A/N: Return of the Game of Thrones AU! This is set before my other one-shots 'Love Your Enemy' and 'Mine' during the Twelve Year War. Mostly focused on Reyna with cameos of a few characters. This is the first time Reyna seen Jason in a long time. I would like to write Jason's first time seeing Reyna next. Enjoy! Sorry for the lame title.
Real Life News: Guess who's employed! This girl! I just accepted an offer at a small software company. I'm so happy I won't have to do any more interviews. Next week will be my first day. That means fics will be slower but hey, I'm adulting now! Making money, paying student loans, moving out? Thank you everyone for sending me good vibes. Now onto the story!
First Sight
Reyna: Four years into the Twelve Year War
"I thought you were taller." Reyna arched her eyebrow at her uncle's blunt comment. Lord Mars circled his young niece like she was a prized warhorse. The girl resisted the urge to turn as he moved. The tent was stuffy from a sudden late spring heat wave. Summer was coming. Reyna's dark locks stuck to the back of her neck. The tunic and pants she wore hugged her body. She felt drained from the day of riding. Her eyes were heavy, not used to traveling with a war campaign. Reyna jumped when she felt cool fingers tip her chin up. Her dark eyes met Mars' calculating gaze.
"You're too pretty." He said like it was an insult, frown marring his scarred face.
"Father…" Frank warned from the other side of the tent. He ran a whetstone over his arrowheads, sharping each tip. The bustling sounds of the camp being set up could be heard from the opening. Swords clanked as men trained. Camp followers shouted orders to fetch water, start fires, and cook dinner for the army.
"Well she is." Mars replied back, pushing Reyna's cheek like a dismissal. The girl clenched her teeth but listened to her uncle's words. He was her commander now. "She's going to distract our men more than Jupiter's on the battlefield." Mars lifted one of Reyna's arms, waving it to show his son. "Her arms are flimsy like a stick. A farmer boy can snap her in half. She's never been on a battlefield. She'll be slaughtered."
"I'm fast and I have a brain. That makes me your best scout." Reyna reminded, unable to keep quiet as she jerked her arm out of Mars' hold. Her uncle looked amused, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "I'm a quick study. Frank taught me how to shoot a bow. Romulus gave me knives throwing lessons. I bested two of your knights with my spear." Reyna took a slightly pause, racking her brain for more reasons. She needed him to see her worth. "I can identify poisonous plants and mix medicine and toxins. I can help with the wounded. I grew up in war rooms and armories, around tacticians and generals. I know the language of war."
"Do you, Niece?" Mars suddenly interrupted. He unsheathed the dagger by his side, showing Reyna the gleam from the steel. The man pressed the sharp edge against his palm, drawing crimson blood. Reyna sucked in a breath at the metallic smell. Frank stood up but Mars waved him down, eyes focused on the young woman in front of him. Her dark eyes focused on his palm as blood slowly dripped out of the wound. "Do you know the copper smell of blood as you cut into a man? The chaos of the battlefield as a cavalry of knights cuts through your main forces? The cries of men, your men, dying in the mud? The soft moans of the wounded as they beg for death? That's war, Reyna. Do you know that?"
"Father, that's enough." Frank started. Reyna didn't avert her eyes from Mars as she reached out, taking the dagger from his hands.
"Do you, Uncle, know what it's like being trapped behind walls waiting for your enemy to emerge in the horizon? Waiting for scraps of news travelers bring to us? Piecing things together based off assumptions?" Reyna whispered, twirling the weapon in her slender fingers. "I'm not going back to New Rome. I won't hide behind those walls while others die because of my family, because of my father's death. Let me learn, Uncle." Mars' lips curled up slightly, nodding his head like he finally saw something useful in his niece.
"Good. Then I have an assignment for you. Both of you." Mars said, stepping away to look at the maps spread across the table. Frank and Reyna traded glances as they followed him. "How long did my sister keep you hidden in New Rome? Who would recognize your face?"
"Since the start of the war," Reyna answered, counting backs the years. She was twelve when her father was killed. It's been at least four years. "Only nobles who side with us have seen me. I was probably ten last time Hylla and I attended court. We didn't stay in the capital often."
"For obvious reasons. My sister's protectiveness of you may benefit us." Mars continued, motioning the two closer. His fingers tapped the city located beside the ocean with rivers flowing through it. It was a neutral House, a family who hasn't decided on a side in the Bellona-Jupiter feud. "Reyna, can you kill?"
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"Stop giving me that look, Frank." Reyna warned as she kept her eyes focused on the uneven path in front of them. The horse underneath her whinnied at her gently tugs of the reins. The beast could sense how nervous its rider is. Reyna tried to calm her breathing, running her fingers down the neck of the horse. Frank sighed beside her, frowning as the small traveling group joined a growing crowd heading towards Katoptris. Reyna could still feel his cautious brown eyes staring at her face. "Frank, if you have something to say, say it."
"I don't like this idea." Frank finally said, shifting his large broad shoulders. The arrows in his quiver knocked together. The bustling crowd parted around them, allowing the huge party of six through. People averted their gaze, recognizing the bold red and black of House Mars on their clothes. The solid black of the hound emblem on Frank's cape got nervous glances. Everyone in the kingdom knew about the raging war between the two major houses.
"Noted." Reyna murmured as she adjusted the hood she wore, keeping her profile hidden. Her dark eyes scanned the crowd. Even with four guards loosely surrounding them, she felt uneasy. There were too many unknowns. She wrapped her fingers around the dagger she wore, relaxing slightly at the feel of worn leather. The pouch tied at her waist gently bumped her thigh, reminding her why they were venturing into Katoptris. "Venus is a neutral house. We don't want to offend them by not attending this tourney."
"Rumored neutral." Dakota, Reyna's trusted personal guard, corrected. He eyed the many banners wearily. Reyna noticed the wide range of houses, Bacchus, Neptune, Mercury and Apollo to name a few. This tournament wasn't just to celebrate the birthday of a sixteen year old. Reyna's hands tightened around her reins as they entered the city. There was always more to every gesture, especially those of the noble houses. "Lord Frank needs to be charming today. Lady Venus or her daughter could be easily swayed to our side. Having House Venus with us would be helpful."
"Yes…" Frank replied as he dismounted, mouth twisted in a disgruntled frown. Reyna hid a smile as she slide off her steed. He didn't look like he was in the mood to charm anyone. The young woman turned, drinking in the city of Katoptris.
It was vastly different than New Rome. Being beside the ocean, Katoptris controlled what goods flowed into the kingdom especially with the huge river cutting through it. The buildings were constructed close together. Crowded paths lead to either the bustling port of the harbors, ferry ports to the river or the huge castle in the heart of the city. People moved through like water, flowing without concern what's in the way. Reyna tilted her head up, taking in the sights and smells. Her hood slipped as she waved to two children popping their heads out of the window. Reyna took a step back, bumping into a solid piece of mass.
"Aren't you a pretty thing?" A deep menacing voice whispered into Reyna's ear. The hairs on the back of her neck stuck up. An arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. A gasp involuntarily left her lips as she kicked and struggled. Frank and Dakota whirled around from their conversation with the stable master, drawing their weapons. "Shame you're clad in that nasty red and black, girl."
"Hercules." Frank's voice dropped to a deep growl. Reyna stopped struggling temporarily, remembering the name of Zeus's bastard son. She could feel the hilt of his broadsword pressed against the small of her back. Her cousin's fingers twitched, itching to reach for his own weapons. The Mars guards around them tensed. Bellona's youngest daughter was in the hands of a killer, the man who took her father's head. "It's rude to grab." Hercules smiled smugly at the comment, safely surrounded by his guards as he pawed at Reyna's waist.
"Keep better watch on your woman, Mars." Hercules said, tilting Reyna's chin up so she could see his bright icy blue eyes. She wanted to spit in his handsome face, claw his eyeballs out, inflected any sort of pain on this Jupiter spawn. "Where did this pretty thing come from? I might keep her for myself." Reyna lifted her elbow, ready to punch the brute when a hand clasped Hercules' shoulder. The grip around Reyna's waist loosened. "Brother…"
"That's enough, Hercules. We're on neutral ground. We won't harm anyone present company included." Jason Jupiter reminded as his half-brother withdrew his arm. Reyna ran over to Frank, clenching her teeth in pure frustration. Her cousin quickly swept her behind him. Between his long limbs, Reyna could see Jupiter's true heir. Lean figure, golden blond hair and sinfully handsome face, Jason Jupiter cut an imposing figure in the crowd.
"Funny we're just going to drive our blades through them later." Hercules murmured, stepping away with his hands up. Jason glared at his half-brother until the man slinked away from the Mars group. Reyna didn't let herself relax until the man disappeared into the crowd.
"I'm sorry." Jason apologized as he looked at Reyna. "Are you alright, my lady?" She blinked at him, not sure what to say to the man whose family murdered her father. Does he know who I am? She thought, trying to remember the last time she seen Jason. Years ago when they were the same size. Six years is a lot of time. He towers over her by half a foot.
"I'm fine. Thank you my lord." Reyna replied, lowering her gaze. She was supposed to be a shy unknown lady from one of Mars banner men. Jason nodded his head, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. He and Frank traded fleet looks before the son of Jupiter bowed and marched off. "Um…" Reyna started, not sure how to feel.
"I know. It's strange." Frank acknowledged, offering his arm to her so the large crowd wouldn't consume her. The stone steps were easier to navigate on foot. Dakota and the guards loosely surrounded them. "How do you interact with an enemy? Jason didn't kill your father but he bores the Jupiter name. He was twelve at that time, just like us. I knew him before this war started. We squired together under Neptune. He's good, kind." Frank fell quiet for a moment, thinking about the past. Reyna squeezed his arm, grounding him to the present. They were children thrown into this war, one day inheriting it. Frank patted her hand lightly. "Our houses may have been built on blood, sweat and death but some days I wish we could return to peace."
"Don't let your father hear you say that." Reyna whispered back but momentarily thought the same as well.
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Reyna flinched at the sound of the lances colliding against the opposing knight's shield. Wooden splinters flew through the air as the knights galloped passed each other. The crowd cheered violently around her, bustling like animals ready for blood. Reyna frowned, tugging her cloak closer around her shoulders as she silently observed the nobles. They sat away from the masses, sipping their wine as they watched the feats of strength with bored expressions. A roaring applauds erupted behind Reyna when the knight in deep purple finally knocked his opponent down. Would they be cheering if those lances were killing their knights? Reyna wondered, sipping her goblet of water.
"If we weren't at war, Frank would be doing this." Dakota whispered to her, nodding to the victorious knight as he lifted his faceplate. Jason smiled and waved to the crowd as he took a lap. Ladies screamed at the son of Jupiter, throwing roses to the handsome boy. He was in the finals, one bout away from winning this ridiculous tournament.
Reyna shook her head, disagreeing with her guard. Frank isn't stupid enough to put himself in danger. But in a different time, she thought glancing over at her cousin. The son of Mars sat with the other nobles, conversing with Pluto's youngest daughter. He looked happy, smiling for the first time since his father's crazy assignment. "You could have been one of those girls. You could have been like her."
Her eyes narrowed as her eyes fluttered over. Piper Venus, the beautiful second daughter of House Venus, one of the most eligible bachelorette in the whole kingdom. She was clad in bright red dress. Her brown hair tumbled softly with two braids framing her heart-shaped face. She laughed and smiled at the young man beside her, turning as Jason rode by. Many men tried to win the second daughter's hand in marriage. House Venus strategically controlled the ports and rivers. Lady Aphrodite let her daughters marry for love instead of power, one reason why House Venus hasn't chosen a side yet.
Piper's lips curled as Jason approached. Her eyelids fluttered as she hid a smile behind her fan. The young man's eyes lingered on her as well, head turning as he passed. Reyna's fists curled in seething anger. "I will never be like her." Reyna hissed to Dakota. She didn't understand this world. Men outside these walls were dying while boys played knights. It made her sick. Reyna stood up and her eyes met Jason's gaze. She quirked her eyebrow at the lord's son and tilted her head. A smile curled on his lips before he lowered his faceplate. I hope a lance drives through your throat.
"What was that?" Dakota asked as Reyna left the stands, trying not to think what just transpired between them. A little smile, tilt of head, lingering gaze for a moment too long. Reyna wasn't trained to decipher court manners. I rather have a dagger than a fan. "You like him? Sort of like Romeo and Juliet."
"Don't be silly, Dakota." Reyna ordered, walking down towards where the knights' tents were. Men drank and laughed as they mended their wounds. She could feel their gaze tracking her as she walked by like she was a piece of meat. This was what her uncle was talking about. This is my power as well. Reyna thought, wondering how close she could get to a man and drive her dagger through his chest. Pretty close, she figured as she ventured to Jupiter's side despite the bright red cloak.
A rough and manly laugh cut through the sounds of the camp. Reyna turned at the sound and frowned. Hercules sat on a table in the Jupiter's tent. His heavy armor was pulled off, revealing bronze muscles with battle scars. Sweat made his upper body glow. In his arms, a curvy buxom blonde woman sat, laughing. His hands palmed her hips and breasts openly as he grinned with his men. He must think he's invincible. Reyna thought, slipping her hand into the pocket of her dress, feeling the tiny vial against her palm. Just one drop.
"No, Miss." Dakota's hand touched her elbow grounding her. "He's not your target. Not today." Reyna allowed Dakota to lead her away towards the castle where heads of Houses and older members plotted and discussed. The tent had servants filtering in and out with drinks. Reyna pursed her lips as her eyes roamed over the experienced leaders of Jupiter's army. Her target was old, in his mid-fifties, with graying brown hair and tired eyes. His armor sat heavy on his shoulders. He was too old to fight actively but years of battle experience were too hard to replace. From Mars' intel, he was responsible for four hundred deaths of Mars and Bellona men.
War is a young man's game. Reyna recalled her father's words. He said it whenever they played chess. His brown eyes crinkled and a good-natured laugh escaped his lips when she would take one of his key pieces. Maybe it's a young woman's game as well. He would add, patting her head with pride. Reyna closed her eyes, remembering his fond words and actions before locking them away. What would her father think, seeing his daughter now?
Reyna slipped her red cloak off, leaving her in a plain servant-like dress. She handed him her weapons and any thing they could identify her with. Her dark hair fell loosely, curtaining her face if necessary. Her guard arched his eyebrow as she tugged the neckline of her dress down a few inches. She returned the look as she silently picked up a tray of drinks. The vial of poison clenched in the palm of her right hand. It would be easy to slip it in his drink. The poison worked slowly enough. He wouldn't feel the effects until night. It's not uncommon for a man of his age to die of a heart attack.