The Rise Of A Dynasty
Starfall – 295 A.C
The next day…
Jon yawned slightly as he woke up.
He looked down at Margaery who was asleep on his chest.
Jon smiled and poked her on the nose causing her to stir slightly.
He kept his gaze on her for the next ten minutes before her eyes slowly opened.
Her eyes found his as she smiled.
"What a sight to wake up too" said Margaery softly as she kissed him.
"I can think of a better sight" said Jon softly as he traced his finger on her neck and chin.
Margaery smirked.
"And what sight is that?" said Margaery.
Jon smirked.
"We could be naked" said Jon teasingly.
Margaery smirked and kissed him.
Jon chuckled as she raised herself up cupping one of her covered breasts in her hand.
"Do you want to see them?" said Margaery teasingly.
Jon kissed her before briefly dropping his gaze to her breasts.
"What do you think?" said Jon huskily.
Margaery chuckled and lowered herself onto his chest.
Jon groaned slightly as he felt her breasts pressing into his chest with her hips pressing into his manhood.
He raised his head and kissed her before leaning into her ear.
"We should get dressed… Grandmother expects you in the hall to break your fast, and my Uncle expects me in his private dining chambers to break our fast" said Jon softly.
Margaery smirked before swiftly getting out of bed and removing her nightdress.
Jon let his eyes wander to her naked rear as Margaery turned her head towards him and smirked.
"See something you like?" said Margaery in a teasing voice.
"Plenty" said Jon huskily.
Margaery laughed.
"You know… I need someone to help me get dressed, I wish to look my best for your family" said Margaery.
Jon smirked and got out of bed walking towards the chests containing his clothes.
"I would rather undress you" said Jon cheekily as he opened one of the chests.
Margaery chuckled as Jon pulled some breeches and a silk shirt out of the chest.
"I bet you would… now be a good future husband and help me dress for today" said Margaery sternly.
Jon smirked and walked towards her as she put some smallclothes on.
He gave her a gentle slap on the rear causing her to jolt as she pulled one of her lilac Reach dresses out of the chest.
He helped her into it tying the knots at the back before stepping away as Talla Tarly made her way into the chambers.
Margaery turned to her young Handmaiden.
"A simple southern braid for today Talla, nothing too fancy" said Margaery before she made her way over to the table and chair and sat down.
"Yes My Lady" said Talla dutifully walking over to her.
Jon walked to the other end of the room to get dressed for the day as Talla Tarly started to brush Margaery's hair.
Once Margaery was ready Jon took her down to the hall before making his way up to his Uncle's private dining chambers.
Once he entered the spacious room he spotted Arron, Arthur, Vorian, Edric and Ethan Forrester sat around the large oak table near the open bay windows leading onto the balcony.
They turned to look at him as he closed the door.
"Jon… please sit" said Arron gesturing to the empty seat between Ethan Forrester and Edric Dayne.
Jon made his way over to the table and sat down before helping himself to some bacon.
"I do hope you did not do anything foolish last night Jon… and your Mother and Father will be hoping so as well" said Arron sternly.
Jon's eyes went slightly wide as he bit into his bacon.
"No we did not do anything of the sort Uncle" said Jon quickly.
Vorian laughed.
"What would it matter if he did Father, he is 16?" said Vorian jokingly.
Arron sent him an icy glare.
"I am sure you know full well Vorian… given what your own decisions have led too, despite how many times you were warned about it" said Arron frostily.
Vorian rolled his eyes.
"Daeron is my Son, even Deria has accepted that, she treats him as if he were her Son" said Vorian stubbornly.
"As have I… but I did warn you about what could happen if you were not careful, I allowed you to enjoy certain aspects of life, but I warned you all the same" said Arron sternly.
Vorian sighed and nodded.
"He is my Son Father, my responsibility… a Son I love just as much as my other children" said Vorian.
"You know your Father does not doubt that young man" said Arthur sternly.
Vorian glanced at him and nodded before turning to Jon who was cutting into a sausage.
"Perhaps you should join us for a hunt Cousin… a chance to get out of the castle for a while" said Vorian.
Jon turned to him and nodded after a few moments.
"That sounds like a good idea… I saw some deer a mile or so from here yesterday" said Jon.
Vorian smirked.
"Then it is settled… we shall leave an hour after we finish our food, perhaps you should bring Margaery with you, impress her with your hunting skills" said Vorian jokingly.
Jon rolled his eyes as he tucked into his sausage.
"Sounds fun" said Jon.
Two hours later…
Jon took an arrow from Ethan Forrester who was stood next to his horse.
He notched the arrow and took a deep breath as he spotted a deer stood at the base of a small hill.
After a few seconds he released the arrow which flew towards the deer burying itself in its neck just below the base of its head.
There was a ripple of applause as the deer dropped to the ground.
Behind him were Arron, Arthur, Vorian, Deria, Edric, Margaery, Rhaenys and Arianne who were all sat atop their horses surrounded by a dozen House Dayne Guards.
Vorian rode up besides him readying his own bow and arrow while one of the Guards rode towards the deer to collect it.
He let his eyes roam the clearing before squinting at something in the distance and smirking.
A large stag slowly made its way out from behind the lush green bush a few feet up the hill.
Vorian raised his bow slightly before firing his arrow at the stag catching it in the neck.
The stag slumped to the floor as more applause could be heard.
Vorian lowered his bow and turned to Jon.
"I bet we could get another" said Vorian confidently as the Guards collected the fallen stag.
Arthur rode up alongside them.
"You have already killed two of them Boys, that will have frightened the rest away no doubt" said Arthur.
"He is right Cousin… the rest of them could be miles from here by now" said Jon.
Vorian sighed.
"Alright then… I suppose we should head back" said Vorian.
The three of them turned their horses around and slowly made their way back towards the others.
Arthur turned to Ser Denys.
"Lets head back Ser Denys" said Arthur.
"Yes Ser" said Ser Denys.
They turned their horses around to make the journey back to Starfall.
Arianne rode up alongside Jon a few minutes later.
"Do you do much hunting in the North Lord Stark?" said Arianne.
Jon turned to her.
"As much as is done in every other kingdom Princess" said Jon.
Arianne raised her eyebrow at him.
"I had thought you would have to do more hunting in the North… for long Winters if nothing else" said Arianne.
"Every house in the North prepares for Winter Princess… and none have ever fallen short of food yet" said Jon as Margaery rode up to his other side.
"Your Cousin told me that Winterfell is rather beautiful, in its own way at least" said Arianne glancing at Rhaenys.
"It is a beautiful castle, and its Godswood is even more beautiful" said Margaery sternly.
Arianne smiled.
"Perhaps I should visit Winterfell… to see its beauty for myself" said Arianne sweetly.
Rhaenys glanced at her with a slightly questioning look.
Jon shrugged his shoulders.
"Perhaps you should" said Jon.
They continued riding back to Starfall.
Later that night…
Jon sighed as he leaned back against the edge of the bathtub.
"That Dornish Princess has taken quite a liking to you" said Margaery as she leaned back against his chest.
Jon smirked.
"Yet you are the one in this bath with me… not her" said Jon kissing her neck as his hands encircled her chest.
Margaery sighed.
"It is you who will be Lady Stark... and enjoy all of its benefits" said Jon huskily.
Margaery pressed herself into him.
"Will you wash my hair?" said Margaery.
Jon chuckled.
"Say please" said Jon cheekily.
Margaery growled slightly.
"Oh dear… I think you are going Northern, growling like wolf, like the Direwolf" said Jon cheekily.
"Please" said Margaery sternly.
Jon chuckled.
"Move forward" said Jon.
Margaery smiled and crossed her legs before moving forward.
She felt Jon pull her back so she was lying down with her hair in the water before sighing as she felt his hands in her hair.
Winterfell – 296 A.C
Four moons later…
Ned and Ashara were sat in Ned's Solar when someone knocked at the door.
"Come in" said Ned.
The door opened and Beric and Arya made their way into the Solar.
"You asked to see us Father?" said Beric.
"I did, sit down" said Ned nodding to the two chairs opposite him.
The two sat down keeping their eyes on him and Ashara.
"What is it Father?" said Arya.
Ned sighed.
"Marriages… the both of you will be 12 in two moons, at that time we will start looking for betrothals for you" said Ned.
"No!" said Arya quickly and angrily.
Ashara sighed.
"Arya Stark" warned Ashara as Beric remained silent and still.
"I do not want to be a stupid Lady of a castle, I want to be a warrior!" shouted Arya.
Ned rubbed his forehead in frustration.
"Listen to your Mother Arya" said Ned sternly.
"No!" shouted Arya.
She stood up and charged out of the Solar.
Ned sighed and turned to Ashara who nodded.
"I will talk to her" said Ashara before standing up and leaving the Solar.
Once the door shut Beric cleared his throat.
"Must I do this Father, I told you so many times that I wanted to be a knight, knights do not take Wives or father children" said Beric.
"I will let you choose should you find a suitable girl… and some knights have Wives Son, it is just members of the Kingsguard and the Nights Watch who do not take Wives" said Ned.
"Ser Oswell and Uncle Arthur are not Kingsguard any more… yet they have not taken Wives" said Beric.
Ned sighed.
"Your Uncle and Ser Oswell take their vows very seriously Son… you might think that being removed from the Kingsguard would allow them to forget about their vows, but they have not forgotten them" said Ned.
Beric nodded.
"I am the third Son Father… I will inherit no land or castles, I want to be a knight" said Beric.
Ned managed a small smile and nodded.
"I will not force anything on you… but I ask that you spend some more time thinking about this, they are two very big choices… and you might be the third Son, but that does not stop you from inheriting lands or castles, there are several keeps in the North that have no Lords or Ladies, I gave one on the Saltspear to your Aunt Lyanna, you could be given another, or perhaps your Grandmother will see to it that you get a castle in Dorne, where you and your Wife could start your own generation of Starks, or you could be given a position here at Winterfell, I was Castellan at Winterfell before Robert's Rebellion" said Ned.
Beric sighed and nodded.
"I will think about it Father… though I am not sure Arya will" said Beric.
Ned managed a small smile and stood up walking over to him.
"Your Sister is stubborn… but she will come round" said Ned.
He placed his hand on Beric's shoulder.
"Come… Ser Oswell will be waiting for you in the training yard" said Ned softly.
Beric nodded and stood up before leaving the Solar with Ned.
Meanwhile…
"I do not want to be a Lady!" screamed Arya.
She was sat on her bed in her chambers with Ashara.
Ashara growled slightly.
"Do not scream at me Arya Stark" growled Ashara.
Arya glared at her.
"I will not marry a stupid Lord and spend my life in his castle popping out babies and sewing, I want to fight like Father" shouted Arya.
Ashara rubbed her head in frustration.
"Has it ever crossed your mind that you can be both of those things Arya… Lady Mormont rules Bear Island, and she can fight as well, as can her Daughters" said Ashara sternly.
"But I do not want to be a Lady of a castle" shouted Arya.
"So you do not wish to have a husband, to have children of your own… you do not want any of that?" said Ashara.
"No!" shouted Arya.
"Do not shout at me Arya Stark, or I will take your sword away" said Ashara sternly.
Arya locked eyes with her before frowning.
"Sorry" mumbled Arya.
Ashara nodded.
"It is quite all right, just try to refrain from shouting again… now be quiet and listen" said Ashara.
Arya straightened up.
"There will be four days of feasts when you and your Brother turn 12 in two moons, as I understand the Royal Family will be attending along with the Northern families, most of whom will be bringing their Sons with them" said Ashara.
Arya opened her mouth before Ashara held her hand up silencing her.
"And Jon will be returning along at that time, as will your Uncle and your Grandmother" said Ashara causing Arya to grin.
Arya suddenly surprised Ashara by wrapping her in a tight hug.
"I am sorry for disappointing you so much" said Arya.
Ashara managed a sad smile and held her head up to her.
"I have never been disappointed in you Arya… while you are hot headed most of the time that does not mean I am disappointed with you, the same with your Father" said Ashara.
Arya pressed her head into Ashara's chest.
"Come… Corin and Morgana will waiting for you in their embroidery lesson" said Ashara.
"But-" said Arya.
"But nothing, I know you do not like sewing, but that does not mean can skip those lessons, now come on" said Ashara quickly cutting Arya off mid sentence.
Arya let out a small scowl as she allowed Ashara to pull her to her feet.
The two walked through the castle before they arrived at a large room near the great hall where the Seamstress Myra was helping Elia with her sewing.
Lyarra, Wylla Manderly, Alys Karstark, Jeyne Poole, Beth Cassel, Lyanna Mormont, Eddara Tallhart and Greatjon Umber's twin Daughters Corin and Morgana Umber were also sat in the room sewing and talking.
The twin Umber Girls were 11 years of age with long black brown hair and were dressed in dark grey Northern dresses and furs with the red House Umber sigil on their chests.
Ashara looked down at Arya.
"Now… I want you to do your best, your Aunt Lyanna wants you in the courtyard for your sword lesson in two hours, you will stay here until then" said Ashara.
Arya nodded before crossing the room towards Corin and Morgana Umber.
Arya sat down next to them before Myra made her way towards her handing her some sewing work to do.
Ashara watched as Myra started to instruct Arya on her sewing before walking over to Elia who was sat chatting and sewing with Lyanna Mormont and Eddara Tallhart.
She knelt down next to her youngest Daughter looking at the white Direwolf she was sewing and smiled.
"Well done darling, that is wonderful" said Ashara sweetly.
Elia smiled and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
"Thank you Mother" said Elia.
Ashara smiled before looking up at Myra who approached her.
"Do you require anything My Lady?" said Myra.
"A sewing kit if you please Myra" said Ashara.
Myra bowed her head.
"Yes My Lady" said Myra.
She walked over to the corner of the room to get sewing materials for Ashara.
Later that night…
"How did Arya take it then?" said Ned softly as he kissed Ashara's neck.
The two were lying naked in each others arms in bed.
Ashara sighed.
(Smut begins)
"Just how I expected her to take it… she refuses to marry or even be any sort of lady" said Ashara letting out small moans as she felt Ned's hands move over to her breasts.
"Lya was exactly the same when we were children, now you know where Arya gets it from" said Ned softly as he cupped her breasts and pressed his hips into hers.
"I always knew that Eddard Stark… I just hoped she would change, and I assume Beric is not much different" moaned Ashara.
Ned slowly nodded before he kissed her.
"He wishes to be a knight… but Jon Arryn told me that Robert is still keen on a Stark, Baratheon betrothal" said Ned.
"And what… our third born Son is an option for him?" said Ashara groaning as she felt his manhood against her entrance.
"He could be… Lyanna Baratheon is nearly a year older than Beric, Myrcella Baratheon is two years younger than him, perhaps Robert will offer one of them to Beric" said Ned kissing her neck and shoulder.
Ashara moaned and fisted her hands into his hair.
"We will speak more of this in the morning, now kiss me" moaned Ashara.
Ned raised his head and kissed her pushing his tongue into her mouth.
Ashara broke the kiss and rubbed herself against him.
"Kiss all of me, all of me" said Ashara in a sultry voice.
Ned growled and kissed her again.
"You need not ask twice" said Ned as he broke away before roughly kissing her neck once more before kissing his way down her body.
(Smut ends)
Moat Cailin – 296 A.C
Two moons later…
Jon managed a small smile as Moat Cailin came into view from the Kings Road.
He and Arthur were leading their small convoy towards the castle.
"Has your Father said anything about who he will give Moat Cailin to?" said Arthur.
Jon shook his head.
"Mother and Father rarely speak of it, though I expect it shall be Robb who rules the Moat" said Jon.
"Curious… one of your Brothers will be named Lord Of Moat Cailin and yet it is rarely spoken of" said Arthur.
Jon shrugged his shoulders as they carried on riding towards Moat Cailin.
They arrived in the courtyard ten minutes later where Lady Lrya Manderly was waiting for them outside the main keep.
"Lord Stark, welcome to Moat Cailin" said Lrya Manderly.
Jon dismounted his horse.
"My thanks Lady Manderly, the Moat looks as welcoming as ever" said Jon looking around the large courtyard where the Guards and staff were milling about doing their daily duties.
"The Moat is as it should be, physically imposing to our enemies… I will have some chambers in the Children's Tower prepared for you, though it may take some time, our servants are still preparing the rest of the chambers for the Royal Family" said Lrya Manderly.
Jon nodded as Ethan Forrester and Arthur dismounted their horses.
"Take your time Lady Manderly" said Jon.
Lrya Manderly smiled and nodded.
"My Husband and Daryn are in the great hall with the King… perhaps you would like to join them, food and drinks have been provided while you wait for your chambers to be prepared" said Lrya Manderly.
Jon nodded and turned to his three Guards as Arthur helped Ellaria Dayne out of the wheelhouse.
"Stay with the wagons until our chambers are ready" said Jon.
"Yes My Lord" said one of the Guards as they bowed their heads.
Jon turned back to Lrya Manderly.
"If you would follow me Lord Stark" said Lrya Manderly.
Jon bowed his head to her and followed her into the main keep along with Ethan Forrester, Arthur and Ellaria Dayne.
Lrya Manderly led them through the keep into the large great hall where Jon spotted the Manderly's sat with the Royal Family and their entourage.
Jon groaned as he scanned the hall spotting a familiar face sat next to Cersei Baratheon.
Prince Joffrey Baratheon.
Jon turned to Ethan Forrester.
"Watch your back Ethan… that little blonde haired cunt is here" said Jon in a distasteful voice.
Ethan Forrester nodded.
"I will My Lord" said Ethan Forrester.
Jon nodded and turned back towards the end of the hall where the King had noticed his entrance.
"Stark… get up here!" shouted Robert.
Jon sighed and made his way towards where Robert, Catelyn, Edric Baratheon and Minisa were sat at the head table with Wendel and Daryn Manderly.
He knelt down as he reached the head table.
"Your Grace" said Jon dutifully.
"Join us" said Robert.
Jon nodded.
"I would be honoured too Your Grace" said Jon before turning to Arthur who nodded to him.
Jon turned and walked around the head table taking the seat between Robert and Daryn Manderly with the latter giving him a friendly handshake.
Jon poured himself a mug of ale before Robert turned to him.
"So Lord Stark, tell me about your Brother" said Robert as he drank his wine.
Jon looked at him curiously.
"Which Brother Your Grace?" said Jon.
"The twin one, Beric" said Robert gruffly.
"What about him Your Grace?" said Jon curiously.
Robert finished his wine and called for more as Jon sipped his ale.
"Has your Father given any thought on a possible match for him yet… since you and your Brother are already betrothed" said Robert gruffly.
"We talked about this Robert, and I told you it will not happen" said Catelyn icily.
Robert ignored her.
"Well?" said Robert looking at Jon as the rest of the hall fell silent.
Jon sighed.
"If my Mother and Father have promised him to another then I am not sure… I have spent over a year away from Winterfell Your Grace, you will have to ask my Mother and Father first" said Jon.
Robert remained silent for a few moments before curtly nodding.
"Very well" said Robert gruffly before returning to his wine.
Jon nodded before turning back to Daryn Manderly.
Two hours later…
Jon finished writing the raven scroll before picking it up.
Father
I have arrived safely at Moat Cailin with Grandmother and Uncle Arthur. The King was asking questions about Beric. I think he is seeking a betrothal with one of the Princesses. Anyway I will see you in four days when I return in the company of the Royal Family and the Manderly's, just so you know the King has travelled with at least 40 or 50 in his party including Guards.
Love, Jon
Jon dried and sealed the raven scroll before turning to Ethan Forrester who was stood behind him waiting patiently.
"Have Maester Ulrick send this to Winterfell with haste" said Jon handing the raven scroll to Ethan Forrester.
Ethan Forrester nodded.
"Yes My Lord" said Ethan Forrester.
He turned and left the room.
As the door closed Jon stood up and made his way over to the window overlooking the castle and the Northern side of the Neck.
"It feels good to be back" thought Jon with relief.
Winterfell – 296 A.C
Four days later…
Jon found himself riding alongside Robert, Prince Edric Baratheon and two of the Kingsguard, Ser Aerys Oakheart and Ser Jamie Lannister as they rode through the outer gate into Winterfell.
As they rode through the small village towards the inner gate Jon gave the smallfolk nods and small waves as they greeted him by name or title welcoming him back.
When they rode through the inner gate into the courtyard Jon saw his family minus Lyanna Stark stood at the front of the small crowd.
Theon and the rest of House Stark's guests and Staff were stood in rows behind them.
Jon remained on his horse as the convoy came to a halt in the courtyard and Robert dismounted.
He watched as the entire courtyard knelt down to greet Robert for a few moments before Robert pulled Ned to his feet and wrapped him in a hug.
"Ned… your getting fatter in your old age" said Robert jokingly as Jon dismounted his horse.
"You get any fatter you will be travelling everywhere in a wheelhouse" said Ned jokingly as Jon walked towards them.
Robert roared with laughter and moved to greet Ashara as Jon approached Ned.
Ned smiled and clapped his hands on Jon's shoulders.
"Welcome home Jon" said Ned proudly.
Jon smiled and squeezed his hand on Ned's left shoulder.
"It is good to be back Father" said Jon.
Ned nodded and let go of Jon who was immediately swept into a hug by Ashara.
"Welcome back Jon" said Ashara softly as she kissed both of his cheeks.
"It is good to be back Mother, and you look as lovely as ever" said Jon.
Ashara smiled.
"My sweet boy" said Ashara letting go of him.
Jon let go of her and started to greet each of his siblings as the rest of the royal families dismounted their horses and exited their wheelhouses along with the Daynes.
Ashara managed a small sigh as she noticed Stannis Baratheon manage to coax a young 8 year old dark brown haired girl dressed in a dark grey dress out of one of the wheelhouses.
Upon noticing the Greyscale scars on her left cheek Ashara realised that the young Girl was Stannis Baratheon's only Daughter Princess Shireen Baratheon.
Infected with Greyscale as an infant and only surviving due to her Mother and Father searching all over Westeros for a way to treat the infection before it spread.
Though they were successful in saving her life from the Greyscale the scars it left on her meant that Shireen Baratheon scarcely left her home on Dragonstone for fear of how people would react upon seeing her.
What puzzled Ashara slightly was that while Stannis and Steffon Baratheon were stood near Shireen in a protective manner while Cersei and Joffrey Baratheon were stood far away from her with Cersei holding the hand of her 5 year old blonde haired Son Tommen Baratheon.
Cersei Baratheon had a slightly saddened but strained look directed at her Daughter while Joffrey Baratheon was looking at Shireen Baratheon with a distasteful look on his face which thankfully went unnoticed by Shireen.
Ashara straightened up and turned to Stannis, Steffon and Shireen Baratheon as they approached her and Ned.
"Welcome to Winterfell Princess, my Son Robb will show you to your chambers" said Ashara kindly before turning to Robb who bowed his head in acceptance.
Robb stepped towards the three Baratheons.
"If you would follow me My Lord" said Robb.
Stannis Baratheon gave him a curt nod before gesturing for Steffon and ShireenBaratheonto follow Robb while he walked over to Cersei, Joffrey and Tommen Baratheon.
Ned let out a small sigh.
"Bloody hell, Jon was not kidding about a large party" thought Ned as he saw that the Royal Party consisted of more than fifty Guests including several handmaidens and servants for the Queen and Princesses.
Ashara smiled when she spotted Alyssa Dayne stood next to Ellaria Dayne as the two made their way over to them.
As they approached Ashara heard Robert say those all too familiar words to Ned.
"Take me to your crypts" said Robert gruffly.
Ned sighed slightly and turned to Ashara as she looked back at the two men.
"House our Guests on the first three floors of the old First Keep, we will feast in five hours" said Ned.
Ashara nodded.
"Thank the Gods we finished those repairs on the old First Keep, hopefully there will be enough chambers for all of our Guests" thought Ashara in slight frustration at the sight of the large Royal Party.
She straightened up slightly.
"It shall be done, those chambers have already been prepared" said Ashara.
Ned nodded before leading Robert towards the crypts followed by Jamie Lannister.
Once the three disappeared into the crypts Ashara turned to her other children.
"Lyarra, escort your Grandmother and Uncle to their usual chambers, Jon, go and unpack in your own chambers, Beric, Arya, escort the Queen, the Prince and the Princesses to their chambers on the third floor of the First Keep" said Ashara.
Lyarra, Beric and Arya bowed their heads and did what they were told to do.
Meanwhile…
Ned stood away from Robert holding the flaming torch as Robert approached Lyanna's statue with a mournful look on his face.
"You should have been my Queen" said Robert sadly.
Ned sighed.
"My Sister is gone Robert… as your friend I am telling you to let her go" said Ned sadly.
"I can never let her go Ned, she was ripped away from me by that mad fucker" said Robert bitterly.
"You killed Rhaegar Robert, years have passed since that day on the Trident, surely you can let it go now" said Ned.
Robert growled as he traced his hand on the statues cheek.
"I did… just like I kill him in my dreams every night… I kill him every night while his Brother and Sister sneer and laugh at me across the Narrow Sea" growled Robert.
"We won on the Trident Robert, the throne is yours, can that not be the end of it now, when the Narrow Sea separates them from us?" said Ned solemnly.
"No" said Robert suddenly.
Ned sighed.
"Varys thinks they are in Pentos, probably searching for an army and ships to come and steal back my throne, I should have had them killed years ago" said Robert bitterly.
"Such things will require gold Robert, I doubt they have gold, they are no threat to us" said Ned solemnly.
"They are a threat to me!" shouted Robert wheeling around to face Ned.
Ned remained still.
"Their Father murdered your Father and Brother, their Brother did unspeakable things to your little Sister, the woman I loved more than my own Brothers!" shouted Robert.
"I did not bring you down here so you could shout at me in the final resting place of my ancestors" said Ned sternly.
Robert glared at him before frowning.
"My apologies… let us leave this dark and dreary place, perhaps we can talk in your Solar" said Robert sadly.
Ned nodded.
Robert walked straight past him.
Ned followed catching up to him rather quickly.
As they walked through the crypts shadowed by Jamie Lannister Robert turned to Ned.
"I should have married Lyanna to unite our houses… but it is not too late" said Robert.
Ned turned to him.
"Your Son Beric is what… 12?" said Robert.
"He is" said Ned.
Robert nodded.
"My Daughter Myrcella is two years younger than him, he is your Son, she is my Daughter, lets finally join our houses, as we should have done years ago" said Robert.
Ned sighed.
"I will have to discuss it with my Wife first Robert" said Ned solemnly.
Robert looked at him with a slightly strained look.
"Damn woman has got you wrapped around her finger" said Robert chuckling slightly.
"The two of us make such decisions together Robert, the same as you and the Queen I imagine" said Ned.
Robert laughed.
"If only it were that simple… we cannot agree on any betrothal either of us suggest, including the one I just mentioned to you" said Robert.
Ned looked at him curiously.
"Said a match with a third born Son is not ambitious enough… I say fuck her ambition, your Son would be a good match for my Daughter" said Robert.
Ned was unsure of what to say as they carried on walking through the crypts.
Four and a half hours later…
"He wants a what?" said Ashara sternly.
She was sat at the chair and desk in her chambers while Alys Karstark braided her hair ready for the feast.
Ned was stood by the bed tying the knots on his tunic.
"A betrothal… for Beric and Princess Myrcella, even if the Queen does not want it" said Ned.
"And what was your answer?" said Ashara sternly.
Ned finished tying the knots on his tunic.
"That I would speak to you first" said Ned.
Ashara sighed before smiling as Alys Karstark finished braiding her hair.
"Thank you Lady Alys, that will be all… you may go" said Ashara looking at herself in the mirror with fondness.
Alys Karstark smiled and curtsied to her.
"You look very beautiful Lady Stark" said Alys Karstark in a complimentary voice.
"As do you Lady Alys" said Ashara standing up.
Alys Karstark bowed her head before leaving the chambers.
Once the door shut Ashara walked towards Ned.
"And what do you think about it?" said Ashara testily.
"It is a good match, a Princess for a third Son, and he can still be a knight if he wishes to be, there is nothing about a knighthood that says he cannot take a Wife or Father children… that is just if he joins the Kingsguard or the Nights Watch" said Ned.
"And what does Beric think about this… it is a decision that will affect him the most" said Ashara.
"I have not mentioned this to him yet" said Ned.
Ashara pursed her lips.
"Eddard Stark, I hope you were not planning to agree to this without speaking to our Son first… if so you will find yourself a lonely man in bed tonight" said Ashara hotly.
"Of course I was going to speak to him first, I was hoping to do it tomorrow when the rest of the Northern Lords arrive, so then he would have more options" said Ned quickly.
Ashara kept her gaze on him before nodding.
"Good… now you can take me down to the feast" said Ashara in a sweeter tone.
Ned chuckled and held out his arm which she took.
As they walked towards the door Ned leaned into her ear.
"You do look very beautiful… but I must admit, I like it when you get angry" said Ned huskily.
"And why is that?" said Ashara with an evil smirk on her face.
Ned growled into her ear.
"You get wild in bed when you are angry… so wild, almost animal like" growled Ned.
Ashara growled.
"If you get me angry when we get back… I will show you exactly what wild is" said Ashara huskily.
Ned chuckled and kissed her forcefully.
Once they broke apart they left their chambers heading to the great hall.
When they arrived they saw that all of the Royal Family had arrived already and were taking their seats in the great hall.
Along with the Royal Family the few Houses who had arrived that afternoon including the Tallhart's, the Cerwyn's, the Glover's, the Forrester's, the Manderly's and the Mormont's made their way into the great hall.
The rest of the Northern Houses were due to arrive the next day for the welcoming feast with the tournament starting the day after.
As Ned and Ashara took their seats at the high table they spotted Jon, Robb, Theon, Beric and Brandon sat at one of the largest tables with the Mormonts. Lyarra, Arya, Elia, Jeyne Poole, Beth Cassel, Alys Karstark, Wynafred Manderly, Corin and Morgana Umber were sat at a table near the front.
As Ned and Ashara poured drinks for themselves Robert turned to Ned.
"Have you spoke to her about my offer Ned?" said Robert.
Ashara sighed before looking at Robert.
"He has Your Grace… though we ask that you give us a few days to discuss it amongst ourselves, before we give you our answer" said Ashara.
Safe to say Robert did not look entirely happy about that.
"Why do you need a few days, it is a good offer, a third Son and a Princess, and I would be happy to give them a Holdfast near Storms End" said Robert flatly.
"This is our Sons future Your Grace, surely you can understand us wishing for a few days to decide whether or not to accept your offer" said Ashara.
Robert grumbled slightly.
"Very well… but I want an answer before I leave" said Robert.
"And you shall receive one Your Grace" said Ned.
Robert nodded and returned to his wine.
Once Ned welcomed the Royal Family and their other Guests to Winterfell and to the feast everyone started eating and drinking.
One the food had finished Ashara had some space at the front cleared to make way for a dance floor as a few bards made their way into the great hall.
Ashara gazed over to the Mormont table chuckling as she saw Jon being pulled to his feet by Dacey Mormont who led him onto the dance floor.
After barely two minutes the dance floor was becoming crowded with the large number of people including Robb and Lyra, Edwin Glover and Wynafred Manderly, Beric and Corin Umber whose head reached above his chin to Arya's amusement.
After a good half hour Robb and Lyra returned to their table for a break and picked their drinks up.
As he drank his ale he spotted Princess Shireen Baratheon sat alone at her table with a saddened look on her face.
"Imagine living your life like that, mocked and laughed at for surviving a disease that kills so many" said Robb bitterly.
Lyra followed his gaze and sighed before turning back to him.
"Go on then… ask her" said Lyra.
Robb kissed her before stepping away from her.
"Be back soon Love" said Robb.
"Take your time, she is a Princess after all" said Lyra jokingly as Robb turned around and started walking towards Shireen Baratheon.
Robb stopped in front of her table and cleared his throat causing her to look up at him.
"Would you like to dance Princess?" said Robb holding out his hand towards her.
To his surprise Shireen Baratheon glanced from side to side as if she presumed he was talking to someone else.
"Aye I meant you Princess, would you?" said Robb softly.
Shireen Baratheon turned a little pink before slowly taking his hand and standing up.
She did not say a word as Robb led her around the table onto the dance floor.
He looked down at her with a small smile as he started to lead her around the dance floor when the music started.
"Why so sad Princess?" said Robb kindly.
Shireen looked up at him with a slightly disappointed look on her face.
"Why did you ask me for a dance My Lord?" said Shireen Baratheon nervously.
Robb smiled.
"Why not… surely you should have people asking you for dances at my Father's feast" said Robb.
Shireen Baratheon recoiled slightly.
"Why would they… I am a hideous monster" said Shireen Baratheon sadly.
Robb frowned.
"Why, because you bear scars of a horrible disease that you had the strength to survive at such a young age… how does that make you a monster?" said Robb sincerely.
"Everyone says I am a monster, Nobles would keep their Daughters away from me when Mother and Father took me to Kings Landing, and they and their Sons would call me all sorts of things, only my Father and my Brother Steffon ever defended me from them, and my Mother used it as an excuse to keep me on Dragonstone, where no one could say such things about me again she said, but Dragonstone is a lonely place, it is just my Family, our Staff and our Guards that live there" said Shireen Baratheon sadly.
Robb frowned.
"You are no monster Princess… and you are far stronger than they say" said Robb kindly.
Shireen Baratheon looked up at him and managed a small smile.
"Thank you My Lord" said Shireen.
Robb smiled.
"You are welcome Princess" said Robb.
The two danced for the rest of the song before Shireen Baratheon thanked him and walked over to Renly Baratheon and Robb returned to Lyra Mormont.
One hour later…
Ashara sipped her wine before sitting down next to Beric who was talking Asher Forrester.
Ashara waited until Beric had finished talking and turned to her.
"Mother?" said Beric questioningly.
Ashara turned to Asher Forrester.
"Could you give us a moment young Lord Forrester?" said Ashara.
"Of course Lady Stark" said Asher Forrester bowing his head to her.
Beric looked at Ashara curiously as Asher Forrester picked his drink up and stood up.
Ashara waited until Asher Forrester was out of earshot.
"Your Father and I have received a betrothal offer for you… from the King" said Ashara.
Beric remained silent.
"For Princess Myrcella, with the promise of a Holdfast in the Stormlands after your wedding, or you could choose from one in the North or near Starfall if you wish" said Ashara.
"But she is 10 Mother" said Beric.
Ashara nodded.
"And that means that you will not be wed for at least six years, when she is 16" said Ashara.
"But I want to be a knight Mother" said Beric in a slightly pleading voice.
"Who says you cannot do both, knights have taken wives in the past, you could do both Beric" said Ashara supportively.
Beric sighed slightly.
"Must I do this Mother?" said Beric.
Ashara managed a sad smile and placed her hand on top of his.
"It is your choice, and no doubt we will receive more offers for you and your Sister over the next three days, but the King would like an answer before he returns south, and he hopes you will say yes" said Ashara supportively.
Beric sighed and nodded.
"I will think about it Mother" said Beric flatly.
Ashara smiled and squeezed his hand.
"You should, she is a very beautiful girl, and she would make a fine wife for you" said Ashara softly.
Beric sent her a small smile.
"May I go now Mother?" said Beric.
Ashara squeezed his hand and nodded before standing up.
"Go on, enjoy yourself… but if you want my advice sweetling, seek Princess Myrcella out, perhaps spending some time with her will help you make up your mind" said Ashara.
Beric slowly nodded before walking away from Ashara towards where Asher Forrester was stood with Martyn Glover.
Ashara's eyes scanned the hall in search of Ned spotting him talking to Lady Maege Mormont with Robb and Lyra Mormont.
As she approached them she caught the end of their conversation.
"Your Son will return to Bear Island with us when we leave Winterfell Lord Stark" said Maege Mormont.
"He will, and I will leave it up to you as to how long he will be staying at Bear Island for" said Ned.
"Six moons at least sounds fair does it not?" said Ashara as she came to a halt next to Ned.
Maege Mormont turned to her.
"That is fair Lady Stark, though I would prefer if it were nine moons to a full year… he will come back to you a man I assure you" said Maege Mormont glancing at Robb who looked a little embarrassed at her words.
Ashara nodded.
"That would be fine with me" said Ashara.
Maege Mormont nodded before glancing past Ashara with a half amused half annoyed look on her face.
"Perhaps you should keep an eye on His Grace Lord Stark" said Maege Mormont in an amused tone.
Ned and Ashara followed her gaze before frowning slightly as they laid eyes on Robert.
Robert was a little drunk and had his hands on the slightly large breasts of one of the older serving girls with his face buried into them as she laughed.
"If he is not careful he will leave a Snow behind when he leaves" said Ashara distastefully.
"Perhaps I should have warned our servants about him" said Ned in a slightly regretful voice as Robert led the serving girl out of the great hall.
"Best warn them for tomorrow night then… or warn the King that we will not appreciate him bedding our staff" said Ashara icily.
Ned sighed.
"The King does what he wants, that's why he is the King" said Ned flatly.
"And you are the Lord Of Winterfell… even if he is the King he should respect the rules you set in your castle, he cannot always get what he wants" said Ashara.
Ned scoffed.
"If the King got what he wanted all the time… we would still be fighting a damned rebellion" said Ned.
Ashara sighed and took his arm before guiding him over to Lord and Lady Tallhart.
As they approached the Tallhart's she smiled at what she caught sight of out of the corner of her eye.
Lyarra was sat at the head table with Prince Edric Baratheon laughing at something he had told her.
"At least there are some in the South who care not what people's last names are" thought Ashara with a small smile.
She composed herself as she turned back to the Tallhart's greeting them.