Chapter Text
The Dragon Queen
Summary: Princess Rhaenys Targaryen survived the sacking of Kings Landing due to the planning of her father and the quick thinking of Ser Jaime Lannister, whom was guarding her at the time of the attack, who smuggles her to Ser Gerold and Ser Arthur who spirits her away to be raised in secret to protect her along with her baby brother. How will she grow up with her two loyal knights there to protect and teach her, along with a trusty spy in her corner. Read and find out.
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones or it’s characters. Just some of the plot, which mostly belongs to Game of Thrones.
Authors Note: This is a Rhaegar and Rhaenys lives, though neither father, nor daughter knows this, story. Please feel free to comment at the end, negative comments will be ignored. constructive criticism is welcome along with corrections. Enjoy.
The Escape
Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kings Guard was standing outside of the doors to what were once Prince Rhaegar Targaryen’s rooms in the Red Keep, guarding the young Princess who lay crying in her fathers bed, mourning.
Jaime has been guarding Princess Rhaenys since the day she was born almost four summers ago. He had held her even before her father had and had loved the young girl ever since.
Almost two moons ago, he had held the crying girl as her father had left to fight in a war that should never have gone on for as long as it did. He had been there when she woke screaming from one of her dreams that said that her father would fall. Though she had warned him of this, the Prince had gone anyway. He would not let others die in his place and would meet his death with honour and a clear conscience. Though Jaime had understood this, the three summers old Princess however, did not.
Flashback
“Pease look after her, Ser Jaime.” Prince Rhaegar had asked of him before he left with his men. “Though I ask that you also watch over my wife and son as well, my Rhaenys will be your priority. Make sure that she is safe.” He paused as he glanced at his weeping daughter in my arms. “Should I fall as she has predicted, take her to the tower of joy. There you will find Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Oswell Whent and Ser Gerold Hightower guarding my Lyanna. They will know what to do.”
“I will guard her with my very life.” Jaime swore to him as he gripped his Princess closer to his chest.
Rhaegar nodded before leaning forward to kiss his daughter on the forehead in farewell. “Geros ilas, tala. Avy jorrāelan” (Goodbye, daughter. I love you.)
“Avy jorrāelan tolī, kepa.” Was the whispered response, as she stared at him through tearful, amethyst eyes. Eyes that were identical to her fathers, along with the rest of her face, although she resembled the Queen more so. (I love you too, father.)
“Be brave Rhaenys, and listen to Ser Jaime.” He stepped back and mounted his horse and Rhaenys’ crying began anew. “Always remember the words of our family.”
“Fire and Blood.” She spoke through her cries and the Prince nodded with a proud smile.
“Fire and Blood.” He bent forward and ran his fingers along her cheek. “Always remember that you are a Targaryen as well as a Martell. We do not bend, we do not break and we do not yield.” He straightened once more and tightened his grip on the reigns of his horse. “For as long as you remember that, you will always be a true Dragon.” He looked to Jaime once more. “Should the need arise and you need to escape get to my rooms, I have packed a sack full of Rhaenys’ belongings. In it is my mothers first Tiara along with Dark Sister, which I wish for her to learn to use as soon as possible. My first three headed dragon brooch is in it along with the necklace I gifted Elia when we first started courting, the servants will bring a sack of food every three days until the time comes that you must leave. Behind the painting of Balerion is a passage, press the ruby in the top right corner. That will lead you to Elia’s rooms along with the nursery, if you are unable to save them then follow it til the end. Pull on the candle holder in the middle of the wall and another door will open close to the stables. From there you will be able to escape quickly.” Jaime nodded grimly and Rhaegar looked to his daughter for what will be the last time for a very long time and showed all of his love for her clearly on his face. “Goodbye, my sweet daughter. I love you more than anything in this world. I want you to know that everything that I do, is so that you can be safe.”
“I love you too, kepa.” She said through her tears as her father nodded to her knight before smiling at her on last time and leaving.
End flashback
Now here he stands, listening to the young Princess’s cries through the doors with a painful tightening in his chest as he was unable to help her.
It was only this morning that they received word that Prince Rhaegar had fallen in battle and Rhaenys has been inconsolable ever since. She had ran straight for her fathers rooms and hadn’t left since, not even when her mother came to bring her the mid day meal.
He was just debating whether or not to enter the rooms to try and speak to her when a frightened looking maid came rushing down the hall towards him.
“Ser Jaime, men have stormed the Keep and they bear your father’s armour. They are brutalising and slaughtering everyone that they come across unless they swear fealty to Robert Baratheon who has declared himself the new King after your father killed King Aerys.” Jaime grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the door and into the Prince’s rooms.
“Prince Rhaegar was prepared for this and set everything up for us to leave with the Princess. We must move quickly if we wish to make it to Princess Elia and Prince Aegon in time.” She nodded as he pulled the doors open and rushed inside, closing and locking the doors behind him. “Grab the sack on the desk, it’s filled with food and water.” He quickly rushed over to the chest at the bottom of the bed and pulled the sack filled with Rhaenys’ things as she sat up looking around in alarm at the two others in the room.
“Ser Jaime, what’s happening?” She got out of the bed, still fully dressed and pulled her sandals on before hurrying over to the knights side.
“The Red Keep has been invaded by some ver bad men Princess, I must get you out of here as your father asked of me and keep you safe. Elsa will come with us, you must stay with her if I am not near you for any reason, do you understand?” He asked the frightened young Princess and got a fearful nod in answer. “Very good.” He pressed the ruby in the top right corner of the painting of Balerion, the black dread and hurried them all inside the passage and pulled the door closed just as there was a bang on the outer doors of the room. “Keep quiet, do not make a sound until I say it’s okay.” He whispered as he lead them down the passage.
They found a large vent a few paces down that saw into Princess Elia’s room and saw that there was no-one in there, so they continued further down the passage until they found another vent which saw into Prince Aegon’s nursery. Jaime quickly grabbed Rhaenys and covered her mouth with his hand to prevent any noise she might have made at the gruesome sight. The young Prince was dead in his crib with his head caved in and her mother was being brutally raped by Ser Gregor Clegane and looked to be moments from death herself.
He quickly turned her away away from the vent and with a quick glance at the maid at his side, rushed further down the passage as silently as they could. Once they were far enough away from the nursery for their whispers to not be heard, he knelt on the ground in front of Rhaenys whilst keeping his hand over her mouth to muffle her cries.
“I’m sorry that you had to see that Princess, and I am even more sorry that I could not get to your mother and brother in time to save them. But you must be silent for now, once I get you to safety you can cry as much as you want. For now, I need you to be brave. Can you do that for me Princess?” He searched her face as she nodded her head, her tears a never ending stream down her face although she no longer made any noise and he nodded as he removed his hand. “We are almost to the end of the passage, from there we can get to the stables. We must move quickly as they will be looking for you now.” He moved her over to Elsa and pulled his sword from it’s sheath, ready for anything as he lead them to the end of the passage. He pressed his ear to the wall below the candle holder that would open the door and listened carefully for a moment, but could hear nothing on the other side. He didn’t know if that was a good thing or not.
“I too can fight if need be, Ser Jaime. I come from Dorne where all females are trained as warriors if they so wish. I am to teach the Princess to fight the Dornish way when it is possible.” Elsa whispered as she pulled a Dornish short sword from it’s sheath at her waist and he nodded as he stepped back and placed a hand on the candle holder.
“Stay back and keep her safe. If I should fall take her to the tower of joy and tell them what has happened here today. You will be safe there.” He waited until she nodded before raising his sword and pulling the candle holder.
He peered through the crack in the door, but saw no-one around and so rushed his companions through the gap and pulled it closed behind them. They quickly and quietly made their way towards the stables and were able to saddle their horses and leave through the woods uninterrupted. Rhaenys’ horse Obera, who was named for her favourite uncle who gifted her the horse for her third name day as she shared a name day with her, was quite young. She was just past three summers and would be carrying the sacks of clothes and food as Rhaenys didn’t want to leave her behind. They would reach the tower within three or four days if they didn’t stop too often.
The Tower of Joy
It took them eight full days to reach the tower as Jaime had to fend off multiple attacks along the away and even had to kill four of his own cousins in order to protect the young Princess.
When they reached the tower, they came in from behind and it was just in time to see a fight break out between Eddard Stark and Ser Arthur with Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell off to the side with his hand on his sword, ready to draw.
“Stop this, there’s no need for this fighting.” Jaime called out as he stepped forward, causing everyone to halt.
“Ser Jaime.” Ser Arthur stepped forward with Ser Gerold at his back and Ser Oswell keeping an eye on their enemies. “How did you find us? This location was kept secret.”
“We heard that you had deserted.” Ser Gerold spoke with a slight sneer.
“I did nothing of the sort.” He gestured behind him to Rhaenys and Elsa who stepped forward. “I am fulfilling my last orders from Prince Rhaegar before he went off to fight.” Rhaenys stepped closer to Jaime and hid slightly behind him.
“Is that Princess Rhaenys?” Ser Arthur asked, shocked.
“Princess Elia and Prince Aegon were killed before I could reach them, but I was already guarding Princess Rhaenys when the siege started. I had to fend off multiple attacks from my own family along the way to fulfil my promise to the Prince.” He reached behind him and pulled the young Princess to his side where she could clearly be seen by the others.
“And your orders were?” Ser Arthur asked, calming slightly along with Ser Gerold.
“To bring her here to you for protection. I was to retrieve the others if I could but she was to be my main priority and after seeing what they did to Princess Elia and Prince Aegon, I am glad I was able to get her out in time.”
“What was done to them?” This time it was Ned Stark who spoke up and Jaime frowned at him before dropping his eyes to Rhaenys then lifted them back to the young Lord.
“Elsa, why don’t you take the Princess for something to eat.” He turned and crouched in front of the traumatised girl. “Go with Elsa and have some food and water, I will come get you when I’m finished here.”
“No.” She shrieked and threw herself at him. “What if more bad men come, don’t leave me.”
“I’m not going anywhere Princess.” He soothed and lightly pried her small body from his person. “I’ll be right here with Ser Arthur and Ser Gerold, I’ll be close enough to get to you should anything happen. Go on.” He nodded towards Elsa and stood when she hesitantly made her way over to her and sat on the log and began to nibble on the piece of bread she was given with Ser Owsell, who had followed them over, standing guard over them. He sighed as he stood once more before turning to face the others, who all wore concerned expressions on their faces and gestured for them to move back a little bit more.
“Prince Rhaegar had everything set up for the Princess’s escape before he left. He had clothes, food and a few personal items packed for her and ready to go.” Jaime sighed as he glanced at Rhaenys before turning to face Ser Arthur. “He had hoped that I would be able to save them all, but since I was primarily Princess Rhaenys’ guard, he knew the chances were slim. He told me to try, but if I had one or both of the children with me, I wasn’t to risk my life to save whoever was left. It was pure chance that I was so close to the escape route and the provisions that were inside the Prince’s rooms. We got word of the Prince’s death that morn and Princess Rhaenys had fled to her fathers rooms to mourn him. I was guarding outside the doors when Elsa came running down the halls and told me that my father and his men were sacking the city and the castle, killing and brutalising any who didn’t swear allegiance to Robert Baratheon. I immediately grabbed the sack the Prince packed and we fled into the secret passage just before they entered the Prince’s rooms.” Jaime paused and took a deep breath to steady himself and stared off into the trees as he continued to speak. “When we reached the entrance in the passage that lead to Princess Elia’s rooms they were empty so we continued to the entrance to Prince Aegons nursery. I wasn’t able to grab the Princess quick enough to stop her from seeing inside. Prince Aegon was on the ground and there was blood everywhere, his head had beed caved in and Princess Elia was on the chaise lounge. She was alive but barely, Ser Gregor Clegane was in there with her. He was brutally raping her, she had been viciously beaten as well. When he was finished with her, he stabbed her to death with his sword.” He inhaled deeply before giving his full attention to the horrified men once more. “I do not know how much the young Princess saw, but I do know that it was too much. I also know that Robert and his ilk can never get their hands on her for I fear what is in store for her if they do. I heard talk of a bounty for the young Princess offered up by the usurper King Robert himself.” The last part was said with a sneer towards Ned, it was well know that he was loyal to the great brute.
“We serve the house of Targaryen, we will die for her.” Ser Arthur said after he regained control of his churning stomach, Ser Gerold nodding along with him, still looking a little green.
“Lord Stark, you need to know that Prince Rhaegar did not kidnap your sister.” He turned to face Ned and quickly cut him off when he went to speak. “She did not want to marry Robert since he treated her so poorly and had already fathered three bastards that we know of. They married in secret and she sent you a letter once it was done so that you would know the truth. Princess Elia knew and approved. She wanted more children but was unable to carry them herself for the risk to her life was too great. I do not know why the letter never reached you but it is one of the things that I will find out when I return to Kings Landing.”
“You are returning?” Ser Arthur asked, shocked. “What about the Princess?”
“It is for her that I am doing this.” He looked over to the Princess who was staring into the fire that Elsa had built with a vacant expression. He gave a meaningful look to Ser Arthur and flicked his eyes to Ned who looked deep in thought. He nodded in understanding.
“Lord Stark, your sister is in the tower.” He gestured over to the tower behind him and Ned immediately ran for the entrance.
“Not only do I need to know why Lord Stark never received that letter, which is the cause for the war and the reason for all of this death, but I also need to be there to warn you of any word I hear about Princess Rhaenys. My father will never allow for me to be killed, especially if I come up with a believable story.” He looked back to Ser Arthur and Ser Gerold. “I swore my life for hers and the best thing I can do for her right now is leave her with you and go back to the Red Keep and warn you when I can, what better way to protect her then to be on the inside. I know it is dishonourable but I will do it for her and for the late Prince. I will also get word to Ser Barristan about the Princess, he will want to know. He may even join you.”
“Very well.” Ser Arthur nodded. “You must be very cautious with this task for if anyone learns of your true allegiance, it will be your head and I want a letter at least once a moon to let us know that you are not dead. The Princess is quite attached to you.” Jaime nodded before remembering something else.
“One more thing.” He spoke lowly, the two knights looked at him curiously but leaned forward slightly to hear him better. “In her sack along with clothes and gold and jewels to buy more clothes for her as she grows, is Queen Rhaella’s first tiara, a necklace Prince Rhaegar gave to Princess Elia when they began courting and Prince Rhaegar’s first three headed dragon brooch so that she has something with her from each of them. Dark Sister is also in the sack and he wanted her to be taught how to wield it as soon as possible. I added my first dagger to the collection, since I can’t be with her to protect her, then maybe the dagger will serve her well. Elsa will teach her everything she needs to know about her family along with High Valyrian and anything else that she needs to know.”
“I will see that it is done.” Ser Arthur nodded and Jaime stepped back.
“Let me know if you ever need anything for her and I will see that you get it in a timely manner. Now, I must say goodbye to the Princess and explain to her why I must go.” Both knights nodded and stepped back, already discussing everything they had just learned.
“Princess.” He spoke in a low voice as he knelt before her and waited until he had her full attention. “I must return to the Red Keep in order to keep you safe. I want you to stay with Ser Arthur, Ser Oswell and Ser Gerold, they will protect you.” She threw her arms around his neck and started to cry.
“I don’t want you to go.” He closed his eyes and hugged her back for a moment before easing her back.
“I must, Princess. It is the best way to keep you safe. They know that you escaped alive but they do not know where you are or how you escaped. I need to be there if they learn of where you are, or anything about you. You will one day be Queen of the seven kingdoms and I intend to live to be a part of your guard, but first I must make sure you are safe enough to learn everything you need to know before retaking your throne from the usurper.” He told her, believing wholeheartedly that it would happen.
“Will I ever see you again?” She asked in a small voice.
“I hope so.” He told her, not wanting to make a promise that he wasn’t sure he could keep. “For I wish to see you crowned Queen and I will do everything in my power to see it happen.” He placed a quick kiss on her head before he stood. “I must go now. Be good for Elsa and the knights, learn everything you can from them. Elsa has everything you need in the sacks and the knights will contact me if there is anything else you need. Goodbye, Princess.” He bowed to her as he took a step back.
“Goodbye, Ser Jaime.” She gave him a small smile with tears streaming down her face. “I will miss you.” He gave her one last smile before mounting his horse, nodding to his brothers, who had moved over to the Princess to guard her, before disappearing back the way they came.
Ser Jaime had just disappeared from sight when Lord Stark exited the tower with tears streaming down his face and a baby in his arms. He made his way over to the knights and the Princess, he knelt before her and showed her the baby.
“Princess Rhaenys, I would like you to meet your brother. My sister named him Aegar before she passed, in honour of your late father and brother.” He told her in a soft voice, watching as she carefully ran her fingers over his head.
“He’s very small and squishy and he has black hair like muña did.” Ned smiled at this. (Mother) Rhaenys looked every bit like her father with his white gold hair and deep amethyst eyes, though she inherited her mothers delicate nose, chin and petiteness. Whilst Aegar was the exact opposite, inheriting his mother’s looks with his father nose, chin and colouring, though ned was of the opinion that he would inherit his father’s height too.
“Yes. His mother, my sister, also had black hair.” She smiled and gave Aegar a small kiss on the cheek and held his small hand in hers.
“Rytsas valonqar, issa brōzi iksos Rhaenys.” She smiled as she spoke, happy to still have some living family. “Nyke aōha rōva mandia.” Ned looked up at the knights who were all watching the interaction and the men surrounding them. (Hello little brother, my name is Rhaenys. I am your big sister.)
“I’m going to set you up in Moat Cailin.” He told them with a severe expression. “It will need some work done but it is inhabitable and situated in the North and under my protection. No one can know where the Princess is and no one can know about my nephew until such a time that they can adequately protect themselves. I will have a wet nurse sent to you to feed Aegar and have supplies regularly sent until you are able to grow your own, though it must always look as though it is uninhabited.”
“You are willing to betray your usurping friend who declared himself King and protect two Targaryen children who are the rightful heirs to the throne?” Ser Gerold asked, incredulously.
“Lyanna told me what happened before she passed and asked that I protect her son. She truly loved Prince Rhaegar and died birthing his son.” He looked down at the babe in his arms before looking at the knights once more. “I will protect her son and the Princess with my life if need be. No child should be condemned to death for no other reason than the name they bare. I would take them with me to Winterfell but word would reach Robert and the Lannisters and I can’t let that happen. Giving you Moat Cailin is the best I can do to offer them protection as no one lives there and no one visits. My men will be sworn to secrecy or it will be their heads and their families banished. We must leave now so that I can lead you there and then I will bury my sister in Winterfell.”