Once things had settled down again, or gotten as settled as they would be given the present situation, and given the growing threat around them there were still things to discuss. They still had the advantage, they were winning, Robb was stacking up battle after battle against Tywin lannister, but that didn't mean they were out of danger. Ali, Robb. Jon and Catelyn were having a private meeting in Robb's tent. They sat around discussing a very touchy topic, a topic no one dared breach in front of Ali for fear of their own safety. Martayn's fifth name day had come and past over a month ago, the Martell's had been at this war half a year and no one had explained why to him.
"I know it hurts you to think about dear but it's for the best. For everyone's sake including yours. Your father charged us with your care and that is what is being offered." Catelyn urged Ali. "I leave tomorrow. Please send him with me. He will be safe."
"I know." Ali said softly. "I know. But you don't understand."
Catelyn was astounded at the accusation. "I don't understand. I am a mother if you have forgotten! It is my son who fights this war!"
Ali's tone was calm and gentle. "I know Catelyn please listen to me." Now that she had everyone's attention she had an edge to her voice. "I have been acutely aware of my position in my brother's life for a very long time. My job at home is to care for him make sure he listens to his Septa, learns to ride properly and all that, my job here is to make sure Martayn lives. I have no children. He is the last heir to Dorne. If I die then he rules. If we're both dead then the Martells lose the Peninsula and there will be a war for the crown. We do not need another war right now. I've lost men at sea, I lost an entire ship once and had to seize and burn it when I found it inhabited by pirates. My father cared not, I was doing my job. But when I came home from that my duty was always to care for Martayn. Wherever I am he is. So if something happens to him and I'm not there to prevent it I am just as responsible as if I had done it myself. And if someone ever did hurt him there would be no where in all the world they could flee to get away from my wrath. I don't make decisions regarding the care of my brother lightly." She dropped her head in her hands and wished it all away.
Robb tried to reason with her. Maybe it would come easier from someone who was also a sibling to little ones. "Please Aliandra you have to understand. You've said it yourself, this is no place for a child. The closer we get to King's Landing the more dangerous it becomes and the worse the fighting will be. What if they were to invade the camp, what then? He could be taken hostage or worse. Do you want that on your soul?"
Jon knew that was not the right thing to say to her but did not correct Robb, he needed to learn that lesson for himself.
Ali's head shot up, "Fine! Take him to Winterfell! Do not speak to me about this matter again! But you two." She pointed to Jon and Robb. "You get to help me explain everything to Martayn tonight, and tell him he's going North. This charade has gone on long enough, he needs to know the truth." She stood and left the tent in a hurry.
"Well I think that went well." Robb tried to reason. "I think she accepts this is the way things have to be, for everyone's sake."
Jon shook his head. "She agreed to it, she never said she accepted it. And if something happens she will never let any of us forget it." He left the tent after her leaving Catelyn and Robb.
Robb turned to Catelyn, unsure of himself for the first time in a long time. "We're doing the right thing right Mother? Winterfell is a much safer place than here."
She looked at Robb and saw her little boy needing his Mother. "It is. The Journey to Winterfell is weighing on her mind. The journey is always the hardest part."
That evening after dinner Ali brought Martayn into the tent that the War Council usually met in. Jon and Robb were waiting for them. The battle map had been cleared of all the colored wooden and steel men. Martayn was confused walking into the tent but went in because Ali was with him.
Ali lifted Martayn up and stood him up on the table. He was amazed, this was never allowed. "This is almost like the giant map in father's solar at home." Martayn said as he looked at the large map under his feet. "Except his covers the walls and the floor."
Ali smiled. "I know. Isn't this exciting." She wanted him to have fun otherwise they would both fall to pieces.
"Ali. Why are we in here?" He asked her, knowing something was amiss.
"We're here to tell you a story little brother." She said calmly, she really needed to get through this.
"A story about what?" Martayn loved Ali's stories.
"Well…It's a story about a war, a big war, a long war."
His eyes grew wide. "It sounds scary."
She nodded in agreement. "It is."
"But first we need to do a few things. Here." She handed him a wooden carving of a man. "Where are we from?"
"Dorne!" He announced happily.
"Who rules Dorne?"
"Father. You know this Ali."
She swallowed the Lump in her throat. "Do you remember the night we woke up and ran to the tower?" She hated remembering fleeing for their lives in the middle of the night.
"Oh yes it was brilliant!" He turned to Jon and Robb. "Ali shot flaming arrows out of the window at soldiers, I wasn't supposed to look but I did." He smiled proudly talking of his sister. They smiled back at him.
"That's right. The night the soldiers came we had to fight. Martayn father sent us here because home was not safe for us anymore. Quentyn and Trystane won't be home when we return."
He thought for a moment. "They didn't see us off. They died didn't they?" He asked.
Ali nodded in agreement. "Yes sweetie, they died."
"Father's dead too isn't he." Martayn asked in a whisper.
Ali looked at him shocked. "How do you know that?"
"I had a dream. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to be sad."
"I'm sorry Martayn. I should have told you."
Martayn held his hand out for the wooden figure she was holding. "Can I have three?"
She handed him three figures. He walked over to Dorne on the map, and laid the three figures down on their backs, signifying that they had died. "Ali."
"Yes."
"Who killed Quentyn and Trystane?"
That was a loaded question. "Tywin Lannister." She stuck with the safest answer.
"Will Robb and Jon kill him?"
"That's the plan."
"Ali is Queen now." Martayn announced to the room. He found a wooden piece and placed it standing up in Dorne. Ali smiled at her brother. He looked contend with that news.
"Yes Martayn Ali is Queen now." She agreed.
They spent the next hour and a half explaining the war, Ned Stark, King's Landing, Jeoffery's reign, Sansa and Arya and anything else they and Martayn could think of to Martayn. The map was now loaded with little wooden figures representing different people who had died or were now ruling since the start of the war. Ali was glad to have Jon and Robb there to help her explain everything to Martayn, there were many times she had to stop or look down while Jon or Robb were talking to keep her composure she did not want him to think she was scared.
"So our cousin started this war?" Martayn asked.
"Essentially, yes." Ali answered. "He's not very bright, or nice or noble."
"Well that was not good manners." Martayn said. "Father would not approve. I'm sorry he is holding your sisters hostage." Martayn said to Jon and Robb.
Jon and Robb thanked him. They really did like the boy, Ali had done a good job raising him.
"So what you're saying is. Uncle Robert was king and he and Ned Stark were good friends. That's why father sent us here for protection, because of their loyalty and because mother was a Baratheon."
"Yes, the Starks and Baratheons have an undying loyalty to one another. Plus we Martells are pretty charming people."
Martayn smiled at his sister. "Ali."
"Yes Martayn."
"I'm glad we came here. I'm glad Jon and Robb are our friends now."
Ali smiled at Martayn and winked at Jon. "So am I Martayn."
"When are we going home?"
"Not for a long time sweet boy. That's why I need you to be brave now. What's our one rule?"
"Ali's in charge." He announced.
"Right. Ali's in charge which means sometimes I have to make choices to protect you that you may not like. But I do it to keep you safe and because I love you so much." She stopped to gather her strength. "Lady Stark is riding to Winterfell tomorrow to rejoin Bran and Rickon. I need you to go with her. I will be sending Bethanna and your Septa with you. But Lady Stark has promised me you will have great fun at Winterfell, and you can ride horses, and learn swordplay. You'll get to see snow, we've never been far enough North to see snow. And Bethanna and your Septa will be with you so you won't be alone." She was really trying to sell the idea. "If you ever really, really need me Lady Stark promised she will send for me and I will ride day and night to get there. Cross my heart hope to die."
Martayn was stunned at the news, this was not supposed to happen! "But Ali I want to stay with you and Ghost! I want to see the war! Jon has to teach me to shoot a bow just as well as you do so we can shoot from the towers when we return home! I want to be as good as you Ali!"
She was about to crumble, damn it Martayn! "Honey that's why we brought you in here. It's getting more dangerous by the day. Jon can't teach you to shoot anymore there are too many things that can happen when you are alone in the woods. But I promise once this is all over you will get shooting lessons everyday."
Martayn crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his eyebrow at his sister, she had taught him too well. "With Jon?" This was non-negotiable Martayn really had come to look up to Jon and enjoy their time together.
Jon rescued Ali from the wrath of Martayn. "Yes Martayn, with Jon."
Martayn smiled and ran over to Jon to give him a big hug. "Can I bring Ghost with me?"
"Sorry little man but Ghost has to stay here. But you can play with him all you want when I return home."
"Okay." He had to try.
"Bran and Rickon have wolves as well." Robb reminded Jon. "I'm sure Martayn can play with them while he's in Winterfell."
Martayn was instantly happier and ran to give Robb a hug.
"He's easily bought." Ali said, all three laughed.
Martayn turned back to Ali and asked in all seriousness. "Ali can I sleep in your bed tonight? I want to stay with you and Jon tonight."
Ali and Jon exchanged a look of understanding before Ali spoke, "Of course, anything for my Martayn." Sometimes she wondered where Martayn got his information about her private life from.
"Can Ghost stay with us too?" He knew he had her back against a wall.
"Sure." She wasn't going to fight him on this today.
Ali's bed which normally felt too large for just her and Jon now felt cramped with her, Jon, Martayn and Ghost. Martayn was sleeping between Ali and Jon, Ghost was curled up at the end of the bed.
Ali was having trouble sleeping, she kept turning over and her breathing was all off, Jon knew it but didn't say anything, he didn't want to wake Martayn up the way he was being kept up by her restlessness. They had a hard enough time getting Martayn to bed and he didn't want to relive it. It had taken Ali and Lorianna almost an hour to get him to take a bath before he relented, then Ali had to tell him a story, then he finally fell asleep. He was proud of her for the bravery and calm she showed today but knew that all of her emotions were boiling under the surface and that's what was causing her restlessness. She was laying on her side with her arm over Martayn, facing Jon trying to force herself to sleep. Jon reached over and lightly rubbed her side and shoulder. "It'll be alright." He whispered.
She reached over and stroked Jon's hair lightly, "I know. But I still worry."
They scooted closer so they could hold each other and have Martayn between them. Martayn stirred and woke up, still groggy. "Ali move." He shoved against her. "You're squishing me."
"Sorry little brother." She scooted back a bit, but linked her fingers with Jon's as she did.
"Ali, will Jon return to Dorne with us when the war is over?" Martayn asked still mostly asleep.
Ali smiled and looked to Jon as she spoke. "Would you like that little brother? For Jon to return home with us?"
"Yes, then you will be married. And we will have a family again." His eyes were closed as he spoke, trying to fall back asleep. He scooted his little body into Ali's breast and tried to get comfortable against her as he slept.
Jon and Ali smiled at each other. "Well Martayn approves." She whispered.
"I know." Jon whispered back. "Then he shall be pleased when we return to Dorne."
"We all shall be pleased to return to Dorne." Ali fell asleep shortly after that, dreaming of her homeland.
The next morning Catelyn and her riding party were set to depart after breakfast. Robb came to see his mother off, Ali came to see Martayn off. Jon came to make sure she didn't break down sending him north.
The men were loading the last few trunks on the cart and mounting their horses. Ali knelt down to speak to Martayn before she loaded him into a small coach big enough for him and Bethanna. She was holding his hands and talking to him intently, Jon stood to the side waiting for her. "Remember our words. Shall we say them together? Martayn nodded his head.
So they spoke in unison. "Unbowed. Unbent. Unbroken."
She looked at Martayn and spoke seriously, "We are Martells, we are strong as steel, we are warriors and we do not bend the knee to any other Kings. We rule ourselves. That's why I'm staying, to ensure we keep our lands and never bow to any other kings. I need you to be strong for me, strong like steel. Can you do that?"
He spoke softly and looked at the ground. "Yes. I can do that."
She took his tiny chin in her hand and lifted it until he met her eyes. "I will come for you little brother. I promise. Blood of my blood, I will never leave you."
He threw his arms around her neck and buried his face in her long curls. "I love you Ali."
She hugged him back and did not want to let go. "I love you too little brother."
The men were ready to ride. Ali had to break her hug with Martayn so they could load him into the coach. Jon knelt down to speak to Martayn briefly. "It'll be okay. Winterfell is nice. And we will all come back to get you. I promise." Martayn gave him a hug. Before one of the few dozen soldiers they were taking loaded him into the coach. Robb walked up to the coach window and bid Martayn farewell and promised him the same as the other two had, hoping it would help quell the little boy's fears.
The men mounted on horses started their journey, followed by the rest of the riding party and Catelyn who was riding in disguise, the coach was flanked on all sides by mounted soldiers. Jon, Robb and Ali watched as they left. Jon slid his arms around Ali's waist from behind and she rested against him, her heart was hurting just watching the scene. They all stood there in silence. Then they heard it, Martayn was screaming for Ali, he was hanging his head out of the coach window and waving frantically at her screaming for her to come get him that he did not want to leave with the rest of them. All Ali could hear were the terrified screams of "Ali don't make me go! Ali come please!," Ringing through her ears as she collapsed against Jon's chest sobbing. She didn't want to make him go, but it was not her choice, she just hoped she got to explain that to him one day.
Four months later
The riding party had sent word after about a month and a half that they had reached Winterfell. The trip took longer than it normally would because they had to avoid normal routed to ensure safety. Catelyn wrote that Martayn was adjusting to life well there but still missed Ali.
Since they were in The Reach Ali was wearing more southern styles, lighter fabrics, less layers, more colors and shorter sleeves, she still had to wear a bodice though. She hated bodices. Lorianna was helping Ali get dressed and was tying the laces on her bodice. "Ow. Damn it Lorianna you did the same thing yesterday that hurts!" She said as she rubbed her breasts which were quite sore and had been lately. "Watch how you lace me. I'm not a bloody pig being trussed to roast." She snapped. She wasn't feeling well, she wasn't sleeping well, the last thing she needed right now was Lorianna trying to strangle her with her own dress.
"I'm sorry My Queen. I am doing it the same way I always have. I don't know any other way." Lorianna didn't look Ali in the eye as she spoke, the queen had been quite cross with her lately and she did not know how to make it better.
"Fine." Ali huffed as Lorianna finished with her dress and she sat down to have her hair done. Lorianna opened a bottle of oil and rubbed some on her hands to put in Ali's hair to make it shine in the sun. Ali's face soured and she clutched her stomach at the smell. "What is that Lorianna?" She asked motioning toward the bottle.
"Argan oil my lady, for your hair. I've used it daily on you since you for a long time now. It smells sweet."
Ali looked at her still sickened by the smell. "Close it. It's making me ill!"
Lorianna did as she was told, suddenly a realization came to her. "My queen may I ask you a question?"
"You may."
"How long has it been since you last bled?"
Ali looked at her like someone had just punched her in the stomach. "I...I don't remember. Two months I think."
"My queen you are pregnant."
Ali looked like she was going to vomit. "Oh my God. Lorianna please do not tell anyone. I beg you. No one can know I'm pregnant. Especially Jon." She laid her hands on her stomach lightly, this was a blessing and a curse.
Lorianna bowed to Ali. "Of course My Queen. Your secrets are my secrets."
Ali breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you." Now all she had to do was figure out how to end this war before anyone figured out she was pregnant. She was screwed and she knew it. Ali hurried to the mess tent after Lorianna finished her hair, she needed to try and act as normal as possible as to not raise suspicion, no matter how dreadful she felt. When she walked in her usual place at Robb's table was waiting for her. No sooner did she take her seat between Robb and Jon than a wave of nausea wafted over her. She took a deep breath to keep herself steady and hopefully not vomit everywhere. She sat there quietly for a moment with her eyes closed breathing deeply, finally she opened her eyes when she felt better.
Jon noticed something was wrong with her, he wasn't sure if he should mentally add it to the list of stuff that was off about her lately. "Are you alright?" He whispered to her, not wanting to bring attention from the rest at the table.
She looked over at him and nodded "Yes, I'm fine." She whispered then she gave him a small smile hoping it would satisfy him. She really didn't need him snooping around this. It seemed to work because he smiled back and they both rejoined the table conversation.
A few minutes later servants put down trays of scrambled eggs with onions and mushrooms, fried toast, sausage and bacon, along with butter and jam. Everyone passed the trays around and tucked into breakfast. The bacon tray passed in front of Ali. She took one look at the fried pig flesh and smelled the greasy bacon and that was it, the chunks began to rise in her throat. She quickly excused herself from the table and ran outside. She quickly found a remote tree and threw up the entire contents of her stomach, which was very little at that point. After five minutes of vomiting and dry heaving Ali straightened her hair and wiped her mouth with her sleeve, trying to make herself presentable enough to walk back to her tent. She also really wanted to rinse the god awful taste out of her mouth. She was shaking and had a case of the cold sweats. She needed to get back to her tent fast before anyone saw her and started asking questions. 'Gods why this, why now,' she thought despondently.
She didn't notice Jon looking for her as she was walking toward camp. "Ali. You left so quickly. Are you sure you're alright?" Jon said as he caught up to her startling her from her own thoughts and stopping her in her tracks.
Ali had to think quickly, 'Not here, not now. Not until after the next battle.' She turned and spoke to Jon. "I…I just don't feel very well." It was only a half lie, she didn't feel well she just conveniently left out the pregnant part. "I think I'm going to go lay down for awhile. But please go eat with the rest of them. I will join you all later at council." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek hoping it would subside his suspicions.
"Are you sure?" He asked concerned for her. He knew something was off but didn't want to push. He found out quickly in his time with Ali that Martells were hard headed and Ali had the hardest head of them all.
"I'm sure Jon. Now back to breakfast with you." She swatted him away teasingly. She felt a bit better but still was unsure when she would be sick again and wanted to get back to her tent as soon as possible.
Jon smiled at her a bit and finally relented, "Okay fine." He gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Well you two look mighty cozy." A male voice said from behind the pair.
Ali recognized the voice instantly and spun around, "Renley!," She shouted with delight and ran to hug her uncle. Renley looked handsome as ever with his dark brown hair and his green doublet embroidered with golden stags and his crown.
Renley squeezed his niece in a long overdue hug and spun her around, then settled her down on her feet in front of him. "Alright now let me see you." Ali stepped back and spun around. Renley shook his head, "I can't believe how you've grown. You're a woman now, long gone is the little girl who used to run around naked and covered in mud." Ali and Renley were close in age, him being four years older than her they had always been close but he would never get over her growing up.
"You're married and you're surprised at how much I've grown up. Really Uncle you are too sentimental." She teased him.
"Last time I saw you you weren't kissing young men whom I haven't properly met yet." Renley lightly chastised her with a mischievous twinkle in his eye that she knew all too well. Jon shuffled a bit but said nothing, he thought Renley was serious. She opened her mouth to respond but couldn't think of anything to say. Renley smirked, "Ahh, I never thought I would live to see the day when my little Aliandra didn't have something to say."
"Do shut up." Was all she could manage.
He chuckled, he had won this round. He stepped around Ali and walked up to Jon. "And what is the name of the man who is kissing my dear niece?" Actually Renley knew who Jon was, he and Ali had been exchanging letters ever since they arrive at The Reach and their camps moved closer, he just wanted to have some fun.
Jon was nervous, the only other family member of Ali's he had ever had to deal with she wanted to murder so formalities were skipped, Renley was respected and loved by many including Ali. The two had a great relationship and if Renley didn't like Jon he may well be able to convince her to call the whole thing off so Jon ought to start back for The Wall immediately. He shuffled his feet and fidgeted with his hands nervously, not meeting Renley's eyes, "Jon Snow My Lord King." He shook Renley's hand tentatively.
He was still fidgeting, Renley was enjoying making his little niece's boyfriend nervous, Ali was annoyed. "Renley!" She snapped. "Be nice to him!" She smacked Renley on the arm.
Renley decided to show mercy, "Please Ser Snow calm down. I trust that anyone my niece has affection for is a good man worthy of her. Besides if you weren't she would have killed you by now." Jon stopped fidgeting and he and Renley shared a laugh. Renley leaned in to talk to Jon but made sure Ali could hear him, "You should hear what she writes about you."
Jon blushed at the implication, but at least this part of her family was not dangerously psychopathic, Renley was downright enjoyable. "Renley!" She snapped at him. "Enough." Renley really did love teasing his niece. "Why are you even here, do you have business down here or is it just to annoy and embarrass me?"
"I wish I had time to just embarrass and annoy you dear niece. Unfortunately I came down here to meet with Robb Stark and you."
"Doesn't Robb usually ride west to meet with you?" Jon asked. They kept Renley separate from Robb and Ali just in case of attack on their camps, he knew something must be amiss especially if he needed to see Ali as well.
"That he does. Unfortunately today I needed to bring you all news of great importance."
'Great,' Ali thought, she was never going to get her nap. She absently rubbed her abdomen and turned to follow Jon and Renley. The two were ahead of her talking and laughing. "Renley what are you telling him?" She called after them.
The small War Council was meeting in their usual tent, for some reason today it felt hot and oppressive to Ali. She needed to get out of there soon.
"So what brings you down to this side of the war Renley?" Robb asked.
"I received word that we will be hosting a visitor tonight."
"Really. Whom?" Robb asked suspiciously, no one liked visitors in these times.
"Tyrion Lannister rides this way. He will be here in a few hours." Renley answered seriously. He really had no idea what Tyron could want.
"Tyrion Lannister, in my camp!" Robb was furious. Although Tyrion Lannister had treated Bran kindly and was not liable for his fall he still did not want another Lannister present in his battle camp the one they had was trouble enough.
"What could the dwarf want here?" Theon asked.
"Well we'll find out soon won't we?" Robb said. "We can't stand around here all day waiting for him. Everyone go about your business. Renley you and your men of course are welcome to our hospitality."
"Thank you. I think I'll spend the day with my niece. We have so much catching up to do."
Ali was about to say something but never got to because she fainted, hitting her head on the table on the way down. This secret was going to kill her. When she came to a few minutes later she was not happy and quite embarrassed, everyone had gathered around here and were chattering about what happened and what to do. Ali groaned and rubbed her hand across her forehead, 'Blood, that's always good' she though to herself. She tried to sit up but the room started spinning again making her groan again. Everyone was staring at her trying to figure out what to do. "I'm fine I just need to sleep. If I get to my bed I'll be fine." He voice was rough and weak. She really hoped she was right.
Before anyone could move to help Ali up Renley knelt down and scooped her up in his arms. He may be king and in the middle of a war but he was still her uncle and he would care for her as such. This is how he would spend his day.
Not that Robb didn't care about his friend but he had a lot to worry about, more now with the arrival of Tyrion Lannister so he was happy to not have to deal with Ali and whatever was going on there.
Jon knew he had to give Ali and Renley their time together, maybe she would be able to talk to Renley about whatever was going on because whatever it was she was keeping it a secret from him and he did not like it. But he also knew he had to go and see her soon or else it could be seen as not caring, which was not true, he loved Ali he was just in a great bind right now. Before he could do anything Theon's voice shook him from his thoughts.
"Aye Snow didn't you hear me? What have you been doing to our little Queen to put her in such a state? You have to let her sleep sometime you know!" Theon was laughing at his own joke.
Jon wasn't amused, Robb saw the look in Jon's eyes, Jon was going to kill Theon. Jon launched himself at Theon and tackled the other boy to the ground. Jon got a few good punches in on Theon and Theon was trying to strangle Jon. Robb was annoyed apparently these two had forgotten they were fighting the Lannisters, not each other. HE pulled Jon off Theon and waited for Theon to stand up before yelling at them. "Are you two mad?" He shouted, standing between the two. "You both know better. Whatever quarrel you two have with each other needs to be left at Winterfell or I can send you both back there like children! We are all on edge I understand but that's why you both need to either steer clear of one another or learn to get along. Do you understand me?"
They both looked down and mumbled "Yes."
"Good. Jon go join Ali and Renley. Theon join me back at my quarters."
Both men set off to their tasks without a word.
When Jon arrived at Ali's tent she was sitting on her bed propped up against her pillows resting comfortably with her hands on her stomach. She and Renley were talking and Lorianna was cleaning her cut and putting salve on it. She saw Jon hovering in the doorway and smiled at him. Renley saw her and turned to Jon, "Ahh Jon Snow please join us."
Jon pulled a chair next to Ali's bed and sat down. "Did she tell you she skipped breakfast today?" He asked.
"Jon I told you I'll be fine." Ali said rolling her eyes.
"Skipping breakfast and fainting does not seem fine to me." Renley chastised her.
"Now I have you two conspiring against me. Great." She glared at them both and fell against her pillows.
"Biranne." Renley called to his guard who was stationed outside the tent.
"Yes my King." The large blonde woman said as she walked in.
"Please find a cook and have them warm some clear broth for my niece, and have them bring some bread as well."
"As you wish my King." Brianne bowed to Renley and left the tent.
Ali's eyes were wide as she looked at Renley. "That's a woman? She's bigger than most men."
Renley chuckled, "She's better than most men with a sword as well."
Awhile later a squire returned to Ali's tent with a bowl of warm broth and bread for her to eat. She was not thrilled at the idea of eating, plus she knew Renley and Jon were there to make sure she ate everything which would be hard. The first few spoonfuls of soup were hard to swallow, she had to take large deep breaths between each, but after a few her stomach started to settle and she could eat more. Once she ate as much as she could handle she handed Lorianna the bowl and closed her eyes for a nap, "Unless you two plan on watching me sleep, which I don't want, I suggest you both find other things to do until Tyrion arrives." They both bid her farewell and left the tent to await their visitor, both knowing that Ali was hiding something but never voicing it.
Tyrion arrived shortly after sundown with Bronn, the head of the City Watch and his personal guard as of late.
"Well hello everyone!" Tyrion said in his usual cheerful tone, looking around at the five expectant faces at the table. "I do hope you all weren't waiting on my account."
"Get on with it Lannister." Robb said annoyed.
Tyrion turned to Bronn, "He doesn't like me much." Bronn smirked his cockeyed grin.
"Tyrion." Ali begged. "Not now please." Usually she could due with Tyrion's warped sense of humor but today and here it was not warranted.
"Alright. You used to be fun. War has changed you dear niece." Tyrion pouted a bit. "I trust you are all wondering why I came here."
"The though has crossed my mind." Renley stated nonchalantly.
"Well it has come to my attention that you all seem to be winning this war of ours and from what I understand the losers will lose not only their crown and their title but their heads as well. Ali dear can you help me with something, I seem to forget. During all your hours learning stories of war at Robert's knee what is the one rule in the game of thrones?"
Ali looked him straight in the eye and spoke seriously. "You win or you die."
"Exactly!" Tyrion exclaimed. "You win or you die. It's all very exciting to say but in reality you are the ones winning and we are the ones dying. I however have become accustomed to living, and I am very attached to my head as it were."
"So what do you want from us? Some sort of deal" Robb asked suspiciously.
"Very good King Stark. Who said Northerners are stronger than they are smart." Tyrion quipped. Robb just glowered at him in condemnation. "I have information that may be of some use to you all. But I need something in return."
"Of course, there is always a price with you Lannisters isn't there." Robb snapped.
"Just remember Robb Stark, we Lannisters always pay our debts."
"What are your terms?"
"I share my information and plan with you all, and in return when this war is over I am spared my life, along with my brother."
Robb shared a look with Ali, "We will send him to the wall branded a traitor, no titles no lands, but that is the best we will do."
"What is your plan Tyrion?" Ali asked? She feared the worst.
"Yes please Tyrion, I do so want to hear this." Renley added.
"Well the way I see it you all will most likely win this war but it's going to be bloody and costly and we need to put in a few safeguards and protections so the wrong people don't get hurt. Or hurt worse."
"The wrong people like who?" Robb asked apprehensively.
"Oh I don't know maybe your sister, not to mention Tommen and Myrcella. Little that you Starks may care for my niece and nephew I do care for them and do not wish them killed just because their brother is a fucking idiot."
"You said sister. Our sisters are in King's Landing," Jon said suspiciously. He knew Tyrion was not a liar but he also worried for his sisters.
"Well we may have a bit of a problem there." Tyrion said slowly.
"What kind of problem Lannister?" Robb said dangerously, resting his hand on the handle of his sword.
Ali absently laid her hand on her abdomen and rubbed her thumb across it. "I beg you Tyrion choose your next words wisely. If they choose to kill you I won't be able to stop them and neither will your guard."
Tyrion heeded her words. "It seems that my sister accidentally let your little sister Arya run off. But there is good news. It seems my father has found himself a new cup bearer at Harrenhal, a girl disguised as a boy who was traveling north on the King's Road."
"Arya," Jon and Robb said in unison.
"I believe so." Tyrion said in agreement. "If it is Arya she is safe in my father's care, provided she keeps her identity hidden. Oh and if you win this war before he figures out who she is. Otherwise she's good as dead."
"So how are we to get her back safely?" Robb asked.
"Secure safe passage for my niece and nephew out of King's Landing and I will ensure she finds her way back to Winterfell long before any blood is spilt at The Capital."
"And Sansa?," Robb asked. "What about her?"
"Unfortunately because of your sister's unique place in my idiot nephew's life she has to stay until you all get there."
"So my one sister is your father's servant and the other is being held captive by Jeoffery and you wish us to give the little Baratheons or Lannisters or whatever they are safe passage, for what!" Robb shouted.
"Because your father and Robert Baratheon were good men and they fought to end the slaying of small children and my sister and nephew call for the slaughter of innocent babies. They don't care about life, just power. Neither of them can see the forest for the trees right now. Grant my niece and nephew safe passage and I will do all I can to help your sister survive her time in King's Landing until you arrive to save her. Believe me when I say the monster you see in public is the tame Jeoffery. His private face is much more dangerous, much more sinister. If you don't believe me ask your resident Queen and Lannister expert. I'm sure she has more than enough warm fuzzy family tales to keep you all wide awake in bed for weeks to come."
Everyone, including Renley, turned their attention to Ali who continued to absently rub her stomach protectively. "Which story would you have me the gentlemen with tonight Tyrion? You know how I love talking about our family!" She said venomously, she was pissed with him for bringing their family past up.
"Why don't you tell them about Jeoffery's tenth name day? That's always a good story."
"Mother and father had been sending me to King's Landing every summer since I was seven. Mother was upset with father because I was not turning into a proper lady under his tutelage, playing with bows and swords. She thought spending time with Cersei, a proper and beautiful queen would inspire me to act like a lady, father allowed it just to make her happy. It was Jeoffery's tenth name day, I was thirteen. Tywin had come in from Casterly Rock. He bought Jeoffery a new bow for his birthday. It was beautiful, rosewood grip with an ivory inlay and a taught new string. Oh how I wanted it. Uncle Robert knew I excelled at archery so he went and bought a bow for me to keep in King's Landing. We were shooting in the gardens, Tywin and Uncle Robert were watching us. It was apparent that I was more experienced with a bow than Jeoffery was. Uncle Robert kept heckling him and laughing. Jeoffery just got more enraged, his face just scrunches up and his eyes lock on you like he's going to murder you right there. We were about finished for the day. I shot one last time and hit dead center, Jeoffery shot after me, his arrow went stray and he wound up killing one of the castle peacocks." Ali chuckled at the memory. "I can still hear Robert laughing. His laugh was like a roar, he had tears flowing down his cheeks. Even Tywin was chuckling. I looked over at Jeoffery and I knew right then that I was dead." Everyone in the room feared for the turn the story was going to take.
"What happened next?" Tyrion encouraged her to keep going.
"Why Tyrion? Why tell them this?"
"Because they need to know how dangerous Jeoffery and Cersei are!"
"Fine! Later that night I was walking to dinner. Cersei had dressed Myrcella and I alike, it was one of her favorite past times back when she still pretended like I mattered to her. I was wearing a bright red dress with gold embroidery around the neck and cuffs. My hair was done up in a lady like crown of braids. Jeoffery jumped out at me from the shadows and threw a bucket of blood on me. It was in my hair and on my dress, my face and hands were covered in it. I pushed him away from me and went screaming to my Uncle. It took forever to tell Robert the entire story because I was crying so hard but he was furious with Jeoffery. He hugged me and kissed my cheek where there was no blood and I was excused from dinner that evening because my hand maidens had to wash the blood out of my hair. We later found out Jeoffery had killed five cats and drained them of their blood to throw it on me. I can still feel the hot sticky blood clinging to me if I think about it." She paused again. "I was sitting in my tub which had to have the water changed four times because of all the blood trying to relax and calm down. I just wanted to go home. I heard the door to my room open and close but thought nothing of it because there had been so much motion in my room that evening. The next thing I new I was being held under water and struggling not to die. I remember flailing and my hands hitting the sides of the bronze tub. Then I was being dragged back up by my hair." Everyone in the room gasped when she revealed this part, the Lannisters were seriously nuts. Jon, who was sitting next to her, rubbed the top of her hand in comfort. "When I looked up it was Cersei. Apparently she was upset with me for running to my uncle after Jeoffery had attacked me. She told me that it was my fault for embarrassing her dear boy in at archery in the first place and if I wished to leave King's Landing alive to keep my mouth shut for the duration of my stay and if I told my mother and father what had happened she would deny it and ask them if they wanted me to live in King's Landing permanently, then I would really learn what it was to be a lady of the court. I never spoke a word of that night to anyone until now. How do you know what happened?" She asked Tyrion.
"A little birdie told me." He said with a smile.
"Varys." Renley said.
"The spider." Ali countered.
"After your little encounter in the hallway with Jeoffery Varys came to me and asked what we should do. I told him to keep an eye on you."
"But where was he? There was no one in my chambers when Cersei came in."
"Precisely. There was no one in your room. But there was someone behind your chambers."
She was struck by the obviousness. "Of course the secret passage. I used that passage at least a hundred times to sneak out of the castle. The guards never knew how I got out so easily."
"There's more to your story dear niece. Don't keep them waiting."
"A few days later Mrycella and I were outside alone, or so we thought, by the lilly pond. Myrcella likes the lilly pads. Jeoffery jumped on me and pinned me to the ground. I didn't remember him being so strong but he'd gotten big. He had a dagger in his hand. He was going to slash my cheeks and brand me a traitor. He really is crazy. I didn't have anything to protect myself and Myrcella was crying. I managed to reach over my head and grab a large rock and was about to smash it against his head when The Hound came up and grabbed him off of me and escorted me back to my chambers." Realization came over Ali. "You sent The Hound that day. You made sure someone was looking after Myrcella and myself." She looked at Robb and Jon. "The Hound is looking after Sansa but he can't protect her forever. He is still under Jeoffery's control and Jeoffery is unhinged he is apt to kill her at any time."
Everyone was still in shock at the tale of horror that Ali had just told them, everyone's respect for her even Theon's went up way more.
Renley spoke up finally. "If we grant them safe passage where do you suggest we send them? If you haven't noticed the entire realm is under attack in one way or another."
"Dorne." Tyrion announced with no irony.
"Are you mad? Dorne!" Ali asked, shocked. "I do not want my land attacked again! Tyrion!"
"What are you playing at Lannister!" Robb warned.
Tyrion put up his hands to try and quell the rage in the room. "Hold on, hear me out. If you offer protection to the children then they will be more compelled to treat Sansa appropriately. Cersei does not want her children harmed."
"Maybe she should have thought of that before that little chit son of hers killed our father." Robb said angrily.
"Really Robb Stark, is that how you feel?" Tyrion challenged him.
Before anyone could answer Ali spoke up, she could not allow the killing of children it was not the Martell way. "Send them. But if anything happens to her before we get there I can't ensure anyone's safety."
Robb looked at her angrily, "Are you sure about this?"
Ali met his gaze not backing down. "They're still my cousins and innocents. If their safety ensures your sisters remain safe I say we take it it's our only hope."
Tyrion clapped his hands. "Good. I'm glad we have that ugliness settled." He turned to Bronn. "I told you she was the smartest of the bunch!" Bronn smirked again.
"What other news do you bring us from The Capital?" Renley asked. "I know you have loads to share."
"Now, now Renley calm yourself. I do have certain information but given King Stark's angry outbursts I don't feel entirely safe sharing with you all presently. Can you ensure my safety?"
"Isn't that what he's for?" Jon asked, motioning to Bronn.
"True, but really Snow what match is one Sword against a whole room full?" Tyrion motioned to his companions.
Ali turned to Robb, "He's serious."
"Fine." Robb said through gritted teeth. "I will hold my temper I swear."
"That wasn't so hard was it." Tyrion said smiling.
"Tyrion I swear if he kills you it's your own fault." Ali warned him.
"I'm not worried Aliandra. I just wanted assurance. I received word from Lord Varys that Ned Stark was looking into King Robert's bastards. Apparently there were quite a few. Not shocking given that the man fucked every whore in The Capital on a regular basis."
"What's so interesting about that? Robert's proclivities were known to many. Many noble lords and Kings have bastards. It happens." Renley stated plainly.
"Well here's where it gets interesting. We all know the claimed bastards were killed out of spite by my sister and nephew." Jon shuddered at this news, it hit too close to home for him. "But that's not the noteworthy part. There's a boy of seventeen. Goes by the name Gendry. Do any of you remember what happened seventeen years ago?" They all met him with blank faces. "Of course. Well let me educate you all. My sister and Robert had a child, a boy, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He died shortly after birth, or so we are told. Gendry a supposed bastard has been working as a blacksmith's apprentice for sometime now. There is no way he could have paid the fee himself. Shortly before your father died he found Gendry. Lord Varys and I believe one of The Queen's spies saw them and reported to her. We believe your father found the true heir to the iron throne."
"Why would the queen have allowed our father to be killed for finding her son?" Jon asked quite confused and angered.
"Ahh, you are thinking logically boy. You need to think like the queen. In order to do that you need to ask yourself why a true prince is working as a blacksmith's apprentice. My sister has always been a jealous woman who would stop at nothing to hurt her husband. His death serves as proof of that. He always loved your aunt Lyanna and never let her forget she was a mere place holder for a dead woman. We believe she faked the child's death and had him hidden away somewhere in the kingdom until he came of age to work. Unfortunately your father found him and she grew fearful of being found out and tried as a traitor to the crown."
The five sat across from him, mouths agape, not saying a word. Finally Ali spoke up. "Tyrion that is truly fucked up even for the Lannisters." Everyone was shocked that Ali swore, but it was true none the less.
"Which makes it all the more true my dear."
"Well where is this lost Baratheon now?" Renley asked.
"Well conveniently he's at Harrenhal with the younger Stark girl."
"Grant him safe passage to Winterfell with Arya." Robb ordered. "Baratheon's are always welcome sanctuary within our walls."
Ali and Renley were glad for this. If he truly was one of them he was in danger.
Tyrion nodded in agreement. "Very well then. Now we can get to the real business at hand."
"As if all that weren't enough." Renley stated.
"Well come out with it then." Robb urged, he really wanted to be done with this. "What do you want?"
"It's not what I want. It's what you want. Well maybe what I want."
"What is it Tyrion?" Ali asked growing impatient.
"Well being Hand of the King these few months I rather enjoy it. So one of you appoint me your hand for this bit of information."
"You'd betray the crown for one of us?" Renley asked with a chuckle.
"Well I've already betrayed the crown just being here, besides the king is a lost cause. You all are the future of Westeros and will keep the kingdom from destroying itself my sister and nephew have their heads buried too far up each others asses to see this."
Renley and Ali looked at each other for a moment knowing Robb would never take Tyrion on because he was a Lannister. "Fine you'll be my hand, but you better spend less time in the brothels and taverns and more time doing your job," Ali said. "I like you Tyrion, I always have, but if you betray my trust I'll throw you in the Summer Sea and let you drown."
Tyrion held his hands up in surrender. "Message received."
"So what is it? What information do you have that's so valuable you've just secured yourself the second highest seat in Dorne?" Robb asked, he really wanted to know.
"My sister is planning on using wildfire in the war. I found out and now I have the pyromancers making wildfire for me. I am now at your service and can have it waiting for you all to use."
It was clear that none of the men at the table aside from Renley had heard of wildfire from the lost looks on their faces. "What is wildfire?" Robb asked.
"Wildfire is liquid fire. It burns hotter than dragon's breath." Tyrion said with a satisfied smile. "Say the word and it's yours."
"No." Ali said urgently. Her hands rested on her stomach again, protecting her and her unborn child from the evils of the wildfire. "No wildfire."
"Ali this is just what we need to march into King's Landing with." Jon said to her trying to get her to see reason. "We'll all go home a lot faster."
"Lannisters." She breathed a laugh. "You think you can buy fire and expect to harness and control it. Wrong! You'll kill us all you fool! How many barrels are made?"
"Last count was over eight thousand."
"You've got to be kidding me! That's enough to level all of Westeros and make the red Waste look lush! Cease production."
"Where did you learn so much about wildfire?" Tyrion challenged her.
"I am a fireborn. You see the Targeryans sought to own fire much like the Lannisters do today, rich fools with more money than brains. They worshipped the dragons we lived among, they kept them as pets used them to burn cities and said they had dragon's blood. Well the dragons are dead and so are the Targeryans. When the dragons died they resorted to alchemy and magic to rule. They created wildfire. The only problem is it's false fire, it's volatile it burns stone the same as skin and only burns out when it sees fit rain nor snow will quell it, it even burns atop water. You can't make fire and wish to control it." She got up and walked around the room, running her hand along the backs of the chairs at the table as she did, everyone noticed as she spoke the candles in the room burned brighter. "The Martells, we studied the dragons. We sought to rule the fire, to control the fire to live within the fire and not get burnt! Fireborn is not just a statement meaning you were borne in Dorne. Fireborn means exactly that. The fire burns within you and you can do with it as you wish." She picked up a candle and put it in the middle of the table, then she picked the flame up out of the candle and held it in the middle of her hands. "I don't need to buy fire, I can harness it." She rolled the flame around in her palms, passing it form hand to hand the small flame turning into a large ball of flame. No one said anything as she demonstrated. "We can use it to destroy or heal and everything in between." She set the ball in the middle of the table, everyone scooted their chairs back a few feet, expecting the table to burst into flames, the ball of fire turned colors from ice blue, to winter white, orange, red, and yellow.
"Why didn't you tell any of us before?" Robb asked, mesmerized by the flame before him. "That kind of information would have been useful."
"We never went without fire for warmth or cooking even during the worst rain. Who do you think did that?" Ali asked as she picked the flame up and placed it back on the candle where it resumed being a flame. She looked at Jon and winked at him then went back to sitting down. "It's not a parlor trick. It's part of who I am."
"So what you're saying is wildfire is bad?" Tryion asked picking his jaw up off of the floor in shock.
"I'm saying if you bring out even one jug of it the entire deal we made here tonight is off." Ali said simply. "And then I'll go in and burn King's Landing to the ground myself. Don't think I can't."
"Oh believe me I will never challenge you on anything again."
Ali walked back to her seat and sat down, Jon took one of her hands and looked at it he was stunned, her skin was completely un-burnt.
They wrapped up their meeting. "Well I believe we are finished here." Robb said. "Tyrion always a pleasure."
"I wish I could believe you when you say that." Tyrion said in his usual deadpanned manner. "I wish to have a word in private with my niece." He said as he made his way over to Ali's chair an extended his hand to her.
"Of course Tyrion." She smiled as she got up to go with him.
Tyrion noticed Jon eyeing them as they left. 'Interesting' he thought to himself. When they got outside and were safely away from others Tyrion spoke to Ali. "I know your secret."
"Oh and what secret is that?" Ali challenged him with a smile. Inside she was hoping he was bluffing.
"You're pregnant."
Her eyes went wide and her mouth fell open, even if she wanted to deny it she couldn't. "How do you know?" She hissed at him.
"I heard chatter when I arrived that you had been ill, some said you had been rather snappish as of late. I wrote it off until I saw you. I am a keen observer of behavior after all. I knew something was different but I didn't know what. You only drank water tonight, nothing else. Whenever you got nervous in there you immediately brought your hands to your stomach and rubbed it like you were protecting something." Ali looked down and blushed a bit. "It wasn't until a few minutes ago I figured out that Snow was the father. "The way he looked at you as we were leaving, like you might not come back."
"It wasn't because of you. It's because I fainted earlier."
"So you two are serious."
"Quite. He is the father after all."
"Does he know yet?"
"No. I just found out today. But please Tyrion don't tell him. I can't have him going off to battle knowing this. If he gets hurt or killed because he's worried about me I'll never forgive myself." She begged him.
"Don't worry child. I understand. But what if something happens and he never knows you were with child?" Tyrion inquired.
"Then he never had anything to lose now did he? Either way he's fine." She reasoned.
Tyrion nodded in understanding. "So it would seem. So it would seem. Just be careful." He kissed her hand.
"I will Tyrion. Besides apparently we have a peninsula to rule when this is all over."
"How do you plan on marrying him?" Tyrion asked her, he liked Jon but he wanted to make sure they were both protected.
"Jon? Well he's a knight now." She stated simply like it was no big deal, well to her it was no big deal.
"But he's still a bastard. It will be questioned. Even in Dorne it may cause some eyebrows to be raised and it definitely will with the rest of the realm especially those Northerners."
"How did a slave turned eunuch become Lord in the King's small council? Lord of what again, the spider's web and birdies. I think we can make Ser Jon Snow a Lord of something. Titles are cheap and we are rich. You're my hand figure it out." She smiled and winked at Tyrion.
Tyrion chuckled, "As you wish my queen. We will have fun won't we."
Ali and Jon were laying in bed that night talking about their long day. "So you're little fire show earlier was quite impressive." He said running his hands through her long hair.
She was laying on his chest and chuckled a bit. "It's not something I tell people about unless they need to know. I've learned to keep certain things to myself."
He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her to him. "I can't imagine what it's like to live with a secret like that."
She started lazily drawing patterns with her fingers on his abs. "You get used to it after awhile. Secrets can keep us alive sometimes."
"Do we have secrets?" He asked. He was trying to get her to tell him what was wrong.
"No." She said easily. "But we do offer one another privacy." She needed to get his mind off of her issues. She crawled up his body until they were face to face with her hovering over him and her hair cascading over them both. She nibbled on his lower lip and slid her hands into his pants stroking him to hardness. She could hear his breathing getting more rapid and his hands were exploring her body wanting more of her. He slid her night gown off over her head and was fondling her breasts, which she was trying to ignore because of the slight pain it caused with the pleasure, and arching up into her hands more and more, she knew he was hers, "What was it you were asking?" She asked him, smiling against his mouth.
"Shut up Ali." He countered as he flipped them over with her on her back now and him on top. He quickly took his pants off and slid his hands under her knees, pulling her forward as he knelt in front of her, she wrapped her legs around his waist. They both knew what they wanted but Jon wasn't going to give it to her yet. Jon bent down and took one of her nipples in his mouth and started to suck and nibble like he normally did. Ali felt pleasure for a moment followed by intense pain, she had to bite her lip to keep from crying out. Jon was really into it though, he had two fingers in her and was rubbing her clit before she realized what was going on. They needed to change positions quickly she thought or something was going to break. She summoned all of her strength and pushed Jon off of her and onto his back. Jon didn't question it, he just went with it. 'Simple creatures,' Ali though to herself. She climbed on top of him and slid his throbbing cock inside of her wet core moaning with pleasure as she did god she loved his cock inside her. He held onto her waist as she steadied herself with one hand on his chest. She drove herself up and down with a force he had never seen before. She was outstandingly wild tonight. She locked eyes with him almost holding him in place with her lust. Gods he loved this woman. With each of her thrusts down he thrust up into matching her ferocity. Eventually they both came and fell into a sweaty pile on her bed and fell asleep with content smiles on their faces, holding each other. Jon forgot what he was going to ask her.
An: I'm not sure how far into the future to write the next chapter so it's going to take awhile to do. Leave me reviews!
