Fatebringer | Viserys Targaryen

Chapter 24

Their rooms were warm.

Daenerys had come to Ysira's chambers, not because she was cold, but because she was too excited to sleep. With a playful sigh, Ysira allowed her to sit on her bed while she got to writing Viserys a letter telling him that they'd arrived in the North, the White Walkers were real, and soon they'd be going to the Wall to subdue the wildlings.

"No wonder Melisandre said Jon wished to unite the wildlings with the Northern houses," muttered Ysira. "They're already on the dangerous side of the Wall and we're going to need every fighter we can muster. After this, there can be no delay. We must seize the Crownlands as soon as possible to unite our people under one purpose. Only the word of the King could influence everyone to come to the North for this battle."

Daenerys tucked her hands under her head, rolling around on the bed. "Then, he really is the Prince Who Was Promised."

"He still thinks that's you," said Ysira. "And for that matter, so do I. His words may be what officially move the people from their homes towards danger but he'll be sitting that throne because of your dragons and everyone will know it. The Northerners had already heard of our reputation before we arrived. Of us defeating Stannis and his Velaryon allies without any difficulty. The dragons are a great force to be reckoned with."

"Yes, they are," said Daenerys. She was silent, then asked, "Is it true there is a Maester at the Wall? A Maester from our family?"

"So I've heard," said Ysira. "Aemon Targaryen, brother to your great-grandsire, King Aegon the Fifth. Named after Aemon the Dragonknight. His brother Aegon squired for Ser Duncan the Tall, as you well know. Maester Aemon was offered the Crown after the death of his father, King Maekar, but refused it. I think Rhaegar used to send him letters, though I'm not sure that information is entirely true."

"Do you think he will be happy to see me? To see the dragons?"

"I can't imagine he would be otherwise, my sweet Dany. You are someone I think most people would adore knowing. A bright ray of light in this sea of darkness." She reached onto the bed to caress Daenerys's cheek. "We'll greet him once our mission is complete."

"Ysira," said Daenerys, "I am glad I was able to grow up with you as my sister. Practically my mother. And I am glad you will stay close to the family by marrying Viserys."

"I am glad, too," said Ysira quietly. "You are much better company than Arianne."

The next day consisted only of mobilizing themselves. Robb sent ravens to all his vassals, having already told them the importance of this fight at the Wall. Some men were being sent from each house to aid Jon and would likely arrive before they did. Now that Sansa was home, Robb was delighted to be able to participate in the battle. Their saying was that there must always be a Stark in Winterfell, and Sansa could be that Stark.

They packed themselves provisions that included some livestock to sustain the dragons until they arrived. They'd be moving quickly on horseback, and surmised Balerion and Meraxes were going to need to wait until the Wall for a proper meal– they could feast on the dead wildlings if they so wished. Robb left Sansa and Queen Roslin in charge of the castle, guarded by several loyal men who would not dream of letting anything happen to their king. Within a matter of days, they set off to help Jon.

As they rode, Ysira couldn't help but notice the way Daenerys could so easily carry a conversation with everyone. She and Robb spoke like old friends, and it made Ysira wonder whether they would have been happy together if they had had to marry. Daenerys certainly seemed to think Robb as handsome as everyone claimed he was, and he definitely had a charismatic air that she would enjoy. His devotion to his family was tremendous, and Ysira had seen how comfortable Queen Roslin looked beside Robb, as if he treated her well and brought her out of her comfort zone.