Chapter 45: A matter of timing

Summary:
Varys and Oberyn continue their work behind the scenes. Lord Bolton gets an audience with the King before the northern delegation leaves King's Landing. Joni needs new lessons.

Notes:
Still unbeta'd. I tried my best to keep the mistakes to a minimum. Enjoy the chapter


Chapter text:

"You look troubled, my friend." Oberyn sat down opposite Varys in his usual carefree manner. It was the first time in a while that they had agreed to meet in secret in the back room of Thobo Mott's workshop on the street of steel.

"A normal reaction after a few close calls. Don't tell me you are not secretly relieved that you didn't have to lie to our King." Varys retorted.

Oberyn had the decency to lose some of his smug behaviour. "I grant you, the way that it all turned out was very fortunate. The Queen of Thorns beat me to it. You know I had planned something at the first inn that you told me the members of house Tyrell were scheduled to stop for luncheon outside the city gates on their journey south. You are right. I would have felt much guiltier if I had been obliged to lie straight to Aegon's adorable face. I rather savour how our young King looks up at me with those grey, honourable, trusting eyes."

"I greatly enjoy having his esteem as well." Lord Varys nodded. "More than any other King I served, I might add."

"How come we didn't catch a whiff of Lady Olenna's abusive behaviour towards her grandchildren? Assuming it is true, that is." Oberyn had adjusted his pose slightly so he could pay better attention.

"I have been wondering that myself. Now that we know, several of my birds have come forward with details of recent conversations between Willas Tyrell and his father as well as snippets of Willas Tyrell questioning his sister. That young man will soon be the real leader of House Tyrell. His father was not capable to cope with the aftermath of Lady Olenna's demise and Willas was the one to step up and make all the arrangements for the funeral and make sure that his father was ready to leave the capital only a few days later than originally planned. That is good news for us. Lord Willas although smart is already proving not to be as devilishly cunning as his grandmother was. The Queen of Thorns had a close grip on all her servants. We know now that nobody talked of certain things within earshot of my little birds. She has not been dead for more than a few days and already my birds have brought me more information than during the Tyrell's stay in King's Landing. Makes you wonder whether she would have been able see through my scheme and had our assassination attempt backfire. We were lucky that she conveniently choked herself to death at an extremely opportune moment."

Oberyn's face was pensive when he admitted: "She was a worthy opponent though her endgame was less noble than ours. I would have hated to lose our King's esteem if she had found a way to outwit me."

"Then you agree that we should be more circumspect in future?" Varys asked Oberyn.

"I took every precaution. I mean, we did. We were very circumspect, Varys. On second thought, I refuse to believe that we would have been caught out by her. The King would never have learned the truth. I would have lied just as convincingly as I did when he asked. Perhaps I might have suffered a sleepless night or two for betraying his trust, but he never would have been able to prove that we were behind it. He would have given me the benefit of the doubt. We have gotten away with so much already. Why not this?"

"I know. But most of our schemes were of a more innocent nature than the outright murder of a Lady of a ruling house and I can rejoice in their success with a more or less clear conscience. I felt surprisingly more troubled by this one. I must be growing mellow in my old age." Varys bowed his head.

"After all these years of working together, sometimes I still don't understand you." Prince Oberyn crossed his legs showing that he was at ease once more now he considered the matter closed.

"That is my trademark. I want people to be confused and not understand my true intentions." Varys remarked but the unspoken request for clarification of Oberyn's last statement was apparent by the way he scrutinized Oberyn's face.

"For instance," Oberyn obliged him, "why wouldn't you want to take credit for manipulating Ser Brienne into signing up for the Dragonguard. That was most masterfully done. Not to mention that everyone was happy with the outcome."

Varys smiled proudly. "It was a masterpiece. But you congratulating me and my own contentment is enough reward for me. It gives me great pleasure to see how gratified our King, the Queen, Ser Gerold, Davos, everyone really, is with this simple solution. Ser Brienne will be better for it in the end as well. She will never be promoted to Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Becoming Commander of the Dragonguard in due time however is within her reach. She is playing her cards well already."

Oberyn narrowed his eyes. "Still, it must not have been that easy. She was hell bent on becoming the first female Kingsguard. I maintain that it was masterfully done."

"It was easy actually. I had learned how uneasy the King's interactions with the Free Folk and servants made her and how she often felt embarrassed by Sandor Clegane's behaviour. She wondered why our King worshipped Clegane and always defended him when someone doubted his motives or capabilities. So I laid the foundation by speaking to her of my worries about some of the King's behaviour. I underlined how he did not always adhere to court protocol, had strange habits and was way too informal with the servants and the smallfolk. I stressed that the Queen is the epitome of regal behaviour. I lamented that Queen Daenerys had a big task ahead of her to temper her husband's at times way too informal interactions with those beneath him."

Varys looked up to see Oberyn smile and ask him, "That was just the warm-up, I gather?"

"Indeed." This time it was Varys who looked smug. "Next, I made sure that she overheard some servants gossiping about how Ser Gerold's had been forced by the King to accept her appointment. She found out that Ser Gerold equalled handing a female a White Cloak to breaking with hundreds of years of tradition and diminishing the esteem of the famed Kingsguard. Later that same day, she happened upon servants who were repeating parts of a discussion between Ser Gerold and the builders concerning the logistical nightmare, or better phrased the impossibility of adapting the close living quarters in the White Tower in such a way that a female could cohabit with six other males and still be afforded the necessary privacy a female needs at times. I made sure that they mentioned how the buildings that currently house the Dragonguards were more recent, more suited to allow for some private space to be created for specific female requirements. The servants also gossiped about how Ser Gerold had always been a stickler for tradition and refused to move the quarters of the Kingsguard elsewhere, the White Tower being more a symbol than a building to the people of King's Landing and to every knight that dreams to become one of the famous, honourable Seven. Ser Gerold would not change a thing. If Ser Brienne insisted on becoming a White Cloak, she would have to leave behind her female sensibilities. The Lord Commander would not allow for favouritism."

"That did the trick?" Oberyn arched one eyebrow.

Varys nodded self-deprecatingly. "I am afraid so. I had to forego my closing argument. I had planned to let you whisper in her ear that Ser Barristan greatly esteemed her and considered to train her as his successor going expressly against Ser Gerold who was too traditional and blind to her true potential. And I was about to let someone point out to her that that since the Queen was no mere consort but an actual co-ruler, the Dragonguard would rise significantly in esteem and importance."

"An assignment which I would have executed with flourish." Prince Oberyn boasted. "Just as I gave a little nudge to Lord Tyrion by exposing the real character of his young rival vying for Lady Roslin's affections."

"After I set Corbray up. Though I admit that it was easy. The only thing that Ser Lucas cherishes more than money, is to dip his cock in as many cunts as will have him. Few servant girls can resist him since he won the joust. You were merciful still. You could have outed him as someone who likes to fuck men at least as much as women." Varys gave him a wan smile.

Oberyn raised his right eyebrow. "You forget that I am from Dorne and I have diverse tastes myself. There is nothing wrong with seeking pleasure with the same gender if everyone involved is an adult and consents. It is a different story when your paramour, betrothed or spouse is being lied to. In my case Ellaria is always present when I feel the need to spice up my sex life."

"Enough, I beg you." Varys held up his hand. "You know I don't like to hear all the sordid details. Fact is that you were considerate and achieved your goal without causing undue grief. Now the dwarf can play the compassionate, patient listener to the woes of a wronged maiden since we made sure she got wind of at least two of her suitor's dalliances."

Both men fell silent after that remark until an extremely loud noise coming from the workshop of the blacksmith startled them both. No cries of pain reached their ears after whatever had happened in the workshop and a blissful silence reigned for the first time since the start of their meeting. "Perhaps it is time to discuss our next steps?" Oberyn whispered. He was the first one to regain his senses.

Varys waited until the noise resumed before he answered. "Indeed. Soon Bran Stark will move north and might not have time to help us intercept the ravens. We will have to pull our own weight again."

"I am already on it. One of my daughters has boarded a ship of the Golden Company."

"That would be Nymeria then?" Varys asked just to be sure.

"Yes. As you know, Obara has been sent to the Reach to keep an eye on Lord Tarly. Given all Sam told us about him, I will not take any chances. The King will be blindsided and might walk into a trap if the man turns out to be a turncloak. Thoros is loitering near the border of the Stormlands and will send us word of any significant troop movements."

"What about the border with Dorne? My birds must have a trustworthy contact there as well."

Oberyn made a nonchalant hand gesture. "Lord Edric Dayne has promised to take care of that. We have got it covered, Varys. We've handled things for years without Bran Stark. Why wouldn't we be able to do it again?"

Varys was not as confident. "You forget that we have relied heavily on the visions of Lord Howland Reed for years now."

"He will still send us anything he learns. We have it covered, Varys." Oberyn once more tried to reassure his co-conspirator.

Varys shook his head. "We can't leave anything to chance, my friend. I distinctly recall our biggest failure. The Queen was almost kidnapped under our watch. The only rumour that we caught, we both dismissed as unreliable."

Oberyn sighed, realising that this was the reason why Varys looked so sleep deprived and that it had nothing to do with the King's suspicions after the opportune demise of the Queen of Thorns. He chose his words with care. "Thousands of people converse every day about at least as many topics. You are not one of the Gods, Varys. Things slip through the cracks sometimes. Hells, our schemes almost always slip through our duped party's cracks. These things happen. Be glad that the King and Queen are still safe. We've upped security and are extra vigilant. We can only do so much."

Varys sounded dejected when he retorted. "It still feels like a major failure. Ser Barristan died on our watch."

"Partly due to his own stubbornness." Oberyn's voice had a soothing quality to it when he tried to persuade his friend that he should not take all the blame. "I assured you that he was not poisoned. Maester Pylos confirmed my findings. I feel his loss keenly as well." Oberyn paused and looked at Varys a worried frown between his eyes. "Don't tell me that you've lost your edge, Varys. I need you to be totally on board with our next endeavour. Are we still moving forward with the poisoning of Cersei Lannister? That bitch is trying to make waves here in King's Landing even if she is imprisoned in the far north."

Varys raised his eyes so he met Oberyn's and slightly adjusted his posture. It made him look more like the confident Varys that had been Oberyn's partner in crime for years. "I'm still on board. I hate to think what would have happened if that raven that we intercepted had reached Lannister men still loyal to her. That is one bitch that deserves what she has coming. I am hesitant to use a slow working substance though. I would prefer to make her death look more natural."

Oberyn mulled this over for a moment. "I could use the same brain addling potion I used on my older brother for a while until he agreed to sign the abdication. But we wouldhave to use a stronger dose to make everyone believe that she has truly gone mad. Then I will have someone push her of a cliff and make it look like she jumped."

Varys looked sceptical. "I don't know. The King would feel guilty. It would seem like the guards just didn't pay attention or even worse, they didn't care and allowed her to jump. Can't we make it look more natural? A stomach ailment that proves fatal might do the trick?"

"That would arouse immediate suspicion." Oberyn scratched his kin deep in thought. "Perhaps I can take advantage of a typical female ailment. I know of a spice that increases the loss of blood rather radically during the days a woman's moonblood flows. Then in her weakened state, we can administer her a potion that induces a curable ailment like a running nose combined with a fever. A healthy person recovers without treatment from that. She however, in her weakened state, will develop a high fever and her heart will give out." He cast a triumphant gaze in Varys' direction.

"That sound safer but perhaps more difficult to organize?" The eunuch fiddled with his robes.

Oberyn was not easily deterred now that he had a course of action. "I always welcome a challenge. Let's discuss which of our reliable contacts in the North can be trusted to help us with this."

A bit later that matter was settled. Oberyn studied Varys. "I hesitate to bring up the Freys but why is Lord Walder senior of House Frey still breathing? He is entirely paralysed. Is there no one among his descendants willing to smother the dictator who made their lives miserable with a pillow? Are these Freys all cowards?"

"By now the deed should be done. Word will reach us any moment." Varys sounded sure. "My little bird recently discovered that a granddaughter of Lord Walder of barely nine namedays had been abused by the kinfucker in a most horrible fashion shortly before he became bedridden. The poor girl needed stitches in several places when he was done with her. Her mother was easily persuaded to become a secret kinslayer. She will have helped him reach the Seven Hells by now by suffocating him with his own bedfurs."

"We should have taken action a decade ago." Oberyn grumbled. "I don't know which one was worse, that Craster type they told us of who lived beyond the Wall or Walder fucking Frey. But let us not dwell on that any longer than necessary. It gives me a bad mood and I'll develop more wrinkles. What are the latest reports of Winterfell?"

Varys was only too willing to comply. "Robb Stark is starting to pull his weight. He recently signed a trade deal with Yara Greyjoy. The King will be pleased his cousin is getting a grip on things."

"Or the letters that Eddard Stark has been sending north are keeping his stubborn Lords in check for a change and the lad is enjoying the females that are courting him in his own home." Oberyn smirked.

Varys kept his face serious. "Prince Eddard will soon be travelling north. I believe there is no need for us to interfere there."

"How about the Riverlands? Do you think the imminent marriage will prove beneficial?" Prince Oberyn had expressed his doubts more than once already regarding the choice of bride for Lord Edmure of House Tully.

Varys looked resigned. "I will pray it is. The King believes so. That is the sole reason he agreed to it. The Queen will lose a lady-in-waiting any day now."

"Well there's no going back now. We might as well put our support behind them and if necessary assist them without their knowledge." Oberyn still didn't look convinced though. "All right. That leaves the Vale. I heard they prevented a suicide attempt of Lysa Arryn. I think next time we should make sure she succeeds. Wouldn't it be better for her son? He will reach his potential more easily if he doesn't get dragged down again by his mother. The boy is scared already of her mad ravings and desperate pleas."

"I wrote to Lord Royce once more urging him to make sure that the boy has ample protection when in her presence. Our King gave her a stay of execution. Let's at least try to be his loyal subjects in this matter, Prince Oberyn."

Oberyn met Varys' eyes and seemed to consider this for a while. "I don't know. What about the possibility of young Robin being Littlefinger's son?" He admitted the reason for his reluctance. "Should we really watch from the side lines how that vile traitor's blood becomes the next Lord Paramount?" Oberyn crossed his arms in front of his chest not ready to concede on this issue yet.

Varys sighed. "Again Prince Oberyn, let King Aegon make this decision. We'll make sure that his Grace checks whether Lord Robin is sane enough before we let our young King formally confirm his nomination of Lord Paramount of the Vale when the boy reaches his majority. Besides, this topic is not that urgent. You can bring up your suspicions of his true parentage after the upcoming conflicts have been dealt with. For now, the Vale is ruled adequately by its regent. Other issues must take precedence."

"Then I'll be sure to raise the subject again in a few years' time. Are we done for today?" Prince Oberyn was itching to leave this noisy environment.

"We are when we are talking about putting things in motion. I wanted to discuss another thing with you though. I am growing more and more worried about all this talk of magic, visions in the fire obtained by blood sacrifices, resurrection of dead people and I am not speaking of wights, but of old prophesies that are influencing decisions, … . You know what I mean. How do we stay on top of our game when we do not comprehend the different forces that are at work here?"

Oberyn's answer came swiftly this time. "I think we should leave that to Samwell Tarly, Lord Reed, young Bran and the King. Let each of us bring our own strengths to the table. We deal in information and help our contacts carry out successful schemes all over Westeros. Let the others deal with the magic."

"If only I could stay away from it all." Varys shook his head a bit forlorn. "The King asked me to have my birds search for magical objects in the Stormlands, more particularly amongst the Ironborn. How can I find something when I do not even understand what I am looking for? I can give my birds neither a description nor can I tell them what words they need to focus on since I the King gave me only a vague inkling of what the cursed things are supposed to do. The only thing I know for certain is that his precious dragons might be in danger."

Oberyn let go of the nonchalant mask he always showed others and spoke with sympathy when he tried to instil confidence in his partner in crime. "Just do what you always do best. Listen to the songs your birds sing and bring the news to Aegon. He understands that you are not a miracle worker and are doing all you can. Perhaps he can make sense of words that have no meaning to us."

"Things used to be so simple, Oberyn. Now we are planning to fight wizards, undead corpses and ice creatures." It was uncharacteristic of Varys to lament like this and show weakness.

"We will fight them with the help of dragons, direwolves, wargs and greenseers." Oberyn pointed out. "We might have more magic working in our favour than against us. Repeat that to yourself a few times before you fall asleep at night. Perhaps it will do the trick."

Varys nodded slowly. "I had been thinking of asking you for a sleeping tonic. I might combine both methods."

Prince Oberyn gave him an encouraging smile. "Wise decision. A messenger will bring you the herbs along with the recipe. You only have to brew a tea, Varys."

"Thanks, Oberyn."

"You're welcome. I would hate to see you not up to standards. I need you on your game, Varys. The King needs you sharp as well."

"No matter what, I will have King Aegon's back. We will have his back." Varys slowly rose to his feet.

Prince Oberyn followed suit. "Indeed. Now let's head back so my ears can get some reprieve. The Gods know how long it will take for the echoes of this damned hammering to stop resounding in my ears. I concur that this is still the safest place in King's Landing to meet but those poor sods in there, don't they ever take a break?"

Prince Oberyn didn't wait for a reply to his rhetorical question. He hurried outside and quickly disappeared from view. They always left separately. Varys waited a bit longer and then exited the small room as well, making sure he left no trace of their presence behind. He hurried as much as his plump legs allowed him. He would first set a few things in motion and then he hoped to catch his first decent sleep in a long while.


"Rise, Lord Bolton. You are welcome to take a seat." Dany said to the man who was on his knees in front of them. Sitting next to Aegon behind the large desk she barely saw the Lord's bowed head and shoulders. Only when he obliged her and rose to his feet could Dany study him more thoroughly than the short glimpse she had been allowed before the young Lord had dropped to his knees. Dany's eyes swept over the flayed man on Lord Bolton's pink doublet. It made her stomach clench when she remembered the description of Robb Stark's ordeal at the Dreadfort. Aside from his attire, the young Bolton seemed handsome and strong. Aegon had told her that he was an accomplished horseman and was deemed a decent man. He resembled his mother's side of the family more than his father's and had not inherited the eerie pale eyes that had dominated both Roose Bolton and Ramsay Snow's features. Dany's eyes wandered to his face and took in the brown hair that fell just above his shoulders and the warm brown eyes. He was cleanly shaven and gave her a shy smile when he sat down.

"Your Grace, this is a welcome surprise. It was already a high compliment for me to be allowed a private audience with the King. For my Queen to be present as well, I don't have words to describe how great an honour I feel you are bestowing upon me."

Aegon was the one to answer. "I asked my Queen to be present since one of the topics we will be discussing concerns a lady-in-waiting that is under her protection. She can also offer advice on another topic if you are willing to hear her out."

"Of course, your Grace." He answered demurely.

Dany couldn't miss that they had caught his interest. She was still not sure that she trusted his interest in Lady Shireen to be based on sincere feelings instead of political ambition. Aegon had smiled wanly when she had explained her misgivings and had remarked that perhaps now she understood why he did not fully trust Lady Margaery's attitude towards Sansa to be genuine.

It had been difficult to ascertain Shireen's preferences. At first Dany had believed Shireen's reassurances that she only consented to interact with Lord Bolton because it was discourteous to refuse when a man asked so politely for her presence. She had insisted that their interactions had been no more than some innocent strolls around the gardens. Lady Ashara had only been too willing to assist the Queen and had tried to coax the shy girl to reveal her opinion on her suitor. Shireen had kept insisting that he was not a suitor, only an acquaintance, perhaps a friend who just as her was lonely in a strange environment.

They had only booked some measure of success when by design, Lady Myrcella and Lady Margaery had insulted Lord Bolton's attire and attitude within Lady Shireen's hearing. The young girl had intervened and defended the young man even if she had done so calmly. Sansa had supported her side of the argument and afterwards had taken Lady Shireen aside to speak privately. Only then did Lady Shireen admit that she thought very highly of Lord Bolton and that he had become a very dear friend. Upon further prodding she even had confessed that she could envision falling in love with him if she was allowed to.

"Have you given any thoughts to the future of your house, Lord Bolton?" Dany heard Aegon ask and focussed back on the discussion at hand.

"I have, your Grace. I humbly ask for your help in clearing the way for me with the Warden of the North and the Citadel."

"Then you have decided on a name, a sigil and words?" Dany asked him. She had been trying to imagine what sigil he might choose and might have tried her hand at drawing a few things. She had confided in Aegon that she would love to help design a new northern sigil.

"Yes, your Grace." Lord Bolton's feature became a bit more animated. "I propose to name my house Newton and the Dreadfort could, after some modifications, be renamed as The Newfort. The builders are already making changes to the outer walls that will have a major impact on the outlook of the keep. The rest will have to wait until we have become solvent once more. I have not objected to my Liege Lords demands and will pay the fines but it will take years to recover from that."

"Prince Stark informed me of the fines in details. The Crown also considers this necessary to preserve peace amongst the Northern Lords. I will not interfere in this matter." Jon stated firmly.

"Lord Newton of the Newfort." Dany tried the words. "Not very original but apt, perhaps? Have you chosen a new sigil as well?"

This time the Lord smiled openly. "I have, your Grace. I didn't take me long to figure that one out. Inspiration hit me and I am convinced I chose right." He withdrew a small scroll from an inner pocket. "It is better that I show you." Unrolling it carefully he held it out to them.

Dany accepted it from his hands and Aegon's head almost collided with hers as they both bowed over an artistically drawn phoenix rising from the flames. The drawing was rich in detail, the predominant colours being orange and black.

"That would be my new house's colours, orange and black, no more pink." He explained softly and Dany gave him an encouraging smile in return.

Lord Domeric accepted the scroll when she handed it back to him and he took his time to arrange it back in a tidy roll and hiding it in his inner pocket close to his heart. He cleared his throat. "The words of House Newfort I would wish to be 'We rise to the occasion, stronger, better.' I already submitted my proposal to Prince Eddard, my liege Lord. He did not offer much encouragement but informed me that I needed royal approval before I could move forward with this."

Aegon looked at her and she nodded slightly. They both turned to Lord Bolton and smiled. Aegon was the one to communicate their decision. "I will draft a royal decree and we can perform a short ceremony before the royal court tomorrow. Afterwards, I will send a copy, signed by witnesses to the Citadel so they can amend their records. This will be your last day as Lord Domeric of House Bolton."

"Only if he has something suitable to wear, Aegon." Dany interjected. She had put her hand on his arm and looked into his eyes when he turned his head sideways. "Lord Bolton should be able to symbolically remove the pink from his person and replace it with something that bears his new sigil. If not I would advise you to delay." The royal couple faced forward again and gazed at the young Lord with an identical question in their eyes.

He blushed. "I may have asked a certain lady to embroider the sigil on a black coat lined with orange. Lord Gendry of House Baratheon was so kind to forge a brooch that I can attach to my boiled leathers so it covers the old sigil that has been imprinted. I can have new leathers made for me as soon as I return to the North."

"Then the ceremony can go forward as planned." She heard Aegon decide in a satisfied tone. Dany was sure Aegon suspected just as she did who had embroidered his new coat."

"How is your stepmother taking all these changes, Lord Bolton?" Dany asked him in a soft voice. "Is she still staying at the Dreadfort or has she returned to her kin in the Riverlands?"

"Lady Walda, I mean Lady Bolton is my good-kin. She has expressed the wish to remain in the North under my protection. She is with child, your Graces. I'm glad that my half-sibling will be called Newton from the first day he or she draws breath. Lady Walda will always have a place at my hearth. I'll make sure that my future wife treats my stepmother and the child well. I hope the name change will apply to Lady Walda and her child as well?"

Aegon spoke with what Dany secretly called his Kingly voice. "We insist upon that. The Bolton name will no longer exist after the ceremony in court tomorrow. Speaking of your future wife, I expect that you still recall the promise that you made me to marry a lady of my choice without objection?"

Domeric swallowed. "I do, your Grace. And I stand by my word."

"Then we need to have a serious discussion about your interactions with my cousin." Aegon replied his tone this time was even more autocratic than his average Kingly voice. Dany had trouble keeping a neutral expression on her face when she saw the young Lord pale before their eyes.

"I, uh I hardly spoke to Princess Sansa beside our dance the other night. Or do you mean … I am not the only one to be tricked into sparring with Princess Arya. I did not mean to bruise her." When Aegon raised his brow and shook his head subtly to indicate that that was not the answer he was looking for, Lord Bolton added quickly. "I am sorry, your Graces. I spoke out of turn. Perhaps you might be willing to point out to me what actions of mine specifically caused you to question my behaviour?"

Dany might scold Aegon later for teasing the man when he kept his stern expression and prolonged the misunderstanding by delaying a clarification. "Do you consider it noble conduct to get a young lady's hopes up? Exactly how many ladies are you importuning? Who did you ask to embroider your sigil?" Aegon accused stiffly and Dany would now certainly be chastising Aegon later. She saw the realisation slowly dawn on Lord Bolton's features.

"You are not talking about your cousins but about Lady Shireen of House Baratheon. I will withdraw my attentions immediately, your Grace. May I ask that you be so kind as to relay my excuses to her for not showing up tomorrow as I already promised her that I would? I would not want to cause more pain than I already have. She might be offended by my sudden unexplained absence on the morrow."

"I consider Lady Shireen a cousin of mine, Lord Bolton. Even if technically she is only a distant cousin, she is kin and under my protection." Aegon finally explained his earlier statement. "She also has a first cousin. I believe you have met Lord Gendry of House Baratheon? He is a dear friend of mine and her staunchest protector. You will face both my and his wrath if you hurt one hair on her innocent head."

"I apologize, your Grace. Please do not think for one instance that I, uh that I intended to …," he faltered. But then he straightened up and pointed out, "We were always chaperoned. Lady Shireen's honour is intact. We did nothing wrong."

"Yes," Dany kept her voice neutral. "I saw to that. As my lady-in-waiting she is under my protection and it might well be that my husband and Lord Baratheon have to stand in line to punish you were you to behave improperly towards Lady Shireen." She exchanged a glance with Aegon hoping to convey that he had played with the young man's feelings long enough.

"What are your intentions towards my Baratheon cousin, Lord Bolton?" Aegon asked him point blank.

"I enjoy her company, your Grace. She is kind and understands being a bit of an outcast because of something outside of one's control. We talk. I hope she thinks of me as a friend." He paled. "You were talking about her all along. I didn't intend to raise her hopes in that way. I can only apologize again, your Graces." His eyes flitted nervously between them.

"Her disfigurement does not frighten you?" Dany asked.

Domeric Bolton's voice took a gentler tone when he addressed the Queen this time. "She assured me that she was cured and that touching it is safe. I believe her. Those who keep away from her because of it are fools. I told her so on more than one occasion. It pains me to see her turn that side of her face away from people in shame."

Dany was still studying how his features softened while he talked of Lady Shireen when Aegon broke the silence. "I have been thinking of possible betrothals for you, Lord Bolton. I was considering several northern brides so your Lady Wife can help you regain the respect of the Lords of the North. Would you be open to another proposition?"

"My vow was unconditional, your Grace." Domeric Bolton kept his voice steady, even though he looked rather pale. Dany admired his honourable conduct even more now that she was fairly sure that he was enamoured with Shireen Baratheon. She nodded subtly at Aegon.

"What if I gave you the choice between a northern bride from a respected House who would bring a significant dowry to compensate for the fines or Lady Shireen who only has a paltry one?"

Domeric Bolton rose out of his chair forgetting all decorum. He looked at King Aegon as if he suddenly had two heads. "You are serious? Assure me that this is a real offer, not a hypothetical one. Uh your Graces," he added belatedly and regained his seat. He looked from Aegon to her and back to Aegon as if to read the answer from their faces.

"You didn't answer my question. What if it were a real offer?" Aegon insisted finally after a tense silence.

"I would drop to my knees right now and humbly ask you for the hand of your cousin, Lady Shireen of House Baratheon."

"Why?" The one syllable sounded accusing from the mouth of King Aegon.

"Why?" Domeric Bolton studied the serious face of the young King not understanding why the man asked such a stupid question. Then it dawned on him. "Because I would have done so already had I been free to do so. I was not since I am bound by my vow to you. I care for her and would shield her from anyone who might bring her grief. I would pray to the Old Gods that she be granted everything she desires."

"There would be conditions." Aegon warned him. "And I have not made up my mind yet."

Dany decided to interfere now. "We propose a secret betrothal of at least twelve moons. That is, if you can get her to accept you as her future husband. You will be allowed to see each other, properly chaperoned of course. At the end of this period, if Lady Shireen is still amenable to accept you as her husband and the King and I are convinced that you will treat her as she deserves, then and only then will we discuss her dowry and make the betrothal public. The marriage can take place shortly after that. If however, Lady Shireen chooses to withdraw her favour or we doubt your sincerity, you will withdraw gracefully and in no way harm her reputation. In that event, you will marry a northern bride of our choosing."

Aegon nodded confirming to Lord Bolton that what the Queen had just told him was the Crown's decision. "Are these terms acceptable to you, Lord Bolton? The only condition that I will add is that you will only be allowed to speak of marriage to her when you are no longer known as Lord Bolton of the Dreadfort. I will consent to conditionally and secretly betroth my cousin to House Newton, never to House Bolton."

"I agree to all your conditions, your Graces. I will not disappoint you." The answer came quick and the young man sounded genuinely happy.

"Then we are all agreed." Aegon's tone indicated that the topic was closed.

Lord Domeric of House Bolton bowed and after being given leave to retire he hastened out of the room.

Dany turned to Aegon, a frown marring her beautiful features. "Really? Did you have to tease the poor man so?"

Aegon nodded. "I wanted to draw him out. See what he was made of. For that he had to be brought off balance."

"And?" She looked at him, her expression having relaxed some.

"He passed my test with flying colours. I have high hopes for this match." His warm dark eyes pleaded with hers to understand and share his joy with the positive outcome of the interview."

"I'll forgive you this time then. But seriously, Aegon, you should have heard yourself speak. You always try to make us believe that you are not comfortable ordering people around and deciding their fate. Just now, you were playing with the lives of two people as if it was your divine right. At least that was the impression you gave Lord Bolton. I know that you were trying to help Cousin Shireen but I am sure that Lord Bolton saw no sign of the newly wed young man who is so besotted with his perfect wife that he wants as many of his subjects as possible to marry because of mutual affection." She gave him a quick kiss. "Now I have an appointment with my ladies. Don't forget to compliment us on our hairstyles tonight. We will be trying something new."

Aegon did not seem in the least affected by her sweet reproofs and stopped her from leaving by kissing her senseless while he held her in an iron grip. "Still set on leaving?" His voice sounded hopeful.

Danny nodded, her lips swollen her eyes dark with frustrated arousal. "I am sorry. If it helps, I feel just as frustrated as you. But we can't let word get out that we are no better than … you know. I was late yesterday for a robe fitting and two days before that we both were late for the small council meeting. We are a King and a Queen and should at least give the appearance of finding state matters more important than uh than coupling every stolen moment we can find."

Aegon released her and performed a mock curtsy. "Then I thank my perfect wife for her wise counsel."

"Yes, thank me, my ignorant husband. At least your loving wife is helping you not to make a fool of yourself. You should have granted Lord Bolton the same courtesy." And after giving him another quick kiss, she hurried out of the room before she changed her mind.


The last night before Prince Eddard and Princess Catelyn of House Stark were set to leave for the Riverlands, Dany and Jon held a large banquet. A bard was visiting and had been allowed to play during the second part of the evening so dinner would be followed by an impromptu ball. Everyone knew that this evening they were honouring the role the North and more specifically House Stark had played in helping King Aegon to his current position of ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. All the northern Lords and their kin present in the capital were invited as guests of honour. Most of them would return to the North the same time their Liege Lord travelled to the Riverlands.

Princess Catelyn, even though she should be devastated to leave the royal Court so soon after arriving, walked around the large room with her head high and enjoyed the attention. Jon had asked her to open the ball with him. At one time he had presumed that she would delegate the honour to Sansa so her daughter could have her moment in the spotlight in front of the entire court where many eligible suitors and their fathers were present. His hopes had been for naught. His Aunt had not even entertained the smallest hesitation before gracefully accepting. When he held out his hand to lead her to the dance floor, he made an effort to keep his face formal so as not to betray to anyone how Dany's words from yesterday evening suddenly popped up in his head.

"If I ever get even half as stuck up as Princess Catelyn, you have my permission to set me straight." She had whispered. Upon hearing that, he had teased her and tickled her in places where she was particularly sensitive. Then he had asked her if she had been willing to put that in writing, motivating his questions with, "Once you're stuck up, you will denounce ever having said that." He had prevented her from voicing a rebuttal by smothering her words with his lips and they had dropped the topic altogether when Dany had once more begged him to finish what he had started. He had worshipped her body and given her his seed a second time that evening. He was brought back to the present when his Aunt made a comment about Sansa's gown.

"It is indeed exquisite," he replied politely. "I knew the colour would enhance her already natural beauty, especially her hair." He saw his aunt agree with him and to make up for his earlier inattention he added. "Daenerys pointed out to me how masterfully Sansa has combined the current fashion with new little details that suit her tall maidenly figure. And I have to agree, your daughter is the beauty of the ball, Aunt. I'll be sure to dance with her next."

"You honour us, dearest Nephew." His aunt held her head high and kept scanning the room while they danced, probably to make sure that everybody witnessed her moment of triumph. As custom dictated they had the dance floor to themselves for the entire length of the song. She would probably boast of this occasion for years to come and would exaggerate how all the ladies had envied her and all the men had admired her grace and style. Jon for his part was glad when the music died down. He bowed and offered her his arm. She asked him to escort her to the table where the Ladies of the North and a few of the Riverlands had gathered. Jon indulged her, going as far as to offer her a compliment on her dancing prowess when he gallantly pulled out a chair for her.

Dany smiled at him when he returned to the high table. As soon as he was seated she had whispered teasingly in his ear. "I see that my lessons have finally gotten through that thick skull of yours, my King. You have just proven that you have begun to master the concept of charming your subjects into worshipping you. Princess Catelyn will revere you until the day she dies."

Jon had taken her hand in his and kissed her knuckles ignoring the fact that they were observed by at least half of their guests. As promised, he danced with Sansa next and then led his Queen to the dance floor. For the remainder of the evening he did his duty and sat out only a third of the dances. He made it a point to dance with the two ladies that had accompanied the northern delegation to King's Landing before he asked any of the other ladies-in-waiting. Lord Cerwyn and Lord Glover had brought their wives. All the eligible maidens had stayed in the North. The Lords of the North preferred their daughters to marry among the First Men and stay in the north and his eldest cousin was still unbetrothed.

Jon had received a letter from Robb revealing that Winterfell was entertaining the female kin of several of these Lords under the guise of seeking the protection of their liege Lord in the absence of the head of their houses. Robb had mentioned that the ladies had brought a minstrel with them and insisted on music and often also dancing in the Great Hall after supper. Dany had remarked when reading the letter that the fact that Robb wrote rather casually that he had not forgotten his dance steps did not sound like a complaint. If anything, she guessed that he was pleased with the extra company and entertainment. Jon had told her that no matter how often she re-read the letter, she would not find more between the lines. His cousin had not mentioned any lady in specific.

Later that night when Jon held a naked Dany in his arms after a more than satisfying coupling, they discussed what they had observed in the Great Hall during their farewell feast. Jon opened the conversation. "I was pleasantly surprised to see Arya wear a beautiful gown. And she didn't step on my toes during our dance, not even once."

Dany shook her head. "You shouldn't be surprised, my love. After all she merely adhered to your instructions. Sansa betrayed to me that it was you who convinced Arya to wear a beautiful dress and behave for one night so the both of you could be certain that her mother left on the morrow without her."

"Still, she did more than I suggested. She accepted to dance with every northern Lord that asked her, Lord Umber, Lord Karstark and even the newly named Lord Newton."

"Don't forget Gendry." Dany completed his enumeration.

"Most memorable was her dance with Lord Umber though. I can still picture it. She looked like a dwarf or he a giant." Jon chuckled and kissed her hair enjoying this casual exchange. This was one of the perks of being married that he had not known about. Sharing your thoughts with your partner in such an intimate setting was the perfect way to conclude each day.

Dany kissed the dimple in his cheek that always appeared when he chuckled. "Still, it was sweet and very good of Arya to behave for the better part of the feast. Only once did she slip out of her role when I caught her sticking her tongue at Lord Umber behind his back. I don't think anyone else noticed. What I meant to say is that she far exceeded expectations. Even Princess Catelyn now believes that Arya will make a perfect wife for a high Lord in a few years' time."

"Not in the way she thinks." Jon answered. He regretted that he had missed Arya's short breach of propriety. He had probably been too busy doing the rounds, making sure that he stayed at each table approximately the same amount of time with Davos his faithful shadow. He wondered whether Oberyn and Lord Varys had noticed anything untoward about Arya's behaviour and if that was the case whether they would include it in their scheduled briefing of all the gossip - they called it intelligence – which they had overheard during the feast when they convened tomorrow afternoon

Feeling predominantly pleased with all that had happened this evening, he was taken by surprise when Dany, with her cheek plastered on his chest, chastised him. "You should be more circumspect whom you dance with and how you treat them, Aegon."

Jon stopped stroking her hair and lifted her chin so he could stare into her eyes. "I don't understand? I danced twice with you, once with the northern ladies and made sure I asked all your ladies-in-waiting."

"That you did, my ignorant husband. You danced with Sansa first and smiled and talked to her throughout the entire dance. Your cousin was never in want of dance partners after that. After you performed all the obligatory dances, you asked her another time, which made her stand out even more."

Jon was quick to defend his actions. "She is my kin and her parents are leaving on the morrow. She approached me because she wanted to surprise her father with something before he left and needed my assistance. We planned it during the dance." Dany moved her hand from his stomach to reach for the furs. Jon quickly helped her pull the furs over them both so she would stay warm. He drew her closer to him when they were both adequately covered.

He started caressing her body almost absently with featherlike touches and could feel her skin respond to his touch. She sighed in contentment. He knew he was not playing fair by distracting her when she clearly wanted to talk. It was no wonder that she took her time searching for the right words to formulate what she needed to make clear. Her tone was soft when she started to speak again. "I understand, Aegon. But here at Court, appearances and perception are all that matters. Your dance with Lady Shireen was very cordial and you spoke a great deal. Your dance with Lady Margaery on the other hand was clearly a duty for you. You kept as much distance between you and her as you possibly could. Your gait was stiff and you hardly spoke ten words during the entirety of the dance."

Jon's hand that had been teasing the nipple of her left breast stalled its movement. "The dance with Shireen was surprisingly pleasant and was one of the highlights of my evening. My normally so shy cousin talked the entire time the song lasted. When she stopped thanking me for the numerous favours that she insisted that I had bestowed on her, I teased her by stating that she had thanked me enough to fill her quota for the next twelve moons. Instead of reverting to her shy behaviour, she started to sing the praises of her secret betrothed. I was so pleased that she finally dropped her guard around me and treated me as her kin, as a confidante instead of her King, Dany. I was happy during that dance."

"I'm glad for you, Aegon. However, it is a pity that this new entente happened in public. Didn't you notice that Shireen sat out less dances than usual after that? And Lord Newton was not the cause. He only danced with her once as protocol dictates for mere acquaintances. He didn't draw suspicion to them just as you asked him to. I could see though that he was jealous when several eligible bachelors paid Lady Shireen some attention for the first time. Your Baratheon cousin had more dance partners than Lady Margaery. I know that to you the whole concept that every favour you bestow on an unmarried noble maiden influences her standing at Court sounds ridiculous. It is how things are and a fact that you must bear in mind when you mingle with us poor females in public." She kissed his cheek softly and he understood that it was not so much a reprimand than some well-meant advice.

Jon replayed some of the events of the ball in his mind and was obliged to admit that she was right. He had noticed that Sansa was being courted by all sides but had attributed that to the way she looked in her new dress. Lady Shireen's increased popularity he had missed altogether and he had tried to ignore the existence of Lady Margaery after their perfunctory dance. Now that Dany had mentioned it, he remembered seeing her dance once with Lord Dickon Tarly. However much he racked his brain, he couldn't recall seeing her with another dance partner. He nodded and kissed her hair. "You are right. I will try to do better in future." He tightened his arms around her. "What would I do without you, my love? I'd just be another stubborn man, not unlike many of the northern Lords we so often criticize. They have their heart in the right place but are unaware of how their proud, sometimes unpolished behaviour offends the sensibilities of these southerners." He smiled now and his voice sounded lighter. "Perhaps we should move our royal court to the North. There I might not commit so many breaches against the local protocol and Lord Umber's dance moves would have been loudly cheered."

Dany returned his smile. "I rather liked how that situation turned out in the end." They both silently relived the moment. While performing a rather vigorous dance move in the middle of the dancefloor, the Smalljon had bumped against Lord Tyrion of House Lannister. Probably because Tyrion's short stature had made him invisible to the tall Lord. Only the quick actions of Lord Tyrion's dance partner, the fair Lady Roslin, had saved the imp from falling on his arse. Lord Umber had not been so fortunate. The Smalljon clearly already in his cups had started to laugh, while he sat there, unable to get up on his own. He had to be helped to his feet by two servants who diligently came to the big Lord's assistance when their King gave them a signal. In his loud booming voice the Smalljon had called to the musicians to resume playing and had declared with some humour that he would try his best to survive the rest of the dance even though strong northern Lords like him were built for other things than fancy dancing. A few suggestive moves of his hips had the entire northern host hooting and clapping to stop him from continuing with that to them very familiar jape. Lord Cerwyn had jumped to his feet and confirmed for all to hear that the Smalljon was indeed famous for lots of things in the north but it was not for holding his liquor. Umber had challenged the Lords to a drinking contest and the northern delegation had made merry for the remainder of the night.

"Most will be quite hungover come morning. Not an ideal state to start a long journey on horseback." Jon kissed her lips now. One of his hands had taken up a journey to map out every curve of her body.

Dany covered his hand to still its movement. She resumed her earlier topic. "You should have seen Lady Margaery take it all in stride though. Don't forget that she was the second in rank of all the eligible maidens in the room tonight, Sansa being the only one outranking her. I never saw Lady Margaery taking it out on the other Ladies that they drew more suitors than she did. At one point, I even saw Lady Margaery and Sansa standing unobtrusively in the corner of the room. Lady Margaery was fixing one of Sansa's braids that had escaped from her beautiful hair-do before anybody noticed something was wrong. They seem to have struck up a friendship, Aegon."

"Perhaps," Jon still remained sceptical. "It could still all be a ploy to catch Robb through Sansa."

Dany sighed and said. "Only time will tell. For now, I can't find any fault in her behaviour. If it was all a mummery, would she not break character at times?"

"I refuse to further discuss Lady Margaery when you are lying naked in my arms." To underline his words, Jon started pampering her neck and breasts with kisses.

"I'm tired, my love," Dany breathed softly against his cheek. "I think I am relaxed enough to fall asleep now."

He stopped his administrations and gave her a gently kiss. "If you are relaxed enough to fall asleep then at least that part of my mission tonight was not a total failure. He repositioned their bodies so they were spooning. "Sweet dreams, my sweet." He kissed the back of her neck.

"I wish you the same, my love." She answered and closed her eyes.

Moments later he heard her snoring gently and fell asleep, the happy smile slowly fading from his face as his features relaxed in sleep.


The next morning the royal couple broke their fast in the Great Hall in the company of the entire northern delegation. Princess Catelyn sat at his left side. Prince Eddard was given the free spot next to the Queen. The northern Lords, despite some looking rather hungover, enjoyed their last meal and boasted loudly about all they would tell the ones that had stayed in the north. Jon promised them to make a large tour of the Northern Kingdom when peace reigned in the entire realm. During their stay, he had made it a point to keep their feelings of solidarity with the new Targaryen Dynasty alive. He had accentuated his Stark blood by keeping Ghost close to him at every opportunity when in the presence of the northern delegation and had made sure that they had been served ale at each meal. This morning he had ingratiated himself by gifting them a few barrels of fine ale to ease their long journey north.

Before they all left the table to prepare for their departure, he managed to exchange a few private words with Lord Reed and Bran who would also travel part of the way with his parents and the Northern delegation. Officially Lord Reed would resume Bran's training at Greywater Watch on the specific orders of the King. He had promised Bran to try and reach out to him every other day shortly before supper time to test how the bond through their direwolves was affected by the growing distance.

Princess Catelyn had been persuaded to let Bran leave again when Jon had expressed to her how grateful he was that House Stark provided such loyal support to his reign and how Bran was an irreplaceable asset and perhaps the sole key to finding a way to defeat the great threat that loomed in the far north. Before letting her comment, he had changed the subject and promised her that he would take good care of both Princess Sansa and Princess Arya, mentioning in passing how well behaved Arya had been at the feast last night. Arya had looked happy when she danced with Gendry, a feat that had not escaped Princess Catelyn. Jon knew she already dreamed of her daughter being the lady of Storm's End and of Tully blood having a foot in yet another Kingdom. He had promised her that the Queen would use her influence to teach Arya how to use the proper courtesies at Court when the situation asked for it. They would find the right balance to let her youngest daughter train with her little sword and convince her of the importance to act like a real lady when the circumstances called for it.

It was closer to noon when they stood in the inner courtyard to say goodbye to his Uncle, his Aunt, Bran, Lord Reed and the few Lords of the northern delegation that resided near the keep. They would meet up with the rest of their caravan outside the castle gates.

The Northerners would travel the first part of the journey together with their Prince and Liege Lord. Their stay had been far shorter than the other delegations but the northern Lords didn't care for the hypocrisy of court life and some of the power games went right over their heads. They had come to do what they had planned to do and were eager to return to their beloved North. It was as simple as that. They had been granted two audiences with the King that they regarded as a fellow northerner and felt secure in the knowledge that this young King had an affinity with the North that no visit no matter how short or how long could change.

Surprising everyone during their first audience, they had brought the King several gifts from their homesteads. It was an unprecedented gesture, one born out of the desire not to be outdone by the Free Folk. Sandor Clegane had persuaded the delegation to transport a gift from the Free Folk to their friend, the Dragonrider, who they wanted to congratulate for becoming the southern King. Ned had smiled when he had examined the crates of presents they had brought. The one from the Free Folk contained several fine bows and daggers. They had also included a rare fur from a shadow cat, a beautiful rug made from the skin of a white bear and a plaid. Nobody south of the wall had ever seen anything resembling that. The plaid consisted of several knitted squares of different designs, textures and colours all sewn together. Jon and Dany had admired it at length. The crate offered to them by the northern lords contained fine furs from animals that roamed their part of the north, wooden sculptures and knitted sweaters with intricate stitch patterns.

Ned had explained the importance of these gifts to the royal couple "The Lords of the North are not ones to bring elaborate gifts. It shows that they value you, Jon. Of course the contents of the crate might have been inspired by the Free Folk's gifts."

Jon had nodded absently having discovered the bundle of letters at the bottom of the first crate and recognised Sandor's scribble on a thick parcel as well as the decorative curls of Jaime Lannister's capital letters on another bundle that was addressed to King Aegon, the Sixth of his Name. He was sure he would enjoy the content of these letters at least as much as the thoughtful gifts."

All in all it had been a rare and memorable visit to the capital and Jon was sad to see his kin and most of the northerners go. The black and orange coat of House Newton was the last to pass through the gates. Despite the fact that it had started to drizzle, Jon and Dany but also Sansa, Arya and Uncle Benjen stayed outside until the courtyard was empty. Shireen had left the yard the moment the last northerner had disappeared from sight. Arya ignoring the looks the two Kingsguards threw her had hugged Jon the moment that her mother was out of sight. Ser Brienne and Ser Jorah just smiled indulgently. Dany who had taken a step back when the cousins embraced noticed Arya's discomposure the moment she and Jon separated.

"Arya," she spoke quietly and continued only when the young girl turned her way. "Perhaps you might want to spar with me once in a while? Being Queen, I have neglected my training more often than I would have wanted. I would be honoured if you would find the time to teach me some moves. I am not very proficient yet but I believe that you could teach me how to make the most of my limited height."

Arya expression lightened and she straightened her posture. "Of course, Daenerys. Just let me know when you want to. I'll make time and already look forward to our first bout. Don't worry. I'll go easy on you."

"Tomorrow after breakfast?" Dany asked. She hooked her arm with Arya's and together they headed back inside. Jon and Uncle Benjen exchanged a glance that spoke of their admiration for the way Daenerys had handled that delicate moment. Jon offered Sansa his arm and the three of them quickly made their way inside as well.


Interlude 45: Little things matter

Joni sat on a nice chair making sure no flour soiled his new breeches. He had already moved the chair back a bit but Gilean was kneading the dough with such vigour that he was worried he would get flour stains on it all the same and now was not the time for that. Soon the King would need his services again and it wouldn't do to fill the cups of King Aegon, his Queen and the other very important men who made all the rules, with dirty trousers. He made sure to savour the warm cup of tea with lots of sugar in it and the freshly baked bannock he had been offered before he had to return to his duties again.

Lord Varys had been right when he had told Joni that his life was going to change and he would need more lessons now. Joni had not understood at first but had listened to the spy master all the same. He had learned many new things. Before it had been all about observing little things and deciding which details were worth not to forget and to relay these to Lord Varys as quickly and as accurately as possible. Now his instructions grew more complicated. He was taught what things he was allowed tell the servants in the kitchen and how to present some of these things a little differently in order to help the kind, young King.

When Joni had bumped into King Aegon in the hallway some time ago he had almost wet his pants. Sure that he would be thrown out of the castle and perhaps even lose a hand or something, he had stood before the King pale and shivering and had not been able to utter a word of apology. But King Aegon had smiled at him, called him by his name and sent him on his way with a gentle admonishment to watch where he was running off to from now on.

Next thing he knew, he had been summoned to Lord Varys' secret room in the middle of the day way earlier than his normal meeting shortly after dusk. Instead of being thrown in a dungeon, the powerful man had given him new clothes and had demonstrated how to behave as a cupbearer during important meetings where not even the King's squires were allowed to be present. The sword training lessons of the King's squires always coincided with the times that the small council met in the meeting room where they ruled all seven of the Kingdoms. Joni would be the only servant or better phrased the only not council member to be allowed entrance in that important room while they were discussing very important things. Lord Varys had asked him to swear his allegiance first. So Joni had solemnly vowed on his chance to reach the Seven Heavens that he would never reveal to any living soul what he would overhear during the short instances that he was present in that room.

When summoned, Joni was to enter with a fresh pitcher of cooled water, make a bow in the direction of the royal couple and then approach the Queen's seat and fill her cup first. Of course the King's beaker was next and then he was to circle around the table to serve the others in the order that they were seated. As soon as he was done he was to leave the pitcher on the table, make another bow and leave the room. He had to do all this without making a sound. The first time Joni had set foot in the room he had almost stumbled over an empty chair, so awed had he been by the large table with all those wooden figurines arranged in neat formations. He had recognized two tiny dragons, several wolves and stags before Varys had coughed loudly at him. He had quickly filled all the cups without spilling anything and left the room, his face very red. It was only when he dared to breathe again in the hallway that he realised he had forgotten to bow in the direction of the King and Queen before leaving the room.

It had been a big adjustment. What Lord Varys was teaching him was quite the opposite of what he had been doing up until now. But his master had explained that he was being entrusted with one of the most important duties in the realm and they had found nobody smart and loyal enough to trust these tasks to until now. He had warned Joni that he was going to be hearing things that nobody was allowed to know. Disaster might strike the Seven Kingdoms and the Gods might decide to turn their back on the people if some of the secrets the holy Seven shared with the small council were leaked to anyone outside of that room. The Targaryen King, so Varys had told him, had sensed that Joni was pure and honest and the only one capable of performing this difficult duty. According to Lord Varys, Targaryen Kings could feel such things and King Aegon had known it the very moment Joni had bumped into him.

He sipped from the hot tea, knowing already what he would tell Cook and Gilean to appease them today. He started with a compliment first just as Varys had advised him. "King Aegon really liked the duck you served last night. The Queen was more pleased with the salted fish."

Cook nodded looking bored. That was the best part of all of it. Cook never scolded him anymore. Not for real anyway. Sometimes he did it only for show but Joni could tell the difference. He made sure to keep up appearance though and never acted too familiar with Cook either. Another thing Varys had made him understand. Appearances and make believe were sometimes more important than the truth. The naked truth could make people sad or angry and lead them to make bad decisions. Little changes to the truth, a different word here or there could help people find the right solution. Each right decision however unimportant that it seemed on its own might help to make the realm a better place where peace would last, and everyone had enough food to fill their bellies. At least that is what Lord Varys had told him with absolute certainty and Joni knew of not a single reason not to believe the powerful all-knowing Master of Whispers.

He paid attention when Gilean finally lost her patience and asked for some gossip. Joni knew she lived for the moments that she could entertain the other servants with a juicy bit of gossip and she counted on him to tell her something new that the servants would find interesting enough. Each bit of information he let slip would most certainly be passed on to other servants before they went to bed tonight. That was something Master Varys claimed was very handy sometimes and also necessary to make sure that everyone knew certain things so they could act in a way that would help all the people in Westeros lead better lives.

"Do you know something about the handsome Lord who is helping the King make big weapons to defend the city? Is it true when they say that he likes the young dark haired Princess?" Gilean hadn't stopped battering the dough while she phrased her question

Joni smiled. This was his chance. He could make them believe that he was willing to tell them all he knew in exchange for a warm drink and a tasty bannock and help Lord Varys and the nice King at the same time. Varys had assured him that spreading this little story would hurt no one and would help the King keep his cousins safe. Joni rather liked the youngest Princess. She also called him by name and once had let him pet the King's big direwolf, Ghost. Protecting Princess Arya was a good cause, one Joni would be willing to tell a little white lie for. "The Blacksmith Lord likes Princess Arya, that is right," he told her with his most honest expression. "But not as a husband likes his wife. They are best friends and Princess Arya is helping him find a suitable bride. I heard them talking about it when they were sitting in the courtyard with the big white wolf."

Gilean now stopped kneading the dough for a moment. "Are you sure you heard that right? Last time you told us how he was making eyes at Princess Arya during their dance at the farewell banquet for the northern Lords."

Joni was very pleased with himself. He had caught her attention. Another lesson of Lord Varys. 'Tease them and delay getting to the part they want to hear for a bit. They will pay better attention when you finally tell them and won't forget what you told them that way.' Now he could correct an earlier mistake. Lord Varys had chastised him for talking too much about Princess Arya in the kitchen. "I am very sure, Ma'am. The blacksmith Lord has his eye on someone else. But he is too shy. He thinks he is beneath the Lady of his choice. Princess Arya has promised to help him talk to her."

"That dough will never get finished if you stand there gossiping like a fishwife." Cook grumbled and Gilean immediately started hitting the lump before her on the kneading table with renewed vigour."
Joni shifted his legs a bit so he sat sideways and his trousers had a better chance to stay clean. He took another bite of his still lukewarm bannock.

"Is the Lady of his choice someone that lives in the Keep?" Now Cook had taken an interest in his story and Joni noticed Gilean's contented smile as she revealed the few teeth she still had left.

Joni finished his tea and was ready to jump from his chair and sprint out of the room. Lord Varys had warned him to avoid further interrogation when you had told them all you were allowed to. 'Keep away from temptation. That way you will not slip up when they keep pestering you for details.' He moved to the edge of his chair. "It is the red haired lady-in-waiting, Princess Arya's older sister. The blacksmith Lord fancies her. I think the meeting is about to start. I'll need to take up my position in the hallway." He could just see Gilean's mouth fall open in disbelief before he passed through the large arch that separated the kitchen from the hallway. Lord Varys would be pleased. Before supper was served half of the servants would be speculating whether Lord Baratheon really wanted to make Princess Sansa his wife. And tomorrow, some of them would tell this gossip to their masters.

He stopped running after he had taken two right turns. He had circled around the large kitchen and stood before the door of the larder. He opened it just wide enough to slip inside. It was cold in there but he was sure it would be worth it. He wanted to hear their reaction. Would Gilean find his news believable enough to tell it to the other servants tonight? Even though he was out of breath, he tried to exhale silently to stay undetected.

"… as stiff as the Stark Princes." He was able to capture the last part of Cook's sentence.

"I rather prefer a man who isn't out to seduce each female servant he encounters. I am glad Lord Baratheon refused Sirai. She is a flirt and would lift her skirt for any Lord she deigns young and handsome enough. If he wants to be worthy of Princess Sansa, he should indeed behave like her father. God knows how many women, nobles and servants alike Prince Eddard has turned down already. Even when King Robert reigned, he refused to let the King provide him with the most expensive whores."

"I have eyes in my head, woman," the Cook grumbled. "I bet you two portions of my finest wild boar stew that the blacksmith Lord fancies the dark sister. He will bed or wed the younger Princess as soon as she flowers, mark my words."

"Every young man with eyes would prefer Princes Sansa. I believe Joni. I'll bet you a new tunic that I will sow myself if I am proven wrong." Gilean grunted between heavy slaps on the dough.

Joni quietly slipped away slightly disappointed that only half of his audience had swallowed his little lie. Although when he thought about it some more, Gilean was the biggest gossip and would spread the rumours that she believed in. Cook mostly spent his free time brooding in a corner imagining new recipes or something and hardly mingled with the other servants. If he presented it that way to Lord Varys, the Master of Whispers would certainly be pleased. And Master Varys might even tell the King of Joni's accomplishments. Perhaps one day, Joni might get an even more important job.

It was a good feeling to be able to help the nice King and the beautiful Queen. Joni had been sick with worry when he had learned about the attack where a White Cloak had died defending the Queen. He had pleaded with Lord Varys to be allowed to venture outside the Keep and find important news to help the other White Cloaks catch the bad people that would hurt the King and Queen who had brought peace to the Seven Kingdoms without hurting anyone. But Varys had told him that Joni had a more important job to do. And Joni would of course do whatever the nice King had ordered.

He had scoured the entire Keep for the information that Master Varys needed. It had taken him the better part of a day before he had heard two guards speculating about it. Varys had been satisfied with his work and had urged him to keep on the lookout for this kind of gossip. Joni had noticed the same guards again a few days later. They didn't look well. Perhaps they had both caught the vomiting sickness? It had only been sheer luck that he had spotted them in a remote part of the castle near the latrines. Normally he didn't roam these parts of the keep but he had been going all out to look for anyone who accused the nice King of being a secret wizard. At first he had thought that Lord Varys had gone a bit mad. But when his master insisted that was what the King needed Joni to do, he had done his very best.

Varys had explained to him that people might be suspicious because the young King had run so fast to the place where his Queen had been attacked. Since the King was not willing to betray the little bird that had brought him the news of the attack very quickly, it was possible that some people thought that King Aegon was some kind of wizard who could predict the future with magic.

If Lord Varys knew who had such wrong ideas, he could convince them that they had it wrong and then the young King's reputation would be saved without anyone being harmed. Joni had nodded diligently not bothering to tell his master that he didn't need any explanation or justification. Joni would do anything to protect the nice King and his beautiful Queen. He had learned his lesson the first time and never used the word moonblood again. He was sure that that was the reason that he and almost all the other servants had been banned from the hallway where the Targaryen King and Queen slept now. Lord Varys hadn't told him this to his face but he had caught the big man mumble something to himself one time. Joni hadn't understood it al but he knew that almost everyone, including Cook, Gilean and all the upstairs maids were pleased that the young King slept in the same big bed as the beautiful Queen now and no other young Ladies were allowed to enter the royal bedrooms.

Joni had learned a lot but he still needed more lessons. There were many rules he didn't understand. Varys had shaken his head in disapproval with the King's actions when Joni had revealed to him that he had found out that the King had taken advantage of the Queen's empty bed and had spent the entire night in it until Sirai had found him there the next morning. Joni had understood though. For once the King had wanted to sleep in a nice room and since the Queen was hiding in his modest room with the small bed, the King had not been able to resist the opportunity to sleep in the best bed in the entire Red Keep. Joni sometimes dreamed that he was sleeping in that a soft big bed. Now that the King had been officially moved to that nice room and could sleep there all the time, he looked much happier.

Fortunately the Lords and Ladies had stopped playing hide and seek with the Queen at night. Even after Varys had explained it all to him, Joni still didn't get it. If they didn't want the servants to gossip about the King's sleeping habits, Varys should have forbidden the King and Queen to hide in each other's bedrooms. Varys had been angry when Joni had reported how he had overheard a servant girl boasting that Lady Margaery had won the game of hide and seek when she found the Queen sleeping alone in the King's small bed. All the servants who had been caught gossiping had been chastised but the severest punishment had been reserved for the servant who had discovered King Aegon sleeping in the beautiful room of the Queen and had not kept silent. Joni had been forced to tell Lord Varys that it was Sirai. He had not liked giving up her name having grown to like Sirai as much as Nila, but his duty to King Aegon came first. It was a good thing that after the beautiful wedding ceremony, the King and the Queen shared the same bedroom since that had stopped the nightly games of switching bedrooms. For some reason, Master Varys wasn't angry when the ladies-in-waiting had sleepovers even if he still wanted his birds to report who exactly slept where every night.

He quickly made his way to the spot where he usually waited for the King to appear. It was a niche just around the corner of the forbidden hallway. The best place to spot the King as quickly as possible so he could alert the servants to fetch the pitcher with cooled water from the ice cabinet and have it ready before the King arrived. If the kind fat Lord was present, Joni didn't need to fetch that Lord a tray from the kitchen today. The King or his Hand would make sure that Lord Sam got his luncheon. Joni remembered his orders well. It was the little things that made the servants so invaluable to the King. And Joni was good at these little things. Lord Varys had told him that more than once. And Joni knew for sure that Lord Varys was always right. He now also believed that he had a special gift for helping the grownups deal with those little things that mattered and that this was precisely why Joni had become King Aegon's favourite subject and all the servants were nicer to him now. Joni smiled in his secret outlook spot, as he saw the handsome King appear. The handsome, nice King was without a doubt Joni's most favourite person in the entire realm.