Sam?" He turns to me again. "If you need any assistance from me, ask and I will provide." He shuffles a bit before he nods. "Thanks, you should rest, Your Grace. I'll return in a few hours with dinner," Sam says. "Thanks." I lay back down in the pillows for some rest and sleep.

Sam opens the door to leave, but stops. "If I may impose, but may I ask something of you?" he says hesitantly. "Of course, what is it?" He plays nervously with his finger. "May I include a message for Daenerys in your letter? I want to ask her for permission to mine for dragonglass," Sam says.

I chuckle as I look at him. "You already wrote it in my letter, no? So, why ask?" I say with a chuckle. A nervous sweat is accumulating on his forehead. "I-I'm sorry, Your Grace. I will write a new one without my-" Sam rambles. "Sam, I know about the dead. It's fine. Jon can mine for dragonglass on Dragonstone. Daenerys will comply if I ask for it." Sam sighs in relief. "Thank you, Your Grace." I smile softly. "And Sam? Next time, ask first before doing it. I am not like most lords and ladies," I say. Sam nods vigorously. "Good. I better get some rest, I want to move around as soon as possible again." Sam nods as he moves his trolley out of the room and closes the door.

~ Days later ~

It took a long time and a lot of effort to get back on my feet. As I walk around in my room to gather my items, it makes me grateful that I am able to walk again. When I was almost ready to leave, the door opens and Samwell walks in. He seems rather frustrated. "Sam, what's wrong?" I ask him. "You once told me I could come to you if I ever needed your assistance. I'd like to call on that help. If possible," he says.

"Hmm, you want access to the books you are not permitted to read?" I ask. He sheepishly nods as he stands there. "Okay, let's go." Sam raises his eyebrows in surprise. "What? You will help me without asking what I am trying to do?" He asks. "Yes, I already told you I know of the dead, Sam. These maesters call themselves wise, but in truth I find them more akin to arrogant old men," I explained as I walk out the room with Sam. "Where to?" I ask. "Oh, this way," Sam says as he starts to lead me through the halls.

As we walk through the many hallways, we eventually end up in a room with several bookcases. A large table cluttered with scrolls and books at one side. On the other is a desk, also filled with paper and books. At the desk sits an older man that is reading some papers. He wears gray robes and a heavy chain with different types of links.

When we walk in, he looks up and eyes us curiously. "Samwell Tarly, explain to me why you've come here with a former patient?" Samwell was about to answer, but I stopped him by placing a hand on his shoulder. "As king of the Seven Kingdoms, I grant Samwell Tarly the right to be given the books he requested from the restricted section," I informed the Archmeaster. He in turn raises an eyebrow.

"Curious. How come you believe the statements made by Samwell?" He asks. Sam seems uncomfortable as he watches me converse with his teacher. "A better question is why you and your fellow old men are so blind to miss the signs. I don't expect you to believe me or Samwell about the dead. He is getting the books whether you give him permission or not."

"That's not in your power to decide. We serve the realm and you're..." I cut the old man off. "It seems I was unclear. I am only here to inform you about what will happen, not to ask what you think. Have a good day. Samwell, lead me to your books. We will return the books when the dead are defeated, Archmeaster of Arrogance," I say and leave the room. Samwell hurriedly follows me. "Do you have a key?" I ask. Sam nods. "Good, then let's get those books and leave this place."

Sam hurriedly leads me to the section with the books he wants. I follow him to make sure no one stops him. Several measters and acolytes eye us in confusion. Sam opens the gate and takes all the books he needs. As he puts the last book in his satchel, we leave the Citadel for good.

—

Sam walks next to me as we walk out through the gate. For some reason, the Archmeaster did not put out an alarm or notified the guards. He either submitted to my authority or has a soft spot for Samwell. "Sam, where will you be going?" I ask him. "To the North, Your Grace. I have to help Jon Snow as much as I can," he explained. "Very well, I wish you the best of luck. Inform Jon that his brother says hi," I say with a smile. "Brother?" Sam asks confused. "Mhm, he's my brother. Rhaegar and Lyanna's son. It's written in one of the books, I think. Have a safe trip, Sam. I hope to see you again some day."

Sam smiles a little. "I have read that diary that talks about the marriage. It's good to know he has family. I will make sure he knows, Your Grace." I hug the big man. "Thank you, Sam. You are a good man. Stay safe and be yourself," I say. Sam smiles softly before turning around to walk away. Most likely towards his lover. They should marry, really. They are a cute couple. I take a breath and let it out. The war is still raging and I want to see my children. In a fast pace, I walk to the dock. Making my way to Daenerys.