Summary: She didn't understand. Why do people always assume she was like her mother? Yes she was brought up with power and money and a King for a father but she was not him. Her mother may have been Cersei Lannister but she was Seraphina Baratheon. There is a difference. She wanted someone to love that would love her back. Was that so hard? Jon/OC, AU in parts of the show. Co – Written with WalkingPotterGirl14.
Stags And Dragons
Chapter 1
Princess Seraphina Baratheon, eldest daughter of King Robert Baratheon and Queen Cersei Lannister was absently sewing as the sun broke over the clouds and through the thin drapes that cloaked her balcony from view. The piece of material in her hands was slowly transforming into a doll's dress for her younger sister. The Princess was just stitching the bottom of the dress when she saw her handmaiden, Meera come in and curtsy.
"Your grace, your father wishes to see you." She said softly, flicking a loose strand of hair that fell in her face as she dipped her head down with her curtsy.
Seraphina nodded standing from her chair, placing the dress down on the table before turning to Meera. As her blue eyes settled on her handmaiden she was slightly surprised to see Meera already waiting with her dress. Meera slipped the dress over her graces head before retreating behind her to pull on the laces and knotting them tightly. The dress itself was made from the finest Myrish silk, a midnight black gown with elegant golden flowers as fine as her mother's hair. The dress itself had been a gift from her mother, to celebrate her fifteenth name day.
As Seraphina went over that day, Meera began to braid her thick raven curls, a similar colour to the dress she wore, into a braid so it was away from her face and showed her big blue eyes. It was a known fact that King Robert loved that his eldest child shared his looks. Soon she was ready to meet her father at his request and with a small smile to Meera and a wave goodbye; she quickly hurried to where her father was and found him in his solar with a goblet of wine.
"Daughter." He greeted warmly rising slightly from his large chair as he went to welcome his dark-haired child.
"Father." She greeted as she curtsied to him, stumbling slightly as she shuffled forward to greet her father in a hug. It was a usual thing for father and daughter to embrace and it was something that Cersei hated greatly. Her husband seemed to neglect their other children and shower their eldest in love and gifts.
As the King embraced his daughter, she hugged him tightly loving that he was a larger man as it gave her move of her father to love. She sighed deeply as she looked up at her father who looked down at her with matching midnight blue eyes.
"Sit down, girl." Robert said with a rare smile, ruffling her hair making a few strands leave her braid. Seraphina dropped down lightly in the chair her father gestured to and took the position her mother had taught her from a young age, 'A Princess must always remember to act proper.'
Seraphina waited quietly as her father filled a goblet of wine for her handing over the gold cup as he settled back in his chair. 'What could he want from me?' She asked herself as she watched her father gulp away at his wine.
"When will we be leaving, father?" She asked curiously thinking over the amount of time it would take for them to travel to Winterfell. She had heard Jon Arryn tell his son Robin that it took him a whole month to travel from King's Landing up to the northern lands where Winterfell resided. Would it really take them that long to travel?
"In three days, I know your mother won't be happy but I intend to make Ned my hand as Jon is..." Robert trailed off and Seraphina nodded in understanding. Jon Arryn was an important man to her father, Robert Baratheon the first of his name. He had helped her father fight for the throne making sure he would keep a clear head during the battles. As she grew Jin had been an important part of her life, helping her understand the duties of a King, she always called him Uncle Jon instead of a simple Jon or Lord Arryn.
Her uncle Jon had passed away a few days ago and she had a feeling it wasn't from his sudden fever. She didn't believe that a sudden fever could take such a strong man from the world but her mother insisted that even the strongest could be taken by the gods due to bad health.
"So soon father?" She asked thinking of the summer they would be missing to venture north. It wasn't the fact that she would miss the summer weather but the loss of the sea that bothered her. She had always had a fascination with the deep blue ways and her Uncle Tyrion told her it was because her mother used to rest her in a bassinet near the open balcony. The balcony would have no coverings apart from a very thing drape that would protect the newborn babe. The ocean could be heard from the balcony and the sweet melody of the waves often soothed Seraphina to sleep.
Seraphina received a nod from her father as he helped himself to more wine and the tray full of dried meats. She could always remember seeing her father's tray of dried meat whenever she came to see him. Rolling her eyes slightly Seraphina turned her eyes to her father's desk where the Hand of the King's pin rested reminding her of her uncle again.
"We need to get you married, girl." He father said suddenly breaking her from her thoughts of her Uncle Jon as she almost choked on her sip of wine. She sometimes thought her father had poor timing. Marriage was a pressing matter when it came to Seraphina. Many arguments could be heard through the castle when her mother tried to press the matter.
There was many times that Seraphina screamed at her mother about being too young to be wed off to some stupid Lord but her mother disagreed. Cersei believed that once Seraphina bled at twelve she was nearly ready to be married; now that she was ten and five she needed a husband desperately. Seraphina disagreed and thought her mother wanted rid of her so her precious Joffrey could hold their father's attention.
Seraphina swallowed at the thought of being married to some old Lord that only wanted her because she was a Princess. She believed everyone had a true love and she would marry the one the gods created for her. She looked away from the golden pin and looked into her father's bright eyes. She had noticed that they had grown lighter as their conversation passed, something her own eyes did as well.
"Can I choose my husband?" She asked hoping that the gods would give her that one thing. She didn't care where her true love was as long as she got to marry him because she decided she loved him. If her father truly loved her he would allow her this one thing. As a child she never asked for much only a puppy for her twelfth birthday and she wished he would remember that. Compared to her three younger siblings she was Robert's obvious favourite, and hopefully he would spoil her with her one wish.
Robert took this in for a long while as he glanced at Seraphina, she had the beauty of her mother but she took after his blood when it came to her hair and eyes. She was a true Baratheon with the blue eyes. It was no secret that she was his favourite child, she reminds her of him so much with a small ounce of her mother's personality hidden within. There wasn't anything Robert wouldn't do for his daughter and although he seemed lazy he lobed her more than his other children.
His love for Myrcella and little Tommen wasn't as strong as the love he held for Seraphina but it was greater than the love he had for his prick of a son Joffrey. Robert had no problem calling his heir a prick because that was what Joffrey Baratheon, first of his name was. Robert took in his daughter's pleading face, a face he would always give into and nodded in agreement.
"Aye ya can but he must be from the North, girl." He said looking at her intently trying to see if she would question him. He could see the confusion in her eyes and knew that she would ask why. "We need to strengthen the bond between the south and the north. There are plenty of good men up their, girl and they will treat you right and it's not because you are a Princess but because you have me as your father." He added telling her his true reason for wanting her blood to mix with the northerners.
Seraphina rose from her seat placing her goblet down on the table as she fumbled over to her father to show her thanks. She was grateful that she had gotten her wish but there were only two problems. She would have to find a man that would love her through her clumsiness and she would have to endure her mother's rage at the news.
"Thank you, your Grace." Seraphina whispered as she pecked his bearded cheek lightly happy that she had an understanding father and that he loved her deeply. Robert chuckled at his child's actions as he wrapped his arms around her in a brief hug before pushing her lightly away at arms length. She would make a lovely wife to some lucky man and he swore on the gods now that if she was ever hurt he would hunt down the bastard that dared to lay a hand on his precious darling girl.
"Just father, girl, would do." He muttered weakly sending her away from his sanctuary and off to her chambers where her mother would soon be looking for her to yell and start another fighting match.
Seraphina was grateful that father had taken the time to consider her inquiry before making a decision. To say she was relived wasn't a lie and when she remembered that her future husband would be of her own choosing she couldn't keep the smile from her face. Taking control of her emotions like her mother had taught her she closed her eyes until the smile left her lips but remained in her eyes she pushed herself away from her father's chambers.
The hallways of the castle were quiet, far too quiet for the Princess. She wished there was at least some type of noise even if it was in the form of her annoying brother, Joffrey. Sighing deeply Seraphina started humming under her breath trying to take her mind off the fact that the quiet was annoying her.
"Your voice out shines any birds melody my sweet Phina." A remarkably recognisable voice uttered breaking the silence she despised greatly. Although she recognised the voice it still startled her and she had a fearful moment when she thought she was going to trip on the hem of her dress. As her heart slowed down her eyes dropped to those familiar green eyes her mother held.
These green eyes did not belong to her mother though as she could see the slight golden brown around the edges. Her Uncle Tyrion had been deeply missed the last few days and Seraphina smiled broadly as he stepped out of the alcove he had been hiding in.
"Uncle Tyrion, I have missed you dearly." She told him crouching down to hug her favourite uncle from her mother's side. The Imp as many people called him, returned the hug his niece back fiercely loving that she didn't see him in the same light as everyone else. There was only one other person that saw him in the same light as his sweet niece and that was his brother Jamie.
"I missed you as well my sweet child," he told her taking hold of her hand and gently placing a small golden hair pin in the shape of a lily in her palm. "Shall we take this to the library?" he asked her wanting to catch up on the latest news he had missed with his niece. Seraphina smiled one of her true smiles as she took her uncle's offered hand and allowed him to lead her to the library.
Most of the day had past with Seraphina and Tyrion in the library talking about their last few days and what they had both missed. After they had caught up they then turned their eyes and mind to the stories that were stacked along the tall walls of the library. Seraphina allowed herself to be sucked into a story full of adventures and ending in excitement and love. Seraphina sighed with a hope of achieving the same in her life before sharing her wish with Tyrion. This ended up in the pair of them sharing dream adventures they wished to take together before the gods called for them.
When the sun was at its highest in the sky Seraphina excused herself knowing her Septa would be angry if she did not go back to her embroidery. It was when she reached her chambers and closed the heavy door that she set her eyes upon her mother.
"There you are, Seraphina." Cersei said looking at her daughter with cool but fond eyes as she took in her daughter's appearance. She really did look like a beauty in her dark dress and it was a moment Cersei found herself proud to have Seraphina as her daughter. "Your father just told me the news." She told her coolly playing with the dress Seraphina had been making earlier that morning. As she spoke her words, Cersei looked at her eldest daughter closely waiting to see her daughter's reaction.
"He did?" Seraphina asked shocked that her mother wasn't already snapping at her to change her thoughts on finding her true love and marrying the mist ideal man. What was Cersei Baratheon planning?
"A month's travel to Winterfell just so your father can personally ask Ned Stark to be his new Hand of the King." Cersei seethed out clenching her fists tightly as she cringed at the thought of travelling to the north. "Waste of our time if you ask me, could have sent a raven to ask him." She muttered standing from the chair and placing the small doll's dress on the table.
Seraphina sighed deeply hiding her emotions from her mother as she felt relief flush through her as she realised that her and her father's secret was safe from her mother.
"It does not seem so bad mother." The Baratheon daughter muttered walking over to her chest, pulling out a selection of dresses she would take with her to Winterfell. It was better to prepare and be ready a few days earlier than being late and holding up the King's party.
"You will change those thoughts as soon as we are on the road my little dove." Cersei told her, running her hand over her daughter's cheek. Cersei was so thankful that her eldest had taken after her facial features instead of her husband's rough looks. They had done a wonderful thing when they created their first daughter. "I will get you new dresses made, ones that will keep the chill from setting in your bones." Her mother promised her running her hand over her black braid as they both looked at the silk dresses within Seraphina's wooden chest.
"That would be most kind, mother." Seraphina said gratefully as Cersei gave her daughter a rare smile, kissed her forehead before turning and leaving her to pack her things in silence. She had moved the majority of her gowns in her chest when her Uncle Jamie entered the chambers with a soft knock. Seraphina gave him a soft smile as he made his way over to her, his eyes shining brightly as he returned her smile. "Uncle Jamie," she greeted as he walked closer to his niece.
"I see you've heard the news?" He muttered picking up one of her red gowns, running his fingers over the silky material. "I'd wrap up warm! It's bloody freezing up there in the North; don't understand how they can live there." Jamie told her flicking his long shoulder length blond hair. Seraphina could see her Uncle shiver as he imagined the northern weather.
"Lord Stark has five children, doesn't he?" She asked curiously as she grabbed a few stockings before placing them on top of her gowns, she would be needing them where she was going according to her mother and uncle. She had heard that Lord Stark had five children from her mother when she felt the need to utter anything about her husband's best friend.
"Yes, three sons and two daughters, and the bastard boy, he fathered when he was down here fighting your father's war." Jamie told her shuffling on his feet as he watched his young niece pack for their trip to Winterfell. He could remember the words Cersei spoke to him earlier on in the day about marrying her eldest daughter off quickly to some wealthy Lord.
Seraphina sighed at her uncle's words. There wasn't a need for this brash manner around bastard children, the Dornish had no problem with accepting them so why couldn't everyone else? It was safe to say Seraphina felt sympathetic toward the children who were called bastards. She knew it wasn't their fault as they never asked to be brought into the world. The blame should go to the parents; if they were going to be stupid and sleep together outside of marriage then they should deal with the consequences.
"Don't call him a bastard Uncle Jamie; you know I don't like it." Seraphina begged him as she slammed the lid down on her chest, letting the clang ring through the chamber. Jamie Lannister gave his niece an apologetic smile as he raised his hands not meaning to offend her. "Besides, my father, your King, has fathered many bastards." She pointed out to her uncle feeling the need to make sure he remembered that. It wasn't that Jamie didn't already know that, he had listen as his King fucked his way through all the whores King's Landing could offer. "I have bastard siblings." When Seraphina said it this time she spoke the words coolly and with a hint of longing. She was the only one to care about her siblings other than their mothers. As she looked at her uncle then she made a promise to check up on the bastard children Robert Baratheon had fathered, they shared some of her blood so they were family.
Jamie Lannister took the time to take in the expression his young niece wore. It was determination, something he was used to seeing on his sister. She was like her mother in that aspect but there was no doubt that she was her father's daughter. No one could say that Seraphina Baratheon was anything but a Baratheon.
"You're too kind, Sera." Jamie warned her gently, knowing that it would be her one downfall. She needed to become stern like her mother, she needed to be harsh like her father, she needed to be wise like Tyrion but she also needed to be a fighter like him.
"They're my siblings, and I will show them kindness as long I have it to offer." She pointed out quietly turning her back to him, letting him know that she was done with their conversation and wished for him to leave.
Jamie nodded in understanding wanting to reach out for her but knew it would be no good. Seraphina was stubborn and that would never change. Jamie left just as she wished for and once she heard the wooden door close softly she closed her eyes taking in a deep breath. Her feet walked her to the balcony without her mind's consent and when she opened her eyes she was looking out at the ocean. Maybe everything would be okay in Winterfell but something was nagging at her, biting away at the corners of her mind. Was their riding to Winterfell a bad choice?
I'm back and ready to start writing Jon/OC stories again, as Season 7 is on and I am sorry for the wait. I haven't been well recently but I hope you enjoy the story that me and WalkingPotterGirl14 are writing.
Enjoy and review, favourite and follow :)
