The Rise Of A Dynasty
Highgarden – 295 A.C
Five weeks later…
Margaery looked out of the wheelhouse window with a small smile as Highgarden got ever closer.
"It feels nice to be back here" said Margaery fondly.
"I felt the same when I first returned to Starfall after being at Winterfell… before I was married of course" said Ashara.
Margaery turned to her.
"Before you were married, but I thought you and Lord Stark had a quick betrothal and wedding" said Margaery.
Ashara nodded.
"We did, and it feels like a lifetime ago… before war came to Westeros" said Ashara with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Margaery sighed.
"I was little more than a year old when my Father left for war" said Margaery.
Ashara managed a sad smile.
"It was a long time ago now… most things are a lot better now than what they were back then" said Ashara.
"I have heard the stories about the Mad King… and what happened to Rickard and Brandon Stark" said Margaery.
Ashara sighed.
"What happened to them is rarely spoken of in the North, if ever… sometimes memories are just too painful to speak about" said Ashara plainly.
Margaery nodded in understanding.
"What would have happened… to you and Lord Stark had his Brother and Father lived?" said Margaery.
Ashara sighed.
"Ned was Castellan of Winterfell at that time… I assume he would have remained as such if things had been different… and the Queen would have remained as the Lady Of Winterfell" said Ashara.
"And how things have changed since then… you are the Lady Of Winterfell, and I will be the next to be called such" said Margaery fondly.
Ashara smiled.
"And you will make a good Lady Of Winterfell… if you are prepared to work for it" said Ashara.
"Work for it?" said Margaery warily.
Ashara nodded.
"If you wish to be a good Lady Of Winterfell… then you must learn the ways of the North, it is far different from all of the other Kingdoms, it is a place where the strong survive, especially during the Winter" said Ashara sternly.
Margaery nodded and looked out of the window once again as they felt the wheelhouse come to a stop.
She saw half a dozen Tyrell Knights riding towards them before turning back to Ashara.
"How did your Family react when you told them you wanted to marry Lord Stark?" said Margaery.
"They were very accepting of it… they had told me and my Brothers that we were free to choose our own betrothals, as they did when they were young" said Ashara.
Margaery sighed and gazed out of the window again as they felt the wheelhouse start to move again.
"I only hope my own family can be as accepting as yours" said Margaery.
Ashara sighed and leaned forward grasping Margaery's hand.
Margaery turned to look at her.
"If you want something so badly… then take it, show them that you will make your own decisions" said Ashara.
Margaery looked at her in silence for a few moments before smiling.
"I will" said Margaery.
Ashara let go of her hand as Brandon looked up at her.
"Are we nearly there Mother?" said Brandon.
Ashara stroked the back of his head.
"Not long now" said Ashara softly.
Brandon turned to look out of the window as they continued their journey up to Highgarden.
They felt the wheelhouse come to a halt several minutes later.
They waited until one of the Guards opened the wheelhouse door and placed some steps in front of it so they could climb down.
As Ashara stepped down into the courtyard she turned to her new Handmaiden Alys Karstark as she climbed down from the wagon behind them.
"Make sure to have a dress ready for me tonight Lady Alys… one of my Dornish dresses should suffice" said Ashara as Alys Karstark helped the now 7 year old, long dark brown haired Lyanna Mormont down from the wagon along with the 9 year old, long light brown haired Eddara Tallhart.
Alys Karstark turned to her and bowed her head.
"Yes Lady Stark" said Alys Karstark dutifully.
She turned back to the wagon to help with the unpacking as Lyanna Mormont and Eddara Tallhart quickly made their way over to Elia as she exited the wheelhouse.
The two young Girls had remained at Winterfell after the tourney at Ashara's insistence to serve as Handmaidens and playmates to Elia who had no girls her own age to spend time with at Winterfell.
Alys Karstark had also remained at Winterfell after the tourney with Ashara insisting to Rickard Karstark that the young Girl needed to spend some time with other Girls away from the slightly isolated Karhold.
Alys Karstark was 12 years of age with long copper red hair and a softer face like her Mother.
The Karstark Lord had eventually agreed to let her serve as Handmaiden for Ashara until she was 16 when she would marry Daryn Hornwood.
Ashara helped Brandon down from the wheelhouse before leading him and Margaery over to where Ned and Jon were greeting Willas, Garlan and Loras Tyrell.
"My Lords" said Ashara.
"Lady Stark… welcome to Highgarden" said Garlan Tyrell.
Ashara nodded as Margaery walked up to her Brothers.
She greeted all of them with hugs and kisses on their cheeks before stepping back to Jon who wrapped his arm around her waist.
Margaery sent Willas and Garlan a slightly icy stare as they looked displeased towards Jon.
"Dear Brothers… you remember Jon Stark… my future Husband" said Margaery sweetly.
Jon curtly nodded his head to them as they continued to look uneasy.
"Grandmother is waiting for you in her Solar Margaery" said Willas.
Margaery turned to Jon.
"It seems we have been summoned My Lord" said Margaery teasingly.
"I am sure Lord Stark would like to get settled into his chambers Margaery, Grandmother only wishes to see you" said Garlan.
Margaery sent him an icy stare.
"Grandmother will see Lord Stark with me Garlan" said Margaery sternly.
Jon smirked.
Garlan looked at him before nodding.
"She is waiting for you in her Solar" said Garlan.
Margaery smiled and took Jon's arm.
"Good… perhaps you would be so kind as to show our guests to their chambers, it has been a long ride" said Margaery.
She led Jon past her Brothers into the castle.
Willas Tyrell straightened up and turned to Ned and Ashara.
"If you please Lord and Lady Stark" said Willas turning around and walking into the castle.
Ned and Ashara and the others followed him, Garlan and Loras Tyrell into the castle.
Five minutes later…
As they approached Olenna Tyrell's Solar Jon pulled Margaery into him locking eyes with her.
"This will work" said Jon confidently.
Margaery smirked and kissed him.
"Of course it will work… you just leave my Grandmother to me, I will make her listen" said Margaery.
Jon smirked and kissed her.
"Strong and brave… it is no wonder that I love you" said Jon cheekily.
"Be sure you do not forget it" said Margaery huskily.
The two continued their walk to Olenna Tyrell's Solar.
Jon took a deep breath as she led him inside.
As Jon shut the door he heard the unmistakable voice of Olenna Tyrell address Margaery.
"Good you are here, we have much to discuss" said Olenna.
Margaery sat down opposite her Grandmother, Mother and Father while Jon stood behind her.
Olenna Tyrell looked straight at him.
"You can leave now Lord Stark, our business does not concern you" said Olenna curtly.
Jon did not move as Margaery grasped his hand locking eyes with her Grandmother.
"Our business does concern Lord Stark Grandmother, since he is to be my new husband" said Margaery curtly.
"Absolutely not" said Alerie Tyrell.
"We are making arrangements for your betrothal to Prince Edric Baratheon, the King will be arriving in a week or so to finalise the betrothal" said Olenna Tyrell.
"No" said Margaery bitterly.
"What do you mean no?" said Mace Tyrell in shock.
Jon looked him with anger.
"She means she will not marry the Crown Prince Lord Tyrell… she has already agreed to be my wife, and she has no desire to change her mind, save your power grabbing shit for your other children, this one will not be a part of it" said Jon bitterly enraging the Tyrell's.
Margaery squeezed his hand in support.
"Jon is right Father… he and I will be wed, and you cannot stop us" said Margaery sternly.
"You are betrothed in word only, you still need our approval if you wish to wed, and you do not have it… you will be betrothed to Edric Baratheon, you will marry Edric Baratheon and rule as his Queen, and that is final, now Lord Stark will leave so we can finish going over the arrangements" said Olenna Tyrell.
Margaery glared straight at her.
"Our agreement was that I would decide whether or not to marry Lord Stark… and I chose to do so, we do not need your approval, we are already betrothed" said Margaery icily.
"No such agreement was ever written, therefore it means nothing that you agreed to it, despite you thinking otherwise, the matter is finished, now if you will kindly leave Lord Stark, our business does not concern you, do not make me tell you again" said Olenna Tyrell curtly.
Margaery stood up next to Jon causing him to squeeze her hand in support.
"I did not want to do this, but you have left me no choice Grandmother… if you do not honour this betrothal… I will do to Lord Stark what you did to Grandfather" said Margaery angrily.
Jon was shocked as the entire room fell silent.
Two weeks ago Margaery told him the story about how Olenna Redwyne seduced and slept with Luther Tyrell which forced the two to marry each other. A marriage that had turned her into one of the most powerful Ladies in Westeros.
Mace and Alerie Tyrell were shocked while Olenna Tyrell looked stunned at what she heard.
"You would not dare do such a thing" said Olenna Tyrell angrily.
Margaery growled.
"I will if you do not do as I ask… we have shared the same bed at Winterfell for some time, letting him bed me would be a welcome thing, and mark my words I will do it, and you will not be able to stop us" said Margaery bitterly.
"You would not dare Margaery Tyrell, and honourable Lord Stark would not do so either" said Olenna Tyrell in a deathly voice.
"Margaery" said Mace Tyrell in shock.
"Think about what you are saying Margaery, you will ruin every chance you have at a good marriage if you do this" said Alerie Tyrell in shock.
"The King will never accept our offer, he will never let you marry the Prince if you do this" said Mace Tyrell in an almost begging voice.
"She is not your tool for power Lord Tyrell, she is your Daughter, show her the respect she deserves" said Jon bitterly causing Mace Tyrell to splutter.
"Margaery… please just think about this, we only want what is best for you, and being Queen is what is best for you, think about what will happen to you if you lie with this boy, you will end up just like your Aunt if you wed him" said Alerie Tyrell bitterly.
Jon snarled at her.
"That is a grave insult to House Stark My Lady, you should reconsider your words" snarled Jon causing Alerie Tyrell to be taken aback.
"I could have you killed for insulting my Wife boy" said Mace Tyrell angrily.
"Please Margaery… just listen to us, surely you have thought about the consequences of bedding him, it is not worth it" said Alerie Tyrell in a pleading voice.
Margaery growled.
"I have Mother… now either you are going to honour this betrothal, or I will take Lord Stark to my chambers and make you honour it, that is your choice, now make it" growled Margaery.
Olenna Tyrell glared at the two.
"You will not wed nor bed this boy… so stop these foolish attempts to dishonour yourself and sit down right now Margaery" snarled Olenna Tyrell.
Margaery snarled and kissed Jon.
"Very well… you brought this upon yourself, come My Lord, take me to bed, I will make sure they can hear us" said Margaery angrily.
She turned herself and Jon around before marching them over to the door.
"Fine… we will honour your betrothal, you will be wed here after your 18th name day, then you will go north with your Husband" spat Olenna Tyrell causing the two to stop in their tracks.
Margaery smirked and turned to face her Grandmother.
"Thank you Grandmother… that is all we wished for, now we will take our leave" said Margaery.
Unfortunately just before Jon and Margaery left the Solar Margaery went from triumphant to hurt upon hearing one last comment.
"You are a disappointment Margaery… I taught you better than this" said Olenna Tyrell bitterly.
Margaery froze up as Jon led her out of the Solar.
They did not bother to shut the door as Margaery directed Jon back to her chambers.
As they entered they spotted Talla Tarly and two other Handmaidens unpacking Margaery's clothes.
"Give us some privacy Ladies… and have some fruit and wine brought here at once" said Jon sternly.
"Yes My Lord" said Talla Tarly glancing at Margaery before bowing her head and leaving the room followed by the other Handmaidens.
Jon waited until they closed the door before sitting the both of them on the bed.
Margaery wrapped her arms around him and pushed him back so they were lying down on the bed.
"Am I really a disappointment?" said Margaery sadly.
Jon kissed her forehead.
"No… she is just angry that someone finally stood up to her and told her that she cannot control their life… maybe what you said about forcing her hand the same way she did to your Grandfather shocked her, but you said what you needed to say" said Jon tracing his hands on her arms and chest.
Margaery looked up at him and kissed him.
"I know exactly why she took my education in hand… to turn me into a Queen, a gateway for House Tyrell to rule the Seven Kingdoms, and I wanted it for so many years" said Margaery.
"But not any more?" said Jon softly.
Margaery shook her head.
"Being a Queen would not make me truly happy, nor would a marriage to the Crown Prince… being with you would make me truly happy… and I meant what I said to her, I was prepared to give myself to you, maybe I still am" said Margaery softly.
Jon smiled and kissed her.
"You need not do that… we got what we desired, we will have a long life together, as the Lord and Lady of Winterfell" said Jon.
Margaery smiled and pressed herself into him.
"I was going to surprise you but… I could tell you right now to cheer you up a bit" said Jon softly.
Margaery looked up at him and kissed his chin.
"I told you that I was going to take you somewhere special, as a surprise" said Jon.
"You did" said Margaery curiously.
Jon kissed her forehead.
"I was planning to take you to Starfall, in a few moons, to see my Mother's family" said Jon.
Margaery smiled.
"I heard that Starfall is a beautiful castle" said Margaery.
"It is… the two of us can go together, once my Parents and Siblings have left Starfall, I would like to visit them when it is just the two of us, my Cousin Alyssa will not be there, but my eldest Cousin and his Wife should be there, as will Edric" said Jon.
Margaery leaned up and kissed him.
"I would like that very much" said Margaery.
Jon smiled and held her there for a few moments.
"By the way… I heard talk that Lord Tarly is hosting a tourney at Horn Hill in five moons" said Margaery.
"I trust we will be attending if he holds such a tourney?" said Jon.
"Of course, we are required to attend, House Tyrell rules the Reach… and perhaps you should enter the melee" said Margaery.
Jon looked down at her curiously.
"You wish to see me beat up the men of the Reach once again?" said Jon teasingly.
Margaery rolled her eyes.
"Well… I would give you my favour, in hopes that you can win that tourney for me, should I give you my favour My Lord… for luck?" said Margaery.
Jon kissed her and held her close.
"Perhaps you should" said Jon cheekily.
Margaery placed her hand on his heart and smiled before a knock at the door caught their attention.
"Enter" said Margaery.
The door opened and two servants walked in.
One was carrying a tray of assorted fruits while the other was carrying a tray containing two cups and a large pitcher of water.
They placed the food and drinks on the table before bidding them farewell and leaving.
Jon pulled Margaery to her feet and led her over to the table.
The two sat down and helped themselves to the fruit and water.
Margaery reached across the table grasping his hand.
"I love you… and I am glad you stood by my side through that whole ordeal, I needed you there more than you think" said Margaery softly.
Jon smiled and squeezed her hand before gently pulling her up.
Margaery smiled as he pulled her into his lap.
"I told you I would fight for you… though I do have one question" said Jon softly.
Margaery placed her hands on his shoulders and kissed him.
"Ask away" said Margaery softly.
Jon smiled.
"Did you really mean it… when you said that you might want to be bedded right now?" said Jon curiously.
Margaery smirked and kissed him before gently biting his lower lip.
"I did… and part of me was hoping that they would keep quiet as we left, so it would give me an excuse to bed you" said Margaery cheekily before standing up.
Jon chuckled and went to pull her back down before Margaery stopped him by pressing her hand against his chest.
"Stay there" said Margaery in a flirty voice.
Jon's eyes went slightly wide as she unclasped her dress letting it fall to the floor before removing her smallclothes and shoes.
(Smut begins)
Before he knew it she was standing before him completely naked with a smirk.
"I thought it was time you had a proper look… so you can think about everything you are going to do to me, and what I am going to do to you" said Margaery saucily.
Jon stood up and pulled her into him.
He placed his hands on her hips holding her against him as he locked eyes with her.
"Do you want to see what you did to me?" said Jon huskily.
Margaery nodded.
Jon smirked and let go of her before removing his riding clothes.
Once he was as naked as Margaery she looked him up and down with wide eyes and red cheeks.
"Gods" whispered Margaery in shock as she locked eyes with his erect manhood.
She moaned as Jon grabbed her arms and pulled her into him.
"I cannot wait to have this inside me" said Margaery as she grasped his manhood drawing a low growl out of him.
Jon placed his hand on her chin tilting it up before kissing her.
He managed a cheeky smile as he broke the kiss.
"Gods your perfect… I can already see it right now" said Jon huskily.
"See what?" said Margaery teasingly.
Jon smirked and kissed her neck.
"Exactly what I will be enjoying… firm teats and a tight fit, what every man longs for" whispered Jon huskily.
Margaery moaned and traced her hand on his chest.
"You can either long for me and wait until we are man and wife… or you can have me right now, see if I am a tight fit like you believe me to be, your choice" said Margaery in a sultry voice.
Jon growled before cheekily kissing the top of her breasts.
After a few moments he sighed and locked eyes with her.
"Put your clothes back on Margaery" said Jon softly.
Margaery raised her eyebrow at him.
"Are you sure… I thought you wanted to bed me" said Margaery teasingly as she stroked his manhood.
Jon groaned before pulling her hand off of his manhood.
"Gods Margaery… I want to throw you onto the bed and fuck you senseless, I want to see you on your knees with your mouth around my cock, I want to spread your legs and devour your cunt, to savour its taste and get it wet for my cock, I want you on your back screaming to your Gods as I make you a woman" said Jon huskily.
Margaery stifled a small moan.
"Then do it, bed me right now" said Margaery in a sultry voice.
Jon chuckled and brushed some hair out of her face.
"I will bed you on our wedding night, and not before" said Jon huskily.
Margaery kissed him and stepped away from him.
"Be a dear Jon, and help me get dressed" said Margaery bending down and slipping her shoes on.
Jon smirked and walked towards her picking her smallclothes and dress up.
(Smut ends)
He slowly helped her get back into her clothes pressing gentle kisses to her skin as he helped dress her before she helped him back into his clothes.
Jon kissed her before they sat down at the table once again to eat.
"Oh Jon" said Margaery sweetly as she slowly sucked on a strawberry.
"Yes" said Jon with a small smirk.
Margaery winked at him before biting into the strawberry.
"Your own chambers will not suffice, so you will sleep in here from now on, as my sworn shield" said Margaery sternly.
Jon chuckled.
"Very well, as long as your intentions are purely innocent" said Jon.
Margaery laughed.
"I am not going to ride you every night if that is what you are asking… I will have the servants move your clothes in here" said Margaery as she picked up another strawberry.
Jon smirked as the two continued eating.
Four days later…
Jon walked across the courtyard to his Father as he strapped Ice to his horse.
Ned turned to face him as he approached.
"The next time we see each other… will be when you return to Winterfell many moons from now" said Ned.
Jon nodded and wrapped Ned in a hug.
"Tell Grandmother I will visit her soon" said Jon.
Ned squeezed him tighter.
"Your Grandmother wants to return to Winterfell with us… but perhaps we can persuade her to wait until you have visited Starfall first" said Ned.
Jon smiled and let go of Ned.
"Have a safe journey Father" said Jon softly.
Ned smiled and stepped aside allowing Elia and Brandon to run into Jon.
Jon knelt down and wrapped them both in hugs kissing each of them on the forehead.
"I will miss you two the most while I am gone" said Jon softly.
Both of them pressed their heads into Jon as Ashara and Alys Karstark made their way towards them.
"I will see you both when I return" said Jon softly before letting go of them.
He stood up where Ashara immediately wrapped him in a hug.
"I will miss you, my big strong boy" said Ashara softly.
Jon smiled and returned her hug kissing her on the cheek.
"I will miss you too Mother, I love you" said Jon softly.
Ashara kissed his forehead.
"I love you too Jon… goodbye" said Ashara with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Jon smiled and let go of her.
"Goodbye Mother" said Jon as Brandon immediately flocked to her side.
Ashara took his hand before turning and leading him back to the wheelhouse.
Jon stood beside Margaery as his Father led their small convoy out of the courtyard and down the hill.
Margaery turned to Jon with a serious look on her face.
"You know the King will be arriving in a few days, along with the Queen and their children… Grandmother wants me to be the one who turns down the betrothal, and suffer the Kings anger" said Margaery bitterly.
Jon wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her forehead.
"Do you want me there with you?" said Jon.
"Of course… it would give you the chance to fight for me again, though only with words and not swords" said Margaery.
Jon chuckled and pulled her into him.
"I can fight with words just as well as I can fight with swords" said Jon.
Margaery raised her eyebrow at him.
"Jon… you know the sword is your weapon, and that words are mine, do not pretend otherwise" said Margaery teasingly.
Jon smirked and kissed her.
"Come on… lets take a walk" said Jon removing his arm from her shoulders and offering it to her.
Margaery smiled and took his arm allowing him to lead her back into the castle.
Five days later…
Jon and Margaery stood side by side in the courtyard as the King led the large Royal Party into Highgarden which once again included Renly Baratheon along with Stannis and his Family.
Robert and Edric Baratheon led the first two wheelhouses while Renly, Stannis, Steffon and Joffrey Baratheon led the third wheelhouse into the courtyard along with three wagons.
Jon and the others knelt down as Robert dismounted his horse before walking over to Mace Tyrell.
As Mace Tyrell got to his feet and welcomed Robert Jon growled slightly at the sight of the next party to arrive in the courtyard.
Tywin Lannister rode into the courtyard alongside Tyrion Lannister and to Jon's anger and disgust, the Mountain Ser Gregor Clegane.
Margaery turned to him as they stood up.
"What is it?" said Margaery.
"I'll tell you later" said Jon bitterly turning his gaze away from the Mountain as he dismounted his horse.
Margaery looked like she was going to say something for a few moments before slowly nodding.
"Okay" said Margaery before looking back in front of her as the King came to a halt in front of her looking her up and down with a steel gaze.
Jon wrapped his arm around her waist causing Robert to look at him in shock before he looked enraged.
"TYRELL!" shouted Robert furiously turning to face Mace Tyrell who spluttered slightly.
Jon chuckled slightly causing Margaery to glare at him.
"What kind of jape is this… offering me your Daughter while she greets me with another man at her side, do you take me and my Son for fools?" shouted Robert angrily.
Jon sighed as Mace Tyrell continued to splutter his apologies.
"Your Grace… perhaps we should speak about the situation in private" said Jon quickly.
Robert sharply turned to face him.
"Lord Stark… I take it your Father is not with you?" said Robert gruffly.
"He and my Mother are at Starfall Your Grace" said Jon.
Robert sighed before Willas Tyrell made his way over to them.
"Your Grace… if you would accompany us to my Grandmothers Solar, the situation will be explained" said Willas Tyrell.
Robert looked at him.
"It better be" said Robert bitterly.
Willas Tyrell nodded.
"If you would follow me Your Grace" said Willas Tyrell.
He led Robert, Catelyn and Edric Baratheon followed him into the castle along with Mace Tyrell, Alerie Tyrell, Olenna Tyrell, Jon and Margaery.
Ser Barristan Selmy and Jonothor Florent followed them.
They walked through the castle in complete silence until they arrived at Olenna Tyrell's Solar.
When they entered the Solar the Tyrell's minus Margaery and Willas took seats along with Robert and Catelyn.
Jon and Margaery stood together on the left side of the table while Edric Baratheon stood next to his Father and Willas Tyrell stood next to Mace Tyrell.
"Now… what in the Seven Hells are you playing at Lord Tyrell, you invite me here to finalise a betrothal between my Son and your Daughter, and now that I am here it looks like such a betrothal will not happen, or is Lord Stark simply here for other reasons?" said Robert bitterly.
"There has been a change of plan Your Grace, you see-" said Mace Tyrell.
"Oh just get it over with you fool" said Olenna Tyrell cutting him off in annoyance.
Margaery cleared her throat getting everyone's attention.
"Your Grace… I was betrothed to Lord Stark shortly after you started arranging this betrothal with my Father, my Father did not know until I told him" said Margaery sincerely.
Olenna Tyrell scoffed.
"We tried to get Margaery to honour the betrothal to Prince Edric but she would not, in the end she wanted to marry Lord Stark, so we gave her what she wanted" said Olenna Tyrell bitterly.
"And yet you did not inform me of this… and now I have travelled all the way here for no reason" said Robert bitterly as he poured himself some wine and swiftly drank it.
"Your Grace… we could offer a compromise… perhaps one of your Daughters could wed my eldest Son Willas, he is the Heir to Highgarden" said Mace Tyrell.
"No… you tried to break your agreement with Eddard Stark, a man who is like a Brother to me, you can find another bride for your Son, I will never betroth any Daughter of mine to any Son of yours" said Robert bitterly.
"Robert, being the Lady Of Highgarden would be an excellent betrothal for one of our Daughters, you should reconsider" said Catelyn in a slightly bitter voice.
"No… no Daughter of ours will wed a Tyrell, and nor will Princess Minisa, that is the end of it" said Robert gruffly.
Jon inwardly chuckled as he watched Mace Tyrell looking slightly nervous and ashamed that his and his Mother's actions had cost House Tyrell a chance of gaining a Princesses hand in marriage.
Alerie Tyrell cleared her throat.
"Your Grace… we are hosting a tourney in three days in celebration of Margaery's betrothal to Lord Stark, perhaps you could remain here for the tourney" said Alerie Tyrell quickly.
Robert turned to her and stiffly nodded.
"Fine… might as well stay here for a bit after you dragged me all the way out here on false promises" said Robert passively.
Robert, Catelyn and Edric stood up and left the room after saying their goodbyes followed by Jon and Margaery.
They walked through the castle back to their own chambers.
As they rounded the corner into the hallway where the Royal Party were staying they stopped as Jon growled at the sight before him.
Ethan Forrester had his arms pinned behind his back by the Hound Sandor Clegane while Prince Joffrey Baratheon had his short sword against the young boys cheek.
Sandor Clegane was quite a tall imposing man at 6'6 tall with long brown hair partially covering the horrific burns on the right side of his face. He was in his mid thirties dressed in black plate armour with a longsword attached to his waist.
Jon snarled.
"Get your hands off my Squire Boy" snarled Jon.
Joffrey Baratheon and Sandor Clegane turned to face him.
"Your Squire needed to be taught a lesson on how to respect his betters" said Joffrey angrily as he pressed the sword into Ethan Forresters cheek drawing blood.
"Lower your sword… or I will part your head from your body" growled Jon placing his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Sandor Clegane immediately let go of Ethan Forrester and turned to face Jon with his hand on the hilt of his own sword.
"Your a dumb cunt you know that, threatening a Prince will cost you your head" said Sandor Clegane bitterly.
Jon looked between him, Joffrey Baratheon and Ethan Forrester with an angry look on his face.
"And that is my Squire you have attacked… to attack a Lords Squire is to attack the Lord himself, so you and I will go down to the courtyard, and you will cross blades with me, or are you a coward Boy?" said Jon.
Joffrey Baratheon snarled.
"I could kill you without any effort" snarled Joffrey.
"Jon" warned Margaery as Ethan Forrester quickly made his way over to her and Jon clutching his bloody cheek.
Upon hearing this Joffrey Baratheon laughed and smirked.
"You should listen to your whore peasant" said Joffrey amusedly.
Jon rolled his eyes before snarling as Sandor Clegane looked frustrated unbeknownst to Joffrey Baratheon.
"You see… now we really do have a problem Boy, you are a guest at Highgarden, and you have insulted Lord Tyrell's Daughter, my Future Wife-" said Jon before an angry voice cut him off.
"What trouble are you causing now Boy?!" shouted the angry voice of Stannis Baratheon cutting Jon off as he marched down the hallway towards them with Renly Baratheon.
Joffrey Baratheon panicked.
"This peasant insulted me Father" lied Joffrey pointing at Jon in a state of panic.
Jon scoffed before Margaery cleared her throat.
"Lord Stannis… your Son attacked Lord Starks Squire without reason or provocation… before proceeding to call Lord Stark a peasant and me a whore" said Margaery angrily.
Stannis Baratheon looked at Ethan Forrester's bloody cheek before rounding on Joffrey Baratheon.
"You stupid boy… threatening the Son of the Warden Of The North and insulting the Daughter of the Warden Of The Reach, have you any idea what kind of trouble you have caused, your Uncle will have your head for such a thing, and I am awfully tempted to let him take it" shouted Stannis Baratheon angrily.
Joffrey Baratheon paled.
"It was not my fault Father" pleaded Joffrey Baratheon.
Stannis Baratheon swiftly backhanded him knocking him to the floor.
"Give me your sword… now" snarled Stannis Baratheon.
Joffrey Baratheon quickly handed his sword to Stannis Baratheon.
Stannis Baratheon turned to Sandor Clegane who had a slightly frustrated look on his face.
"Gather some of our men and take the boy back to Kings Landing Clegane… where he can do no further damage, and he will not get his sword back until I say so, if ever" said Stannis Baratheon angrily.
"Father no" pleaded Joffrey Baratheon.
"Quit your snivelling Boy… one more word out of you and I will send you to Casterly Rock, where your Grandfather can deal with you himself" growled Stannis Baratheon causing Joffrey Baratheon to go pale.
"No not that" pleaded Joffrey Baratheon.
"Get him out of my sight Clegane" said Stannis Baratheon angrily.
Sandor Clegane bowed his head before grabbing Joffrey Baratheon by the back of his tunic and dragging him away.
"Let me go Dog" shouted Joffrey Baratheon as he was dragged down the hallway and out of sight.
Stannis and Renly Baratheon walked towards Jon and the others.
"My apologies… for my Sons behaviour Lord Stark, on another day I would have made him fight you with live steel as punishment… but he cannot hold a sword even if his life depended on it" said Stannis Baratheon passively.
Jon nodded.
"Thank you My Lord" said Jon flatly.
Stannis Baratheon nodded before he and Renly Baratheon walked away.
Jon and Margaery waited until they had left before leading Ethan Forrester back to his chambers.
They sat him down on his bed.
"What happened with the Prince Ethan?" said Jon.
Ethan Forrester turned to him.
"It all happened so fast, I was just walking back to my chambers when the Hound grabbed me for no reason, when I demanded that they let me go that Boy just pulled his sword out and pressed it into my cheek, he kept saying that he was going to show me that I was nothing, and then you came along" said Ethan Forrester.
Jon growled.
"Bloody cheek of the Boy, perhaps his Father should have let me have him, to teach him a lesson" growled Jon.
Margaery grabbed his hand and squeezed it.
"Jon, go and find some water and cloths for your Squire, so I can treat his wound" said Margaery.
Jon nodded before kissing her cheek.
"I will not be long" said Jon standing up and walking towards the door.
As he walked through the door he heard Margaery speaking soothing words to Ethan Forrester.
Later that night…
Jon and Margaery were sat on the bed in their chambers dressed in their clothes for the feast.
"Now are you going to tell me what was bothering you earlier?" said Margaery tracing her hand on his arm.
Jon scowled slightly.
"I cannot believe your Father allowed that Monster to come here" growled Jon.
"The Mountain?" said Margaery warily.
"The Mountain… having his Brother here is bad enough, but to have that Monster here is another thing, a Monster whose head should have been mounted on a spike in Kings Landing many years ago" growled Jon.
Margaery sighed.
"You know my Father cannot turn him away, not without insulting Tywin Lannister" said Margaery softly.
Jon snorted.
"I am only thankful my Mother is not here… she would have left upon watching that thing enter the courtyard, along with my Father and quite possibly me" said Jon harshly.
Margaery grasped his hand and squeezed it.
"You would have gone with them?" said Margaery questioningly.
Jon curtly nodded.
"That thing destroyed a person that my Mother held very dear to her heart… and my Father begged for his execution because of it, not that it did much good, he is still breathing" said Jon.
Margaery placed her hand on his chin turning him to face her.
"I would have been disappointed to see you leave… but not without understanding your reasons" said Margaery sadly before kissing him.
Jon managed a sad smile squeezed her hand.
"Come on… let us go down to the feast, it will be a great delight to hear Father announce our betrothal, knowing that there is no turning back now" said Margaery.
Jon nodded and stood up pulling her up with him.
"Then let us go down… and perhaps I can steal you away later on, and we can have some time away from prying eyes" said Jon cheekily.
Margaery smirked and kissed him.
"As long as your intentions are mostly innocent My Lord, I will go anywhere with you" said Margaery saucily.
Jon chuckled and led her towards the door.
White Harbour – 295 A.C
Three weeks later…
Lyarra walked up the wooden plank onto the ship followed by Lyanna and Oswell Whent.
They walked across the deck as the Guards and Crew prepared the ship to leave the harbour.
As they reached the cabin Lyarra turned around upon hearing someone call out to her.
Wynafred Manderly was walking towards her accompanied by two House Manderly Guards.
"Wynafred… what are you doing here?" said Lyarra puzzled.
Lyanna bowed her head to Wynafred Manderly and placed her hand on Lyarra's shoulder as Wynafred bowed her head in return.
"I forgot to tell you, Lady Wynafred will be accompanying us on our trip and returning to Winterfell with us" said Lyanna softly.
"Bur only for three years, then Father wants me back here so I can marry Edwin Glover, I will be the Lady Of Deepwood Motte" said Wynafred Manderly quickly.
Lyarra walked towards her and gave her a hug.
"Congratulations" said Lyarra happily.
Lyanna sighed and cleared her throat.
"Go on girls… go and speak inside the cabin, I must see to the Captain" said Lyanna.
Both girls smiled and walked past her into the cabin.
Lyanna smiled and walked away from the cabin as Oswell Whent took up position outside the door.
Starfall – 295 A.C
Two weeks later…
Ashara was sat at the desk with Alys Karstark stood behind her slowly styling her hair into a sensible but intricate Dornish braid.
She was expecting Ned to return to her chambers any minute to tell her that Lyanna and Lyarra had arrived.
Alys Karstark stepped back after a few minutes.
"How is that Lady Stark?" said Alys Karstark.
Ashara looked at herself in the mirror with a smile.
"Very lovely Alys, very good work" said Ashara softly as she stood up and walked over to Alys Karstark.
"You look very beautiful Lady Stark" said Alys Karstark.
Ashara smiled.
"Thank you, could you go and check if Elia and Brandon are ready, Lady Lyanna will be arriving shortly" said Ashara.
Alys Karstark curtsied to her.
"Yes Lady Stark" said Alys Karstark before she walked over to the door and left the room.
Once the door shut Ashara walked over to the balcony overlooking the Torrentine River.
She let out a deep breath before managing a smile as she spotted an approaching ship bearing the sigil of House Manderly.
As she turned away from the railing the door opened once again as Ned walked into the room.
He stopped in his tracks when he caught sight of her.
"Why do you not dress like that at Winterfell?" said Ned in slight shock.
Ashara smiled and walked towards him as she noticed his eyes travelling up and down her body marvelled at the sight of her slightly revealing dress.
"Because it is too cold to dress like this in the North, even in the summer" said Ashara smirking as she took his hand.
Ned chuckled as he placed his hand and hers on top of her breasts.
"Like seeing me like this do you… with all this skin showing, allowing you to stand there staring at my teats" said Ashara teasingly.
Ned growled and lowered his head to her breasts kissing the valley between them causing her to place her hands on his head.
"Not now… your Sister and Niece will be here shortly, it would not be good manners if we did not greet them because we were busy making a mess in my bed again" said Ashara sternly.
Ned pulled her into him.
"I slept alone in that bed when I was an innocent little girl, you have ruined me Eddard Stark, I am very far from innocent now" said Ashara in a flirty voice.
Ned smirked and kissed her neck.
"You have not been innocent for years, nor were you entirely innocent when we first met… and childhood bed or not, it is still your bed, and your Husband tends to your every pleasure" said Ned huskily.
Ashara kissed him before gently pushing him away.
"Come on… we are expected in the courtyard" said Ashara quickly.
Ned chuckled.
"Very well" said Ned holding his arm out to her.
She took it and allowed him to lead her out of the room.
They walked through the castle arm in arm before coming to a halt in the courtyard where Elia and Brandon were waiting for them along with Ellaria Dayne, Lysanne Dayne, Alys Karstark, Lyanna Mormont and Eddara Tallhart.
They made their way over to them where Ashara took Brandon's hand holding it close to her hip as they awaited the arrival of their guests.
She glanced to her left and smiled as Vorian's 21 year old, long blonde haired Wife Deria Dayne nee Wyl made her way over to them with her two children.
Her eldest Daughter Clarisse Dayne was 3 years old who looked like a miniature version of Deria was stood on her left. Deria was holding her younger Son Ulrick Dayne in her arms. He was nearing his second name day with patches of short black hair like his Father.
Stood next to them was Vorian's 7 year old baseborn Son Daeron Sand who looked like a younger short haired version of his Father.
Deria Dayne caught Ashara's eye and managed a small smile which the elder Woman returned.
They waited there for over ten minutes before Arron, Arthur, Vorian and Edric Dayne led Lyanna, Lyarra and their party through the side gate into the courtyard.
Almost immediately Lyanna made her way over to Ned wrapping him in a hug.
"Winterfell has been quiet without you Ned" said Lyanna softly before squeezing him tightly.
Ned smiled.
"I am sure it was not as quiet as you made it out to be" said Ned.
"I thought you were remaining at Winterfell with Robb, to help advise him in our absence" said Ashara as Lyanna let go of Ned.
Lyanna smiled and gave Ashara a kiss on each cheek.
"Ser Rodrik and Maester Lewin will advise him in our absence… and Ser Rodrik will carry out an execution should one take place" said Lyanna.
Ashara nodded her head slightly as Lyarra and Wynafred Manderly made their way over to her greeting her with hugs and kisses.
Ned sighed and turned to face Lyanna with a serious look on his face.
"Are you sure this is wise… does she really need to see this?" said Ned sternly.
"She asked me if I would take her there… she just wants to know her birthplace Ned, besides you need not worry, Ser Arthur and Ser Oswell will be with us the whole time, nothing will go wrong" said Lyanna quickly.
Ned sighed.
"Very well… and Wynafred Manderly?" said Ned glancing at Wynafred Manderly who was greeting Alys Karstark.
Lyanna followed his gaze and managed a small smile.
"She will be returning to Winterfell with us, as a companion to Lyarra until she is to be wed in three years" said Lyanna.
"Very well, though I ask that you encourage her to spend some of her time with Arya as well, Ashara has been pushing me to find some girls who are Arya's age for her as companions" said Ned plainly.
"A girl her age needs companions Ned… had Father understood that I would have grown up with some girls who were my own age, the only girl I spent any time with was Bryn and she was nearly two years older than me" said Lyanna.
"As I have told him many times, and still he has not lifted a finger to do anything about it" said Ashara teasingly as moved next to Ned.
Ned sighed.
"And who would Arya even be interested in spending time with, given how much she hates being a Lady" said Ned in a slightly defeated voice.
"I heard that Lord Umber's twin Daughters are not much different, and they are only a year younger than Arya, though they are a little more ladylike" said Ashara looking straight at Ned.
Ned raised his eyebrow at Ashara causing her to smirk.
"Gossip Ned, not something you are particularly fond of I know" said Ashara cheekily.
Ned rolled his eyes.
"Very well… invite them to Winterfell to serve as companions for Arya when we return" said Ned.
Ashara smiled.
"I'm glad to see you are finally taking an interest in your Daughters needs Eddard Stark" said Ashara teasingly.
Ned chuckled as Lyanna left them so she could greet Elia and Brandon.