Tywin, Jaime and Trystan rode first on their horses with dozens of soldiers and golden cloaks riding behind them. Many were armoured and had their swords ready except for Trystan and Tywin, who wished not to waste any time by trying to wear armour.
They all had galloped through the city and headed straight up Visenya's Hill, the hooves of the horses making the earth tremble as the Old Lion of Casterly Rock only saw red in his vision. From afar, they saw all the people that had gathered in the White Marble Plaza and if one squinted their eyes, they could see Visenya kneeling in front of the High Sparrow.
The sight alone was something that drove Tywin over the edge but before he could even start stomping on people with his horse, something else took place. The explosion made the whole ground shake, the wave followed right after it spread in a circular radius and even reached them.
The force was so strong, that many had to lift one hand to protect their eyes from the pieces of dirt, debris and smoke that came their way, while the other hand held tightly on the reins. The horses were uneasy, the explosion having scared most of them and soldiers tried to keep them calm.
Yet, despite all that; the three Lions came to the same conclusion.
The explosion had started from the Steps of the Sept and Visenya was there, right in the heart of the explosion. As if sharing one mind, they all wasted no time and started to lead their horses; worry, fear and anger were the only dominant emotions leading their actions.
They moved through the wounded and terrified crowd, many common folks jumping out of the way or being pushed to the side by Lannister Soldiers and Golden Cloaks.
Coughing was heard all around them as slowly the cloud of smoke and dust was being lifted higher up into the air. Many citizens were on the ground and as they approached the Sept, they could see many more faintly injured but only a few truly were dead; burnt by the wildfire.
Tywin was the one to stop his horse and look around, his lips parted and his golden-flecked green eyes were wide in worry. In the past, he found the sight of the green fire all around him to be a unique and rather fascinating view but now; he truly cursed that damn green flame and partially even its creator.
He kept looking around, coughing faintly but there was no sign of Visenya or anyone. The top of the Sept was in pieces and so were the Steps, a mix of flipped marble and dirt. Bright green flames were all around them, slowly eating through the marble and the ground.
Fearing for the worst but refusing to believe it, Tywin turned to his men.
"Start searching! I want everyone to search and bring forward anyone you find," he ordered, unable to truly say the word "body" at the moment.
Unless he saw the corpse of his wife in front of him, the Old Lion refused to believe that she was dead. It would be impossible to survive a wildfire explosion, a part of himself kept repeating but he refused to listen to it.
If one could hear those thoughts, mockery would ensue but thankfully no one did. Even his face was impossible to read, the usual cold stoned expression was worn as a mask; preventing anyone from seeing through it.
"Father," Trystan said but did not dare to look anywhere but ahead.
Tywin and Jaime took notice and followed his gaze, seeing that he was staring at the thick cloud of dust and smoke. As the few rays of sun managed to pass through the already lifted clouds of smoke, they allowed everyone to see the figure of someone; walking towards them.
The civilians that had fallen to the ground and were the closest to it, coughed but then gasped. Fingers were pointed in the direction of the figure, many looking in terror and some in awe.
Their reactions were justified as the figure walked through the smoke and everyone could fully see who that person was.
Visenya walked with confident and slow steps through the smoke, fully untouched by the explosion. The faintest of smudges could be seen on her cheeks and her body but there was no true injury other than a few scraps. There was no sign of burning skin and there was also no sign of her clothing. Even her hair seemed to have burnt more than halfway, the white-silver locks now reaching a little bit past her shoulder while before it reached her waist.
Her yellow eyes seemed to glow, her chin was held high and the black marking of the Dragon Whisperer was contrasting against her pale skin.
A small part of wildfire was blocking her way; the flames were reaching the height of her chest and were burning hot.
Yet, she walked through it as if they did not exist. The flames seemed to wrap around her skin and yet they did not burn her, rather simply caressed her as she passed through them and continued making her way through the broken steps.
Many were shocked, soldiers and civilians alike. Even the Lions were staring in utter shock, surprise and awe at the fact that not only she was unharmed but had just passed through wildfire as if it was nothing and she was unharmed.
The first to snap out of the shock was Jaime. He jumped off his horse and rushed her way, ripping his white cloak in the process. He stopped next to her and wrapped it around her naked body, offering her some modesty as the white material fell all around her.
Trystan and Tywin joined right after, the movement of Jaime having also snapped them from their original shock. The Half Lion rushed to the other side of his mother, now both sons staying close to her as Tywin stood in front of her.
"Mother, are you hurt?" Trystan asked, trying to check her for any injuries without moving the white cloak from her body.
"I am fine, Trystan." She then turned to the other two Lions. "I am unharmed," she added in a calm but slightly tired tone.
Yet, none seemed to truly believe her words. Tywin, especially, narrowed his eyes faintly.
"You are to see Qyburn the moment we return to the Red Keep," he ordered but went to turn to leave but she grabbed his hand.
"I am fine, Tywin. Fire cannot harm me," she confessed, making her two sons exchange a look while Tywin just stared at her a little longer; clearly debating on how much he believed her on the topic. "Take me to the Red Keep, and I will explain."
Outer Yard, Red Keep — King's Landing, Crownlands — Not Long After
The men running around and getting their weapons ready had attracted a lot of attention from guests, residents and servants alike. The servants, who worked in the Red Keep quickly picked up word of what had taken place and spread it from mouth to mouth.
Thus, almost everyone knew what Visenya had done and what Tywin was about to do; all against the High Sparrow. Yet, none expected when the wildfire erupted high into the sky in a show that was visible even to them.
So many had pressed themselves against the windows or rushed into the balconies to witness it, seeing the thick black smoke rising slowly into the air while the neon green flames could be seen even from that distance. Many had remained silent while others gossiped, everyone knowing that the Hand of the King, his wife, their children and so many soldiers were there when the explosion took place.
The time that passed until the news arrived into the Red Keep, felt like an eternity to many. They heard that the soldiers were returning and so was the Lion family, all unharmed. Of course, many went back into their balconies and windows to see if that was true.
They took notice of the horses galloping through the Red Gates, the Three Male Lions the very first ones to enter. Visenya was riding in front of Tywin on his horse, covered with nothing but Jaime's white cloak while burnt smudges could be seen on her face.
Many were surprised to see her in such a state, quickly questioning what exactly had taken place and of course; who had actually been killed in the end because that explosion was far from a mere show for the crowd.
No one said anything and everyone just watched in silence as the Lions all headed inside the Red Keep.
It would not take long, of course, before the truth would reach everyone. People all over Westeros and even further away, would all learn of the woman that survived the explosion and walked right through its green fire without being harmed.
Chambers of Tywin & Visenya, Tower of the Hand — Red Keep, King's Landing, Crown Lands
Visenya sat at the edge of the bed, her body still wrapped with the white cloak from Jaime's armour. She kept it closely wrapped around her body and her tired eyes looked ahead but would occasionally move to the three men that were with her, in the room.
Trystan, Tywin and Jaime were standing around her, none pleased with what she did. Everyone had been worried and while all of them were relieved that she was unharmed, one of them was not happy with the initiative she took and the plan she had that worked behind their backs.
"This might be one of the most reckless plans you have ever done, and you have done enough," Tywin scolded her, displeased with everything that took place.
Someone, who did not know him would not be surprised by his words and might even expect him to become a little more physical. To everyone else, this was a normal reaction of a husband, who now had to deal with the aftermath of his wife's risky actions.
To those few, who knew him, especially the two Lion siblings, who secretly knew his feelings; also knew that his cold scolding tone was simply used to hide his worry. To act as if he had not almost come face to face with the fact that he had lost the woman he loved.
Of course, Visenya was not going to accept any scolding. Once again, she knew why she had acted that way and why she did what she had done.
"There was no other choice," she argued back, craning her head and defiantly looking into his eyes. She could see the worry behind them and the frustration she had caused, which did make her feel guilty but she refused to let him win this over; not this time. "It was the only thing that could be done and I knew that fire would not harm me."
Yet, the men around her did not seem to truly believe her. Whether they did not believe the fact that there was nothing else she could do or that she was immune to fire, Visenya could not tell.
She chose, then, to prove it to them once and for all. Stretching her hand, she moved her body faintly and quickly let her palm hover directly above the flame of a nearby candle, so close to the base of it that one would expect her own skin to be covered by the flame.
This movement made the Lions move and rush to stop her, with Tywin being the first to grab her wrist and yank it away from the fire; with little more force than necessary. She did not react to his strong grip and let him turn her hand; only to see that there was no burning sign on her palm and that she was unharmed.
They stared at it with curiosity and some shock as she slowly withdrew her hand, Tywin holding no further resistance. Everyone looked back at her as she sat better on the bed.
"How did you know? And how long have you known?" Jaime asked, not hiding his surprise but also his curiosity.
His voice was normal, if not a tone softer after everything that happened. His eyes kept checking her as if she would suddenly expose some severe wound or would collapse in front of them any moment now.
Visenya took a deep breath and straightened her back fully. "I have known it since I was a child. Since I walked through the fires at Summerhall as a child and I was unharmed," she confessed, narrating her story.
She never forgot that haunting day at Summerhall or better say, night. She was barely 9 and all the family, almost all of it, had gathered at Summerhall; a castle they had close to Dorne. They would spend their vacations there, a favourite for all the children as they could escape the boring Red Keep.
Then one particular night, she awoke to the smell of fire. At first, she thought it was related to her dream about dragons that blew fire over the plains of Westeros but then she woke up and realized the room was covered by flames.
Many people screamed, others rushed from outside and tried to extinguish the bright orange flames that devoured anything they could. The smoke made her cough and she tried to cover her nose with the sleeve of her nightdress as she headed for the door.
The round handle on her door was practically glowing red but when she touched it, she only felt it warm. There was no pain from it and she did not bother to question it either. She walked down the corridor, coughing and trying to see through her watery eyes.
She knew all of Summerhall and could navigate herself despite the inferno around her. Some parts had less fire and she took advantage of that. Flames rose left and right, touching her skin and slowly burning her night dress but not her skin.
She did not realize it until she was almost to the backdoor, one used for servants. A wall of fire blocked it and before she could take a step back, some wooden beams collapsed and trapped her there.
She was not sure what to do until something within her told her to just walk through the flames. Her basic instincts tried to stop her, each step closer becoming harder and harder to take.
In the end, she managed to win over and pushed herself through the bright orange flames. She came through the other side, unharmed and naked, feet touching the soft grass beneath her feet.
Some servants saw her but many did not believe it, eventually blaming it on the smoke that many had inhaled. No one ever spoke of it again and it was soon forgotten by everyone, except for her.
"All I know is that my ancestor, Naelys Targaryen could walk through fire. Records say she survived dragon fire as well," Visenya continued. "Over the years since the first Dance of the Dragons, Black and Greens eventually mixed, which is how I most likely have it along with the rest of her traits."
At her explanation, Jaime shivered but hid it from the rest of his family.
He thought back at what Aerys was shouting at him before he stabbed him.
How he would survive the flames and be reborn as a dragon himself to exact his revenge.
Back then, Jaime was not sure if that would be true but just to be sure; he had cut the king's throat to ensure it would not happen. Now that he heard this story, he wondered if Aerys indeed would have survived that wildfire he had planted beneath the whole of King's Landing.
Trystan was silent almost the entire time and he could not help but wonder if; as her son, he had the same fire immunity. His eyes went to the candle nearby for a moment, his thoughts about to get the best of him.
"Whatever you are thinking about it, drop it. Forget that idea and do not even think of testing it," Tywin said, who had taken notice of his son and where his gaze lingered.
He was not stupid and he suspected the boy might have such thoughts, as one would expect after hearing such a story. Yet, he was not going to let him take any unnecessary risks. He already had to deal with enough from his wife; he did not need to have to worry about his son as well.
The Half-Lion cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed and lowered his head in shame; having been caught before he even tried to act his thoughts.
A small quick silence quickly appeared between them as the two Lion siblings were observing their father. They could see he was still frustrated, angry but not at them. He was angry at himself for failing to protect his family and almost losing his wife, who did what he was supposed to do in the first place.
Yet, they could see that the way he was looking at her was different from what one would expect. His gaze was still sharp and his face showed that he was still displeased with everything that happened but he was not cold.
There was this faint softness in his gaze as he focused on Visenya, seeing her alive and unharmed sitting in front of him. Even the tension in his shoulders seemed to become less as he looked at her and she looked back at him.
If the two brothers had not witnessed what they had, if Jaime had not spied on them during that kiss; they would have missed it. Now, they could see that very small difference. Even if his tone was a little more authoritative, it was mostly out of worry that those emotions had surfaced. In the end, he was not angry at her nor would he cross the line in any way.
They exchanged a look, mentally wondering if the two of them should leave. Perhaps they should let the couple alone to discuss it, although until their father truly calmed down; one was not sure how much they would discuss before an argument built up.
The decision was made by the Old Lion himself, not long after.
Tywin pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment and took a deep breath. "Qyburn is to see you for those small wounds you got from the debris and then you are to rest," he said, looking at his wife. He also added a Do not dare to argue, warning look that stopped her from opening her mouth in the first place. "I, on the other hand, have to do some damage control after your latest stunt. Jaime, you are to stay with her until Qyburn leaves. Trystan, you are to come with me."
Without another word, Tywin left the room and his lastborn son followed him; but not before he sent a relieved smile towards his mother. He said nothing and exited the room soon after, not wishing to make his father wait any longer.
It was clear that Tywin was annoyed and frustrated by the events but he was also relieved that Visenya was alive. Of course, he was not going to show it; not at the moment. First, he would have to calm down and process everything that he felt and saw and feared had happened.
Then, at night, after he had taken care of everything he would confront her when the two of them would be on their own.
Jaime watched them go and once they were out of the room, both he and Visenya let out a sigh around the same time. The stepson bent his knee to be at the same height as his seated mother, a small smile on his lips.
"Do not mind Father. You really worried him for a moment there," he said, placing his hand on top of hers.
Visenya smiled in return and looked at him, her eyes tired but there was this less burden that she felt upon her shoulders. "I know. If his hair had not turned white already, I knew my plan would finish the job in the end," she said, offering a small joke that made both of them chuckle faintly.
She always had an odd timing for humour but it was always a good sign that she was well and she was herself, which was what truly mattered to him. At that moment, she was tired and she did not truly question why Jaime was sounding so certain about the feelings of his father towards her.
"I am glad you are okay. I truly thought I lost you back there," he confessed, his smile long gone as he looked at her with the same look he had given her when he was truly worried for her.
Visenya placed her hand next to his cheek, her thumb caressing his skin.
"You did not and I promise you, you will not lose me that easily, my son," she reassured him, her eyes softening upon seeing his reaction.
He had parted his lips, faintly in shock by being called her son directly but then he could not help but smile. He placed his free hand on top of hers, keeping it against his cheek as he savoured the moment.
When the explosion took place, when there was no sign of her, Jaime truly thought he had lost her. He almost felt lightheaded at the idea that Visenya was gone, sacrificing herself to keep them all safe from the High Sparrow and his fanatic followers.
He was filled with so much guilt for a moment and self-hatred for failing to protect her once again, while he almost relived the day the servant told him that their mother had perished while giving birth.
Then, he saw her walking through all the chaos and the flame unharmed; and he felt his heart beating again. It was at this moment that he truly understood, just how much Visenya meant to him, just how much her presence was needed in his life as his mother.
He did not care how she survived; he did not care who her brother was or what names they called her behind her back. All he cared about was for her to be happy, to be alive and to continue to be part of his life like she already was.
Chambers of Tywin & Visenya, Tower of the Hand — King's Landing, Crownlands — Nightfall
Qyburn inspected Visenya and offered some salve for her superficial wounds, just in case they could get infected. He was curious, just like everyone else in the Red Keep but did not dare to ask any questions or try to study her; since Jaime was above him and was watching him like a hawk.
After both had left, the Dragoness had laid on the bed and had actually slept for a few hours; feeling rather exhausted after all those days of constant stress about her plan. Now, with the threat gone, she found it easier for her to get some sleep.
Hours later, she had woken up but had not left the room. She was not in the mood to deal with anyone, who would try to ask around and gossip about what had taken place. She wished to be alone with her thoughts and the fact that her plan could have backfired.
Sure, she had immunity to normal flames but wildfire was enchanted with magic; something she had never tried. She had gone to that Sept and had formed everything, with the idea in her mind that she would not survive to see the sun setting.
It had been a terrifying thought and it was what had kept her so distant and silent all those days. Now, though, she was still alive and breathing although even she was not sure the extent of this 'fire protection' she seemed to have.
Naelys Targaryen had immunity to dragon-fire, if the lore was true but Visenya was not her predecessor; was she?
She was sitting on the armchair she had claimed as hers, a book on her lap but she had been staring at the same page for a while now; unable to truly focus. The time was passing and she expected Tywin to return soon, having not talked to him since the moment he left the room; after their 'argument'.
At last, the man of the hour entered the room and as per usual; put the bolt in its place to keep any unwanted visitors out. He turned to face her and marched her way, his steps always confident but she could see the mental strain in his eyes; from all those weeks of having to handle everything in her absence.
She closed the book and stood up to greet him, a small smile on her face upon seeing him; more than happy that she had not perished in those flames and had broken his heart like his first wife did.
"How are you feeling?" he asked as he came to a halt in front of her, eyes inspecting her body silently.
"Better. I have rested and eaten," she explained, seeing the smallest hint of relief in his golden-flecked eyes. She glanced down momentarily, her smile dropping. "I apologise, for worrying you with my plan and keeping you in the dark," she confessed, having felt this guilt ever since he had left the room.
She knew she had worried him, that was thrice she had done in their 20 years of marriage, perhaps even more. She knew he could not lose her too, especially after all they had been through and she did feel very guilty for causing him all this worry; but she did not regret her plan or her decision.
His calloused hand found its way beneath her chin and gently guided her head up, in order to look into his eyes. All the anger from before had long disappeared from them and all she could see was curiosity and slight mistrust; something she did not blame him.
"Why did you do it?" he asked with his voice calm while his grip on her chin was just enough to keep her head high but not harm her.
She looked deep into his eyes with those amber orbs, the red flecks within them almost glowing like the flickering tips of a flame. "Because I could no longer see you getting tortured because of them, losing sleep and being so mentally tired all day and night," she answered. "I could see how the stress and worry affected you and I was afraid it would be the one thing to bring you down…the one thing that would take you away from me and into the arms of the Stranger. I could not live with myself if I knew this would happen to you, not when I could try to do something about it."
His breathing became deeper, his eyes turning cold for a moment and his grip on her chin increased a little bit. He was getting frustrated but not with her… with himself.
He was supposed to be the man of the family, the one to protect them all against threats; he was the Lion. Yet, he had failed to handle the issue properly and his wife had to act for him.
What she did was stupid, and reckless and it frustrated him beyond the point; surpassing even her idea to join the war for Rhaegar. He could not blame her, though, not after knowing the full truth behind her actions.
Ever since the night with the arrow, they looked at one another differently. He was fully aware of just how much he meant to her and he was no longer surprised in the extremes she would go to keep him safe, to keep all of them safe.
He eventually released her chin and pushed some white strands behind her ear, all while leaving out an audible sigh. "Yet with your actions, you might be the death of me one day," he said, a repetition of what he had told her on the boat before they would reach King's Landing and save them all from Stannis' men.
She smiled gently. "And yet I have told you, I will not let the Stranger take you away from me that easily," she commented, feeling how gentle and careful his fingers were against her cheek, as if she was made of glass and would shatter against his touch any moment now. She subconsciously leaned on them. "I know I worried you but I do not stand back when my family is threatened."
His lips formed a ghost smirk but it was visible enough for her. "No, you are not. That is one of your best and also most troubling qualities of yours."
She replied with a smirk of her own. "And yet one of those qualities that you simply love about me," she joked, bringing her lips forward and gently pecking his.
She was about to pull back when the hands that were slowly tracing invisible shapes on her skin, moved to hold the base of her jaw and pulled her forward for a proper kiss. It was sweet; it was needed but was also passionate as well.
She smiled behind it; eyes closed and savoured the taste of wine that lingered on his lips. Her one hand went to hold the wrist of his hand by the base of her jaw and the other grabbed his jacket, keeping him close. None pulled back early, momentarily breaking the kiss for a single second to take a quick breath and then continued; as if this was the last time they would be able to kiss.
It was, perhaps, the sweetest and most passionate kiss that they had ever shared. It held so many emotions behind it, even more than the night she confessed her feelings for him and he, in his own way, confessed his.
Eventually, they pulled back but Tywin brought his forehead forward and connected with hers; surprising her with his action.
She opened her eyes, looking at him in surprise but also love; as she memorized every single second of this unique moment. He had never done that before but now, she truly wished he would do it every single time.
There was this raw emotion in his golden-flecked eyes, one she did not see often. "Let us get some proper rest. We have work to do tomorrow," he said and pulled back, before kissing the top of her forehead gently.
This earned him a sweet smile and almost a love-sick expression from her when their eyes fully met. She did not rush to move her hands, enjoying their proximity and rather innocent intimate moment.
"Let us shall," she agreed, her smile remaining and she could see the edges of his lips twitching faintly; offering her a small but genuine smile.