The Return of the True Dragon

Prologue

Kings Landing

It had been three days since Elia had received the news that she had dreaded the most: her husband, Prince Rhaegar, had passed away on the Trident, along with her uncle, Prince Lewyn Martell of the Kingsguard. The fact that her husband's attempt to settle things with the rebels had been unsuccessful was obvious. He had always been a bit more of a dreamer than someone aware of the real world, and his choice to take the Stark whore, had not been carried out appropriately.

She feared for her children Rhaenys and Aegon, as well as for her goodmother, who was pregnant and would soon be giving birth. However, when the King was informed of the death of his eldest son, he responded with wrath and set fire to the individual who had conveyed the message. Her concern emerged from the fact that it appeared like Aerys would next turn his attention to her and her children. The fact that she could not allow that to continue was a source of real worry for Elia. Arthur, the steadfast ally of her husband, stood by her side as she faced the weighty choice of meeting the Master of Whispers. From an unexpected origin emerged the enigmatic figure known as Lord Varys. All she knew of him was that he hailed from distant lands and possessed an uncanny ability to uncover secrets about everyone in the realm.

They found themselves hidden away in a shadowy space of the castle, a place where even the boldest would hesitate to search, while Arthur lingered nearby, ever watchful.

Elia: To what extent are you familiar with the rebels and the movements that they engage in?

The eunuch glanced at her for a time before speaking in a low voice.

Varys: Robert Baratheon basks in the glory of his hard-fought triumph. And the young prince Aegon poses risks that are too grave to guarantee his safety. He will seek his demise by any means necessary to claim the throne. And Tywin Lannister is on his way towards Kings Landing.

Elia: The old lion has, at long last, made up his mind on whose side he will support.

Varys: Indeed, he has my princess. He's practical, and Aerys humiliated him too much for him to do anything other than support the rebels. One possibility is that his daughter will become queen. Baratheon may be betrothed to Lyanna Stark, but she'll be impure and he may not want her when he finds out. Cersei has a chance to be the next queen.

Elia takes a deep breath, she is aware of Tywin's reputation, and she has often questioned the reasons why Rhaegar was willing to deal with him.

Elia: Furthermore, this does, of course, imply that we shall be removed from this planet by the use of force. I can't let my children go through that kind of suffering. I will not sacrifice their lives so they can become martyrs for this war.

Varys: In light of this, it is something to be thankful for that I have been able to locate suitable replacements for him. A little boy from Pisswater was sold by his father in exchange for a jug of Arbor gold. Although his father had other boys, he had never tried Arbor gold before having sold him.

Elia: What about Rhaenys?

Varys: I'm sorry, Princess Elia, but finding someone matching Princess Rhaenys appearance was difficult. But I also possess a captain for the vessel, a loyal friend of mine, and he shall comply with my commands. So, my lady, I implore you, to make haste. We are running short on time to prepare all of his belongings and get them aboard before questions start to arise.

The eunuch then comes out of the chamber and utters something after glancing at her.

Varys: You have not made this sacrifice in vain, my princess; it is all for a good reason. When your son is out on his travel, you can rest assured that he will be safe and well taken care of.