The baby shifted in his sleep. Aegon was wrapped in a tattered blanket, and he lay on Elia's lap whilst the carriage rocked down the dirt path.

They had left King's Landing that morning, and had changed into peasant clothing in the carriage. Varys had come to her before she left and had confirmed that everything was in place.

Elia let the rock of the carriage lull her into memory.

"Rhaegar will reward you for this, Varys." She had spoken in a rush. Aegon was fussing in Ashara's arms. And Jaime was busy conducting the servants in their job to transport Elia's items to the carriage.

"A seat on the Small Council should do." Elia smiled to the bald man. She was full of strange energy today. On one hand, so many things could go wrong and she was taking a dangerous risk. On the other, if she succeeded today, she would be free.

Varys shook his head, "I do not need a reward."

Elia frowned, "That is unlike you."

The Spider laughed, "I may be an utter fool for saying so, but I am quite fond of you, my lady. In truth, I don't think I will enjoy seeing Robert Baratheon murder you and your family."

Elia smiled at him and had said goodbye in a rush.

That was probably the last time she would see him.

The carriage came to a screeching halt, and Elia could hear the shouts of men from outside. Ashara met her eyes, and Elia handed Aegon to her and opened the carriage door.

The driver had an arrow through his chest, and now lay face down in the dirt path. The horses reared up in fear, until a man dressed in Baratheon colours approached them and calmed them down.

Jaime looked to her, "Your ambushers have arrived, my lady."

Elia nodded, and watched as the four other men, also dressed in Baratheon colours, laid out the bodies of two women.

Elia forced herself to watch as they tossed them into the dirt. Their faced were mangled and mutilated, and even she could see that they would be unrecognisable. She did recognise her own gown, however. The woman with brown hair lay sprawled in the mud, her yellow gown stained with it.

The woman who was meant to be Ashara had empty sockets where her eyes should be. Elia felt sick at the sight, but she knew it was necessary. Ashara's violet eyes would have been difficult to find a match for.

The men began to pour pig's blood about the bodies, and into the mud beneath them. It was to make the kills look authentic. One of the men approached the carriage, and Elia handed over her dagger, as well as a necklace that belonged to Ashara and was always on her person. He left with the items, and set about placing them on the bodies.

Elia turned her eyes away and met Jaime Lannister's green ones.

"Where is the child's body?" She asked.

Jaime's lips curled into a smile. He handed her a note. Elia opened it and read it in a rush.

It was signed by Rhaegar.

He was on his way to King's Landing. Oberyn was travelling back to Dorne. They had not spoken to Tywin Lannister.

Jaime smiled and handed her another note. "Open this later. It is another letter from Rhaegar. Specifically for you."

Elia swallowed that familiar lump in her throat and blocked out the actions of the men around her.

"What does this mean?"

Jaime smiled, "He is setting you free."

"What?" Elia breathed the word out, and pressed a palm to her forehead. "But…"

Jaime interrupted, "I sent a rider to Casterly Rock, but he could not have reached yet. It wasn't me who convinced him to abandon talks with my father." Jaime smiled.

"Elia, what's happened?" Ashara asked from inside the carriage.

Elia looked back at her friend, her heart pounded in her ears. "Rhaegar is going to fight Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannister. Ned Stark must have done his job and secured the Vale." Elia whispered. "Jon Arryn must have been named Hand."

Ashara grinned, but it faded quickly. "What of this plan? Will we continue with it?"

Elia nodded, "Yes. But Aegon will not be thought to be dead. He will still be Rhaegar's heir. He will still be king one day." Elia smiled and sat down in the carriage.

Rhaegar had done this for them. He knew that this was what she wanted. It would have been so easy for him to call off the plan entirely. To force Elia to remain his wife, to force her to stay with him.

A part of her felt weak for allowing him to control her life the way he did. But she controlled his life, too. She had just won him the support of the Reach and the North, the Riverlands, and the Vale. She had just convinced a good number of his people to love him again. She could give that and she could take it away.

She wasn't as weak as she thought she was.

Elia grinned, and a wave of relief flooded over her.

He had done something for her after all. And it would be the last action of Rhaegar's that would affect her. She was glad it was an action that brought her happiness.

Ashara blinked, "I don't understand. Why is it necessary to fake your death now? Rhaegar could just let you go home to Dorne."

"No. He's a king. He can't do that. I will look like a liar for saying that I forgave him, and he will look weak. He'll lose support. In a way, my death will benefit him. But I don't care about that." Elia leaned forward and took her friend's hand. "Ashara, I can let him go now. I don't need to be with him anymore. I can hide in Dorne. I can keep underground. I can be with you, and Oberyn, and Doran. And if the children come to Dorne I can see them." She grinned.

Jaime cleared his throat, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but our horses await."

Elia shook herself, and put aside her joy for later. They stepped out of the carriage and Jaime climbed atop his horse. Ashara handed Aegon to him, and Jaime cradled the baby in one arm.

Ashara and Elia took the horses that had drawn the carriage. Soon, the three left behind the fabricated scene, with Jaime riding ahead.

Ashara pulled the hood of her cloak up over her head, and Elia did the same.

She was nameless. Neither a Targaryen nor a Martell. She was not a Dornish princess, destined to marry for the sake of her House. She was not a Targaryen queen, destined to serve her husband forever.

What she was now, she did not know. But that discovery would come later and it was an adventure she was aching for. She reached into her pocket and her fingers brushed against Rhaegar's letter.

She did not feel compelled to read it immediately, as she had with his letters in the past. She would have torn them open and let her eyes feast upon his words. His voice would echo in her head, and bring her comfort from the loneliness she had been feeling. But no longer.

He was her king now and nothing more. He was far from her. But Elia found that she did not long for him.

She looked to Ashara and Jaime, and her sleeping son in the Lannister's arms. This was enough for her now.

It was an arduous task, to get back to Dorne without running into trouble. Jaime did his job well, and tackled any raiders or mercenaries that decided to take a swing at them. Elia was eternally grateful for his skills, and for his loyalty.

Aegon was passed between them whenever possible, but they all knew that should they meet another on their path, it must be Jaime who carried the child.

They did not take the risk of a ship until they crossed the border into Dorne. From Wyl they took a merchants boat, sent by Doran, and sailed to Sunspear.

From there, they rode to the Water Gardens. Elia's mood lifted even further as she rode up the path to her home as a free woman.

Doran came out to greet her. She embraced her brother as Ashara carried Aegon into the keep to give him a bath.

"Elia, I must update you on what has happened." He said.

Elia stopped him before he led her inside. "Wait. I will meet you in the dining room." She murmured.

She wandered over to Jaime where he stood by his horse. He smiled to her.

"You get to keep your job as Kingsguard." She smiled.

Jaime blinked in surprise, and raised a brow. "Was it ever under threat?"

Elia nodded, "It was what we were going to give to your father."

Jaime frowned, and swallowed hard. "Well, I am glad Rhaegar has decided not to deal with my father, then."

"So am I."

"Why did you want to deal with him in the first place?" Jaime asked.

"When we came up with the plan, we had no allies. We had to try everything we could."

Jaime nodded his understanding. "But now you don't need him."

She sighed, "Perhaps I wanted to carry on with my plan because I was being selfish." She whispered.

Jaime looked pensive. "You have… You have done so much for others in your life." He smiled to her, "Maybe it was time to be selfish, my lady."

Elia shook her head with a grin, "Not 'my lady' anymore. I'm Elia now. Or maybe I'm something else. I'll have to think up a name." She laughed.

Jaime smiled, "Nymeria would work."

She was stunned by his answer, and in her surprise, she resorted to teasing. "Now, Jaime. That was far too blatant even for you."

He bowed low, "Just a thought, of course. I'll put the horses away." He said, and left her to enter the keep on her own.

The Water Gardens were quieter than usual, but not silent. The children still played in the pools, or lounged together by the fountains. Elia found her brother in the dining room where they had come up with their plan. When they had had nothing to fight with except the children they fought to protect.

"How are the children?" Elia asked.

Doran smiled, "Good. Mellario had taken a liking to Jaehaerys in particular."

At the mention of the young boy, Elia's heart sank. She felt guilty for using him like a pawn. She knew she could not fight Ned Stark on his wish to take Jaehaerys to Winterfell. He had given them so much, how could she take his nephew from him when he wanted him back? And after she had threatened Jaehaerys' life to get what she needed? How could she claim to treat him better than Ned Stark would?

But she could make sure he was well. After all, if Rhaenys was to marry their son Robb one day then she should ensure that Winterfell would be a welcoming place.

"What has happened?" Elia asked.

"Rhaegar rode to King's Landing, as you know. And Robert Baratheon had amassed his troops and launched an attack on the city."

Elia's hands clenched as she moved to join Doran at the table.

"Before you ask, nothing has happened yet." Doran murmured. "But my talks with Stannis have not been for naught. It seems Robert has lost a quarter of his men. Stannis has taken hold of them and prevented them from joining his brother."

She let out a sigh of relief. "Things will go well. I'm sure it will not take long."

Doran nodded, "I am certain of it."

Elia relaxed in her chair.

"Oberyn returns soon. He left Rhaegar when he rode for King's Landing."

Elia smiled, "I'm sure he will want me to live underground."

Doran laughed, "At least for now, yes." He nodded.

Her mind wandered in the peaceful silence that formed between the two siblings. She remembered the letter in her pocket. And slowly, she pulled it out and unfolded it.

Elia.

No 'my dearest', or 'my wife'. Rhaegar was letting her go, after all.

I know how we planned to gain the support of Tywin Lannister. But after much consideration, I have decided that his support is irrelevant now that you have won me the support of so many Houses. I am floored by your capabilities, but I have never questioned them. In truth, Tywin Lannister will be a risk if left unchecked, but it is a risk I am willing to take on my own - as is my duty.

Elia, I know how much I have hurt you. I know that I can never take the things I have done back. I know I will never be worthy of you. It is unfair to ask you to stay with me. It is unfair to keep you shackled by our marriage for the rest of your life.

I know in my heart that you believe death is all that can free you from this life you were forced into. I know that must be why you have taken such drastic actions to wipe yourself from this earth and hide away until everyone forgets you.

I want you to know that I support you in that. As you have supported me in all I have done. I know that I can give you this freedom now. I know that I do not deserve you, and I know that you deserve to have what you want.

But I am also aware of how difficult it will be for you without your children. I could never ask you to give them up, Elia. And I would not force them to grow up without a mother.

So, I have decided that the children will remain in Dorne. At least, until Viserys and Aegon are too old to be anywhere other than King's Landing.

And do not worry about what the people will say about the children growing up in Dorne. If I am to be king, it will be my decision and indisputable.

I will visit them, of course. Or perhaps, they could visit me. But you will always be a part of their lives, Elia.

Just as you will always be a part of mine.

Rhaegar.

Elia folded the letter up and tucked it into her pocket. She met Doran's eyes across the table and her brother smiled at her.

"I'm going to see my children now." Elia stood and nodded to her brother.

Doran returned the nod, and Elia left the room to find her children. All five of them.

Oberyn returned the day after next, and he stunk so harshly of horse and sweat that Rhaenys whined every time he entered the room even after he had taken a bath.

Oberyn teased her, and hugged her at every opportunity until she stopped her whining.

Elia was aware even now of the war Rhaegar was fighting to keep these children safe. She watched as Viserys and Jaehaerys played together. The elder boy had become closer with the new child, and often sat with him and Danaerys and read his storybooks.

Ashara and Aegon had bonded, as well. After the long journey back to Dorne, Aegon had taken a liking to Ashara, and always fell asleep in her arms.

Jaime stayed with them, and Elia found herself enjoying the walks they would take together. She would show him the places she would hide when she was a child, and she would tell him the things she would do.

After a few days of these walks, Jaime began to talk of his own childhood in Casterly Rock. He spoke of his sister, and his father. He spoke of his little brother. And Elia found herself relating to the things he said.

After they returned to her chambers each day, she almost had to pinch herself when she remembered she was confiding in Tywin Lannister's prized son.

The raven arrived with news on the fifth day since Oberyn's return home. Doran brought the note with him to dinner that evening.

"News from King's Landing." He said as he seated himself at the head of the table.

Oberyn met Elia's eyes, then looked to his brother. "And?"

Elia held back a smirk of amusement at her younger brother's impatience, but she said nothing as she too was feeling nervous.

Doran smiled, "It is as we hoped and predicted. Rhaegar has secured the throne and Robert Baratheon is dead. The troops are returning home. Ned Stark will remain in King's Landing. It seems he will transport Robert Baratheon's body back to Storm's End." Doran murmured.

Elia sighed her relief, and Oberyn grinned and spoke, "Then the children are safe."

"For now." Doran nodded.

"Why can't you ever be positive about something?" Oberyn grumbled.

"I'm just being realistic, Oberyn." Doran countered.

But Elia was distracted by the thought of Eddard Stark. Robert had been his friend and his brother. Eddard had fought against him, because of what she had done.

But her children were safe now. Robert Baratheon would not murder them for being born.

Surely, Ned Stark understood this.

Regardless, he would be on his way to Dorne to collect Jaehaerys and she could speak to him then.

Elia frowned as the realisation dawned upon her. She couldn't speak to him. Because Ned Stark believed she was dead.

The people would hold a funeral for her now, and her ashes would be kept in the Sept of Baelor. Elia felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought.

Oberyn would have to talk to Lord Stark, then. Perhaps he could convince him to keep Jaehaerys here. If Elia was no longer alive, and Rhaegar still was, perhaps Ned could come to an agreement with Oberyn to keep the boy with his father. Maybe Rhaegar would even legitimise Jaehaerys, now that the people knew the truth about him and Lyanna.

Maybe her 'death' was for the best.

Elia leaned back and listened to her brothers bickering. She closed her eyes and smiled at Doran's cool tone as it clashed with Oberyn's fiery temper. This would be her life now, and she did not mind it in the least.

She would love her children, she would learn how to fight from Oberyn, and advise Doran when he needed it. She would take up drawing, or sail to Essos to see the places she had never seen before.

She would know that Rhaegar was alive, and that he was a distant memory.

In her contentment, Elia let out a joyful laugh and her brother's grew silent. She could feel their eyes on her.

She opened her eyes to smile to them, and the world glowed warm in the candlelight, as if she had woken up and found herself in a dream.