The Red Dragon and the Demon Monkey
Prologue
When her family had been murdered her father and brother her mother had already ushered her smallest children away into Dragonstone where she would die while giving birth to her sister. Barely two at the time Naerys Targaryen the second named after her ancestor who had been called the "Unworthy" witnessed her world shattered before her before she was even old enough to comprehend the true consequences of it all. She lost both her parents and wasn't able to escape with her siblings, the child instead was found by Stannis Baratheon who had been sent by his brother to deal with the rest of the family. As the man raised his sword ready to deliver the killing blow the small child gazed up at the man and he was left speechless his sword heard clattering on the ground behind him as he remained mezmorized by the child's gaze unable to kill her from what he saw in those young violet eyes, pure innocence. In a complete turn of events instead of killing the child Stannis instead brought the child back to King's Landing in hope that one of the members of the council would know what to do with the child.
King Robert ordered the child be killed screaming and yelling practically seething with venom dripping from his lips as he gazed at the two year old monstrosity hatred for the child seeping thru his very pores as the members of his council gazed down at the young child. Tywin Lannister picked up the child having already killed her brother's wife and children with the help of his knights he thought it would be easy to kill the child to show once again his fealty to the King. He readied his knife raising it up above his head when Eddard Stark who had yet to leave for home for Winterfell came into the room his eyes flashing about as he looked upon the child in horror.
"Wait! Stop" Eddard said throwing himself across the room and snatched the child from the arms of Tywin shocking the court in the process before he turned to Robert grounding himself ready for whatever fury the King unleashed on him after hearing his proposition "Let me take the child with me we can raise her in Winterfell as Catelyn's charge and she could be used in the future to create an alliance of political power, she is a princess after all." "
Was a princess" Robert said sneering in disbelief that Eddard would defy him "Why would you want that thing to live? Her brother killed your sister my betrothed!"
Eddard looked down at the two year old who not yet having learn to speak blinked up at him making a cooing noise with her mouth before yawning and nestled against the man's chest as if accepting her fate as Eddard made his decision "I will not kill the child I will raise her and she will never be a threat to you or anyone in Westeros she will be brought up under constant watch!"
"So you would raise the child and have her married off later in life so we can create some sort of alliance or so she can't try to claim the throne in retaliation" Robert questioned still clearly angered but saw Eddard wasn't going to back down on this one and stood up giving him a threatening look "Very well have it your way then Stark but mark my words if that dragon show signs of breathing fire I will kill her myself is that clear?"
"Of course my King" Eddard agreed and left the throne room with the two year old returning home to his wife Catelyn with not one but two children his wife unsure about the whole thing but soon grew to accept the child of purple eyes.
Naerys became like a surrogate older sister to the Stark children and was always kind and courteous a true proper lady but could secretly wield a bow and arrow like a champion the youngest daughter Arya and the youngest son Rickon often seen following her around. Naerys and Jon Snow were close the two like best friends with Naerys comforting Jon silently when Catelyn was rude to him as she knew Catelyn was just unaccepting of Jon the boy always reminding her that her husband had an affair and Jon was the result. While smart and well mannered Naerys had incredible wit and a good sharp tongue her knowledge of how to talk her way out of situations well versed and was extremely clever able to outsmart a lot of folks. Eddard often joked she should have been a fox then a dragon as she could be almost vixen like but Naerys knew who she was and although saddened by her family's almost extinction thanked Eddard and his family every day for their kindness and letting her stay with them.
Tywin the devious and hurtful man that he was murderer of the Dragonspawn saw a way to hurt the girl and decided with disgust to have his own son the dwarf who he almost hated as much as the Targaryen's Tyrion engaged to her proposing his idea to the King when the girl was merely 4 and Tyrion was twenty the King accepting it eagerly finding the match to be perfect, a monster for a monster. Eddard who knew Tywin was up to no good wanted nothing more than to deny the engagement but as Robert had declared it be so Eddard begrudgingly had to go along with it his only consolation being that he knew that despite being a Lannister Tyrion was not nearly as cruel as his father and hoped that Naerys would be in the right hands when she was wed to him. Naerys knowing who she was intended for after Eddard told her was initially disgusted by the idea of marrying a dwarf unsure why the world felt the need to cast her out and bruise and beat her whenever it got a chance until one night when she fell asleep and had a dream that shocked her to her very core.
She saw her mother who told her not to fret for all would be well and despite people's appearances her daughter needed to learn to love people for their hearts instead. Despite his history with whores and his obvious love of the drink from the stories she heard Naerys soon became more accepting of the idea when she realized not ever had he been cruel to women and it eventually turned into pity for how he must have been tortured and hurt by others just for being born a dwarf. She arrived to the conclusion after her fourteenth name day that indeed she could marry Tyrion Lannister and she would be happy with him rather than someone else because they were both outcasts thrown into the harsh cruel world and she would be there to take care of him just like a wife should. She would be just what he needed and knowing that made Naerys truly accept her fate as being Tyrion Lannister's intended.
17 years later
(Who'd I pick for Naerys for her model would be Elisha Cuthbert in terms of looks with white blonde hair of course and those beautiful purple eyes)
Naerys smiled watching as Bran tried his hand at the bow and arrow the young boy obviously struggling with it his brothers giving him instruction as he lined up the shot. Whoosh! Blinking in shock Naerys turned from where she had been standing to see a cheeky and satisfied Arya smirking at them giving them a small bow as Bran embarrassed by the whole thing charged after her. Chuckling Naerys went to help the boys gather up the arrows a shiver going up her spine before she turned to see Catelyn staring down at Jon in an obvious glare before she left to follow after her husband.
"Jon" Naerys said softly touching his arm "You're still a wolf…don't ever forget that." Jon stayed still for a moment still saddened as Naerys' hand went down her fingers gently interlacing with his own as she squeezed affectionately finally gaining his attention as he gave her a grateful smile speaking softly "Thank you Naerys, you always seem to know how to comfort me."
"That's because we're both outcasts my dear one" Naerys said using her affectionate nickname for him "Therefore since we're both outcasts it is up to us be as thick as thieves together and show the world that we will not kneel to anyone, for we are strong."
"Hey Jon" Robb said coming over to them a look of excitement on his face "Father says there's a deserter we need to take care of, he's bringing Bran along with us as well."
"Your father's taking Bran along with you" Naerys said worry becoming etched onto her face "are you sure that's wise?"
"The boy's ten Naerys" Robb said smiling as he messed with her hair as despite her being two years older than him he was taller "If father thinks he can handle it than he must be ready."
"Alright" Naerys muttered watching as the two boys went to go and find Bran "I just hope the sight of a man being beheaded doesn't scar the little pup."
After Eddard and the boys departure Naerys had resigned herself to sitting in the main hall eating her supper which consisted of soup and some sort of bird probably pheasant. Fully immersed in her thoughts Naerys looked up when she heard a loud noise becoming aware of someone running towards where she was and sat up expectantly as a messenger came in his eyes wide searching for something till he saw Naerys sitting there.
"Lady Naerys" he said bowing to her as most of the people in the North were still loyal to the Targaryen's "There was a letter and a raven brought here and it has brought some interesting news."
"Please sir calm down it's alright" Naerys said looking at the poor shaking man with a soft gaze watching as he became more relaxed "There now that you're better what was it you were going to say?"
"Lord Arryn is dead" the man said causing Naerys eyes to widen in worry "Also the King is coming here!"
"The King is coming here" Naerys said her hands clenching into fists in her lap and began to shake a bit "Well then we best find Lady Stark and tell her of this, I never thought I'd actually see the King again…not since he last visited."
Naerys and the messenger managed to find Catelyn Stark and gave her the news Catelyn's eyes widening with the revelation before she instructed that Naerys find her daughters and tell them the news while she tried to get things ready. Naerys had nodded and left before finding Sansa and Arya the older of the two becoming increasingly excited while Arya had appeared more confused at the news wondering why of all places the King would come to Winterfell. Naerys to be honest was terrified at the prospect, when she had last seen the King she had been nearly ten and he had almost spat on her in anger when she had been seen in the main hall sitting next to Robb. Needless to say she spent nearly his entire visit confined in her room while the servants brought her meals and tended to her, still it was like a week of being a prisoner inside her own room.
The dire wolf pups were a true treat to see and Naerys had watched the Stark children as they fondly each picked one Jon even getting one in the process the poor boy looking down at the pup in bewilderment as Naerys approached it and held out her hand "Hello little pup." The pup sniffed Naerys hand for a moment as Jon watched him before it gently licked Naerys fingers the pup accepting her with ease as Naerys chuckled at the sensation her fingers coated by the pups wet saliva "Oh Jon he's so adorable."
"You've always had a way with animals haven't you Naerys" Jon said chuckling as he set Ghost down and Naerys bending down gently stroked the pup's fur "Not even an hour I've got the pup and it appears he already likes you."
"I'm just good with wolves" Naerys said winking as she softly squeezed Jon's hand in affection "Years of practice you see, I'm practically a member of the pack."
Jon chuckled as he watched Naerys play with Ghost as he wondered how Naerys would feel if she truly knew his intentions of leaving Winterfell, he knew someday they'd be separated but he just hoped it wasn't so soon.
Standing behind Jon for protection Naerys nearly held her breath from being so terrified, Jon's hand swiftly coming down onto hers giving it a gentle squeeze finally had her relaxing a bit. The Starks gathered in front of them were awaiting the King's arrival and it was both a time of excitement and worry the nervous looks Eddard and Catelyn kept exchanging were signs that they were also concerned for Naerys.
"Where's your sister" Catelyn asked looking to Sansa who shrugged when Arya came toward them wearing a helmet sighing under breath as their father caught her "Come on."
"Hey hey hey" Eddard said looking at her incredulously but the siblings could see he was somewhat amused "What are you doing with that on?"
With the helmet removed Arya sighed and went to her spot shoving into Bran as he glared at her before moving so she could stand beside him.
The King, Queen and the children arrived and Naerys nearly scoffed as she caught the sight of Sansa staring longingly over at the prince. They bowed as the King came toward them and Naerys held her watching as he looked at Eddard with an almost impassive gaze except for his eyes which were bright and friendly.
Standing up Eddard looked at the King almost unsure of what to say coming out with "Your Grace." "You got fat" the King said and the others didn't seem to know what to make of the exchange as Eddard motioned at the King basically saying 'so did you' before they embraced. "Cat" The King said embracing her as she muttered softly 'your grace' before he messed with Rickon's hair earning him a curious look from the boy.
"Nine years I haven't seen you where have you been" the King questioned as Eddard smiled "Guarding the North for you your grace Winterfell is yours."
They watched as Queen Cersei and her children exited the carriage while Arya questioned where they imp was Naerys' heart rate increasing as she looked around too wondering where her betrothed was as well the nickname imp being something she disliked people calling him as she realized it was a terrible insult.
"What have we here" the King said moving over to them and shook Robb's hand "You must be Robb." Robb nodded okay by the little interaction before his gaze went over to Sansa "My you're a pretty one."
Sansa appeared to flush at the comment as the King then went over to Arya and Bran looking over like he was accessing them "Your name is?"
"Arya" Arya responded before he looked over at Bran "Oh show your muscles." Bran did giving them quite a show as he gazed over at his siblings for approval while the King spoke "You'll be a soldier."
"Now then" The King said standing tall after he had spoken to the Starks "Where is the Targaryen girl?"
Naerys felt frozen in place only able to gulp needing a moment to collect herself about to step forward when she felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up into the wise and protective eyes of Eddard "She's right here your Grace."
"Let me see you" The King said his face showing his anger as Naerys came forward Eddard's hand never leaving her shoulder as a sign of protection even as she stood before the King her eyes locking with his despite her fear as he searched her over "You know why I let you live?"
"You let me live so that I would know what happens to a Targaryen when they become mad with power and so I would know of my family's fate and never again raise a hand or even think of taking back the Seven Kingdoms" Naerys spoke her mantra having been one she had learned after years of practicing as Eddard had taught her that since day one she was not under any circumstances allowed to mention Lyanna in the King's prescense "By letting me live Your Grace I know that I am nothing not even a dragon anymore, my only fate now lies with whomever you so graciously betroth me too. I am not even sure I deserve such a thing, monstrosity that I am."
"A Dragon with no fire and no wings that's right" The King said looking at Naerys now with a rather smug look "You will do well to remember it that you are nothing now and never again will a Targaryen rule the seven Kingdoms! Your betrothed on the other hand I believe he's over at the brothels so he might smell a bit when he waddles over here, the only reason you are even allowed to be wed to someone though is because as I see it you two are both monsters I hope you like em small…Now I'd like to go to the crypts."
Naerys sighed after he left the obvious tension she had been feeling mostly gone and almost jumped on the spot when she felt a small hand grasp hers and gazed down her eyes locking with Rickon's who gave her a small smile obviously having sensed her anxiety as Naerys chuckled rolling her eyes "I'm alright Rickon I'll be fine as long as I keep my distance."
"I don't want him to hurt you" Rickon said giving her a pouting look as he crossed his arms "How come he can talk to you like that and insult your family?"
"Rickon" Catelyn said coming towards them no doubt thinking that Rickon had been behind her the whole time and seemed to have heard the whole conversation "Remember what I told you? He is the King and therefore is the most powerful man in all of Westeros, Naerys here is just doing her best to obey, isn't that right my dear one?"
"Yes Lady Stark" Naerys said giving her a small bow in respect "I was simply trying to stay on his good side." "Now come along Rickon" Catelyn said as she grasped her son's hand practically dragging him away "You'll be needing a bath before the feast tonight."
Chuckling at the groans of protest Rickon made Naerys turned around and decided to walk in the opposite direction from the House, if she was going to survive for the next few days without any serious issues with the King it'd be best if she had the gods on her side.
Sighing at the heavenly feeling of hot water on her skin Naerys sunk down into the tub letting her damp hair cling to her body as she looked up and could see the steam hanging like a cloud in the air while she became fully immersed in her thoughts. The only reason that she was allowed to attend the feast going on at Sundown was because it was an opportunity for her to spend some time with her betrothed and to her it could only mean one thing and it was something she was dreading, she'd be going back with him to finally join houses with his. She had known it was coming for quite a while now having anticipated moving to live with Tyrion ever since she had celebrated her ten and five year name day, the excuse she had been given the last few years though had been that it was not the opportune time…whatever that was supposed to mean. Robert must have been having a heyday though she was sure of it as if it wasn't an opportunity to make the dragon suffer she would most certainly be spending the feast in her quarters.
Wait what am I thinking? Naerys thought shaking her head of the negativity as she sighed and looked down at her hands that were becoming slightly pruned by being submerged in the water for quite some time.
"I am not upset that I am betrothed to Tyrion, he is a good man despite being a dwarf and there are far worse matches than him despite his father being a Dragonspawn killer" Naerys thought smiling slightly to herself as she shyly recalled how she had become so saddened when she realized how similar they were and how she wanted to be everything he needed her to be "I know I will miss the Starks dearly and I will never forget their kindness for taking me in and raising me but it is time that I marry…I am after all ten and nine years now and I've been flowering for a few years I should be able to produce a child for sure."
Stepping out of the tub one of her hand maidens walking in Naerys sighed and looked at the beautiful light blue dress with silver trimmings Catelyn had brought for her to wear and winced a little as the hand maiden began to brush her hair "Here goes nothing…"
Walking into the main hall Naerys' eyes widened at all the commotion taken aback by how rambunctious the whole place was when Robb came towards her and hooked an arm around her own giving her a knowing look "A lot of noise isn't it?"
"I wasn't expecting this at all really" Naerys said chuckling softly as he guided her past a few tables no doubt towards Tyrion "I would've thought things to be a bit more…well tame." "
Not when the King visits apparently" Robb said halting when they reached the table where the was Kingslayer sitting Naerys stiffening slightly at the fact she was seeing him before her eyes went to the dwarf in plain sight beside him as Robb cleared his throat catching their attention Naerys detecting the hidden animosity in his voice "I present to you Lady Naerys Targaryen."
Tyrion who had been immersed in drinking his wine moments earlier quickly shifted his attention to the young woman standing with a small smile upon her face as he couldn't believe that the beauty before him was his intended.
Quickly getting up Tyrion made his way over to her whilst Robb walked away giving the man a silent glare which Tyrion ignored as he took one of her hands and placed a gentle kiss upon it like a true gentlemen causing her cheeks to redden slightly as he spoke looking up at her "Lady Naerys it has been quite some time since I last saw you, you've grown so much since I was last here."
"Indeed my Lord" Naerys said following him as he guided them back to their seats while Jaime behind them accessed Naerys noticing the Targaryen features almost instantly deciding there was no harm in eavesdropping on his brother's conversation with his intended.
Tyrion had visited when Naerys was nearly ten and one years old with the Starks permission of course to spend some time with her which turned out to be more of they went exploring or talked about things in the library before Tyrion would go to the brothel and get drunk. Tyrion had been surprised by Naerys unusual wit and slyness the young girl somewhat reminding him of himself. He had known when his father had first announced the engagement to him that there was some hidden meaning behind it and easily could tell his father had no good intentions behind it recalling when he had found out about the girl being promised to him.
"Have you gone mad" A younger Tyrion asked walking into the room where his father was sitting his usual stoic and calm expression replaced by one off disbelief "Betrothing her to me, she's a Targaryen and a princess!"
"I thought you might react this way" Tywin said slightly irritated by Tyrion's intrusion "She is no longer a princess she is now nothing and shouldn't even really be alive, but Eddard Stark was insistent that day and it has become clear to me that she may be of some use after all."
"Why would you give her to me" Tyrion said thoroughly confused as he acted as though his father's words didn't faze him as it wasn't something new to him "I'm just a dwarf and therefore not suitable for such a noble lady, besides she is just a child."
"The wedding wouldn't happen until she is of age, I will not have her popping out children with you until she has at least reached womanhood despite your children being Dragonspawn" Tywin said slightly angered watching as Tyrion began to pace a bit "You ask me why I betroth her to you I'll tell you why…You are a Lannister despite being born a dwarf and my son and therefore like I do with my other children it is my job as your father to look out for your best interests."
"Oh really you're looking out for me father" Tyrion said practically scoffing in disbelief at hearing this "Tell me when did you start caring?"
"That is enough I will not have you speaking to me like that" Tywin said his voice stern as he sighed and ran a hand thru his hair "I betrothed the girl to you because she needs to be put in a place of neutrality where she cannot ever become a threat to us and being your wife seemed the most reasonable way of putting a stop to anything because she will be too focused trying to conceive children for you."
"That doesn't truly make sense though I mean she could be promised to anyone else and it wouldn't make a difference" Tyrion said frustrated by his father's response "She would be better off being wed to anyone but me she is just a child!...Hang on just a moment you're using her for some scheme aren't you? You have some hidden motive behind having her tied down to me don't you?"
"No the dragon monstrosity needed to be dealt with" Tywin said smirking "I found a way that she can be without actually having her slain like she was originally supposed to be. She'll be stuck with you then forever and it'll be you that she will have to stare at everyday which I see is a proper fit for her because it would be a fair trade since I can barely stand to look at you."
Tyrion mulled over his father's words for a moment before looking him in the eye a look of determination on his face as he smirked back knowing the truth "You're using her to create some sort of foothold and are trying to reduce the Martell's hatred of us aren't you? If a Lannister marries a Targaryen they will have nothing to hold against us as we will have established renewed faith in the Targaryen name by joining our houses and our children will be a symbol that would make up for your murder of Elia Martell and her children!"
"The Martell's hold onto grudges for far too long in my opinion" Tywin said flippantly as if to not acknowledge Tyrion's words "I want you two to make an example that us Lannister's are far better than that and are even able to let go of past mistakes and are willing to let our biggest enemies become a member of our family despite our past hatred of them." "
This is all just for show then as either a joke to mock the Martells and every other family who still hates us in Westeros, or it's to give them a false sense that we are not the very family who almost caused the extinction of the Targaryen's" Tyrion said thinking for a moment before replying "very well then father I will wed the girl but mark my words if she is betrothed to me then she is my responsibility and I will not have you using her for anything else, that poor girl has been thru far too much already I won't have her life made into anymore of a nightmare than it already is."
Nearing the door Tywin had the last word as he issued a threat that shook Tyrion to the core Tywin surely smirking as he said it before Tyrion closed the door "Remember I can easily take her away from you if I so choose son don't ever forget that, she may be betrothed to you but that does not make her yours."
Although Tyrion had been dreading the initial visit to his betrothed it turned out to be quite different from what he had expected and at the end of his visit he had presented her with a gift she treasured most dearly and always wore. He had given her a silver circle casing of the Targaryen house sigil bound by a small amount of leather rope to go around her neck as he told her to never forget who she was just like he would never forget he was a dwarf. He had also meant it to be an insult at the time to his family the dwarf always coming up with clever ways to get his siblings back for their torturing of him and since he knew how much his father hated the Targaryen's even if he said he didn't anymore to Tyrion it was obvious the gift was perfect as it gave Naerys happiness and Tyrion satisfaction.
They communicated after that strictly thru letters but only when the two had time Tyrion regrettably forgetting sometimes to write to her and then to make up for his absence out of guilt would send her a small token or something despite continuing to frolic in brothels and used to being surrounded by whores it had been of some importance to him to make the young dragon feel happy. His father may have hated him and had given her hand to him as a joke but to Tyrion it wasn't as bad as he had expected though the dwarf would never tell her he knew he wasn't good enough for her and instead wanted her to marry someone else who was at least as regal as she was. He also felt he might always see her as a child poor girl that she was and so knew that if she was going to be coming back with them to King's Landing he may have to keep his distance, he didn't want to feel any more guilt for being the one she was forced to marry.
"I was quite surprised when I saw that both you and your brother had come on the journey to Winterfell" Naerys said as she sat beside Tyrion watching the others at the feast making a face when she saw Robert making out with a servant girl the Queen's eyes blazing in hatred from where she sat "From what you've told me Jaime rarely likes to come on these type of excursions and you prefer to keep yourself preoccupied with things that keep you out of most of the family affairs correct?"
"I only attend family gatherings when I have to yes that is true" Tyrion said unsure of how to say it and cleared his throat a bit catching her attention "We did say we would be honest with each other correct? I find telling the truth between a man and a wife always keeps things well grounded."
"You're just saying that to make me feel less guilty or disheartened by whatever it is you're going to say" Naerys said narrowing her eyes at him as he made a clicking sound with his tongue obviously forgetting she could pick up on things easily with people a trait she had used all her life to help her gage how she spoke to others and chuckled softly as she saw Tyrion's reaction finding it somewhat sweet he was so floored by her knowledge of his hidden deception as she used her nickname for him that she had used since she was a child in the letters she wrote him "It's alright my love I know from years of living with the Stark children when one of them is going to say something I don't particularly want to hear because they love to lay it on thick before they reveal the truth to help lessen the blow with me. It's alright though please continue I'm curious now why exactly did you decide to come with your family up here?"
"I want to see the Wall" Tyrion admitted watching as her brow narrowed a bit in confusion "Oh surely you've heard the stories about the Night's Watch and how all those honorable men pledge their lives to fight off whatever evil could be lurking behind the Wall?"
"Yes I've heard the stories" Naerys said nodding in agreement "However they are just stories to me and I know for a fact that the honorable Night's watch is a refuge for the unwanted, Lord Stark used to joke with me as a child that if I was ever bad enough he and his wife would send me to the wall to live with Benjen."
"That's actually a really good way of keeping you in line" Tyrion admitted chuckling as Naerys cheeks reddened a bit while she nodded in agreement "Even as a child I'll admit that's a little cruel but at least you never truly did misbehave."
"Oh I got into some rather ridiculous situations with Robb and Jon with the end result being rightfully disciplined " Naerys said taking a sip of her wine making a face as it burned her throat "However we were just children back then and it was expected, I'm sure you got into some trouble with your siblings."
"My siblings avoided me mostly when we were growing up if you will recall me telling you" Tyrion said watching as Naerys face fell becoming etched in worry " I was the source of my mother's death and I will be made sure to never forget it, monster that I am."
After that the conversation had pretty much depleted as Tyrion in his dislike of talking about things so disheartening began drinking a lot more and before Naerys knew it she had been summoned by Catelyn to instead tend to Arya who had been sent upstairs for being disobedient the little wolf happy to have a companion.
"Why she's so mean to me" Arya said wrinkling her nose as she spoke to Naerys about Sansa "She acts like she's better than I am, better than all of us but she's not!"
"She's just being stubborn and thinks of you more as an embarrassment than her sister right now, it's a common feeling for girls her age young wolf it's like she suddenly thinks anybody in her family is going to make her uncomfortable in front of others" Naerys said softly brushing some of Arya's hair "She keeps glancing at that Joffrey boy too almost as if she's smitten with the spoiled prince already."
"All princes are spoiled that is true" Arya said nodding with Naerys in agreement "However I can't believe mother and father consented to having Sansa actually marry that boy, a wolf and a lion cannot possibly make each other happy…A wolf must be free."
"Wait a moment hold on" Naerys said her eyes widening in disbelief at Arya's words "Sansa is promised to that boy?!"
"Yes apparently the King thought Sansa would make a good bride for his son" Arya said shaking her head "Sansa will be going away with you and I'll be left here in Winterfell, the only way I could even hope to visit you both is if father's agrees to become the King's Hand."
"Well that makes perfect sense now" Naerys said shaking her head in sadness "Of course he would want your father to be the Hand and have Sansa marry his son, Arya the King is luring your father in by taking Sansa away from him. He's trying to guarantee your father will say yes."
"Well that stinks then" Arya said pouting as she reached out and grasped one of Naerys' hands "Father will probably have to say yes now…"
"I don't know what your father will decide my young wolf" Naerys said squeezing her hand gently back affectionately "All I know is when I go back with them to King's Landing I'll be sure to keep an eye on your sister…No Lion is gonna hurt her I promise."
A knock at the door had Naerys stumble just about to crawl into bed as she stood in just her night clothes before she padded over and opened the door surprised to Jon standing there with an almost sorrowful look. "Well you look like someone just beat you" Naerys joked causing Jon to sigh as he stepped in "I was only joking Jon there's no need to take it seriously, what's wrong with you?"
"Naerys I'm leaving" Jon said causing her smile to fall instantly and be replaced by one of worry "I'm going to go and join the Night's Watch and well since you are going to be going to King's Landing anyways I don't see much use in me staying in Winterfell anymore. I want to make use of myself."
"Jon if you are serious about joining then I know I can't stop you" Naerys said stepping over and gently pulled him into an embrace grateful that he was so honest with her and glad that he was her best friend "Be safe for me though okay I can't imagine what type of people are out there I only want you to be safe."
"I'll try my best then" Jon said nodding as he hugged her tighter causing her to make an Oomph sound as she lost a bit of her breath "Make the best of what you can in King's Landing for me okay I hope he treats you well."
"Oh um about that" Naerys said blushing as she pulled back giving him a sheepish look "He isn't directly coming back with us…he's going to travel with you and Benjen to the wall."
"…" for a moment Jon was speechless not having any idea of what to say before he finally settled for "What?!" With Naerys chuckling at his expression she felt better with the news that both she and Jon were about to move on with their lives, the time had come for them to truly become what they were meant to be.
A Note: Yes I actually can see Tywin coming up with some horrible plot like that for his own son because he is evil and hates Tyrion and I could see him using Naerys and basically tying her on a rope to dangle over the Martell's heads and toy with them using Naerys to both ward off enemies and piss off the ones who know the truth. She is his way of giving the finger to the Martell's that he doesn't care about Elia or her children's death because now he can use his son's future wife to manipulate and the Martells probably would be more willing to align with a Targaryen then they ever would with a Lannister who I'm sure they want to see flayed.
Tyrion of course likes the whores its who he is I'm not gonna change that right away I love his character, he does gradually begin to see Naerys differently but she is still right now like a child to him so he is gonna be wary of her but he does care about her enough that he tries not to lie to her when he can. Naerys and him pretty much throughout her life were like weird medieval times pen pals and when she was a child he tried to sugar coat things for her because he didn't want her to think that his life was so bad, however Naerys could already kind of tell from some of the things he told her and she can tell when he is lying pretty much. Tyrion does have a soft side for her yes he does but we all know how much we love it when Tyrion is calm and collected using his words to pummel others to the ground without even having to use a fist so that soft side only comes out when it's just them two as he doesn't need his family knowing he even cares about her.
Naerys has a very weird past growing up as Catelyn's charge and like a surrogate daughter to the Stark's and is almost a Stark herself Eddard always having felt guilty for what Tywin did to her family. Even though she knows that they are distraught about her arrangement with Tyrion she's been able to come to terms with it and to some respect looks forward to it seeing it as a new chapter in her life. Her and Jon's relationship isn't really romantic not to disappoint but they've always seen each other as best friends nothing more with Naerys' obvious engagement to Tyrion being something that would hang over their heads if anything ever did happen. Naerys does strengthen as a character but right now she's trying not to have Robert chop off her head out of spite and tries to be as less of a burden as she can be. Yes eventually you will see Cersei try to dig her claws in but Naerys is a dragon thru and thru and thus she breathes fire and will burn others with ease.
