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Lynesse Hightower I
Appleton, Reach, Year 284 AC
Lynesse was quite tired…she had been forced to wake up earlier that day by her half-brothers because they were to be received by Lord and Appleton in their castle along the Roseroad on their way to King's Landing.
She was the only female of her House allowed to go to the capital, her full sister Alysanne, three years her senior had begged to come as well but father forbade her and so Aly cried angrily all night long. Lynesse tried to comfort her but Aly did not wish to be comforted by the sister who would go to the capital, in her older sister's eyes Lynesse was to blame for everything…thus they parted ways mad at each other but now that she had been away from her sister from nearly two weeks, Lynesse felt bad and missed her…they had always been close as they were the only daughters of the late Lady Samantha Crane…she wondered if Aly missed her too…
But thinking about other nicer things that did not break her heart, Lynesse was quite excited to live at the Red Keep in King's Landing for a few years now that the war ended. Hundreds of ladies and knights would be there, bards singing the songs she knew so well, thousands of people cheering…tourneys…it would be just like Oldtown…except smellier if words of her older half-sisters and half-brothers could be trusted and she had no reason not to heed their words.
And her father had grand plans for her…he had told her so before she left…
"You are to go to King's Landing, Lynesse." Her father said while they spoke in his study which was located on the seventh floor of the Hightower. The first ten floors were where the members of House Hightower and servants lived, the next ten floors were destined for food and weapon supplies, the following ten to ancient books, the proceeding ten for the treasury, and the final ten for other things she knew not and to control the beacon of Oldtown.
Lynesse had never climbed more than twenty floors but many of her siblings reached further top than her. Malora, her weird half-sister, said she climbed to the forty-seventh floor but she did not say what she saw there which made Lynesse, Alysanne, and her other older half-sister, Leyla angry. Malora simply said for them to climb the floors themselves and stop whining.
"Truly?" Lynesse asked of her father, her heart beating faster for she never left the Reach, and seeing the capital was like a dream to her. The dream of any girl of her age…
"Yes." Her father nodded with a smile. "You will go with Baelor and Garth and stay there with your oldest brother while Garth returns here. I'm considering marrying you to the King or his uncle, the Crown Prince." The news made her blush and led her hands to her cheeks, marrying a Prince or the King would be like a dream come true. "But do not let it get to your head, none of you are at age to marry yet and things like these take time so for now keep it quiet and try to befriend the Targaryens, it will be the best thing for you to do."
Lynesse's heart stopped for a second and while her mood began getting depressed she remembered her sisters. "Won't Aly and Leyla come with me and my brothers? It would be much more fun…"
"No your sisters cannot go with you. Leyla is to marry Ser Jon Cupps before you leave, a marriage you shall attend." Her father explained. "Then she will spend some time in his family's lands before they return here. Alysanne is in similar condition as she was already betrothed to Lord Arthur Ambrose before the war and she will spend time with him in his lands now that he is back from Storm's End."
"It saddens me…I would have wished to enjoy some time with them…" Lynesse confessed. "But at least I will able see King's Landing and everything in it…I wonder if they will arrange a tourney…oh father I'm so excited!"
"Lynesse, you are likely my most beautiful daughter and you are bright too…" Her father said but his expression was harsh, not joyful… "But real life outside the Hightower is not a song, in fact, and let me be extra clear with you and do not take it as on offense my daughter, songs are bullshit." This had been the first time in her eleven years that Lynesse had heard such a prude word come from her father and that surprised her. "The world is much darker than what you think, than what almost everyone thinks…the Faith…it keeps things from us all…and we suffer for it…but the Targaryens made us a great favor by taking them away from here and reducing them to lackwits…we should be thankful for that…yes…our House is slowly walking back to the path it was meant…but there are those who…"
"Father…I do not understand what you are saying…what do you mean about the Faith keeping things from us?" Lynesse said slightly shaken, she had never seen her father like this and it scared her…
He smiled. "I'm sorry Lynesse, my darling." he gently extended his hand to her cheek and caressed it. "I'm forty years your senior…frankly I should not even have more sons…Humfrey was the last one I tell you that much…your step-mother is younger than Baelor…she likes it enough…but it was a needed marriage..." Her father stood up from his desk and made way to one of the windows before he called her to join him. She did as she was told and once she was near him, he wrapped an arm around her. "You are bright but too young…these things that torment your father are too much for you to understand…but one day, once you come of age, I will tell you and then you will understand. No Hightower will be left in ignorance while I live." Her father messed with her hair a bit and she found it both annoying and endearing. "Frankly…I did not plan for these turn of events but it must be done…"
"I will do my best father to please you father." Lynesse avowed.
"I know you will." Her father patted her back. "What are our words?"
"We Light The Way."
Annoyed by how boring the conversations with Lord and Lady Appleton were being, after all, they were an old couple, she looked at her half-brothers to see how they were faring, while of course keeping the composure her Septa had groomed her to…Garth seemed bored too but Baelor was the perfect listener as always…Baelor was perfect in everything really…Lynesse hoped the Targaryens or whoever she married would be like him…
On the other hand…she wondered if they knew those things that tormented father…they were twice her age, men grown and smart…certainly they knew but…she would not ask them a thing. Father would the one telling her those things he said he would, not her half-brothers.
"My Lord Appleton, and My Lady Appleton," Baelor called with his bright smile from which he was known for. "We thank you for the wonderful hospitality, truly we do but alas the road to King's Landing is still long and I'm sure Lord Tyrell would agree with me that the time is not on our hands if we are to do what is expect of us which is to serve the realm in the best of our abilities…"
Lord Tyrell was caught off guard by the looks of it but quickly rose from his seat. "I'm afraid Ser Baelor is right." he proclaimed with a puffed chest. "We appreciate such a wonderful welcome but indeed, responsibilities higher than us await us."
Lord Appleton and his wife rose from their seats. "Our humble castle will always be open to every Tyrell and Hightower who passes by. We hope to receive you soon."
"And we shall come again if it pleases you, My Lord and Lady." Lord Tyrell assured with a bright smile. "Thank you."
"Thank you." All visitors said and more pleasantries were exchanged before they left the castle.
Lynesse was escorted by her oldest half-brother to her wheelhouse, a parting present from her father. It wasn't the biggest wheelhouse, the one which carried all the Hightower sisters was far larger than it but was also slower than this one. This one was hers alone which made her feel special. "Your manners are very refined Lynesse," Baelor told her with his beautiful smile. "Father would be proud if he saw you."
The compliment made her flush. "I only did what Septa Malory told me…I miss her already…" Lynesse confessed.
"Perhaps we can have Garth send for her once he leaves us in King's Landing…" Baelor proposed as he helped get inside the wheelhouse. "Or maybe the Queen or Princess Elia will take you under their wing and arrange for the rest of your education. We will have to see."
"Are you excited to meet them as much as I do?" Lynesse inquired curiously.
"I have met Princess Elia once…" he said as he flushed, which was something rare. "Let us say I did something…I should have not…and forever will she remember me for the worst reasons…"
"What did you do Baelor?"
"I would rather not talk about it…" Her brother murmured.
"Come on tell me!" Lynesse pleaded.
"No."
"Pretty please?"
"No, Lynesse, it's something I wish to bury for it leaves me embarrassed…do not bring it again please…have mercy on my poor soul…"
"Ok…" Lynesse said sadly as she took a seat in the wheelhouse and her brother kissed her cheek before closing the door and telling the charioteer he could proceed. She was so very curious about Baelor's misdeed but more curious she was of the capital…would she be well received? Would everything be a big disappointment as father seemed to think? Only time would tell by the looks of it…
Alester Florent I
Somewhere By The Roseroad, Reach, Year 284 AC
They were making a good pace to the capital. Alester was more than convinced that this was the best opportunity that his House had to overthrow the Tyrells from their Paramountship but there was still plenty of work to be done before the much-awaited day arrived and no mistake could be committed or it could mean the end of their line…
In his party came his son Alekyne, his brothers Colin and Axell, and his unwed nieces Selyse and Delena came further back on a simple yet neatly decorated wheelhouse, all per their statute. All in accordance with his plans…
When the Dornishwoman chose Mace fucking Tyrell for Regent, Alester had been angry but he understood it but when he failed to be elected Advisor, thanks to the Fool of Highgarden's veto he got angrier. That up jumped fuck was dumb as a door but even without his mother around he messed Alester's plans...
Baelor Brightsmile was chosen instead and while it was not as awful as it could have been with someone else, as the Hightowers were currently allied with House Florent, thanks to his daughter Rhea, they were also allied with the Tyrells as the Fool of Highgarden was married to one of Leyton's daughters not to mention that they had a strong claim on the entire Reach and they were powerful and rich to enforce it.
This meant that the only viable solution and the easiest was to get the Crown against the Tyrells and favoring the Florents over the Hightowers. It was certainly possible, House Tyrell and Tully rose to prominence thanks to the Targaryens so it was more than possible for House Florent to follow them. Hence why he came up with three plans to make this happen:
The first, appeal to the pity of the Queen and Princess by using Selyse's unattractiveness, which led to the men scorning her, as a way to get her into their inner circles which would, in turn, grant him with important knowledge and likely resolve the problem of arranging his niece's marriage.
The second, try to make Delena spend time with the Babe King and Child Prince in hopes to seduce one of them when they got older. Delena got the best of House Rowan in her, she was very comely and outgoing so Alester doubted she would have too much difficulty in her task, especially when the lads were to get all lusty with their coming of age.
Third, use his unwed son and brother to hopefully seduce the Queen and the Princess. Both were widows and still of an age to have children and no doubt in need of support given their fragile position which a marriage could provide. Now he was not overly ambitious, he could only hope for one marriage so the Queen was the preferable choice since she had a claim to the throne.
This would likely be the most difficult task given that Axell was a pervert who thought women were toys and broodmares and given the rumors…or rather facts about the Queen being raped by the Mad King it would not work well…furthermore, he also heard some rumors about his own son Alekyne's sexual preferences which could either be a blessing or a curse in this circumstance.
He still had Selyse's brothers as alternatives but they were young lads still and these women were experienced…well…if things got rough with his current plans, he could try them later some older women prefer younger lads…For now he would have to do with a pervert and a potential pillow biter…
What was important was to get into the Targaryen inner circles, it was crucial. He knew very well the competition would be ferocious, half the Houses in the Reach would try their luck at getting their holds on the King's love and support, and then there was the rest of the realm but it had to be House Florent before anyone else.
"Think we will beat the Tyrells to King's Landing?" His brother Colin asked.
"Likely if they stop for a siege along the way…" Axell said and everyone laughed, including Alester despite not wanting to and despite knowing the strategy had been a genius move despite the absurd of it. But it did not come from the fool's head, the fool would have stormed the castle in a week, no, that was all his mother, the Queen of Thorns' doing. She was a true thorn in Alester's foot.
"It matters not when they arrive, they will arrive because Mace Tyrell is Lord Regent now and Baelor Brightsmile is an Advisor." Alester said.
"Should have been you, brother." Axell pressed forward and Colin nodded in agreement.
"No, I get why the Dornishwoman chose the Fool of Highgarden, I'm not angry about that, I'm angry that I failed to become Advisor, for more insignificant the position might be, because of the fool himself." Alester proclaimed bitterly. "But it doesn't matter for now…you two know what must be done right?"
"Aye, seduce the Queen or the Dornishwoman," Axell said with a smirk. "Shouldn't be too hard…I was fancying myself getting some Dornishwoman or Valyrian cunt for a long time."
Alester slapped his brother harshly after the prude nonsense he spat out, making him look at him in disbelief. "Axell, you are my brother but your behavior towards women insults me. I dislike the way you treat the servants and the whores, peasants or not, they are still people and we are knights at the end of the day. I take my vows seriously and if you ruin these plans for me because of your fucking lust or your loudmouth, I'm going to make sure you suffer the proper punishment, brother, or not, I'm done receiving complaints because of you, let this enter your head once and for all."
Axell said nothing else and commanded his Destrier forward, he was sulking now, but Alester meant his words and he also knew that he had to show that his House was a proper replacement for the Tyrells not some rapists or perverts. "You are lucky I do not hear the same things I hear from him coming from you, Colin. Your wife must keep you well entertained and that is good, a man must respect his wife. But let the same warning enter your head as well, in case you decide to deviate yourself from her embrace and copy our younger brother's behavior."
"Do not worry Alester…" Colin assured. "I love Emma well enough…and if I deviate myself, you can rest assure that you will hear no complaints about me abusing women."
"That is good to hear brother of mine." Alester acknowledged as he noticed his son trying to match their pace. He had been entertaining his cousins for the past fifteen minutes.
"Did something happen while I was away?" he questioned. "Where is uncle Axell?"
"Up ahead, thinking about his actions I hope," Alester said. "Or thinking about how to best conduct the plans I conceived. Do you know your job, son?"
"Yes, father."
"Good." The Lord of Brightwater Keep was starting to think he should have chosen his nephews by Ryam instead of his son and brother but now it was too late, he still believed in his nieces enough to feel comfortable. Foxes Are Clever…his House's words needed to be proven true, even if he was the only one who fit the description… "That is a start to our House's rise."
Rhaella Targaryen I
Red Keep, King's Landing, Crownlands, Year 284 AC
Rhaella was sweating so much…the hot summer climate was leaving her so uncomfortable given that she was heavily pregnant. Elia had been more than right…she would need the quietness of Dragonstone and soon…the Regency was yet to begin but she was so stressed already…it seemed it was taking too long to begin and it was leaving her very anxious…
"My Queen." A servant called from outside her room. "Lord Brandon Stark has arrived and he requested an audience with both My Queen and Princess Elia." It was expected of her and Elia to receive the man when he arrived but none of them was warned of his arrival with enough time to receive him properly…she hoped he would not take it as a slight…House Stark had been slighted so much these past two years that Rhaella knew not what to use to placate them further…
"Could you please call one of my ladies-in-waiting?" Rhaella begged, she needed help to get up and get rid of her sweat. Perhaps change gowns…the one she was wearing was soaked…
"Of course." The servant replied as he left.
She waited for five minutes or so before Nysah entered her room. "My Queen, my apologies I was with Rhaenys and…"
"You do not need to give me explanations darling." Rhaella smiled. "But I would love a helping hand here and perhaps a fresh and clean dress too..."
"Certainly." Nysah strolled to Rhaella's side, picked her arm, and while Rhaella made a tiresome effort, she pulled her from the chair. "Where is My Queen to go afterward?" The Dornishwoman questioned as she opened the wardrobe. "Will a purple gown do?"
"Meet Brandon Stark by the looks of it," Rhaella explained. "He came unnoticed and wishes for a meeting with me and Elia…" she then inspected the dress her lady had in hands. "Yes, purple will do."
"I do wonder what he wants…" Nysah said worriedly as she placed the gown in a chair and helped Rhaella take her sweaty red one.
"Me too, darling…Me too…" Rhaella said uncomfortably as Jasline ran a wet fabric around her body to clean her. "Gods it's so hot…"
"And the huge belly does not help much, does it?"
"No…" Rhaella sighed.
Jasline cleaned her well, used some Lyseni perfume, and helped her dress the purple gown, she felt much better and fresh. "Shall we go then?" Nysah asked when all was done.
"Yes, let us not make the man wait…I do not have a head to hear complains today…" Rhaella admitted tiredly. "How are the children?"
Nysah briefed her of her granddaughter's latest exploits, she had begun drawing and apparently was quite good at it…Rhaella was certainly excited to see her Rhaenys's future drawings. Once they exited Maegor's Holdfast they found Elia with Aegon at hand, being followed by Ser Jaime and a few servants with fans to get rid of the hotness.
Ser Barristan had recovered from his injuries and had begun guarding the children while Ser Jaime guarded both Rhaella and Elia alternatively, now it seemed he was to guard them both and also his King. They would need more Kingsguards to reduce the burden of the two of them…two had died at the Trident, one was returning from Starfall according to Ser Arron Dayne's letter and two others were missing still… "My Queen how are you feeling?" Elia asked while she gestured for her son to stop loafing around in her hold.
"Tired but now clean of troublesome sweat," Rhaella replied sighing. "This temperature does not suit me I'm afraid…"
"Neither does the stench, My Queen…" Ser Jaime added. "It gets unbearable with the heat and dry ambience…"
"I shall not dismiss you in that regard, Ser Jaime…" Rhaella smiled a little as Ser Jaime was not wrong, King's Landing's awful smell was always unbearable but in the heat without any wind to disperse the smell, it was horrible.
"So Brandon Stark is back…" Elia pressed forward. "I do wonder why he wants to meet us so suddenly…"
"There ought to be a reason behind and if we wait here, we will never find out." Rhaella gestured for them to walk.
"Yes." Elia moved in to, entangle her arm in Rhaella's right one. "Let us see what he wishes and satiate our curiosity."
They found the Throne Room with some twenty Gold Cloaks standing by or patrolling it in and out as instructed by Ser Manly Stokeworth. By the Iron Throne was Lord Arryn holding a conversation with Grand Maester Pycelle and Ser Jacaerys, Lord Stannis who had returned a couple of days ago stood tall, unmoving and with arms crossed looking uncomfortably at everything and Lord Varys smiled as he rubbed his hands with powder. Besides Lord Stannis, only Ser Jacaerys had returned home after the Counselors were chosen but since Driftmark was so close to King's Landing he had returned more than a week ago after seeing his wife and son.
Brandon Stark was in front of them and by his side, Rhaella was surprised to see the two Kingsguard knights that were missing…Ser Oswell and Ser Arthur. Rhaella looked to Elia and her daughter-in-law and she did not seem so surprised…the only conclusion out of this was that they were at Winterfell...
Lord Brandon bowed to them. "My King…My Queen and My Princess."
"Lord Brandon." They acknowledged in unison while little Aegon did not understand anything of what was happening given his very tender age.
"I have returned from seeing my family at Winterfell and I'm pleased to say my sister was returned safely by these two knights but she is still very much traumatized by the war and what she has been through…" The Northerner explained. "My trip companions have something to say to you all..."
When Rhaella's gaze befell on the two knights they both dropped to their knees, their gazes on the floor. "My King, My Queen, My Princess." Ser Arthur began his gaze still fixed on the red carpet floor. "We have failed to be here when we were needed the most, we failed to prevent…a grave mistake from happening…we failed the father but we do not wish to fail the son. We offer our swords to His Grace, King Aegon the Sixth, or our necks instead. Whatever one is needed we give willingly."
What to do with this? These were two of the finest knights around…While they had been away from the action they were still knights of the Kingsguard and dismissing them would leave a precedent that could very likely cause problems in the future. She had reasons as to not want them, as like the others they did not protect her but their vows were not made with a rapist King into consideration…she couldn't in her right mind dismiss them and if she did, she would need to the same with Ser Barristan and Ser Gerold…
"My Lord Stark…you mentioned that your sister was returned to Winterfell…what exactly happened to her?" Lord Stannis asked. "Which version is true? My brother's or the Crown's? I would very much like to know what my brother died for at the end of the day."
Rhaella looked to the floor in shame…she knew very well what happened…she somewhat understood Rhaegar's actions and concerns but his actions were still wrong, more than wrong. "I would say it was a combination of both versions really…" The young Northerner replied. "There was a big mistake committed after my sister was saved from an unfair trial no doubt…my sister was not in herself and while she…tried to prevent it…her words were not heeded…"
There was silence…and confusion amongst those present…Lord Brandon saying it was a combination of both was likely the best explanation really…Oh Rhaegar my dear boy…why did you do it? I know you meant well but still…
Rhaella stepped forward, getting the attention she sought. "Thank you very much for providing us with…the truth…Lord Brandon…" she began grimly. "Now, returning to these two fine knights here…given that nominating a Kingsguard knight is a competence of the King and given that King Aegon is still a child, that competence falls upon the Regency. However, both of you Sers were appointed by my late brother-husband so technically the Regency only has to approve your return to functions or not, so I shall delegate that to the first meeting." she turned to the members of the Councils present in the room. "Is anyone against this decision of mine?"
No one said no, so her decision passed…and Lord Stannis moved forward... "I have nothing against My Queen's decision and nothing personal against the knights in question for their deeds are well known. But I would like to know…what were they doing when my late brother's betrothed was being…raped…"
"We never thought he would do it…" Ser Oswell said. "He caught off-guard, but he only did it once, we swear it by all Gods. Once we got the opportunity we took her back home in hopes of…"
"Ending the war…" Ser Arthur completed.
"Then it's clear to me that something is wrong with vows of Kingsguard." Lord Stannis continued. "There have been far too many transgressions against the integrity of women in this Kingdom. Given that this competence befalls on me as Master of Laws I shall work on it diligently. As for the two Kingsguard knights in question, I believe they are neither innocent nor guilty given the evidence given and therefore I request they await the verdict of the Councils without wearing their white coats. They did after all, willing or forced, abandon their vows to their King, and must be punished for it."
Rhaella was quite surprised with her cousin's speech…and his intended punishment…it was not too harsh but… "Very well, My Lord." Ser Arthur proclaimed as he took the white cloak off while still in his knees. A surprised Ser Oswell did the same afterward. "I think of it as just punishment."
"My Queen, My Princess…" Ser Jaime called the attention to him. "Since my sworn brothers are forbidden from wearing the white until the first meeting, I shall do the same."
"You do not have to do this Ser Jaime." Rhaella pointed out worriedly.
"It's my decision, My Queen." The Lannister knight took off his cloak as well and nodded to everyone.
"Very well then…" she said worriedly. She had not expected this outcome…perhaps she should have risked a little more and accepted them…but at the same time…she was glad she did not…
"Lord Brandon," Elia called as she stepped forward. "A room shall be arranged for you in accordance to your needs just as it was arranged for all the members of the Councils."
"If My Princess says so…I just hope it's not the Black Cells again…I have grown fond of the sun again." The Stark japed. "Yet this weather…"
"I assure you it's not the Black Cells and I also assure you it will be a fresh room," Elia said as she turned towards the knights of the Kingsguard. "Ser Arthur, Ser Oswell, you shall be accommodated in your cells until your fate is decided."
"Of course, My Princess." They nodded but Rhaella noticed the looks exchanged by both her daughter-in-law and her compatriot, the Sword of the Morning.
"Anything else you wished to speak about My Lord Stark?" Rhaella inquired.
"Hum…not really…I merely wanted to show I'm ready to serve as Lord Regent and show these two knights." The Stark said a bit ashamed given his unpolished gestures. "My apologies for troubling you all in this…hot day…"
"Well, if there is nothing else…" Lord Arryn picked the word. "The King's Councils or rather what is here of them are dismissed."
Everyone nodded and began exiting the Throne Room. Rhaella noticed Lord Arryn calling for Brandon Stark for a word, no doubt to give him some tips for the lad needed them and while Rhaella was a bit annoyed that she was forced to come to the Throne Room in her condition, she could not be angry with the Stark.
Queen, Princess, and little King were escorted back by Ser Jaime, now without a white cloak, to Maegor's Holdfast. While they walked, and because Rhaella was both curious and with a need to distract herself from the huge bulge in her stomach… "So what do you make of those two runaways?"
"Well…I already knew they had been at Winterfell thanks to Ashara…" Elia confessed but Rhaella had already figured that much. "I knew they would return and somehow I wanted to reintroduce them on their posts as they are not bad men and I kind of cursed inside with Brandon Stark's plan but after the initial outburst in my head, I ended up thanking the man for pushing this openly instead of privately for he saved us from mistrust of many counselors like Lord Stannis." Similar minds thought alike…
Rhaella leaned closer to Elia so what she was to ask next did not reach Ser Jaime's ears. The man was a good man and her best friend's son but she still held some reserves on him. "What about those looks you exchanged with Ser Arthur?"
"We are good friends that is all," Elia said. "We know each other for a very long time and he must think he is to blame for everything that happened…I know him well enough to know that."
"There isn't anything else there?" Rhaella asked with raised eyebrows. "I held those looks once when I was younger and innocent…"
"I held feelings for him when we were younger and he held them for me as well…" Elia confessed to her in a whisper. "But now the times are different…"
"Yes…times are indeed different…" This made her remember Bonifer…they had moved on with their lives but she did wonder how he was now…would she ever see him again? She hoped so…nothing romantic could come out of this given the years passed but she would indeed love to see him again…some day…
As always thank you for the reviews:
miguelgiuliano: I'm afraid I couldn't understand most of your review...if you are struggling you can always write in Castillian. By horns, you mean like the Horn of Joramun? Character development is a big thing in ASOIAF and here is no difference. Rhaella and Jon Arryn could potentially work...I will think about it...Ned and Ashara fornicating...I can tell you there is a reason for Part 1 being called A Song That Met A Star...if you get my meaning...which I believe you do...
Prince Loki Stark: Glad you enjoyed it. The Blackfish will have to be an able negotiator indeed, there is a lot at stake for his House.
Radomir's Renegades: Viserys is too young still but he will learn of what really happen soon. One thing is that he does not hate the Rebels because they didn't force him into exile so that is already a plus for him. That is kind of what Brandon is doing right now but you never know what can happen with him, even if soothes his wolf blood better. Man...Cersei and Roose? I'd spend all my savings in a boat and get out of Westeros if that was to happen...In all honesty I agree with you, Cersei has problems but being with Robert didn't do her any good, it only made her worse.
Prince of Petersburg: Catelyn will likely end up with some happiness in her life in the future. Now the Charter did not made him a Constitutional Monarch without powers, he has them but his judicial powers are sanctioned and he cannot revoke lordships without sanction either, basically the entire Charter of the Rebellion is made to make sure he does turn into another Aerys. Personally I still see the office of Kingship as a very powerful one albeit less powerful than in Aerys' reign or Robert's.
mlkoolc86: Yes, I'm transfering a lot of things from Scars to here as it will go like it pretty much. I also look forward to write their meeting.
Silver566: I think that line sums up Catelyn pretty well and honestly I can't really blame her given this is based in the Middle Ages and tolerance was not exactly common...
Apologies for failing yet another week...so this Chapter comes a day earlier that it's supposed.
I'm not sure if you guys think the pace and flow is going to slow...I'm trying to introduce some players and their plans so it takes some time to do that. Personally I don't think it's going that slow but...
Speaking of which what do you guys make of the two new POVs from the Reach? I still have a bunch of new ones to introduce as the amount will be similar to Part 1. What do you guys make of their plans? They are all pretty much the same to be honest but the sheer amount of young ladies roaming around the little King and Prince...at least Rhaenys will not be without companions...
But my biggest concern is Ser Arthur and Ser Oswell's arrival and their punishment together with Brandon's explanation...is this fitting? I admit I'm a bit unsure about the way it came out, I wanted to leave mysterious as it is in the books to the characters because the readers already know what happened. So thoughts on that would be much welcome. I may change that part a bit before next week's Chapter if I see it fit.
Anyway, thank you for sparing time reading and I hope everyone has a nice day and stays safe.
