Disclaimer: I understand that every character (bar the obvious OCs, and even then, House Dayne itself isn't mine) in this story are the sole property of George R. R. Martin. This story will never be published professionally, commercially or used for profit, it is simply to be read on this website for fun. It is separate from the canon plotlines established by George R. R. Martin and I am just borrowing GRRM's fascinating world and mythos for a time, to explore my own methods of character development and persistence (I need to finish at least one story, gosh darn it, and EHW, I choose you!) So, sit back, relax, and read if you want to. :)

XO Jennifer

Every Hour Wounds

Prologue

Merek Dayne had been lord of Starfall for only a short time, in relation to the other Lords of Westeros. Rising to prominence after the old house of Dayne ended, when Edric Dayne, his cousin, was never found after the wars. The Lady Allyria had died during the wars also, though how she had died was still much disputed. Many assumed suicide, after her betrothed, Beric Dondarrion died.

With the main seat of Starfall vacant, the new High Queen, Daenerys Targaryen, had summoned him, a lesser lord of Dayne, to take his place there. With his young daughters and wife, he gladly took the opportunity, swore allegiance to the High Queen, and settled at Starfall.

After years of working diligently with the High Queen and other lords in Dorne and the south, Merek had made House Dayne one of the most respected names in all of Westeros. Now he was travelling North, in hopes of creating a bond between House Dayne and House Stark. With his other daughters married into almost every other great house in Westeros, House Stark was the final missing piece in his collection. And what a piece it would be.

Since the end of the turbulent years of war, peace had spread through the kingdom under the new reign of their sovereign, Daenerys Targaryen, so these sorts of marriages were for trade connections and small political gain only, among the higher lords.

After the wars, Daenerys had divided Westeros in two, into North and a South. Those in the South swore allegiance to her, and the lords ruled over their territories, but reported to her on a regular basis. Those in the North did the same, but reported Bran Stark. The King of the North.

Both rulers were just, wise and worked with each other to keep peace in Westeros. Daenerys had realised that ruling the North alone, from the South made little sense, as their needs were so different to those in the South and knew unrest would arise if they were ruled by a Queen in the South; after all they had fought for.

So when she learned of the respect and loyalty those in the North felt towards the Starks, she worked with the Lord of Winterfell, Bran Stark, and they drew up a constitution together, the first of its kind. Mutual respect and friendship between the High Queen and King strengthened the union.

The High Queen was ruler of the Seven Kingdoms in name and practise, but Bran Stark was loyal to her, and dealt with the day-to-day ruling of the North. This compromise in power united Westeros in a way never before seen.

Merek Dayne's plan to bond his House with that of the Stark's would afford him the greatest possible trade and political links with the North, and greater strength and sway in the politics of the South. Powerful allies meant everything, even in the current times, when war was far from thought. But, the only way to ensure he got those bonds was to wed his final, youngest daughter to Bran Stark. The only Stark left unmarried.

Except, she didn't know that this was why they were travelling to Winterfell. At least, not the betrothal and marriage to Bran Stark bit. She thought it was like their routine visits to the other Lords in the South, meant to upkeep and form alliances, no doubt.

Merek was not looking forward to breaking this news to her. Which was why, only hours before their arrival, Alianor Dayne, his youngest daughter, was still none the wiser as to what awaited her in Winterfell…