Stag of the Storm Chapter 10 - Consequences
Hey. So finally back with another chapter, and sorry it took so long. I had to get a new PC as my old laptop broke about two months ago, so I was unable to work on this, and now, I feel I've kept you guys waiting long enough. Enough of my rambling, let's begin!
Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire, or Game of Thrones. All credit goes to their rightful owners.
Ruadan Baratheon
Ruadan was currently sat behind his desk in his solar, letting out a sigh of exasperation as his mother stood in front of him, arguing for the gods knows how many time about his announcment to wed Arianne. "Why the hell would you marry that Dornish whore?! The Martells despise our family! She'll murder you in your sleep!" Queen Cersei was clearly working herself up into a hysterical screaming frenzy, hoping to intimidate Ruadan and force him to give up what she considered a foolish political objective.
"For the last time mother, my answer is NO. I will not end this arrangement, not after I spent so long fixing the wounds that were caused in this very keep 20 years ago, nor risk the wrath of the Dornish houses if we insult House Martell. This is vital for the security of the kingdoms, can't you understand that? Your personal feelings clearly cloud your judgement." The second prince of Westeros had been having this conversation with the Queen since his announcement at the end of the Tourney, and he didn't expect it to stop any time soon if he was honest with himself. He wanted nothing more than to have some peace and quiet after the stress of the last few months, but it seemed this was not to be. He still remembered the conversation, if you could call it that, with his father the day after the feast.
Flashback
"WHAT IN THE SEVEN HELLS ARE YOU THINKING BOY?! I KNOW YOU ARE CLOSE TO THE MARTELLS FOR SOME REASON, BUT THIS IS MADNESS!" Ruadan resisted the urge to throw his drink in his father's face at this, and let out an aggravated sigh.
"Because father, twenty years ago, a great wrong was commited to their house in this city, and the ones responsible escaped justice. You may not be able to see the state of the political gameboard, but i can. If we are to have a hope of establishing a lasting Baratheon dynasty, we must unite the Seven Kingdoms properly. Having them swear oaths to you will only do so much. Anyone can say words, but only actions show a mans true intentions. I intend to bring Dorne back into the fold, and the Reach as well at some point. I would appreciate it if you do not intefere with my plans for unity." With that, Ruadan turned and left his father's chambers, his father looking a mix of pissed off, dumbfounded, and proud at his son for having the backbone to stand up to him.
Flashback End
"My decision is final. It matters not whether you like it or not mother, nothing will change the fact that I will be wedding Arianne Martell." Ruadan's tone and stone-cold facial expression made it clear that this was the end of the conversation. "Now if you will excuse me mother, I have work I must attend to." With that, Cersei huffed, and swept out of the room, clearly still deeply unhappy with her son's choices.
Joffrey Baratheon
'Why?!' Joffrey moaned internally. 'Why does HE get all the respect and attention?! I'm the Crown Prince damnit, their attention should be on me!' After the feast, Ruadan had been a centre of attention from all over the Kingdoms, even their Grandfather, the mighty Tywin Lannister and engaging as a brick wall Uncle Stannis, writing a letter of contgratulations on his knighthood, Tourney victory, and his bethrothal. Joffrey couldn't understand why his brother was so popular. Sure he was a Prince, even though Joffrey loathed the thought, and that was bound to bring some attention, but more attention than HIM?! That was unacceptable. 'I need to do something to curb his power. If I don't, he'll end up overthrowing me.' Joffrey's sick mind set to work trying to find a way to deal with this latest development that his brother had thrown at him, his upcoming marriage to the Princess of Dorne. 'Why can't you just accept your place in being less important than me?' Joffrey thought as his plotting continued.
Eddard Stark
Eddard sat reading through a book that Grand Maester Pycelle told him of that Jon Arryn had been reading before his death. Politics was beginning to take it's toll on him. His headaches were becoming near unbearable, and the prospect of clearing up his brother in all but bloods messes was becoming more daunting with every minute that passed. Now Prince Ruadan has thrown his own political move into the mix with his intention to marry Arianne Martell. Eddard was suprised the Dornish wanted anything to do with the Baratheons after Elia and her children died, as they were viewed as just as responsible for that as the ones who commited the act, because of Robert's refusal to punish them, and yet he had seen Oberyn talking, laughing and japing with Ruadan on more than one occasion, and a marriage agreement had now been reached. Ned was a little disappointed, as he had hoped to possibly wed Arya to Ruadan, but it seems this was not to be.
Ned turned his attantion back to the book in front of him. He studied the pages of House Baratheon with intent.
'Orys Baratheon, Blue of Eye, Black of Hair'
'Lyonel Baratheon, Blue of Eye, Black of Hair'
'Ormund Baratheon, Blue of Eye, Black of Hair'
'Steffon Baratheon, Blue of Eye, Black of Hair'
'Robert Baratheon, Blue of Eye, Black of Hair'
Then Eddard's eyes widened as he read the next two entries after Robert and his brothers.
'Joffrey Baratheon, Green of Eye, Gold of Hair'
'Ruadan Baratheon, Blue of Eye, Black of Hair'
It all clicked, Robert's bastards all having his features. Bran's fall... he must have seen the Queen and Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella's real father together...
'By the gods, Joffrey is a bastard, which makes Prince Ruadan the rightful heir...'
Soooooo... Ned finally figured it out. What's gonna happen next? Stay tuned to find out! Anyway, this chapter was mostly to get an idea of the reaction to Ruadan announcing his upcoming marriage, and to give you guys a chapter after such a long time waiting, thank you all for being so patient!
Now, onto the reviews:
Guest (lol): Thanks! And your patience is rewarded. Enjoy!
Guest (Boramir): Thank you! He certainly will be. As you can see, Cersei and Joff aren't happy.
Guest (seraph): Thanks! Those are things that I may consider later on, but right now, I don't want to give him any more advantages in the upcoming conflict than he already has.
Pyromania101: Well I'm glad you persevered with me and this story, even if it isn't the best. I'm glad my friend goes over the chapters too, as it gives me a bit of assurance before I post a new chapter. Yeah, there are too many 'Perfect OC Prince who fixes everything', and that, while in the well written stories, is good reading, it does get very dull, and it isn't realistic. Any character needs to have flaws to be believable.
That's it for this chapter! Don't forget to favourite and follow if you like the story, and please, for the love of the old gods and the new, REVIEW! Reviews are the lifeblood of authors, we need them to inspire and motivate us to keep writing. See you all in the next chapter! o/
ImperialPrussia