Now, we begin our journey of the Kings of Winter. Finally crowned the Kings over the Seven Kingdoms, Robb, Jon and the Starks' lives are still threatened by enemies new and old and the threat of a religious uprising brims underneath the surface.
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DarylDixon'sLover [chapter 55 of TKITN]: She is indeed. I won't spoil anything but enjoy the next chapter.
Wright [chapter 55 of TKITN]: I teared up at that scene. Brienne and Rickon had a special bond. He really does well with women of strength and power. He respects them and having Brienne able to hear the wolf howl from the skies was his way of letting her know that he was at peace. Also, it showed the strong bond between the Knights old and new. I guess if you dedicate your life to serve with men and women for a great cause, your bond is almost as strong as a family's bond. Since I can't let go of our Little Lord just yet, he will continue to be mentioned in chapters for a while. I like Ygritte, she has redeeming features and she does prove to be useful, even risking her life for the cause of the Starks. She needed a moment of weakness but she gets back on track. Sanrion grew on me, I'd admit. At first, I didn't like it but I figured Sansa needed a stable life for her and her child. I'm so happy too, especially since he will grow up to be best friends with Benjen. The thought makes me overjoyed. Ginger curls and raven curls united in the next generation! Bran needs a life as well, he will have his uses. Arya had a reason, as told below. Her mind is cunning and she does test people and how far they'd go. She will get a lot of backlash for her actions - she isn't always the smartest crayon in the box. Yes! Gendry will get his stupid bullhead out of his arse, their marriage will strengthen from this experience. Here is the sequel!
Thanks for returning on this journey with me! Here is the first chapter of the sequel, I hope you enjoy and without further ado...
Panic ran through the castle walls as most guards and bannermen was hunting for Ashara and her conspirators. They had found Ackerly poisoned by the doors to her bedchambers and he now laid in the bed in Lorin's chambers.
Arya was taken to her room, yet to awaken.
"Without knowing exactly what was used to poison the Princess, I don't know how to help her," Lorin sighed, gesturing for Samwell to help him with his books so he could leave and return to Ackerly. "Maester Samwell will remain with her, Your Graces."
Robb and Jon watched as Sansa dabbed the sweat away from Arya's head. Since she fell in the Great Hall, none of her siblings had left her side except Bran who had gone to the Godswood to try and help with his visions.
"The poison..." Sansa mumbled. "Reminds me of the one that was used by Littlefinger to poison Queen Ygritte."
"There was no blood, my Princess," Lorin replied, trying to think back. Was his old age failing him already?
"There was," Sansa argued. "You don't remember there being blood everywhere?"
Lorin's eyes widened. "By gods, you are right! It wasn't only from the womb-"
"But the ears and nose as well?" Sam asked, quickly flicking through one of Lorin's books. "You have an entry dated when the Queen was poisoned. You merely dosed her with Milk of Poppy and she broke from her fever. The poison was harmless, meant to cause bleeding and sleepiness."
There was something that confused and troubled the Kings. Their sister was an assassin, she'd learnt not to take poison and how to determine what they were. No matter if it was harmless or not. She'd said so herself and had studied her knowledge on poison after Ygritte's poisoning.
"Arya would have known that whatever she took in Ashara's presence, that she'd be harmed. Ashara told us of her intentions. She wanted you dead," Jon said to his siblings.
Sansa sighed. "She did know, that's the issue," she replied. "She did this because she had no other choice..."
In the Godswood, Bran placed his hand on the Weirwood Tree and he was taken to a vision, his eyes whitening.
...
He watched as Ashara poured two goblets of water, slipping the poison into the left goblet before taking them both and heading back to the table.
"Water? I found I was thirsty a lot when I was with child," Ashara said, handing the poisoned goblet to his sister. "Out of breath, tired..."
"The joys of being pregnant," Arya told her, pausing as she seemed to sniff the rim of the goblet. She then took a sip and placed it down. "Do you care about Jon?"
Bran walked over to them, ignoring their conversation as he studied her poisoned goblet. It wasn't as if the water was very clear in colour. Arya must have seen the discolouration.
After their conversation ended on a hostile note, he stayed and watched Ashara curse at Arya even though the younger woman was no longer in earshot.
She picked up the scroll which had been sent to her by a secret raven. How did she get a secret raven?
"A bastard nephew of a dead sister from a House so little, it holds no fingers. Take this poison for someone of your choice, no lasting effect of it lingers."
Bran gasped, the poison was a warning. It was a scare tactic used to allow Ashara to escape.
Jon had visited her earlier, the servants had whispered about the other hostile conversation Ashara had. The poison could have been for him but she couldn't risk poisoning a king.
And Arya knew that when she sipped the poison willingly. She must have done this as her own scare tactic to bring her lover back to her.
"You stupid sister of mine," Bran mumbled, shaking his head. His thoughts then went to the message that Ashara was given.
From a House so little, it holds no fingers.
"But House Baelish is extinct. Did Petyr have a sister who married some other lowly noble?" Bran asked himself. "This makes no sense. Petyr was the last of his House, no sisters nor brothers, yes?... Why would any Baelish, bastard or not, help Ashara?"
Before he could find out more, he was returned to the Godswood.
...
"Take me back!" He cried out.
Findal quickly entered the Godswood, his sword unsheathed. "My Prince, is everything alright?"
Bran sighed. "Yes," he replied. "I'm not under attack, don't worry. Lead me back to the castle."
"As you please," Findal bowed, gesturing for Bran to leave first so he could meet the guard on stand by outside.
He had to tell his brothers that there was more to Ashara's plan. She hadn't only been conspiring with Cersei Lannister. There might be a disgruntled family member of Petyr Baelish, the man who he condemned to death under Sansa's orders with Arya cutting the man's throat. There's three Starks who'd be potentially killed for his death.
"Princess Arya's bedchambers, my Prince?" Findal asked, cutting him out of his thoughts.
"Yes, please. At once."
Back with his siblings, as Lorin and Sansa predicted, Arya broke from her fever.
"Gendry!" She breathed out, waking and immediately sitting up. "Where's Gendry?"
"He'll be here, just rest," Robb told her, sitting by her side. He took over in wiping the sweat from her forehead. "You gave us quite the scare. Luckily, Sansa knew what to do."
Sansa blushed under her older brothers' proud gazes. She'd also supported Ygritte during the poisoning. What ate at her was the fact that these people were willing to harm pregnant women with this poison.
"It was Ashara," Arya said, her eyes catching Jon's. "I took the poison willingly-"
"Why?" Jon asked, resisting the urge to shout out in anger. "She's escaped, by the way. You were her distraction, her secret weapon."
Arya nodded slowly. "I'll find her and I'll kill her, I promise you-"
"No," Jon said shortly. "Ned has her dealt with. You are not to leave your bedchambers for the foreseeable future. If you do..."
Arya glared at him and he glared back, neither wolf willing to back down.
"You could have done some serious damage to yourself and the babe," Robb chastised, taking her hand. He looked between Jon and Arya. "Jon, take a walk, brother."
Jon broke eye contact and gave Robb a nod before leaving. He wanted to know how Ned was faring with looking for Ashara anyway. They would leave no stone unturned.
"Grand Maester, thank you. You are dismissed too. Make sure Ser Ackerly gets the care he needs," Robb told the old man.
Sam stood by, unsure of what to do once the old man bowed and left them. Then Robb turned to face him with a look he recognised. They wanted privacy.
"I'll be with my wife and child if anyone needs me," Sam said, giving them a quick bow and leaving.
"Arya, do not attempt such a thing ever again, do you hear me?" Robb asked, his voice low.
Sansa turned to him in surprise, slightly unnerved by both of her brothers' reactions. She swallowed deeply and stood up, walking over to the window.
"Ashara will be found and she will answer for her sins," Sansa said to them. "For now, you ought to rest and I'll have someone fetch Gendry for you. He was very...distressed."
Arya nodded mutely, also slightly unnerved by the quick turn of emotions of her brothers. She wasn't about to defy their orders otherwise the consequences... well, she wouldn't know about them. She wasn't going to disobey their orders.
"We've let you risk your life all these times and with all these close calls, one day the Stranger won't be so forgiving," Robb snapped. "We are not about to let you get yourself and your unborn child killed!"
"You can stop telling her off, she knows!" Sansa said to him. "Now, I'm sure there is a little Prince wanting to bond with his father somewhere."
Robb scowled at her. He didn't like being dismissed. He was a bloody king and she dared to dismiss him.
"You're lucky you're my sister, Sansa. I don't prefer being dismissed in my own castle-"
"Our castle, Your Grace," Sansa interjected. "I was born within these walls." She gave him a curtsey which made Arya smirk. "Our sister needs her rest."
"Before she does," they heard, turning to see Bran entering Arya's bedchambers. "I had a vision. Everyone needs to know this."
...
Ned led the hoard of guards through the gates of the castle. They'd established that Ashara was no longer within castle walls.
"Have every village searched and everywhere watched. Question the smallfolk, do not leave any place unsearched," he ordered half of the guards. "The rest of you, horseback. She won't have got far with her accomplice. Make sure you search the Godswood again and Direwolf's Heart."
"And the Peace Garden, my Lord?" A guard asked.
Ned glared at him. He wondered if he was stupid. "When I say everywhere, I mean everywhere. So, yes, the Peace Garden. Make haste!"
He impatiently clapped them off before heading into the stables and getting onto his beloved horse, Star.
"Prince Ned!" He heard a feminine voice call out.
He rode Star outside and faced the person who called for him. "Princess Mya," he noted. "I can't waste time - I must find my cousin."
Mya gave him a sad smile. "I know. I thought you'd want to know that our Princess will be quite fine. She and the babe live to breathe another day."
Ned gave her a quick smile in reply. "An attempt on her life was made, I really shouldn't be wasting time, my Lady."
Mya's face fell. "Of course, my Lord. Stay safe."
"For you, anything," Ned told her, wanting to get off Star to kiss her but he couldn't. Time was against them. "Let Arya know I'll visit her when I have Ashara's head served to her and His Grace."
Mya nodded but a frown played on her lips. She knew that he was close with the sisters of the Kings but mayhaps, he was too close. Arya was her goodsister yet, Sansa chastised her sometimes for not formally referring to them by their titles. Mayhaps, it was because she slipped up in front of the Kings and guests at times.
"You better go," she said. "I'll let her know. Safe riding."
She watched him ride away and she let out a shaky breath before heading inside. She still had a job to do and it seems that only the Queens required their head handmaiden. At least she'd be busy not worrying about Ned's welfare. He could handle himself.
"Sister!"
Mya turned to see her half-brothers running towards her. She met them both with tight hugs.
"I've been told your wife and babe are fine," she told Gendry. "You mustn't worry but you must forget about Cersei. That bitch is gone and she was never your mother."
"She never had a chance to be," Gendry replied. "But you're right. Cersei was mad, she plotted to have you both killed and she succeeded in killing our other half-siblings."
Edric nodded sadly. "It's a blessing that we're still alive and you ought to visit your wife."
"I was just about to."
Mya hugged him again. "I'll leave you be then. Ed, let's explore the kitchens. Just to make sure that any food given to our goodsister is safe. They've increased the tasters."
Gendry saw to his siblings by walking them to the kitchens before he turned back around and headed upstairs to the bedchambers he shared with his wife.
His wife.
The wife he barely called 'wife'.
The wife that he was barely a husband to her.
He knocked on the door and he wasn't surprised to see Sansa waiting on her sister. Arya seemed to be happy, having her sister at her beck and call. Sansa scowled.
"Look who's arrived," the elder sister said, heading to the table to pour them all water.
Arya and Gendry's eyes met and she gave him a tentative wave, tears springing to her eyes. He loved that her walls could break down around him but he'd been such a cunt lately, he wasn't sure how she'd react.
"I'm sorry, Arya. I've been a fool, a stupid fool."
"You have," she agreed, lifting her hand towards him. "Come."
He sat beside her on their bed and kissed her. From the corner of his eye, he could see Sansa turn away.
"They haven't found her yet. Mya said that Dayne's still searching," he informed the sisters.
"I don't want to talk about Ashara, I want to talk about us," Arya said, placing a hand on his cheek. "I never meant to cause you such great hurt-"
"You never did. I was just in shock. Learning that I was the true Baratheon heir... that my father sent me away for something my mother would do in the future," he replied, trailing off slightly. "I had to understand everything but you never hurt me. Seven Hells, Arya, never believe that! I'm sorry for being stupid."
Tears slipped down both their cheeks and they began to laugh at the predicament they had found themselves in. They hadn't even noticed that Sansa had snuck out long since ago.
"This night, I'll sleep by your side. I'll be by your side and I'll never leave it again, Arry. I promise," he said.
"I'll hold you to your promise, Gendry," she whispered back, kissing him. "I'm happy we're together again. It was horrible being so close yet so far from you. I couldn't stand you ignoring me and-"
"I'm here now, I promise you. Don't scare me like that again," he cut her off, placing a hand on her stomach. "Is the babe fine?"
She nodded. "Yes. The poison was harmless, I knew it was."
"Seven Hells..." He breathed out.
"The things I do for love," Arya said, placing her hand on his cheek. "Don't make me do that, don't leave me."
"I've promised you, Arry. We start again today." He kissed her head.
...
Ned downed his wine before he turned to the Kings, shame and disappointment written on his face.
"We couldn't find her," he admitted. "I have requested that we should call upon the Golden Company. I've spoken to Lord Tyrion, you can afford to hire them. She would not get far, I promise you."
"How did she leave so quickly is what I wish to know," Robb replied, shaking his head. "Poisoning Arya was by chance - poisoning Ackerly... She would have just needed to do that to escape. What does she gain by harming Arya temporarily? We know she wanted her dead, as she does all of us."
Ned sighed in resignment. "Mayhaps, she wished to show us exactly what she was capable of. The wildfire under the babes' cots, secretly plotting to have you and your siblings killed and poisoning the sister to the Kings. She had the chance to poison Jon."
"And this vision that Bran had," Jon began. "About her working with a relative of Littlefinger. He had no family, his House was nothing more than a lowly House who served the Tullys by chance."
"Our lives are still under threat even with Cersei's death," Robb said sadly. "Our enemies have families to avenge them and we do not even know where they are or when they can strike. In this castle, we have four, soon to be five, innocent babes and these people will stop at nothing to have our line ended."
The door opened and Davos apologised for not knocking. He had urgent news anyway.
"A letter for King Jon was found at a brothel that Ser Tormund believed to be a hiding place for Lady Ashara," he said, giving Jon the note. "It has been checked - it wasn't laced with poison."
Jon gave his brother and cousin an uneasy glance before opening up the letter and reading it aloud.
"'You have questions and I have the answers, my son. Ask me anything because this may be the last chance you get.'" He cleared his throat. "She said that to me when I saw her this morn. I didn't think anything of it. If I'd listened carefully, I would have realised she was planning to use today as a means to escape. Everyone would have been at the tourney or at the coronation."
"You wouldn't have known," Robb told him, trying to sound assuring. "Mayhaps, that is how we'll get through to her. To get her to stop this madness - use you against her."
Jon laughed bitterly. "She doesn't care about me. She long since gave up on being my mother and I said so today. I am not going to be used as a bargaining chip for a madwoman."
"Fine. Until we have the Golden Company in our pockets, I want every maester in the North and South reading on members of House Baelish," Robb said to Davos. "Bastards, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews... Find out everything because Littlefinger was a conniving cunt and he could have kept the knowledge of living relatives from everyone."
"I'd ask Sansa. He supposedly loved her," Jon added.
Ned frowned deeply. "You'd put your sister through the grief of remembering a murderous, conspiratorial madman? Arya cut that man's throat for a reason, I believe Princess Sansa tended to leave that man's vile being behind in the past."
Jon turned to Davos. "Do as I say and ask her."
Davos bowed to the brothers. "As you wish, Your Graces." He then bowed slightly to Ned. "My Lord," he acknowledged him before leaving.
"Don't speak to our Hand through us," Robb told Ned. "And we must put Sansa through that because we know Littlefinger had her in his little web of lies and conspiracies. She's the only person who knew him well-"
"And what of your Master of Whisperers? Lord Varys?" Ned retorted. "The Spider knew Littlefinger better than Sansa, I'd say."
"Don't you have bannermen to be ordering about after your failed attempts of capturing my traitorous mother, Prince Ned?" Jon asked him.
Ned flinched but then he gave them a tight smile. "Forgive me, Your Graces. I am just as upset as you both are. Arya is a dear friend of mine, family even, and I want Ashara to pay for her sins just as much as you do. But I am a member of your Small Council for a reason."
"And your counsel is very much appreciated, Prince Ned but know your place," Jon replied.
"Oh, I know my place. Just remember which Dayne you're against, cousin," Ned said, his eyes meeting Jon's sincerely before leaving.
Robb sighed heavily. "Be careful Jon with all these hostile conversations. We wouldn't want another sibling or wife of ours to be poisoned again," he mumbled, placing a stressed hand over his eyes. "If you hurt your relationship with Ned, we'll surely lose Dorne and we can't have that."
"If Dorne is out of our grips, we will easily get it back. Anyway, Ned won't betray us, I trust him."
"Didn't seem so moments ago."
"He cares too deeply for our sisters," Jon replied. "I understand what he is saying but Sansa is our only hope at this time of moment."
"Is it such a bad thing?" Robb asked him. "That Ned cares about Arya and Sansa?"
Jon shook his head slightly. "They are married women. I wouldn't want our alliances with the Kingdom of the Stormlands and the Kingdom of the Rock threatened. You heard him today, blatantly flirting with Arya and Sansa."
"That's who he is," Robb replied. "He means no harm. But you are right, our alliances are more important than harmless courting of married women. I'll speak to him."
"Good. I will check on Arya. This time, I won't distress her more than she already has been, I promise."
"Thank you," Robb said. "It's all about our family, Jon. It's our duty to protect them and our people. Ashara won't succeed in destroying us."
Jon gave him a worried look. "I hope you're right."
...
"Tyrion," Sansa breathed out upon opening her door. She let him inside and closed the door, giving the guards outside a polite smile as she did so. "I see you have noticed the presence of our many guards outside?"
Tyrion nodded, heading over to the table to pour them both some water. The taste for wine had dwindled on them both.
"Your men will find her," Tyrion assured her. "She will pay for hurting your brother and sister."
Sansa gave her husband a bright smile, taking a seat as her hand reached out to take his own hand. She was grateful for his comfort and presence. She felt tired, worried, sick and all these emotions were eating at her.
"I'm guessing Bran and Lady Meera will push their wedding day forward," she told her husband. "It makes sense. Especially if we are to go home soon too. I better get started on the wedding dresses. I surely don't want to wear my second one - I had that burnt shortly after my... ahem, and I'm sure my first one is burnt somewhere in King's Landing after we fled from the Purple Wedding."
Tyrion looked intently at her, disregarding most of what she had just said. "You see my former home as your home?"
"Yes," she said, nodding. "We're husband and wife, your home is my home and likewise. I told my siblings that earlier. I know what my people think about our marriage - a lion and a wolf but your support and position on my brothers' Small Council should assure them that you are more Stark than Lannister now."
"If only I could do what Jaime wishes to do and take on your name-"
"You can't but the thought is nice, Tyrion," she replied. "The Stark name is as valuable as the Baratheon and Lannister name. With my name, comes threats."
Tyrion took a sip of his water, squeezing her hand. "I don't care for the threats, my whole life has been an excuse to be threatened. My height, my family name... I can't even believe I have another nephew!"
"Oh, yes. I forgot," Sansa said, shaking her head in disbelief. "My sister's husband, your nephew. Gendry has gained two uncles, you and Ser Jaime."
"I can't wait to get to know our new half-lion better," Tyrion grinned. "He's a very trustworthy man. I'm sure everyone is glad he and your sister are back in each other's arms."
Sansa chuckled softly. "Yes, we are. She's promised to put her defiant ways behind her. But even a child won't stop her from putting her life at risk. I worry about my family. There's a reason we're weaker when we're apart."
"But you're still attacked when you're together. The decision to go to Casterly Rock soon may be wise. I will protect you, I've promised you so when we were wed."
"Speaking of being wed, we will renew our vows around the same time as Bran's wedding. Under the Old Gods as our marriage will be strengthened by both my faiths," she said. "This time, I'll have my family with me even if Rickon nor my parents won't be there."
Tyrion sighed. "I'm sorry the renewal of our vows and your brother's wedding was brought forward out of fear. If I could send men to help in the cause to bring down every enemy against the Starks I would, Sansa. Sadly, I believe there are still Cersei loyalists and we'll have a struggle besieging Casterly Rock from them when we go there."
"And that's why I love you, Tyrion," Sansa replied, kissing him softly. "You care and you protect me. I couldn't have asked for a better first and third husband."
They burst out in laughter, Sansa not quite believing her situation. Here, she'd run back to her first husband and planned to reclaim him as her third and final spouse.
"I won't bring you any more children, you do realise that?" He asked her. "It will only be Little Catelyn and I'll make her my heir. Casterly Rock is already ruled by Starks but it will be managed by one too should I die. She was already legitimised under your name, yes?"
Sansa nodded in shock. "Tyrion, I do not mind not having other children but I can't ask that of you - to make my child your heir." She felt guilty, thinking about what she'd begged her brothers to promise a long time ago - that Tyrion would care for her child and mayhaps make her his heir. "I only ask that she grows up with a father figure and a home."
"The Lannister line is already gone with only Jaime and me remaining. With Jaime taking the Tarth name and our daughter remaining with yours, it is only right that your brothers secure their rule with the Kingdom of the Rock in Stark hands."
She beamed, tears glistening her eyes when he claimed her daughter as his. She couldn't have asked for a better husband or lover. She hadn't even minded that long ago, he'd said he loved her as a daughter but she now knew he lied to protect them both. Her brothers wouldn't have allowed it nor Arya but they had come a long way since then.
"Well, our daughter and my brothers are lucky to have your support."
"What is mine is yours and Catelyn's and more importantly, your brothers'."
Sansa picked her goblet up. "Let's toast to that."
...
As Ned left his bedchambers, Davos joined him and they walked downstairs to get outside.
"You must remember that tensions are rising because King Jon let his curiosity for his mother rule his decision to have her killed," Davos told the Dornish royal. "Do not test them. They're terribly afraid that such an event happened within their walls."
"Winterfell is not safe for Sansa or Arya," Ned replied. "Nor Bran. It isn't safe for either of them. I feel as if suggesting that Sansa and her husband retire to Casterly Rock as Arya and Gendry return to Storm's End would be wise decisions. Then with Prince Bran, Lord Reed can ensure Bran and his daughter's safety at Moat Cailin or Greywater Watch."
Davos gave him a little smile. "Leave the suggestions to the Kings, my Lord. But you are right although I wouldn't want my head to suffer the consequences if I were you."
"My cousin will never hurt me, I trust him," Ned easily replied. "You're right, the tensions are rising because I didn't acknowledge my recognition of my own first cousin. I was drunk one night, the night of Arya and Waters' wedding day and I believed I was seeing her but I was too stupid and drunk to even think more about it. If I'd spoken up then-"
"Prince Bran knew of her identity too, had visions even," Davos cut him off. "Do not blame yourself. I'm sure everyone blames themselves but this was Ashara's doing."
Ned glanced downwards. "I still feel responsible. How can the people of Dorne or the rest of the realms for that matter trust me? Not with what they've learnt about Ashara - she has tarnished our family name! No longer will people be in awe of us because of Arthur but wary of us because of Ashara. I can't let her get away with this. I can't let her destroy the family I've come to love."
"She won't get that far, my Lord," Davos replied.
"I can't sit about and order men around, I have to go myself and find her. I'll search every corner of every kingdom if I have to. She will meet her maker."
"With your determination, I don't doubt your words, my Lord," Davos said, bowing. "Pardon me, I must see to my wife."
Ned watched the Hand leave before he turned to the guard following him. "Get my horse ready. Tell the Kings that I've set out once again."
...
Dany sipped on her wine as Yara and Varys joined her in drink partaking. Her eyes glanced over to her adopted nieces who played with their dolls by the fireplace.
"Be careful, girls. You don't want to get burnt. Mayhaps, we should even put it out, it's hot outside..." She trailed off, wondering how quickly it took for her maternal instincts to run through her body. "Your older sisters will see to you soon," she told the two young Sand Snakes.
"Thank you, Aunt Dany!" The girls said, the youngest still shy as she hid behind her sister when Varys laid his eyes on them in wariness. He wasn't overly fond of children.
"Thank you for joining me, Yara and Lord Varys," Dany finally referred to her guests. "I had planned to leave tomorrow with the girls but with the Starks under threat, I can't leave for Dragonstone. I hoped to get the girls quickly settled in their new home."
Yara gave her a sympathetic smile. "Well, I'd hoped to take Theon's remains back to Pyke myself tomorrow morn so that I'd have him with me for the rest of my days. I'd rather remain and serve the Kings in the hunt for Lady Ashara."
"Can you believe it?" Varys cut into their conversation. "The late Lady Ashara was in fact, alive and with a false name!"
"I do not care for idle gossip, Spider," Dany replied. "Yes, it is true and I'm sure the Kings are feeling quite disheartened with their recent situation but as members of their Small Council, we are here to help them."
Varys smiled. "I apologise but I think it was in poor taste for them to believe that keeping Lady Ashara's appearance from us was a good idea."
"They are allowed to have their secrets," Yara said. "I'd keep having a madwoman for a mother a secret too."
A knock on the door broke them from their conversation and a Wintersguard entered.
"An emergency Small Council meeting has been called upon. You are to meet in the Great Hall and I am to escort you there," Findal said.
The three members stood from their seats, Dany promising to return to the girls as soon as possible before she followed the others to the Great Hall.
She hoped that they would resolve this quickly so that she could go home again. It was time to finally move on but something told her it would be a long while until they could.
The enemies of the Starks never rested and the wolves were always vigilant.
...
Bran laid down on his bed, relieved that his sister lived but worried about the threats which now rose from allowing Ashara to live and eventually escape.
He knew that this would mean ensuring that his brothers' rule was strengthened by marrying Meera quickly as well as Sansa reclaiming her standing as Lady Lannister.
If they had those two marriage alliances, the Stark banners will increase and they could ensure a secure hold in most of the kingdoms. Not that House Reed did not already serve House Stark but for House Lannister or its remaining member...
"I'm sorry we don't get to decide when we get married anymore," he told Meera once she entered his bedchambers.
She gave him a soft smile and began to undo the laces of her dress. She couldn't wait to get out of the wretched thing but she was glad Sansa was making a wedding dress suited for her.
"I don't mind. I know I asked that we take things slow but I don't see myself with anyone but you. Tomorrow, next week, a fortnight, we will still become man and wife."
Bran smiled at her and stood up to help her undress. "I haven't been with anyone - I don't know..."
"I know what you mean. I'm a maiden too, Bran. If you'd like, you can ask your brothers-"
"Gods, ask my brothers to give me advice on matters of the bedchambers? They'll laugh," he replied, blushing furiously.
Meera laughed much to his distaste She turned and placed a hand on his cheek. "Bran, I'm sure it will be fine. I know you're hesitant especially with recent situations but you're their brother, they will understand."
"You'll be expected to have children soon as well. For Greywater Watch," he said unsurely, a hand ghosting over her stomach. Was he even fertile following his life experiences?
Meera nodded worriedly. "I just hope it will happen soon so we can get it over and done with. A few heirs within a few years - I don't want to die from childbirth as my mother did when giving birth to Jojen. I don't know how your goodsisters and sister do it. They don't fear childbirth. Even Arya!"
"Every woman does," Bran said gently. "Queens, princesses, Ladies... We can only pray childbirth doesn't take you from me."
They kissed and before she could deepen it, he pulled away from her with a shake of his head.
"Practice makes perfect, Bran," Meera whispered, her lips mere inches from his.
"Not now. We need to sleep, tomorrow is another day and I'm expected at court once again."
"You aren't Lord of Winterfell anymore, Bran. You have no duties to the Small Council."
He shrugged lightly. "I am still as vital as Lord Varys is as Master of Whisperers. My visions and knowledge are needed."
"Of course. We need to sleep. Who knows? We may be asked to marry tomorrow," she replied, a smile playing on her lips. "I wonder if that is enough time for Sansa to make me a dress."
"Don't doubt my sister's skills," Bran teased lightly. "Sometimes, I find new clothing in my drawers. They're always sprayed with her perfume - she likes to mother us."
"As I did for Jojen. Sansa is a really good sister," Meera said. "Don't take her for granted."
"I won't. Just as I will never take you for granted," Bran told her, kissing her deeply. "We really ought to sleep."
She laughed. "Indeed we do." She looked at his lips, his eyes and then back again. "Or mayhaps, we don't..." She whispered, deeply kissing him before leading him to the bed. "We should try it, Bran. Making love, I mean."
She pushed him onto the bed and got atop of him, brushing her hair from her eyes nervously. She laughed to herself when she saw how scared he looked. She forgot that he hadn't lived as a normal man for a while. He seemed as if he was new to life.
"Practice does make perfect," Bran breathed out, eyes wide as his betrothed's lips met his neck. "Seven Hells..."
...
"The whole of the Seven Kingdoms are hunting for your mother," Ygritte noted the next day. "This woman hunt, it's quite exciting. I wish I could take part in it. I've wanted her head cut off since I found out she was a spy."
She turned around from her vanity table and gave Jon a remorseful smile. She could see how much he was struggling with every threat their family faced. She wished she could do more other than wearing a title, a crown and smile at people by his side. She was a fighter, more than a woman meant to sit down and listen whilst the men went out to play or fight.
"Have you seen the children? They are learning how to speak more and more, I almost can't believe it," she said. "Spending time with them will rest your mind."
"I can't rest whilst our enemies increase by the number and plot to kill us," Jon replied, finally getting up from their bed. "But I will see them to remind myself why I want Ashara killed for all she's done. She could have killed them. Her own grandchildren!"
"But she didn't," Ygritte replied. "Why don't you use her intentions to your advantage? Keep your allies close and your enemies even closer. If you find her."
"That is a risk I'm not willing to take. Even under lock and key, she managed to hurt my sister," he said, shaking his head.
Ygritte stood up and walked over to him, placing a gentle hand on his cheek and kissing him softly.
"You have many loyal friends and family here in this castle - should we find Ashara alive, you can use your bond as her son to use her and destroy your enemies."
"How?"
"We give Ashara what she wants and use it to your advantage. Believe me, anyone who wishes to harm you or our family, they will be put down."
"This is why I love you," Jon said against her lips.
"Never question my love or loyalty for you," she replied as his lips met her neck. "I'm more than just your queen, I'm a spearwife with a mind full of strategies to destroy our enemies."
"A position on our Small Council," Jon told her. "I'm sure yours and Talisa's counsel will prove more than just being Queen Consorts. You're clever."
Ygritte smiled. "Gods, why did I ever want to leave?" She asked softly, bringing his lips back to hers. "I have everything here with you. Now, does Queen of Surprise Attacks or even Daggers sound good? I'm sure Queen of Hospitality or something to do with nursing people back to health will be a good position for Talisa-"
"Court doesn't start until midday. And you talking about Small Council matters is doing something to me-"
"Say no more," Ygritte quickly said, her lips returning to his as they fell onto their bed.
...
Sansa got off her horse and tied the reins around a nearby tree. She then looked up at the small Sept that was still being built in memory of her mother.
It was a relatively large building, most of the works already done but she didn't mind as she entered the Sept and knelt before the Seven-Pointed Star.
"I ask the Father to judge us with mercy accepting our human frailty. I ask the Mother to bless my sister and ensure she has safe labour of her babe. I ask the Warrior to give us the courage and strength to prevent our enemies from succeeding in cutting us down. I ask the Maiden to protect and strengthen the love of my family so we can remain united against our enemies. I ask the Smith to strengthen our hands more specifically, the hands our my elder brothers so they can create a better place for us all. In addition to the Kings, also the hands of the builders for this Sept and Moat Cailin. We ask the Crone to guide us on our journey as my family begins our dynasty over the Seven Kingdoms into the light. And-"
"-I ask the Stranger not to kill us in our beds tonight for no damn reason at all, should we wake to see another day," a voice cut her prayer off.
She turned and saw Sandor Clegane standing there. He knelt beside her and grumbled up at the Star.
"What's the point of faith if it fucks you over?" He asked rhetorically.
Sansa didn't know how to reply but she did give him a meek smile. She missed his comfort and his protection over her at King's Landing. Now, here they were in the North with King's Landing burnt to the ground,
"I see you and the Imp are happy," he noted. "There was one time I thought of you - your sister and you are quite alike even though you are very different. When I was escorting her to the Vale-"
"After you saved our brother's life," she said softly.
He cleared his throat with a nod. "Hmm. I thought about you, Little Bird. I found myself doing so over the years..."
Sansa gasped softly. "I'm sorry, Sandor. We can never be, no matter if you were a Lord or not. My brothers let me marry for love and I've found it in Lord Tyrion."
"Prince Tyrion," he corrected her.
She shook her head. "That won't be possible. My brothers won't allow him to gain such a title - he's still a Lannister. He will remain a Lord. I doubt we would have children but if we did, not that it's possible to, they'd not take the titles of prince nor princess either."
"What a shame," Sandor said with a smile to which she answered him by smacking his arm. "I best leave you. The Sept is still in repairs - your brother, King Robb, wants it to be the best Sept anyone has ever seen. What an outcry that would cause - a grand Sept in the North. Followers of the Old Gods will hate it since they are predominantly in the North."
Sansa frowned deeply. "King Robb follows both faiths-"
"Everyone knows that a father's faith is more important in the child than the mother's. King Jon is lucky his wife is a Wildling - they follow the Old Gods just as he does."
"Our mother, Lady Catelyn of House Tully, believed in the Faith of the Seven. She had septas to teach us, to follow the faith. I believe in the end, only Robb and I maintained her faith alongside our Lord Father's. Even with Lady Ashara being Jon's mother..."
"He follows the Old Gods just as the majority of the North does as your father before you. The Iron Throne had the Faith of the Seven backing them - they had allies in the High Septon but with a new throne, your brothers will need to be careful. Forgive me if I spoke out of turn-"
"No," she cut him off. "You're right. Both religions have different rules - Seven Hells, I'm married under both faiths! We have to make sure that we can continue to live peacefully together. Having Robb signify his belief to both faiths may aid in that. Rulers, and their wives alike, praying to the Old and New Gods."
Sandor nodded. "Let's all hope for the best. I must leave and join the other men - this Sept won't build itself."
As he stood, she grabbed his hand. "Become a Kingsguard of the Wintersguard, Sandor. Please. You've saved mine and my siblings' lives many times, I don't know how to repay you. We need the men anyway so you won't be rejected if you put your name forward."
He knelt back down and leant in close to her. She closed her eyes and felt a gentle but quick, almost ghost-like, kiss on her cheek.
"Put your name forward to my brothers," she repeated. "We need men we can trust-"
"Those days are behind me, Little Bird and I believe you know that," Sandor replied. "Pray well, my Princess."
After he left, Sansa felt unsure. The way he addressed her formally meant that he was distancing himself from her. She knew her feelings for Tyrion were true but he wasn't the only one who cared for her wellbeing at King's Landing.
When she felt scared, alone and uncertain of her future, these two men were there to shield her from most of the shit she had coming to her.
"And I ask the Stranger that even if the future is unknown, no wolf shall meet their death," she finally finished her prayer with a whisper. "Blood or through marriage. Protect my family, please. I know people barely pray to you, Stranger, but I can't lose any more. I can't!"
Tears ran down her cheeks and she felt even scared than before. She didn't even know why. She was scared of the future. Well, she couldn't do anything but live in the present.
Outside, Bran dismounted from his raven-haired horse, instructing Blizzard to case the Sept, and headed towards the entrance of the Sept. He had to tell Sansa that she was pregnant.
Before he could step into the building, he heard another feminine voice and stayed outside, getting his horse and heading to the back entrance to listen in more closely as the women were at the very end of the aisle of the Sept.
Inside, Sansa stood up and turned around. She jumped in surprise when she saw she wasn't alone.
"My Lady, the Sept is not quite built yet, nor safe, you ought to leave," she said to the old woman who clearly wasn't a noble.
The woman quickly curtseyed and tried to dust her dirty skirt to make herself presentable as she replied, "I'm no Lady, my Princess. I'm no follower of the New Gods either," she said. "I must speak with you."
"I'd love to listen to what you have to say but unless it's during public court sessions, I can't-"
The old woman began to grin, unnerving Sansa slightly as the younger woman backed away discreetly, planting a polite smile on her face but before she could utter another word, the woman spoke.
"Sansa Stark of the Houses Stark and Lannister, you will have three children, two with golden hair and eyes as blue as the sea..."
Sansa gasped in horror and surprise, bringing a hand to cover her mouth as she stumbled backwards, away from the old woman.
"Who are you? Some witch?!" Sansa cried out. "Stay away from me!"
The woman stepped towards her, causing Sansa to flinch and turn away in case she cast something on her but when Sansa turned back to look at her, the woman had disappeared.
"Oh..." She breathed out, her eyes wide.
Collecting herself a little, Sansa stumbled out of the Sept, ignoring the works being performed at the back of the Sept. She looked up and saw Ned riding towards her on Star, concern on his features.
She planted on a fake smile.
She couldn't let him know of her conversation. But her mind travelled to it. Tyrion was infertile, he could bear no children. Did this mean that she and Tyrion won't last and she'd find someone, mayhaps, Ned, as a substitute and have two blonde children with him? But what about Mya? What did this witch mean? Where would her golden children come from?
False. Lies. That woman was wrong.
"Prince Ned," she breathed out.
Ned remained on his horse but called out, "I saw Spring. You look unnerved. Is Ashara in there? Did she harm you?!"
"No! She isn't!" She quickly said. "I was just in touch with my faith, nothing to worry about."
"If that is all, I best continue on with my search. Stay safe, Sansa."
"And you, Ned," she replied flusteredly, watching him ride off. Just as she was about to leave and get onto Spring, she was stopped by Bran. "Seven Hells, Bran!" She cried out, holding a hand to her chest. "How long have you-"
"The woman was right," Bran quickly told her. "Don't be afraid, Sansa. I had a vision and that witch or whatever she was, her words are true."
Sansa gasped. "Wh-what? I have two golden children? But Tyrion-"
"My vision was of the Mother, she made him fertile so he could have children for his true love and wife. You." He gave her a bright smile, taking her hand. "You have a long life ahead of you, my dear sister and it is full of happiness, marriage and children. Don't let our family's misgivings put you off and... I must tell you that in probably six moonturns, you'll give birth to your second child."
Sansa sharply withdrew her hand from his and turned over so she could throw up. She wasn't sure if it was due to the pregnancy or the shock of her brother's words. Either way, she couldn't believe it and the bile didn't stop coming from her stomach.
"Oh, gods. Seven Hells... Gods have mercy-"
"Sansa!" Bran called out, assisting her as she became faint. Mayhaps, he should have requested for Ned to remain but the shock had got to his sister and she wouldn't want anyone to know of her predicament. "We must take you to the Grand Maester."
Tears streamed from her eyes. "I'm with child?" She croaked. "T-Tyrion's child?"
Bran laughed. "Yes! Now, get onto Spring. I'll follow on my own horse. Sansa, this is good news!"
"Let me let all of this sink in, Bran!" Sansa cried out. "I-I... Gods, just take me back to the castle!"
"As you wish, my pregnant sister," Bran said, grinning just as Blizzard returned to his side, a bloody rabbit in her mouth. The direwolf placed the rabbit as an offering before Sansa's feet.
"Brandon!" She cried out, referring to both his words and his direwolf's offering.
...
Arriving at the castle, Bran made sure his sister went to see Lorin before he went to see the other maester present at Winterfell. Samwell Tarly.
"Oh, Bran!" Sam said upon seeing the young Prince standing on the other side of his door. He sometimes couldn't believe that he was on a first name basis with the Starks.
"May I come in?" He asked, seeing that Gilly and Baby Sammy were also inside, playing on the floor. "Lady Tarly, Lord Sammy," he greeted them.
Gilly offered a smile as the child disregarded him, playing with his toys. It made Bran laugh. He wondered if his own children will disregard their elders for the attention of toys.
Children.
"I wish to speak about a private matter," he continued to Sam. "One which may require certain..."
Sam's eyes widened and his mouth opened in realisation. "O-Of course! We should go to the spare maester's chambers." He turned back to his family. "I'll be right back, Gilly and Sammy."
When they arrived at the chambers, Bran went on to explain his situation and the fears he had as Sam performed tests on him.
"So, you were told that you'd be unable to have children after you were crippled?" Sam affirmed. "I see."
"But once I was given my Greensight and the ability to walk again, I'd hoped... especially as Lady Meera and I are to be wed soon. She needs a husband who can give her children - what if it's not me?"
Sam shrugged sadly. "I wouldn't know. Have you had visions?"
"Not the ones I seek most of the time. I'm uncertain of my own future but everyone else's I know," Bran replied. "I don't want to hurt Meera but I love her and if I can't have children, I would rather know now than years into our marriage. We both need this."
"Are you ready to be a father?"
Bran laughed softly. "My brothers and sisters' lives are filled with children already. I am yet to join them. Rickon wanted six, did you know?"
Sam smiled. "No, I didn't but that is really nice. I'm sorry he didn't have the time to live his life and have a family. He would have been a good father to Lady Mormont's children, I'm sure. Just as you would be even if the children are not sired by you."
Bran swallowed deeply. He had not thought of that. Daenerys had adopted the Sands and he had planned to make Moat Cailin a place for children and people without homes - he could adopt. He and Meera could adopt and no one would be none the wiser, especially since she was afraid to go through childbirth and Greywater Watch was a mysterious castle that seldom moved.
"Maester Sam, you are a genius!" He breathed out. It still hurt, the possibility of not having a child to sire but if it meant his wife lived and he didn't need to be uncertain about his ability to have children, he'd go with adopting them. "I must go. Thank you!"
He left, suddenly feeling more certain of his own future. He had to see his intended.
Notes for this chapter:
(1) Arya and the babe are alive and it was found that the same poison used to indispose Ygritte was used. She reunites with Gendry.
(2) Bran finds out that Petyr may have a family member who helped Ashara escape.
(3) Robb and Jon plan to use the Golden Company with Ned's support.
(4) Some members of the Small Council speak about their future plans.
(5) Sansa visits the in-progress Sept to seek guidance and ends up sharing a moment with Sandor, speaking about religious issues and a fearful encounter with a witch.
(6) Ygritte offers Jon some advice.
(7) Bran tells Sansa that the witch was right and she is pregnant with Tyrion's child much to her disbelief.
(8) Bran deals with his own children problems and sleeps with Meera for the first time.
Sandor to join the Wintersguard and be a Knight once again - yay or nay?