The Coldest Winter Chapter 3. Returning Just To Leave Again.
A/N: finally getting back to this story, sorry for the wait and the pathetic first attempt of this stories first couple of chapters. Now that I have a proper plot formed in my head I can no longer worry about any stupid issues that plague me. So let's begin.
Chapter Start.
Morning hit Kings Landing at a snails pace, all things considered there was a lot of anticipation lingering in the air when the sun had finally risen. Most of Esdeath's children raced down to Blackwater bay save for Marriston and Edeene who chose to walk with their parents, it didn't take long for the family to notice the stag Sigel on the sails of the larger ship entering the port. The moment after the ship finally docked into the bay Marriston walked ahead of his family and was first to greet his long gone brother, although he was quite surprised by the difference in appearance. Drackon's coal black hair now reached down to his chin and looked very scruffy, more so than his unshaven face. The most notable thing was Drackon not wearing a top at all which revealed not just the scar he received from Joffrey when they were younger but also some larger scars including a few giant slices going diagonally down from his left shoulder.
"Hah and here I thought I'd be meeting my brother, not the beast that killed him". Marriston chuckled at his own little remark before facing his brother properly.
"Your not one to talk Marriston, you've barely changed at all. Well except for the improved armour and swords".
"Brilliantly crafted aren't they, I chose to visit the street of steel not too long ago and met one of our bastard brothers working as a blacksmiths apprentice, after some negotiation we came to a reasonable cost for the armour and weapons. The soldiers aren't wrong when the say Tobho Mott drives his prices higher then any other blacksmith". Marriston was about to continue with his boasting when their father interrupted them.
"There's my son, six years later and look at you. You're the spitting image of what I looked like when I was your age". At this comment Drackon could only frown and look away from his parent before responding.
"More than you would like to know". By this time the rest of his siblings made it in time to hear that comment and Edeene was the next to speak up.
"And what exactly do you mean by that big brother"?
"Guess I shouldn't hide any secrets from my family should I. Okay, you can come out now". Shortly after Drackon ended his sentence a guard walked out of the ship holding the hand of a small child barely 2 of age and only just walking properly.
"Who is that"? Robert looked down at the girl with intrigue and suspicion. Drackon took a deep breath before answering.
"This is Anya Storm, my daughter with the young stableboys sister". Most of the group were taken back at this revelation, 7 and 10 of age and Drackon already had a bastard child by his name.
"That's not something I expected, really. I think we should continue this discussion after we get things sorted out, this way brother". Marriston and Edeene left off back to the red keep with Edeene trying to drag Drackon with her only to notice how much her brother had changed weight wise. All the while Esdeath and Robert glanced at the child as the guard carried her off behind the three.
"This definitely took an unusual turn, wouldn't you agree"?
"I'm not quite sure what to say about our son picking up so many of your traits".
"But I do know for a fact the Lannister's are not going to like this one bit, which is a more enjoyable feeling". She slowly left her thoughts as she noticed her other two daughters, mostly the fact that Icarus was taking a few steps back away from Reigne as soon as she saw the 'innocent' smile creep on to her face. If there was anything Icarus learnt over the last few years it was to always be cautious when Reigne was smiling as nothing good could ever be forming in that demonic mind.
Further up the walkway to the red keep the three oldest siblings were quite busy catching up of past events.
"Anything else I need to know about while I've been gone"?
"Yeah, keep your daughter as far away from Reigne as you can". Edeene brought her warning out as quickly as she could, given what she's seen over the years.
"She's right to say that Drackon, not a year after you left Reigne's mind flipped a switch and she's been rather monstrous since. Even to the point that Joffrey is keeping his distance from her".
"Now that you mention it, I did feel something horrible radiating from her. What happened to her when I was gone"? Edeene sighed before answering his question.
"You know how people say our mother had conflicting personalities, well we think the more vile side of our mother completely enveloped Reigne as she got older. She take's pure delight in doing all sorts of terrifying things to prisoners and criminals she catches. One of the more recent examples were with the thieves of a stable boy and a handmaiden, the stable boy was already in the dungeons but Reigne chose to personally grab the boy and drag him and the handmaiden into an area beneath the black cells where she proceeded to mutilate them horribly. She brought me along to watch the sight of her carving the girl open from navel to ribcage before carefully removing her reproductive organs, she continued to the stable boy and swiftly sliced off his genitals before wedging them down the girl's throat choking her to death. She later killed the boy over a period of days by slowly snap freezing pieces of his body until it finally gave out due to shock".
"There was also the incident with a Lannister assassin trying to carry out Cersei's request to send our mother a message, it ended pretty horribly when Reigne froze his blood stream. His preserved body still remains as a mannequin in her chambers although she mainly uses him as a pin cushion". As they made their way up the steps to the Red Keep Drackon stopped and waited for his bastard to be brought to him.
"I see, I'll try what I can to keep Reigne in check as much as possible. We don't want her to get out of hand, but I'm truly overwhelmed returning home. I'd even go as far as to say I've missed Lord Arryn's lecturing, where is he by the way? He'd surely have been at the docks with the rest of you". It was at that point that both Marriston and Edeene looked at him with sorrowed appearances.
"I'm sorry to say this brother, but Lord Arryn passed away a couple of days ago. They said it was an illness that burned through him". Drackon only responded by looking at his feet before slightly nodding as a means of understanding the situation.
"He held a name day gift for you, hoping he'd present it on your return. It's currently waiting in your chambers, our parents have also held some name day gifts for your return. Mother gave us all the same gift for our name days".
"And what exactly would that be"?
"We all have our own personal guardsmen, the frozen hearts. They're what people consider a step further than the Unsullied however they go through some more brutal training, they're not just trained to be fearless but they're also hammered to feel no pain or emotion. None of them can speak due to their masters carving their tongues out so they couldn't scream; the end result is the perfect warrior who will fight to nothing less then death. Yours have been waiting in the barracks for the last couple of years". Looking back at his twin, Drackon nodded to him fully understanding what their mother would give them. By this time Anya had finally been carried up the stairs before she tried to run to her father.
"Dad". For her young age Anya was already learning faster then most bastards and some other children.
"I'm surprised you'll actually keep her around, especially when you know the nobles stance on bastards".
"Which is why I'm taking a more dornish stance on bastards. She is my daughter, when I become king I will legitimize her also I'm getting the side benefit of spiting Cersei and Joffrey". By this time Anya chose to look toward her oldest aunt and tried to reach out to her only for Edeene to hesitate. Before she could make a choice about Anya, Icarus ran up the stairs and snatched Anya out of Drackon's arms and proceeded to do something Drackon didn't expect.
"Oh look at you, you're so cute". Icarus quickly raced off through the main doors without looking back.
"Well, don't expect to see your daughter for the rest of the day. Icarus is not going to let her out of her sight".
"Should I even ask why"?
"It's mainly because all three of us have gone through significant personality changes. I tend to take things a lot more seriously mainly because I decided to listen to our uncle Stannis more than anyone else, we've already told you about Reigne, and Icarus has become greatly more loving and caring of us". Drackon could understand how Edeene would take after their uncle, as there were times he'd see her following Stannis around, sometimes for the entire day. But Icarus's new personality was a complete surprise for him, he'd only hope she will let Anya sleep when she feels tired.
By this time Drackon was broken out of his thoughts when Robert slammed his hand down on his left shoulder.
"Well boy, how does it feel to be back"?
"Rather strange to be honest. So much has changed in the time I've been away, but so much has stayed the same". Drackon slowly moved his father's hand off his shoulder although it appeared rather easy because of the different body statures. Drackon over the past 6 years had grown taller then his parents, and his muscle mass was obscenely large to the point he could be in between the hound and the mountain. He had also learnt how to conjure ice like his sisters however he wasn't as adept as they were for he could barely manage to create a dozen floating shards.
"You'll have to tell me a few of these adventures you had mentioned in the letters I received". The pair started walking through the open doors to the throne room while Drackon started talking about his time at Storms End with Marriston slowly shadowing them, all the while Edeene stood outside looking over the city when Esdeath grabbed her left hand.
"Mother, you don't look happy to see Drackon back".
"I am, but for him to return at such a time has me a little worried. Tough times will be ahead of us".
"Tough times are never permanently gone Mother, they always come back in different ways. Do you think Drackon could be a good king, we all know father hasn't been the best mainly because he has done next to nothing".
"I'm not too certain at the moment, but your brother needs to tone himself down a few notches".
"I can see that mother, he's developing nearly all the same habits as father except at a worse amount, you told us about father having a bastard daughter when he was young and that caused problems for his appearance to his betrothed. Anya may need to be kept secret if we want to keep this deal intact". Edeene pulled out a rolled up message from a sleeve in her dress and handed it over to Esdeath.
"Care to explain how you got you're hands on this, even I haven't seen it".
"My powers have been growing mother. I can now sustain Mahapadma for 15 mins, longer than I've heard you could hold it. I snuck into the messengers quarters and discovered this laying on the table". Esdeath rolled open the message and quickly noticed the handwriting without much effort.
"The last time I saw the queen of thorns handwriting was not long after Robert was coroneted, back then her tongue and her words weren't as sharp as they are now but that may be because she realised who and what I was. She is requesting that the crown prince choose to wed her granddaughter Margery Tyrell". Handing the letter back to Edeene she noticed her daughters quizzical look.
"This presents a troublesome predicament for us, father wishes to join houses Stark and Baratheon as he dreamed of doing with your late friend Lyanna". Just then they heard bellowing laughter coming from the entrance hall.
"Well that's Robert for you, more trouble then he's worth sometimes. Even I can't get through to him all the time". The two blue haired women slowly made their way into the hall where they saw Robert catching his breath while Drackon had been jumped and grappled surprisingly by Myrcella.
"I'm glad your back, I've missed you these last few years". The pair tightened their embrace just that little bit more.
"Indeed it has been some time, and look at you. 5 and 10 years, and much more beautiful then the queen".
"And look at you, you… aren't wearing a shirt, and what are all these"? Myrcella started tracing her fingers along all of Drackon's additions. Edeene had always contemplated whether or not Myrcella's feelings toward Drackon were of sibling love or something more, and these current actions weren't helping to clear things up. Before her actions could continue, a set of young voices interrupted their embrace. Drackon managed to look over Myrcella's shoulder to see all his younger brothers, placing Myrcella back on the ground and planting a small kiss on her forehead he stepped to her side and made his way over to the young boys. Braize and Gahn were wearing training armour and sporting some impressive bruises on them. Tommen was lagging a little behind them awkwardly carrying a wooden sword in his left hand.
"Look at you lot, you've all grown since I was away". As the boys were about to answer him they looked more worried at the figures just now entering the hall. Based on the footsteps alone Drackon knew exactly who they were.
"DRACKON! It's been so long since you left, things have been rather stale around here". The quickly annoying voice of his first half brother Joffrey caused Drackon to let out a heavy sigh.
"Joffrey, I see 6 years hasn't done much to improve your arrogance. Still going about killing small pets since you're incapable of hunting real game". Drackon stood up and made his way toward his annoyance of a half brother, as he got within a foot of Joffrey everyone noticed the difference in size. Drackon appeared to tower nearly a foot over Joffrey and his physique made him look more comparable to the mountain.
"And what would you know about hunting big animals".
"Considering I fought a giant bear in the woods outside of Storms End with my hands after it shredded my spear".
"That would be a lovely little tale to hear child, but how could we possibly take your words seriously". Cersei quick to make her existence known was also quick to deny this stories validity.
"Maybe these enormous claw shaped scars on my chest should be more than a dead give away". By this time everyone stood silent for a few seconds trying to join all the dots. Robert eventually broke the silence.
"How exactly did you come about fighting a bear"?
"It sort of happened when I chose to go on a hunting trip with Edric".
"Edric, I haven't heard from him since I sent him a Warhammer for his name day. How's he been"?
"He's been manageable, as long as you can consider being overly self centred as manageable. However he constantly boasted about how he could use said Warhammer, but I would always knock him on his ass with either a Hammer or a Battle-Axe but he would win when it came to me using a sword". Most of the crowd could relate to Drackon not being to good with a sword, after a few seconds had passed Drackon continued with his story. "Eventually after about 5hr's of counselling I felt extremely bored and decided to try one of your methods of stress release, after 10mins of setup Edric and I left to the nearby forest looking for some dear only to run into a large bear. It didn't take long for it to slaughter half of our hunting party and swipe at Edric's swinging arm…" Tommen interrupted Drackon when he started crying in fear. Cersei moved passed Joffrey to comfort her youngest child while glaring at Drackon who proceeded to continue where he left off. "My attempts to ward it off only differed its attention to me where it quickly jumped me. I honestly should be glad Edric's boasting isn't empty, he managed to jam his hunting spear straight through the bears throat just after it made this imprint on me". Most of the hall was met with a sigh of relief, however Cersei was rather unhappy that the bear didn't maul Edric, as it would've been one less burden for her to deal with later on.
"What exactly happened to the bear after it was killed"? Reigne chose to ask that question, as she was truly interesting in the answer.
"At first we were going to just leave it there, but after some thought Edric decided to get the rest of our hunting party to carry it home. Strangely enough Bear is a rather acquired taste, hard to eat as the meat is very tough but the flavour is extremely strong". Reigne smiled deviously at the response while slowly turning her attention to Joffrey who in turn looked away from her in both disgust and discomfort.
"Such a savage action". Cersei's opinion died down the moment Robert started his bellowing laughter once again.
"Eating such a beast, I must try the taste of bear one day. That reminds me, I heard from Maester Cresson about your duels with Edric. I've been waiting for over a year to present something to you. LANCEL, WHERE ARE YOU"? After a few long seconds a young man with long blonde hair made his way into the hall.
"Yes your grace"?
"Go and fetch the gift I've been waiting to present my son". Lancel bolted back out of the hall but not before Robert made one last banter. "AND DON'T MESS IT UP THIS TIME"!
"What exactly is this gift you've been talking about"?
"Like I said, I heard about your duels with Edric from Maester Cresson. You always beat him with an Axe or Hammer, as a result I've chosen to give you a rather unique gift which I've been waiting almost 2 years to give you". By the time Robert finished speaking Lancel returned struggling to carry an unusual weapon. "Take it from him". Taking the new weapon out from Lancel's hands causing him to hunch over and catch his breath, Drackon on the other hand was inspecting the weapon and getting used to it's design. "It's a grand Ham-Axe, merging a Warhammer and a Battle-axe".
"It's impressive I'll give it that. Edric would be jealous if he ever saw this". Getting an understanding of the weight Drackon found it to be much heavier than any weapon he had previously held and its look was really unique, the hammers head was a large studded head similar to Roberts old Warhammer. The axe blade on the other side was serrated right toward the curve. Drackon figured there was something missing to it and conjured 2 curved thorns of ice on either side of the blade.
Just as he was about to make a few practice swings to get a proper feel of its strength a guard stormed into the hall before addressing everyone.
"Your grace, the court is getting impatient".
"The court my dear"? Cersei turned to face Robert who had next to no shame in his response.
"I had informed the nobles of Kings Landing that my son had returned, and naturally they desired to see the Prince's return". Esdeath gave Robert a side-glance before Robert motioned the guards to open the main doors to the throne room. A wave of applause surrounded the room once everyone saw the crown prince. Many young ladies of the court were blushing at the current sight.
"You could have at least let me put a top on before parading me like a trophy". Drackon after finishing reluctantly stepped into the throne room and made his way toward the platform followed closely by his closest siblings. All the while Esdeath closed the gap between herself and Robert, gripping the wrist of his right hand before applying an uncomfortable amount of pressure to it getting his attention.
"Care to tell me what other plans you made behind my back". Robert hesitated, as he knew how his secret queen had been acting over the last few years. Almost ruling from the shadows and 'convincing' him to attend more small council meetings, as well as attend some herself. In the last 17 years as king he willingly attended 3 small council meetings and a further 14 were reluctantly attended.
"I had planned a farewell feast in the red keep before we left for Winterfell". Exhaling an exhausted sigh Esdeath looked directly at Robert before responding.
"Robert, the crown's finances can't keep affording such extravagances".
"Even after you discovered that snivelling rats treachery with the crowns money"?
"Yes, even after I discovered Baelish's secret wealth that he stole from the crowns taxes. It's just a shame we couldn't grab that little mongrel. However most of the re-accumulated money was used to repair and advance the city, by the decision of lord Arryn and your brother Stannis. So be very careful how much you waste, it might not be long before we land back in debt to the iron bank".
"Fine, I'll be a bit more mindful of our wealth from here on".
"You'd better be, because you now what'll happen if I find out we're in debt again". Cold steam began to sting Robert's wrist before she let go and walked down the thrones hall to stand by their son. Shaking off the numb feeling in his wrist, he made began walking down the hall to the iron throne. After taking his place he officially announced the feast he'd hold in honour of his sons return.
The afternoon before the feast Stannis made his approach down a walkway where Varys asked to meet him.
"You requested my presence, why"?
"It's to do with Little Finger, some of my little birds have been singing rather undesirable songs".
"Well get on with it, keeping the city at peace in the place of my idiot brothers stretches my time thin".
"I would gladly discuss it in detail however your shadow seems to be following you around again". Both turned to see a few locks of blue hair waving out from behind a pillar. Stannis simply pinched the bridge of his nose almost absolutely tired of dealing with this situation.
"How many time have you been warned not to follow me around"? Edeene moved out from the pillar and made her way to the two lords.
"Currently this would be the 37th time all up".
"This isn't a game princess, the small council's duties are important for the seven kingdoms". Edeene tilted her head trying to act as innocent as possible.
"I know that, but I would like to help as much as possible considering the current state of affairs".
"This is not something you need to know about, but your idiot father might. Go find him".
"Fine, and my father is not an idiot. He just … okay yes he does act like a fool, but getting him here will be difficult as he's currently overseeing preparations for the feast".
"Of course he would be, just bring him here. He needs to hear what has been discovered".
"Okay". With that Edeene left to find Robert, leaving the two small council members about to continue their discussion until Varys changed the subject.
"I still do not like what those children are capable of, especially as someone who is not fond of witchcraft". Stannis faced back to the corridor Edeene left.
"I can almost understand to your discomfort, while the children are unique. Their power does make me uneasy even more so with my oldest niece inheriting all of her mother's power and more, freezing time for who knows how long could allow her to go anywhere she pleases". Varys looked away at the statement, as he was more worried about Stannis' second niece.
"I refer more to your other niece Reigne, she more than anything has me concerned. Her actions make her seem like a demon hiding in human skin". Both seemed to recall the many times her monstrous nature was noted.
"Esdeath has attempted to control her daughter but every action only makes Reigne worse". Both heard footsteps begin to approach the corner so taking the brief moment to inform Stannis of his recent discoveries about Reigne.
"5 times last year my little birds informed me that she had tried to force Myrcella into the black cells, there were also 2 cases of Reigne trying to snap freeze Pycelle". By the time Varys had finished speaking Stannis only had time to raise his eyebrows before Robert turned the corner with Esdeath following closely behind him.
"This had better be good".
"Your grace, the former lord Baelish had been spotted not too long ago making haste toward Bravos with the intention of finding his last storage of hidden wealth. He has been quite crafty in hiding his money".
"As it would appear, but keeping that in mind, where would he likely go after there"?
"I'm uncertain your grace, it would appear lord Baelish has recently caught on to my little birds and is sending false messages to dissuade them".
"He does not speak false Robert. Even some of the contacts I've made haven't been able to find a straight answer to his exact goals". Robert quickly switched his sights over to Esdeath with complete shock.
"You've had tabs on him this whole time and you didn't tell me".
"I was hoping to have him finished off silently, but it appears that little finger is much more cunning than I gave him credit for. He has avoided all my attempts so far, but his luck will run out soon enough".
"It'd better happen, I have enough to deal with without a hand". Robert quickly turned heal and left back toward dining hall. Varys and Stannis left in their own separate ways leaving Esdeath to stand alone.
"Well that could've gone better, I would never have made the mistake in giving the weak man time to run". Hearing a familiar voice in her head Esdeath sighed as she quietly answered.
"Your still lingering around, I'm surprised. Sorry if I'm not entirely as ruthless as you were, must be because I still have my humanity. But I'm pulling as many strings as I can given the circumstances but Baelish is almost on par with Varys and myself".
"Then you better be quick, your 'beloved' is getting rather impatient. But if I had been the one to take over then none of our enemies would be left standing".
"Then it's a good thing I exist physically and not you, your stance on life would've caused all the seven kingdoms to bleed and get us killed in the process. That's the big difference between us, I'm alive because of how I see the world and your dead because of how you saw it always remember that while your trapped in our mind. Now I have to go find my reckless king".
"Speaking of him". Esdeath shook out of her conversation with herself just in time to see Robert closing the gap on her.
"Esdeath, I want to make sure everyone is in attendance at the feast. But the hand maidens have had trouble finding Icarus".
"I'll be sure to find our daughter". Esdeath was about to leave when Robert wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her into a tight embrace.
"Hmm, when was the last time we had any fun"?
"About 3 years ago, if I remember correctly". Robert merely chuckled lightly.
"Then maybe after the feast if we're still sober enough, but we'll be sure to take it slowly this time".
"It would be a shame if it ended too quickly". Esdeath was playing the softest voice she could muster, just in case anyone could be watching. "Just be sure not to be too rough this time, I couldn't sleep comfortably last time".
"I can't make any promises, but as long as I can get some peace from sleeping with Cersei". It came as an uncommon situation over the last few years where Robert slept with Cersei, but after every time he did he would bury himself deeply in Esdeath the following night using her still remarkable large gravity-defying chest as a pillow. Esdeath soon felt one of Robert's hands slowly making it's way down to and round her hips.
"Just leave these sorts of actions until the feast is over, ok dear"? Robert stopped before he could reach what he wanted and released her.
"Very well, let's see if the preparations are complete. I can almost smell the cooked boars".
"Of course you can". While leaving the hall Esdeath could tell her alternate self was shaking her head and laughing at her, but she cared little for her extra mind as she stood by her belief that since the other Esdeath was dead she could have no true say in how their life was lived.
Drackon chose to take a walk around the Red Keep to see everything that had changed he quickly ran into Draout wondering around in the keeps library with half a dozen books in his young arms, before he could utter his youngest brothers name he was interrupted by Myrcella.
"Drackon let's go, father has just started receiving the guests for the feast". The following response was the sound of books hitting the floor.
"Drackon, is that really you"? Draout didn't even let his brother respond as he ran towards him, tackling him to the ground with Myrcella stifling her own laughter.
"It's good to see you to little brother, however could you 1. Let me breathe and 2. Wait until we finish the feast to find out what you've been up to". Draout nodded and shot off to the dining hall leaving Drackon and Myrcella alone in the doorway of the library.
"We better get going as well, father's patience hasn't improved since you left". Myrcella proceeded to tug on Drackon's right arm prompting him to understand what she was getting at and raised his arm out to escort her.
Making their way to the dining hall they entered to an already packed area. Noble lords and ladies were arranging themselves in the proper seating. Myrcella seeing where she was going to be seated pecked Drackon's cheek and left him to walk to his seat. Robert sat in the middle of the main table with Drackon to his right and Joffrey to his left. The feast began quietly and slowly picked up as Robert started drinking his second goblet of wine, Drackon wasn't too much into wine but chose to indulge his tastes with a little encouragement from his father. Icarus made her way into the hall half an hour after the feast began and most of her siblings noticed she was missing something.
"Sister, where is Anya"?
"She became rather tired after we finished playing, she's currently asleep in my bed. She finds it rather comfy for some reason". Reigne only scuffed at her sister's remark.
"I wouldn't be surprised, you do have the softest and most delicate bed so far. But that's to be expected from someone so 'soft' herself". Edeene looked over to see the glass in front of Reigne to already be half empty.
"Okay I think you've already had enough to drink dear sister". Without a second thought Edeene grabbed the wine glass and placed it out of Reigne's reach. Reigne's response was simply puffing her cheeks out for a bit before choosing to leave the feast and head back to their room.
"Who is Anya"? Tommen seemed quite curious to say the least about the whole situation.
"She's Drackon's bastard daughter". Edeene had no time to slap her hand over Icarus's mouth before those word left and could only slap her own head as a result. Stannis glared over toward his oldest nephew with a look displaying only shame. Cersei however used the opportunity to make a jab at her 'king'.
"Like father, like son. How disappointing". While she said her words and received a death stare from Esdeath, some of the ladies of the court were showing mixed emotions at what had just been revealed, a few felt disgust but many were feeling like this gave them a chance. If Drackon was anything like the king then he wouldn't care who he was fucking either. Drackon himself was showing little to no response at the remark, he knew what he did but he honestly didn't care.
2 hours passed and the feast began to wind down with most of the attendants gone leaving the remaining nobles drunk or nearing drunk. With both her older brothers had left some time ago heading their separate ways Edeene chose this time to duck out and take her rest, only to find Myrcella sitting on the bed in Icarus's chamber watching Anya carefully.
"Myrcella, are you okay"?
"She looks so peaceful, and yet she's illegitimately born". Edeene crooked her neck to the left as she noticed the tone of her half sister's voice was off compared to her normal attitude.
"There's something else, isn't there".
"She looks so beautiful, so innocent. Like mother would say I am. So why"!
"Why"?
"Why do I feel this aching pain in my chest. Why do I feel jealous when I look at a small child"? Myrcella turned to face Edeene; her eyes were puffy with fresh tears streaming down her red cheeks. Edeene chose to take a more sympathetic approach to the current dilemma walking over to and embracing Myrcella.
"I had some suspicions about it this morning in the entrance hall, how you spoke and the actions your body made when around my brother but I'm certain now. Do you like our brother"? Moving Myrcella off her shoulder Edeene saw Myrcella slightly nod.
"Mother always told me not to worry about all of you, she kept saying you were all demon spawn of a witch even when we share the same father. She also spoke about how a Bastard child's life is nothing but an impurity. I don't want to act like her toward Anya, but at the same time I can't help but feel envy toward the woman who bore her".
"That doesn't fully explain why you like Drackon".
"Before he left, Drackon was always there to stand in Joffrey's way, every time Joff tried one of his little games Drackon wouldn't allow him near us. He did more for us and defended us more then mother bothered to. So when Drackon left for Storms end, and Reigne flipped while Joffrey became more vicious I missed him. I prayed for the day he would return, now he has and I can't even tell him how I feel anymore because of this child".
"Myrcella, all nobles will have bastards sooner or later. Our father created his first bastard when he was seventeen too, Drackon was probably just in the thrill of the moment to care about the consequences. All you have to worry about now is that your confession although private does put you in a tough position".
"A tough position"?
"My poor half sister, too innocent for you own good. You like my brother, but our father has forbid incest as a revolting action".
"What. No I don't like him that way, and besides I know how terrible that act he outlawed is". Edeene watched closely at Myrcella's details to see the left corner of her lips twitch upward. Edeene had also picked up Esdeath's attention to detail and would quickly pick up lies or hidden emotions, and it was thanks to this that she could tell Myrcella was trying to hide the truth. Edeene took this chance and pretended to be convinced by her lie.
"I believe you, but I would like for you to get some rest. Father would likely want to leave to the north tomorrow". Wiping the tearstains from Myrcella's cheeks Edeene escorted her out of their chambers and toward her own.
"Thank you sister, and good night".
"Good night". Edeene left back toward her own chambers only to see Anya awake and trying to walk across the hallway into her chambers. Anya turned toward Edeene but before she could attempt to say anything Icarus snuck up behind the girl and snatch her into the air.
"Come on little one, this isn't the time to be walking about". Icarus quickly and tightly tucked Anya back in her bed and soon walked back out toward her sister.
"Had any fun sister"?
"It's getting boring in the dining hall besides, father was really happy when I told him I'm not going north with you all".
"And why wouldn't you be coming with us"?
"It's because I want to keep an eye on Anya, she's so adorable. Mother hasn't taken too warmly to Big brother having his own illegitimate child".
"That much I can understand from Mother, but Icarus did you think for a second that Draout isn't joining us either. Maybe you could let him look after Anya".
"Draout, he almost never leaves the library. What's he going to do with Anya"?
"Maybe he could teach her a few things, it would take much for her to be smarter the Queen Cersei. Besides he's the only one of us who is completely incapable of attaining any of Mother's power, and he isn't physically exempt either".
"Fine, but he better know how to take care of children. I don't want anything to happen to her".
"I never realised how much you cared about bastards".
"Just like Drackon, I don't care if she's a bastard. She's just so adorable not to love, unless you're as heartless as the queen". Edeene could only huff at Icarus' response; she was always difficult to handle in the exact opposite way Reigne was. Reigne was completely demonic while Icarus was borderline childish.
"With that out of the way, where are you going to sleep given that Anya will likely be hogging it"?
"I'm just going to around her, keep her warm. You know those sorts of things". Icarus didn't wait for Edeene to respond before ducking back into her chambers and closing the door as quietly as possible leaving Edeene to shake her head in one of her hands.
Drackon had continued to remain in the dining area with his father as they blabbered on about some of their old stories and adventures, eventually Robert brought up making the 8 before asking how many of the remaining guests had made the 8 only to get rather annoyed when it was revealed that out of the 10 remaining lords only 2 other had made it. Eventually Drackon figured it was time for him to knock off, as he was feeling a bit dizzy.
"Before you leave boy, you must know we will be departing for the north early tomorrow morning".
"That's going to be fun considering how many of us will be feeling headaches". Drackon walked off toward his old chamber at the sound of his fathers chuckling before it turned into his iconic laughter.
The next morning was rather warm given its time; the royal wagons had already been prepared along with multiple horses. Esdeath and her children save for Drackon and Marriston would be travelling in the larger wagon given the amount of children. Most of them had entered while Draout stayed true to his word to stay behind, and was currently been lectured by Icarus.
"And remember to look after Anya carefully, don't let her out of your sight".
"Anya is Drackon's bastard not yours, if I'm to heed any words of warning about her health it'll be from him". Draout attempted to fight his older sister only for Drackon to walk up behind him and slam his right hand down on his shoulder.
"Would you prefer if I was to repeat the same words little brother"?
"No, I'll be sure to look after her as best I can". By this time the royal party was set to depart leaving the three siblings to say their final goodbyes and head to their respective places. Anya managed to walk up toward Draout's side with tears sliding down her face as her father began to exit the king's gate of king's landing heading for the north.
Chapter end.
A/N: this took way longer to write up then I expected and the last 2000 words were written up overnight so they may seem inconsistent and weird but my brain just chose to run in a thousand directions at the same time so I picked one idea and went with it. However this should make my next few chapters easier to write up as I've figured the base plot for them. Seeya's.