Game of thrones - The right side of the coin

Authors notes:

So, after the finale of game of thrones I was a bit disappointed. It obviously didn't end the way I would have wanted it to end, but then again, I never expected it to do that. Still, Bran as the king? Really? And if you want to make Daenerys a full-blown villain (which I don't like but am okay with for the most part. I mean she does look awesome as hell in black and dark red and with dragon wings fanning out behind her.) at least keep her around longer than not even 2 full episodes. Don't have her go down easily by Jon just casually walking up to her and anti-climactically stabbing her to death without problem. At least make someone fight the dragon, or hell even just Grey Worm or something. So, in any case, like many fans, I'm writing yet another alternative ending. Be warned it's mostly a shameless fix-it fic. This story starts in the middle of Season 8 episode 5 "The Bells" during the scene with the titular bells.

The Bells of Kings Landing were ringing loudly throughout the entire city. All over the streets the Lannister soldiers were discarding their weapons in surrender, utterly terrified by the black dragon, perched atop the remains of the wrecked city walls it had effortlessly destroyed. On the back of the mighty beast sat Daenerys Targaryen looking down at the city. Burning fury was rising inside her. Cersei Lannister and this entire wretched city had taken so much from her. Her son Rhaegal, her most loyal and trusted friend Missandei. And the people of Westeros still feared and hated her. They hated and feared her so much, that they'd rather let Cersei use them as living shield against her than accept her rule. She had risked her own life to fight for all of them against the hordes of the undead. Her friends and soldiers had died for them and yet the people of Westeros still rejected her. The northerners and Lady Sansa already plotted against her, preferring her nephew Jon Snow over her. Varys had thrown her aside like a dirty old rag as soon as a second option for ruler had presented itself to him. He even tried to poison her. Tyrion constantly undermined her efforts in order to protect the rest of his despicable family. Even Jon Snow, who claimed that he loved her, had become more distant and colder towards her as soon as his real parentage had been revealed.

Ungrateful, scheming backstabbers the whole lot of them. How could she create a better Westeros when everyone fought her at every turn? Oh, how she would love to just unleash all her fury on them. To see this whole city burn. As soon as that thought entered her mind Daenerys couldn't get rid of it again. Maybe, she thought, that wasn't such a bad idea. If the lords and people of Westeros rejected her vision, then they had to be forced to comply with her. She had to set an example. To show everyone that she would take what was hers and nothing could stop her. Not even cowardly hiding behind civilians. She would reduce kings landing to ashes to show everyone the price of defying her. And from the ashes of the old world she would create a new one. A better one. Yes, that was what she had to do. And it would be oh so satisfying to do it. To burn them all. She could already hear the screams of the burning soldiers. A psychotic smirk spread on the young Queens face. Glaring down at the surrendering city Dany was about to give Drogon the command to resume their attack: "Dra…"

Suddenly, as fast as the murderous urges had engulfed her mind Daenerys snapped out of it. Her command turned into strangled sound of dread halfway through. The young Targaryen physically recoiled in horror of her own thoughts, which earned her a confused head tilt from her winged steed. What in all seven hells was she thinking. How could she even consider such a horrible thing? By the gods she had almost given the order. She had been less than a second away from committing the most heinous slaughter Westeros, maybe the world had seen in centuries. Suddenly Dany felt sick to her stomach. Sick of herself. It took all her remaining willpower not to start vomiting.

A choked sob left her throat and hot tears started to flow down her cheeks. Sansa had been right to distrust her. Varys had been right. She was insane just like her father. She had tried so hard to deny it but, in the end, she was just like him. A monster. With this realization the young Targaryen woman just broke down in tears. Drogon, sensing his mother's anguish made questioning growls and nervously shifted around searching for the cause of it. Still crying and sobbing Daenerys turned her dragon around and fled the city, heading towards the near hills.

….

On the streets of Kings landing Jon Snow, Grey Worm. Lord Davos and their Forces watched their Queen fly away. From the ground they couldn't see how distraught Daenerys had been and just thought she had accepted the surrender of the Lannister army. Loud cheers erupted from the Dothraki and the Northman. The Unsullied, far to disciplined for such things, stayed quiet. Grey worm shot the surrendering enemy soldiers one last death glare. He still felt the urge to kill every last one of them to avenge Missandei, but he would never act against his beloved queen. Quickly he ordered his man to secure the city and take all the surrendering Lannisters and whatever may be left of the golden company captive.

Jon snow nodded at him and said: "It's not quite over yet. We have to go to the red keep and arrest Cersei. Her army might have surrendered but Cersei is completely unpredictable. The last time she was cornered with no way left to escape she blew up the sept of Baelor and murdered thousands."

"She will face justice for Missandei today." Grey worm stated coldly. With an acknowledging grunt Jon assented. After everything Sansa had told him about Queen Cersei and what he had witnessed with his own eyes he had nothing against that.

"Follow me. I know some quick ways into the red keep." Said Davos. The three men along with a company of grey worms unsullied started into the direction of the fortress.

….

Meanwhile Jaime Lannister was approaching the secret entrance to the red keep. He could hear the bells of Kings Landing ringing, which didn't bode well for Cersei. He just hoped he could get her out of the city before Daenery's troops or even worse the northmen stormed the keep. Both of those were not very fond of Cersei for very understandable reasons. At least Tyrion had kept his word and there was a boat waiting right next to the secret passage. Suddenly a loud obnoxious voice rang out: "Kingslayer!" Startled Jaime turned his head to see Euron Greyjoy of all people emerge from the sea.

As much as Jaime hated the bragging iron islander, he might turn out to be useful for now. The one-handed Lannister nodded towards the other man and said: "We have to get to Queen and help her escape."

Euron just laughed and retorted: "Do you hear those bells kingslayer? Our side surrendered. It is over. The crazy dragon bitch reduced my entire fleet to flotsam effortlessly. Looks like I picked the wrong side after all. So how about if we see for once and for all who of us is the better fighter? If you kill another king, they will sing songs about you for decades." With a smirk the pirate drew his dagger.

Jaime just scoffed at the ironborn and answered: "You are no king."

Grinning from one ear to another Euron shot back: "Oh yes I am. And I fucked the queen." At this Jaime saw red. With a swift motion his sword slid into his remaining hand and he lunged at Euron, swinging his sword at him. The pirate skillfully dodged his blows and tried to stab Jaime with his dagger. The kingsalyer parried the blow. Euron smirked at him again and mocked him: "Maybe I'll bring your head to Cersei so you can kiss her one last time."

Furiously Jaime swung his sword at the ironborn again. This time Euron barely managed to avoid the blow. Unfortunately for Jaime his weapon, after missing his opponent narrowly, hit a rock instead which startled him long enough for Euron to land a well-placed kick against the blade which sent it flying out of his hand. Grinning the king of the iron isles tried to capitalize on this and wanted to stab the Lannister again. Jaime reacted in the nick of time and caught Eurons hand with his own then hit him right in the face with his fake golden hand. Euron groaned in pain as his nose broke and blood was gushing out. He stumbled backwards and dropped his dagger to the ground.

He recovered soon enough and with an inarticulate scream of rage tackled Jaime, sending them both to the ground. His hands closed around the kingslayers throat and started to squeeze the life out of him. In a last desperate attempt Jaime headbutted his opponent, which startled him long enough for Jaime to throw him off. What followed was a short but brutal fistfight between the men until Euron managed to get a hold of his dagger and rammed it straight int Jaimes side.

The Lannister screamed in pain and went to the ground. Euron, breathing heavily, crowed: "I got you kingsalyer. You fought well for a cripple" However, his triumph was short-lived. While Jaime was wounded heavily, he wasn't dead yet. Noticing his sword in the sand close to him he grabbed it, quickly turned around and plunged it deep into Eurons belly. The ironborn made a surprised noise, then blood spewed from his mouth as he fell to his knees. Despite that he still managed to grin as he stated: "Fuck. Looks like it's another king for you." He laughed out loudly until his laughter turned into gurgling sounds as more and more blood flooded his mouth. Then he fell over dead still with a with a wide grin on his face.

Jaime with some effort got back to his feet. He could feel his own blood soaking his clothes. He was wounded fatally he realized. But perhaps he still had enough time to save the woman he loved, to save Cersei and their unborn child. He had to. In pain and exhausted he dragged himself forward into the secret passage.

…

In the red keep Queen Cersei Lannister, first of her name was nervously pacing up and down in the throne room in company of Ser Gregor Clegane, her hand Qyburn and the remainder of her Queensguard, which were five knights clad in similar black armor as Ser Gregor. Things looked bleak for her. After her army in the city had surrendered some of the guards in the red keep had wanted to open the gates of the reed keep and hand her over to the Dragon Queen. Other guards stayed loyal and a fight broke out, eventually the ones on Cerseis side had won out, mostly due to the intervention of Ser Gregor. Now her few remaining soldiers were preparing to make a last stand. However, even Cersei was under no illusion any longer that she would get out of this victorious somehow. Sure, Ser Gregor could probably kill dozens upon dozens of enemies but eventually even he would be overwhelmed and even if not, the dragon bitch could just swoop back in and burn the keep and all inside it to the ground now that all the scorpions were destroyed.

Qyburn interrupted her dark thoughts, offering a possible solution: "Your grace perhaps we can disguise ourselves as peasants and hide among the countless civilians you wisely invited into the city. Then when the opportunity arises, we leave the city and flee." Cersei was not thrilled about that idea. She despised the peasants and disguising herself as one was way beneath her dignity. But it might actually work out. If she couldn't think of anything better, it might be the only potential way to save her neck again.

Suddenly a lone man stumbled into the throne room. "Cersei!" he yelled. The Queen immediately recognized the voice of her twin brother Jaime. Ser Gregor unsheathed his sword ready to defend her. Facing her brother with an icy expression she addressed him: "Jaime. So, of all people they send you after me first? How could you betray like that and side with the dragon bitch?"

"What?" the indignant Jaime cried out: "I'm not with Daenerys anymore. As soon as the army of the dead was defeated, I left them again to come back to you. Cersei you are the woman I love. Please I'm here to save you."

Relief flooded Cersei. Jaime hadn't betrayed her after all. Gratefully she rushed to him and hugged him. Losing her composure, she stared to tear up as she said: "Oh Jaime. I don't want our child to die. I don't want to die." Feeling something wet she took a step back and saw the blood at his side: "You are wounded." She observed, worry spreading through her.

"It's not too bad." Jaime lied: "And you won't die today. I know a secret passage that leads out of kings Landing. There is a boat waiting for us with which we can flee."

Hope spread throughout Cersei. Perhaps she would escape after all. She and her unborn child would live. And then somehow should would make them all pay. The dragon Queen, Starks Bastard, her ugly imp of a brother Tyrion and all the rest of them. She would take her vengeance.

"Lead the way." She told her twin and lover and motioned for her bodyguards and Qyburn to follow them. They started to walk through the corridors. From the directions of the gate the sounds of battle could be heard. Their time was running out.

Noticing that Cersei urged her brother to speed up despite his pain: "We better hurry to that escape tunnel."

"You won't escape today your Grace. It's the end of the line for you here." An angry female voice suddenly cried out. Cersei and her entourage looked up in surprise as two figures emerged from a corridor to their left. One of them was quite familiar to Cersei. Sandor Clegane, now without his iconic helmet, was still unmistakable with his scarred face. He just calmly acknowledged the Lannister Queen with a short: "Your Grace." Then fixed Ser Gregor with an utterly furious death glare: "Hello Brother". The second figure however was entirely focused on Cersei, her eyes burning with unbridled seething rage. It took Cersei a while to recognize the you young brown-haired woman. She had seen the woman before but much younger. Of course, the youngest daughter of Eddard Stark. The annoying brat. Well, she had no time for those two fools now. "Kill them!" she curtly ordered her Queensguard.

The Five knights drew their swords and went after the intruders. Three of them went after the hound. Sandor effortlessly parried a sword blow from one of them and then retaliated by ramming his sword straight through a weak spot into the man's armor. The knight went down to the floor in his death throes as Sandor pulled out his sword to face the other two assailants. Two of the Queensguard cornered Arya obviously not expecting any sort of fight from her. A big mistake. As one of them lazily swung after her with his blade she nimbly ducked beneath his attack, drew Needle from her belt and with elegant, flowing movements positioned herself behind the man. Before he could react, her sword shot forward and pierced the hollow of his knee right between the plates of his armor. The man yelled in pain and his legs gave out beneath him. Pulling her sword out of his leg Arya swiftly ended his life by stabbing him a second time, this time straight through the vulnerable neck.

Wit a guttural growl Ser Gregor Clegane drew his sword and was about to attack his brother Sandor. Cersei, not wanting to part ways with her deadliest minion, ordered: "Ser Gregor, stay at my side."

Angrily the giant knight in black armor turned his head towards her and growled at her. Then he took one step into the direction of Sandor and the two Quuensgurad knights the hound was still fighting. "Ser Gregor obey your Queen. " Qyburn commanded and stepped after the hulking brute. With a swiftness belying his massive build the mountain's free hand shot forward and grabbed the disgraced maester's head. Before Qyburn could make as much as a sound the black knight slammed his head against the nearest wall with enough force to crack his skull and smear blood and brain mass all over it. With another deep growl Ser Gregor discarded the corpse of the former Hand of the king and charged at his brother.

The unlucky other two Queensgurads found themselves in his way and with one mighty swing of his giant sword the undead knight sliced one of them open from the shoulder blade down to his belly even through the armor, in order to get him out of the way. While he was pulling his blade out of the corpse again Sandor took his chance to take out the second horrified and distracted Queensguard by slitting his throat. Now focusing on his monstrous brother, he landed a series of blows against him with his blade, but they all effortlessly landed on the massive black armor of the mountain. With an enraged growl Gregor struck at the hound. Sandor blocked the strike, but the inhuman force behind the blow alone almost made him drop his own weapon. Like an unstoppable force of nature Gregor started to push Sandor, who could barely avoid or parry the powerful blows of the black knight, back.

"We better get out of here, while those settle their differences." Quipped Jaime and urgently dragged Cersei onwards past the fighting warriors.

Arya was expertly dodging the attacks of the remaining Queensguard she was still fighting, waiting for an opening to strike, when out of the corners of her eyes she saw Cersei and Jaime getting away. During her momentary distraction her opponent nearly managed to hit her, but she avoided his blade by a hairbreadth. Taking a chance, she stabbed at her enemy's chest. Despite the fact, that his armor would most likely have blocked Needle anyways he parried the attack and while he was occupied with that Arya kicked his legs out beneath him. As fell onto his back hard the young Stark quickly ended his life by plunging her sword into his eye through the visor of his helmet.

Quickly Arya assessed the situation. Cersei and Jamie were somewhere at the other end of the corridor running away. She could easily still catch them. But then just a few steps away from her she saw how the mountain was clearly overpowering Sandor, who was already pressed with his back against a wall barely holding out against the monstrous black knights' assault. Without help he would most likely not make it. So, what to do? Do what she originally came here for and kill Cersei or help the hound. After all the mountain was still on her list as well. Arya made her decision.

Another powerful blow rained down on Sandor and this time he could no longer hold on to his sword. It was ripped from his grip. The bloodshot red eyes of Ser Gregor lit up in triumph beneath his black helmet as he lifted his sword to end his little brothers' life. Suddenly with a furious scream Arya Stark rushed at the mountain from the side and jumping upwards, rammed Needle into his unprotected armpit to the hilt. Ser Gregor didn't even do as much as flinch. He just growled in annoyance lashed out at Arya with one arm. The surprised Stark girl reacted to slow and the mountains backhand hit her right into the face, his inhuman strength sending her crashing to the floor. Spitting out blood from a few broken teeth the young woman looked up only to see Ser Gregor towering over her, his giant sword rushing down at her.

In the last moment she rolled to the side and the blade just sent sparks and splinters of rock flying from the stone floor. The mountain raised his sword to try again, when Sandor, having reclaimed his own sword rammed it into his brothers back, right through the armor impaling the black knight. Gregor just looked at the swordtip protruding from bis chest with disinterest and turned to face the hound again. "Oh, come on. Just die already!" screamed the hound, pulling his sword out again. Then Gregor slashed at him and he couldn't completely avoid the blow. Red blood spilled from the wound opening in his gut and the hound fell to his knees.

With a satisfied growl Gregor once more faced Arya who was scrambling back to her feet. Drawing her Valyrian steel-dagger, since her sword was still stuck in the mountain. The huge black knight towered over her menacingly, raising his sword. "Arya!" A shout rang out from through the corridor. Both Arya and the mountain turned towards the direction of the call and saw Jon, Ser Davos, Grey Worm and a dozen or so unsullied, already bloodied from battle, hurrying towards them.

"Jon. Cersei is escaping. She and Jaime. They said something about a secret tunnel out of the city." Arya yelled back at her adopted brother. Next, she already had to jump out of the way of one of Ser Gregors wide slashes with his sword. Jon doubled his speed and was at her side only a few moments later attacking the hulking brute with his valyrian steel-sword. Ser Gregor parried the blow. Arya however used the advantage that he was focused mostly on Jon now to stab her dagger between the armor plates around his knees, again a wound that would have crippled any man, but Ser Gregor didn't even flinch.

Nonetheless the combined combat prowess of the two Strak siblings was enough to momentarily put the mountain on the defensive. "Grey Worm, Davos go find Cersei and capture her." Jon ordered his allies. Grey worm nodded and reluctantly Davos acquiesced: "Follow me. I think I know the secret escape tunnel they'll try to take. The unsullied and the onion knight stormed off in the direction that Cersei and Jaime had went before.

Jon with plenty of difficulty managed to parry a blow from Ser Gregor. Meanwhile Arya was once more plunging her Dagger in a weak spot in his armor, but the mountain continued to take the punishment without even slowing down. His broadsword was slashing after Jon. The former commander of the nightwatch parried the blow and this time luck was on his side. The blade of the mountain, already damaged from being slashed against the rock walls and floor a few times, broke apart leaving the undead knight with a broken weapon.

Ser Gregor just made another inhuman growling sound and threw the broken remainder of his blade after Arya, who had to jump out of its way. Sensing his chance to end the battle Jon attacked the mountain with his valyrian steel-sword aiming for his neck. Unfortunately, he once again had underestimated the black knight. Ser Gregor blocked Jons weapon with his hand. The sword cut through his glove and deep into his palm, but the mountain didn't care. Instead he tightened his grip around the blade and with inhuman strength yanked it right out of the baffled Jons grip.

Before the young warrior could react, Ser Gregor swung the captured sword at him. The hilt smashed into his chest like a mace. All air was forced out of his lungs and he was sure he felt at least two or three rips break as he thrown backwards through the air and landed heavily on the ground coughing and desperately gasping for air.

"Jon!" Arya cried out in concern. But her concern soon turned to terror as while she was distracted by her adopted brothers fall the mountain had caught her off guard. One of his massive black-gloved hands shot forward and wrapped itself around her throat. Instinctively she stabbed at it with her dagger. Like all attacks on the hulking brute so far it was in vain. Effortlessly the mountain lifted the young Stark from the ground, slowly but relentlessly crushing her windpipe. Aryas struggle became weaker and weaker as inky blackness started to infringe her vision.

Suddenly a furious roar echoed through the hallways and then from behind Ser Gregor Sandor Clegane brought his sword down on the undead knight. The sharp steel sliced through the space between helmet and neck and the next second Ser Gregor head was rolling along the ground.

The iron grip around Aryas throat loosened and the girl fell heavily to the floor gasping for air. Slowly the headless corpse of Ser Gregor leaned to the side and then with a loud thud fell to the floor. Finally, the mountain that rides was no more.

Sandor Smirked with satisfaction and stated: "I got you, you bastard!" Spitting on the headless corpse of his brother he leaned back against a wall and sank to the ground. Blood was pouring out from the wound on his belly, drenching his clothes and the ground beneath him. A wet gurgling laugh escaped his mouth.

Arya and Jon were slowly getting back to their feet, Jon still wincing in pain. Carefully took his sword back from the mountain. Looking down at Sandor he told Arya: "We must stop the bleeding. It…" The hound just laughed again and with raspy voice declined: "Forget it Bastard. I'm done for. But I finally got that cunt of a brother."

Silently Arya approached and stared down at her former travel companion. He was right. His wounds were deadly. Even if they had a maester at hand he wouldn't make it. And Ser Gregor had bashed in the head of the only maester around. Sandor looked at her and told her: "Take care of yourself you little hardass bitch."

Arya just gave him a sad little nod: "I will, you, old bastard." With a last sigh the life left the hounds eyes and his body became lifeless. Jon sighed in exhaustion then turned to his little sister: "Arya, by the old gods what are you doing here?"

Shrugging the young Stark woman replied: "I came here to kill Cersei, before your dragon Queen."

Massaging his temples Jon Snow shot back: "She is queen of all of us now. Plus, why would you do something that reckless?"

"To make her pay. For all the suffering she caused our family and everyone else. Only thanks to her was father betrayed and executed. She mistreated Sansa for years. She had our bannerman, servants and friends slaughtered. She killed thousands when she unleashed that wildfire. And I'm going to make sure that she doesn't squirm her way out of death again this time. I'm going to finish what I came here to do." Arya explained and then started to walk off into the direction she last saw Cersei heading into.

Jon grabbed her arm and held her back: "No you aren't. If you get involved now, you'll just anger our Queen. Grey Worm and his men will capture Cersei and bring her before Queen Daenerys."

"What for?" Asked the enraged Arya: "So she can find a way to squirm away gain?"

Jon just shook his head: "No. It's over for Cersei. Believe me when I say that Dany is just as angry at Cersei as you are. Whatever happens I'm certain Cersei is not going to live much longer."

After a few moments of silence Arya relented: "I hope you are right about that."

…

Jaime was just stumbling out on the beach from the secret passage, his twin sister in tow. He could barely walk at this rate. He figured he hadn't much longer to live. Cerseis gaze fell upon the dead body of Euron Greyjoy. Raising an eyebrow, she questioned: "I presume he is the reason for your wounded condition? Couldn't you two settle whatever that quarrel between you two was about some other time?"

"Hey. For the record he started it." Jaime protested dragging Cersei towards the boat. To his sorrow he apparently hadn't been fast enough in his rescue of his sister. Footsteps could be heard behind them and a loud voice commanded: "Halt. In the name of the Queen."

Curses, they had found the secret tunnel and now all was lost. Fighting down the despair Jaime turned around only to see the familiar faces of Grey Worm and Ser Davos as well as a dozen unsullied. They quickly surrounded Jaime and Cersei. Stepping forward Grey Worm proudly declared: "You are under arrest in the name of Queen Daenerys Stormborn, the Unburnt, First of her name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the first men, Queen of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm, Khaleesi of the great grass sea, Queen of Meereen, Breaker of chains and Mother of dragons."

Cersei scoffed derisively: "It's a wonder your precious Queen can get anything done when her lackeys have to recite all those titles every time, they mention her." Grey worm shot her a glare filled with such pure burning hatred that even Cersei flinched back. It took all the man's willpower to not slay Cersei, who had executed the woman he loved and just mocked his beloved queen, on the spot.

Finally, he managed to focus on Jaime instead: "Ser Jaime Lannister. You fought alongside my queen during the battle against the dead. Why would you turn against her?"

Weakly shrugging the kingslayer retorted: "Well. I didn't really want some rotting corpses to overrun all of Westeros, but then again, your Queen is not mine." With that he made his move. Mobilizing his last strength, he drew his sword with lighting speed. The steel cut effortlessly through two of the unsullied, who had been caught off guard by Jaimes sudden attack. A third one was able to block the blade with the shaft of his spear but died when the kingslayer slapped his spear to the side and stabbed him through the heart.

Grey Worm jumped into action and his spear shot forward aiming for Jaimes chest. The Lannister jumped out of the way, gritting his teeth because every movement sent waves of pain through his wounded side. He swung after the commander of the unsullied. However Grey Worm was no slouch in combat. Swiftly he dodged the blow. As the eunuch did so he noticed the blood staining the kingslayers side. Deduction that his opponent must be wounded Grey worm stabbed after Jaime with his Spear. Even in wounded condition the Lannister warrior was capable enough to block the attack with his sword. But it gave Grey worm a small opening to land a hit against Jaimes wounded side with his empty hand. As Grey worms fist hit home hot pain shot through Jaime and he yelled out. No longer able to grit his teeth and endure he fell to his knees.

Before he could recover, Grey worms spear impaled him through his chest. A quiet groan was all that left his mouth. Darkness encroached on his vision. He could hear someone cry out "Jaime! No!" and was sure it was Cersei, but it sounded with like it came from far away already.

"You choose the wrong Queen then." Said Grey Worm somewhere above him but he barely registered it anymore. He tried to move his head in order to look at Cersei one last time, but his strength failed him. With a last sight Jamie let himself be consumed by the approaching darkness and died.

Cersei was now openly crying and sobbing as her longtime-lover and brother lay slain before her. She didn't put up any further fight as the remaining unsullied took her prisoner and led her back towards the red keep.

…

Jon Snow and Arya Stark were tiredly sitting in the small council chambers. They had just finished a tour through the red keep seeing if there were still any battles going on somewhere. But the fortress had been taken by the forces of Daenerys. More and more of her Unsullied, some Dothraki and the northmen came in. The keep was theirs. Reports from the city were positive as well. The fighting was over. Most Lannister soldiers were captured. Some had managed to flee the city, but they made no attempt to regroup and instead seemed to be running away as far as possible. Danys attack with Drogon had left quite a lasting impression on them. Jon couldn't really fault them for it.

The golden company had been annihilated almost completely. The few survivors had been taken captive. The city walls were in truly sorry condition but since they had no further attacks to fear in the immediate future that wasn't a very concerning matter right now. The civilian casualties were thankfully relatively low and the populace, while still terrified, had mostly complied with the invading army. A few Dothraki and much to Jons chagrin a few northmen had tried to start pillaging and raping the defeated city, but they had quickly been brought back in line by the rest of Daenerys followers.

"Looks like we have won." Arya stated as one of the northern lords finished his latest report to Jon and was leaving: "But where is that dragon queen of yours? I thought she would be eager to plant her pretty ass on that iron throne as soon as possible so she can throw her weight around some more."

Jon sighed in exasperation and gave his adopted sister an annoyed look: "What do you and Sansa have against Dany? What has she done to earn your grudge? She and her armies fought side to side with us against the night king. Yeah, sure you were the one who killed him and saved us all, but I don't think we could have survived the battle without Dany and her dragons."

"Maybe." Arya agreed: "But she isn't one of us. She isn't part of our family. She isn't a Stark."

"Neither am I." Jon remined her.

His adopted sister violently objected: "Yes you are. You've always been my brother. You will always be. But I don't know the dragon Queen. Why should I trust her? Sure, she helped us against the white walkers but in exchange for her help she demanded that you bend the knee…."

Jon interrupted her: "Is that what you think happened? It wasn't like that. After Dany saw the army of the dead with her own eyes, she promised me that we would destroy the night king together. She didn't make any demands in exchange for her help. I bent the knee to her voluntarily."

Blinking in surprise Arya questioned: "You did? Why?"

"Because I believe in her." Jon said with conviction: "When me and the others were cornered by the army of the dead on that lake she came and saved us. She didn't hesitate to put herself in danger. She actually cares about those who serve her. All her servants and soldiers genuinely think she's a good person. And I didn't know it at the time, but maybe she isn't part of your family. But she is part of mine."

"We are your family." Arya retorted.

Jon nodded and agreed: "Yes you are. I'll always be your brother and Sansas and Brans and as far as I am concerned Ned Stark was my father. But that doesn't mean that Dany can't be part of my family as well."

The youngest Stark girl looked thoughtful for a moment before relenting: "Alright. I see where you are coming from. I guess I could try to see some positive things about your dragon queen perhaps. She is your aunt after all."

Smiling at his sister Jon insisted: "Just don't tell that anyone else. It was bad enough that Tyrion and Varys somehow found out. We finally need some peace and not even more people squabbling over who should sit on the iron throne. In the worst case someone will actually succeed in making me king. Then I'd have to sit on that ugly ass metal chair."

At that Arya giggled: "It really does look uncomfortable. But you can't fool me Jon. You just don't want anyone to find out that you slept with your aunt."

"Shut up you little brat." Jon said, playfully slapping after his little sister, while turning red like a tomato: "I didn't know we were related at the time. Also, I mean it. Don't tell anyone. Varys tried to poison Dany when he found out that technically I have a better claim to the throne than her. This is no joke."

Becoming serious Arya retorted: "I know. I wouldn't tell anyone unless you wanted me to. You can blame Sansa for the Varys situation. She was the one who told Tyrion."

There conversation was interrupted when Grey Worm, Ser Davos and their group of unsullied walked into the room. With them the captured Cersei, who still had tear streaks on her face, but aside from that had regained her usual composure. Which she promptly displayed by antagonizing the two siblings from Winterfell.

"Oh, look it's Eddard Starks bastard. I hope your stay in kings landing is as enjoyable to you as the one of your father was to him." The golden-haired woman said smiling pleasantly while her voice carried nothing but vitriol: "Oh and young Arya. You have grown up a lot since we last met. You were such a mangy unruly little brat back then and now you are a slightly bigger mangy unruly brat it seems. It is fortunate that your dear mother lady Caetlyn doesn't have to see you like this anymore.

Her expression becoming murderous Arya was already reaching for her dagger, but Jon grabbed her arm and held her back. Completely ignoring Cerseis petty words he just acknowledged his fellow soldiers: "I see you captured Cersei Lannister. Good job. We killed the mountain eventually by the way. It wasn't easy but Sandor removed his head from his body. Unfortunately, Sandor didn't make it."

Grey Worm nodded in understanding: "Sandor Clegane fought valiantly with us during the battle of Winterfell and has partially avenged Missandei of Nath by killing her executioner. I'm certain my Queen will grant him a proper funeral."

"Oh, please spare me touching sentiments." Interjected Cersei acidly: "That cowardly hound fled from the battle of Blackwater and betrayed his real king, king Joffrey. He deservers nothing but for his head to be displayed on a pike. Not even your foreign whore of a queen could use such a dirty coward."

Grey Worm was visibly restraining himself from punching the woman in the face at this point and if looks could kill Aryas death glare would have felled Cersei in a second. Davos meanwhile corrected Cersei: "You do realize that that "foreign…. Queen, as you call her, was born in Westeros right Mylady Lannister."

Focusing her attention on the onion knight Cersei gave him a so fake it hurt to watch: "It's still your majesty for you Ser…. Whatever. I forgot your name. You are just the failed hand of two failed kings. One who died after being humiliated in battle by a Gnome and later a bastard. And one king in the north who immediately gave up his crown the moment the foreign whore Queen showed up."

"Silence!" Grey worm shouted suddenly at the captive Lannister woman with such force that Cersei was intimidated enough to shut up. With a disgusted hand-gesture the leader of the unsullied motioned for his men to leave. "Take this woman away and guard her until our Queen has time to deal with her. I don't want to hear her spew her venom any longer and I can't stand her face." He ordered them in Valyrian.

His men complied and led Cersei out of the room. "So, it looks like we have won this war as well." Davos observed: "We are on a roll it seems. And compared to the last one that was almost easy. By the way shouldn't … our … Queen join us again now that we took the city for her?"

"You took the city for her?" Arya asked with a raised eyebrow: "You guys barely did anything. Her Dragon just wrecked the gate and the golden company for you and then the Lannisters immediately surrendered."

"Well that…" started Davos only to suddenly frown at Arya and ask: "Since when are you even here young Lady Stark. You weren't with us when we started marching south from Winterfell."

"I came here with the hound. I wanted to kill Cersei but wasn't fast enough to do it before you all arrived." Admitted the younger Stark woman.

Davos just blinked at her a few times while Arya just stared at him expressionlessly. Eventually he just shrugged. Jon decided to steer the conversation back to what he deigned important: "Anyways, Ser Davos you raise a good point. Where is Queen Daenerys? Someone should inform her that the city is hers."

Grey Worm nodded and said: "My Queen and her dragon landed in the nearby hills. I will send some Dothraki on horseback to inform her. Meanwhile I still have to search the dungeons for any potential threats or hopefully some of our men that the Lannisters took prisoner earlier."

"Good luck with that." Said Jon, who didn't believe that Cersei Lannister took prisoners unless it was to publicly execute them anyways: "I'll go with the men informing our queen. Arya, don't… just…."

With a roll of her eyes Arya interrupted him: "I won't kill anyone. Not even Cersei. Promised. Unless of course someone attacks me."

Well that would have to do thought Jon then he walked out of the room.

…

A good hour later Jon and a group of 15 of Daenerys remaining Dothraki were riding towards the unmistakable shape of Drogon who was protectively curled around the sitting figure of Daenerys. It had taken a while for Jon and the Dothraki to find the dragon and his rider. When they approached the giant winged reptile threateningly growled into their direction. The Dothraki stopped dead in their tracks, clearly more than a bit wary of the dragon.

Worry spread through Jon. Drogon was acting strange. Did something happen was Dany wounded perhaps. Quickly he got off his horse and told his companions: "Wait here!" The black dragon had always tolerated his presence more than that of any other people, most likely due to his secret parentage. He left the Dothraki and horses behind in a safe distance and approached the winged creature. The dragon stared at him for a few moments, before with an acknowledging growl he dropped the aggressive stance and slightly moved his head to the side.

That also granted Jon a full view of Daenerys who was sitting at the feet of her dragon, and was still crying, her face streaked with tears, her normally meticulously braided silver hair a mess. His worry taking over Jon was quickly at her side: "Dany! Is everything alright? Are you wounded?"

She looked up at him in confusion at first, until her expression cleared up a bit. Weakly the dragon queen asked: "Jon? I… I am not wounded, no. I... am unharmed." Relief flooded through Jon after hearing this, but if she wasn't wounded than obviously something else had to be wrong.

"Good. What is wrong then Dany. Why are you sitting here crying? We have taken the city. The iron throne is yours." The former Lord commander of the night watch inquired.

At that a strangled sob escaped Daenerys throat. With breaking voice and no small amount of self-loathing she replied: "I… I… I am not fit to sit on that throne."

"What?" was all Jon could ask in apparent confusion: "What are you talking about Dany. I couldn't think of anyone better to sit…"

"No, you don't understand!" He was interrupted by his queen. Tears were flowing in thick streams down her cheeks as she elaborated: "You don't know what,…. what I almost did. I always told everyone that I wasn't like my father, that I wasn't mad. I was wrong. I am just like him. A disgusting evil monster."

Taken back Jon disagreed: "What? Why would you even think that? I know you. You are nothing like what I've heard about the mad king."

Unhappily sobbing Dany elaborated: "Yes I am. Everyone is right to be afraid of me. I am a horrible person."

Still utterly confused as to why his aunt was saying things like this Jon Snow tried to calm her down: "Look Dany, I don't know what is going on but talk to me. Why would you even think something like that about yourself?"

Dany looked up at him, into his trusting eyes and with breaking voice confessed: "I was atop the wall with Drogon, when they rung the bells for surrender. They had already surrendered and yet… despite that I was so angry at Cersei and the Lannister's, everyone really. There was so much… fury inside me. I wanted to burn the entire city down. The men, the women and the children. There was this irresistible urge and I… I almost went through with it. I had already started to give Drogon the order before I snapped out of it. I almost murdered everyone in kings landing, for no legitimate reason whatsoever. I am monstrous."

Jon just stared at her with an unreadable expression. Dany just lowered her head in shame her tears still rolling down her cheeks. Now he would certainly agree and want nothing to do with her anymore. Instead the young Queen was surprised when she felt herself be enveloped by a warm hug.

Completely baffled she felt as Jon soothingly stroked her hair. "Calm down Dany. It's all right."

"No, it isn't. Did you not hear what I just told you Jon?" She objected: "I wanted to burn the entire city down."

"But you didn't." retorted her nephew: "The city is fine."

Dany replied: "Well yes, but I was just a second away from going through with it. I'm mad. Just as mad as my father."

Scoffing Jon denied that: "You aren't mad. You were angry. People can get the urge to do horrible, vile and gruesome things when they are angry. You are no exception to that. The important thing is that you didn't give in to your anger. You did the right thing in the end."

"But…", stuttered Daenerys: "not something so atrocious as what I wanted to do. Today… I was just a mere moment away from crossing a line from which there would be no coming back again. You were wrong. I was wrong. I don't deserve anything. Varys was right. I am not fit to be a queen. All the people are right when they hate and fear me."

Jon stopped hugging the young Targaryen and pushed her away a bit, but only to look her in the eyes as he sincerely said: "Dany. Had you actually done what you wanted to in that moment, yes than you would have crossed a line. But as I already said, you didn't. Do you still want to burn the city down?"

"No!" Dany loudly said in horror.

Jon just nodded and continued: "Then it probably just was a momentary reaction born out of anger, or depression or something like this. You have been through a lot those last few days. You haven't even eaten or slept in days, thankfully I might add, or else Varys might have succeeded in poisoning you, but still you should rest and eat something soon. It's no wonder you aren't in the best place mentally right now. But I know you. I know that you are a good person."

Quietly sniffling Dany looked him in his eyes and saw nothing but honesty in them. Shamefully she looked down and replied: "How can you be so sure of that? I don't even think it of myself anymore and neither does anyone else."

Jon frowned and disagreed: "That is not true. There are a lot of people that think about you the way I do. Every last one of your soldiers loves and admires you. They all think that you are worth following to the end of the earth. You are their hero. In due time the people of Westeros will come to see you for the wonderful person you are as well. Some already do. Tyrion admires you just as much as I do. And well, maybe the northmen aren't your biggest fans yet, but then again, they are all a bunch moody, brooding grouches even to each other at the best of times. Trust me on that one I grew up among these people."

At that Dany couldn't help but let out a small chuckle between sobs. Getting serious again she asked: "But what if it happens again. What if I my murderous urges take over again then…"

"Then I am certain that you'll manage to overcome them again just like you did today." She was interrupted by Jon.

The young dragon queen just stared at him for a few moments before this time she was the one hugging him fiercely. "Thank you Jon. For believing in me." She whispered: "I'm not sure I'm worthy of your trust in me. But I'll do my best."

Hugging her back the adopted Stark sibling retorted: "I'm sure you are worthy."

After a few more niche moments they parted again. Dany was feeling slightly better now. Maybe Jon was right. Maybe she was just depressed, angry and stressed after all the losses she had recently endured and not an insane monster? Still she had to ask Jon something. She had to make sure that she wouldn't go too far. Drying her tears, she told Jon: "Jon. You are the most honorable man I know. I have and request for you."

"Whatever you want my queen." The man replied.

Nodding Dany explained: "If… if I ever cross that line. If I go too far. I want you to stop me. However, you have to do it. You must promise me that. I don't want to end up like my father. I don't want to be a Tyrant that murders people as she pleases. So should the day come that I try to do something as heinous as what I almost did today, you must stop me anyway possible."

"My queen. I don't think that will be…" Jon started to protest.

"No!" Dany interrupted him, her usual firm voice returning: "You must promise me Jon. You must do what is right if it comes to that. Promise me!"

Visibly unhappy the former king in the north grudgingly agreed: "I promise it Dany."

With a relieved sigh the Dragon queen tanked him: "Thank you Jon."

Taking a few more deep breaths Daenerys composed herself again. Drogon made questioning noises at his "mother" and she lovingly caressed his scaly leg: "Everything is alright Drogon." For the first time in the last hours she felt that that everything might actually be alright in the end.

Jon got up and offered his hand to Daenerys in order to help her up. She gratefully took his hand and got up herself. "It is time to go to kings landing and take your throne my queen." Jon said smiling.

Dany nodded: "You better ride ahead, I have to get presentable first. I wager I don't look very queenly right now."

"You always do." Retorted Jon.

Snorting the young Targaryen shooed him away: "Just go. But again: Thank you. For everything." Jon just gave her a last encouraging nod before going back to his horse.