Chapter 46: Patience is a virtue
Summary:
To Jon's frustration, Stannis Baratheon takes his time making his next move. Also he has to deal with a Master of Coin who takes his job very seriously. In the Riverlands it is not certain whether a wedding or a funeral will have to be organised first.
Notes:
Still unbeta'd. This chapter almost reached the 18000 words mark. For all those that are still with me, I hope you'll appreciate my efforts in these strange times!
Chapter text:
With the departure of the northern delegation, most of the nobles that had not been given an official function in King's Landing had returned to their lands. The royal court settled into a routine. The small council concentrated on domestic affairs for a while and many economic and trade issues were resolved. While they counted the days until news from the Stormlands would arrive, unexpected tidings came from the Vale. Lord Royce wrote that Lord Robin of House Arryn was very sick and Lady Arryn was losing her senses for real this time. They had to double the guards to protect the little Lord since his mother was raving about flying out of the moon door with him so they could be together forever. Lord Royce had stopped bringing the little Lord up to the Eyrie for visits with his mother. He wrote that his wife had grown fond of the boy and they had taken Robin to live with them at Runestone for now. He needed the King to confirm that these actions met with royal approval. His wife was confident that the sea air would benefit the heir to the Vale greatly. Two days later, a raven arrived that Lord Royce had needed to use violence to put down a revolt of a few minor Lords accusing him of foul play when Lady Arryn had been found dead in her bath tub with two cut wrists. Jon sent his unconditional support to Lord Royce and also the Crown's best wishes for a swift recovery for Lord Arryn. He would not send a royal emissary to the Vale for now but would send support if Lord Royce still had trouble maintaining order in two moons' time. Only if Lord Royce explicitly requested it, would the Crown intervene in the domestic affairs of the Vale.
Gendry was working a few days every sennight in the forge and kept the building under lock and key. The first time that the dragons needed to heat the fires, they had done so at night after everyone had gone to bed. However, a few servants had noticed anyway, and word had spread that they were experimenting to make stronger steel with dragonfire. Varys manipulated the rumours so consensus was that they were making large super strong catapults to put on the walls of the city to defend King's Landing from a possible attack by hostile forces led by Lord Stannis Baratheon. It had the extra benefit that this helped reassure the people that their new King was going to protect them while hiding the main purpose of the renovated forge at the same time. For now, nobody suspected that they were on the brink of forging the first new Valyrian steel weapons in centuries. Gendry however had considered the ruse an extra challenge and was forging the iron parts for two large catapults from a batch of normal steel and if it was up to him, before the moon was out, two large catapults would be ready to be mounted very visibly on the two corners of the defensive wall that separated the Red Keep from the city.
A few days later, Varys warned King Aegon that Tobho Mott had voiced his suspicions discreetly seeking out Varys personally and Gendry received permission to invite his old mentor to inspect the renovated forge and disclose what they were doing. When Tobho Mott had recovered sufficiently from the shock that his former apprentice was a legitimized high Lord, the master was awed when he was allowed to witness the second time that the dragons melted the mix of steel and dragonglass. He had expressed his regret that he still needed to attend to his own workshop, otherwise he would have offered his services on the spot. Afterward Gendry had discussed this with Jon. Jon had cautioned him that it would only draw more attention to his secret activities if Tobho Mott suddenly closed his famed workshop without any forewarning to assist a young smith in King's Landing. Perhaps they could find a compromise in the foreseeable future but for now all had to stay as it was.
The next day the small council had to deal with attacks on caravans distributing food to the city and a minor outbreak of red fever in Fleabottom. But all this did not prevent Jon from anxiously awaiting an official declaration from Lord Stannis of House Baratheon.
Dany had her task cut out tonight to get Jon to relax before they retired from their sofa to the large bed. He had apologised twice already when she complained once again that he was not paying her due attention, admitting that his mind was occupied with other things. As he mentioned that he suffered from a headache, she started to massage his temples. "Perhaps you should shorten your sessions with Bran." She ventured. "Contacting him every other day would probably be productive enough."
"Perhaps," he hesitated, "I know I kept our link open too long today and that is why my head aches but you see, my cousin had some crucial things to impart."
"Why didn't you lead with that instead of letting me talk about small matters? No wonder you were not paying attention. Can you tell me what news Bran shared with you?"
"I enjoyed listening to your voice. Even if I didn't pay attention to the actual words, it was soothing and that way I had extra time to figure out whether what my cousin relayed to me was good or bad news. I am leaning toward good news though. You might even consider it great news."
She stopped massaging his temples and looked a bit put out when he did not continue. "Do you need me to beg?"
He startled. "No, of course not! I just needed a bit more time. You know me, Dany. I will not keep anything from you unless it would break a vow. Let me start with the practical piece of information that my cousin told me." Jon collected his thoughts. For a sennight now, he and Bran had attempted to connect regularly by warging with their respective direwolves and making use of the bond these animals shared. It had been difficult at first, at least at Jon's end. Warging into Ghost was second nature but keeping a connection open to Summer who was travelling further away each day and sharing thoughts to and from was a different exercise altogether. They had lost their connection more than once in the middle of their first sessions but after a sennight he had been getting better at it. Still it asked a substantial mental effort and he was dreading the moment that Bran would disappear behind the magical barrier of the great wall of ice. Lord Reed had warned them that if not the ever growing distance between the wolves would put an end to this manner of communication, then chances were that the magic embedded in the Wall would prove to be too much of an obstacle.
"Bran warned me that he had a vision regarding the Red Priestess, who as you know is presumed to be in hiding somewhere in the Stormlands. He believes that she has a role to play in the Great War. He urged me to make sure that she survives the clash with Stannis Baratheon." He tugged Dany closer to his side when he felt her startle and he immediately knew why. "Yeah, my cousin is certain there will be a clash. So much for our hopes of a diplomatic solution."
Dany stayed still, her eyes begging him to continue. She was clearly eager for him to reveal the good news that had gotten him so distracted. Jon gave in to her silent plea. "Another vision featured you though." He took her hand to help her deal with was he was going to impart. "My little cousin saw you riding Viserion into battle." He nodded when she looked up at him with a question in her eyes. "He was very sure. You were defending the ground troops near the Wall at Castle Black. More importantly Bran did not see a green dragon and sensed that I was not in the vicinity but the morale of the troops was great. Everyone fought expecting to win. That reassured him of my fate. When I insisted that he ought to reveal all he knew and not spare me, he just repeated that in that vision you and Viserion acted as one, as a rider bonded with her dragon. He wished for me to focus on the focal point of the vision." When he looked up at her he saw a teardrop falling down her left cheek. He enveloped her in his arms and wiped the small drop away with his thumb.
"I'm not there yet," she confessed quietly against his chest. It was the first time either of them openly voiced their doubts out loud since her first few solo flights on Viserion. "I never told you but he only tolerates me and doesn't respond to my signals. I know that you must have felt it when you share Rhaegal's mind and through him feel what Viserion feels and that you do not mention it to spare my feelings. Everyone was so happy to see me riding him that I didn't dare to disappoint them all." She raised her head and looked into his dark grey eyes. "Bran is sure of this?"
Jon nodded while he stroked her hair in a soothing manner. "He was. I asked him twice. We will keep practising, Dany. Perhaps we can arrange another short trip to Dragonstone or the Driftmark. We'd be left in peace if we practiced there. We're safe from gossip mongers over there. They would not betray the strange tests and exercises I would put you through. I just need to give Ser Gerold time to arrange for adequate protection to reach the island before we do."
"This is such welcome news. Why ever did you hesitate to tell me?" She gently extracted herself from him and turned slightly so she faced him.
"The vision Bran described worried me, Dany. You were fighting the enemy in the air without me. You were in a dangerous situation and I was not there to protect you. I was trying to figure out what circumstance would force such a thing to become reality. I can't come up with a single explanation good enough to result in me abandoning you when the enemy attacks in full force."
She looked at him. "I gather Bran did not know how that situation will come to pass?"
"No, only that he felt that all was as it should be. He sensed that there was no cause for alarm and that I should keep having faith in you, in him and in Viserion."
Dany nodded. "Isn't it good news that he is seeing the future again? I thought you mentioned that they couldn't anymore."
"They haven't experienced visions beyond the Great War. This was during." Jon answered honestly.
They held on to each other for a while. Jon was the first one to break the silence. "I will do everything in my power to help you with Viserion. We'll intensify our sessions. I promise I won't rest until we've figured it out. But can we talk about something else now? I have analysed Bran's words for the most part of this day and it only made my headache grow worse. I need to relax before we can retire to our bed." He kissed her hair once more.
Dany nodded and considered this for a moment. Then she lifted her eyes to his face and spoke up keeping her tone light. "Did you hear the latest gossip? Half the court is convinced that Princess Arya is soon to be betrothed to Lord Baratheon if she isn't already. The other half believes that she is helping him woe Princess Sansa."
Jon smiled when he heard that. "That's probably Lord Varys' doing. The other half, I mean. We do not want Arya to feel any pressure. No rumours about a betrothal between Lady Shireen and Lord Newton have surfaced yet?" Jon released a breath and relaxed some when she shook her head.
"None that reached my ears, which means that my ladies-in-waiting are being very discreet." She added proudly. "And that, despite the fact that Shireen can't stop talking about him whenever we find a bit of time to spend together in private."
"What about Lady Roslin? Has Lord Tyrion made any progress? Is she considering him as a possible suitor?" Jon stroked her hand and entwined their fingers.
Dany looked down at their hands in his lap and leaned her head against his shoulders. "She doesn't talk about it. I am not sure. Lady Ashara has seen them together in the library talking quietly. Her brothers have left to bury their father but agreed to leave her behind. At the very least they will not force a betrothal on her while their House is in mourning. The death of her father gave her a period of grace. Chances are that the new Lord of the Crossing will be less desperate to marry his female kin off. When asked, Varys told Lady Ashara that Lord Stevron has already reduced the dowry of one of her cousins who is set to marry a certain Lord Myatt. Are you familiar with House Myatt? It is a minor house sworn to House Lannister?"
"House Myatt," Jon nodded. "Their sigil is a spotted yellow-and-black treecat, on a mud-brown field. I recommend Lady Ashara for taking such good care of her younger charges. Appointing her was a stroke of genius," Jon commented.
"Lady Ashara is quieter than usual though." Dany's voice had taken a more serious tone and she raised her head to look him in the eye. "I haven't dared to mention Uncle Benjen in her presence. Not after she had tears in her eyes when I made an innocent comment on her dance with him during the farewell feast for the Northern Lords."
"Uncle Benjen asked me to give them time and I faithfully promised not to interfere," Jon confessed meeting her gaze. It had felt good to hear her referring to Benjen Stark as her uncle so casually. "I agreed because I believe all is not lost. I detected hope in his voice when he asked for my word so I am exercising restraint. I wouldn't want him to start avoiding me. I think this must be about the longest we have lived in the same place together. I am enjoying his company immensely."
"I didn't realise you two spent much quality time together? Except for the small council meetings I've hardly seen you two together."
Jon's thumbs stopped stroking her hands. "You know of our rides on the beach of course. He also regularly attends my morning trainings, annoying my squires by taking over some of their duties. We often meet in the Godswood when there is some time left before supper and you are busy with your evening toilette in the company of your ladies. We men need far less time to change for dinner." He leaned into her, a teasing light in his eyes.
Dany playfully chastised him by ducking his attempt to kiss her. She only succeeded because Jon was still focussing on answering her question. "Uncle Benjen does have a knack for finding me when I am in between duties. Sometimes I suspect that he is bribing Varys or has his own little birds working for him. I could get used to it though. I'm glad he likes living here in King's Landing and we get to see each other often. But I do wish for him to know happiness with a woman and experience at least a fraction of the joy that I experience with you every day."
Dany visibly moved by his words, now initiated a kiss herself. Jon released her hands so he could hold on to her to keep her from returning to her previous position. When they separated their heads, his hand still cupped her cheek and he enjoyed feeling her lean into it while she pondered the issue. "We can't force them to talk about it with us but we can keep bringing them together in the same space with other people present. Nothing too obvious of course but I could make subtle changes to the seating arrangements making sure that they can at least observe one another? We can get them to join group conversations and get them to talk indirectly with each other, small things like that."
This time Jon leaned in to kiss her once more. When their lips separated, he kept close to her and murmured against her mouth. "I had thought to address the subject with Ser Arthur but I worry that that will do more harm than good."
Dany put her arms around his neck. "He must be deaf and blind if he hasn't noticed that something is going on between them by now. If I were you, I would give it time, just as Uncle Benjen asked you to do. There are subtle changes in their behaviour. I am also inclined to define these as progress."
Jon nodded and rubbed her back with one hand, his hand slowly venturing lower, the other was once more cupping the back of her head. He felt much more relaxed now and smiled against her lips when he felt her move closer to him. He gave her another short kiss and whispered something in her ear. She got up immediately and held out her hand to help him up. As soon as he was on his feet he swept her up and carried her in his arms to their large bed. There was one more thing that he had to do before he could close his eyes and sleep the night away. But this was one royal duty he would never tire of and which would make him even more relaxed.
Day 70 in the reign of King Aegon the Sixth
The first batch of Valyrian Steel was almost ready for testing when word finally came from 'King Stannis Baratheon the First of his Name.' It came in the form of an official scroll bearing the seal of a crowned stag engulfed in flames. It mentioned that King Stannis was willing to attend a parlay to discuss terms with the Usurper of his brother's rightful throne. After King Robert's death, the Iron Throne was now by right his to claim as the King's eldest living brother. The Baratheon King would only agree to a parlay on the terms laid out in this message. The one that claimed to be Aegon Targaryen had to be willing to come to a place of King Stannis' choosing and bring only a small retinue under a white banner to a still to be determined location in the Stormlands.
"You can't seriously be considering this!" Ser Gerold exclaimed extremely upset when Sam had read the terms for the parlay that 'King Stannis the First of his Name' had just sent them during a quickly assembled extra session of the small council. "They tried to kidnap her Grace, the Queen. You can't trust them not to try something underhanded. A meeting on their territory hands them all the tactical advantage!"
"What is the alternative?" Jon argued as he took hold of Dany's hand under the table because he saw her biting her lip. "We keep the stalemate? You know I want-no, we need to avoid bloodshed. We can't give Stannis Baratheon more time to find other allies. He will attack the moment he is confident enough that he stands a chance."
"Perhaps you used the wrong tactic then. You made him believe that he is stronger than he actually is. We know he doesn't stand a chance, not against your dragons combined with the might of the other Kingdoms." Davos' calm voice interrupted them. "Why not refuse the parlay and battle it out. Use the strategy we put in place. We will squash his meagre forces the moment he attempts to cross into the Crownlands. Move your troops there right now. We will make sure every commander knows that they need to keep bloodshed to a minimum."
"Jon hopes to get Stannis Baratheon to surrender without a fight if he sees with his own eyes how big and powerful the dragons have gotten." Sam defended his friend.
Jon nodded. "And if that doesn't do the trick, we can give him the facts. I mean we will explain to him exactly how large an army he will have to face. Let him know that we have him trapped on all sides."
Lord Varys shook his head. "I have a bad feeling about this, your Grace. Stannis Baratheon is too confident. There is talk of a wizard who can neutralize your dragons. If you show up to a parlay on his territory and he does have a way to subdue or- the Gods forbid - kill your dragons, then you will be outnumbered, no matter how skilled your Kingsguards and you yourself are with a blade."
"I concur," Ser Gerold nodded his head vigorously.
Jon looked pensive. "I want this situation dealt with. Soon the reports from the Wall will change. I have told you before that each time that a short message arrives announcing that nothing has changed yet again, I am itching to fly up there for a few days to check whether they are not being fooled by the Night King in some way or another. It has been unnaturally calm over there. But as matter stand, I can't leave yet. Not for as long as I have to deal with a deluded fanatic who threatens my rule and the safety of my people."
"What if you showed up with an army at your back and made a small adjustment to the location of the parlay?" Tyrion spoke up and all eyes turned to the dwarf. They had quickly learned that he was an asset to the council and not only for his way with numbers. He sometimes even interrupted the whirlwind of ideas Sam and Jon threw at each other at great speed during one of their brainstorming sessions and more than once had offered them a fresh perspective when they had gotten stuck.
"How do you propose we do that and still get Stannis to agree to show up for the parlay?" Jon looked skeptical.
"You are the stronger party in these negotiations, your Grace. You need not give in to their demands completely. I propose that you accept to keep the location of the parlay on Baratheon's territory but change it to a clearing within view of the border with the Crownlands. That is a fair demand." Jon saw Tyrion mentally grow two inches when Davos and Ser Gerold considered his proposal in earnest. The dwarf spoke with more determination when he continued. "Take a large army with you and let them make camp on your own lands near the border. Only you and your small retinue will cross the border and venture onto their territory adhering to the wording of their terms. You can hold the parlay well in sight of your army but on the Stormlands' side of the border. A clever compromise if I say so myself."
"It will take time to arrange all that," Jon replied, mentally reviewing the time needed for the messages to reach his bannermen and how quickly a large enough army could be mobilised.
"I bet they will grant you that time. Something tells me that our ennemy wants this parlay to happen more than we do," Tyrion was quick to defend his proposal. "Besides, what is their alternative? As far as I see it, they have none. If they can't get you to agree to some form of peace treaty, you will unleash the might of the combined armies of your Kingdoms and your dragons on them for sure."
Davos exchanged a short glance with Jon and when his King nodded, his Hand addressed the Master of Whispers who hadn't stopped looking worried. "Lord Varys before reaching a decision, we will need all the intel you can gather. Is there no word of the whereabouts of the Red Priestess yet? She can't have gone up in smoke."
"It appears as if she has." Varys answered apologetically. "Thoros of Myr has a theory about that. He informed me that the more powerful priestesses have the ability to mask or perhaps even change their appearance entirely. My little birds tell me that Stannis Baratheon is looking for her as well to no avail. He is rumoured to be desperate for additional guidance from the Lord of Light. Thoros suspects that she is hiding somewhere in the Stormlands in plain sight. But I will keep up my efforts to gather more information."
Jon took over from Davos. "Thank you, Lord Varys. Maester Pylos, can you send out a call to our bannermen? Write to everyone south of the Neck. Ask the Lords to mobilise half of their fighting men each. That should be more than sufficient. Sam and I, we will compose the messages to be sent to Dorne and the Reach."
"I'll see to it, your Grace." The young Maester was quick to respond.
"Then we prepare for war." Jon said these words with a grave face. "I need you all to think of the task ahead of us. We need to plan the logistics, wagons, horses, tents, supply lines. I will let you all draw a list of what you think you can contribute to this. We reconvene tomorrow to decide on a timeline and assign all the tasks necessary to plan this campaign. I will use that opportunity to submit to your approval the reply to Stannis Baratheon that I will have drafted before I have it sent out." Jon rose and everyone followed his example.
"Should we not invite Lord Renly of House Baratheon to attend our next meeting, Jon?" Sam asked.
Jon considered this for a moment. "I'll inform him afterward. I want to make the decisions without his interference for now. That said, I'll make sure that he hears about the coming conflict with his brother before we send out the ravens to mobilise our bannermen. As matters stand, he is not an asset to our war council." Jon expecting no one to object, gave Dany a significant look and walked to the door without her. "Oberyn, join me in my study if you will?" Jon turned to his Hand as soon as the Dornish Prince nodded his consent. "Davos, I'd appreciate it if you would join us there as well."
The three men walked the short distance from the meeting room to the King's study in silence. Davos nodded to Ser Oswell and Ser Gerold and closed the door. The three men took a seat. Jon positioned behind the large desk opened the conversation. "You were rather quiet in there, Oberyn. If you did not wear such bright colours, I would have overlooked your presence in the council room."
Oberyn looked at the rich, ochre pigment of the robe that he wore over a light blue tunic. "The others voiced all the concerns that I had. I saw no need to repeat them."
Jon watched Oberyn's vibrant personality emerge when the Prince smiled slowly. The Dornish Prince already looked more like his normal self now that he was shedding the apathy that he had exhibited earlier. After all these years, Oberyn's behaviour still confused Jon at times. He did not let this affect his tone when he spoke with authority. "I expect Stannis will ask Lord Tarly to move his troops to a location near the border between the Reach and the Stormlands, perhaps even invite him onto his lands the very moment that he learns that I have called my banners. He will probably ask the same of Dorne. I want to be kept informed of the slightest movement of the Dornish forces. We'll discuss the most practical location the Dornish commanders can suggest to Stannis Baratheon tomorrow."
Oberyn narrowed his eyes. "You made me come here for that? You could have asked me this easily in front of the others earlier or during tomorrow's meeting."
Trust Oberyn to be sharp as always. His earlier apathy had not lulled his brain to sleep. Jon gave him a wan smile and exchanged a glance with Davos. "I could have. You guessed correctly that I asked you here for another reason. What can you tell me about the political situation in Dorne?"
Oberyn gave him a quizzical look but indulged him for now. "Still the same as when I briefed you not that long ago. My brother has put into writing that he accepts your claim to the throne and will help you fool Stannis Baratheon. There is no need to enforce the conditional abdication that he signed unknowingly."
"And where is Prince Quentyn? Is he still enjoying life at his father's court?"
Oberyn relaxed visibly. "Is this about him not receiving a harsh enough punishment for disrespecting Daenerys in Pentos? I heard my nephew's pirate wife has made it her life's purpose to make him as miserable as she possible can. And Jon, remember that no real harm was done to Daenerys and he won't rule Dorne. You do not have to receive him at your Court. I'll personally make sure that Quentin stays away and both you and Daenerys will never have to lay eyes on him."
Jon exchanged another glance with Davos. Davos gave him a tiny nod as encouragement. Jon scraped his throat. "I have given the matter some thought, Oberyn. I have come to the conclusion that I have been remiss in not dealing with this earlier. Prince Quentyn is not the sole culprit here. He acted on orders, orders from your brother, Prince Doran, the current ruler of Dorne. Varys reported to me how Prince Doran does not repent his actions. He only deplores how they backfired. How can I let such a man rule over trusting subjects? How can I not punish the man who ordered a Princess of House Targaryen to be raped so he could gain more influence?"
"My brother-he—uh," Oberyn faltered. He tried again. "Things are not black and white, Aegon. My brother-you see-he is constantly in a lot of pain. His affliction is getting worse and his suffering clouds his judgement at times. He wanted to make sure that he left a strong Dorne to his successor. He went about it the wrong way. I know that. You know that. I don't believe however that I can make him apologize to both of you formally."
"You make our case for us, Prince Oberyn." Davos decided to help his King to stand his ground against his former mentor and close friend. "Your brother can't rule a Kingdom if his judgements are impaired by the pain he suffers from his incurable ailment. His medical condition will only get direr. Besides, just imagine that his son had succeeded in forcing himself on the Princess in Pentos. Is Prince Doran's crime less severe because his son failed? He gave the order and does not repent. If anything we were told that he chastised his son for not getting the job done."
Prince Oberyn's sagged a little in his chair and looked at Jon, his eyes troubled. "Presented that way, you are right of course. What would you have me do, Aegon?"
"How is Prince Doran's health now?" Jon asked softly. "Is it not possible to invoke the hidden clause in the abdication papers? Convince him that you are doing it because he needs to enjoy the limited time he has left to live? If what Varys says is true, he will die in a few moons' time if not sooner."
Oberyn sighed dejectedly but acquiesced. "I suppose I have to thank you for allowing him that and not calling for a public punishment." He lifted his eyes not hiding his inner conflict from the young King. "You know that my loyalty first and foremost is to you, Aegon, even if you were to ask for my brother's head. I am ever so grateful that you are not though."
Jon nodded. "Our friendship and your unwavering loyalty is the only reason your brother is given a chance to abdicate with his dignity intact, if not in his own eyes, then at least in the eyes of his people, of the realm and of posterity who will read a noble version of his abdication in the history books. I trust you to handle this without delay though. And I want to hear of an adequate punishment for Prince Quentyn. Use your creativity. I give you leave to hide his downfall from the outside world but make sure that it is a punishment befitting his crime. I want it made indisputable that neither he nor his descendants can ever rule Dorne, whatever happens to his elder sister, the Princess Arianne. You can be her heir if she dies without any issue. Or if you forgo this, your eight daughters in logical order."
Oberyn stood with purpose. "You will receive a report of my brother's abdication for medical reasons soon, your Grace. I'll check the strength of the Dornish army that will pretend to be loyal to Stannis Baratheon's cause. I'll also oversee the gathering of a second force that will be yours to call upon if need be. These soldiers will stay hidden on the ships and will act only if you send the agreed upon signals. The matter concerning my nephew may require a bit more time but count on me to carry out your wishes in that regard."
Jon was relieved that Oberyn took it so well and more than anything wanted to reassure the Dornish Prince that all was still well between them. He kept his tone friendly and encouraging. "I do count on you and trust you. You are my friend, Prince Oberyn. That is why we are discussing this between the three of us. I do not want House Martell to be disgraced. I hope with all my heart that Princess Arianne will be a good ruler and that House Martell and House Targaryen will enjoy a long and fruitful collaboration. When this situation in the Stormlands has been taken care of, you must arrange an introduction. I have yet to meet your niece. And I take this opportunity to remind you once more that my offer to legalise your daughters still stands."
Oberyn nodded but only fleetingly met Jon's eyes. There was no longer any sign of arrogance or smugness. "If you permit me, Aegon, I will take my leave now and see to business."
Jon admired his friend's composure. A casual observer would think nothing was amiss, but Jon spotted the troubled look in Oberyn's eyes that betrayed severe inner turmoil. He was quick to give his permission. "Of course, Oberyn. Will you still be present tomorrow morning when we reconvene our war council?"
"I'll be there, my King. I'll make arrangements to leave immediately after." Oberyn bowed and hurried out of the room.
Jon got up and circled his desk. He leaned against it and faced Davos. He ran his hand through the curls on his head and sighed. "I hated putting him on the spot like that."
"It was long overdue, my King. It would have been disrespectful toward the Queen to let Prince Doran's actions remain unpunished for much longer. I was relieved that Daenerys exempted herself from this meeting. As soon as we are done here, go find her and tell her how it went. I'm sure she'll be relieved to know that you and Prince Oberyn are still on friendly terms."
"Thanks for your support, Davos."
Davos chuckled. "I didn't do much. But by all means, be grateful to me. It warms my old bones."
"Then I gather we are done here?"
"Not so fast, son. Why don't you sit down next to me?" He patted the chair that Oberyn had just vacated.
Jon knew this was more than a suggestion. He obediently took the two steps that separated him from the chair. Before he sat down, he angled it so it faced his Hand's position.
Davos nodded his appreciation with his charge's compliance but his face remained serious when he spoke next. "I want you to repeat to me again, word for word what warning young Bran Stark gave you in his last uh missive. I'm not happy with what was decided in there just now. Did you not tell me that you know that they will not honour the fact that it is a parlay although both parties will carry a white banner?"
"We need to do something to get this conflict resolved, Davos. I will heed Bran's advice and bring Rhaegal, Viserion and Ghost along. They will be my eyes and ears. Bran stressed the importance of combining my strength with my dragons and direwolf. He also warned me to be aware of foul play. He said something about not trusting that our superior numbers would win the day if the enemy resorted to trickery or magic. Combined with his earlier warning that bloodshed would strengthen the magic of the Others, his words have rattled me more than I would like to admit. I pestered Varys for intelligence this morning until the man almost lost his patience with me and that is saying something. I have also written to Yara Greyjoy asking her if she heard rumours about Euron Greyjoy having a wizard and or any magical objects but I haven't heard back from her yet."
"I am but a simple man who knows close to nothing about magic or about your bond with your dragons and direwolf. But is there a way that you could strengthen this bond with them even further? I don't know, do some mental exercises like you once told me that you did with your dog Max when you were just learning to communicate with small animals?"
Jon shook his head. "Rhaegal and Ghost, I'd like to think that we are as close as we can get. Ghost is an extension of me and obeys my every command without question and Rhaegal and I-when we open our minds to each other-we are one entity. How do you improve on that?"
Davos shook his head not taking his eyes of his King. "I don't know. But Bran Stark warned that they would go for a weakness of yours and despite the fact that I am still struggling with this whole concept of a young boy knowing and understanding more than we do, I believe him. I will do my utmost to ferret out what he means with this weakness of yours."
Jon ran his hand through is curls a second time, a sign that he was getting agitated. "My love for Dany is my weakness. They attempted to kidnap her at least once already. We must keep her safe by all means."
Davos put a hand on Jon's shoulder for support. "Even if you didn't love her, you would shield her from harm, just as you would go to any lengths to keep your kin, hells to keep all your subjects safe, Jon. But this weakness is also your strength, your biggest asset! Most of your subjects know of your reputation by now. 'The King of the people' they call you. Nobles and smallfolk alike sing your praises. They will fight and die for you if you ask them to, Jon. If necessary, Dany will put your interests, the interests of the Kingdom before her own as well."
"I do not like what you are implying, Davos. I understand what you are hinting at but let us try to come up with a strategy that will ensure that it will never come to that."
"Then I will go and do my homework, just as you instructed your small council to do. Now go and tell your wife of Oberyn's loyalty and willingness to punish his father and his nephew."
Jon briefly hugged Davos and hurried out of the room in search of Dany.
A few days later
Jon swallowed another spoonful of a delicious stew and looked at the three young women that kept him company. After Uncle Ned and Aunt Catelyn had left, Jon and Dany had added this new routine to their schedule. At least once every sennight, the royal couple invited the King's cousins Sansa and Arya to share the midday meal with them in private, just the four of them and Ghost. Arya always begged to have the direwolf sit next to her. She spent time with Ghost whenever she could get away with it and consequently was often found in the Godswood when Jon was holding meetings.
More than once she had slipped away from the knights that were supposed to be keeping her safe only to resurface when it was time for the next meal. It had taken a while before Ser Gerold admitted that he could not get a grip on the situation and agreed to bring Ser Jorah's worries to his King's attention. Jon had sympathized with their plight admitting that Arya was not the easiest person to safeguard and had promised to handle the matter. He studied Arya who was feeding Ghost a piece of meat from her plate. He loved his young cousin dearly. He was also proud of how readily she had taken his admonishments in stride. She had given in as soon as he had been able to convince her that she could be used against the King and that it was Jon who would end up being harmed if anyone succeeded in capturing her. She had promised to stop testing her protectors.
It had also helped that Jon didn't restrict her activities overly much and that the lesson plan she had been subject to in Winterfell had been cut in half while she lived at court. She was allowed to spend the bulk of her time either training or in company of the people she preferred, these mostly being Gendry, Shireen and of course Jon whenever he could spare her some time. He also allowed her to take Ghost along with her when he didn't need his direwolf to protect Dany. Varys had stopped him in the hallway this morning and had whispered in his ear that Arya had been spotted playing hide and seek with her guard in the Godswood. Jon had just smiled knowing that this time it was a rather creative adaptation of an assignment Syrio Forel had given her. Ser Gerold made sure to include the short reports from Syrio Forel in the King's morning briefing at least twice every sennight ever since his King had interfered and solved the matter of his younger cousin's safety.
"Jon, can I leave now? I promised Shireen and Gendry that I would join them for a walk. If I don't go now, we won't be able to reach the beach before I have to return for my lesson with Syrio Forel."
Jon eyes wandered from Arya's empty plate to her hopeful expression. He sighed and asked in an exaggerated tone with a ridiculous pout on his face to make sure that she immediately understood that he was only teasing her. "Then it has finally come to that? You prefer Gendry and Shireen's company to mine, Cousin? And I reckon this traitor," he stared severly at Ghost, "will abandon me as well?"
Arya had approached him with a pleading look in her big grey eyes. "Gendry asked after him. He likes Ghost almost as much as I do." The direwolf had wormed his way under the table and his big head rested on Jon's thighs.
Jon looked down and scratched Ghost behind his ears a few times. He conceded without looking up. "And I owe Gendry for looking after Ghost when I left him in his care at Eastwatch. All right, it will do him some good to run outside. Ever since Summer left, he has been getting rather lazy." He let Ghost lick his hands before he raised his head and saw Arya's happy face. He changed his tone and used his royal voice to speak with mock authority. "You have the Crown's permission to withdraw, esteemed Princess of the North."
Arya kissed his cheek. "Thanks, Jon! Bye, Daenerys. See you later, Sansa. If not before than certainly at supper. Come on, Ghost!"
"Say hello to Gendry for me and inform him that I will visit him in the forge later today," Jon called after her and smiled indulgently when Arya and Ghost disappeared without casting another glance in his direction.
"It is better this way than that that she is miserable and misses her parents." Dany remarked softly making Jon swallow the words he wanted to utter in defense of his cousin's impulsive manners. It seemed they were not necessary. Dany had taken no offence. He squeezed her hand but Dany had already turned her head and addressed his other cousin who had watched the entire scene play out without commenting. "Do you miss your parents, Sansa?"
"Sometimes," Sansa replied honestly after putting down her knife and fork gracefully. "Mostly before I go to sleep. I sometimes spend the night in Shireen's room so we can talk each other to sleep. She misses her mother as well."
Jon nodded pensively knowing Shireen missed her secret betrothed even more. Lady Ashara had informed her Queen that sometimes the ladies-in-waiting slept in each other's rooms. Sansa had occasionally shared a room with Lady Ilsa of House Ruthermont as well before that Lady had left a few nights ago. Sansa had also shared a room with Lady Roslin at least once that Varys knew of. Lady Ashara had assured Daenerys that it was all very innocent and when Dany in turn had informed him, Jon had seen nothing strange in it. It had resulted in him sharing more about the year that Robb had fostered with him at Greywater Watch and how they had shared the same room without ever entertaining the thought of sleeping in separate quarters. He still considered that year as the happiest of his younger years.
"There is nothing wrong with keeping each other company when you feel lonely, Sansa." Jon smiled reassuringly at her. "Perhaps we should have made you share rooms as a rule."
"And get their wardrobes mixed up?" Dany joked. "That could start a domestic war, Aegon."
Jon held up both hands, palm's facing towards her and Sansa to signal that he surrendered.
Sansa smiled warmly when she witnessed the banter between the royal couple. "I like it here, Jon. Will I have to leave once Mother and Father return to Winterfell?"
Jon looked at Dany who helped him out by answering the question in his stead. "You are a Lady-in-Waiting now, Sansa. Until I release you from your duties, your mother is obliged to let you stay here. I will of course let you leave if you prefer to return home or if you need to do so after your marriage."
"Like Lady Myrcella stayed and Lady Ilsa left?"
"Exactly. Lady Myrcella was able to stay with us since her husband's duties allow them to stay in King's Landing. Lady Ilsa didn't have that choice. The moment she agreed to marry, she knew that she would have to go live with her husband."
"Will you appoint another lady in her stead, Daenerys?" Sansa asked the question that the other ladies-in-waiting had not dared to voice out loud yet. But here in this private setting among family where Sansa was allowed to speak to them less formally, she felt brave enough to ask.
"I do not feel the need," Dany replied after exchanging a glance with Jon. "I believe there are still enough of you left."
Sansa nodded and gave Daenerys a sweet smile. "I never imagined being a lady-in-waiting would be like this. I thought we would have to perform the duties of handmaidens but Irri takes care of most of those and the servants keep your rooms clean and tidy. The few tasks you ask of us are more like things I would do for my siblings and that I enjoy doing like sewing a new colourful ribbon to one of your gowns, helping you making yourself beautiful for a stately banquet or simply keeping you company. Now that we are on the subject, I would love to braid your hair one day, Daenerys. Irri has been teaching me the more difficult arrangements and I have been practising on Shireen. Only her hair isn't as long as yours." She held her breath when she realised what she had dared to ask.
Dany however looked unperturbed. "I don't see why not. You can assist Irri and one day when she is indisposed for some reason, it will be handy to have your expertise at my disposal." Jon had taken a hold of her hand again under the table to show her how much he appreciated her words. Dany met his eyes shortly before once more addressing her good-cousin. "Can we ask you something, Sansa? You need not reply if you feel like you are betraying a confidence."
"Of course, Daenerys." Sansa dutiful as always replied immediately.
Jon released Dany's hand and gently gripped her upper arm to stall her and motioned for Ser Rosby to take up guard outside the room. Dany nodded and waited until the door closed again before she continued the conversation. "Has Lady Roslin conveyed to you anything at all about her suitors?" Dany was the one to ask but Jon eyed his cousin without concealing his interest in the topic.
"She doesn't regret their departure, if that is what you meant to ask. I don't think she would mind me telling you that she rejected further attentions of Ser Lucas Corbray after she heard he had been bedding a servant girl the entire time that he was courting her and he didn't deny it when she confronted him."
"Can you tell us whether there is anyone in particular that she prefers now, or is she heartbroken?" Dany asked gently.
Sansa shook her head. "She said that she realised that she wasn't really in love with Ser Corbray, only with the idea of being in love. Roslin also told me that it didn't matter anyway since she will withdraw from dancing and entertaining suitors during the period of deep mourning. She won't break protocol and will formally grieve for her father even if uh," Sansa faltered.
Jon guessed she had been about to reveal that Lady Roslin did not have much love for her father and helped her out by cutting in. "Thank you, Sansa. We appreciate your willingness to help us."
"I am helping her though, aren't I?" Sansa frowned. "You will not force another suitor on her now that I told you all this? She hopes she will be left alone for at least until the end of the period of deep mourning."
Jon nodded a bit at a loss for words after Sansa's pertinent remark.
"Can I ask, your Graces a question?" Sansa asked formally.
"Of course, Sansa. You can ask us anything when in private. No need to go all stiff and formal on us." Dany smiled encouragingly at Sansa and Jon squeezed his wife's hand once more under the table to communicate his gratitude for handling this.
"Is Arya secretly betrothed?" Sansa bit her lip.
"Of course not!" Dany and Jon exclaimed simultaneously. "Why ever would you ask that?" Dany added after exchanging a glance with Jon.
Sansa hesitated at first but then started to explain softly. "Mother hinted at it. She asked me to chaperone Arya but not to hinder her if she wanted to spend time with Lord Gendry of House Baratheon. She stressed that I should encourage it if I could do so without making it too obvious. I almost laughed in Mother's face. Arya always says she does not want to learn how to be a lady of a keep and vows that she will not let herself be married off to a man who only wants to put babies in her."
Jon gestured to Dany that he would answer this time. "I'm going to be completely honest with you, Sansa. Your father talked to me about the possibility of betrothing her with my friend Gendry in a few years' time. I advised him to allow Arya the opportunity to make up her mind first. We are trying to keep all rumours away from her so she doesn't get spooked. The only way we will ever get Arya to say vows to a man before a heart tree is if she thinks it was her own idea and that she is doing it of her own free will. She likes Gendry in an innocent way now and he is her friend and that is encouraging. I would ask you not to address the subject with her at all. If she is the one to bring it up, then let her come to me. I'll talk to her. Arya is still young. Her wishes and ideas regarding marriage might change as she matures. Then again, they might stay exactly the same. Promise me that you will send her to me if she starts asking questions?"
"I promise, Jon." Sansa answered. Then she straightened herself and his normally so docile cousin used a defiant tone he hadn't heard from her before. "Will Father allow me the same courtesy? Will I be allowed to make up my own mind as well?"
Jon heard the jealousy in Sansa's voice. He weighed his words carefully. "Your father has not exactly given Arya free reign. He just agreed with me that he could wait a few years yet to make a decision and Gendry is a high Lord." Jon sighed. He had been meaning to mention Edric's latest letter to her when he found an opportune moment. He reckoned that this was as good a time as any. Dany looked at him questioningly and he rubbed her thigh under the table signalling that he could handle this.
"I received a letter from Lord Dayne this morning." The words had hardly left his mouth when two pair of eyes turned to him.
"Is he all right?" Dany asked quickly to spare Sansa from having to beg her cousin for information.
"He is well," Jon was quick to answer and reassure Sansa. "He asked me to convey his greetings to you both. He enquired whether I would be willing to convey a written message to a certain Lady." He nodded gently towards Sansa. "My friend Edric pleaded that it would be safe now that that lady's parents were in another Kingdom. He ascertained me that he would be willing to let me read what he wrote to her first."
Sansa looked at him with moist eyes. "I would love to hear from him. I feared that you were not entirely truthful when you informed me that he left King's Landing because he was needed in Dorne. It was suspicious that we missed each other by just a few days. I figured that you were sparing my feelings and that he was avoiding me because he, because…"
Dany handed a napkin to Sansa when her eyes overflowed with tears. "Aegon can vouch for Lord Dayne," she offered in a soft tone. "Perhaps Lord Dayne is as unsure of you as you are of him? Can you imagine how he feels when reports reach him of your activities here? He will have learned by now that you attended banquets and danced with several eligible suitors."
Sansa carefully dabbed her eyes. "I don't have any serious suitors. Their ardour cools easily enough when I reply to their flattery only with one word sentences and make no further effort at conversation. Prince Oberyn gave me that advice. These noble Lords must all think me a dimwit." She smiled through her tears and looked at her cousin pleadingly. "Jon, please allow me to write a few lines to Edric or if not then at least quote a message from me in your next letter?"
Jon looked at Dany who smiled and then he nodded at Sansa. "Write a small message but don't seal it. I will allow you to exchange short messages as long as Dany and I are allowed to read them as well. Consider us your chaperones to a written conversation. I will write to your father and inform him that you and Lord Dayne are writing each other with my consent and under my strict supervision."
He was surprised when Sansa got up and circled around the table to hug him and kiss his cheek. He had received several spontaneous hugs from Arya but Sansa was usually more circumspect in her behaviour. He leaned over slightly when Sansa whispered in his ear. "Robb was right all these years ago. You are the best cousin we could ever have."
Jon turned a bit pink and gently pulled back. "Thank you, Sansa. I always had your best interest at heart, even when I was forced to refuse Edric's first request to overrule your father's authority."
"I understand that now. Mother was not so good at explaining it back at Winterfell but Father did a much better job in person after I arrived in King's Landing. I apologize if I caused you grief."
"No harm done. Just promise me that you will tell me honestly if over time you happen to change your mind about Edric. You are only friends for now and are not bound to him yet. Keep an open mind, Sansa. So when the time comes to make a choice, you can make a well-founded one."
Sansa blinked a few times and nodded. She had barely returned to her seat when Daenerys rose. "The King and I need to prepare ourselves for a scheduled court session. I will see you later, Sansa. Make sure to tell Irri about our plans."
More than two sennights later
At the end of another boring court session, his Master of Coins approached the throne and officially requested a private audience with his Grace. Upon hearing that the main subject was the current financial state of the Kingdoms and some questions Lord Lannister had after completing a thorough screening of all the books, Dany begged off and Jon set a time for the morrow. Tyrion was invited to join the King and his Hand in his study after they had finished their daily briefing.
The next morning, near the end of Davos' daily briefing, Irri entered to warn the Queen that she was late for her next appointment. Daenerys excused herself and Jon looked at Davos. "Was there anything else? It must be later than we realised."
Davos replied by handing Jon a scroll with a broken seal. It looked weather worn. "You might want to take a look at this."
"What is it?" Jon questioned as he opened the dirty scroll.
"It was hardly legible when it arrived. It was found near the border with the Riverlands still tied around the leg of a dead raven. Luckily a loyal man found it and the fact that it was destined for King Aegon the Sixth of his Name was still distinguishable. Sam and Maester Pylos dabbed it with some powder to make the letters a bit more visible. Then they wrote with ink over the letters again or something."
Jon who had started reading during Davos' explanation looked up again. "Hoster Tully died and was buried a sennight ago? Uncle Ned left for Winterfell the day after the burial which was…", Jon quickly calculated, "… yesterday."
"That is what we think it says, anyway. The next sentence mentions that Princess Catelyn stayed behind and will eventually return to the capital to reunite with her daughters after her brother's wedding."
"and enjoy court life some more." Jon made a face.
"Most likely the Princess will expect a banquet with music and dancing at least once every sennight." Davos teased.
Jon ignored Davos' words already thinking of the repercussions of this news. "We must send out our condolences immediately and explain why these will arrive somewhat late. This also means we will have no way of contacting my uncle anytime soon."
"Perhaps we do, son. As a father myself, I would find it strange that Prince Stark would not stop by Greywater Watch to visit with his son for a few days on his way to Winterfell. Young Bran and Lord Reed are still at Greywater Watch, I trust?"
"Yes, now that you mention it, Lord Reed intended to wait for Bran's parents to return north before starting their own journey."
"He is a father as well. Of course he knew to expect a visit." Davos stated matter of fact. Then he added playfully, "One doesn't have to be a greenseer if one is able to apply a bit of logic."
"This will delay Lord Edmure's wedding with Lady Ruthermont with at least three moons." Jon continued to consider the fall out. "I wonder why the Queen has received no news from her former lady-in-waiting? We must ask Lord Varys to find out if our messages are being intercepted or sabotaged. I hope this is just a fluke but it does no harm to have him check it out."
"I'll take care of it, son." Davos promised.
Jon made a mental note to find Dany at the earliest opportunity and inform her of the demise of Lord Hoster of House Tully. Perhaps they could attend the wedding of Lady Ilsa after all. Three months of deep mourning would be the minimum period for a Lord Paramount to wait before holding the elaborate feast that they all expected. Jon reckoned knowing that Princess Catelyn was in charge of organizing the festivities that his aunt would settle for nothing less. A modest wedding so the young couple could start their wedded life sooner would not be to her liking. Perhaps it was for the best. That way Lady Ruthermont could get to know her future husband first before she had to bed him. Jon forced his thoughts in another direction. "Do you think Lord Tyrion will have been waiting outside in the hallway for long?" He asked his Hand. "Our briefing ran longer than usual."
"I asked him to wait next door, where Sam is supervising the copying of this sennight's messages and marking where they should be filed. I'll ask for him to be sent in."
"Wait one moment longer. I just realised, If Princess Catelyn will not return to the capital before her brother is wed, that means that the Blackfish might not be back in time for our confrontation with Stannis Baratheon. I had counted on him to be there."
"We can discuss that tomorrow, Jon. Let us not keep Lord Lannister waiting any longer than we already have." Jon nodded and Davos hurried over to the door.
A bit later, Tyrion Lannister showed up carrying a large book and a few scrolls. "Your Grace, Lord Hand," Tyrion started.
"Please, Jon and Davos will do, Tyrion." Jon had lost count of all the times he had to tell his inner circle to drop the formalities behind closed doors. "And may I remind you that there are other ways to approach me for a private audience? I do not recall ever having refused a request from you to speak with me. You need not force my hand before the entire Court to be allowed in my presence." Taking in the dwarf's stiff posture, he suddenly felt apprehensive. He had been sure an honest friendship had been developing between him and Tyrion over the last moons. He was the first to admit that it had been a slow and hesitant process since he did not have a lot of leisure time to spend in Lannister's company but he had thought that they were well on their way. If Tyrion felt it necessary to act so formal, the coming conversation might be about more than just the state of the Crown's coffers.
Tyrion made a formal bow hugging the large book close to his body. "I'll keep that in mind, Jon. I just surmised that since this was official court business, I had to go about it in the formal way."
"Official business that you want to discuss with me in private instead of just putting it on the agenda of our next small council meeting?" Jon looked dubiously at the dwarf who had climbed on the seat with some difficulty after putting the heavy book on the large desk in front of him. The two scrolls Tyrion had quickly tucked away in his pocket.
Tyrion looked a bit uneasy. "I wanted to give you the opportunity to hear my findings first so you still had the choice to bring these matters out in the open or not."
"I am but a simple man, Tyrion." Davos interfered when he saw Jon grow impatient. "Perhaps you might come to the point instead of keeping us guessing?"
"Of course." Tyrion took a deep breath. "As you know, I took up my duties on day fifty of your reign. Today we are day eighty-nine." He paused.
"We can calculate simple things like that ourselves, thank you very much." Davos intervened before his King could. "That gave you thirty-nine days to familiarize yourself with the finances of the Crown. So please, by all means, give us an account of your findings or do you intend to make us guess?" Davos raised his eyebrow and stared the Master of Coin down.
Tyrion swallowed. "I had the opportunity to go over all your expenses since becoming King. Some of the information seems to be—uh-missing?"
Jon was about to dismiss this out of hand when it dawned on him. "You are talking about the expenses for the extensive royal fleet posted at several locations."
Tyrion nodded relieved that the King mentioned the irregularity so calmly. "Yes, the wages for the crew, the cost of the equipment, food and the necessary training to turn each crew into the small armies that they apparently are as I heard boast on more than one occasion during our council meetings by the Lord Commander. I also cannot find a single trace of any expenses that I know to be necessary to prepare a campaign to change regimes. I know yours was bloodless, but you still had people in your employ, informants, messengers, guards and soldiers to feed. Someone needed to be paid to make all those banners, sigils and many other things I will refrain from enumerating just now. Certainly this is enough to get you to understand what I am asking?"
"We do." Jon looked at his Hand and made a small gesture for him to speak.
Davos started to explain. "Prince Stark, myself and other Targaryen supporters have been preparing for a long time to put King Aegon on the throne, some as early as the day that he was born. We had ample time to collect funds from sympathisers but the bulk of our coin was provided by House Stark. That is the reason why our King granted the North exemption from taxes for the first twenty years of his reign. The northern Kingdom almost singlehandedly funded his entire campaign, his fleet, his guards, the wages of our loyal servants, all those details you just mentioned and more.
"Thank you, Davos." Jon smiled at his Hand. "Does this answer your question or are there other issues we need to clear up for you, Tyrion?"
Tyrion frowned. "This vaguely answers my first question. I understand that you might prefer to close the books on what happened before you ascended the throne. It is honourable to keep the expenses of your campaign separate from the finances of the Crown. But as your Master of Coin, shouldn't I know the scale of what has been provided by the North and other benefactors since, or at the very least be told the exact amount of the funds that you still have available? Is there a reserve that you can still draw from? More importantly, I estimated the cost of the fleet stationed near King's Landing as well as the ships on Dragonstone and the Driftmark for the duration of a full moon. Since your reign started, not one demand for wages to be paid or bills for food have been put before me and not a single trace of any prior transfer of coin for these purposes is mentioned in the books. You must have had expenses to maintain the royal fleet these last eighty-nine days? Are you keeping separate books, or will we have to compensate a benefactor who will come forward with an exorbitant claim spanning several moons? The only other possibility that I see is that you are keeping silent about the fact that this fleet belongs to another Kingdom that is loyal to you and that it is in fact not actually a royal fleet?"
Jon looked at Davos and both men were at a loss for words for a moment. Jon felt slightly guilty when he remembered the origin of their generous war fund. Lord Tywin of House Lannister had bought his life by signing over ownership of all the gold the members of the conspiracy could dig from a recently discovered, separate gold vein a bit out of the way from the main shafts of the Lannister gold mines. The crimes that the Lord had committed against House Targaryen, more specifically his role in the murder of Jon's half-siblings and their mother, justified taking the man's head as a traitor to the royal House that he had sworn to serve. It had been an unexpected development at the time. But a condition of the bargain that the Conspiracy had struck with Lord Tywin of House Lannister all these years ago was that under no circumstances, these details could be revealed to a member of House Lannister or anyone else, except for the few members of the conspiracy and some miners that could not be prevented to be in the known and who were all sworn to secrecy. It had been Tywin Lannister's desperate attempt to keep up appearances and save the legacy of his House. Jon had solemnly promised his uncles that he would keep the secret. Davos shook his head slightly and Jon knew that he needed to find another way to placate Tyrion's questions.
After a small pause, Jon spoke up. "As Davos told you before, the expenses made before I reclaimed the Iron Throne were mostly covered by a war fund provided by the North. They will be compensated for this by a tax exemption that will last for twenty years. This is a most convenient way for the Crown to pay back such an extensive debt since this way we won't be crippled financially during the early years of my reign. Since I consider this matter closed, I won't trouble Prince Stark to provide you with the exact amount of coin we spent over the past seventeen years."
Tyrion wanted to interject something at this point, but Jon raised his hand. "Hear me out first, if you please. Yes, there is still a reserve, a rather healthy one. The small councils gave Prince Stark permission to keep that separate from the Crown's finances. It will be used to pay for the war against the dead since most of that war effort will have to be carried by the North. But don't worry. Expenses will soon be flowing in. We will bear the cost of the campaign against Lord Stannis of House Baratheon ourselves. And your remark about the ownership of the fleet in the vicinity of King's Landing is a valid one. We will discuss this in our next small council meeting. It is a pity that Lord Manderly and Prince Stark have left the capital. I am sure that my Master of Ships has two separate lists one for the Crown's fleet and one for the Northern one. I'll ask him to send a copy of the one detailing the royal fleet, enumerating the names of the ships, the captain and the number of crewmembers for each vessel as well as the harbour they are normally stationed when not deployed." Jon gestured to Davos.
Davos smiled at Jon. "Nicely put, my King." Then he addressed Tyrion. "The fleet stationed on Dragonstone and the one at Seagard in the Riverlands are for one hundred per cent a part of the royal fleet. The ships that are docked in the ports of Bear Island will be about sixty or seventy per cent royal fleet, the rest belong to the North. These royal ships will be reassigned to a more southern port once the army of the dead has been dealt with. Most of the royal fleet that was stationed at White Harbour has sailed to King's Landing or Dragonstone after being deployed at Hardhome. The ones still stationed at White Harbour and further north are mostly part of the Northern fleet and will be needed to honour the new trade agreements the north has recently sealed with the East, the Ironborn and the Free Folk. Only a few of the ships currently docked in Blackwater Bay are part of the Northern fleet normally stationed at White Harbour. The entire royal fleet dispersed over several ports of the Seven Kingdoms is about 300 ships strong. I agree that as a Master of Coin you need to have access to the necessary documents that define the ownership and number of crew for each vessel."
Jon nodded. "I wouldn't be surprised that Sam has a copy of the list detailing the royal fleet. I will ask him. Well, Lord Tyrion, this means that you can put this item on the agenda for the next small council meeting. We have to make sure that the captains of our ships know where to send their expense accounts from now on. All the costs for the royal fleet that have been paid by our War Fund until they receive these new orders will not need to be repaid by the Crown. The tax exoneration will cover these as well. I reckon this is satisfactory?"
Tyrion nodded, clearly not one hundred per cent satisfied but Jon's tone made it clear that this was all the answer he would receive today.
"I trust the rest of the entries were in order?" Jon asked his Master of Coin.
"They were, your Grace, uh Jon. I was pleasantly surprised with the results of my survey. The tournament appears to have financed itself for the most part. The total amount of taxes that the street of steel, the taverns, the brothels and the food stalls had to pay, exceeded my expectations. They all had to pay the normal percentage on their profit but since the tournament was delayed time and again and attendance was extremely high since more nobles than ever visited the capital to swear allegiance, they all had record turnovers. And this state of affairs continued for weeks after the tournament ended. Only recently have the taverns owners been able to advertise that they have rooms available for unannounced visitors. Consequently after all expenses the Crown invested to organize the tournament have been paid, there was a positive balance that partially covered the prize money for the champions."
Jon smiled. "I know. I entered some of that personally in the books. Since we proved that holding a tournament doesn't necessarily bankrupt the Seven Kingdoms, I was rather surprised to learn of the large debt that the Crown is still obliged to repay the Iron bank in quarterly instalments. I'm afraid I was rather harsh when I questioned Lord Varys. During our debate I forced him to reveal to me the exact amount of the debt that House Lannister was forced to forfeit. I never would have guessed that it was so substantial. Robert Baratheon's spendthrift exceeded even my wildest imagination."
"I'm glad that things have changed for the better." Tyrion offered lamely.
Jon nodded knowing that they both were thinking the same thing. Cersei Lannister was not an innocent party in this matter. "Now that you raised the subject, I had been meaning to talk to you about ways to expedite the reimbursement of the Crown's still outstanding debt to the Iron Bank. I aspire to rule these Kingdoms free of debt. Dany, I mean the Queen has taken it upon herself to make an inventory of all the ornaments that we stowed away shortly after we arrived in the Red Keep. Many decorations were so ostentatious and in such bad taste that it hurt our eyes to look at them. Varys mentioned that some of these objects are very valuable and bought at the express demand of former Queen Cersei who was obsessed by anything that projected wealth. He also showed us rooms full of items that she had replaced when she grew bored of them and fancied something new. If we can trade all these items for coin, he estimates that we could clear at least a quarter if not half of the debt we owe the Iron Bank in one fell swoop. That way the interest we need to pay the Iron Bank each quarter will diminish as well." He fell silent hoping he had not further irritated Tyrion by overtly blaming a large part of the debt to his elder sister. Tyrion's next words reassured him though.
"I will ask Queen Daenerys if I may assist her. I have several connections in Essos who are always willing to pay a nice amount for objects that showcase wealth. And tastes vary. The fact that the previous owner was a Queen in Westeros will only raise their value." Tyrion smiled hesitantly.
Jon nodded encouragingly. "I am convinced that together with Daenerys, you will succeed in no time. Perhaps include Lord Varys in this. He also has many contacts in Essos. I will expect a progress report every moon, Tyrion. You can make mention of your interest in this project in the next small council meeting. I will forewarn the Queen later today. As you probably will have guessed, Davos and I want the Crown's finances not only to be balanced but also to be governed in such a way that we can start building up a reserve again."
"Filling the royal coffers again!" Davos supplied nodding with enthousiasm.
Tyrion relaxed visibly and the smile on his face was more confident. "Any Master of Coin would appreciate that. I won't disappoint you, Jon. If I may, there still is the matter of Stormlands. It seems King Robert never collected the correct amount of taxes. His brother paid a symbolic amount each quarter and the rest was acquitted. What they actually paid was far too little to be fair to the other Kingdoms. This has been going on for nigh on eighteen years. I calculated what they owe us in back taxes nominally, with which I mean without adding interests or a fine. The amount alone would help us repay another quarter of our debt to the Iron Bank."
Davos shook his head. "It will not be realistic to ask them to come up with the entire amount in one instalment. Most probably we will have to draft up a payment plan."
Jon rubbed his chin. "That makes you wonder what role Lord Baelish played in all this. As King Robert's Master of Coin, he allowed all of this to go on for years. He took out loans from the Iron Bank, accepted money from House Lannister and was starting to approach House Tyrell. If not for Lord Stark striking a deal with your house while he was still acting as King Robert's Hand in Winterfell, effectively annulling that part of the Crown's debts, not to mention all of us cutting back expenses the moment I ascended the throne and recuperating some of the funds that Littlefinger embezzled, the realm would have been bankrupt in a matter of years, perhaps even sooner if the Iron Bank had decided for some reason to call in these debts? How could that have benefited Littlefinger?" Jon mused.
"It is no use racking your brain over bygones," Tyrion advised. "It won't change our current situation. Besides, I also came bearing good news. I brought you the first reports on the exploitation of House Lannister's newly discovered gold vein. The Crown will benefit substantially from the reformed tax decree." He retrieved the two scrolls from his pocket and after checking which one was the right one, he handed it to the young King who held it open in front of him so Davos could read it simultaneously."
"You did indeed hold back the good news till the end of the meeting." Davos grinned when he read the amount. "You are a most diligent Master of Coin. Do you have a report detailing the future prospects as well?"
Tyrion nodded proudly and presented him with the other scroll. "Soon, House Lannister will be one of the richest houses in the Seven Kingdoms again, Davos."
"If not the richest." Davos nodded pleased with the figures he read on the report.
"I'll have you know that this makes me feel much better. After learning the exact amount of the loan you were forced to forfeit, I felt rather guilty." Jon admitted. "It is very convenient that you are our ally and have sworn your loyalty to me. You soon will have the means to buy the services of all the sellsword companies in Essos and depose me."
"As if Strickland would make a move against you, Jon." Tyrion retorted. "He would rat me out instantly. Besides, your dragons could destroy the Lannister gold mines in the blink of an eye. It is I who is lucky to be in your good graces. I wouldn't like to be reduced to poverty yet again."
Then let us drink to a lasting alliance between our houses and a genuine friendship between you and me, Tyrion."
Tyrion eyed the pitcher of water with a pout. Davos smiled and walked to the door. He stuck his head out into the hallway. "Renny, run next door and fetch a pitcher of wine, if you please. Joni will surely have prepared one for us.
Moments later, Tyrion happily raised a cup filled to the brim with Arbor Gold. "To friendship!" He exclaimed proudly.
"To friendship," Davos and Jon echoed, before the three of them drank deeply. It was a fitting end to a most satisfying meeting.
Interlude 46: Princess Catelyn of House Stark
Catelyn sighed when her father asked her to tell more details of how House Stark had successfully raised a Targaryen King and helped him ascend the throne without bloodshed. Ned and King Aegon were his new heroes. It seemed that the fact that his daughter was now a Princess and through her they were related to the ruling dynasty had revived the frail old man. His will to stay alive had returned and his cheeks had regained a bit of colour.
When Catelyn had arrived at Riverrun with her husband, the Maester had warned them that in all probability her father had only days to live and was hanging in there because he wanted to see his daughter one last time. That had been more than a sennight ago. Catelyn had been shocked to see how thin and frail her father had become. She had immediately put aside her resentment for leaving her children and the royal court behind for the time being and had insisted on nursing him herself.
She had barely seen or spoken to Ned since they had arrived at her childhood's home spending the majority of her time at her father's bedside. She had yet to forgive her husband for putting his foot down and giving Sansa and Arya leave to stay in King's Landing at the first time of asking. Catelyn had easily agreed where it concerned her eldest daughter. She had seen her beautiful Sansa shine at court. Princess Sansa was now a lady-in-waiting to the Queen and not only the highest ranked, but also the most admired maiden at the royal Court. It would indeed have been a shame to take her away from all that. It was bad enough that Catelyn couldn't enjoy her own moment in the spotlight, her duty calling her away to her family in the Riverlands.
She worried most about Arya, that wilful girl, had shamed her more than once already with her impudent behaviour. And instead of berating her and keeping her away from official functions, not only Ned but also King Aegon had encouraged her youngest daughter by ignoring most of her trespasses or laughing about them benevolently within Arya's hearing. She was scared of what Arya's might become if unchecked but Ned had overruled all her arguments and they had left her youngest daughter at the royal court. If not for Arya's perfect behaviour at the farewell feast, Catelyn would fear the worst. Each time she started to despair, she recalled the kind words the King had spoken to her. Perhaps all would be well. Her royal nephew had promised that he would personally monitor Arya closely and help her learn how to behave. Even if Catelyn sometimes felt jealous of how Arya followed every order the young King gave her in his gentle manner, in this case it would work in her favour.
She could forgive the inexperienced King a small breach of protocol here or there. King Aegon still needed to learn a lot himself about living at court since her rough northern husband had of course neglected that part of the young man's education. If only Ned had involved her earlier. She would have seen to it that the handsome King would have grown up with impeccable manners. He showed so much progress already. She could have seen to other things as well, but that ship had sailed. It was a pity really. Her Sansa would have made a beautiful Queen.
She would have forgiven her husband sooner for leaving her daughters behind had he not allowed Bran to leave for Greywater Watch with Lord Howland of House Reed instead of accompanying her to Riverrun first. Her husband had used King Aegon's wishes in that regard as an excuse but Catelyn knew better. There was no way that the young King would voluntarily separate a young boy from his mother. He had more than once told her how much he regretted not having his mother or his father by his side while growing up.
Nothing had gone as she had expected. Even though the King did give her preferential treatment and she had always been assigned a seat at the high table no matter how many nobles attended the stately dinners, she had not been allowed enough time to truly put her mark on the royal court. She had been forced to leave the Red Keep a mere sennight after her arrival with only her husband, Uncle Brynden and a fraction of their houseguard. At least Sansa's first letter had been reassuring and she had to admit that Arya's behaviour had been impeccable not only during the banquet thrown to honour her and her husband but also the next morning at the farewell breakfast and in the courtyard. Perhaps all would be well as the young King had tried to assure her.
Princess Catelyn knew very well that the young King had used his good standing with her youngest daughter to convince her to behave especially on the last night under her mother's scrutiny. Perhaps leaving her behind would work out for the best after all. The young King had promised and Ned had told her more than once that his nephew was a man of his word even more so than Ned himself. Not that a good outcome would help Ned's case. If leaving Arya at Court would turn out to be beneficial for her daughter's future, her husband could take none of the credit for it. It was her unwavering efforts that were finally paying off, helped by a tiny nudge in the good direction from her dearest most esteemed nephew, King Aegon the Sixth of his Name.
She smiled when she recalled how the heir to the Stormlands had looked longingly at Arya for the entire duration of the dance that her youngest daughter shared with a handsome Lord from the Reach. One of the Tarly's if she recalled correctly. Perhaps Arya would make a grander marriage than Sansa. She would have to think about that some more. It was time to concentrate on Sansa's marital prospects. Perhaps she had overlooked someone. It was a pity that Lord Willas of House Tyrell was wedded and bedded. If only Sansa had met Lord Tyrell before she had fancied herself in love with that Lord Dayne. The young heir to the Reach had stayed in their home for two moons and they had let him slip through their fingers. It had been such unfortunate timing. Catelyn was brought back to the present when her father coughed. She quickly finished her story.
"It helped a great deal that my husband, Prince Eddard has uncontested power over these rough, stubborn northern Lords. He made sure that each and every one of them would heed the True King's call for support and they all kneeled to the son of Lyanna Stark without protest. In King's Landing, I witnessed with my own eyes how they worship the ground my nephew walks on. I've never known the northern Lords to shower anyone in presents. Well, they brought the largest trunk I had ever seen in the North and it was filled to the brim with rare items of great quality. I might have dropped them a hint or two to help them along but it was their own idea to bring the new King that they consider a fellow northerner due to my husband's influence, a token of their esteem. The King was most pleased and accepted the gesture with grace. King Aegon is a very well behaved young man even if he was raised in secret in a little backwater village on an obscure island amongst predominantly smallfolk. I assisted my husband where I could to complete his education on court protocol on the rare occasions that our dear royal nephew visited Winterfell incognito. King Aegon has turned out to be a benevolent, intelligent ruler with impeccable manners."
If she had to tell the story again and again, nobody could blame her if she slightly enhanced the role of her husband and even her own negligible part in the unexpected success story that featured their Targaryen nephew. She conveniently forgot all the times that she had warned or cautioned her husband over the years. At one time she had even used real tears to plead with her husband to drop his doomed schemes that put their entire family in jeopardy.
"Princess?" A servant had entered the room without her noticing. She nodded for the man to proceed. "Lord Edmund and Prince Stark ask for your presence in the Lord's solar."
Catelyn nodded pursing her lips at the slight. The servant should have announced that Prince Stark and Lord Edmund requested her presence. She would tell the castellan to instruct his personnel to adhere to the correct protocol. Her husband outranked her brother by far. She kissed her father's forehead. I'll return after lunch, Father. Try to sleep a little in the meanwhile." She rose elegantly from her chair and dutifully tucked her frail father in so only his head was visible. She sighed when she looked upon the hardly noticeable frame under the thick covers. A servant walking past the open door of the sickroom throwing a hasty look on the bed might mistakenly think that it was empty. Now that her father had closed his eyes, tired from her prolonged visit, his face looked as pale as the pillow that his head rested upon.
After one last glance about the room to check that she left everything in good order, she motioned her father's nurse to enter and hurried downstairs to the grand solar of the Lord of Riverrun. She had not often visited this room. It was oval shaped and had been a late addition to the castle. It had large windows in both walls facing south and west that provided a splendid view of the gardens and creeks. She envied her brother this room. Winterfell had nothing even close to it.
Upon entering she greeted her brother with a kiss on his cheek and spared only a cold look for her husband. They had slept in separate rooms ever since their arrival. She knew her strong reactions to his edict to leave her children behind had been coloured by her disappointment of having to leave the royal Court only days after she arrived. She had only been present at one grand royal banquet where she had been the guest of honour. But as a Tully she could not neglect family, duty and honour. Her father was dying so she had not hesitated and had bid the King and the royal court farewell for the time being. Still that had been no reason to arrive without Bran or Arya. Catelyn couldn't remember a time that she did not have a single one of her children close to her since giving birth to Robb. She kept her posture stiff when she addressed her brother and husband. "You asked for my presence?"
Edmund cringed when she didn't use the normal courtesies to address them but her husband kept a stoic attitude. He was a man of the North and was made of sterner stuff. Besides he was more familiar with her occasional bouts of ill temper. If she was honest, she had to admit that she rather liked the fact that he didn't bow to her every whim. He was exactly as a man should be. Perhaps she should let him back into her bed soon. She secretly enjoyed how he dominated her during their make-up couplings as if to make his final point after she had caved and they had reconciled.
She studied Edmund some more. She rather pitied her brother's future wife if ever he made the effort and proposed to one. Ever since her brother had reached adulthood, his short letters and the accounts she received from her father had made her wonder about her brother's capabilities. Even if it went against her upbringing and against her loyalty to her family, she had to admit that in difficult times, she would prefer to have her husband's protection over her brother's. So it was no surprise to her that it was her husband who answered her question.
"We have need of your organisational skills, my dear. Only you can put together a wedding feast worthy of the Lord of Riverrun at short notice."
Catelyn turned to her brother and didn't hide her surprise. "You are getting married, Edmund? I didn't hear you mention any betrothal. Pray tell me who is to be the Lady of Riverrun?"
"Lady Ilsa of House Ruthermont." Her brother gave her a hesitant smile.
At least Edmure seemed favourably inclined to the match if his reaction was anything to go by. Catelyn watched his small smile turn into a broad one when she nodded approvingly. At least Ned had not pushed through on the stupid idea of marrying her sophisticated brother to a half wild parody of a lady of that strange northern house, the of Bear Island. She had strongly opposed that idea the first time she had heard it being mentioned. She smiled encouragingly when she addressed her brother again. "Lady Ruthermont was introduced to me at the royal Court. She seems like a nice, accomplished Lady. Congratulations, Brother. When do you plan to hold the ceremony?"
"We would like to hold it as soon as my bride arrives. We expect her and her family to be here in a sennight at the latest. It is our intention to hold the ceremony the day after. We hope Father will still be alive by then. If not, we will need to wait out the period of deep mourning before we can marry in all decency."
"I see." She turned an accusing look on her husband. "Did the Maester impart information to you regarding the health of my father that you chose to withhold from your frail wife, dearest?" She saw her brother startle at the cool, bitter tone she employed when she addressed her husband.
"Behave, Catelyn! If only not to embarrass your brother! I thought I married a well-mannered southern lady. To answer your question, the Maester just informed us and we sent for you the moment he left the room."
Catelyn's cheeks turned slightly red but she ignored her husband and turned to Edmure. "I apologize, Brother. I didn't mean to embarrass you. Please don't keep me in suspense. What did the Maester tell you about Father's health?"
Edmure took both her hands and guided her to a chair. Both siblings sat down in opposing chairs. Ned hadn't moved from his earlier position and was still leaning against the large fire place that was not in use for the moment. "Even though Father had the appearance of doing a lot better, his heartbeat has remained weak and irregular. Where before he let himself go, now he is fighting to live but it will only buy him a few sennights at the most. We must prepare ourselves, Catelyn."
Catelyn nodded and let her brother caress her hands. She hated herself for feeling somewhat relieved at the news. She had thought she would be stuck at Riverrun for an indefinite time. Her father was old and had lived a good life. She did not wish for him to die but the man that lay in that bed upstairs was not her strong father anymore. She had witnessed how he suffered when the nurses needed to wash him or change his bed linens. She had prayed for him to get better but if that was a hopeless request, then she would prefer things would speed up so she could return to King's Landing. Every day she spent here, she regretted missing the opportunity to revel in her family's newly obtained status at the royal court. She almost felt jealous of Sansa. She raised her head and presented a teary countenance to her brother.
"Then I will start the wedding preparations at once. Father will see his heir marry with all the pomp and circumstance that is your due. Even if I hardly have any time to do it justice, I will move the seven Heavens for you if that is what I have to do to give you a proper wedding, Brother."
Later that night, Ned visited her bedroom before retiring. "I'm sorry about your father, Catelyn. I know you got your hopes up."
"Some of the children should have been here to say goodbye to him." She pursed her lips. "Have you heard from Bran yet?"
"No Catelyn. It is too soon. I thought you would be pleased with the bride that was chosen for your brother."
"I am." She sighed. "I am pleased. At least you heeded my advice in that regard."
Ned took a step closer. "I always listen to you if you speak sense."
"Not where it concerns Arya." She bit back.
"Catelyn, Arya is my sister reborn. You can't cage her. That will only backfire. Trust me. I have a plan for our youngest daughter. We will get her a good husband, one worthy of our house and our standing."
She looked up at him. "Lord Gendry?"
"Yes, but that will only work if she believes that she chose him herself. Trust my word on this, woman and stay out of it. The King is our ally in this."
"I don't like it if you call me woman." She pursed her lips.
"And I don't like it if you question my authority in public nor if you insist on keeping me at arm's length because I have our children's best interest at heart. I am still your Lord Husband. You better not forget that again. I also came to tell you that I intend to travel home from here. If you want my permission to return to Court to join our daughters and stay there until Robb reaches King's Landing, then you will start giving me the respect that I am due in public. If not it will be a very long time before you see the Red Keep again."
Before Catelyn could react, Ned had handed her a scroll and then turned around and left the room without uttering another word. She should have learned her lesson by now. Ned was not one to let his honour or his authority be questioned by his wife in front of others. She knew he would make good on his threats. She would have to start mending their relationship even if it meant losing face. Her goal was worth the humiliation she would suffer though. The only thing she wanted was getting back to the royal Court after things were resolved here of course. She would do her duty to her family first. She would organize a grand wedding, and a stately funeral. And then, with the consent of her husband, she would leave Riverrun and head in the right direction: south east.
She sighed and sat down when she recognized the broken seal. It was a letter from Robb. She immediately started to devour it, yearning for the news of how her eldest and youngest son were faring. After she finished the long missive, tears ran over her face. She wiped them off and started to make plans. If she played her cards right, perhaps Rickon could accompany her eldest son when he came south.
Two moons later, Catelyn had successfully reached her goal. She had fought tooth and nail to get them to ignore the period of deep mourning and had held the wedding after six sennights cutting the customary mourning period in half. She had not been willing to remain stuck in the Riverlands for three moons after her father's demise. Even though Lady Ilsa now of House Tully made an adequate Lady of Riverrun, it had not been easy for Catelyn to relinquish her position with the household staff. Her bags were packed and she would leave as soon as they alerted her that the horses were saddled and ready.
She envied her husband and wished for the umpteenth time that she could have been born a man. Then she would have inherited Riverrun. Now the Riverlands would be run by someone without Tully blood. Lady Ilsa led her brother by the nose. That much had become clear to Catelyn only days after his bride had arrived. If only Catelyn had been born a male, she could have left before the wedding. Her husband hadn't stayed and waited for the six sennights to pass so her brother could wed with a minimum of decency. No, her husband had set of barely a sennight after her father had died. The moment that word came from King's Landing that the King could not attend, he had decided he could be missed as well. She huffed. She should be grateful that he had at least stayed a few more days after the burial.
The only positive thing was that they had reconciled two nights before the burial ceremony. She had convinced him to come to her bed each of the few nights they still had together before he left. She had seen to it that he spent the entire night in her bed. It had not been so hard to swallow her pride as she had presumed. She had enjoyed their couplings. She remembered their last night especially. Her husband was a most considerate lover if he applied himself. It was a pity that Maester Luwin had declared that Rickon would be the last child her womb would ever bear. The next morning she had noticed Ned's seed sticking to her thighs when she got up. She would miss their couplings but not enough to induce her to leave the royal court before she saw her two eldest children properly betrothed, perhaps even wedded in the Great Sept of Baelor.
Ned had left together with Uncle Brynden. They had planned to travel in each other's company until they reached the crossroad where her Uncle would turn south and Ned would turn north. Catelyn had counted the days until she could depart as well. Now she was finally able to return to the King's Landing. Upon her arrival, Catelyn would start her quest to find the best possible bride for Robb. Ned had tasked her to keep a keen eye on Lady Margaery of House Tyrell and a few other Ladies. At least he trusted her enough to let her handle the matter. And after Robb, it was Sansa's turn. It really was a pity that Lord Willas of House Tyrell had married. She had quite liked the quiet, polite heir to the Reach when she had gotten to know him at Winterfell. Ned had vetoed Prince Quentin of House Martell and when he had stated his reasons, she had immediately agreed wholeheartedly. If Sansa was still partial to Lord Edric of House Dayne, perhaps she should put him back on the list of possible husbands. She would prefer a scion from a ruling house but considering the young Baratheon for Sansa was out of the question for the time being. Lord Robin of House Arryn's health was questionable and he was rather young for her Sansa. Still she would keep him on the list. It also would do no harm to ask Ned who was next in line if the young Lord didn't recover. Anyway she looked at it she found no match for her eldest daughter that equalled the one they had in mind for Arya. Perhaps she should keep a close eye on the young Baratheon. The moment he strayed from Arya, he was fair game for Sansa.
End notes:
Next chapter Jon continues to prepare for two wars.
