Okay before we get to the replies, we are nearing the end. It's been a wonderful three months with bumps along the way. I'm glad I did this story though, it was fun and a great ride! Now as we get to the end, the chapters will be longer to tie up most the loose ends. There would be a sequel that takes place from the final scene in the next chapter. Thanks for reading. Just to warn you, this chapter is slightly rushed - I feel that the detail on how they managed to infiltrate the Red Keep and get in would be too complicated and will be unnecessary since you've all been waiting for this since chapter 30 so, I won't delay any longer. Also, there will be a lot of twists which will start off drama which events will flow into the sequel so enjoy those. Another warning, all decisions were not made lightly. I always have at least, three versions of major chapters written out before consulting my wonderful advisors and some of you about which decision is final. There is always going to be heartbreak and tragedy but it had to be at the right moment. In the last two chapters, we will lose at least two more characters. The scenes of the Red Keep and confrontation were written by my best friend as I got stuck on that. I merely checked it over to bring things from those scenes onto the ones I wrote starting from the journey back to Winterfell. Again, to make sure this is finished by 55 chapters, time will be passing by in the scenes written in this chapter.
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DarylDixon'sLover [chapter 53]: Thank you, I hope you enjoy the final chapters.
"Rickon! What are you doing here?" Arya asked her little brother when she spotted him walking through the camp with Poderick behind him.
Rickon hugged his sister tightly. "I've come to join you. I could not sit and wait as all of you went without me. I am a wolf after all."
Arya chuckled softly, tightening their hug. "Of course. I don't think Jon or Robb will approve but it's too late to turn back now. How are the children and Queen Talisa?"
"They are fine. Everything is tense but it will be over soon."
"And Lady Mormont?" Arya smirked.
The young Prince blushed furiously. "She is well," he replied, remembering what he'd told her before he left.
He had pressed his lips against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. He felt like a bumbling idiot when he stepped back to see her shocked reaction. But her lips soon turned into a small smile and he gave her the bear figurine she'd gifted to him.
"Keep this safe for me. I will come back for it," he had told her. "I promise, Lyanna."
"I will hold you to your promise, Rickon," she replied, kissing his cheek and inhaling his scent.
"She's well," Rickon repeated, a smile gracing his lips. "We kissed."
Arya's eyebrows lifted up in amusement. "You did? Well, you truly must be in love."
"I can't wait to marry her, Arya. Honestly."
His sister beamed. "Well, when we burn King's Landing to the ground, you'll have all the time in the world to marry her."
Her eyes left his blue ones to look behind him where Robb and Jon were walking towards them, slight disapproving looks on their faces.
"Rickon," Robb greeted.
"I am a Stark just as much as you," Rickon said confidently. "And I am a Knight of the Wintersguard. I have a right to fight for my Kings and my family."
"He isn't wrong," Arya told their brothers.
"No," Jon sighed. "He isn't. Fine but you are a Stark first and foremost. So, that means you being a prince takes precedent over you being a knight. Make sure you stay alive."
Rickon nodded. "I will stay alive, don't worry. One way or another, all of us will make it out of this alive."
...
Getting into the Red Keep was hard but with two direwolves, two dragons, an assassin and some of the most skilled swordsmen and swordswomen in the realms, it was fairly manageable.
"Lead us to the Great Hall," Jon told his sisters as the rest of their party remained to fight the Lannister guards outside.
Sansa led her siblings to the place where she was subject to abuse, her wedding to Lord Tyrion and many other horrible memories that she'd rather block from her mind.
She hadn't been to King's Landing since she ran away shortly after the Purple Wedding. Being back made her heart want to jump from her chest but she kept her composure and rubbed the sweat away from her hands.
"We're nearly there," she informed her siblings. Arya was right on her tails as the Kings followed their youngest sister, Bran and Rickon flanking each King's other side.
Arriving at the doors to the Great Hall, Sansa paused and took a deep breath before pushing it open and stalking inside to see Cersei drinking from her goblet.
Sansa walked all the way to the middle of the Great Hall, Jon on her left and Robb on her right. Arya joined Jon on his left as Bran joined Robb on his right. Rickon then stood beside Bran.
Cersei slowly sipped on her wine, regarding each of the six children of Eddard Stark standing before her. The silence was uncomfortable but she'd lost.
She would admit it begrudgingly but she lost. The game for the throne was over and she knew of their plans for it. She certainly did not miss the two dragons flying above them but she had plans for those beasts. She'd have at least one victory before they did what they wanted to do with her.
"So, it's only the six of you and me at this little gathering?" She asked nonchalantly. "How exciting. Shame, my traitorous brothers couldn't make it."
"It's over, Cersei," Robb said. "You have the power to choose what becomes of you now but I will let you know, the Iron Throne is over."
Bran nervously watched as Cersei rolled her eyes and continued to drink her wine, a scoff escaping her lips. He knew there was something off about the whole thing - she was too calm for someone who may die soon. But then again, she'd lost everything.
"And you?" Cersei asked, turning to Jon. "What does Eddard Stark's bastard son has to say to me as well? Bastards really do rise high in society - I'm starting to wish that you'd died during your service to the Night's Watch. You cunts went back on your word."
That's when Arya began to laugh hysterically. As she once did so all those years ago when Donnel Waynwood informed her about Lysa Arryn's death.
"I apologise," Arya said through her tears of laughter. "I guess everyone is in their own lives here in King's Landing."
"What do you mean, you wild little bitch?" Cersei spat in confusion.
Arya turned to the Kings. "Permission granted, brothers?"
"Go ahead," Robb replied. "It won't matter soon anyway."
The Night Wolf grinned. "Three sons of Eddard Stark have been brought back to life - Robb, Jon and Bran. You really need to get better spies."
Cersei faltered, looking between the three mentioned. Her eyes even briefly fell on the youngest Stark child in disbelief. "How?"
"You'd thought that I'd been killed at the Red Wedding," Robb began. "Aye, it was true. Lord Bolton pierced his dagger into my heart but I was brought back by the Lord of Light."
"The Lord of Light also brought me back, after I'd been betrayed by my Night's Watch brothers and stabbed to death," Jon added.
"The Three-Eyed Raven brought me back to life," Bran said quietly but just as he was about to continue, Cersei cut him off.
"I do not care or give a shit about how you were brought back to life," she said, downing her wine and throwing the goblet away. "But I will tell you this one thing - if you kill me, you'll never walk out of this castle alive."
Standing up, the Mountain suddenly appeared behind her and she grinned at the siblings. "Fight my champion. Any single one of you. If you kill him, you're free to go but not without repercussions. If you die, bring on your next sibling to fight him."
"We won't play your stupid games, Cersei. It's over," Robb said.
"Now, stop all this fucking shit and if you want to live, we will give you time to leave the Red Keep before it burns down," Arya said, rolling her eyes at her slight change of heart.
Cersei sighed. "Grant a dying woman's last wish? Fight my champion. Surely, one of the most skilled fighters of Westeros would be desperate for the challenge. Proud Eddard Stark's little soldiers, even the youngest."
Rickon glared at her, his hand slipping towards the hilt of his sword but when he saw the Mountain take a step towards him, he moved his hand away.
"I'll fight him," Arya finally said, retrieving her new swords. "I've been meaning to break these in."
"Arya!" Sansa called out. "Stand down."
"I don't answer to you or anyone else," Arya said, taking a step towards Gregor Clegane. But before she could even think about striking, one of her swords was knocked from her hand.
Looking up she saw Sandor protectively standing in front of her. "Pick your sword up and return to your siblings, child."
Scowling, she did as told and walked back towards her siblings, Jon and Robb giving her disapproving looks. But the one which hurt was from Sansa who glanced towards her stomach. The young woman blushed furiously.
"You were signing a death sentence," Rickon whispered into her ear. "The man - he is no man."
Sandor kept his eyes on his older brother. "We meet again, you cunt. Serving different kings, no less. Except yours is madder."
"Sandor, what are you doing?" Sansa asked him, becoming alarmed.
"I am being your champion so none of you has to die," he replied, not bothering to look back at her. "I'd also follow her if I were you."
The Starks frowned and looked behind Gregor to see that Cersei had disappeared. Her footsteps were heard retreating and they sprung into action, leaving the Great Hall and right on her heels.
"Cersei, stop!" Sansa cried out.
The woman did but not of her own accord. Before her, Brienne flanked by Tyrion, Daenerys, Gendry and finally, Jaime standing behind the Wintersguard. Cersei was surrounded by a dragon, a stag, wolves and lions alike.
"There you treasonous, apostate brothers of mine are!" She laughed. "Along with one of my late husband's bastard sons, the Dragon Bitch who bent the knee and the man who guards the Stark bitches."
Jaime set his jaw, knowing that his sister's words would hurt his betrothed but Brienne didn't seem to react badly to the Lannister woman. She merely withdrew her sword.
"Surrender," Brienne called out. "And the Kings will show mercy."
But they all knew that wouldn't be the case. Arya and Sansa had plans to kill her, the plans already confirmed to be happening. They had to lure the lion into a false sense of security.
"What have I ever done to you?" Cersei asked the Starks. "I tried to have your father saved, I couldn't control Joffrey. My father ordered for yours, your mother's and wife's deaths," she told Sansa and Robb. "I had no hand."
"Have you forgotten that you sent an assassin to kill me?" Arya asked.
"Well, I knew you'd be out for blood - everyone spoke of your bloodthirst," Cersei replied. "But I have done nothing to the rest of you."
Jaime cleared his throat. "Are you sure, Cersei? Are you sure that you weren't the one to stand by and let everything bad happen to the Starks? Our family has destroyed countless of-"
"And the Dragon Bitch's family hasn't?!" Cersei asked baffled. "You are condemning all of our family's sins upon me!"
Everyone froze when they heard a scream coming from the Great Hall. Curious to see what happened, they went to witness the Cleganes in their fight.
The Mountain had the Hound's head between his palms, the younger brother clawing at the elder Clegane's eyes.
"Kill him!" Cersei screamed.
"End him, Sandor!" Arya cried out to the other brother. "You are stronger than him - he can't hurt you anymore. Now, end him."
An idea found its way into Sansa's mind and she looked at the brothers fighting and at the ring on her finger. She turned to Cersei who continued to cheer the monster on before turning back to her green ring.
"I can't poison Cersei..." She said under her breath, hoping Olenna would forgive her in death. "But I can use this to weaken her defences..."
Somehow, Sandor managed to break free from his brother's strong grip. The elder brother dropped to his knees, rubbing his eyes angrily before setting them firmly on Sandor.
"Sandor, back away quickly towards me!" Sansa called out. She slipped her ring off her finger and pressed it into his hand once he ran over to her. "Put it on exposed skin. Have him drink it, put it on his eyes - it doesn't matter."
Sandor swallowed deeply and quickly left her side before the Mountain could even dare run to attack her and those around her.
They all watched on, Sansa stealing glances towards Cersei who watched on in wonderment and excitement as if she had decided that she'd win. That the Mountain would win.
The Lannister Queen did not notice the swords now pointed at her as the fight continued on.
"Well, look who has herself surrounded by a pack of wolves and a pride of lions?" Arya jested.
"It doesn't have to be this way if you surrender Cersei," Tyrion told his estranged sister but the glare she sent his way shook him to the core and he held his tongue.
"You are denying me my one piece of pleasure?" Cersei asked them all. "When he wins, he will kill you all."
"Is he a match for two dragons?" Daenerys asked coyly. "Two direwolves?"
Cersei began to smile to herself, turning to Daenerys. "Did you know that the bodies of your goodsister, Elia Martell and her children, Rhaenys and Aegon Targaryen are buried underneath the Iron Throne?"
Daenerys' face fell and Bran frowned. This must have been what he'd seen in his vision. The Dragon Mother screaming at the Lannister Queen in distress before she breathed fire.
The younger woman let out a heartbreaking wail, walking slowly towards the throne in mention and kneeling before it. She placed her hands on the ground, mourning the loss of Elia and Rhaenys as she knew that Aegon lived.
"You never knew that?" Cersei asked, a smile on her face.
Jaime faltered, swallowing deeply when the Starks' questioning gazes fell on him. Everything from that day was hazy for him. He couldn't remember much other than the things no one let him live down. Like him killing Daenerys' father in this very Great Hall and earning the title, Kingslayer.
"After crying so much for the throne you once wanted, I'm surprised you never did your History." Cersei laughed, ignoring the swords trained on her to walk up to Daenerys.
"Your father was a despicable person," Sansa hissed, her heart going out for the woman sobbing on the ground. "Tywin deserved to be killed on the privy, he was shit after all."
Cersei turned and glared at Sansa. "Now, you disappointed me most of all."
"I don't give a shit if I did, Cersei. But I am grateful for the mentoring," Sansa replied. "You taught me to be a player and not a pawn."
"Hmm," Cersei replied. "You would have made a great queen if you had shut your pretty little mouth up and not piss Joffrey off. The Iron Throne would have been yours because everyone knows that it takes a woman to successfully rule the Seven Kingdoms. Such waste... valuable advice wasted on a whore like you."
"Call her a whore again and see what happens, Cersei," Tyrion said, stepping in front of Sansa protectively.
Cersei laughed. "You always did prefer whores, didn't you, Tyrion?"
"Cersei..." Jon warned, taking a step towards her.
"No, let her call me a whore," Sansa said to her siblings and Tyrion. "At least I didn't sleep with my own brother."
Cersei raised her eyebrows. "Surprising you said that considering I genuinely thought I was looking at the reincarnations of Lord Stark and Catelyn Tully before me," she replied, looking between Sansa and Jon. "Thought I was going mad. They're both dead."
"I'm really glad Lady Olenna killed Joffrey," Sansa retorted and she smiled when it struck a chord in Cersei.
Again the confrontation was disturbed by the warbling sounds of someone choking from the Clegane brothers.
"Shame, it seems that your champion lost," Arya taunted, gesturing to Sandor breathing heavily over his poisoned brother's body. "It's time to die, Cersei - I'm getting sick of all of this back and forth business. Lady Daenerys, get to your feet."
The Night Wolf began to walk towards Cersei, Gendry and Brienne following protectively after her.
The Mother of Dragons listened and slowly stood up, her eyes flashing in anger as they met Cersei's worried eyes. The Lannister had lost long since ago and they weren't going to rise to her games. It was over, the game had been turned on her. No one wanted the Iron Throne, the throne which made people mad. They bent the knee North. The brutal, honourable North.
"Burn them all," Cersei suddenly cried out. "Let the wildfire eat and swallow them whole with nothing, not even their screams, left."
Everyone's faces fell when they heard her words, turning to see Qyburn run off with an excited grin on his face.
Bran gasped. Her words were from his vision. Those exact words screamed. The vision was coming true, give or take a few things altered such as the presence of the Clegane brothers, Gendry, Brienne and the Lannister brothers.
"It's over, Starks. I've won and now we get to die together," Cersei said.
"Follow him!" Jon ordered the Lannisters.
Jaime and Tyrion began to run after their sister's right-hand man, down the halls of the Red Keep.
"You'll never stop him in time," Cersei said. "We'll burn together in these beautiful green flames. You wanted to burn King's Landing down. Well, I'll start you off but only, you won't be there to witness it."
"You're truly mad," Brienne told her.
"Don't you all see, you lost the minute you stepped into this castle. Forget your dragons, they'd be killed soon too just as we wounded your dear child all that time ago, Daenerys. And your direwolves, Starks? The ones going around and eating my guards outside? Those beasts, especially the one who harmed my son will die too. We'll be swallowed by the flames because you decided to challenge a woman with nothing to lose." Cersei beamed. "It worked out perfectly really, having all Starks present for their demise. Had a few birds say I was with child, made you believe you had the upper hand on me. The pleasure I am getting from looking at all of your-"
Cersei was silenced by a dagger slicing her throat open slowly. Her eyes widened as she looked down and saw Arya smiling up at her.
"Was anyone else getting bored?" Arya asked everyone who stood behind her. " Because I was," she said, watching Cersei slump to the ground, her hands clutching her neck.
"I'm wondering how she didn't see you right front of her," Rickon replied in slight surprise at what just happened.
"She was too busy being mad," Sansa replied quietly, sharing slightly relieved looks with everyone else.
Bran was about to say something but his eyes whitened and he was transported into another place in the Red Keep.
...
The King's quarters.
He watched Cersei Lannister sob for her dark-haired child, King Robert ordering for the babe to be taken away as he held her back. Once she'd been given something to knock her unconscious, the King walked out of the quarters with Bran following after him.
They walked through endless halls, down many stairs, before finally reaching a room downstairs by the entrance. There, the King looked down at the babe who was living. Living and breathing.
"Protect him with your life," he told a man who turned around to reveal himself as Stannis Baratheon, the King's brother.
"I don't understand, brother," Stannis said. "Why do this? Why send your Crown Prince away? It makes no sense..., why?"
"Dreams, Stannis," Robert admitted gravely. "Dreams of Cersei as a child, killing another girl. Dreams of her being told of her future by a witch or fortune teller, I can't say. Dreams of Lyanna begging me to seek the truth and telling me to protect myself from something. From the lion. The wolf warned me about the lion."
Stannis rubbed his face in slight distress but he humoured his brother. "You'd send your legitimate male heir where, then?"
Robert shrugged. "I don't know. Essos? Mayhaps, even Flea Bottom, you decide! Just never let him step foot in this castle, he must live. Mayhaps, he'll reclaim his name one day but not today."
Stannis sighed. "Brother-"
"I've already hurt my marriage, Stannis," Robert snapped. "I called her Lyanna on our wedding night. Lyanna may have just warned me about the lion I've married - her father is a powerful man."
"Wouldn't it be saner to have your son, legitimate son remain? She cannot try anything-" Stannis started to say but his brother cut him off.
"She may turn his mind, make him more Lannister than Baratheon - he will be Tywin's first grandchild, a puppet for his control," Robert replied. "I cannot let my son be used as a pawn for the Lannisters."
Stannis eventually fully complied. "Very well but one day, this will blow back on you. You will come to regret this."
"Then let's hope I'm dead before I do, Stannis."
Bran frowned deeply. Robert was another man who'd taken a child from his mother's arms. This time, the man was falsely claiming the child dead. Were any men in Westeros honourable men any more?
...
He reawoke to Cersei spluttering blood, turning to look at Gendry. "She's your mother."
Silently, everyone turned to look at Bran with wide eyes, Cersei's own even widening at the revelation.
She tried, as best as she could, to look at Gendry. She let out a bloody smile when she saw that he had some Lannister features even though it was mostly Baratheon likeness. Just like Robert before he broke her heart and called her by the She-Wolf's name. His cheeks were all Lannister, high and proud as lions.
"You're lying," Gendry breathed out, looking at the woman choking on her own blood. The woman stabbed by his wife. "It isn't true."
"Quick, save her!" Brienne said, getting to her knees as she began to rip Cersei's dress skirt to press the material against the woman's wound.
"I... see.. it..." Cersei garbled. "Tywin's... cheeks," she said as Arya shook her head in disbelief, hoping it wasn't true.
"Your vision must be false, Bran. There is no way that Cersei Lannister is Gendry's mother!" Arya cried out. "There's no way...!"
Bran nodded resignedly. "My visions of the past, they're true - you know that. It makes sense, he's of the same age and Robert ordered that he be sent to Flea Bottom. He said one day, he'd reclaim his name - he has in the name of Gendry Baratheon, legitimate son of King Robert Baratheon, First of His Name and Queen Cersei Lannister, First of Her Name."
"Gendry..." Robb breathed out in disbelief, turning to face Arya in slight disapproval.
"No, don't you put this on me - you wanted her dead too," she snapped at her brother, a finger pointed his way. "Wolves don't turn on each other. Lions do."
Tentatively, Gendry knelt beside Cersei who was desperately trying to be saved by Brienne. He took her bloodied hand and wrapped his own around it.
"They... took... you..." She tried to get out. "Away... from..."
"Don't speak," Gendry told her, looking up at Arya who began to back away from the scene before her. "It will be over soon."
"Burn... with... me..." Cersei continued, placing her bloody hand on his cheek. "Yes..., you're mine."
Sansa hoped to all the gods that Jaime and Tyrion would stop the wildfire from setting alight because now, this had become all very depressing. Too depressing to witness and she was glad that Tyrion and Jaime weren't here. They still had a living nephew. A legitimate nephew born to a stag and a lion.
"Are you sure Bran?" She asked the Greenseer.
Bran nodded once again, slightly getting annoyed that everyone was questioning his vision. "The babe lived, he never died of fever. Although, I do not know what this means for the witch's vision of her future."
"What witch and what vision of hers?" Gendry asked.
"The witch who told Cersei when she was a girl that she had a vision when she'd bear only three children who will wear golden crowns, as well as golden shrouds whilst Robert, would have twenty children," Bran replied. "There is no mention of a child of dark hair born to them. Come to think of it, the witch said she would have only three children with golden crowns and shrouds, but three children out of what?"
"It must be false. You're reading too much into this, Bran," Arya said. "She isn't his mother and now we can watch her die."
Bran frowned. "But the prophecy was changed because Robert had dreams. A ghost warned him, a ghost with our Aunt Lyanna's face - the one face Cersei could never live up to."
Then it dawned on the Starks. Their Aunt Lyanna was promised to Robert Baratheon who loved her and killed Rhaegar to be with her but it was too late and she died in a bed of blood, her heart given to the Dragon Prince obsessed with his prophecy.
Lyanna's warnings must have been those made of apologies for starting the Rebellion, for having a hand in her father and brother's deaths. She had to do at least one good thing but why, for a Baratheon and not a Stark?
Did she care for him somewhat?
"You said your visions of the past were set," Sansa asked quietly.
"They are but I can't say the same of other people who can see what I see - the past, present and future," he replied. "When Cersei was a child, she was told of a future that was set - we've shown that we can change the future and Robert did. That was her present back then which is the past that I can see that's set. Her future was changed but the past still remains as such."
Robb wanted to roll his eyes but he didn't. "You're speaking cryptically. We still don't understand your Greensight abilities."
Bran did roll his eyes. "Cersei is Gendry's mother."
"So, she's my mother?" Gendry asked, looking back down at Cersei's longing eyes. But it was too late and he had to let her go. "Goodbye, Cersei."
At least she'd die knowing that she still had one breathing child. One child who was raised as an illegitimate bastard. One child who was now married to a Stark. She smiled. She'd won a small victory.
Her eyes stilled and her hand became limp in Gendry's own. Swallowing deeply, the young man stood up and turned to the Starks.
"Now, let's burn it all down," he said, his voice breaking.
They all began to leave the Great Hall, hoping that the Lannister men had managed to find Qyburn but by the sounds of screaming coming from the Black Cells, something told them that they had mere minutes or seconds to leave the castle built on blood, lies and tragedy.
"We-we couldn't stop the wildfire, we must leave!" Jaime cried out as he and Tyrion join the others.
"I'll send for my dragons," Daenerys said.
"I'll have Nymeria and Blizzard taken to safety," Arya added, trying to connect with her direwolf as her Jon lifted her up into his arms and ran.
Her eyes whitened and she could see everything happening outside the castle walls. Men, women and children were screaming, running for their lives as the Wintersguards and bannermen of all Houses led them to safety.
Above the direwolf, Rhaegal and Drogon flew and landed, allowing people to get onto their backs and into the cages tied to their tails. They began to transport the people to safety, returning with speed as they alternated.
Looking side to side, she quickly acted when a Lannister guard began to run towards a Wintersguard. She ripped the guard apart and gave Findal a nod. Even Blizzard took some out.
After fighting off a few guards sworn to Cersei, she took the direwolf and her companion to safety before she returned to her body just as her family and friends exited the castle. Jon set her down and they turned to hear screams inside.
"The rest of you, go. I'll get the children inside," Jon said.
But Rickon stopped him. "No, I'll go. I am a Wintersguard for a reason - to ensure you survive. Ser Poderick will follow me."
Pod turned to face the young Prince after putting a Lannister guard down. "I will protect him, Your Graces," he promised, sending a small smile towards Brienne who returned it.
"Get out safely, we have no time to lose," Robb told his little brother. "Everyone, to the dragons!"
As everyone ran towards Rhaegal and Drogon, Poderick and Rickon ran back inside.
The children were probably innocent handmaidens who had no idea about what was going on.
Rickon thought about the children he was going to have with Lyanna. He'd do whatever he could to protect them.
"Over here, Ser Rickon!" Pod called out, running in the direction of the sound of cries of help.
Shielding themselves from the heat bubbling from the Black Cells by fanning themselves, Pod and Rickon finally got to the children, each taking one to their side.
Rickon had no idea why the wildfire was taking ages to reach them, mayhaps because of the walls and ceilings laced with sand. It had destroyed the East Wing fairly quickly and crossed over to the West of Winterfell from what he'd heard.
He thanked all the gods he served, from the Stranger to the Old Gods that the monarchs who ruled in the Red Keep were paranoid enough to have their walls lined with sand. That didn't give them a reason to slow down though. Wildfire was unpredictable and couldn't be contained for long.
They were just about to reach the entrance when Rickon heard the sound of an old man choking. Qyburn.
"Go," Rickon told the handmaidens and Pod.
Watching the boy run off, Pod looked at the entrance and back at the children. "Go, run and do not stop until you are on a dragon," he ordered to them before they ran towards the entrance and he turned to follow after Rickon.
But it was too late.
...
"My Kings, we must leave. If my timings are correct-" Tyrion was cut off by two girls running towards Drogon, immediately being helped onto the dragon.
"Where's Rickon?" Robb asked. "Where's Rickon?!"
Brienne searched for the images of her former squire and the young boy but none appeared from the entrance.
"I'd be damned if I let Rickon die. I saved him once, I can again," Jon said, starting to get off but he was pulled back onto the dragon by Jaime.
"You'd be a fool to get yourself killed, Your Grace," the Lannister said. "I'll go."
Brienne began to protest but she didn't need to. Everyone watched as three figures, one limped against the other two, ran out.
They didn't miss the image of their bodies suddenly engulfed by green flames before the dragons flew off just as the flames spread, bringing the Red Keep down and all who once was inside it.
"What... What just happened?" Sansa breathed out, eyes wide.
"Rickon's gone," Arya croaked out.
...
The journey back to Winterfell was made in mourning. The Starks refused to converse with anyone apart from themselves - not even the Small Council could get a word in without being ignored or turned away. Everyone was scared to speak out of turn and did as they were told.
They'd lost Lewys Loveden, his sister Malina becoming the new Lady Loveden. They'd lost Ser Poderick Payne, another Kingsguard in their Wintersguard killed serving them. Many other sworn Lords and Ladies from all over the Kingdoms who had decided to join them had also perished but most of all, they'd lost Rickon. A boy who'd not see his next nameday. A boy who would not marry for love and become a father as he desperately wished for.
And they couldn't even have his remains taken back with them to be placed in their crypts along with their other deceased family. There were no remains.
They'd set up camp, deciding to leave again until two days time. Everyone was too tired to even think about riding through the days and nights for long periods of time.
It must have been the mourning that was making them slow.
Arya silently made her way through the remaining bannermen of the Stark and Loveden forces as well as the Cerwyn and Reed forces. The Dothraki and Unsullied were ordered to visit the other realms to make sure that they remained intact as Cersei after death was still unpredictable. Especially with the wildfire threats. Divide and conquer. Other bannermen sent by their relatives were also there but Arya didn't care.
She had to find the husband who refused to speak with her since she killed his true birth mother. She hadn't known and Cersei had to be stopped, they'd spoken and agreed long ago. She just regretted that she didn't have time to cut her head off and place it on a spike for all to see that the Starks prevailed and they avenged their family. She'd avenged the Red Wedding once by killing the Freys.
She opened their shared tent but he rarely spent time with her, opting to remain with his half-brother, Edric. It hurt her, she would admit. It hurt her a lot.
Even more so, now that she had her suspicions confirmed. Sansa had been weakly happy for her, preferring to bask in alcohol than a conversation. She hadn't even told her brothers yet... Gods, she wondered how they'd react after losing Rickon not too long ago.
Taking a deep breath in, she came face to face with her stag husband, his eyes saying it all.
"Gendry, we really need to talk."
In the King's tent, Daenerys entered it without requesting for entrance. Missandei followed behind and joined her dear friend in requesting a conversation with the Kings.
"Your Graces, this is where we leave you for Dragonstone," Dany said. "I will return for your coronation and to also collect my nieces but I must return to my home. It's been far too long."
"You are dismissed, Lady Daenerys, Lady Missandei," Robb replied shortly, pouring himself a goblet of wine. It wasn't even the good stuff.
His eyes flickered over to Jon who just sat and stared at the wolf figurines on the table, showing them where each Stark either by birth or marriage currently was. There was one placed on King's Landing, showing that the boy they called Little Wolf was lost to the remnants of the bloody city.
"I'm so sorry for your loss, Your Graces," Missandei said, her eyes watering. "He was too pure for this world."
Robb cleared his throat. "Thank you." He sighed, waving them off.
Getting the message, Daenerys sent one last sorrowful look towards the brothers before leaving with Missandei following her.
"Ned sent a raven - he too will leave after..." Jon trailed off. "Why didn't he listen? He should have stayed at Bear Island-"
"He's dead, Jon. We can't go back and it's impossible to," Robb replied. "Well, that's one son of Eddard Stark who won't have the pleasure to come back to life because there is no physical body to come back to."
"Why do you jest-"
"I don't. I'm just as hurt as you are but Jon, he made his decision and... he wanted to prove himself," Robb choked out.
Jon pulled a face which resembled a mix of confusion, mortification and disbelief.
"Prove himself?! He was barely thirteen!"
"I know," Robb sobbed. "We failed and we didn't stop him but he was a Stark - stubborn and strong and I am proud of him."
Jon stood up. "Pride is not how I feel right now. He was stupid to get himself killed-"
"To protect the lives of others-"
"He should have stayed at Bear Island," Jon whispered. "He should have stayed."
Back with Arya and Gendry, the Assassin Princess sat down on the bed and studied her husband's eyes.
"There is nothing to talk about, Arya," Gendry said with a sigh. "You killed my mother and you didn't even apologise-"
"Apologise for killing the woman who destroyed my family?" Arya snapped. "We didn't even know until after I'd slit her throat so why do you stand there condemning me for my sins when they were justified? You better find a way to forgive me or-"
"Or what?" Gendry yelled. "You'd slit my throat as well?"
Tears sprung to Arya's eyes. She couldn't believe he was using who she was against her. She was an assassin, she couldn't help it.
"Or..." She shakily said. "You won't see your child," she mumbled.
Gendry frowned deeply. "What child?"
"I'm with child, Gendry. I'm surprised you haven't noticed," Arya said, pressing a hand against her stomach. "I believe three moonturns, mayhaps four by now?"
The man took a shaky breath, heading over to the table to pour himself a much-needed goblet full of wine.
He wasn't ready, he wasn't ready to be a father. His own father abandoned him, sent him away to prevent some prophecy even though he was the legitimate Baratheon Prince. The heir to the destroyed Iron Throne.
"Seven Hells!" Gendry cried out. "First the woman you call the Mad Queen and Lannister Bitch is my mother and now... you're with child?!"
"Gendry-"
"No, this all is a dream," he breathed out, closing his eyes. "None of this is real. I... I just want to go back to a time when everything was simpler. No crowns, no titles, no mother or father..."
Arya's heart broke and she asked him, "No me? Or our babe? If so then, I'll leave and we will have our marriage..." She couldn't find it in herself to say the word. Broken.
She stood up, staring into his sorrow-filled eyes in slight disbelief and hope. Hope that he'd say he was mad for saying what he just did or thought.
"What hurts is that you've not even acknowledged my little brother's death nor our future babe," she struggled to get out. "I'll sleep in Sansa's tent."
As she walked away, she heard him call for her but no, the damage was done and she didn't know if they could ever recover from this.
She killed his mother. He killed her heart.
In the tent next to the Baratheon couple, Meera comforted Bran in her arms, placing soft kisses upon his head.
"I could have warned him. I swore to protect him when we were children and I failed, Meera. My little brother's dead because I didn't have a vision which could have saved his life!" Bran sobbed.
"I know, but it isn't your fault. Please, don't blame yourself because Rickon acted on his own," she replied, tears slipping down her cheeks.
Bran untangled his body from her arms and turned to look at her on the bed. He shook his head and sighed when Blizzard leapt onto the bed to join them. He placed a weak hand on her head and petted it.
"Rickon wanted to prove himself, Meera. When Theon betrayed us and claimed Winterfell, we hid with Osha and Hodor. Rickon promised to protect me because I was a cripple but no, that was my job to protect him because he was my little brother. I've upset the souls of my mother and father because I didn't get a vision which could have had him remain by our sides."
"But you did," Meera interjected softly. "When you saw you and your siblings burn in green flames - it happened but only to Rickon."
Bran was stunned. "Then I could have prevented it!"
"Bran-"
"He's gone and it's all my fault," Bran cried, tears running down his cheeks. "It's all my fault..."
In Sansa's tent, the young woman barely glanced up when she heard someone enter her tent.
"Fuck off," she slurred but the goblet was taken from her hands. Frowning, she looked up to see Arya drinking it whole. "What are you doing?! That was mine."
Slamming the empty goblet on the table, her sister said, "He doesn't care. I will raise this babe on my own, you did so with Little Cat."
"It's not easy," Sansa groaned. "That child gives me grief but I love her with all my broken heart," she sobbed. "Oh, Rickon...! I'll never kiss his hair or pet his cheek again."
Arya scoffed. "Yes, you will never play mother to him," she snapped. "He was a man and he made his choice."
"He was good with the children, he loved them," Sansa continued. "He didn't deserve to die. Cersei won-"
"Don't you fucking dare!" Arya screamed at her sister, gripping the older woman by her shoulders. "She won nothing. We did! She does not get to ruin us after death. You all... you all wallow in your grief but you don't understand - Rickon made his choice. Cersei's dead and now we must move on because the Winter Throne must prevail."
Sansa looked up through bloodshot eyes. "Why don't you care?"
"Because we've loved and we've lost. Robb died, Jon died, Bran also died, Mother died and Father died. Yes, we were allowed our brothers back but we can't be given a chance every time. The gods won't favour a Stark all the time," Arya replied. "They flip a coin - we were lucky the first few times but now, our luck sours and we must reap the consequences. A wolf is not always lucky, sister."
"You didn't answer my question," Sansa breathed out.
Arya nodded. "I do care," she whispered. "And it hurts that we don't have his remains to bury with the rest of our late family members..." She began to cry. "Right now, we must go home and be a family again."
"Until the next enemy..."
Arya nodded once again. "Yes, when we will kill them again before they kill one of us again. Great plans don't always go to plan. We've learnt with Winterfell burning to green flames and what happened with Rickon. Nothing ever goes well for a lone wolf but the pack-"
"Survives," Sansa numbly said. "We survive."
...
At Winterfell, the Queens - as Talisa had returned with the babes a while ago with the Mormonts - waited with the Heads of the many Houses who'd arrived to see the Winter Reign begin. The Tullys and Lord Robin Arryn were there with Yohn Royce with the young maternal cousin of the Starks.
"You're still beautiful and Jon would think so too," Talisa said under her breath to her goodsister.
Ygritte blinked. "Shouldn't you be resting, it's any day now," the Wildling replied.
"I will greet my husband, first," the Volantian Queen said, reaching down to stroke Grey Wind's fur.
The Wildling Queen looked down by her other side and smiled at the sight of Ghost beside her. He had recovered quickly and she was relieved.
Waiting beside the Queens were Ser Davos, Ned and Tormund behind them. They were ready for the Kings to arrive so they could move on to the next thing. The official start of the Winter Throne and their lives.
For Ned, it was saying goodbye. After the coronation, he made the decision to return to Dorne - the Kingdom needed its leader back. He had loose ends to tie up, asking the girl he wanted to be with if she'd accept a courtship and have one last moment with his second cousin before he left.
For Davos, it was reuniting with Marya and their sons. It would take a while until the Dreadfort was destroyed and Sea Storm built so his family would join him in the Tower of the Hand in the least-damaged parts of the West Wing. Devan would become a squire and the younger boys, Marc and Stannis would be fostered either at Winterfell or Dorne with Ned.
The gates finally opened and he gave Ygritte a comforting smile before turning back to the first direwolf making its way inside.
"Stay, Ghost," Ygritte whispered as Talisa told Grey Wind to do the same. Both direwolves panting in excitement.
Nymeria ran inside, heading straight towards her brothers. She was relieved to see them after all this time, licking at Ghost's would which the white direwolf reacted by pushing her off slightly. He didn't need to be babied by his sister.
Blizzard was the next to come through, taking to remaining by Bran's side as he entered on his horse. Until he told her that she could greet her kind, she stayed and led him inside.
The next horse was Sansa's and she looked worse for wear. Both Queens narrowed their eyes at the sight of her but kept silent, watching the Princesses enter.
"Do you see what I see?" Talisa asked Ygritte, their eyes falling on Arya.
"Someone got lucky," Ygritte said under her breath, her eyes brightening when they landed on her husband.
Jon and Robb entered through the gates, uncertainty on their faces. They immediately turned to see the damage done to the castle that was visible from where they were but Ygritte was relieved that they'd got far in repairing and rebuilding.
The direwolves beside the Queens left their sides, on full speed towards their masters who got off their horses to greet them just as enthusiastically.
"We were missed," Robb said to his brother, leaning his head against Grey Wind's head. He then kissed the direwolf's head.
"Not just by our direwolves," Jon noted, relieved to see his beloved beast alive and well. He looked up to see his veiled wife and their goodsister.
Jon noticed that Ghost walked with a slight limp but when he ran, it was almost unnoticeable. That's how strong the beast was.
"We better join our wives before they believe we love our direwolves more than them," Robb replied, standing up.
"Don't we?" Jon teased lightly.
Talisa was the first to step out of the line to greet Robb with a quick kiss, greeting Jon and the remaining Stark siblings with hugs. Getting to Arya, she squeezed the young woman's hands.
"Do you wish to speak?" She asked under her breath. "We can be discreet."
"Thank you, Talisa. I'm fine," Arya replied. "It's a relief to see you but I must go and handle Sansa."
Nodding, Talisa watched Arya take her unsteady sister from Bran, with Mya's help, and lead her inside.
Ygritte pursed her lips at the scene, deciding to speak with the sisters later but right now, being in Jon's arms was all she could think about.
"I'm sorry about the Little Lord," she said. "Do not ask me about the veil."
"I want nothing more than to sleep," Jon said, disregarding everything she'd said, knowing she'd be thankful he didn't ask about the veil and Rickon... he was a sore subject. "Join me?"
She nodded. "Of course, my King."
Come nightfall, Talisa let herself into Sansa's chambers where she knew that both sisters would be. She knew they were grieving, she grieved with them.
"Talisa," Arya said, upon noticing that she and Sansa were no longer alone. "Sit."
Sansa's eyes fell on the pregnant Queen's bump. "Any day now, my Queen."
"Yes," Talisa said. "Sadly, the excitement is not quite present. When will you hold a vigil for Prince Rickon?"
"Oh, Gods," Sansa muttered, pouring herself a drink but it was snatched away from her by Arya.
The younger woman sent her sister a scowl. "Has Lord Tyrion been teaching you how to drink your sorrows down?"
"I know you mourn but your daughter asks for her mother," Talisa said softly, sending Arya a warning look. "Would you let your child be without a mother?"
Sansa sighed. "Long ago, I believed that Rickon was already dead. I'd cried for him then. Then, when I learnt he was alive but was in Ramsay's clutches, I had lost all hope because Ramsay was a sick bastard. I was ready to believe that we'd already lost Rickon but we didn't. Jon saved him but now... he can't be saved. And we've lost him all over again. He's truly gone for good. Why did we let ourselves be settled in the calm before the storm?"
"You must be strong, Sansa," Talisa told her firmly, taking her hand. "There are still five of you left. Make it all count. Don't let his sacrifice be in vain."
"The coronation takes place in a moonturn," Arya began. "You will give birth any day and the twins will turn one before then - we must be strong. We have to move on."
...
The next morn, Ygritte arose from her sleep, turning to see Jon still asleep. She frowned because she knew she was going to have to wake him up to sort out the issue with his mother.
"Jon?" She called out, shaking his arm.
His eyes slowly opened, landing on her with a sad smile. "Best sleep I've had in ages."
"Because it's not in a field full of shit?" She asked lightly.
"Exactly," he replied. "But because I'm back with you."
She kissed his lips, leaning her head against his after. "There's something I have to tell you."
"What is it?" Jon asked, sitting up. He watched as she began to trace circles over the scars on his chest, halting her actions to kiss her hand. "Tell me."
"When you were away, we found a few spies and dealt with them all except one," she said. "Before I tell you who, I need you to promise me you won't march down there so soon. You'll need to think hard about this first."
Jon was becoming slightly alarmed but he promised her. "Fine. Tell me."
"Septa Lemore - only, she isn't truly a septa nor is she called Lemore. Jon, she is your mother Ashara."
The world began to spin and he felt breathless and faint. He searched his wife's eyes for any trace that this was all false but they held remorse and honesty.
"Where is she?" He asked quietly.
"She was in a cell but before you returned, I had her moved to her chambers to prevent questions. She is guarded by Tormund and we treat her well. Ned and I put her on trial and she confessed, Jon," Ygritte replied, bringing him to her chest. "I'm sorry."
"Take me to her," he said, pulling away from her. "And fetch Ned."
"Of course, your Grace." Ygritte nodded. "Get dressed, we will see the babes first and then we can see her."
"I don't want to waste any time," he replied, getting out of their bed to get dressed. "I... I need to know everything and why. Better yet, fetch my siblings too."
Ygritte raised an eyebrow. "Am I your wife or fetching girl?"
"You're my everything, of course," Jon said, leaning down to kiss her but she pulled away, making him sigh. "I will make it up to you."
"You never do," she snapped, getting out of bed herself. "I will fetch all that you request upon me to call but that will be the last time you treat me like a servant."
"Ygritte-"
"No," she cut him off. "I know Rickon was important to all of you but everything seems to be all about you Starks. We all answer to your biddings and we do not get thanked. I tried to protect your home, I'm sorry that you returned to see half of it burnt to ashes but I am one woman. I am not made for this life, I'm a Wildling. I wish that I could return beyond the Wall like the others - I'm no queen."
Jon didn't dare answer her, she was upset and clearly in distress and he was tired. Gods, he was tired. So tired, he could sleep and pretend that the last year never happened.
Silently, they both got dressed and left their chambers to see Robb step out of his. He regarded them carefully, sensing the tension.
"Breaking fast, yet?" He asked. "I've convinced Talisa to remain in bed - she must not stress herself any more than needs be so if you'd both join a lonely husband to eat-"
"My mother was imprisoned," Jon cut him off.
Robb was taken back, shocked and confused. "M-Mother? She's dead. We saw her die in the sea. Gone."
"Apparently not," his half-brother replied. "Septa Lemore - a woman who is truly Ashara Dayne."
Realisation dawned in Robb's eyes as he realised that the woman spoke rather cryptically to them. About either brother or their father and she seemed to have an underlying despisement for Eddard Stark which seemed to be questionable.
"Ned knows," Ygritte explained. "We both questioned her and put her on trial. We didn't want you to know until you returned. Jon wishes to see her now."
"Have her sent to the Great Hall," he told his goodsister, receiving a deathly glare which she also gave to her husband. "We will get to the bottom of this. This is probably false."
"It's true," Ygritte snapped. "She admitted it. Now, let me go and get all the bloody people of the North for you before I lose my temper," she said, walking away
Robb turned to his brother. "She's a wild one."
"Hmm," Jon replied. "She is, indeed."
...
Ygritte didn't get all the bloody people of the North but she did get Ned, Davos and the Stark siblings, having Tormund to walk Ashara to stand in front of them.
The Hand of the Kings stood by Bran behind the Head Table with Ned sitting beside Jon.
"Before anyone says something, I have to confess," Bran began. "I knew."
He flinched when he saw Jon's hurt eyes turn to him, sighing before looking back at the woman. Bran glanced down - he should have told him. It wasn't his place to but he should have made it so.
"I have no words..." Jon mumbled.
Ashara swallowed deeply, bringing a shaky hand to her mouth in shock and despair. She could see the betrayal in her son's eyes. She knew he had many questions but he dare not speak them. She didn't have all the answers anyway.
"Do you want to tell him your sins or shall I?" Ned asked, snarkiness directed at her. "Cousin Ashara? You must have longed for the day you'd be reunited with us but now there is no going back."
"What did she say?" Jon finally asked. "You said she was a spy."
"I caught her conspiring with a Lannister spy," Ygritte called out, startling him. He had forgotten that she was even there, leaning her back against the wall by the doors. "She had plans for your father's legitimate children to be killed. That you and Ned would remain alive. She made a deal."
Ned nodded. "She wanted to spite your dead father. Make a man suffer even though he was dead and buried. She couldn't hurt him so she thought she could hurt the children who stole him and his son from her in her eyes."
"Jealousy," Sansa said quietly, everyone's eyes falling on her. Her eyes remained looking at her folded hands as she shook her head. "Jealousy makes people do mad things. Love makes people do mad things. A woman who had everything taken from her... sold her soul to take back what she lost. Family."
"Well, it doesn't matter since she betrayed Jon," Ned announced. "Didn't you, cousin? Condemned the Winter Throne, your son and his half-brother. Have Euron Greyjoy's men know exactly where their babes sleep so they could set wildfire on them. You'd have your own grandchildren and their cousins killed to fill your broken heart."
The Starks were horrified at the thought of any child being taken to death by the green flames. It further set their minds on a suitable punishment. Well, Robb at least as Jon was still taking it all in.
"You sick monster," Arya breathed out, her hands pressing against her womb where her unborn child was in. "Your reasons are not justified to be a kinslayer."
"Do what you please with me," Ashara breathed out. "I've accepted my fate since the day Ned took you from me," she told Jon.
"I... I can't decide now. This is all happening very quickly," Jon said. "I don't know what to say or what to do."
"Kill her, cut her head off, burn her..." Arya listed. "She does not deserve to breathe."
Rob turned to Jon. "I will agree with you, no matter what. Do what you think is right."
"She must remain imprisoned in her chambers. She... She's still my mother and I have questions that need to be answered," Jon replied.
"Seven Hells," Arya muttered. "Jon, she literally confessed to wanting you and your children dead. You are going to let her live?"
"Cousin Jon!" Ned breathed out, also surprised at his decision.
Bran nodded. "I agree. Jon, I don't want you to regret this and you should listen especially if I agree with killing someone. I know Cersei is dead but we still have enemies we don't know of yet. As we know, spies are everywhere, some may work for the unknown. We can't take any chances."
"We can't take any chances," Arya repeated her younger brother's words, silently thanking her younger brother for the vote of confidence. "If you're unsure, have someone else do it - me. I can do it."
"My decision is final," Jon told his younger siblings and cousin. "She lives and should any of you touch her..."
Arya scowled as Bran and Ned shook their heads. They strongly agreed and they knew that it would probably bite them in the arses. But alas, they remained silent.
"Take her to her chambers. Have it guarded at all times," Jon told Tormund. "That's all."
Tormund sighed heavily but gestured for Ashara to walk, Ygritte glaring at the woman when she went by her. If she was a wolf, she would have bitten her head off by now. Ashara was lucky Ygritte didn't know how to warg.
"You're making a mistake," Sansa spoke up, drawing a circle on the table. She seemed to agree with their younger siblings and Ned. "But I understand where you're coming from more than the rest of us. You have unanswered questions, you need them before you can truly let her go. Just don't be a fool and open your heart for her - she'd toy with it. Women like her do." She stood up. "If we're done here, may I be excused?"
"To drink?" Arya snarkily asked.
"You may," Robb said, sending a warning glance towards Arya. Once Sansa had left, he turned back to the younger woman. "I'll have the guards clean her room of any wine or ale. And are we all in agreement that we will hold a vigil for..." He took a sharp breath. "Rickon this night with Lady Mormont?"
"I'd forgotten about her," Bran said with a sad sigh. "How does she fare?"
Robb shrugged. "Lady Mormont puts on a strong face. We agreed for them to be wedded when they were of age."
"Hmm, she must feel terrible. I'll see you all this night then," Arya said, getting up. But before she could go, a hand stopped her.
Robb looked up at her. "It's obvious," he said, glancing at her stomach. "Very much so. I'm sorry Gendry does not wish to speak with you. If you need anything..."
"We're here," Jon finished Robb's unspoken words. "Congratulations."
Arya felt her throat close up and she gave them all a quick nod, leaving as quickly as she could. If it wasn't for Sarella and Elia bumping into her, her tears would have fallen.
"Watch where you're going," she snapped.
"My Princess, we're sorry," Elia said, blushing furiously as she bowed her head.
Sarella was the more confident sister and she said, "We're sorry about your brother. Prince Rickon was a good man. He was valiant."
"Don't speak about my brother," Arya growled. "Don't even whisper his name."
"My Princess," Elia began to say but Arya cut her off.
"He was a boy!" Arya cried out. "And I'll never see him again," she sobbed. "Now, my husband won't even dare speak to me because I killed the mother he never even knew. We were so happy... Everything was finally good again..." Gods, she cursed the emotions her pregnancy was causing her.
Elia and Sarella shared nervous glances. The younger sister took Arya's left side as Sarella took the Princess' right. Gently, they began to walk her to her chambers.
"You're not alone, Princess Arya," Elia said softly. "Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on."
"Even assassins," Sarella said lightly.
...
Jon knocked on the door and waited patiently until he was granted access. He would never intrude on someone's privacy. King or not.
"Come in," the male voice called out.
Entering the chambers, Jon wasn't surprised to see empty goblets of wine on the table. He wasn't surprised to see the chambers' temporary owner's clothes in disarray too.
"Gendry, we need to talk," Jon said.
Gendry looked up. "Word reaches everywhere really quickly, Your Grace. You were reunited with your birth mother as well. She is also a horrible person."
"Aye but I'm not here for me or even you. I'm here for my sister. My sister, Arya, who has your babe growing inside her," Jon replied. "You can't blame her for something long since agreed on. Cersei was always going to die regardless of what truths were said. I regret that we didn't find out before Arya cut her throat. Mayhaps, you would have changed her - have the chance to know her beneath the madness. She loved you."
"How do you know that?" Gendry asked, sipping his wine.
Jon smiled sadly. "I'm a parent. I can see when another parent loves their child. Just like I know you would love yours. You love Arya and who she is, there is no question about that. Do not blame her. Don't blame her for Cersei's sins. Cersei made her peace, now make yours with Arya."
"Look at us," Gendry croaked out. "The Bastard of Winterfell and the Bastard of Flea Bottom who became the King in the North and the Prince of the Iron Throne. The gods we served fucked us. Gave us mothers who'd rather have blood drawn than peace. We both could have lived very different lives."
Jon nodded. "Aye, we could have. I could have been raised in Dorne and you, the eldest heir and Crown Prince to the Iron Throne but, you know what? I would never want anything to be different."
A knock on the door drew their attention towards it and Ned popped his head into the chambers, giving the men a sad smile.
"Heard wine was on offer," the blonde said. "So, I thought you'd want something that actually tastes decent."
Slipping into the room, he revealed a bottle of Dornish Wine. The other men wondered how many bottles that man had and how they hadn't run out ages ago.
They didn't complain when Ned poured them goblets full.
"I'm in love," Ned confessed, sitting down.
"Is that so?" Gendry asked, intrigued.
Ned smirked, nodding as he turned to face Gendry. "I'm in love with your sister."
Gendry almost spat his wine out as he turned to the blonde man in shock. Even Jon seemed to be surprised but he was more amused than angry.
"You mean, Mya? As in my sister, Mya? Mya Stone?" Gendry asked.
"Yes, and I've come to ask you both for her hand in marriage. We have a future. Birth, funerals... well, I decided a wedding was in order to lift our spirits. If we were to marry, she would be able to visit you and your brother more frequently from Dorne. It's a plausible choice," Ned replied.
Jon turned to Gendry. "Well?"
"I want her to be happy and if that is with you, then I accept," Gendry said.
"Then I bless the marriage too." Jon smiled. "I hope she accepts when you ask her."
"Me too," Ned beamed. "She deserves the best and I want to give that to her."
"Well, we should start moving on. The time for grieving will end tomorrow and the time to rebuild and lead will begin," Jon said.
Ned grinned. "I'll drink to that."
...
Meera and Bran sat down before the Weirwood Tree, their hands gripped tightly together as they finished praying.
It had been a long year for all of them and all they could wish for is peace.
Opening their eyes, they shared sad smiles, kissing each other softly before standing up.
"My father wishes to give Greywater Watch to me now so he can become a Wintersguard," she confessed. "We argued but he is intent on serving your brothers - says it's his duty and promise to your father. If I didn't know, I would have believed he had Greensight too."
"Same here, but he hasn't got it. Mayhaps, vivid dreams. Anyway, we have suffered losses, great ones," Bran agreed. "I don't believe my brothers would mind the request."
Meera nodded. "My father is a fighter. He was never one to just sit around idly and watch others work. Where does that leave us?"
"We will marry, unite Moat Cailin and your castle then spend our remaining days at Greywater Watch," Bran replied. "We will have children and tell them about their lost uncles, Jojen and Rickon. We will find happiness."
"I want nothing more than that, my love," she said, kissing him. "Jojen and Rickon will never be forgotten."
Bran sighed sadly. "Speaking of my little brother, I must see how Lady Lyanna fares. She's taken to wearing black."
"Express my condolences," Meera told him. "To her, to your siblings and the rest of your family."
"I will. Thank you," Bran said, kissing her. "Thank you for being with me, for supporting me."
"What are true loves for?" Meera replied, smiling.
...
Jon met his wife in their children's chambers. He couldn't believe how much they'd grown since he last saw them. In two weeks, they'd have their first nameday.
He couldn't believe they would be one very soon. He was very excited to see them turn one. His beautiful children.
"Ygritte?" He called his wife, going over to stand behind her as she watched their children sleep.
"I want to go home," she said quietly. "Back beyond the Wall or what's left of it, Jon."
Jon knew that this was coming. Half of their people were wary of her, the other half held her in high regard. They had witnessed her fight beside the Kings against the White Walkers and Battle of the Bastards but that didn't take away the fact that she was a Free Folk.
The same Free Folk who were banished from civilisation many years ago. Some people didn't even like that Tormund and Warwick were allowed to be in the Wintersguard but as the people in the North did, they held their tongues. The people in the South weren't as forgiving.
"Don't leave me, Ygritte..." Jon sighed. "We've just started the rest of our lives."
Turning to face him, she shook her head. "Come with me and we will take the children. Just for a while - before the coronation. I want to be me again."
"I can't," he whispered. "As much as I want to leave it all and be with you, I can't."
"I don't want to resent you as time goes on, Jon," Ygritte said, her voice breaking. "I will go, with or without you. Just know that I'm not asking you to choose-"
"Like you did all those years ago with the Night's Watch and you?" Jon asked her. "It seems very much like you asking me to choose again. Even for a moonturn because a moonturn will turn into two and then two will turn into forever. I won't hold you against your will, I love you. You know that."
"Is that why you chose the Crows over me all those years ago? Because you loved me?" Ygritte asked him.
Jon recoiled in hurt. "That is the past, Ygritte. You can't use that against me. We're here now, together and I love you."
Tears slipped down Ygritte's cheeks and she finally nodded, replying, "We will leave in two days and I will return and stand by your side as you are crowned King of the Winter Throne with Robb but our marriage will never be the same. I hate to be selfish but you never put me first, nor our babes," she said, smiling sadly. "I don't care that you don't but it hurts because you're the King and what you say goes. Winterfell will never be my home but I will play my duty as your wife."
"No, I don't want you to pretend you're happy when you are clearly not!" Jon cried out, pulling her to his chest. "I always thought you'd be happy if we were together but this is more than that. As well as love, you need somewhere that you feel safe in. You don't feel safe here."
"Not even with all these guards outside," she admitted. "It's not that I don't feel safe, I don't feel... It's not my home. I walk around these halls and I feel like I can't breathe. Beyond the Wall, I was free. Here, I'm caged in..."
"Ygritte, please..."
"I'm taking the babes with me, we'll leave in two days," she said breathlessly, tears running down her cheeks. "I can't do this any more."
...
The Lady of Bear Island stalked through the paths of the Peace Garden, Jorah following her protectively.
She wore black, her eyes were red with tears. Her temper was even more volatile than usual with even one steely glare and no words said. Her heart had been taken and now, there was no way of ever getting it back.
She would never love anyone else as much as she loved Prince Rickon Stark or Ser Rickon Stark as he very much so wanted to be.
"We were going to have Peace Gardens built at Bear Island," she mumbled under her breath. "With beautiful ponds, by some lakes and mayhaps, the sea..."
"A beautiful vision, my Lady," Jorah replied.
Suddenly, she halted. "Since my engagement has taken a turn for the worse, I will offer your services to our Kings, cousin," she said to Jorah. "I'll request that you become a member of the Wintersguard - your days are numbered if you sit around doing nothing all day with me at Bear Island. You deserve somewhat of a life."
"No, cousin. I should remain by your side. I can't leave you while you grieve," Jorah replied.
Lyanna shook her head dismissively. "A Southern House, the remaining son is of my age - it won't be the same as being married to someone you love but I need a suitor now that..." She trailed off, her eyes watering. "Lord Jaspyr Loveden, we will speak with him and the Kings soon. Speaking of the Kings, they invited me to hold vigil with them and their siblings for Rickon."
"Will you go?" Jorah asked her.
She nodded. "Yes, of course. I loved him. Some may say that we were too young but we both saw something in each other that I can't put into words. He wanted many children and I was excited that our future would be fruitful and happy. I can't lose any more people!" She sobbed. "My father, my mother, Uncle..."
"Oh, Lyanna..." Jorah cooed, bringing her to his chest tightly. "I'm not going. This is why I don't want to join the Wintersguard."
"But you'll be great there," his little cousin said, her words muffled by his chest.
He laughed, almost bellowing. "I know, I would be. I could probably put down the men and woman remaining easily! But if you hurt, my heart is at our home - Bear Island. We are the last bears, we stick together."
"Promise me?" Lyanna looked up. She sounded and looked so much like the child she was. Years of her heart and soul hardening to bear the title of Lady Mormont of Bear Island was broken down, to a scared, grieving child.
"I promise, Lyanna. Gods, I promise you." Jorah kissed her head.
...
The present members of the Small Council rose as Robb and Jon entered before taking their seats when the Kings sat down. It was a difficult meeting, one they wished not to have but they'd lost good men and women.
Howland Reed and Jaime Lannister were led in by Tormund who wished them somewhat of a friendly 'good luck' before giving the Kings a firm nod and leaving.
Arya wondered what that meant and she could see that Bran wondered too as he had stepped in on behalf of Sansa. Their sister had refused to attend upon learning her brothers cleared her room of the only thing mending her grieving heart. She had decided to spend time with Little Cat and Talisa instead. Not that spending time with her daughter was less important than the alcohol comforting her.
"First, I'd like to express my sincere condolences to Princess Yara over Theon's death personally," Robb said.
Jon nodded. "I heard he died protecting my wife. I'm so sorry."
Yara remained silent, tears springing to her eyes but she sent them a grateful smile. She barely got the chance to know her brother but she was glad he had the Starks as foster siblings.
"As you know," Jon shakily said. "With Theon's death, his position was left unfilled but we had Princess Yara take on that position as our new Mistress of Ships and Lady Commander of the Iron fleet."
No one could be bothered to celebrate but they sent polite and congratulations over to the woman. Again, she remained silent, replying with thankful nods and smiles.
"Next order of business," Robb continued. "We lost two good men of the Wintersguard, Ser Poderick Payne and Ser Warrick Danehood. Their lives will never be forgotten and may they rest in peace. In their place, Jon and I have appointed Ser Jaime Lannister..."
Brienne looked up in shock, her eyes falling onto Jaime who gave her a small smile before the smile disappeared. She couldn't believe they trusted him enough after all the threats Arya told him. Even Arya was surprised but she kept silent.
"And Lord Howland Reed of Greywater Watch," Robb finished. "Lord Reed denounces his title as Lord of Greywater Watch and his daughter, Lady Meera Reed is the new Lady of Greywater Watch."
"Your Graces," Brienne began. "Before you carry on, I wish to step down as Lady Commander."
"What? Why?" Jon asked, sharing an alarmed glance with Robb.
Brienne smiled sadly. "I'm afraid, I won't be able to get over Prince Rickon's death so easily. I taught him many things and I blame myself that he chose to return into the Red Keep."
"Don't be absurd," Tyrion said. "You can't blame yourself. Forgive me for speaking out but you cannot. Prince Rickon was but a man and a Knight of the Wintersguard. He made his decision, sister."
Brienne was touched by Tyrion's words but she couldn't help but feel guilty for inspiring the boy so much. The Kings had said so, the boy learnt his strength from her.
"Brienne, you can't step down. You set an example for many girls and women in the world," Jaime told her, a proud smile on his face. "Even for the boys and men just like Prince Rickon. Continue in his honour."
"Lord Tyrion and Ser Jaime have valid points," Jon told her. "We'd love it if you'd remained as Lady Commander."
She shook her head. "I can't, I sincerely apologise. Especially as one day, I will inherit my father's lands and marry Ser Jaime. It is better if I quit while I am ahead."
"If it is your final say then, of course. We won't force you to remain as Lady Commander," Robb replied. "In that case, we require a new person to fill that position - Lord Reed?"
Howland turned to the Kings before him, a small smile on his face. "It would be my honour to become Lord Commander of the Wintersguard, Your Graces. You both remind me so much of your father who I fought beside all those years ago. It truly is an honour to serve his sons who want nothing more than a better place for all to live in."
"Thank you, Lord Reed," Jon said. "Now, the final order of business. A long time ago, Robb and I found two Thrones of Winter and Winter Crowns made by our ancestor, the King Who Knelt, Torrhen Stark and his wife, Lydia Stark. To begin the reign of the Winter Throne, the Thrones of Winter will replace the Valyrian Iron Throne forever more."
"Well, I'll be shocked," Tyrion said, wide-eyed. "You can't have Winter Kings without the fitting thrones, can you?"
"No," Arya replied. "Now, what about the first ever tourney we will host? Don't think because I am with child, I've forgotten about the tournies. Everyone from the South, East, West and North are here so it is the perfect time to show everyone that even though we've lost a wolf, we still survive."
"She's right," Robb admitted. "We must let everyone know that we are still strong and formidable. We're united and the time for a better dynasty starts now."
...
By night, the remaining five Stark siblings and Lyanna Mormont entered the crypts, Tormund and Ackerly standing vigilantly outside.
"It's scary here," Lyanna said quietly as Robb and Jon grabbed torches and led everyone past the many Stark ancestors. Her eyes watered when her hand connected with the figurine inside her pocket that Rickon had given to her, promising to retrieve it when he returned.
"She's scary, like me," she had jested to her future betrothed.
His eyes as blue as the sea and sky inspected the craftsmanship of the figurine before they laid on her. "Scary Bear... I like it. But you don't scare me."
His words will forever ring in her ears, she will never wear anything other than the black clothes which reflected on her broken heart.
She should have begged him not to go but his loyalty to his brothers proved too great. A boy who grew up admiring his older brothers had a chance to prove his worth to them but at the cost of his life.
"It's not scary to us," Arya said softly, drawing the young girl from her thoughts. "It's family."
Lyanna nodded, continuing to walk beside the Stark Princesses behind Bran, Jon and Robb. She felt uncomfortable but she was glad to be a part of the making of their brother's shrine.
"Do you wish to say a prayer?" Sansa asked the young Lady. "It doesn't have to be long, any length is fine."
"No, thank you," Lyanna replied. "I'd leave that to the Kings."
They finally got to the place they would dedicate for Rickon, the place Bran was once buried. Right beside Benjen Stark, the Lone Wolf's remains.
Taking a moment to take it all in that Rickon was gone, the Starks and Lyanna stood in silence.
Nothing will ever be the same again.
It must have been hours that they all remained in the crypts, wondering where it all went wrong, as when they finally left, it was early in the morn.
"King Robb?" Mya called out, running towards them. "Your Grace, Queen Talisa is giving birth!"
Notes for this chapter:
(1) Rickon joins his siblings and they confront Cersei with truths revealed and many repercussions.
(2) The siblings react differently to recent events as Arya and Gendry confront each other, the revelation of Arya's pregnancy being found out. Leading to Arya's marriage to Gendry being threatened.
(3) The family return to Winterfell but the emotions from recent events hit each member of the family.
(4) Jon finds out about Ashara and he and Robb listen to Ygritte and Ned about the woman's misdoings. Jon then decides to let his mother live as he needs answers for his questions much to the disapproval of Ned, Arya, Bran and Sansa.
(5) Jon and Ygritte's marriage is strained and she makes the decision to leave him shortly before she grows to resent him.
(6) Ned's secret woman is revealed to be Mya Stone.
(7) Jaime Lannister and Howland Reed are the new Knights of the Wintersguard with Brienne Tarth stepping down as Lady Commander. Lord Reed is the new Lord Commander of the Wintersguard.
(8) A funeral is held privately for Rickon with a brokenhearted Lyanna Mormont present. After, Robb gets a surprise when he learns that Talisa is in labour.
