The Sea Snake and the Queen who never was - Jonothor Targaryen - The Green Dragon

Hello Everyone!

To read early

Chapter 11 : 'A Disgusting Duty'

Chapter 12 : 'The Monster of Dragonstone'

Chapter 13: 'Bastard'

Chapter 14: 'The Scheming Mind of a Targaryen Prince'

Chapter 15: 'The Patriarch of House Targaryen'

Chapter 16: 'Silver Hair'

Chapter 17: 'The Boy who loved his family'

Chapter 18: 'Dragons, Dreams and Children'

Chapter 19: 'Lovely loving sisters."

Chapter 20: 'The Duty of a Prince'

Chapter 21: 'Tormented Dragons'

Chapter 22: 'A Dragon has many desires'

Chapter 23: 'Powerless'

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w w w . p a t r(e)on (slash) MonsieurLAH

Enjoy reading !

Chapter X : The Sea Snake and the Queen who never was

Corlys Velaryon, Lord of Driftmark, was looking at the young Targaryen Prince who had arrived on Dragonstone a few weeks ago with a critical eye. Since his son had married Rhaenyra Targaryen, the Sea Snake had known that the succession of his good daughter would be challenged, by none other than this boy, who was wearing the same rags the dragon keepers wore and carrying the fresh clutch Meleys had brought in a cave near High Tide. Jonothor Targaryen had often been on Corlys' mind since Laenor's marriage. All the compliments the boy had received, all the propaganda Otto Hightower had made from Oldtown while his grandson was growing, had not fallen on deaf ears. The Lord of Driftmark had kept a close eye on the prince, wondering if he would turn greedier like Maegor had turned eighty years ago. At first, Corlys had thought that tales about the boy were exaggerated, for Otto was not above amplifying rumors when it served him. But his contacts in King's Landing had assured him that the Prince was what people said he was: a prodigy. The Sea Snake's blood had turned cold when he had learned this. Rhaenyra's position was frail enough despite Jacaerys' birth, the fact that the King's firstborn son was already being compared to Jaehaerys or Aegon the Conqueror would weaken her claim even further. Yet, the boy's behavior had interpellated the Lord of Driftmark. Jonothor was said to be good, honorable and loving. The fact that he had insisted on being on his sister's side while she was giving birth and was taking time to read to his nephew was proof enough. There was a chance that the boy was a vile and cunning liar, but Corlys doubted that a boy of nine could be as vile as discreet. Actions mattered more than words and Jonothor Targaryen, who had been sent here for defending a brother and attacking another, was proving his worth in the eyes of Lord Velaryon with each passing day. Corlys had started his career as a sailor as a humble member of his uncle's crew. "A man's worth is earned through sweat and blood." His father, Corwyn, had taught him decades ago, Corlys had never forgotten those words. The Sea Snake had a hard time fathoming how a man such as Otto Hightower could have a grandson like Jonothor, but again, it was hard enough to imagine a man as legendary as Jaehaerys the Wise to have been sired by Aenys the Weak.

Corlys thought about the letter Rhaenyra had sent him, asking him to take care of her brother for her, promising he was a good boy that deserved the best. Originally, the Lord of Driftmark had felt insulted by her request, now, he started to wonder if the bond between sister and brother was strong enough to survive the Game of Thrones. In any case, Corlys considered him to be interesting and hardworking enough to teach him. Wether Jonothor would end up being an enemy or an ally was irrelevant at the moment for he was still a boy, and monsters were not born, they were made.

The Sea Snake had spent days observing him, in order to see his talent, intelligence and humility for himself. Today, as Jonothor was listening to the words of the Dragon Keepers and bowing his head in respect, Corlys had made his decision moments before his wife had come to join him at the window of his solar, where he had been observing the Prince.

"What do you make of this boy?" Rhaenys asked.

Her tone had remained neutral, she had always been good at hiding how she truly felt.

"He seems to be a good lad, humble, yet better than the other boys his age. Maegor was said to be cruel at the youngest age, I have seen no cruelty in this boy's did you see?"

"Melancholy." She said, her eyes on her nephew. "This is very strange; I do not think I have ever seen a child this age with such a look."

Corlys stroke his beard with interest.

"Rhaenyra and his mother are very protective of him. How could two sides of a conflict be fond of the same person?"

Rhaenys rolled her eyes, her husband perceived life as a competition. He often thought too much.

"I believe the answer is quite simple: the boy loves his entire family and has jumped in the middle of their battlefield, trying to prevent bloodshed. He is trying to extinguish the embers of war before it turns into an inferno. And to do that, he tries to carry the hatred of his mother and sister on his shoulders."

"That is preposterous, my love. How could a child that age be so aware of his family's affairs?"

"I do not know, Corlys, do you honestly believe that there is another explanation? Look at him, dutiful, humble, yet a prodigy in every way. This boy is not like the others; a usurper is not humble."

"You are right." Her husband nodded as Jon was sent to fish in order to feed Meleys and Ghost. "He is a dragon though, otherwise the King would not have sent him on this island."

Rhaenys nodded.

"He will bring Fire and Blood to those who harm his loved ones, even if they are his blood."

"But what if some of his loved ones were to harm each other?" Corlys asked with interest."Who would he chose to side with?"

The Queen who never was close her eyes in resignation.

"Against the one that attacked first, if he is half as honorable as his white cloak believes him to be."

Corlys snorted in dismay. Ser Criston Cole had followed his Prince to Dragonstone, then to Driftmark. The Kingsguard had been seen in the courtyard teaching Jonothor and defeating the most fearsome knights of House Velaryon. The Sea Snake had seen the arrogance in the Stormlander's eyes, who had been wise enough to keep his foul mouth shut. He only bragged about his Prince, though, with a moderate tone.

Speaking of Ser Criston, Corlys saw him following his Prince to the boat that would soon depart, he had taken his armor off and seemed to be enjoying himself as he ruffled the boy's hair, earning a smile and a punch.

"Any news from Daemon and Laena?" He asked as they disappeared in the stairs.

Rhaenys sighed. If there was one man she wished her daughter had never married, it would have been Daemon. But after the sheer torture Laena had suffered during her ten years long betrothal with Belo of Braavos, she was done listening to her parents.

"Laena's pregnancy is stable, according to the healers in Pentos, she is expecting twins."

Her husband marveled at the news.

"Good, Daemon would rather die than pick Hightower's side. After they are born, they should return here, to High Tide."

Rhaenys agreed, she missed her only daughter dearly, she only feared her cousin's reaction if he and Jonothor were to meet on their lands… The boy was his nephew, but Daemon's ambition was well known.

"What are you going to do with Jonothor?" She asked her husband.

"I will teach him." He said as his smile grew larger. " I would find nothing more pleasant than to take Otto's prodigy from under his nose."

"Corlys…"

"I know, my love, I know." He chuckled. "Had I been younger, I would have planned a new voyage just to test him. But I cannot leave our house for so long." He turned to smile at her. "What about you? Will you teach him?"

Rhaenys shook her head, she was not exactly fond of this boy, but to prevent internal struggle within her house, perhaps it would be for the best if she were to spend some time with him. No one can teach a Targaryen better than another.

" I will consider it." She said, and the conversation was over.

(-)(-)(-)

Humiliated, Aegon had been humiliated, broken, destroyed, Jonothor had taken everything away from him, what little he had left him since they were born, and everything he had earned by himself through the years.

The Maester had told him that his wrist would heal, but feared he would never be as good with a sword as he had become. Aegon had felt his heart being squeezed when he heard that, Jon had made sure he would always be the better twin, he had broken him. Aegon had cried himself to sleep many times after hearing the diagnosis. His wrist had tortured him, preventing him from finding comfort in his dreams. Only the milk of the poppy could soothe the nightmare that had become his life. His mother had visited him, probably to try to atone for favoring Jonothor over him. He had sent her away, screaming like a wounded boar, he thought he had seen her cry but he had not cared.

Neither Helaena nor their father had visited him, which had not been surprising, but Aemond, freaking Aemond had shown himself, with his bruised face and crooked smile. He had had a stick in his hand, and, without uttering a single word, had taken advantage of the fact that the milk of the poppy had flogged his mind to attack him from a distance. Aegon waved his hand to defend himself, but he was so weak he could not have fended off a fly, let alone his dreadful six-year-old brother. Aemond had tortured him for almost ten minutes until a kingsguard had walked in to take him to their father, where he would barely be reprimanded.

Aegon hated them all, his useless father, his hypocrite of a mother, his stupid sister, his pest of a little brother, and his abominable twin. He would have his revenge on them all, that he vowed.

(-)(-)(-)

As strange as it sounded, Jonothor ended up liking his exile away from King's Landing and the viper's nest that was the Red Keep. Waking up early, wearing simple clothes, eating a modest meal, taking care of the Dragons, fishing, training and reading. This was a simple life, a relaxing life. Not without worries though, Jon still feared what would happen in the capital without him to watch over his entire family. Ser Harwin Strong was dead, yet Rhaenyra had still given birth to a bastard and could keep spreading her legs if loneliness clung to her. He needed to find a way to prevent her from making another mistake. Jace could pass as some kind of albino should he be surrounded by valyrian siblings. Or perhaps… Perhaps his looks could be buried behind the overprotective shadow of his entire family. Something like this would take years of service to Jon, but he was willing to do it if it prevented a Dance.

When Ser Criston and he came back from their little fishing trip, their nets were filled with all kinds of fish and a satisfied smile had appeared on both their sweating faces. The prince could tell that his sworn shield was as fond of this new life as he was, the luxury of the Court was marvelous the first day, but stifling when it surrounded your daily life. Both kingsguard and Prince despised laziness.

"Do you believe the Red Queen will be satisfied with your gift, my prince?" The Stormlander laughed.

"I certainly hope so, efforts do not matter to a hungry dragon if its stomach is not filled."

"Then I pray to the seven that she will not find you tastier."

"You should pray to the Seven that she never finds out what I taste like."

"My mistake." He chuckled.

They docked on nightfall and transported their cargo to the nearest carts, yet they stopped once they spotted the Queen who never was, standing in the light of the torches that lit alongside the stairs. She looked like a ghost in the twilight.

"Princess." Ser Criston and Jon bowed.

The Dragon Keepers did the same.

"Jonothor, I wish to speak with you privately."

She turned and started climbing the stairs, Jon sighed, nodded an apology to Ser Criston and hurried to catch up to her.

"What can I do for you, dear aunt?"

"How is your High-Valyrian?"

"As good as its always been, I am not out of practice thanks to the Dragon Keepers."

"Good. Tell me, how are things at Court?"

Jonothor rose an eyebrow.

"That is not what you really want to ask, is it? You probably have more than enough spies to know more than I do about court business."

Rhaenys stopped and looked at him sternly, Jon held her gaze.

"You are rather blunt."

"I do not like to beat around the bush." He genuinely answered. "I do not mean to be rude, I simply detest the way court members speak and had hoped that I would not find it away from King's Landing."

Rhaenys sighed.

"I fear you will be sorely disappointed, for everyone speaks like this in the Seven Kingdoms."

"Not in the North." He thought. "Can't we speak plainly when we are alone and family?"

The Queen who never was, stared at him with a suspicious glare, she wondered if this boy had an idea in the back of his head or if his request was genuine. In both cases however, it would be ridiculous to not speak plainly.

"Very well nephew, I will humor you; how is our family doing?"

"All of them?"

"All of them."

Jon considered hiding some details for a moment but chose against it.

"Well… Father is… sicker everyday, the Maester considered taking his left arm off but takes the time to measure his decision."

Rhaenys grimaced at the thought, Viserys was the Fifth Targaryen King, far from being the best, he was the only one who had not fought a war during his rule. The Gods had been harsh on him.

"Rhaenyra is lonely." Jon had expected a reaction from his aunt but she remained impassive, so he struck harder. "She spends her time taking care of Jacaerys and helping Father and Lord Lyonel rule. She stopped trying to look for Laenor after Jace's birth. My brother-in-law being too busy drinking with squires and young knights."

Perhaps he should have thought twice before taunting the rider of the Red Queen, for her glare sent shivers down his spine.

"Laenor seems happy, though." He added and Rhaenys shook her head in disappointment.

"You believe yourself smarter than you actually are, boy."

"I told no lies, I simply hoped that you would be able to reason your son into acting more like the consort my sister needs rather than the boy he refuses to let go off."

Rhaenys looked at him for a moment, as if he had suddenly gained a decade in age, then she snorted in dismay.

"You boys stop listening to your mothers the day you start being decent with a sword, or in our family's case, the day you ride your dragon for the first time."

"That is not true."

"Is it not? So you are saying that your mother told you to attack your twin?"

Jonothor froze the moment he heard her sardonic answer, and finally understood what she meant. He lowered his head, feeling stupid.

"You're right." He conceded. "I am sorry."

Rhaenys put a hand on his shoulder, yet her glare remained stern.

"I have witnessed your unusual talent for a child your age and I admit your potential. But, you would do well to remember the difference between intelligence and discernment. You still have much to learn and you will make mistakes your whole life, accept that fact before you start thinking you are smarter than everyone else."

"You know nothing, Jon Snow."

"I am sorry."

"Good, now since you love being blunt so much, let us not waste anymore time; how are your mother and siblings doing?"

Jon took a second to collect his thoughts and swallow the bitter taste in his mouth before answering:

"My mother is the greatest mother I could have asked for." He could have sworn Rhaenys had smirked but kept going. "However, she is trying too hard to raise us all, and… And Father does not care about her being, he keeps abusing her whenever he feels like it, I will probably have another sibling soon… if Father is strong and cruel enough to take advantage of Mother."

Rhaenys took a moment to answer.

"One day, you could be married to a woman who wants nothing to do with you, what would you do if that happened?"

Jon gritted his teeth, his aunt had taken control of this conversation and he had no idea how to get it back.

"Take the black."

Rhaenys actually laughed at that.

"You would abandon your family because you refuse to take a girl's maidenhead?"

"I would rather abandon them than live as a rapist among them." Jon spat in disgust.

His aunt only chuckled this time.

"You are a fool, Jonothor Targaryen. Marriages are politics, if you do not wish to bed your wife then don't, pretend one of you is sterile and keep on living. The Wall has no use for a Prince, while a family as complicated and powerful as ours would always need a gentle son to rein them in should they be too tempted by the path of Fire and Blood."

Jon was actually surprised to hear this. It appeared that the Queen who never was feared the Dance as much as he did. Her intentions seemed clearer now.

"Are you talking about Aegon?"

"Who else? Words of your twin's jealousy have reached my ears, your grandfather has probably heard of it as well. Do you know what the Lords of the Seven Kingdoms say about you two?"

"No."

"Most of them are calling you the King who should be." She seemed pleased to see the appalled look on her nephew's face. "Others are saying that you waste your talent defending a whore, the 'whore' being Rhaenyra. No one is blind to my so called 'grandson's' parentage, and you certainly are not."

Jon froze, he felt his breath grow louder as his blood turned colder. Was that truly what Lords and knights were saying? Did he have even less time than he thought?

"I have no wish to be King!" He screamed for all the Dragons to hear him."I will never usurp my sister!"

"That does not mean she and her bastard are safe from those who wants to see you on the Iron Throne."

Jonothor Targaryen felt his blood boil and his temper rage, Ghost's roar could be heard from the other side of the mountains, Rhaenys smirked as her nephew grew angrier. She seized his chin and turned his head in her direction.

" What do you want?" Jon asked in a breath as her lilac eyes pierced his purple ones.

"I want your sister to stop dishonoring my son," she said, "I do not care who sits on the Iron Throne, I have stopped caring a long time ago. What matters to me are my children, and if Rhaenyra cannot find it in herself to do her duty, then you will have to prepare yourself to be called 'Your Grace' for the rest of your days."

Her words echoed inside Jon's head like a thunderbolt in the night. This did not make any sense! Rhaenyra had sired three bastards in an other past, and they all carried the name Velaryon until their death. The Queen who never was had even fought and died for the Blacks.

But Rhaenys' thoughts on the matter had never been written down, and perhaps she saw on opportunity in Jonothor that she never had in her other life.

That thought alone was enough to awaken the Dragon that had been sleeping inside the Prince since his twin's beating. He violently backhanded his aunt's grip, and glared at her while she was looking aghast.

"Pray that I never sit on that damn chair." He spat. "Or I will impale your good-for-nothing of a son and roast him for the crows and the rats to feast on. And if you wish to make sure that never happens, dear aunt, then you'd better strangle me while I am still young."

Rhaenys took a step backwards, wondering what kind of abomination she had in front of her, who would dare utter such horrible threats on her Lord husband's domain?

"No? want trueborn grandchildren? I will find a way to give them to you. But if something were to happen to my sister or my nephew, then you will find, how far I am willing to go to protect my family. Even from itself."

Rhaenys' slap did not hurt him half as much as she would have wanted to hurt him. Jon felt his dragon blood arouse his excitement as he smiled at his aunt.

"Was that all, dear aunt?" He asked with a casual tone. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to make sure your pitiful son does something useful for once in his life, even though he is not worth the trouble his mother is going through."

With his piece said, and his blood on the verge of eruption, Jonothor Targaryen, Prince of the Seven Kingdoms and descendant of Aegon the Conqueror, climbed up the stairs under the fearful eye of his aunt. Who wondered if she had not made a terrible mistake.

Once Jon was safe in the room Lord Corlys had provided for him in High tide, he splashed as much water as he could on his face to cool his blood, and tried as hard as he could, to rein his temper in.

He grabbed each corner of his piece of furniture, and while his breath was heavier than an ox's, glared at the mirror, at the face of this Prince of House Targaryen whose fire incinerated every inch of his skin. He had forgotten Jon Snow's face, the dragon that slept in his guts was slowly devouring him from the inside, feeding on his anger and his terror.

"Something is happening to me." He whispered as his hands were shaking in fright.

For it was fear that was controlling him right at this moment, he felt nothing else, nothing but the dread of loosing this new family he had acquired right after loosing the previous one. Jon was terrified, by the Lords, by the Gods, by the Dragons and the Others, but above all, he was terrified of himself.

One mistake could take everything away from him, and he felt he had done far more than one.

He had no way out of this.

AN: Now, some people might be wondering what on Earth has Rhaenys been up to with Jon. Personally, I have always found it weird that neither her nor Corlys ever questioned the legitimacy of Rhaenyra's children. Corlys is willing to have a bastard who is not of his blood inherit his ancestral home, his name and fortune, I am sorry… but WTF?! In the show, Rhaenys is acting a bit more 'normally' in my opinion. She tries to raise Laena's daughters (her trueborn granddaughters) into capable ladies that would marry the Strong bastards and secure their blood back where both Corlys and her had wanted it; on the throne and in High tide. As a grandmother, she ignores Rhaenyra's children and even warns her husband about the boys' bastardy… In this chapter, she is well aware of Jon's influence in this family of theirs and after exposing some of his most foolish believes, she gains the upper hand into convincing him to find a way to prevent Rhaenyra from siring more bastards. (and gain actual grandchildren for once.) But she had not expected Jon to show a more draconic side of him. Yes, something is wrong with Jon, he is terrified and it is slowly gnawing his bones. Who knows what will happen to him? ;)

Hope you liked that chapter o/