Back in King's Landing, Eddard Stark walked down the halls of the Red Keep with a raven scroll in his hand. He kept walking until he was outside where the Queen's private training yard was located. Making his way to the stone balcony that overlooked the sparring match, he, along with other nobles and guards observed Lyra and Obara fighting each other with bo staffs. Nymeria and Tyene stood off to the side drinking as they watched their Queen and sister. To anyone who witnessed the Sand Snake and the Wolf Dragon sparring, it resembled more of a deadly dance where one misstep could mean their end.
As these two continued to fight, the Red Viper and his paramour appeared beside the Quiet Wolf, his eyes never leaving the girls, a proud smile beaming across his face. "Hard to believe that they are distant relatives through Targaryen blood with the way they fight." Oberyn commented, watching the Queen and his daughter with pride.
Ned hummed in agreement, "Not many women in the North are given the right to fight. Though there are those who defy ancient traditions in favor of the sword." he said with a fond smile, remembering his sister and the traits passed down to Lyra and his daughter Arya.
Oberyn turned his head to the Stark with his arms wrapped around Ellaria, "You have two more daughters as well. The Queen mentioned one of them being a proper lady while the other is just like the Queen herself in terms of personality." he remembered Lyra telling him about her family and how her youngest sister idolises Visenya Targaryen and Nymeria the Warrior Queen for their abilities to fight.
Eddard breathed at a laugh, thinking about his polar opposite daughters who have their own aspirations and hobbies as Northerners. "Sansa and Arya, both extraordinary girls whom I love. But I will say this from one Father to another," he turned to Oberyn who continued smiling, "war was easier than daughters." This got the Red Viper laughing, before Ellaria and Eddard joined in. For a long moment, the Martell and the Stark shared good laugh over their fondness for their children.
Oberyn noticed the scroll in Eddard's hand and asked, "A message for the Queen?" Eddard held up the loosely rolled up scroll to show that he already read it, "Tyrion's alive."
"You don't look surprised." Oberyn observed, taking note how the Quiet Wolf stayed ever calm no matter what's happening.
"Well, this is Tyrion after all, not many things can surprise me after working with him for a year." Oberyn chuckled at his response before Ellaria pulled their attention back to the sparring match, "It's become a draw again." she said, all three of them watching the breathless Queen and her guard walk over to the other Sands who handed them drinks where Obara downed it all in one gulp while Lyra took a sip.
Eddard decided to take this as his cue to approach his Queen, walking down the steps at his sedate and calm pace, he made his way over to the girls who drank and laughed amongst themselves. "Your Grace." Eddard called out, catching their attention as he got closer.
"Lord Stark." Lyra addressed him by his title since it was not appropriate of them to refer to each other as Father and daughter in public. Her Hand bowed to her before presenting her the scroll with the dragon seal. She immediately took the scroll from his hand and unrolled the message with the Sand Snakes looking over her shoulder, 'Queen Lyaerys of House Targaryen, after an in depth meeting with the Dragon King Aegon Stormborn of House Targaryen, I have concluded that he is not like the Mad King. He looks forward to meeting you and will want to speak to you alone on personal matters. Lord Hand, Tyrion of House Lannister.' Lyra and the Sand Snakes finished reading, the Queen sighing in relief, happy that one of her Hands are still alive.
"'Alone' and 'personal' usually means fucking." Obara bluntly said after reading the scroll with her sisters. Everyone gave her a look before the Queen shook her head, dismissing the comment before walking away with Eddard Stark beside her, leaving the Sand Snakes alone in the training yard.
The Queen and her Hand walked down the halls together, discussing Tyrion's message. "The fact that he didn't mention his older brother definitely means that we are in the clear of madness with Aegon." Lyaerys said, remembering the code she asked Tyrion to use if things looked bad for the country her eyes skimming the scroll again for good measure as they found the Small Council chamber.
"As happy as I am that we are not dealing with another Mad King, he still has three dragons. This will not bode well with the people, commoners and nobles alike will fear him and his armies he's amassed over the years. The Dothraki especially." Eddard said, voicing his concerns, remembering all the stories regarding the Dothraki and what they're capable of.
"We have many bridges to cross with that one." Lyra said, sitting down in the chairs at the council table, "We'll take this one step at a time and by my next name day, the past will be the past and everyone can finally build a future worth living in." she said, as Eddard sat down slowly, his age getting to him much faster with the recent battles.
"While I'm happy with your humble expectations, it might never come to pass if the people can't see their beloved Queen on the throne. You are a beacon of hope for them, they rely on you for leadership and guidance. If they can't see you, they can't see the light, and everything will turn dark." Eddard said, looking straight at his daughter who stared back with her greyish-violet hues before opening her mouth, "When every sun sets, the night falls until the sun rises again. As it has with every ruler who has ascended and descended long before the Targaryen dynasty. The people will see darkness, but the stars will guide them until a new dawn comes. That's what you and I are; stars."
Eddard gave her a soft smile, this poetic side gives Lyra the charisma needed to lead a nation. "You really believe that this Aegon will make a better king than the ones before?" he asked, doubt mixing in his voice as he thought of the only other Targaryen in this world that will sit on the Iron Throne.
"Call it optimism, but with the right counsel and guidance, we can fully restore faith back to House Targaryen and remove the fear from its name." she said, hope filling her own voice, "Aegon gets the throne, the nation gets a decent king after five decades, and we get to go home. Everyone wins, no one dies." she caught the look in Eddard's expression, her face fell, recognizing that expression all too well.
With a sigh, she asked, "If there's something you need to say, don't keep it to yourself. No secrets please." she said, not wanting there to be any secrets between them as both Father and daughter and Queen and Hand.
Eddard took a deep breath, unsure how to proceed before he opened his mouth, "We need to consider the possibility that you and I might never go home." he said, quick and clean, like a sword chopping off a head.
Lyra was at a loss for words, "What are you saying? Of course we're going home." she said, not understanding where this was coming from. They themselves have been dreaming of going back to the North since the end of the war.
He pointed at the scroll still in her hand, "What Tyrion said about Aegon wanting to hold the meeting with you and it being alone and personal. He may want a political marriage with you to secure an alliance and continue the dynasty." he said, having memorized that single sentence that has so many meanings to it.
"If this is about what Obara said earlier, she was just joking." she said, remembering the Sand Snake's comment that would scare any Father. While she did take it as a joke, she never really gave marriage much thought since power and politics are usually tied in with marriage alliances that make everyone miserable. As evidence with Robert and Cersei's disastrous union.
"Lyra," Eddard started, in a tone that Lyra recognized before when he told her that he was leaving for the Capital with Sansa and Arya, "you're young, and you have many talents that make you marriageable." he paused, knowing that this is their least favorite topic to discuss, "Aegon is unmarried, Lord Varys' little birds told him that much, and he has stayed unmarried for one purpose; politics and alliances. You yourself are unmarried and are both the same age. Nevermind that you are technically uncle and niece, he will want you because you are the last Targaryen aside from him." he said, having rolled this idea in his head many times knowing the Aegon will use her unmarried status to his advantage if he wants to secure his crown.
Lyra stayed silent, her heart clenching at her greatest fear; being tied to someone she will never love. Whether as Queen or as a lady, she didn't want to be anyone's wife. Another reason why she trained herself to fight was because most husbands are fighters and they don't usually want to have a wife who prefers a sword over embroidery. Being a woman who can fight back was supposed to scare off suitors, but that didn't stop noble Houses from trying their luck.
"I don't want to be his wife." she said, eyes glistening with unshed tears, "I want to go home."
Eddard grabbed her hand, giving her a gentle squeeze, hoping that it will give her strength, "I know." he said sympathetically, though he felt that they are only setting themselves up for heartbreak in the long run.
Lyra squeezed his hand back in return, a soft smile gracing her features, this being one of those few moments where they can be Father and daughter.
Flashback
Lyra stood on a as the seamstress made adjustments to her southern gown; it was blue, like the winter roses that grew in the North, with silver embroidery etched into the sleeves and collar. Her dark hair was done up in four braids that met in the middle behind her head and flowed down her back in waves.
The woman in the mirror was a stranger to her. Yesterday, she was a Northern warrior commanding armies and beheading evil kings. Now stood a Southern woman who will be the center of attention on this momentous occasion. Today was Lyra Stark's coronation...or rather, Lyaerys Targaryen's coronation. The name sounded foreign to her. It will be the first time anyone has ever heard of such a name that symbolises the union of ice and fire. The hidden princess will soon become the first queen ever to take the throne, a name that will be written within the history books.
"You look beautiful." She turned her head to see Eddard Stark dressed formally in his Northern garb for the occasion. Looking upon his daughter, no, Rhaegar and Lyanna's daughter, he was at a loss for words. The infant that he carried away from his sister's corpse is now a full grown woman. That one moment felt like an hour ago, and time passed too quickly for the Quiet Wolf.
"Hello Father. How is everything out there?" she asked as the seamstress raised her arm, putting the final touches to her sleeve, "Everything is peaceful now. Our family is in the front row close to the throne." Eddard answered, stepping further into the room.
"They get the awful view of the ugly chair." Lyra said, making Eddard laugh as he stared at Lyra, for a moment, he thought that it was his sister standing before him instead of his daughter. The resemblance was so surprising that he had to remind himself constantly that Lyanna was gone from this world. "You look so much like your mother." Eddard said, smiling sadly at her, his voice melancholy.
Lyra returned the smile with her own sad one as the seamstress stepped away from her, "All finished, Your Grace." she said, admiring the masterpiece that was Lyra.
Lyra smiled at the woman who took pride in her work, "Thank you, this is beautiful work." she said, making the woman smile, "Forgive me, but if I could speak to my Father alone for a moment?" the woman bowed, "Of course, Your Grace." she said before leaving the room.
Lyra turned her attention to the mirror, still uncomfortable with the stranger staring back at her, "That's not me." she said, shaking her head, turning her eyes back to her Father who nodded in regret, "No, it's not, it's Lyaerys Targaryen." he said, knowing that this woman will have to cast aside her identity when she wears the crown.
Lyra sighed, "Is there no other way out of this?" she asked, wishing to run back to the North where she was home.
Eddard shook his head, "I'm sorry, but you're the only one left, the last living heir Rhaegar left behind. This is the only way to repair the damages that have been wrought upon this country." he said, hating himself for putting this weight on her shoulders after everything their family went through to end the war.
Lyra looked down before looking at herself in the mirror again, "It's all fallen on me now." she said, trying to mentally prepare herself for the burden that is to come.
"On us." Eddard added, making Lyra turn to him in confusion before he explained, "I decided to stay in the Capital to serve as your secondary Hand. I already talked to the family, then to Tyrion, they all agreed to let me stay here." he finished, watching Lyra's eyes widen in surprise at his explanation.
"The North will have it's freedom, you'll have your freedom. You don't have to stay in such a place that tried to kill you." she said, not wanting to drag one of her precious people down with her.
"The people that wanted me dead tried to kill me. They're gone now, and you need me now more than ever." Eddard said, wishing that he discussed this with Lyra sooner rather than surprise her.
"Are you staying for your daughter...or for your Queen?" Lyra asked, because this will be difficult if her Father became her Hand. While she was happy with the thought of having her Father around longer, she didn't want personal and business matters to mix with her position as Queen.
"My daughter." Eddard answered with resolve, refusing to abandon his daughter to the demons that come with her rule.
Lyra stepped off the stool and stood in front of her Father on equal footing, he was ahead taller than her, so she always had to look up to meet his eyes, "I will not force you to stay."
"You're not. This is of my own free will that I serve the Queen of Westeros." Eddard said, refusing to back down as Lyra stood before him, eyes never leaving his. After a moment, she nodded before she wrapped her arms around him, giving him a hug that he returned, letting her know that she was safe no matter what. Pulling away, she smiled up at him, putting on a brave face as Eddard smiled back before placing a kiss on her forehead.
Eddard took a deep breath, "It is time now, Your Grace."
Lyra nodded, "I'm ready." she said before taking his arm as Father and daughter walked out of the room towards the latter's coronation.
End Flashback
The day for her departure came as Father and daughter stood on the docks, saying goodbye to each other before the Queen had to depart for Dragonstone. They pulled away from each other, "Be safe, Your Grace." Eddard said, wishing that he could be there to protect her, but knew that he needed to stay and manage the affairs in the Capital while the Queen meets with Aegon.
"You as well, Father." Lyra said, keeping her tears at bay since she hates saying goodbye to her family. The last time they said goodbye to each other, it was almost permanent after what almost happened at the Sept of Baelor.
"We'll see each other soon." Eddard said, a whimpering sound appearing beside him in the form of a giant direwolf named Ghost. Lyra smiled at her furry companion as she pet him on the head, "Take care of him Ghost. I'll come back, I promise." she said as Ghost leaned into her touch for a moment before pulling away, standing dutifully beside his master's Father who stroked his fur affectionately.
Oberyn hugged each of his daughters as Ellaria kissed their shared child on the forehead, "We'll come back Mama." Tyene said, smiling up at her Mother who stroked her cheek lovingly, committing her to memory.
"Remember my Sand Snakes," Oberyn got their attention, "Unbowed. Unbent. Unbroken." he recited their House words, for which they repeated in unison, "Protect her, for she is more than your Queen, she is your family." he said, his eyes sliding to the Queen who has finished her goodbyes and was helped into the row boat.
"You don't have to ask us Father." Obara said dutifully as the eldest of the Sand Snakes, "She's the only reason why we're never bored in the Capital." she said with a smirk that mirrored Oberyn's.
"Sand Snakes, you coming or not?" Lyra called out, waiting for them in the rowboat before Tyene jogged over to her and practically leapt into the boat with an excited smile that Lyra couldn't help but smile back as the boat rocked back and forth with Tyene's motion.
"We're not letting you have all the fun." Nymeria said as she and Obara followed their hot headed sister into the boat before they were rowed to the ship that will take them to Dragonstone.
Eddard, Ghost, Oberyn and Ellaria watched the boat float further away from them, "They'll be fine. They are fighters, protectors and sisters, no matter their blood relation." Oberyn said, his hand landing on the Quiet Wolf's shoulder.
Eddard smiled at the Dornishman, never in a thousand years would he form a friendship with an eccentric man from a culture very different from his own. It was refreshing, and sometimes stressful given their differing personalities. Still, the Red Viper was always welcomed by the Quiet Wolf.
"You seem to have a better grasp at letting your daughters go than I ever could with my own." Eddard said, smiling at the man beside him who responded with his signature smile, "That's because I'm Dornish." Ellaria laughed, leaning into her lover before they lead him away from the docks, "Also, I'll be helping you out while our girls have their adventure." Eddard faced him, not understanding what he was saying, "Excuse me?"
"Our Queen made a request for me to assist you and help you in any way that I can while you run the Capitol in her absence." Oberyn explained, this favour being one he can't refuse his Queen since Ned needs all the help he could get until their girls return.
"When did she ask you?" Eddard asked, dreading what might come if Oberyn does help him out and protect him.
"First day I came back after she told me what was happening. Couldn't refuse my niece who loves her Father. So we're stuck together." Oberyn said, relishing in the man's near-dreaded expression, giving him the impression of a man who's about to face war again.
"I take it back, war was easier than you." Eddard said before he and Ghost walked back to the Red Keep, silently praying to the Old Gods to give him strength.
Author's Note: In case you're wondering, Oberyn staying for Eddard was the request Lyra whispered in his ear in chapter 3.
I know this chapter was shorter than the previous ones, but I needed to transition to the meeting that will take place in the next chapter. I hope you at least loved this chapter. Tell me in the comments what was your favorite part in this chapter and what you think of Eddard and Oberyn's friendship.