Thanks to all for replies, for followers and favorites. I got lot of stick from many reviewers and wanted to say I will try to be more meaningful and narrate the story more interestingly.
I ask you to bear with me
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
Maids woke Rhaenys before dawn saying her brother is leaving at first light and asked for her and Princess Daenerys to see him off. She got up reluctantly and started getting ready for the day. Sitting in front of the mirror with her maid brushing and doing her hair, she heard the familiar sound of metal on wood. With the training grounds on the other side of the castle, she got curious about the one who is disturbing the silent hours.
Moving to the window she saw a lone figure practicing with the wooden target at the edge of the Godswood and she could only picture his outline in darkness. Rhaenys ordered her maids to fetch a stool and sat facing the practicing figure allowing them to do her hair. By the time her maid finished styling her hair about fifteen minutes later, the figure also stopped torturing the wood and started practicing movements with his sword.
He is fast, his moves swift and he glided along the ground gracefully. It looked like he is practicing some form of dance with his sword. He wielded the sword like a seasoned warrior as if he was born with it. The escaped rays from the leaves of Godswood trees fell on his body making it glow and with his movements along the ground it is a sight to behold.
She sat glued to that spot looking out of the window without heeding the calls from her maids. Her reverie broke when Danny came in ready for the day shouting her name. She ordered her maid to call guards outside her chambers and rushed behind the screen to change her robe.
Looking at her Danny asked 'What happened' curiously.
Without answering she pulled the other princess to the window only to find the wooden target and few guards walking towards the trees. Danny shouted they are already late and reluctantly Rhaenys followed her aunt out of the room to wish her brother.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
Couple of hours later both Targaryen princesses arrived to the large meeting room adjacent to Lords solar after breaking fast early in the great hall. When Rhaenys told Danny about the mystery figure she saw that morning Daenerys asked why someone is practicing near the Godswood when they had a large yard for training. Rhaenys also couldn't figure out the reasons.
Rhaenys dropped the topic seeing her grandmother coming in ready for the day. They greeted her and Rhaella sat to break her fast. She asked both the girls to sit with her and told them a story about the Princess Game of her time.
Rhaella was not allowed in the game by other ladies at first as she already was a princess. She wanted to play that game one last time as the tourney is few moons before her marriage and persuading the ladies. She told the girls proudly about how they all called her a true princess after she won the game.
Lady Mya Tully joined the Targaryens with her daughters telling them all the arrangements are made and the Septa can be called if needed.
As expected Margery Tyrell and her cousins arrived first and greeted them. The Lannisters came in next followed by Martells, Baratheons, Starks and Lady Hardyng. Asha Greyjoy and the Ironborn chose to hunt over court.
When Rhaenys saw Myrcella's family ignoring her and Joanna is not acting closely with her she asked the younger girl to sit with her and Danny. Myrcella's face lit up and she agreed readily getting up.
'Lady Margery your grandmother's absence has dimmed the festive. We miss her sharp tongue' her grandmother started after all the ladies are seated.
'She will be here for the actual tourney, your highness. Said she won't miss the best tourney of her time' Margery answered with an excited look.
'Oh no' Rhaenys thought turning to Danny who is sharing the same look.
'Wonderful, all you young ladies have lot to learn from the queen of thorns' her grandmother said looking around the group and asked 'Lady Cersei, how fares your father. I believe the mines of west are still delivering abundant gold'.
'My father fares well your grace. With my brother settling in capital, he is training my son Joffrey as heir of Western lands' Lady Cersei answered taking a sip from her goblet.
'Ah, training by Lord Tywin himself, your son must be deserving and fortunate Lady Cersei. I know Lord Tywin. His standards are very high' her grandmother responded in surprised voice.
'Joffrey takes after his grandfather in many ways, which is why my father chose him' Lady Cersei answered proudly.
She saw Myrcella and Danny raising her eyebrows at this statement. From what they all heard from Tyrion, Joffrey is arrogant and bully who enjoys tormenting others.
'Is he joining any events Lady Cersei? Surely many young and beautiful ladies will run behind him to offer their favours' Rhaella asked her curiously.
'There... tell us an event woman and we will all see how well he fares' she thought. Joanna Lannister blurted 'my brother is very good with sword. I believe he will take part in duelling' excited missing her mother's glare.
'Joffrey is talented with sword and he is training to be an accomplished knight...' Dany cut Cersei there by saying 'an aspiring squire in the 'Duelling for would be Knights'. He has a great chance to be knighted'.
'Go Danny...' she thought mentally and Lady Cersei nodded reluctantly.
'Lady Hardyng, the houses of Vale and the Eyrie are doing great last I heard' her grandmother changed her attention from the Lannisters.
'The kingdom of Vale is building steadily towards prosperity your grace. Gods blessed the eastern houses with strong children and they are eager to prove themselves at the tourney' Lady Hardyng replied politely.
'I believe your mother is strong and grooming the heir of Vale' Rhaella added smiling.
'Aye your grace She is insisted my son to grow like Arryns and expecting him to take after Lord Arryn' Lady Hardyng answered smiling.
'Ah... the burdens on our children to emulate the likes of Tywin Lannister and Jon Arryn' her grandmother mumbled loudly and asked 'Lady Selyse, Are the Storm lords and Baratheons treated well here?'
'Aye your highness, Lord Edmure and Prince Aegon saw to our comforts. The Lords and Knights of Storm Lands are settling well' Lady Baratheon answered respectfully.
'How do you find River lands Lady Shireen' Rhaella asked and the little girl replied 'cooler than my home and the winds are pleasant here your highness' more Lady like for a girl her age earning few smiles among the group.
'Princess Arianne, Dorne is flourishing under your father and the Dornish are wealthy and happy. I hope you will thrive to continue your father's good work' her grandmother asked her cousin who is sitting with Ellaria Sand and her two youngest daughters.
'The welfare of Dornish and the kingdom of Dorne is what Martells live for your grace. I will follow in their steps' her cousin answered not so politely.
Rhaenys couldn't fault her there. Arianne was raised as a princess like her and their two families thought to marry Arianne to uncle Viserys. He ran away from Dragonstone only to return five years later from free cities. That strained the relationship between two families and her mother's refusal to even consider the idea of betrothing her cousin to Aegon or she to Quentyn didn't help matters.
'Ellaria Sand and little ladies, you are comfortable with the arrangements here I presume' her grandmother asked the paramour of uncle Oberyn.
'We are Queen Rhaella. The Tullys are wonderful host' Ellaria Sand answered rather politely looking at Lady Tully. Her grandmother nodded and asked 'I saw more of your cousins at the feast princess Arianne'.
'The others and Quentyn decided to experience the woods your grace' her cousin answered immediately.
'Suggest them north if they want to experience real forests princess. What say you Lady Stark you know both the places?' her grandmother asked including the Lady of Winterfel in discussion.
Rhaenys knew her grandmother can conduct the courts but this is the first time where all the kingdoms are in attendance and her grandmother is doing it smoothly without any extra talk. The time has flown and two more turns with them all and they can break for lunch. Her grandmother haven't started any boring activities and decided to go with compliments and praises.
'The woods are thin and abundant with animals in River Lands your grace. Near Trident they find few fabled beasts but the northern forests are dense and the animals are larger. Many beasts which ruled the lands long ago still prevail in North. It's the real experience your grace' Lady Stark answered in a respectful tone.
'Have you hunted before Lady Stark?' Arianne questioned and her grandmother raised eyebrows at the bluntness.
'There the court is not complete yet how she thought it was going great' Rhaenys mentally cursed herself but Lady Stark answered in a civil tone with a smile 'I travelled through River Lands, Hornwood and Wolfswood princess. A travel through northern wood is experience enough'.
'Lady Sansa and little Lady...' her grandmother was cut off by the younger Stark girl who blurted 'I am not Lady. I am Arya' without looking up. The entire table froze and Lady Stark cried out 'Arya Stark'.
The younger girl shrunk in her chair hearing the tone and started in a fearful tone lifting her head slightly 'forgive me your highness...' and stopped locking her eyes with the dowager Queen. Her grandmother studied the younger girl for a minute seriously and smiled.
'Taking after your brothers are you little ... Arya' her grandmother commented smiling.
The younger Stark bowed her head and mumbled 'forgive me your highness, It came out of habit'. This earned smiles from few others while Myrcella and the Baratheon girl giggled.
'Hmmm... Tell us Arya have you learnt how to ride?' her grandmother asked.
The younger girl shouted 'Yes'. Her face lit up at the question.
Rhaella smiled again and seriously said 'Lady Sansa and Lia I am very sorry for what you had to endure girls. Heard the line of Boltons ended after that battle?'
Lia tensed slightly but it was Sansa who answered 'Yes your highness, my brother and father made sure of that'.
Rhaenys saw fierceness and hate in Sansa's eyes and thought there is lot more to the story what is told to them.
'Lady Stark, I was told you have three boys and two girls. Who is the other girl' Margery Tyrell asked very politely. Danny, Sansa Arya and she glared at the Tyrell girl but she is looking directly at Lady Stark. Lia looked like she wanted to disappear from there.
'I have three boys and two girls Lady Tyrell. She is my husband's natural born' Lady Stark replied in the most civil way possible. It is clear that she doesn't want to speak any further but the Tyrell girl decided otherwise.
'Ah, my grandmother mentioned that Lord Stark fathered two bastards during the rebellion'. Thank the gods Cersei Lannister stayed silent avoiding a potential blowout and her grandmother decided it enough.
'Rhaenys, Daenerys leave us adults to the boring talk. Get acquainted and show us your skills with thread and needles' pointing to the two circular tables at the corner where the maids are ready with supplies. They both stood and led the other ladies there. The older ladies followed her grandmother into the Solar.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
Danny, Margery, Joanna, Arianne, Sansa and Rhaenys occupied one table while Lia and the younger girls shared the other. Sansa and Lia chose the tables last and it is apparent that the elder Stark girl is shielding her sister from Margery Tyrell.
'We are not children to do this stitching. Why don't we do something more interesting' Joanna Lannister said not touching the silk. Rhaenys observed her and thought her brother is right, she is fifteen but behaving like woman grown.
'What are you suggesting Lady Joanna' Sansa Stark asked arranging the cloth with her hands looking at the other girl.
'Are you saying 'Princess Game' Lady Joanna, there are three princesses here already' Margery Tyrell said motioning the three.
Joanna smiled and acknowledged 'Aye Lady Margery, that's what the likes of us discuss during tourneys'.
'Lady Sansa, have you attended any tourneys before' Margery asked the stark girl who is busy selecting threads from the basket.
'Aye my Lady, there was a tourney at Winterfel celebrating my brother's fifteenth name day. This is my second tourney' Sansa answered looking at the girl but her hands are doing the preparation of thread and needle as if they had the mind of their own.
'Is this same Lady her brother described after returning from north?' Rhaenys thought after looking at the younger girl.
'So who are you giving your favour to princess Rhaenys?' Margery asked looking at her breaking her thoughts.
'I have yet to decide Lady Margery' she replied immediately and the Tyrell girl probed 'so my brother Garlan still has a chance' giving a playful smirk. Rhaenys wanted to smack her but stopped thinking the consequences and nodded.
'Ladies, I am giving permission to have a go at my nephew. The crown prince is yours to torment if you are interested' Danny commented loudly diverting the attention. The girls of adjacent table also heard that and looked at her.
'Come here girls, Ladies make a bigger circle' Arianne ordered getting up and the other six girls joined them. The Starks sat together and surprisingly the elder Sand snake and Shireen grouped beside Arya Stark. Myrcella joined Rhaenys and Danny while the younger sand snakes sat beside her cousin Arianne.
'So Little ladies and you Stark girl' Arianne called the attention and started 'we are starting the Princess game and see who will be the princess and Queen of love and beauty in the end'.
'What is a princess game' Shireen asked Arianne and the princess of Dorne looked around. Seeing many puzzled faces she started explaining 'Every tourney ends with final Joust and the winner crowns a lady among the crowd as 'queen of love and beauty'. It's every lady's dream to be crowned as one and thus they chose a Knight who they think will win the competition to offer their favours. A Knight may get many favours but he can only crown one lady as queen'
Looking around she found all the girls listening with interest and continued 'As it's not proper for the ladies to bet or gamble, they form a group where each lady chooses a Knight for the tourney, offer him her favour and pray he will win and crown her. The lady who wins the crown is queen but the next lady whose Knight went farthest in the Joust is the princess till next tourney'.
'The winner will crown a lady as queen of love and beauty anyway. Why do they want to become princess, this is a stupid game' Arya Stark blurted offending Margery and Joanna but the younger girls giggled. Sansa stark and Lia Snow closed their eyes shaking their heads.
Arianne censured 'little girl, not every tourney is Harrenhall. Usually the Queen or Crown princess is crowned the queen of love and beauty when they attend. If not it's the Lady or the daughter of the Lord who host the tourney as courtesy. Few bolder Knights crown their wives and the young maids come last. So the Princess game is played and the lady who is crowned princess has some ascendancy' finished with a wink.
'What ascendancy do they have' Myrcella asked curiously and few older girls smiled.
Arianne laughed and said 'In Dorne, a princess of love and beauty can chose the Knight or heir for a night' causing the Lannister girl to turn red.
'In the other Kingdoms, the princess of love and beauty can chose the Knight or heir and the other ladies will not try for his attention unless she approves' Joanna finished.
'There is more' Danny stated gaining everyone's attention. 'During the tourney the ladies can try to catch anyone's eye and no one can object unless he is betrothed or married. A lady can ask the others to tease his brothers or cousins and they all will do it as a group'
'Then I ask you all tease Jon' Arya blurted. Sansa and Lia glared at her but the younger girl is oblivious to it.
'Who is Jon my Lady, is he your brother' Margery Tyrell asked politely and Rhaenys didn't like it one bit.
'Yes he is my brother and shy with Ladies' Arya answered and Joanna Lannister continued 'so Jon Stark is our first. Let's decide where...'
'He is Jon Snow' Arya corrected and the Lannister girl shouted 'A bastard? You want me to run behind a bastard?' scandalised by the thought. Arya looked offended.
'Lady Stark, Bastards are not allowed in Princess game. They are not allowed to joust and they are not chosen to partake in tourney' Margery Tyrell said turning towards Lia. Sansa caught her younger sister's hand stopping her and said 'forgive my sister Lady Joanna she doesn't mean to offend you' politely.
Looking around the table she added 'Jon Snow is Lia's brother our half brother. My siblings and I consider them as our elder brother and sister'.
'Go Sansa Stark' Rhaenys is starting to like this girl. Sansa apologised but there is the underlying threat, don't dig about her half brother and sister.
Margery Tyrell is not ready to leave the chance at Starks. She commented 'I thought it was only in Dorne the bastards are considered differently. Looks like the north is also treating bastards as equals to true born children' looking at Sansa and added 'Apologies Lady Lia' in a respectful tone.
Lia's face drained of colour and she stammered 'Lady Tyrell, forgive me. My brother and I know our place. It is goodness of the Stark children to treat us as their siblings and kindness of Lady Stark that allowed us to grow up in Winterfel. I am no Lady and shouldn't be treated as one'.
'Ah... Lady Lia you are saying you are no Lady but commanding us how to treat you' Margery asked in a harsh tone turning serious suddenly.
Lia looked stunned at the comment but Danny intervened and said 'Ah, Lady Margery, Lady Sansa we drifted away. Surely Lady Lannister can pardon the young girl's mistake'.
'He is my brother' Arya retorted but a glare from Danny and Sansa stopped her from speaking any further.
Danny said 'If you ladies are least interested in my nephew, then I have to find others to torment him' baiting the ladies.
'Who will not be interested in the crown prince, princess Danerys? I will show what he is missing in capital and make him yearn for my favour' Joanna declared openly.
'Ah, Lady Lannister, Aeg is not one to sway easily. He is used to Ladies and women fawning over him since a boy' Danny warned her and looked at Margery prompting her to say something.
'They say women in capital are exotic and servile who behave nothing like ladies should. He will find it difficult to resist a proper lady, princess Daenerys' Margery responded in a lady like voice.
Danny nodded and looked at the other Targaryen princess who raised her eyebrows and both laughed. She said 'I am not lusting over my baby brother Aunt Danny. I am also giving permission to all. Stalk him until he objects' laughing.
Danny turned towards Arianne and the Martell princess smiled seductively before saying 'Aunt Elia objected our betrothal saying her children will marry for love not for the realm. The boy almost ended in my bed three years back' proudly.
Looking around the ladies she continued 'Damn his honour he resisted then but now he is man grown and a man has needs princess. Who else can show him the pleasures other than a Dornish?'
Danny smiled evilly saying 'Ha...my poor nephew, three beautiful ladies are after you already'.
'What about you Cella? Want to join the trio' Rhaenys asked the younger girl making her colour brightly.
'Aegon will never fall for me Rhae. I will look for a handsome and valiant lord to offer my favour. I can have him at capital anyway' Myrcella answered mischievously.
'Little Cella has grown Danny' Rhaenys told the other princess who is also surprised by the boldness of Lannister girl. They both know little Myrcella's crush over Aegon and teased her mercilessly.
Danny composed and looked at Sansa. The Stark girl locked her eyes with Danny's and answered 'I only spoke a few times with prince Aegon at Winterfel and has never seen him joust princess. My brothers are practicing for three moons. If the prince is any better than them and ask for my favour I will definitely offer'.
All the other ladies are throwing daggers at Stark girl. She might not have seen Robb Stark but Aegon is no ordinary. She opened her mouth to reply but Danny beat het.
Danny seriously stated 'Prince Aegon learned from the best Lady Stark. He is among the best in this tourney. I have seen all the Kingsguard Knights, Ser Jamie and King practice mind you'.
The Stark girl's eyes widened at what her words implied while other ladies are looking proud at the words.
'My brother is knighted and considered one of the best swordsmen at his age Lady Sansa. He trains with Kingsguard and Ser Jamie oversees his training. He earned his Knighthood not knighted for being a crown prince' Rhaenys also stated harshly but regretted it the moment she saw the look of fear in Sansa's eyes.
Before the Stark girl could reply Margery threw a filthy look at the three Stark girls and said 'my three brothers are knighted and vastly experienced in tourneys yet I will choose crown prince for his prowess and valour is renown'.
'May be they speak differently in north Lady Margery. We all know the northern accounts of war are different. Is it true they say your father defeated the sword of morning Lady Sansa, Surely you know he stabbed Ser Oswell in the back' Joanna Lannister derided.
'My father never did that' Arya yelled outraged but Arianne also joined the other two ladies now.
'Aye the fight near tower of joy is a mystery but we Dornish knew the northerners ambushed the two Kingsguard when Ser Arthur was away to get a maester. Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell were later brought to Kingsgrave with wounds on backside'.
'We were not born at that time and my father never told us what happened. All he ever says is he lost his sister there and he proved his honour after the battle' Sansa tried to politely close the topic.
Margery Tyrell ridiculed 'honour Lady Sansa, your father sired bastards that year and they were brought up along with you. Who is he honourable to, your Lady mother?' Sansa is shocked by the comment and even Arya is left open mouthed. Lia bowed her head and sat shaking her head.
'With in a fortnight he will enter the field and we all can see how good he is. Does none of you have annoying brothers or cousins' Rhaenys spoke taking pity of Stark girls.
'My brother Quentyn is jousting and any lady is welcome to try him. Mind you all he is Dornish and our rules are little different' Arianne answered smirking.
'My brother said he will decide about participation but you all can try if you believe you are suited for the heir of Casterly rock' Joanna Lannister added.
'My three brothers are Knights and Willas is not entering. So you have Garlan and Loras though Garlan announced yesterday he will try to earn the princess favour and Loras has certain standards' Margery finished smirking at Lia and Sansa. The stark girls looked closed trying to escape from here.
'I have a brother and he is very annoying. He boasted he will enter Joust but I said he is not allowed. You all can try him' Myrcella announced with mischief.
'Cella, Tommen is ten. He is not allowed to Joust' Danny tried to reason but Arianne said 'he is a little boy Lady. We are not interested'.
'But Shireen, Arya and Obella can tease him' Myrcella answered to her surprise.
'Aye and you can have a go at Bran. Says he will join Kingsguard one day with aim worse than Sansa' Arya Stark replied to her surprise and Sansa's annoyance. The younger girls laughed and Lady Margery gave a smirk.
They are interrupted by the Ladies and her grandmother who came into the hall and her grandmother announced it's time to break for the day. Rhaella said from morrow the maids and princesses can hold their own court as the Ladies and she are doing the same.
As princesses, Rhaenys and Dany has to meet the ladies of all Kingdoms and they already decided that each day they will take one kingdom to get acquainted. Rhaenys announced the next day will start with Reach as the Dornish are engaged in hunt.
'Lady Sansa, Lia will you stay behind' Rhaenys asked seriously in front of all the Ladies and the two girls nodded. The others left the room Lady Stark lingered for a moment but left taking her younger daughter. Danny is also surprised by the request and looked at her asking 'why' silently. She shook her head and went to the entrance of the room to check whether any one is lurking and came back after instructing the guards they need absolute privacy.
Sansa and Lia are standing in a corner while Danny waited in the center of the room. She walked beside her aunt and called 'Lia' with emotion. The northern girl eyed her for a moment cried 'Rhaenys' and ran towards her. She was embraced by her friend and a moment later Lia removed herself from the embrace taking a few steps back.
'Forgive me Princess. I shouldn't have done that for I am a bastard and ignoble' apologised Lia shaking her head and Sansa said authoritatively 'No you are not. You are my older sister Lia. You may not have our name you share our blood'. Lia gave a pleading look but Sansa glared in return.
'And my first and best friend' Rhaenys said loudly. Lia looked at her again for a minute and flew into her opened arms. She stumbled back a little and caught her friend who broke down completely. Lia held onto her as if her life depended on it and cried openly onto her shoulder.
Rhaenys held her friend soothing her and saying calming words. Ten minutes later the northern girl calmed a bit and Danny asked 'don't I get the same greeting Lia. Thought we are also friends' making Lia smile and give her a hug.
'Princess Rhaenys, Princess Daenerys please forgive me. It was not my intent to disparage Prince Aegon. I only meant to say I never saw him Joust and my brothers practiced hard for this tourney' Sansa apologised respectfully with hint of fear.
'Lady Sansa, I should have reacted in another way' she wanted to say more but she couldn't as she didn't trust the other girl yet.
'We are sorry for what happened to you and Lia' she told and turned towards her friend 'I pleaded mother and father to send me north but they wanted you both in capital. Said the change in surroundings will do well and Mother wrote to Lord Stark but he refused to send any of you away from Winterfel'.
Lia only nodded but Sansa responded 'we apologise your highness, we were in no way to travel after that and our family needed some time together for ourselves' like a grown up to her surprise. The mask of older woman is back on her face.
'Lady Sansa, you are nothing like my brother described. He said you are a model Lady...' she started but Sansa cut her off saying 'I was childish and stupid to put in my younger sister's words. I lived a life thinking everything is like as they sing in songs. My eyes opened to real life a year ago and I am learning to live it'. The fierceness in her eyes returned and she looked resolute. Lia moved to stand beside her sister linking their hands.
'What did they do to you' Rhaenys blurted and several emotions passed on Sansa's face quickly before that fierce look settled.
'Not here Rhae we are already late for lunch in the hall. Lady Sansa, Lia we are having supper in my room and you are bringing your sister' Danny announced after stopping her. They all dispersed on their ways after greetings.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
Arya ranted and cursed the Tyrells and Lannisters for insulting their family and declared both Targaryen Princesses as dummies and stupid. Lia persuaded her to come with them for supper in princess Danerys room and she agreed finally when Lia said the princesses are interested in their Dire wolves.
A woman taller than any other they had seen came along with six guards to escort them to princess chambers. Arya is amazed to see a woman dressed like a knight and her face lit up when the woman announced herself as sworn sword of Princess Daenerys.
They were led along the corridor into an identical one and to the door at the end. Lady Brienne told them Princesses Daenerys and Rhaenys are waiting for them and Arya shocked her by asking if she needed a squire. Lia apologised and the three entered the chambers. They were led inside by maids waiting for them into a small chamber where both the princesses are sitting around a table set for five.
'Lady Sansa, La... Arya and Lia join us' princesses Daenerys called looking at them showing the empty chairs. Princess Rhaenys smiled when the other princess corrected herself.
'Hmmm, so Lady Sansa, Lia you know why we asked you here' Daenerys asked them. They thought they will be asked about that but when the princess started with that topic both Lia and Sansa tensed.
Arya felt uncomfortable and thankfully remained silent. Princess Rhaenys gave a disappointed look to her aunt and said 'We believed it will take long time for you to tell us. So decided to finish it before other things'
'Roose Bolton's bastard abducted us from Winterfel and held us captive for more than a fortnight. We reached home again after two moons and father sentenced Roose Bolton to death for treason' Sansa told the outline after deciding the princesses are not leaving it. Both princesses looked at her and each other and sighed.
'Lady Sansa, do you know I was abducted from Lannisport when I was ten during Greyjoy rebellion. Father took our family to Casterly rock where all the lords met to discuss the rebellion. I was abducted from Lannisport by Ironborn and hidden away at Great Wyk'. Princess Rhaenys told her and Arya who was uninterested about the meeting suddenly looked attentive and Lia who is sitting beside her friend squeezed her hand lightly.
'Ser Gregor Clegane came with thirty men and killed all my captives. I thought they came to rescue me but they took me to a keep and waited. It was your father who came with the army of north and rescued me from my captors. You know even after ten years the ones who ordered my kidnap was not found' she continued her story.
'Cleganes are Lannister's Bannerman. Why haven't they arrested them?' Arya asked immediately making Daenerys laugh.
Rhaenys said 'Ah, little lady it's not that simple' shaking her head.
'Aye because Lannisters are sitting on mines of gold' Arya said and the smile disappeared from their faces. Princess Daenerys asked seriously 'what do you propose Lady Stark? Execute Tywin Lannister for his Banner men's crime'.
'They should have convicted him and tried in front of court' Arya answered to the surprise of all of them. Her sisters didn't even know Arya is interested in things like these.
Princess Rhaenys seriously asked 'and make the western lands enemy to the crown. Tywin Lannister is no fool Lady Stark. There is a reason he sent the mountain after me. Ser Gregor is considered mad and renowned rebel who does what he pleases.' A glare from Sansa made Arya stop from responding and Rhaenys sighed looking at them both.
'That was not the first attempt on our lives. We are marked and that is the reason none of us leave capital or Dragonstone. This is the first time I came away from crown lands after five years. When Aegon came from Winterfel and described about your family, I thought we could have become friends like Lia and I'. Princess Rhaenys said truthfully looking at Sansa.
'We are fortunate you consider us as such your highness' Sansa respectfully told her like an older woman.
Rhaenys shook her head and princess Daenerys groaned. 'Rhae, if you let me' Daenerys asked her and the princess nodded.
'Sansa, if you let me call you that' Danerys asked turning towards her. Stark girl also nodded and the princess 'what she wanted to say is you are not the only one who suffered under captives. We only want to help you any way we can'.
'The Bolton's were taken care of by my brothers and father already and all other northern houses are loyal to Starks now' Arya commented again surprising the four. Looking around the younger stark girl continued hotly 'I skipped my training for this. If you ask me the only way any of you can help others is when you stop acting like helpless ladies and start training yourselves' Arya announced standing up shocking her sisters.
Lia gasped and Daenerys glared but it is Rhaenys who froze Arya in her spot. The look crown princess gave made the younger girl fall back in her seat cowering.
'Who is your father Lady' Rhaenys asked in a harsh tone. When Lia and she tried to speak Rhaenys silenced them with the same look of her purple eyes.
Arya mumbled 'Lord Eddard Stark'.
Rhaenys again asked in same tone 'Aren't you taught how to behave or did they not teach that in north'.
'They taught us and my sisters are model Ladies. Look what happened to them abducted by group of bandits and tortured for moons turn' Arya answered meeting her eyes defiantly. Rhaenys looked at her for a minute and smiled weakly saying 'I don't know how to make you understand Arya'.
It is Daenerys who suddenly asked 'Do you know Aemon Targaryen'.
Arya nodded saying 'The Dragon Knight'.
'Aye... They say he was one of finest warriors who walked our lands. Even he was captured and put in a crow cage naked' Daenerys told Arya.
That comment brought back Sansa's painful memories which she wanted to erase and she shivered involuntarily.
Arya immediately replied 'they betrayed him in the mask of peace'.
Princess Daenerys explained 'Aye, he was and they humiliated and tortured him later. No matter how powerful you are or how trained you might be, there may come a time where you find without allies and helpless against the enemy.'
'How true those words are' Sansa thought. She is a Stark, daughter of the Lord of Winterfel, yet they kidnapped her, put her in a dog cage and made her watch them torturing her half sister. The entire northerners and his father couldn't stop that. Her thoughts were interrupted by the crown princess 'I agree we should train but trust us this is also important'.
Arya looked at Rhaenys in disbelief and the older lady asked 'do you truly believe I wouldn't know how to wield a sword' and Lia added 'or a bow' smiling at Arya.
Her younger sister looked between the two friends with a look of surprise and doubt.
Daenerys said 'we are descendents of Rhaenys and Visenya' with a smile and Rhaenys teased 'and you refuse to practice sword with me'.
'A woman has many ways to win her enemy. You chose steel and I fire' Daenerys countered.
'Dragons' Arya blurted curiously. 'Are they here? Will you let me see them? Please princess Daenerys I really wanted to see one' pleasing her like a good girl.
Both Princesses laughed and Daenerys answered 'yes you can but you have to come to Dragonstone' making Arya pout. That diffused the tension among them.
'Sansa, Lia, we wanted to discuss some things which are important during your stay here. I am not forcing you but asking as a friend. If you don't want to discuss what happened we will move on' Rhaenys sincerely said looking at them.
Sansa glanced at Lia and her sister conveyed that she trusts her friend and asked her choice silently. She also nodded her acceptance.
'Father, Robb and Theon rode with Cerwyn, Glover and Hornwood to aid the nights watch against wildlings when a raven arrived from Lord Mormont. A fortnight later one evening Ramsey Bolton sneaked into Winterfel's Godswood with eight men and ambushed us. Our Wolves Lady and Hoar ripped the throats of first two who tried to catch us and I injured one down before I was knocked out' Lia started telling the tale.
'They thought what two girls will do against grown men but our wolves were the first to notice danger and pounced on the men who surrounded us. Lia took the blade of a fallen man and cut another who came for me. But another one came from behind her and knocked her out. Hoar became wild and pounced on that man and he put a knife in her stomach before his throat was ripped open' Sansa continued looking at the other three. 'Lady went for the man who next came for me and another man tried to aid his ally against the wolf. Ramsey ordered the other two to leave them and get us. They drugged me and took us away before the guard arrived.' Sansa explained how they were captured.
Lia caught her hand and continued 'We were taken north for a sennight through woods to a keep at the edge of Lonely Hills. We were held captive for more than a fortnight before Jon rescued us'.
Lia stopped for a second before closing her eyes and continued 'Ramsey Bolton is the most vile and cruel being. He is inhuman, sadistic and devil in human form'. Tears rolled down Lia's cheeks and she fisted her hands gripping Sansa's tightly.
'I am Sorry Lia' Rhaenys who sat next to her placed a hand on Lia's fist. 'Did he rape you' Daenerys asked with fury and Sansa is shocked by her bluntness but she saw the fury directed towards the Bolton bastard. Lia hesitated for a moment and shook her head without opening her eyes.
'Ramsey Bolton enjoyed playing with us. He would have tortured me if not for Lia. She lied I was not bled and he instead took it on her. He never raped her but he tortured her in other ways' Sansa told them in a fierce tone.
Sansa vowed to herself she will never be a helpless child after what happened to her. That time in captivity opened her eyes to the outside world. She always thought the world is full of good people and evil existed hidden. When evil men came out to torment good people brave knights fought them and protected the folk. No knight or lord came for her instead her bastard half brother that went missing beyond wall came to her rescue.
None spoke and both the princesses and Arya who is also hearing the entire thing for the first time is listening intently.
'Three days after reaching the keep, the bastards made us believe they all went for hunting and left a horse behind. When we tried to escape they hunted us and took us back. They tied Lia to a cross naked and Ramsey tortured her daily. They stripped me naked and put me in a dog cage and made me see what he did to her. If I closed my eyes he tortured her more' she finished despising the events happened.
Lia squeezed her hand gently and continued 'I knew they will kill me anyway and tried to send her away but she refused saying she would never leave me there. He wanted to keep her safe to marry her when Roose Bolton takes Winterfel. They planned to bargain with father and Robb to take black for our lives. I am a bastard and expendable, so he tried to make her see how her life will be if she ever tries to cross them after her marriage to Bolton' Lia told the others what the Bolton bastard bragged while torturing her.
'But Jon came for us with Ghost. He killed all fifteen men guarding the keep before barging in and fighting Ramsey. He would have killed the bastard but one look at us he stopped. He cut both the arms of that monster and dragged him to Winterfel tying him to a horse. We met Stark men searching for us on Kingsroad, joined with father and Robb who were in a camp few leagues away from home.
Roose Bolton laid siege to Winterfel. Father was awaiting news about us to attack the Boltons. When father saw us at mid day he immediately passed orders to attack in an hour and the combined forces of Stark, Cerwyn, Karstark and Umber from north and Manderly, Tallhart and Flints from south slaughtered Boltons' Sansa told them finishing the tale.
'I was held captive and no one dared touch me Sansa. I am sorry for what the two of you had to endure. We were told you were kidnapped and later rescued. They told us Boltons tried to capture Winterfel and killed during the battle but nothing about this. We wouldn't have forced you like this' Rhaenys sincerely told them feeling shameful for forcing them.
'Not many people knew this princess. Father mother Robb and Jon knew what happened completely. All others were told only the short details' Sansa told her why all others knew only a portion of truth.
'You didn't force us Rhaenys. We wanted to tell you the truth' Lia reassured her and added 'we planned on telling you after going home but now is not a bad time' turning towards Arya.
Arya looked at them both for a minute and launched towards Sansa saying 'I am Sorry'. The elder Stark girl is shocked but hugged the youngest girl back and broke down. Lia moved and hugged them both. They took their half sister into a group hug.
When all three of them composed themselves and settled in their seats Danerys said 'we asked you here to share few necessary things and its best if they are kept under wraps'. This made them sit straight and focus.
'There are forces lurking in shadows waiting for chance to destroy the peace and you Starks are an easy target for them' Daenerys told carefully choosing her words.
Sansa is surprised to see Arya not countering the princess and asked 'why do you think we are an easy target princess?'
'Because Starks are the only family who stayed far away from capital all these years and will have no allies when it actually matters' Rhaenys answered instead.
She thought for a minute looking at both of her sisters and said 'Tullys are related to us by blood and Lord Arryn is like a father to my father' she knew the other kingdoms are not their friends and only Tullys and Arryns are trusted by their father.
'Tullys are hosts and wouldn't dare side with any family Sansa. A fight breaking out in their home will crush their recent recovery both financially and politically. Lord Edmure is not his father. He will leave the issue in King's court' Daenerys answered her.
'Then King will do justice. Starks and the Northerners won't involve in any crimes or misdeeds' Arya replied concluding the topic to which both princesses smiled shaking their heads.
'Arya, Tyrells, Lannisters and Ironborn are waiting for a chance against you for various reasons and the Martells are not friends either. All these families are trying to gain the favour of Targaryens and tried several times to join our families. It was only when my father and mother declared we will not marry for realm they stopped their open advances. They will jump at the first chance against you and influence the trail one way or other. Why are you sure you will get a fair trial' Rhaenys explained questioning the youngest girl.
'Are you saying we are targeted and our lives are in danger' Lia blurted and they couldn't mention how foolish that sounded.
'You lived in Kings Landing Lia you mustn't ask that' Rhaenys told her.
'That is not all, there's more to it or you won't discuss the obvious with us princess' Sansa asked Rhaenys.
'All the Seven Kingdoms are peaceful and prosperous over the past decade but my father lost many allies during this time. All these Lords stand behind us only if it benefits them. The moment that changes they will join to fight against the Targaryens' Rhaenys answered her carefully.
'Not to mention the newly elected High Septon trying to reform Faith Militant secretly and the unrest among houses whose coffers were impacted when King restricted brothels and smuggling people into capital' Daenerys added.
'Even knowing all this you gave it with this tourney?' Lia questioned them with surprise.
'Avoiding the tourney solves nothing Lia. None of them are like your father, they crave power and what gives you power more than throne' Rhaenys questioned her friend implying the other houses are waiting for their time.
'We serve Targaryens and King Rhaegar princess Rhaenys, what do you have us do?' Sansa asked the princess cutting her sister from saying more.
Rhaenys studied her for few moments and said 'I want you safe Sansa. All of you to be cautious and stay on guard at all times. Chose what you speak and don't give others a chance against you.' sincerely looking directly in her eyes.
Sansa is surprised by that and looked at both her sisters to see how they are taking what the princess said.
Daenerys stated loudly getting their attention 'I want you to never trust anyone other than family here. Not even your banner men and their families and keep your wolves with you all the time'. The princess finished winking at Arya making the younger girls face lit up.
'She is right. From what we saw at feast and what you told us about them, those beasts sense danger before it comes. Keep them close at all times and no attacking anyone' Rhaenys added looking at Arya with a smile.
'Why is it you all think Nymeria attacks someone? She is well trained of the pack' Arya told Rhaenys offended. Lia and Sansa snorted making their sister glare at them.
'I studied Dragons when they first hatched and father asked us to take care of them. Things about these loyal beasts they react to their masters. If you are angry they are, if you are happy they are and if you want to fight they will. So if you are angered by someone the chances your Dire wolf attacks them is more' Rhaenys explained Arya.
'And it's very difficult to offend you my Lady' Danerys added seriously looking at Arya.
'No it isn't' Arya replied without thinking and moment later they all laughed at Arya's expense. Rhaenys said 'Ah... now we have you and little Cella to tease' smiling and Arya pouted mumbling 'you are mean'.
Can she trust these two princesses? They are telling her to stay safe and not to trust anyone. Aren't they among anyone? They are Lia's friends and a year changes you in many ways. Sansa thought looking between them and decided to take her time before trusting them.
'Lia, Sansa Arya remember what we discussed now. We will be fortunate if you think us as your acquaintances. I know we would have been more if the things happened differently' Rhaenys raised a hand stopping Sansa from interrupting and continued 'I don't think we can meet like this for the next sennight as Danny and I are meeting ladies from each region every day and the north is last'.
'You can come to us for anything no matter how silly it seems and send any letter only with Brienne or a Kingsguard' Danny finished for her niece looking at all of them.
'We are camped near the Godswood and practice morning and evening. You can join us if you wish' Arya offered them with a smile.
Sansa tensed a bit by her sister's remark and Danny replied 'Thank you little Lady. We will if you promise to introduce your ... Nymeria is it' smiling.
Rhaenys looked questioningly at her aunt and Danny squeezed her hand in return. Rhaenys ordered the maids to bring food and asked 'So wolf girls tell us about Winterfel'.
**ATOAE**ATOAE**ATOAE**
Few things for readers.
1. Jon went to wall when he was fourteen not to join nights watch though. He went there from Bear Island with few other men to meet his uncle Benjen. He later went beyond the wall with the large ranging party under Lord Mormont to search his uncle.
2. Lot of things happened there and they will be reavealed in the story.
3. The incident with Ramsey happened a year prior to current time.