Ten Years Later:

"I don't see why you even try" i teased.

Brodon kept his eyes on mine, waiting for me to blink. But i wouldn't. I saw his face begin to twitch as his eyes watered. "Are you ready to admit defeat?"

"No" he snapped. A smirk tugged at my lips as my eyes stayed on his. And finally, after three minutes the man blinked. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" he muttered wiping his teary eyes.

I chuckled to myself putting my hand out for my prize. Brodon gritted his teeth as he handed me a sack of coin. We usually did these silly games... And i always won to Brodons disgust.

"Let's play again" he said. "Do you think i have time to play these games all day?" i questioned. "What else are you planning on doing today except for humbling my lord?"

I rolled my eyes, knowing he was right. "I have... Duties" i said. He scoffed. "Like what?" he asked. I hesitated for a moment as nothing came to mind. In truth, i didn't have anything to do in the North.

"Now," i said raising from my seat trying to change the subject. "As much as i enjoy your delightful company, ser Brodon. I need to find my children. Do you know where they are?" i asked.

"They are probably with my lord" he mumbled giving me a judging look. My smile faded, knowing he would never let this go. "Would you stop with that" i said grabbing my things. "I only joke... But i must say, those two dragons running around Wintefell... They do not look like Lannisters to me."

I gulped down my anger and gave him a fake smile. "And you do not look like a cunt. Yet you are. Now, i will take my leave but thank you for the gift" i said with a wink before leaving the room.

My time in Winterfell has been peaceful. The North has had a long spring during my stay even though it is still freezing. It was... Quiet here. No scheming, no fighting, no throne just... Peace.

I made my way to the courtyard, nodding to the Northerns as they said their hellos. Everyone had been unusually kind to me since my arrival. It may be because Rickon threatened them to keep their mouths shut about my presence or else he would cut their tongues out.

I still got the usual stares and whispers, but it was certainly a change from Kingslanding. I continued my way through the yard as my eyes fell on Rickon alongside my children.

Rickons son, Cregan, was training with my son Doran whilst Aemma sat at the sidelines with a scowl across her face. I smiled at the scene watching Rickons excitement to train the children. But that joy quickly turned to anxiousness.

When i arrived here, i had a plan. A plan to become "The lady of Wintefell". But that dream quickly came to pass once i fell pregnant. I had invited Rickon into my bed not even days after his wife's death, which he accepted gleefully.

But before we even had a chance to wed, i found my stomach to be bloated and my blood moon to be late. I believe it was the gods punishment for me to become pregnant at the worst time.

I needed the North if i was to take the throne but i also needed Casterly Rock... I needed the Lannisters more. So i had to convince everyone it was Lennons. But that didn't mean Rickon stopped visiting me after dark.

So i created a new plan. I would have my child in the North, then marry Rickon and have one of his ghastly creatures. But that plan was destroyed also. When i gave birth, it was obvious my twins did not have my Valyrian features nor Lennons Lannister features.

They were born with eyes of blue just like the Dornish sea, similar to mine... But they also had dark brown hair. Nothing i could do would hide this. And i knew if i was to marry Rickon and sire him a child who looks like "Lennons", there would be no question of who their true father was.

But even i myself did not know who their true father was. They might be Rickons... But there is also a chance they may not be. My night with ser Criston was too close in time with my night with Rickon. There was no way for me to tell. But i knew for certain they are no Lannisters. Thank the gods.

I was terrified when i fell into labour. The thought of ending up like Aemma plagued my mind throughout my pregnancy. It boils my blood to think i could have been killed by a tiny beast who can't even walk nor talk.

When the time came, i refused to let the maesters tend to me. I also did not tell Rickon incase he was secretly a fool like my father... Incase he made the same cruel decision my father made all those years ago.

But i did have one person there by my side. And that was Laena. The lady Laena has stayed by my side these passed ten years and she has not spoken a word to anyone about it. Not even Daemon... Her now husband.

I have to admit, i was quite unsettled when i heard the news. But i would rather Daemon be with Laena if he was not to be with me. I did miss him though. Rickon was great. He is kind, loyal and he is always patient with me... But he didn't understand the true me. He wouldn't like me if he knew what i truly was. What i was capable of. What i had done in the passed.

I continued frowning at the scene as Rickon caught my eye. "Ah princess! Come to watch us battle to the death? " Rickon called out. I snapped out of my daze and put on a fake smile.

"Mother!" Doran exclaimed, throwing his sword to the ground and rushing to my side. He hated fighting, which i knew. He would rather be a maester than a knight. He clung to my leg as i bent down to his size.

I named Doran after the knight who i knew for a short amount of time. Though the boy was young when i knew him, he had courage. He was brave and one of my most fiercest allies. He was the reason i ended up in the North, so i named my son after him.

I watched as Aemma crept up from her seat and grabbed Dorans sword from the floor. She stood tall knocking Cregans wooden sword to the ground. "Ha! I have won!" she exclaimed as i chuckled.

"That does not count! My back was turned. You can not kill someone when their back is turned" Cregan said. "And why not? It will hurt less if you do not know death is coming."

Aemma on the other hand was much more like me than her father... Whoever that may be. She liked dresses and everything else that came with being a lady, but that did not stop her from training like a knight.

I always knew if i was to have a girl i would name her Aemma for she was the only woman i could think of as a mother. Queen Aemma always stood by my side even though she should have hated me for being a reminder of her husbands passed relations. But she never saw me like that.

I always hated the thought of having children. I knew one day i would have to have heirs, but children and heirs are two separate things.

But when i saw my brown haired babes for the first time, i knew the troubles they would face. The ones i had faced all my life. It pained me that they would grow up like i did all because of a mistake i made.

I vowed from that day forth no harm would come to them. They would not grow up like i did. Even if that meant killing everyone who questioned their birth.

"Come, it's time for a bath" i called out. Aemma shoved Cregan playfully before running to my side for cover. Young Cregan has grown up alongside my children. Though he was not my kin, he has called me mother multiple times.

Better that he thinks of me as a mother than his own. His true mother was weak and too kind for her own good. The children giggled as they ran back to the home. I was about to follow them until i felt a hand wrap around my waist.

Rickon pulled me in close to him as he rested his head on my shoulder. "How are you today, princess?" he whispered. I shook him off of me giving him a stern look. "We are out in the open. People may see" i whispered.

"Let them see! Who knows, one day you may be their future lady of the North" he said. I shook my head and let out a tired sigh. "Dream bigger, lord" i muttered. "Rhaena, you have lived here for ten years. You have raised my son as your own and you know i care for you... Wouldn't you prefer if our children were free to live here with both their mother and father standing side by side?"

I refused to meet his gaze. I never told Rickon about ser Criston, nor would i ever. And i did like Rickon... I did truly. He was everything a lady could wish for... But i did not love him as he loved me. It started as a scheme, it continued with lust. Not love.

"We will speak about this later... For now perhaps we may eat" i said. He rolled his eyes reluctantly agreeing. "Come on then. I have a surprise for you at dinner" he said.

"A surprise?... What kind of surprise?" i asked. "You'll have to wait and see won't you" he teased further. I scrunched my nose up at the man as he chuckled. We continued our way home as the children all bathed and readied themselves.We then all made our way to the dining hall.

We all often dined together at Rickons request. It did sometimes irk me that he wanted to play families with my children and i. It gave people the wrong idea. But he was the lord of the North, so i let him have it.

We all sat at the long table as one of the servants pulled up a sixth seat. "Will Brodon be joining us? I thought he would still be angry with me after our game" i said. "No... Not Brodon. Your surprise" Rickon said with a smirk.

As he spoke, the dining hall door opened to reveal Laena walking inside. Laena would visit as often as she could. But recently she had been delayed so she instead wrote letters.

I let out a sigh of relief seeing the woman as i embraced her tightly. "Laena. How good it is to see you" i said. "Laena!" my children exclaimed also running to embrace her.

I looked down at the woman's bloated stomach as i felt my heart sink. "Your with child?... Again!" i said trying to sound happy for her. "I am. I'm hoping for a boy this time. The girls are too."

"And Daemon?" i questioned. She gave me a soft smile. "He is fine. He thinks we are to have another girl. I believe he's happy about it.... Though he's not happy about much these days."

We all sat at the table as Laena caught everyone up on her life in Pentos, Aemma and Doran hanging on to every word she said. I knew they must have been bored in the North, even if they did not know it. They weren't supposed to stay in Winterfell for this long. They should be out riding their dragons and seeking some real fun.

"The chefs in Pentos are some of the greatest i've seen. I brought a plumb cake here that my girls are fond of" she said.

Laena had been living in Pentos with her family for a long time now, though she insists it's not permanent. I have to admit, the more she spoke of her life with Daemon and her children, the more i thought of how dull my life had become.

"How was your journey, lady Laena? It must have been hard riding in your condition" Rickon said. "I believe i ride best when i am with child. It reassures me that i am carrying a dragon."

I played with my food, not hungry enough to enjoy it. Laena continued speaking of her rides with Daemon around the city, her children's Valyrian lessons and more. I felt my stomach churn as i looked around the room.

I saw the Stark sigils hanging around the room, my dark haired children and Rickon. This was most definitely not the future i had planned in the past. To live here and do nothing. And i hated when my plans to not turn out of my way.

Rickon moved in closer to me seeing my uneasiness. He then wrapped his arm around me. "Are you alright?" he whispered. I nodded. "Of course" i said. He gave me a sweet smile as he kissed my head. His arm stayed around me as i stiffened up. Laena knew about us so that was not what i feared, but i did not think their was much of us to know.

He acts as if i am his and he is mine. But that is not the case. I only visit his chambers in the night because who else will i be getting pleasure from in the North? He is not my husband nor shall he ever be.

I did not hate the idea of marrying him. What i hated was the thought of him despising me once he gets to know me. When he finds out what i have planned.

The more i stayed in the North, the less i thought of taking the throne. I was comfortable here but i was not happy. All i wanted to do was scream for Rickon to let go of me, but i couldn't.

I felt... Weak. I have three children, a man who thought himself to be my husband and a woman i would have murdered if she was not my friend, speaking of her adventures to me.

I missed my days in Kingslanding. I missed being free, having my sister by my side, flying the skies with Cannibal and planning to take my throne. I even missed my father. What i would give to see that scowl on his face staring back at me. I also missed being able to speak of my schemes with Daemon. He would always agree with my strategies, even if they were not smart.

I could not speak of my plans to anyone here. If i was to tell Rickon he would scowl me about how "it was the wrong thing to do" or "how the Starks would never break their oath to Rhaenyra".

But i was not a Stark. I was a Targaryen. And i was sick of acting like i was not. When did i start becoming a lady rather than a ruler? I gasped for air sitting up from my seat. The room fell silent as everyone stared at my fearful expression. "Mother... Are you alright?" Aemma whispered.

"I... I need some air" i mumbled storming out of the room. I pushed passed the maids who roamed the halls and made my way to where Cannibal resides. He immediately lifted his head once he felt my presence.

I rested my head against his snout trying to calm myself down. I took in several gaps of the cold air as my breathing finally turned back to normal. "Rhaena" a voice called out as i gritted my teeth. "Rickon, i am begging you to please leave me-"

I shut myself up as i saw Laena in place of Rickon. She tilted her head, knowing something was wrong. "We must speak. Now" she said sternly. I held my tongue, still clasping onto Cannibal.

"You are unhappy here" she said. I stayed quiet. "You know, you and Daemon are so alike. And not for the better. He knows we do not belong in Pentos, but he stays there anyways because he has no idea where else to go. If you do not like the North, why do you stay?"

I refused to meet her eye as i thought of what do say. "This is my children's home... And even if i wanted to leave, i do not know where to go" i said. "You can come home with me" she said walking towards Cannibal and i. "We can be a family. Your children and mine. Vhagar and Cannibal. You can be happy."

"I am not unhappy because i have no family, Laena! I am unhappy because i... I do not belong here. Nor Pentos nor anywhere else!" i exclaimed. Laena, now inches away from me, leaned into towards me.

"You mean you belong on the iron throne."

I looked up at the woman who lingered over me. "You think i do not know that is what you truly wish for? You think i do not believe it is what you deserve? Your rotting away here, Rhaena. And you have been for a long time. I believe i have known you long enough to speak plainly to you. This is not the life you wished for, is it?"

"It is not" i said shaking my head. "But that does not mean you can not have the life you want still. Come to Pentos with me. I will help you claim what is yours" she said taking my hands in hers.

A smile tugged at my lips. "My father believes me dead. Everyone believes me dead. This ruse was supposed to give me some peace, not the life of a Northern woman for eternity. But if i left Rickon would-"

"You care for Rickon... But he can not be what you want him to be. He will not help you take the iron throne" she said. I gulped knowing she was right. "I will return in three days. And when i do, you and your children will come to Pentos with me. Daemon will be most happy to see you... I'm sure of it."

A sense of sorrow filed her voice as she spoke those last words. Laena was unlike anyone i had met before. She had everything i wished for. She had Daemon as her husband, two pure Valyrian children and a place to call home, where she truly belongs. I should hate her... But i couldn't. I just couldn't.

"Alright" i muttered. She let out a sigh of relief. "Good... These three days will give you enough time to say your goodbyes. I know you will miss lord Stark, but you will get over it. And he will too" she said.

I nodded, the knot in my stomach making it unable to speak. She kissed my cheek gently giving me a grin before making her way over to Vhagar. "Three days, Rhaena" she called out once she mounted him. "Three days and you will come home."

I watched as she flew into the skies heading back to Pentos. I sat in the snow, leaning my head against Cannibal. He grunted feeling my nerves. I patted him slowly, reassuring him we would be alright.

Later In Pentos...

Daemon sat on the roof of their now home, sloshing his stale wine around. The cold breeze brushed through his hair and the sound of feasts echoed in his ears. He often spent his evenings up here especially when Laena went to visit her brother. He was happy she did not want him to come.

He never wished to see Kingslanding again after everything that has happened. His time in Pentos has been peaceful.... Boring but peaceful. He spent most of his time riding Caraxes for all the people to see, reading Valyrian histories or with his daughters.

He was quite fond of Baela and Rhaena. They weren't as irritating as he thought children would be. As Daemon sat there, lost in thought, he heard footsteps making their way towards him. He looked up to see Laena, a small smile growing in his face once he saw her.

He moved the pillow beside him so she could sit comfortably. "Rhaenyra have delivered another son" she said. Daemon nodded. He did not care and he did not have the effort to try and pretend he did.

"Did you happen to see if this one also bears a remarkable yet entirely coincidental resemblance to the commander of the City Watch?" he teased as Laena rolled her eyes.

She took a deep breath in and out before she spoke once more. "I miss being with my brother, Daemon. I miss a lot of people... As i think do you" she said. Daemon paused.

"I miss Westerosis strong wine... It could be dependant on for a few hours of a peaceful oblivion" he said taking a sip of the Pentos red wine, which was dreadful. "This amber shit they drink here, can't stand the stuff."

He stood up from his seat, leaning against the wall so he could avoid Laenas gaze. But Laena knew why he was so angry all the time. Why he was not as strong willed or rouge as he was when they met. She had tried to deny it for a long time, but she knew, deep down she knew it was her dearest friend causing this.

"You never long for home?" she asked. "No" Daemon snapped back. "You never long for... Someone?" she questioned. "No" he repeated quickly.

"I don't believe you" she said, the pained pit in her stomach growing more and more. "Believe what you please" he muttered. "You lure the virtues of Pentos but you have no interest in it. If you did you would venture into the city but instead you spend your time here, reading in the library accounts of the same dead dragon lords who's legacy you claim has no hold on you."

"Didn't know i was being so minutely observed" he said. "You can not sleep! You have not slept peacefully in years!" Laena snapped. "How can i when i with you haunting my every move."

It was then Laenas suspicions we're confirmed. And she has no mind to keep quiet about it.

"By pass, i know i have disappointed you... Perhaps i too am not the wife you would have wished for" she said. "Laena" Daemon said finally turning to her.

She forced a smile. "It does not pain me... There has always been three people in this marriage, even though one is dead. But i have made my peace with it... Because i love her too. But if she was here.... You know she would have not wanted this."

Daemon hung his head low, holding his tongue. What could he say? She was right. He missed Rhaena. With every bone in his body, he missed her. Laena was great. She was kind, strong willed and an amazing mother to his daughters. But he did not understand the true him. She wouldn't like him if she knew the true him. What he was capable of. What he had done in the passed.

Laena grabbed both of Daemons hands tightly. "You are more than this, Daemon. The man i married was more than this... The man Rhaena knew... Was more than this."

Daemon stayed quiet. "I will leave you with your thoughts" she mumbled knowing he was to stubborn to admit she was right. "I presume you are not coming to bed?"

Daemon shook his head. "Then i shall see you on the morrow. We... We need to speak about something but it can wait. I have invited some guests to stay with us in a couple of days... But, i believe if i told you who they were now, it would just cause an argument."

Laena left the roof and went to say goodnight to her girls, leaving Daemon alone with his cup full of shit wine He threw the chalice off the roof cursing under his breath. He hated that Laena was right and he hated how she could see right through him.