Garrett walked alongside Daenerys, or 'Khaleesi' as she wanted to be referred by, through the bazaar. Garrett watched her change from a naïve and innocent little girl to a strong woman without fear. 'Fearlessness is a foolish notion. One I would see removed from Daenerys, lest it be her doom.' If Garrett was honest with himself, he did not think of her change as perfect. Her increasingly authoritative and stern commands towards others made her seem more arrogant in his eyes. Not always, only a few times. Yet it would only continue to grow.

But orders were orders. And Lyonel Baratheon, a man Garrett considered his brother, had ordered him to stop the assassination attempt on Daenerys that would no doubt happen soon.

He was broken out of his thoughts by the Daenerys' conversation with Ser Jorah, "Can't you help me make him understand?"

"The dothraki do things in the wrong time for the wrong reasons. Have patience, Khaleesi. We will go home, I promise you."

"My brother-" Daenerys cut herself off in hesitation before continuing, "My brother was a fool, I know, but he was the rightful heir to the seven kingdoms." Jorah laughed to himself. "Have I said something funny, Ser?"

Jorah looked at the ground in front of him, still smiling, "Forgive me, Khaleesi. But your ancestor, Aegon the Conquerer, didn't seize the seven kingdoms because over his right, he had no right to him. He seized them because he could."

"And because he had dragons," Dany added.

"Having a few dragons made some things easier," Jorah admitted.

Garrett finally spoke, "It made things much harder for the Reachlander and the Westerners."

Daenerys looked at him, confused, "Why is that?"

Garrett looked at her with small surprise, "You have read about the field of fire, haven't you?"

Daenerys looked thoughtful, "I swear I've heard the name before."

Garrett smiled in response, "Then you must have read the book I had given you. It was one of Balerion's, Meraxes' and Vhagar's greatest deeds. One of the most horrible, but still greatest. Five thousand men were burned alive in a matter of seconds, along with King Mern. Another ten thousand dead by sword, maces and arrows. Even more died thanks to burns and wounds."

Daenerys had a look of recognition in her eyes, "I remember now! King Loren of the Rock and King Mern Gardener tried to oppose Aegon by uniting their armies."

"Exactly."

Dany looked at Ser Jorah's expression, "You don't believe it."

Jorah sighed as he looked at her, "Have you ever seen a dragon, Khaleesi? I believe what my eyes and ears report. As for the rest, it was three hundred years ago, who knows what really happened?"

They all stopped walking as Ser Jorah rubbed his hands together and looked at the captain who was standing off in the distance. "I should seek out the merchant captain, see if he has any letters for me."

"Well, I'll come with you," Dany said.

"No, no. Don't trouble yourself. Enjoy the market," Ser Jorah finished with a smile. Garrett's eyes regarded him as he walked away. Lyonel had revealed Ser Jorah to be one of the Spider's birds. He doubted Jorah knew he was working for Lyonel.

"Come," Garrett said as he put his hand on Dany's shoulder. She turned around to look at him. Garrett smiled at her, "I believe I heard one of the merchants shouting out that he has dornish plums in his possession."

"Have you ever tasted them before?"

Garrett nodded, "I have. In all honesty, they're no different than normal plums other than the color."

Dany smiled, as did the servants behind her, as she was led by Garrett throughout the crowd of people. They were stopped by a man who addressed Daenerys and offered her wine. The merchant boasted of how his wine would convince Dany to name her first born after him.

"My son already has a name," Daenerys stated with an amused smile and voice. "But I'll try your summer wine. Just a taste."

The merchant had a look of surprise on his face, "My lady, you are from Westeros."

Doreah spoke from behind Dany, "You have the honor of addressing Daenerys of House Targaryen, Khaleesi of the Rider men and Princess of the seven kingdoms."

The man bowed slowly, "Princess."

Dany spoke with an amused voice, "Rise. I would still have that wine."

The merchant looked at the wine in his hand, "That? Dornish swill. Not worthy of a princess. I have a dry red from the Arbor. Nectar of the gods."

'The god of death, no doubt,' Garrett said, yet doing nothing. He would wait to see what happens.

"Let me give you a cask," the merchant said excitedly as he walked over to bring it. "A gift!"

Dany smiled, "You honor me, Ser."

The man grabbed a cask and walked towards them again, "The honor… The honor is all mine."

Rakharo stepped forward, "Ah, ah, ah, ah." He grabbed the cask from the merchant's hands before walking away with it.

"Rakharo," Garrett called out in the dothraki tongue. The dothraki turned around. "Bring the cask here."

"Is something wrong?" Daenerys asks as she looks at Garrett.

"Me and Ser Garrett have a thirst," Ser Jorah said as he suddenly appeared behind them. His eyes regarded the merchant with suspicion.

"Indeed. Open it."

Rakharo roughly handed the cask to the man. The merchant looked at Ser Garrett, "The wine is for the Khaleesi, not for the likes of y-"

Garrett stepped forward, "I said… open it."

The man stared at him before shrugging and putting the cask on a barrel next to him. He proceeded to open it.

"Pour," the former heir to Bear Island commanded.

"I-it would be a crime to drink wine this rich without giving time to breathe."

Garrett glared at him, "Arrest me later. Now pour."

Dany looked at the merchant with suspicion, "Do as he says."

The merchant looked at her, and then at Garrett, "As the princess commands." He reluctantly picks up a cup before filling it with wine. He hands it to Garrett, who stares into the content of the wine before bringing it close to his nose and inhaling the scent. "Sweet, isn't it? Can you smell the fruit, Ser?" Garrett only stared at him in response. "Taste it, my lord. Tell me that is not the finest wine that has ever touched your tongue."

Garrett brought it closer to his lips before he stared at the merchant's eyes. He suddenly held it in front of the merchant himself, "You first."

"Me? I'm afraid I am not wor-"

Garrett cut him off, "Must I hold you down myself and force it down your throat?" The merchant stared at him before flashing an easy smile. He took the cup from Garrett's hand before slowly bringing it to his own lips.

He suddenly threw the cup to the ground and pushed Dany out of the way. He quickly grabbed the cask of wine and threw it at Rakharo, who caught it, before running past them. Ser Jorah attempted to pursue him, but was stopped by Garrett holding his hand to Jorah's chest, "No need." Garrett inhaled slightly before whistling loudly. A cry was heard from the sky, prompting Jorah to look up as he saw an unusually large eagle soaring through the sky. The eagle descended on the merchant with such speed, he seemed to be nothing more than a blur of colors. The merchant screamed as his right eye was clawed out by its talons and fell to the ground while holding his face. Rakharo quickly ran over to the assassin and pinned his arms to the ground, and not long after was joined by other dothraki.

Garrett grabbed Dany by the arm gently before leading her past the pinned assassin. The eagle suddenly appeared again and landed on his shoulders, taking care not to harm its master with its talons.

Lyonel

Lyonel found himself lying on a beach, his leg in pain. Rain fell on the sands, drenching it and painting it brown. Lyonel looked down at his leg to see a piece of broken wood stuck in his leg. Blood stained a small round area around the wound. His expression did not change as his face was as expressionless and calm as ever. He refrained from touching the broken wood as to not aggravate his wound. 'I feel eyes on me,' Lyonel's instincts warned him. He snapped his head to the side to see a lion staring at him. Its pelt was colored pitch black, and its eyes were a deep, dark blue. It seemed to stare right into Lyonel's matching eyes. What surprised Lyonel was the size of it. It was much larger than a normal lion that Lyonel had read about in his books. Its feline features were more pronounced, making it look more ferocious and wild. Another factor for its ferocity was its mane, which was shorter but wilder than normal mane. Its muscles were more pronounced as well. Its teeth shocked Lyonel the most. Its teeth were longer and thicker than normal, and oddly enough, looked canine and curved. The end of it was as sharp as the end of Needle. It protruded from its mouth and was exposed, even when its mouth was closed. Its length ended right above the chin line.

In short, it resembled the result of a dire-lion, if such a thing ever existed, breeding with the mythical creature from Volantis. A saber-toothed tiger it was called, if Lyonel recalled correctly. It was said the saber-toothed tiger was extinct many years ago, as its fangs were rumored to contain magical essence and were hunted for it. Of course, all of this was a myth, a rumor of old.

It strode silently towards Lyonel, its face calm as still water. Its eyes confused Lyonel the most. The eyes portrayed realization and recognition. As if it had seen him before. Lyonel scanned his surroundings to try and find a weapon, but found none. He knew this was the end of him. There was no way he could kill a lion with a piece of wood sticking out of his leg. Lyonel suddenly felt relaxed, as if nothing would hurt him. He knew not why he did, considering a lion was about to devour him. But why did his mind not register the lion as a threat? It was as if his subconscious knew something he didn't. The lion finally arrived in front of him, it only stared at him. It looked at the wood stuck in his leg before it suddenly bit onto it. It easily pulled it out, making Lyonel simply close his eyes and frown at the pain, yet expressing nothing else to show his pain. He opened his eyes to see that the lion had disappeared. 'Why did it not kill me? Why was I not fearful of the fact that it was going to? Why did it help me? So many questions, yet all of them are left with the absence of answers.' Lyonel's intelligent mind immediately directed his eyes to the ground, scanning it for any prints that might show him where it had gone. But there was nothing. Not a single trace, not even an indication that it was ever standing in front of him. He looked at his leg to see that it had healed. His breeches were intact, with no holes or tear in the fabric. No trace that there was a large piece of wood in his leg a few seconds ago.

'A dream, no doubt," Lyonel's coldly rational mind observed.

He stood up before spotting a forest and walking into it. His feet sunk ever so slightly into the sand with every step. When Lyonel arrived, he looked up at the sky to see a storm raging, yet the storm was as silent as a shadow, with the exception of the sound of rain smacking against the ground. The smell of dry soil being soaked by rain filled his nostrils. A rain drop very nearly hit Lyonel in the eye, causing him to blink before look down as he wiped the rain drop from his face. When Lyonel did look down, the black lion suddenly stood in front of him. It stared at him as calmly as before. It suddenly turned around and sprinted through the forest at an amazing speed. Lyonel had no idea what possessed him to follow it, but his legs seemed to move on their own. Lyonel made no attempt to stop it. It was like his Baratheon hunt all over again. He struggled to keep up as his leg muscles burned along with his lungs. He ran with such speed, the trees seemed to blur past him. Lyonel's ears were filled with the sound of the air whizzing past his head as the twigs were stomped in half beneath his feet. Lyonel finally arrived outside of the forest and stopped to see the black lion standing in front of another lion, with normal fur. The lion looked old with… grey mane? 'Since when did a lion grow grey mane like a man grows grey hair?'

Several other lions seemed to appear out of nowhere behind the old one. One of them had the body of a cub, yet its mane was fully developed like that of an adult. Another lion stood next to it, its green emerald eyes held a look of sadness and regret. Its body was the largest and strongest. Not a single one of the lions noticed Lyonel. As if he wasn't even there.

The two previously mentioned lions slowly made their way to the black lion's side. The old lion roared at them, disappointment and resentment in its eyes. The lion pack all bared their teeth at the black lion. Yet the lion stood unfazed, and firm, silent and staring, its face absent expression. The black lion suddenly let out a terrifying and echoing roar. The old gods themselves would have to be deaf not to have heard it. Lyonel felt his blood freeze as his entire body chilled at the sound.

Lyonel's head snapped around at the sound of howling. He saw five direwolves charging to the three lions' sides. Lyonel recognized the direwolves as the Stark children's pets. Nymeria stood to the right of the black lion. Its eyes stared at the black lion's. Her eyes held… affection? Lyonel's line of thought was interrupted as another howl, this one louder and more powerful, almost like a drawn out howl, was heard. Lyonel turned around to see an albino direwolf on top of a large rock, howling.

'Ghost?' Lyonel was shocked when he saw that Ghost's howl seemed to shake the sky itself. Lyonel looked in the background of Ghost and saw a star falling from the sky. It arced over Ghost's silhouette. It left a trail of light in its wake, marking the sky with its fire.

Lyonel's eyes suddenly snapped open as knocks were heard on his door. He looked around to find himself in his room. He was lying on his bed, he realized. He sighed quietly to himself, 'Never a moments rest for me, is there?'

Later

Lyonel walked with Arya to their training grounds where Syrio was waiting for them. The gold cloaks were wasting their time trying to find the murderer that killed a Lannister commander and two of his closest soldiers. But little did they know that they were searching in the wrong side of the city. Not that Lyonel felt like pointing them in the right direction. The former Yi Ti slave probably had the majority of the whores paid off to lie, while the remaining soldier was dead from the Sweetsleep that Lyonel had slipped in. Yet Lyonel couldn't help but get an uneasy feeling, as if something bad was coming. Yet he had a feeling it wasn't going to be about the dead commander. He commanded his men to work more diligently, preparing the city for any kind of internal turmoil or conflict inside King's Landing. Some may have called him paranoid. Yet Lyonel remembered the wise words of his uncle Tyrion, "Abundant caution does no harm, nephew. Remember these words the next time you may think yourself paranoid. Your paranoia may turn out to be your instincts warning you. I tell you this in hopes of you not finding it out the hard way." He took those words to heart.

His father's return was expected so Lyonel wouldn't have been surprised if his and Arya's training was interrupted from the announcement.

But Lyonel didn't expect it to happen like it did.

Lyonel span around in a circle and blocked a strike from Syrio's practice sword. As their blades locked, he pushed Syrio back with his own sword before he pushed Syrio's blade away to the side, breaking his defense. Or so he thought. Lyonel was countered with Syrio quickly and gracefully spinning around, mimicking Lyonel's move but with more beauty, before he smacked the practice sword on Lyonel's cheek. Syrio used the momentum from Lyonel's push to spin around and strike harder than normal. The training sword was raised in the air, and Lyonel's head was smacked to the side, his cheek reddened from the hard strike.

Syrio lowered his sword, "A wise trick to use is when you not only counter an opponent's move, but when you use their move against them. It is like a conversing with a snake. The snake's forked tongue will twist your words and their meaning on you. Twist your enemies' tactics and moves against them. Give them a taste of their own medicine, yet do not do so when they least expect it. For that is what they will expect. Be unpredictable to all but yourself, and you will find it hard to face an enemy that will be skilled enough to counter your tactics."

Lyonel nodded before sending a glance towards Arya, who was watching off on the side, telling her to listen to the prudent advice given to them with just his eyes. Lyonel had pretended not to notice the occasional stares she was giving him or the silent gasp she made when Syrio struck him. It was only training; he knew not why she was acting so strangely. Lyonel raised his own practice sword before the door to their room suddenly opened. Lyonel turned around quickly to see a gold cloak with a nervous expression on his face. He looked slightly out of breath and stuttered. As if he was hesitating to tell them something.

"My prince… it's your father, he's… returned from the hunt but they- an accident happened."

Arya had a surprised expression on his face, same with Lyonel. They turned to look at each other. Lyonel looked back at the gold cloak before demanding that he lead them to Lyonel's father.

The soldier led him to the room where his father's deathbed was at. He entered the room, catching everyone's attention. Ser Barristan, Renly, Cersei, Eddard and Joffrey all looked at him. Joffrey sat on the bedside, next to his dying father, while Eddard stood the end of Robert's bed along with Ser Barristan and Renly. Cersei was watching off from the side. He walked the steps before walking to his father. The air was tainted with the reek of rotten death. Lyonel did not have an expressionless look adorning his face. Yet it wasn't sad or angry either. It was almost… calm.

"Everyone leave." Robert commanded. Cersei tried to protest, but was interrupted by Robert commanding them again. He motioned for Eddard to stay as well.

"Lyonel" Robert said, "Come closer." Lyonel obeyed his father, walking closer to his bedside. "Hold my hand." Robert said as he held out his hand weakly.

Lyonel stared at his hand before he slowly placed his right hand in his father's.

Robert sent a weak smile towards Lyonel, "My son. My flesh and blood. By the gods, I couldn't be more proud of you. You have grown into a man worthy of admiration and respect." His smile grew, "If only you weren't as fucking stern as Stannis." Robert's short laugh quickly transitioned into a violent cough. Lyonel felt Robert's hand tightening around his, every cough. After Robert calmed down, he sent a sad look towards his second son, "Oh, if only you were born first, Lyonel. You would have been a great king. I know I've been a shit father. I shouldn't even be calling myself one. I was never meant to be a father. But I'm glad I was… because I brought you into this world. You're a good lad, Lyonel. I know that if one looks past all that violence and ruthlessness, there's a genuinely good man. I know that you will ultimately bring nothing but good into this world... Take care of that girl. Love her. Care for her and protect her. Cherish every moment you spend with her. Like I could not with Lyanna."

'Yet you could have with Tommen and Myrcella. You should have cherished every moment of being with them.' Lyonel's expression didn't change. Not even for a second.

Robert's expression turned serious, "Be honest with me, Lyonel."

"I always have."

Robert let out a short chuckle, "I know. Tell me… will you mourn me, Lyonel? Will you feel anything when I've passed from this gods-forsaken world?"

Eddard stared at Lyonel, waiting expectantly for an answer. He knew Lyonel held no love for his father. But in the end, he was still his father. Lyonel must feel something, especially since his father was dying slowly in front of him.

Lyonel stared at Robert before he made his answer known, "No."

Eddard stared on in surprise and shock of how apathetic Lyonel truly was in his response, while Robert grimaced, "That word alone pains me more than this fucking wound."

'You have no one to blame but yourself for it.' Lyonel said in his head, but stayed quiet.

"And yet… I have no one to blame but myself for it." Robert said with regret evident in his voice. Lyonel would have been surprised by the coincidence, but couldn't help not caring. "I truly wish I spent more time with Tommen and Myrcella. But I was too big a fool. I spent so much time not being able to let go of the past, and reliving old memories when instead, I should have created new ones with you and your siblings. I'm so sorry." Robert waited for Lyonel to answer. Or to at least show some sort of reaction. Robert knew that Lyonel wasn't heartless. He was far from it, actually.

Lyonel just stared, before surprising Robert, "…Thank you." Robert gave off a big smile as Lyonel put his other hand on top of Robert's, covering it. "I may yet feel something from your passing." Lyonel said. Robert felt his heart and mind at ease from Lyonel's words.

"Thank you, my son. You have no idea how happy you've made a dying fool." Lyonel had a ghost of a smirk on his face, which went unnoticed by Robert and Eddard. "Tell Tommen and Myrcella I'm sorry. Tell them that my last thoughts will be with you and your siblings."

Lyonel nodded before going quiet, as if contemplating something. "I will... father."

Robert smiled in joy, "Lyonel, that's the first time you've called me father since you were eight years old." A tear of joy fell from Robert's eye. Lyonel wiped the tear with his thumb before placing his hand on top of Robert's again. Robert smiled before nodding towards Lyonel in gratitude. He then nodded towards the door, "Go on, Lyonel. I need to speak with Eddard."

Lyonel nodded before he let go of his father's hand and stood up. He nodded towards Eddard before making his way to the door. Lyonel was stopped by his father calling out his name. Lyonel turned around and looked at his dying father. "Give Tyrion my gratitude… for raising you when I did not."

Lyonel stared at his father before nodding. He turned around and made his way out of the room. Lyonel placed his back against the closed doors before closing his eyes, ignoring the two kingsguard members guarding their respective sides of the two doors. It felt like he was leaving something behind, never to see it again. To be fair, he was. It didn't feel like he was finally freed from a burden, like he thought he would when his father died. Yet he didn't feel sad, but he didn't feel happiness and relief either. His eyes opened quickly in realization. He was about to have an even bigger burden placed on his shoulders.

Lyonel walked over to the group of five standing in front of him. Varys, Barristan, Renly, Arya and Pycelle all looked at him. Barristan and Renly held sadness in their eyes, while Pycelle faked it and Varys was simply as calm as ever. Arya held concern in her eyes. Barristan stepped forward, "He was reeling from the wine… he told us to step aside but… I failed him."

Lyonel stared at him before shaking his head, "No. He failed himself."

Barristan tried to speak but was cut off by Lyonel, "You cannot stop a man from dying of old age. Just as you cannot stop a fucking fool from his own stupidity." Lyonel spoke no more words to Barristan, his ever returning silence dawning on his tongue, but only to be removed by Arya.

There was no shock from anyone but Arya, who never knew how much Lyonel hated his father. She stepped forward, "Are you alright?"

Lyonel looked at her and shook his head before smiling, "Yes, do not worry. But I do appreciate the concern." Arya nodded shyly. She looked like she wanted to ask something.

Lyonel knew exactly what, "I will join you and train soon, but not now."

Arya looked at him in surprise before nodding and running off.

Lyonel felt confused. What was he supposed to do now? Where was he meant to go? Lyonel decided to make his way to his room and rest. It was better than standing around and doing nothing.

When he arrived, he immediately sat down on the chair and closed his eyes. He relaxed for a while, content as nothing existed except for serenity and harmony in his mind. The calm chirping of the birds eased him, yet the beautiful sound was marred by the sound of humans running around and hurrying, panicking about their own little problems. It was surprising how Lyonel was able to hear it, even from The Red Keep. Lyonel opened his eyes to see a small blue bird on the table in front of him. He held out his finger, and the bird quickly jumped on it. He held the small bird in front of him, inspecting it.

Lyonel started talking silently to the bird, as though it would understand, "I wonder. How would it be to live like an animal? Absent worries other than hunting in search of food. No sordid tongues lying and deceiving for their own profit. No one deciding over another based on the so-called "Birth-right". No worrying about coming late to work or to a maester's lessons. Only humans are struck with such foolish fears. Fear of running out of time. Fear of betrayal from the ones closest to you. Or even fear of losing your freedom. How come a greedy, selfish and warmongering creature became the most advanced? What warrants such a vile and hate filled species to rise above all other creatures? Does conflict and hatred always prevail in the end? Or is it nothing more than another cruel jest from the gods?" The bird only turned its head oddly at him before it chirped.

Lyonel just petted the bird on its head while a small smile decorated his mouth, "Never have I heard wiser words."

A knock was heard on his door. Lyonel sighed before he stood up and walked over to the open window. He held out his finger in the air, urging the bird to fly away, which it did. Lyonel turned around and walked towards his door. His hand gripped the hand tightly before he pulled the door open. A Stark soldier stood in front of him with a somber expression, "My prince… your father…"

Lyonel sighed before the bells were suddenly rung. 'Those bells always signaled the death of a king.' Lyonel nodded towards the soldier, asking him to lead the way.

Lyonel arrived in front of the doors where he left his father for the last time. He opened them to see Cersei and Joffrey standing next to Robert's dead corpse. Lyonel walked over to the bedside, ignoring Cersei's and Joffrey's existence. He stared at his father's face. 'He died with a peaceful mind. A gift I was obliged to give.' Lyonel was broken out of his thoughts by Joffrey.

"Father is dead, brother. I know we have had our differences. But we must set aside such petty and selfish matters for the good of the realm. We must stand together, united by circumstance. Our trust may yet be forged by the fall of our common enemies." Lyonel turned around to see Joffrey holding out his hand. "Take my hand, brother. And we will stand united against any who would wish us harm." Lyonel glanced towards his mother, who encouraged him with a smile and a nod towards Joffrey. Lyonel suddenly smiled, surprising the two. He took Joffrey's hand and shook it before his other hand grasped Joffrey's shoulder. Lyonel stared into Joffrey's eyes before nodding and cupping Joffrey's cheek while grinning.

Cersei felt overjoyed at the union of her sons, to see Lyonel smiling, no less.

Lyonel finally spoke, the happy looking grin still plastered on his face, "I would sooner die than to bow down to the person who tormented Tommen and Myrcella."

Before either of them could react to his words, Lyonel's head suddenly shot forward as he head-butted Joffrey, breaking his nose. Joffrey flew back and fell on the ground. Cersei gasped in shock before Lyonel suddenly stormed out of the room. Cersei ran after him, "Lyonel! Stop, please!" Lyonel continued walking down the hallway. "Please, stop, I beg of you, listen!"

Lyonel stopped before slowly turning around. He stared at her, demanding a quick answer wordlessly.

Cersei's eyes were pleading, "Please, do not make me watch as my sons tear away at each other, please!"

"I will not give him my obedience. I refuse to allow him the satisfaction of watching me bow before him as I humiliate myself on his every whim. I looked into his eyes, I know the true intent behind them, mother. I can only promise not to kill him." Lyonel's expression and voice was that of anger.

Cersei had a look of disbelief, "What kind of promise is that?! Isn't it natural for you to not kill your own brother?"

Lyonel growled, "This is Joffrey we are speaking of, remember? It wasn't meant to please you, mother."

Lyonel turned around before he walked away. Cersei was surprised when he stopped only after a few steps. "Let me ask you something." He said before he waved his finger at her while pacing back and forth. He seemed to hesitate or conflict on whether to ask or not, "Something I had been musing about. An idea that festered until I finally put some thought into it." He finally came to his decision as he stopped and turned to look at her, "Father was wounded because the boar got to him. The boar only got to him because of too much wine from his squire. Lancel Lannister, the squire you recommended." Cersei felt dread wash over her. "Do you know what I'm thinking?" Lyonel asks as he struggles to keep the anger out of his voice.

Cersei shook her head as she struggled to keep her composure, "I know not, my son."

Lyonel stared at her, before shaking his head slowly in realization, backing away slowly with an expression that continued to grow angrier by each word, "You treacherous piece of shit! You're fucking dead." He suddenly turns around and starts to run before roaring, "YOU'RE FUCKING DEAD!"

Cersei looked on with an expression of horror marring her face, "LYONEL!" She called out loud. Lyonel was already gone by the time she shouted out his name a second time.

Eddard

Eddard walked with two of his soldiers behind him. He spotted Renly leaning against a pillar. Renly in turn spotted Eddard and walked over to him, "Lord Stark, a moment?" He looked at the guards behind Eddard, "Alone if you will."

Eddard around and nodded towards his guards, dismissing them. He turned back to look at Renly when they had finally left. Renly stared at Eddard, "He named you protector of the realm."

Eddard nodded, "…He did. And he named Lyonel crown prince."

Renly stared at him in surprise before his expression turned back to normal, "She won't care. I can put a hundred swords in your command. We can help put Lyonel on the throne. We need to strike now, before Cersei puts Joffrey on the throne instead."

After what Lyonel told Eddard about Renly, he couldn't help but be skeptical, "At what price?"

"Break off the betrothal between Lyonel and your daughter, Arya." Eddard stared at him in surprise, and Renly continued, "I am sure you can find a reason to do so without upsetting your bannermen-"

Eddard did not look pleased, "By fabricating a false cause for doing so?"

Renly sighed, "I know your honor won't allow you to. But sometimes, we must make sacrifices for the greater good. If Margaery Tyrell and Lyonel were to marry, it would gain us all the soldiers of the Reach. Think about it, half of the seven kingdoms and more with The Reach as our allies. There is no way we would lose this war. If there would even be one. I doubt Cersei would be foolish enough to think that she can go to war against more than half of the kingdoms."

Eddard stared at Renly while contemplating his decision. Arya didn't think anyone would notice, but Eddard could tell that her feelings were starting to show and grow for Lyonel. Lyonel was unreadable to Eddard, but from what Tyrion had told Eddard after the betrothal was announced, Lyonel wouldn't be able to tell the difference between friendship and love if someone had written it all over the walls of his room. He was apparently as naïve as a newborn babe when it came to being social. But Eddard had seen how Lyonel protected his family and Eddard's. He had seen how happy Arya had been. Arya would speak about Lyonel and how they trained almost every time Eddard brought up the subject of Lyonel. Oddly enough, in the last few days, she only spoke about him and rarely the training.

Eddard remembered Tyrion's words about Lyonel vividly.

Two and A Half Moons Ago

"I must speak to you about a subject of import, Lord Stark. It is about Lyonel, I have heard about his betrothal to your daughter." Tyrion Lannister said. Eddard crossed paths with the Lannister in the evening to ask about Lyonel. He was surprised when Tyrion brought up the subject before he did.

"Lyonel is a good lad, a loyal one. But he has few friends. He always had a hard time making them, even before the incident with the murderer. Lyonel always was the black sheep of the house. Or as my father likes to say, 'lion'."

Eddard could not help but be impatient in the presence of a Lannister, but knew the importance of being a good host, "Forgive me if I come off as rude, Lord Tyrion. But what is your point?"

Tyrion sighed, "My point, Lord Stark, is that Lyonel is not a normal child. His mind is not normal. He seemed incapable of feeling regret or remorse, with the exception of the ones close to him, even as a child. His mind made him unable to feel empathy towards others."

"Are you trying to tell me he is just another Prince Joffrey?"

Tyrion chuckled, "Gods no. Lyonel is far better than that, for he is not cruel or sadistic, only practical. Joffrey makes no exceptions for anyone. What I meant to say was: Lyonel is ruthless towards his enemies. He uses anything at his disposal to rid him and his close ones of danger. I am telling you this because he might be hard to get used to as someone with the moral compass of yours, Lord Stark. You might see some things he does as wrong. But the truth is he does so to protect his loved ones. Some things he does may even shock you. But know that Lyonel is a good man, deep down. Even if he doesn't know it himself."

Eddard stared at him before nodding, "My gratitude. This knowledge will prepare me for Lyonel, and help me forgive his shortcomings in the future."

Tyrion smiled, "Now, onto matters that may concern your daughter and Lyonel's relationship."

"What do you mean?" Lord Stark asked in confusion.

The smile didn't leave Tyrion's face as he spoke in a jesting tone, "Lyonel is very intelligent, in warfare, politics and even court, that is undisputable. But being social? Gods no… especially when it comes to courtship. He is socially incompetent, not in the way that he stutters like a fool. More so that he is as oblivious to love as a blind man is oblivious to a lantern being swung back and forth in front of his eyes. Everything social is black and white to him. He is blind to the obvious, and does not know, nor understand the complexity of relationships and several social interactions and their meaning. One must shout it in his ears if someone is attracted to him. If your daughter happens to fall for him, which I have no doubt in my mind that she will, you'll have to tie Lyonel to a chair and beat it into his head that she has."

Eddard stared at him with an amused expression, "I cannot tell if you jest or not."

Tyrion mocked surprise, "Jest?! Oh, how I wish I did."

Eddard couldn't help but laugh to himself at the image of him tying Prince Lyonel to a chair and shouting in his ear that Arya is in love with him before beating his head with a large stick. Tyrion couldn't help himself either as he laughed along with Eddard. The fact that Eddard rarely laughed made the situation even more amusing for Tyrion.

Present

Eddard made his decision then and there, "I will not upset my daughter or potentially upset the prince. You will have to present this proposal to your nephew. I refuse to be the one that will separate them by force."

Eddard wasted no more breath with Renly as he walked past him and to his solar to meet with Baelish. He had gained Baelish's loyalty and was to discuss further planning of how to put Lyonel on the throne. He despised lying and deceiving, but even the most honorable man would make an exception for someone as arrogant and bold as Petyr Baelish.

Lyonel

Lyonel stared at the paper in his hand. A copy of his father's last will, given to him by a messenger sent to him by Lord Stark. His father named him crown prince. He was to be a king. His mother would not be happy. Joffrey would be furious. Lyonel only saw this as another task he had to take into his own hands, again. He didn't care about his own opinion or what he wanted, it had never been about Lyonel before. Why would it be about him now when seven kingdoms are at stake?

Lyonel froze as he felt the faintest of vibrations under his feet, and the faintest of sounds ringing in his ears. He quickly stood up before rushing to his window and opening the covers. His ears were instantly assaulted by the sound of a loud horn calling out. Lyonel's eyes widened. It was the same horn he had ordered his men to blow in case of evacuation. The city would most likely be confused as to what was happening, a perfect cover for Lyonel if he ever needed to go through the streets.

He immediately ran to his door before opening it. He was surprised to see a panicked Jon standing in front of him, "Lyonel, we need to hurry!"

"I know! What has happened?"

"Father has been imprisoned and now your mother has sent out men to kill the rest!" Lyonel was shocked by the revelation and tried to inquire, but was stopped by Jon, "I will explain the rest later; even I don't know the entire truth. But right now, we must leave!"

Lyonel nodded, "Stay behind me, you cannot fight properly yet, so it's best to leave the fighting to me- Don't argue! We need to find Arya and Sansa!"

Jon reluctantly nodded as he followed Lyonel. His leg pained him occasionally whenever he would put too much pressure, yet he endured.

Lyonel instantly went to find Syrio, as Arya would no doubt be with him. The training yard was around the corner in front of him as he heard voices. He hid around the corner and held his hand up to stop Jon. He recognized the one speaking as Ser Meryn's voice, "-your father wants to see you."

Next, he heard Syrio's, "And why is it that Lord Eddard is sending Lannister men, in place of his own? I wonder."

Lyonel could almost feel the glare Meryn was sending Syrio, "Mind your place, dancing master. This is no concern of yours."

Arya spoke next, "My father wouldn't send you." Lyonel heard the sound of most likely Arya picking up a wooden sword. "Now, I don't have to come with you if I don't want to."

Ser Meryn laughed, "Take her."

Syrio interjected, "Are you men, or dogs that you would harm a child?"

Lyonel barely heard the voice of a Lannister soldier, "Out of my way, little man."

"I am Syrio Forel."

The soldier growled, "Foreign bastard!" Lyonel heard his blade unsheathed, followed by the sound of the soldier being knocked on his arse by Syrio.

"And you will be speaking to me with more respect."

"Kill the braavosi. Bring the girl." Meryn commanded. Lyonel's hand went to the blade at his side. Oh, he would relish the feeling of his sword piercing Meryn. He quickly turned the corner and unsheathed his sword swiftly, but quietly. All the inhabitants of the room were surprised and shocked to hear Ser Meryn's pained gasp. They turned to look at him and were even more shocked to see Meryn being slowly lifted into the air with a sword sticking out of his gut. The blade was pulled out as Meryn's body was thrown to the side like a ragdoll, surprising everyone beyond belief. Arya was relieved and overjoyed to see Lyonel, while Syrio looked impressed with his strength.

Lyonel glared at the Lannisters, while speaking to Syrio, "Syrio. Perhaps it is best you leave these dogs to me."

Syrio smiled, "As you wish, young boy."

The Lannister's didn't dare to strike him, either fearing Lyonel or what his mother would do to them if he was harmed. Lyonel suddenly lunged forward as he lifted his sword with ease and brought it down on a soldier's head, splitting it in half before he had any time to react. The speed shocked his opponents. Lyonel ducked under a swing that cut of the already-dead man's head, or what was left of it, and sweeped the man behind him off his feet. Lyonel pulled out the hidden knife in his waist and pierced the man's skull, killing him. He pulled out the knife, and shocked even Syrio when he threw it into the last soldier's head. The man's eyes widened, yet did not utter a sound. The man's corpse fell to its knees before falling on its face. The knife was pushed deeper in and protruded from the back of his head.

Lyonel swiftly stood up and turned to Syrio and Arya, "We need to move. Now."

He wasted no time as he walked outside. Arya was glad to see Jon was with them and greeted him with a hug. Lyonel commanded them to follow. They moved through the great labyrinth known as the Red Keep's hallways and corridors. Lyonel knew this labyrinth like the back of his hand, thanks to his photographic memory. He remembered every corner, every hallway and every little stairway. They swiftly arrived in the dungeons with the dragon skulls staring at them. Lyonel spotted his own men waiting for him. One of them approached him, "My prince. We are ready to leave."

"I am not. Take them with you," he said as he motioned for the three behind him. "I must find my younger sibli-"

"We have taken precautions, my prince. Your siblings are safe. As is the fat tub of goo." The man was smacked behind the head by another. "Oy! Sorry, my prince. I meant the Tarly boy."

Lyonel nodded, "Your forethought will not go forgotten, or unrewarded. But there is still something I must bring with me. It is too important." The man tried to protest, but Lyonel would have none of it, "Do as I command! Take them with you. Escort them outside of King's Landing, and send some men to wait for me here."

Lyonel turned around and walked, but felt surprise as someone grabbed his hand. He knew it belonged to Arya when she pleaded, "No! Whatever it is, it's not worth it! We need to leave! Together."

Lyonel looked at her and felt his heart warm at her words. "Arya, this is important to me. I must do this. Do not fret, I will be back soon. You just stay safe, promise me." Arya nodded reluctantly before she let go of his hand. Lyonel's gaze lingered on her before he turned around and ran up the stairway out of the dungeon.

Arya stared after him, even as she felt Jon grabbing her shoulders, "We need to leave, Arya. He'll be back." She slowly walked backwards while staring after him before turning around and running.

Later

Lyonel stood in front of the Sept of Baelor, hidden among the crowds as he wore a cloak. His eyes were hidden by shadows while his nose and mouth were exposed to the sunlight. He stared on as Eddard 'confessed' to his supposed crimes. Lyonel's eyes swiftly shifted targets between Lord Stark, and Lyonel's men hidden among the crowd along with him.

He waited for them to get into position as he listened to Lord Eddard, "I am Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell. And Hand of The King." He swallowed before turning to look at Sansa, who nodded as she stood beside the queen and Joffrey. He turned back to the crowd, "I have come before you to confess treason." Joffrey and Cersei smirked. "But not my treason! I speak of your queen's and Joffrey Water's treason!" The crowd gasped as everyone, including Sansa stared on in shock. Lyonel's eyes widened in surprise and jarring shock, "Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen are all bastards! BORN FROM INCEST! The queen and her brother, the Kingslayer, have committed adultery, and the result stands before you!" Eddard stared at Joffrey, who glared at him in shock and anger. Lyonel was shaken to his very core. "You do not believe me! It does not matter! On his deathbed, King Robert Baratheon named Lyonel Baratheon, The Silent Storm, heir to the Iron Throne!"

"OFF WITH HIS HEAD!" Joffrey shouted in rage.

The crowd roared in turmoil as shouts drowned out any other sounds. Yet all Lyonel heard was the rasping of valyrian steel as Ice was unsheathed by Ser Ilyn Payne. The sound of his calm breathing filled his ear as his eyes spotted out his men. They were in position. Good. Lyonel slowly made his way through the crowd, parting the sea of men and women as he pushed them out of his way. His legs slowly started moving faster and faster with every second, until he was finally running.

Lyonel shocked everyone to silence when he pulled out his blade and leaped at Ser Ilyn, who had Ice held above his head and was preparing to bring it down on Eddard's neck. Yet it was his roar that shocked the crowd. The terrifying sound was similar to that of a mighty and ferocious beast. His roar rang throughout the entire Sept. His blade was pointed at Payne's neck. Lyonel pierced his throat with his sword as he landed on the King's Justice before swiftly pulling it out and cutting Eddard's bindings. Lyonel's men made quick work of the soldier's as they came up from behind and sliced their throats. Lyonel handed Eddard Ice, "Back to back!" Eddard's eyes widened as he recognized the prince. He nodded before lifting his blade up. The Silent Storm and The Quiet Wolf stood back to back as they fended off man-at-arms after man-at-arms. Lyonel mindlessly slashed, stabbed and hacked away in blind fury. He kicked and punched and struck with the pommel of his sword.

He heard a cry of pain and turned around quickly enough to see Eddard's chest being slashed.

'NO!' Lyonel shouted in his head. He pulled Eddard down on the ground before lifting his blade up and bringing it down diagonally, bisecting the man in two. The man's half fell to the ground as did his organs with a disgusting splat. One of his men immediately grabbed Lord Stark from the ground and carried him through the crowd while his companions fended off the crowd.

Lyonel glared at Joffrey, with the intent of murder. Lyonel grunted as he felt a sudden pain in his shoulder. He was falling off the platform and groaned painfully as he landed on the hard ground. He looked at his shoulder to see an arrow sticking out. He grabbed onto it and snapped it off before throwing it to his side. He stood slowly and glared at the archer who had shot him while holding his wounded shoulder. The archer prepared another arrow when he saw Lyonel's gaze landing on Joffrey again.

"NO!" Lyonel watched in surprise as Cersei pushed the archer off of the platform, and the arrow went flying into a poor civilian's throat. Lyonel stared at her in surprise. She recognized him. She saved him. His own mother. She did care about him. Lyonel forgot all pain and hate for a fraction of a second and remembered the promise he made his mother. He couldn't bring himself to harm her in such a way. Not now, when she proved her love for him.

Lyonel turned to look at Sansa, who hadn't recognized him. 'FUCK!' Lyonel shouted mentally in frustration. He turned around and caught up with Lord Eddard, who was being carried away. He sent a final glance towards Joffrey, 'I will not kill you. That pleasure belongs with another. I will save Sansa from you, and I will make sure you won't torment another person ever again.'

Hours Later

Lyonel watched as Eddard lay in his deathbed, with his two children beside him. Arya sobbed as tears fell down her cheek. Jon's eyes welled with tears as he stared at his dying father, still not believing that it is happening right before his eyes. Eddard smiled weakly as he wiped Arya's tears, "Don't cry, sweet wolf. It's alright." Eddard's mind went to Baelish, 'What a fool I was. I thought I was the one deceiving Baelish when it was the other way around.'

Arya shook her head, and spoke with a morose and heartbroken voice, "No… no, it's not. Why did it have to be you?"

Eddard chuckled, "I don't know. It seems the Old Gods need me in the afterlife. But shed no tears for me." He turned to look at Jon, "Neither of you. I'm joining Brandon, father and Lyanna in the afterlife. Don't worry." Eddard smiled at Jon, "I'm so proud of the man you've become. Have I ever told you your laugh reminded me of your mother so much? You had all of my looks, but you harbored your mother's laughter. Gods, I miss her so much."

Jon's lips trembled, "W-who… Who was she?"

Eddard closed his eyes, "She was the most beautiful creature there ever was. Her eyes were amethyst violet, her voice like a choir of angels. Her kindness knew no bounds, and neither did her compassion. I love Catelyn, but your mother held half of my heart. It died with her."

Jon's voice trembled, "What was her name?"

Eddard's smile grew as he opened his eyes to look at her, "Ashara… Ashara Dayne was her name. Where do you think you got your skill with a blade from? Your uncle was the Sword of The Morning."

Lyonel stared at him in surprise, as did Arya while Jon swallowed as tears began to fall slowly, "Did… did she love me?"

Eddard stared at him, "She loved you from the moment you opened your eyes."

Jon nodded slowly as a small smile crept up on his face, "Thank you."

Eddard only smiled in response. He turned to look at Lyonel before motioning him to come over, "My prince, come here."

Lyonel walked over to Eddard's side, next to Arya, "No formalities. Not now."

Eddard chuckled, "Of course, Lyonel. All are equal in the eyes of death. You said so yourself."

Lyonel stared at him with an unreadable expression, "Was it true? Are they my half-siblings?"

Eddard's smile fell as he nodded, "Aye, it is. I'm sorry you had to find out in such a way."

"I doubt there is a good way to find such a thing out," Lyonel said.

Eddard chuckled in response, "Unfortunately not. Give Ice to Robb. He is the Lord of Winterfell and the head of this house now. He must have it." He turned to look at his daughter, "I wish I could be there to-"Eddard suddenly started coughing violently. The pain in his chest hurt the most. Once he calmed down, Eddard continued, his voice had turned exhausted and raspy, "I wish I could be there on your wedding day, to hear your laughter and to see your smiles. One day, you two will grow to love each other. Of that, I have no doubt." He looked at Lyonel again, "Keep her safe, Lyonel. Keep her safe, no matter what. I know there is no greater victory than to die fighting for the ones you hold closest." He turned to look at Jon; a small yet amused smirk adorned his pale face, "The princess…. I never thought you to be so ambitious, Jon… I know you will make her happy."

Lyonel suddenly spoke, "I feel more sorrow and pain for you than I ever did for my father." Eddard looked at him in surprise, as did Arya and Jon. Lyonel simply kept staring as he swallowed the lump in his throat, "Says something about you, doesn't it, Eddard?" Eddard smiled at hearing the prince all him by his first name.

"I suppose it does… Tell Robb I'm proud of the man he's become; tell my family I love them. And that I will be waiting for them, in the afterlife. Tell them I would never forgive them if they arrive before their time."

Lyonel nodded. Even breathing became an arduous task for Eddard. Eddard knew he only had a few seconds left. He smiled as he stared straight. The last name he uttered at that moment would carve itself into Lyonel's memory forever. "I'm coming, my love…" Eddard finally sighed out his last word, "Ashara…" Eddard's chest froze until his entire body went limp, dying with a smile on his face.

"No!" Arya cried out. "No!" Every sob burdened Lyonel with feelings of guilt. He wanted to hold Arya close to him and never let go until she felt well again. But he didn't dare to, not after failing her. Jon walked over instead and hugged her tightly as his own tears poured freely as he sobbed quietly to himself.

Lyonel stared at Eddard's body. A voice from the dark, twisted corner of Lyonel's mind whispered, "This is your doing. Your failure, your denial and ignorance has caused this. You should have known this would happen. You knew; you felt it in your guts, your instincts warned you, yet you didn't want to believe it. And now, she hates you. Arya will never look at you the same, ever again."

Lyonel swallowed the lump in his throat, only for it return and thicken with every anguished sob from Arya.

'What have I done?'


A/N: Surprise! I rewrote the first three chapters and I am planning to rewrite the fourth while writing the ninth chapter. I didn't change much of the plot and what happened. I simply made it more appealing for readers by improving the language by making it more archaic and whatnot.

Also, in my haste to apologize for not notifying you guys of the reason for my month long absence, I forgot to say that she had already healed. Which is why I started writing again. But I appreciate the support from you guys, as does my mother. She was overjoyed to hear that even strangers on the internet wished her well. (Strangers to her, I mean).

As for the story, I'm going to write the parts with Dany and Garrett in the next chapter, most of it will be in flashbacks. I also wanna hear your guys' guesses on Lyonel's dream. I wanna hear what you think it means.

Ninazu: Love the AC reference. Good thing that you reminded me about Lyonel building public housings and shit for the commoners, because now I can do exactly what you said I should do.

372259: First off, I love your name. Really original and deep :) Second, Glad to hear that you're liking the interactions between Arya and Lyonel. Sorry to disappoint you about them not having some more fluff before things went to shit. I really appreciate your support of the story.

Kaioo: Way ahead of you, buddy. (Not gonna say anything more.)