The Rise Of A Dynasty
The Crossroads Inn – 301 A.C
Five days later...
Beric sighed as he led Arya, Lyarra, Talia Forrester, Jeyne Poole and Eddara Tallhart into the Inn which was filled with only a few travellers seated at the tables enjoying drinks and food.
The Girls had shawls pulled up over their heads while Beric had the hood up on his cloak to prevent them from being identified by anyone loyal to the Crown.
One of the Guards walked up to Beric.
"I will get us some rooms" said the Guard.
Beric nodded.
"Have one of your riders ride hard for Moat Cailin at first light" said Beric as Arya and the others made their way over to an empty table and sat down.
The Guard bowed his head and walked towards the Innkeeper while Beric joined the others at their table.
"Do you think Mother and Father are okay?" whispered Arya in shock.
Beric sighed.
A few days after they had left Kings Landing they heard talk of Ned being arrested for treason in Kings Landing from some passing smallfolk on their way to the capital.
Upon hearing the news none of them had slept easy for the next several nights.
Beric turned to one of the serving girls as she approached the table.
"Some broth, water and ale" said Beric.
The serving girl nodded and walked away from the table.
Arya turned back to him and slapped him.
"I said are you worried about Mother and Father you prat?" said Arya bitterly.
Beric glared at her as he glanced around the Inn nervously making sure no one heard them.
"Of course I am… but we cannot worry about them, not while we are looking over our shoulders in case the Gold Cloaks catch up to us" whispered Beric.
"Your Brother is right Arya… we cannot afford to worry about the others, but I am sure they are safe" said Lyarra flatly.
Arya sighed and poured a mug of ale from as the serving girl placed cups and pitchers of ale and water on the table.
Beric thanked the serving girl as she left the table.
"Father is with Uncle Arthur and Ser Oswell Arya… they know how to look after themselves" said Beric flatly as Arya took a big swig of ale.
They sat in relative silence as the serving girl returned a few minutes later placing wooden bowls of broth and wooden spoons in front of them.
None of them were in the mood to talk as they ate their food and they quickly went up to the two rooms they had paid for not long after.
Later that night…
Beric bolted awake as there was a sharp knock on his door.
"Lord Stark" said the Guard from outside.
Beric climbed out of bed and grabbed his sword.
"What is it?" said Beric as he walked towards the door.
"Its the Gold Cloaks My Lord… they are searching for you in the village" said the Guard.
"How many?" said Beric as he strapped his sword to his hip and slung his shield over his shoulder before opening the door where two Guards were stood outside the door.
"About 50 of them My Lord" said the Guard.
Beric sighed.
"What now?" said Beric in frustration.
"You and the Girls take the horses and ride hard away from here, as fast as you can" said the other Guard.
"What about you and your men?" said Beric.
"Do not worry about us My Lord… just get yourself and the girls away from here" said the Guard as he drew his sword.
Beric sighed and nodded before walking past them to the Girls room next door where Arya and Lyarra walked out of their room.
"Get the horses… and ride as fast as you can away from here" said the Guard.
Beric nodded and led the girls down the hallway down the back stairs into the Inn.
They quickly walked through the back door and found ten Guards waiting outside along with Vayon Poole.
They were holding onto the reins of six horses.
Beric and the others mounted their horses while a scared Jeyne Poole was pulled into a tight hug by her Father.
"Get away from here, as fast as you can, all of you" said Vayon Poole quickly glancing down the street where the Gold Cloaks were searching the houses.
He placed Jeyne Poole on her horse as they heard a shout from the Gold Cloaks down the street.
"There they are!" shouted one of the Gold Cloaks.
"Go now" said the Guard quickly.
Beric and the others quickly rode away from the Inn back north up the Kings Road while Vayon Poole pulled a sword out of the wagon and charged the Gold Cloaks with the rest of the Stark Guards.
Beric sighed and turned away from the sight as he and the others continued riding.
They spent the next twenty minutes riding up the Kings Road before they heard the sound of horses hooves a short distance behind them.
"Shit" muttered Beric as he surged his horse to go faster and pulled out his sword.
Arya turned to him and unsheathed her own sword.
"Behind us" said Beric quickly.
Arya nodded as they carried on riding.
However the Gold Cloaks came into sight behind them as they entered a small forest.
"Get them" shouted one of the Gold Cloaks.
Beric and the others did everything to make their horses go faster in a panic.
Suddenly a few arrows flew out of the trees and knocked some of the Gold Cloaks off of their horses.
Beric turned around and charged towards the Gold Cloaks followed by half a dozen riders dressed in Stark armour led by Lyanna dressed in her full armour who emerged from the trees.
Lyarra and the others stopped their horses as Lyanna, Beric and the others killed the rest of the Gold Cloaks.
Lyarra breathed a sigh of relief as Theon walked out of the trees along with half a dozen archers holding onto their bows.
Once all of the Gold Cloaks were dead Lyarra ran towards her Mother as she jumped down from her horse and sheathed her bloodied sword.
Lyanna raised the visor on her Direwolf helm and wrapped Lyarra in a hug pressing a long kiss to her forehead.
"Thank the Gods your safe" said Lyanna in a relieved voice.
Lyarra choked.
"They killed all of them, Poole and all of our Guards" said Lyarra sadly as she held her Mother tightly.
Lyanna sighed and led Lyarra back towards her horse as Theon gave Beric a one armed hug.
"We have been looking for you for days" said Lyanna.
"Uncle Ned, Aunt Ashara, Arthur, Edric they… they-" said Lyarra breathing heavily unable to get her words out.
"They are safe, they will be at Deepwood Motte in a few weeks" said Lyanna in a reassuring voice.
She led Lyarra back over to her horse and helped her climb into the saddle.
Moat Cailin – 301 A.C
One week later…
Lyarra and the others breathed a sigh of relief as the welcome sight of Moat Cailin came into view.
They rode up to the gates where one of the Guards looked down at them from the battlements.
"Open the gate" said the Guard.
Lyanna and the others waited for the gate to be raised before riding into the courtyard where Daryn Manderly and Rodrik Forrester were waiting for them.
"Welcome back Lady Stark" said Rodrik Forrester.
Lyanna nodded.
"Lord Stark and the others are waiting for you in the hall" said Daryn Manderly.
Lyanna sighed and glanced behind her at Lyarra and the others.
"Have chambers prepared for the girls" said Lyanna.
Daryn Manderly bowed his head and walked away followed by Lyarra, Jeyne Poole who was still looking saddened over her Father's death, Eddara Tallhart and Talia Forrester after Rodrik Forrester had given her a tight hug.
Lyanna, Beric, Arya and Theon followed Rodrik Forrester in the direction of the hall.
When they entered the hall they saw Jon and Robb sat at the high table while the rest of the Northerners were seated at the tables feasting on boar and ale.
Jon and Robb stood up as Lyanna and the others made their way up to the high table.
They greeted the others with hugs while several of the other Northerners stood up to welcome them back.
Half an hour later…
As Jon and the others finished their meal one of their scouts quickly walked into the hall.
"Lord Stark" said the Scout.
Jon stood up and nodded for him to continue speaking.
"A Tully army has just left The Twins My Lord… 15,000 strong" said the Scout.
Jon nodded and turned to Galbart Glover as all of the other Northerners started talking amongst themselves.
"Lord Glover" said Jon.
Galbart Glover stood up.
"Get our army mobilised, we leave in an hour" said Jon.
Galbart Glover bowed his head and walked out of the hall.
"Your Father ordered you to remain here and await further instruction" said Lyanna sternly.
"Father is not here… and if these Tully's are foolish enough to march on the Moat, how long before more reinforcements follow them" said Jon quickly.
"He is right Lady Stark… besides, it will do us some good to kill some Tully's" said Greatjon Umber gruffly.
Lyanna sighed.
"Very well, but we must take Edmure Tully and any other Lord's as hostages if we can" said Lyanna sternly.
"Agreed" said Robb dutifully.
Jon nodded.
"Of course" said Jon.
Lyanna nodded and walked away from them towards the doors.
The Neck – 301 A.C
Two hours later…
Edmure Tully looked around in slight worry as he rode towards The Neck alongside Willas and Jonos Bracken, Jeffory Mallister, Ser Lyman Darry and Kyle Mooton.
Behind them was an army of 15,000 men including 3,000 on horseback from various Riverlands Houses.
Edmure Tully was now a slightly stocky man of 34 years of age standing at around 5'11 tall with short neat brown hair and a clean shaven face. He was dressed in dark grey leather armour and chainmail with a bastard sword strapped to his hip.
"Its too quiet" said Edmure Tully warily.
"Its always quiet in The Neck My Lord" said Kyle Mooton amusedly.
"Still… it should not be this quiet, something is not right here" said Jeffory Mallister warily.
They continued riding in silence for the next few minutes before a snapping sound and a cry of pain broke out from behind Edmure Tully.
He and the others turned around to see Stevron Frey fall backwards off of his horse with an arrow buried in his neck.
Several arrows rained down on their army.
"Defensive positions!" shouted Ser Lyman Darry.
The arrows kept raining down on their army as they struggled to get into a defensive formation.
After about thirty seconds the arrows stopped raining on them causing Edmure Tully to look at the others in slight confusion.
"Get ready to charge!" shouted Edmure Tully after a few seconds.
"At what My Lord" said Ser Lyman Darry in disbelief.
Edmure Tully scowled before the sound of several war horns from behind them made him gulp.
They turned around and their eye's widened in shock as they as they saw several thousand Northmen on horseback charging towards the rear of their army led by Robb, Lyra, Eldric Dustin, Roger Ryswell and Rickard Karstark.
"At them" said Edmure Tully in a slightly fearful voice.
Ser Lyman Darry nodded.
"Men, charge, break their lines and scatter them" shouted Ser Lyman Darry.
Edmure Tully pulled his sword out as what was left of their cavalry charged at the Northerners.
Meanwhile…
Jon readied his axe as he walked to the front of the Northern infantry assembling in front of the trees.
He was dressed in his Direwolf styled grey armour and chainmail with Ice strapped to his back and his battleaxe in both hands. Like him Beric and Lyanna were both dressed in their armour holding onto their swords and shields while Arya was dressed in boiled leather armour and chainmail holding onto a short sword.
Beric, Arya, Lyanna, Theon, Greatjon, Smalljon and Mors Umber, Gendry, Daryn Hornwood, Jonothor and Torrhen Karstark, Roose Bolton, Wendel, Walt, Willard and Daryn Manderly, Maege and Dacey Mormont, Hugo Wull and Martyn Glover stepped into place either side of him.
"Which one is Lord Tully My Lord?" said Gendry as Ghost, Greywind, Shadow, Nymeria and Winter moved in front of Jon and the others snarling at the sight of the Tully army.
He was dressed in black plate armour and chainmail with the visor on his bull head helm raised. He gripped his warhammer in both hands and readied himself for a charge.
Jon looked down at the Tully army as the Northern cavalry clashed with the Tully cavalry.
"The one at the back… on the brown horse in the dark grey leathers" said Jon pointing to where Edmure Tully was atop his horse trying to organise his men.
Gendry nodded and pulled his visor down.
"Lord Bolton, you and Lord Hornwood take the left flank" said Jon flatly.
Roose Bolton bowed his head to Jon before walking over to the left side of the infantry.
Jon turned to Maege and Dacey Mormont.
"You take the right flank Lady Mormont, you go with her Lord Manderly… the rest of you with me" said Jon.
Maege and Dacey Mormont stiffly bowed their heads to him before walking over to the right side of their infantry followed by Wendel Manderly.
"Forwards" said Jon.
They started walking away from the trees crossing the field towards the Tully's who were busy engaging the Northern cavalry.
Jon turned to Smalljon Umber who had a battle horn hanging around his neck as he held his greatsword in one hand.
"Now" said Jon.
Smalljon Umber raised the horn to his lips and blew into it.
Jon and the others took off running towards the Tully Soldiers who turned to face them with panicked looks on their faces.
They crashed into the Tully lines with Jon striking one of the Soldiers across the chest with with his axe.
He twisted around and slammed his axe into the stomach of another Tully Soldier as he and the others fought their way towards Edmure Tully and the other Lords.
As planned the Northern infantry slowly started to surround the remaining Tully forces causing a large number of Tully Soldiers to turn tail and run.
Jon slung his axe behind his back using its new strap and unsheathed Ice holding it with both hands.
"Men… with me!" shouted Jon.
The Umbers, Beric, Theon and Martyn Glover moved over to him followed by the Forrester's and the some of the Mountain Clansmen.
They fought their way over to the still mounted Edmure Tully as he slashed one of their Soldiers across the throat with his sword.
Jon used Ice to block the swing of Edmure Tully's sword before Greatjon Umber knocked him from his horse and knocked him out with the handle of his greatsword.
Ser Lyman Darry pulled his longsword out of Daryn Hornwood's chest who dropped dead next to the bodies of Roose Ryswell and Eddard Karstark before turning to Jon and the others.
Jon charged him in a rage upon seeing the dead bodies of his friends and blocked his skilled strike with Ice.
The two clashed swords for several seconds before he swiftly decapitated the Darry knight after parrying his sword.
Jon swivelled to his right and impaled a Tully Soldier through the chest with Ice.
The battle raged on for another hour before the last of the Tully army fled causing the Northern army to cheer and blow their war horns.
Jon sighed and sheathed Ice before walking back to where Smalljon Umber was kneeling besides Daryn Hornwood's body.
"Damn he was a good kid, just had twin Son's as well" said Smalljon Umber regretfully as he shut Daryn Hornwood's eyes.
Jon sighed and knelt down before shutting Eddard Karstark's eyes.
"I will have some men take him back to Hornwood, and Eddard back to Karhold" said Jon solemnly.
Smalljon Umber solemnly bowed his head as Halys Hornwood and the rest of the Karstark's made their way over to them with looks of shock and sadness on their faces.
Jon turned away in sadness as Halys Hornwood let out a gut wrenching wail as he collapsed to his knees next to his Son's body while Rickard Karstark slowly knelt down next to the body of his Son with a painful saddened look on his usually hard face.
Harrion and Torrhen Karstark took one look at their younger Brother's body before dropping to their knees and punching the ground in dispair over and over again.
Jon walked over to where Greatjon Umber was holding onto a struggling Edmure Tully while Mors Umber and Gendry were holding onto the groggy Kyle Mooton who was bleeding from a stab wound to his leg.
"Put them in irons and place them in cells at Moat Cailin… and bandage his leg, he is no use to us dead" said Jon flatly.
They dragged the two River Lords away from him as Roose Bolton walked towards Jon with his bastard Son Ramsey Snow at his side.
The Bastard of The Dreadfort was around 22 years of age with short wavy black hair and slightly pale skin with a sinister smirk on his face. He was dressed in a leather tunic and breeches with a dagger and quiver of arrows around his hips and a bow in his hand.
"How many men did we lose Lord Bolton?" said Jon solemnly.
Roose Bolton stiffly bowed his head.
"We have not done counting yet Lord Stark" said Roose Bolton flatly.
Jon sighed.
"Do we have any other prisoners?" said Jon.
"Twenty My Lord, some of whom might be privy to Hoster Tully's plans" said Roose Bolton.
Jon sighed.
"I doubt it, even if they did I doubt they would tell us" said Jon flatly.
Ramsey Snow smirked.
"House Bolton have an old saying My Lord, a naked man has few secrets, while a flayed man has none" said Ramsey Snow in a slightly sadistic voice.
Jon growled and rounded on him.
"Flaying is outlawed in the North" said Jon bitterly.
Roose Bolton suddenly backhanded Ramsey Snow across the side of his face causing said man to reel back clutching his cheek.
"Forgive my Bastard Lord Stark… he has very little control of his tongue" said Roose Bolton flatly.
Jon nodded and stepped away from Ramsey Snow.
"Be warned… if I catch any of our prisoners being flayed, everyone involved will be beheaded without second thought, is that understood?" said Jon bitterly.
Roose Bolton nodded.
"He understands Lord Stark" said Roose Bolton coldly.
Jon nodded.
"Finish counting our fallen, and get some wagons to take the bodies back to Moat Cailin" said Jon.
"At once My Lord" said Roose Bolton.
He turned around and walked away from Jon followed by Ramsey Snow.
Moat Cailin – 301 A.C
Two and a half weeks later…
Ned sighed as he dismounted his horse along with Arthur, Ashara, Barristan Selmy, Prince Edric Baratheon and Rhaenys.
Jon, Robb, Beric, Arya, Lyarra and Lyanna walked into the courtyard.
Ned cracked a smile at them as he approached.
As he received hugs from each of his children along with Lyarra and Lyanna, Ashara rushed over to them wrapping each of them in a hug in turn.
Lyanna wrapped her arms around Arthur and gave him a swift kiss before he leaned into her ear.
"We need to have a talk, all of us" said Arthur.
"About what?" said Lyanna.
Arthur glanced at Rhaenys who was wrapped in a hug by Lyarra before he turned back to Lyanna who nodded.
"We can talk in the Lord's Solar" said Lyanna.
Arthur nodded.
Six hours later…
Lyarra was sat at the table in her chambers dressed in a nightdress and brushing her hair as she thought about what had happened today.
It had been a shock to see Rhaenys arrive at Moat Cailin. She had revealed her real identity to the rest of the Stark's who were shocked to discover that the bastard Cousin they grew up with was actually a Targaryan Princess. Jon and the others immediately flocked to her when she told them about her exile from Sunspear simply for keeping Lyarra's secret from the Martells.
Almost immediately after that Lyarra had sought Prince Edric Baratheon out and finally told him the truth.
Sitting there in silence she was starting to regret telling him as he had simply walked out without another word to her. He had ignored her when she called out for him to come back.
Lyarra frowned and finished brushing her hair and sat down on the edge of her bed after a good five minutes.
She glanced out of the window at the night sky for several seconds before a knock at the door interrupted her train of thought.
"My Lady, His Grace is here to see you… shall I send him in?" said her Mother's personal Guard Desmond.
"Send him in" said Lyarra passively.
The door opened and Edric Baratheon quickly entered.
Lyarra looked right past him towards the open door where Desmond was looking at her from outside.
"You can leave for tonight Desmond" said Lyarra sternly.
Desmond shook his head.
"I have my orders to guard your door Princess" said Desmond.
"And I said you could leave… please… no danger will come to me tonight" said Lyarra sternly.
Desmond remained silent for a few moments before nodding.
"Very well My Lady" said Desmond.
She watched as he shut the door before the sound of footsteps walking down the hallway confirmed that he had left them.
She sat down on her bed and looked up at Edric who was looking at her with a remorseful look on his face.
"I'm sorry" said Edric remorsefully.
"Are you?" said Lyarra snarkily.
Edric nodded before walking over to her.
He dropped to his knees in front of her taking her hands in his.
"Yes… I really am, I should not have just walked out like that, no matter how upset or angry I was, I know it was hard for you to tell me the truth" said Edric remorsefully.
"And yet you did anyway… at a time when I needed your support you abandoned me, do you know how hurt I was by that?" said Lyarra harshly.
Edric squeezed her hands.
"I know… I cannot apologise any more than I am right now… I love you, I have done for years, you are my Queen" said Edric in a determined voice.
Lyarra sighed.
"I am not fighting to reclaim my Throne because it was taken from me, or because I was betrayed by your Cousin, or because Catelyn Tully had my Father killed, I am going to win it for you, for us, and we will reshape the Seven Kingdoms in our own image, we will bring peace to a shit war torn land, the two of us, and our children will rule when we are gone" said Edric raising himself up until they were eye to eye with each other.
Lyarra smiled and opened her mouth to reply before she was cut off with his lips on hers.
She wrapped her arms around his back as she felt herself get pushed back onto the bed so her head was resting on the pillows.
Edric broke the kiss and latched his mouth onto her neck sucking on it causing her to moan.
The growing feelings and sensations that were coursing through her body started steering her mind towards the only decision she could make.
"I am yours" said Lyarra softly.
Edric tensed up slightly removing his mouth from her neck and locking eyes with her.
"You sure?" said Edric in shock.
Lyarra blushed and nodded.
"Please… let us have our first night together, and we will marry before you ride off to war" said Lyarra in a sultry voice as she felt her womanhood get hot and wet.
Edric smirked and kissed her before lifting her hips up slightly.
(Smut begins)
Lyarra moaned as Edric pulled her nightdress up her body and over her head leaving her completely bare in front of him.
Edric gazed up and down her body with a loving smile on his face before removing his tunic.
"I have never done this before" said Edric sounding embarrassed.
Lyarra smiled.
"Neither have I" said Lyarra softly.
She laid back and watched as Edric quickly undressed himself before positioning himself above her and kissing her.
She locked eyes with his erect manhood and blushed.
"I love you… my Queen" said Edric huskily as he kissed her hungrily as he pulled the covers up to their waists.
Lyarra smiled and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
"I love you too… my King" said Lyarra breathlessly.
She moaned into his mouth as she felt his hands cup her breasts as their first night together began.
Lyarra moaned as Edric kissed her nipples.
"Lets get married tomorrow" moaned Lyarra.
She fisted her hands into his hair and pressed her body into his.
"We will" said Edric moving back up to her face and kissing her.
Lyarra moaned into his mouth and lowered her hand to his manhood.
"I want you inside me my King" moaned Lyarra.
Edric smiled and stroked her face tenderly.
"I want that too my Queen" said Edric groaning as she squeezed his manhood.
Lyarra moaned as she felt him kiss her breasts again.
Edric lifted his head from her breasts and locked eyes with her.
He lined himself up with her and looked into her eyes silently asking for permission.
Lyarra blushed and nodded.
Edric smiled and started to push into her causing her breath to hitch.
Lyarra leaned up and kissed him as he slowly pushed into her before he stopped against her barrier.
Edric traced his hand on her cheek as he looked down at her.
"Love me Edric, love me and take me" moaned Lyarra.
Edric suddenly pushed through her barrier causing her to cry out in pain before he captured her lips with his.
Lyarra moved her hands over his back for several seconds as the pain of her broken maidenhead slowly faded.
She locked eyes with him and nodded a few seconds later.
Edric kissed her before he started to slowly thrust in and out of her causing both of them to moan into each others mouths.
Many words of love and lust were exchanged over the next few minutes as they made sweet tender love to each other.
Edric locked eyes with her and groaned.
"I'm almost done Lya… I cannot hold out much longer" groaned Edric.
Lyarra moaned and kissed him.
"Me too My Love… lets finish it together" moaned Lyarra.
Edric groaned and started to increase his thrusting speed.
"Do it, put a little prince or princess in my womb" moaned Lyarra as she came undone coating their hips and the sheets with her clear release.
Edric pulled her into him and groaned as he finished inside of her.
Lyarra kissed him feeling so sure that she could feel his manhood twitching inside of her as his seed shot into her womb.
Edric groaned into her mouth as the last drops of his seed entered her.
They stayed in place kissing each other for several moments before Edric finally pulled out of her and laid beside her.
(Smut ends)
Lyarra smiled and pressed a kiss to his chest.
"Wow" said Lyarra breathlessly.
She felt Edric take her in his arms and pull her into his side before he kissed her.
"That was the best feeling in the world" said Edric softly.
"Which part?" said Lyarra curiously with a smile as she traced her hand on his chest down to his still erect manhood.
"Being inside you" said Edric before he groaned as he felt her hand wrap around his manhood.
Lyarra chuckled and kissed him as she slowly pumped her hand up and down his slick manhood.
She let go after a few seconds and pressed herself into him.
"Lets get cleaned up… we can do it again in the morning" said Lyarra softly.
Edric chuckled and climbed out of bed.
Lyarra watched him walk over to the table and pick up a few cloths with a hungry gaze.
She smirked when he turned around and started walking towards her.
Edric climbed back under the covers with her and kissed her as he started to wipe her womanhood and legs with the cloth.
The next evening…
Lyarra looked down past the two groups of Northerners at Edric Baratheon who was stood at the base of the single Weirwood Tree at the back of the secondary courtyard in Moat Cailin.
All of the Northerners were standing in rows in the courtyard while the House Stark Guards held onto torches illuminating the entire courtyard.
Ned was stood facing Lyarra with a warm smile on his face while Barristan Selmy was stood next to Edric Baratheon.
Lyarra was dressed in a white dress lined with white wolf fur and a cloak wrapped around her shoulders as she looped arms with Lyanna.
The cloak was coloured black and red with both the sigils for House Stark and House Targaryan decorating it representing both sides of her family.
She took a deep breath and swallowed nervously as Lyarra led her up the path towards the Weirwood Tree.
Once she arrived at the base of the Weirwood Tree she and Edric Baratheon joined hands as Lyanna stepped back from her Daughter with a happy look on her face.
Lyarra smiled at her before looking up at Ned.
Ned cleared his throat.
"Who comes before the Old Gods on this night?" said Ned clearly.
"Edric Baratheon, Son of Robert Baratheon, and the rightful King Of The Seven Kingdoms" said Edric Baratheon.
Ned nodded.
"Visenya Targaryan, Daughter of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryan, a woman grown and flowered" said Lyarra.
"And who brings her?" said Ned.
"Lyanna Stark, Lady Of The Saltspear Tower" said Lyanna proudly.
Ned turned to Edric Baratheon.
"You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection Your Grace" said Ned.
Edric Baratheon let go of Lyarra's hands and unfastened his House Baratheon cloak.
He moved behind Lyarra before removing her cloak and draping the House Baratheon cloak over her shoulders.
Once he was done he moved back next to her.
Ned nodded.
"It is now time to swear your vows with the exchange of the rings" said Ned.
Edric Baratheon nodded and turned to Barristan Selmy who handed two gold rings to him.
He handed one of them to Lyarra before sliding the other onto her left ring finger.
"I pledge my honour, my love and my life to you Visenya Targaryan" said Edric Baratheon confidently.
Lyarra smiled and slid the other ring onto Edric Baratheon's finger before she swore her vows.
Once they were done they looked at Ned once again.
"In the eyes of the True Gods, I pronounce you Husband and Wife, and the new King and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, you may kiss your Wife Your Grace" said Ned softly.
Edric Baratheon placed his hands on Lyarra's cheeks before kissing her to applause around the courtyard.
Half an hour later…
"So… do I have to call you Visenya now?" said Edric Baratheon.
He and Lyarra were sat in the middle of the high table drinking wine as they finished their food.
Lyarra turned to him with a knowing smile on her face.
"When we are in public yes… though you can call me Lyarra in private if it pleases you" said Lyarra.
Edric Baratheon smirked and kissed her ear.
"As you wish… Queen Visenya" said Edric Baratheon in a slightly teasing voice.
Visenya smirked as Gendry walked past the table.
Edric Baratheon looked up at him.
"Its Gendry… is it not?" said Edric Baratheon.
Gendry turned to face him and bowed his head.
"Yes Your Grace" said Gendry dutifully.
"Gendry Waters… bastard Son of Robert Baratheon" said Edric Baratheon.
"I am Your Grace" said Gendry as the hall fell silent while everyone listened to the conversation between the two.
Edric Baratheon stood up.
"No… you are not Gendry Waters, bastard Son of Robert Baratheon… you are Gendry Baratheon, second born Son of Robert Baratheon, and my Heir until my Wife Visenya gives me a Son" said Edric Baratheon proudly.
Gendry looked shocked for several moments.
Edric Baratheon smirked.
"Traditionally a Lord kneels before his King Lord Baratheon" said Edric Baratheon.
Gendry quickly knelt down before Edric Baratheon.
Edric Baratheon walked around the table before coming to a halt in front of Gendry.
"Rise Lord Gendry Baratheon of Storms End" said Edric Baratheon humbly causing gasps of shock to be heard around the hall.
Gendry Baratheon slowly got to his feet.
"If my Uncle Stannis persists in pressing his claim to my throne, then come the end of the war he will cease to rule over any castle, certainly not Storms End, which has no Lord following the death of my Uncle Renly" said Edric Baratheon.
The Guard whom Ned had sent to Dragonstone with his letter had arrived at Moat Cailin a week ago with dire words.
Stannis Baratheon had denounced Edric Baratheon a bastard and false pretender. He was staking his own claim for the Iron Throne with Tywin Lannister at his back though rumours were circulating that a Red Priestess from Asshai had been whispering words in his ear about becoming King.
As such it now meant that they now had two enemies to fight though they were going to be fighting each other as well.
Gendry sighed and looked down at his feet.
"But I do not know how to be a Lord Your Grace" said Gendry nervously.
Edric Baratheon chuckled.
"Then you will have to learn… just as I learned what makes a good King" said Edric Baratheon.
Gendry gave Edric Baratheon a firm handshake before his now true born older Brother picked up his mug of ale from the table.
Edric Baratheon stepped away from Gendry and raised his mug of ale.
"A toast, to my Brother Gendry Baratheon, the Lord Of Storms End" said Edric Baratheon proudly.
The hall was silent for a few moments before a few of the Northerners stood up and with their mugs in hand.
"To Gendry Baratheon, the Lord Of Storms End" cheered the Northerners.
Gendry chuckled and took a swig of his ale.
One hour later…
Ned sipped from his ale watching Jon, Robb and Beric drinking and talking with some of the other Northern Heirs.
As he finished his ale one of the Guards walked into the hall stopping besides him before bowing his head.
"Lord Stark, riders in the courtyard, your Son is with them, they are asking for you" said the Guard.
Ned breathed a sigh of relief before nodded and turned around to leave the hall followed by the Guard.
When he walked out into the courtyard he saw Thor Wull help Bran down from his horse as the rest of the riders in the courtyard dismounted their horses including Ser Robar Royce.
Ned walked towards Bran who ran towards him with his Direwolf Summer in tow.
Ned dropped to his knees and wrapped Bran in a hug holding him close.
After nearly a minute Ned let go of him and stood up as Thor Wull and Ser Robar Royce walked towards him.
"Lord Stark" said Robar Royce bowing his head.
Ned nodded and looked down at Bran.
"Go on inside, your Mother's waiting for you" said Ned softly.
Bran smiled and ran past him towards the entrance to the hall.
"My Father sent copies of your raven to every house in the Vale, many loyalists have pledged to stand behind us against the woman who murdered our beloved Lord" said Robar Royce gruffly.
Ned nodded.
"Come inside Lord Royce, we can speak of it in the morning" said Ned.
Robar Royce nodded and followed Ned into the hall along with Thor Wull.
As they entered the feast Ned turned to the two men.
"Our King and Queen have married, enjoy the feast My Lord's" said Ned.
He walked away from them and across the hall to where Ashara was sat with Bran.
The next day…
Visenya sat down on the bed in Rhaenys's chambers as her older Sister shut the door.
"So I am to call you Visenya now then… not Lyarra?" said Rhaenys.
Visenya nodded.
"I am Queen Visenya now… but you can call me Lyarra when we are alone if you wish" said Visenya with a smile.
Rhaenys smiled and sat down next to her on the bed.
"Prince Oberyn spoke a great deal about Daenerys Targaryan" said Rhaenys.
Visenya sighed.
"She will have no love for us… nor will our Uncle who is as mad as our Grandfather was" said Visenya flatly.
"Viserys is dead, killed by a Dothraki Khal who was married to our Aunt… and now he is dead, while she is said to have been spotted near the city of Quarth" said Rhaenys.
Visenya stood up and poured two glasses of wine before making her way back to the bed.
"Word has it that she has three dragons… no larger than pups but still, she has three of them" said Rhaenys as Visenya handed her a glass of wine.
Visenya sipped her wine and sat down on the bed.
"She has no love for us" said Visenya.
Rhaenys sighed.
"Perhaps we should find out for ourselves" said Rhaenys.
Visenya sharply turned to her.
"She would have us killed on sight… I am half a Stark, and you spent a good part of your life being raised by them" said Visenya.
"Not if we give her something in return, something that makes her loyal to us" said Rhaenys as she sipped her wine.
Visenya raised her eyebrow at her.
"My Husband is a Baratheon, his Father fought against the Targaryan's, she will not trust us let alone accept any deals from us" said Visenya.
"Not if the two of us were the ones give her our terms, she is our Aunt, one of the last of three known Targaryan's left in the world, we are the other two… we shall give her our terms, including a Royal Pardon from the King, as well as a suitable castle and position" said Rhaenys.
"I am not sure" said Visenya warily.
"It would be better if we were to bring her back to Westeros with an alliance, before she starts to make her own claim for the Throne… or someone else brings her back to Westeros with a similar promise" said Rhaenys.
Visenya nodded.
"I will speak to the King tomorrow… if he agrees to this then we will travel to Quarth with Lady Stark, Ser Arthur and my Mother to meet with Daenerys Targaryan" said Visenya.
Rhaenys smiled.
"The King has officially recognised you as Princess Rhaenys Targaryan, the Princess of Summerhall, which will be restored when the war is over" said Visenya.
Rhaenys managed a small smile as she sipped her wine.
"At least now I can stop pretending to be Alayne Sand, bastard Daughter of Arron Dayne… provided that your Husband wins this war of course" said Rhaenys.
"He will win… he will have two of the Seven Kingdoms behind him, with great men counselling him" said Visenya.
Rhaenys sighed.
"I hope he does" said Rhaenys.
Visenya nodded.
"Me too" said Visenya.
The two girls continued sipping their wine as they talked.
Later that night…
Edric Baratheon sighed as he signed the parchment in front of him.
He handed it to Visenya who started to read it.
To Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryan
I, King Edric Baratheon, the first of my name, rightful King of the Andals, the Rhoyner and the First Men do hereby grant you a Royal Pardon and allow you to return to Westeros as a Princess of the Royal Family thanks to my marriage to your Niece Visenya of the House Targaryan.
I ask that you swear fealty to me and support my claim to the Iron Throne and support in my war against the false Queen who murdered my Father the previous King Robert Baratheon in exchange for the Island Of Dragonstone where you were born.
As per tradition of receiving the Island Of Dragonstone you will also be named as the Princess Of Dragonstone and you will be given a suitable position on the Small Council when the war is over.
King Edric Baratheon
Rightful King of The Seven Kingdoms
Visenya handed it back to him and nodded.
"That will work yes" said Visenya.
Edric Baratheon rolled it up and sealed it with the crowned stag sigil.
"It better work… or we may have another enemy to fight, and this one will hate my family more than the rest" said Edric Baratheon.
Visenya sighed.
"I am still not entirely sure about this, but my Sister is… and I trust her judgement" said Visenya flatly.
Edric Baratheon sighed and took her hand in his.
"Just as I trust yours" said Edric Baratheon softly as he pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
Visenya smiled and sat down in his lap.
The next day…
Ned looked down at the map with both hands on the edge of the table.
"I will ride for Runestone with Lord Royce later today… Jon, you and your Brothers will take our army down the Kings Road until you reach the Crossroads Inn, and set up camp near there, but not too near" said Ned.
He was stood around the large table in the hall with the rest of the Northerners and Edric Baratheon as they discussed their war plans.
Robar Royce stepped forwards.
"My Father has the support of the largest houses in the Vale, once the traitor Lysa Arryn has been dealt with, we should have the support of all of the Vale" said Robar Royce.
Edric Baratheon stepped closer to the table.
"And where do I feature in your plans Lord Stark?" said Edric Baratheon.
Ned sighed and bowed his head to him.
"When I return from the Vale we will ride to Harranhal with 2,000 Northmen and the Valemen… to link up with the Reach forces loyal to you Your Grace" said Ned solemnly.
Edric Baratheon sighed and nodded.
"If you think that is for the best" said Edric Baratheon.
Ned nodded and turned to Jon and Robb.
"Gods be with you Boys… we will reunite at Harranhal, and march on Riverrun" said Ned.
Jon and Robb nodded.
"Yes Father" said Robb.
Ned nodded and turned to the others.
"My Lords" said Ned bowing his head.
They bowed their heads to him before they started to make their way out of the hall.
Ashara walked up to Ned as he walked into the courtyard.
"When do you leave?" said Ashara.
"In a few hours… do you really think this is wise… trusting the Mad Kings Daughter?" said Ned.
"No… but if it works we would have one less enemy to fight, that is what is important" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"Except this enemy hates the Starks and the Baratheon's… you are Lady Stark, how do I know that she will not have you executed when she finds out who you are, or more specifically when Jorah Mormont tells her who you are, presuming he is still by her side" said Ned flatly.
Ashara smiled and took his hand.
"Is that what you fear… that I will meet my death in a strange land, at the hands of Daenerys Targaryan?" said Ashara softly.
Ned sighed and kissed her knuckles.
"I will not have you in harms way" said Ned.
Ashara sighed.
"We will be well protected… my Brother, your Sister, Ser Rodrik, and more than a dozen Guards" said Ashara.
Ned pulled away from her slightly causing her to sigh.
"And who is in more danger… a woman who visits a foreign city with capable Guards at her back… or the man who fights on the battlefield against entire armies?" said Ashara sternly.
Ned smiled.
"You always were smarter than me" said Ned softly.
Ashara stepped closer to him.
"In most things yes… you know more about war and death than I ever will" said Ashara.
"I have seen enough war and death to last me a lifetime… yet now I must see more of it if our rightful King is to be crowned" said Ned solemnly.
Ashara sighed and kissed him.
"Crown's are only won through warfare Ned, not with peace talks or parley's… with war, Aegon The Conqueror won his with war, King Robert won his with war, and now his Son must do the same" said Ashara flatly.
Ned nodded and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"I have to get ready to leave" said Ned solemnly.
Ashara sighed and gripped his tunic in one hand.
"Surely you can spare me a short bit of your time" said Ashara softly.
Ned smiled and pressed his head into hers as they started to walk back towards the castle.
"Just a bit" said Ned softly.
The two walked back into the castle.