As a British person I'm allergic to soppiness but I can't let two significant milestones go by unrecognised. This story has now got over 1,000 reviews and surpassed half a million words (wtf) which are two benchmarks I never imagined reaching to be honest. Thanks everyone for your continued interest in the story and enjoying what my mind is coming up with!

Chapter 104: A Mother's Mercy and a Father's Fury

A few hours later … late afternoon …

Sansa's Chambers, Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Tyrell, Lannister, Arryn), Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms

The door violently slammed against the wall, causing Sansa to jump out of her chair in shock and drop the cup of water she had been holding.

Half a dozen Arryn guards entered the room and took up positions near the doors on either side of the room.

"Artys?" Sansa exclaimed as the tall King ducked into the room, followed by his aunt.

"Kenna what is the meaning of this?" she said again, trying not to think about the grim look on Artys's face or how Kenna avoided eye contact with her.

"Lord Royce is dead," Kenna said, fighting hard to contain the wobble in her voice and turn it into cold fury, "Oberyn killed him in retribution for his daughters' deaths."

"I'm so sorry," Sansa said, beginning to round the recliner to reach Kenna, "I know he was like a father to you."

Kenna put out a hand to halt Sansa's movement. She didn't want comfort; she wanted her anger to burn red-hot so her next decision was easy.

"Oberyn poisoned him so he could stay alive just long enough to die in my arms. I'm not sure if that was intended to be cruel or kind," Kenna choked the last word and looked out the window. "With his dying words he told me not to lose myself in anger over his death but the problem is I've been chasing revenge for so long what am I without it? What type of person doesn't avenge the people they love?"

"One that wants the bloodshed to stop," Sansa said gently as a sickening feeling started to creep up her back, "A leader that looks to the future, not dwells in the past."

Kenna let out a singular mocking laugh, "That was good. You've got quite the silver tongue now."

Sansa didn't know how to respond but the knot in her stomach was growing by the second and she couldn't take the uncertainty any longer.

"Why are you here Kenna?"

"Your brother was with Oberyn, he let Lord Royce be killed despite you being our prisoner."

Sansa stiffened and backed away from Kenna as she took in the hardened faces around the room, "I see. Are you going to kill me now, in retribution? That is how these things go right? An eye for an eye. Blood for blood."

Kenna's mask of calm fury slipped, "Your brother has caused me and the Vale more harm than Euron Greyjoy or Littlefinger ever did! If he had just stayed by my side Daenerys Targaryen would be dead along with her dragons, Artys would have two eyes, I would be back in the Vale with my children where we belong and Lord Royce would still be alive!"

"Robb's support wouldn't have guaranteed any of those things," Sansa said matter-of-factly, "and peace in the Seven Kingdoms would never have lasted with two claiming independence. Aren't you tired of war?"

"I'm tired of losing people I love," Kenna said in a voice subdued by exhaustion.

"So, what now? Are you going to hang my body along the walls of King's Landing? It would be a good message; no one would miss the meaning," Sansa spat, commanding the space with her desperate rage and bold front, "All those years we spent together in this city as fellow prisoners … does our friendship mean nothing? I mothered your children like they were my own."

Every word spoken was like a physical blow to Kenna until she couldn't handle the outrage in silence anymore, "Get out."

The command was clear if not a little strained. The Valemen quickly followed their Queen's order while Sansa tracked each man's movements behind puzzled eyes.

"I'm staying," Artys stated before Kenna could challenge his continued presence and leant back on the closed door with a definitive look on his face.

Kenna rubbed her hands together then firmly clasped them behind her back when she noticed Sansa staring at her metal-clad wrists.

Sansa flicked her confused eyes between the nephew and aunt, "I don't understand."

"Killing you would cause Robb to feel the same excruciating pain I feel right now which I admit is one of my goals but it won't bring Lord Royce back from the dead, it won't stop Daenerys's attack on the city, only enrage your brother and give his men something else to fight for."

Kenna took a deep breath and bit her lip so the pain would keep her focused as the memory of her mentors final moments flashed through her mind, "Your death in his name is something I know Yohn wouldn't have wanted. He was fond of you and you have been nothing but kind to me and my children. You don't deserve death for your brother's actions and your own have only garnered my respect and appreciation. On the night of your escape attempt, I promised no harm would come to you and I keep my word."

"You didn't come here to see me one final time before ordering my execution?"

"I want the bloodshed to stop just as much as you do. I would have hoped you of all people would be able to see past my reputation."

"Reputations are well earned."

"But there are always exceptions."

"I'm an exception?"

"You are a friend and your death would just be wasteful posturing."

"I can't imagine Tommen's Small Council agreeing to do nothing in the wake of Lord Royce's murder."

"So, you agree his death was unjustified?"

Sansa sent a tentative look at Artys who was listening to the conversation closely, "Prince Oberyn killing Lord Royce to hurt you because you killed his daughters is the same as you killing me to hurt Robb because he betrayed you. A senseless act done to alleviate the burden of grief for a few days."

"You are lucky I'm not Oberyn."

"I'm lucky that you haven't bent to Lord Tywin's will. I imagine he pressed for my death."

"He probably would have but I don't know what action Tommen's Small council would have agreed on. I haven't discussed the matter of your fate with them. I've been too busy washing blood off my skin and controlling my urge to smash everything within reach."

Sansa blinked at the uncharacteristically unhinged confession but before she could make a comment Kenna swiftly continued.

"But since I'm the aggrieved party not them, I don't care what their opinion is."

"I would have thought you'd care what Tywin Lannister's opinion is," Sansa said, finally moving past the recliner to stand directly in front of Kenna.

Artys made an inquiring noise at Sansa's pointed comment but Kenna ignored him to reel in her ricocheting feelings and school her face, Keep it together.

"If you think I do what he wants you don't know me as well as you think," Kenna responded with a hint of annoyance in her words that masked how tender she felt about the subject.

"I didn't say that. I said you cared for his opinion."

"His opinion on this matter is irrelevant. Death, just like life, should always have a purpose and there has been enough senseless death. I only want to kill those that deserve it and threaten my family."

"My brother-"

"Deserves death," Kenna cut in, "He may not have struck the fatal blow but it was his betrayal that got Lord Royce captured in the first place. It is his actions that have forced me to separate from my children."

Sansa placed a gentle hand on Kenna's arm, "Robb means your children no harm. Kenna, please, we were once all on the same side."

"The keyword there was once," Kenna said glancing at where Sansa's hand rested but making no attempt to brush it off or move away, "The city will be under siege soon, maybe tomorrow maybe the day after. You and Lady Shireen are to join the rest of the court ladies in the Maiden Vault while the battle commences."

Kenna turned from Sansa and made her way towards Artys who was shooting her numerous questioning looks.

I'll tell you everything if we survive the coming battle, Kenna mentally committed.

"Would you have kept your promise to Robb?" Sansa asked suddenly as Artys opened the door. "Would you really have marched against House Lannister? Gone against Tywin Lannister?"

Kenna turned on her heels, "Would the answer do us any good now?"

"I want to know."

Kenna dipped her head for a moment and let a hand support some of her weight against the door frame, "I would have done whatever was best for my children."

"That's not really an answer."

"It's the only one you'll be getting."

"I thought you said you kept your promises," Sansa countered, "and I'm not sure that Robb will be satisfied with your answer either when he asks you the same question."

Kenna smiled at Sansa's subtle bravado, "Goodbye Sansa, I hope I see you again but if not, your company over the past few years has been a ray of sunshine in an otherwise dark night."

The surprisingly emotional remark softened Sansa's features, "I wished things had turned out differently."

"So do I," Kenna agreed before disappearing from the doorway.

A few minutes later …

"Kenna?" Artys inquired softly as he watched his aunt slump against then slide down the wall of the corridor with her hands over her mouth.

The adrenaline from her encounter with Sansa had worn off and, in its place, had settled the unresolved emotions of Lord Royce's recent death and the overwhelming tension of the coming battle. Their guards did a good job of simultaneously ignoring what their Queen was doing while blocking off the hallway to any servants and onlookers.

When Artys didn't get a response, he knelt in front of her and put a hand on her knee, "I'm here."

"I know," Kenna said gazing at a fixed point on the floor.

"What can I do?" he asked slowly, concern lacing his words.

Kenna dropped her trembling hands from her mouth to cover Artys's hand on her knee, "Killing Robb Stark would be a start, then perhaps kill Daenerys's dragons and if you are still alive maybe somehow bury Oberyn's own spear in his skull."

"Is that all?" Artys's jested.

His humorous response drew a small smile from Kenna but after a moment she let out a deep sigh, "Holding in anger is … draining and the task ahead of us will not be easy."

"Don't hold it in. Lord Royce died only a few hours ago. Rest now, mourn his loss then direct your anger at those responsible when they come. King's Landing is prepared for a siege and whatever else that Dragon bitch wants to throw at us. I can handle the final details and last-minute situations on your behalf. You've done your bit let me do mine."

Kenna extended out both her arms, "You're right."

"Glad you see sense in my words," Artys replied pulling Kenna to her feet. "I won't let you down."

"I know you won't. You never have," Kenna said sincerely before raising a hand to massage her forehead.

"There is something else troubling you?"

Kenna instinctually dropped her hand so it rested on her tummy.

Artys followed the movement and his eyes went wide, "You're–"

Kenna placed a hand over his mouth but nodded.

"That's fantastic," Artys said in delight once she removed her hand then whispered while they embraced, "Tywin Lannister's?"

Kenna drew back, "How did you know?"

"Sansa's comment. I may not have had the traditional noble education but I'm not stupid," Artys said holding out his arm, "It's too late to leave the city now, isn't it?"

"Yes," Kenna replied letting Artys guide her down the corridors back to her chambers.

"Will you tell him?"

"After the battle. It would just be a distraction to him now."

"He might be dead after the battle and a father deserves to know."

"You are right but it is more complicated than that."

"I don't think it is."

"Leave it Artys," Kenna urged, "you have more important things to worry about."

"I do," Artys said but his tone was in complete disagreement with his words, "The Knights of the Vale won't command their selves."

Late evening …

Kenna's Chambers, Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Tyrell, Lannister, Arryn), Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms

Tywin walked down the tunnel with a torch lighting his way as his mind centred on the image of Lord Royce's dead body laid out on the Small Council table. Every member of the Small Council knew how great a commander Lord Royce had been and how untimely his death truly was for their cause.

It was a sad end for such a prestigious Lord. Another victim to Oberyn Martell's ever-growing need for vengeance. A stupid, senseless act that wasn't going to be punished as it should.

Tywin walked to an apparent dead end and searched the wall till his hand felt the cold metal frame he knew was there and pushed. The painting slowly swung open to reveal a bedchamber well-lit in candlelight. The covers of the bed were undisturbed and all he heard was the faint crackling of a fire in the other room. He placed his torch in an empty holder and rested his hand on the top of his sword's pommel as he made his way through the open door.

In the other room, he found Kenna staring into the hissing fire as if in a trance. She was wearing a long cream coloured tunic shirt that went down below her knees and her long dark brown hair covered her shoulder blades. Her usual attire of battle garments, including her bracers, hidden blades, breeches, boots and hooded cloak were laid out on the chair nearby.

Tywin let his hand drop from the hilt of his sword and navigated his way past the furniture to stand a breath behind Kenna who must have noticed his presence by now. Her wet hair was curling slightly and a pleasant aroma of rose-water radiated off her skin.

"He was a great man," Tywin said, dipping his head to kiss the exposed scar on the back of her shoulder.

"No," Kenna responded keeping her focus on the clashing flames, "He wasn't a great man. He was something far rarer. He was a good man."

Tywin murmured his agreement against her warm skin, pleased to find the golden lion pendant hanging around her neck.

"Did Tyrion inform you how it happened?"

"He did," Tywin said, letting his lips linger, "He feels partly responsible for Lord Royce's death."

"He shouldn't. Oberyn was never going to let Yohn live once he found out about his daughters' deaths and it is my own stupidity in not killing Robin sooner that led to their deaths and therefore Yohn's death," Kenna managed to say without any emotion choking her words but the guilt was lurking beneath the surface just waiting for a moment of weakness to burst forth.

Perhaps Tywin sensed this for he drew Kenna backwards so there was no space between them and his mouth settled by her ear, "We can't change the past but we can ensure Oberyn will never be a threat to our children."

"I think he actually hates me more than you now."

"What matters is he wants both of us dead and I'm not sure his lust for vengeance would stop at us."

"Yohn and Jorge are beyond his reach now."

"Yes, and tomorrow Oberyn will be within our reach."

Kenna remained silent but Tywin knew she was imagining the Dornish Prince's death in the fire.

"I was informed you moved Sansa Stark and Shireen Baratheon to the Maidenvault."

"Yes, I did."

"Why are their heads not on spikes? They are no use to us now and Oberyn's actions need to have a consequence."

"Exactly, their lives and their deaths are no use to us. Oberyn will feel my wrath but Sansa and Lady Shireen do not deserve to pay for what he did."

"You may reconsider once the battle is over."

"Perhaps but that is my decision to make."

"Hardly, they are prisoners of King Tommen, not you."

"That it is fortunate for me because Tommen is rather fond of Sansa and isn't one for ordering needless executions like his mother so I'd gander he would agree with my decision," Kenna said smugly.

"You forget where you are and your position in this city," Tywin growled at the challenge to his control over Tommen.

"And you forget who you are with!" Kenna bellowed, trying to move away but strong arms locked her in place against Tywin's chest.

"I assure you; you are never far from my mind."

The comment stunned Kenna and stopped her attempts at escape as her mind pondered the true meaning of his words.

Before she could reach a conclusion Tywin's deep voice filled the room, "Your nephew excused your absence from the Small Council meeting. He said you were resting in your grief."

"I am."

"Most people rest by sleeping in bed, not staring into a fire imagining their enemies' deaths."

"What makes you think that is what I was doing before you interrupted me?"

"I know you."

"And I know you. You aren't one to comfort others so why are you here?" Kenna said, turning the conversation back on Tywin.

Tywin's jaw tightened at Kenna's pointed remark, "You nephew spoke to me after the Small Council meeting … he told me you had something urgent to tell me."

She shook her head slightly, damn Artys and his noble sentiments.

"Kenna?" Tywin prodded, releasing his grip across her waist and turning her to face him.

She swallowed knowing there was no avoiding the truth now, "I'm … with child."

Tywin's blinked, letting the word reverberate around his head before his eyes flashed and lowered to Kenna's midriff.

"When were you going to tell me?"

"After the battle, if you survived."

"How long have you known?"

"I realised after Qyburn, Yohn and Jorge left King's Landing," Kenna said, answering Tywin's true question.

"Has a maester confirmed your condition?"

"No, the only one I trust to do so is Qyburn but a woman knows these things."

Tywin stood rock still with an unreadable expression.

"I'll say Jaime is the father if that is what you are worried about; that we had one final tryst at Harrenhal before he marched to Casterly Rock."

Tywin only nodded; his eyes fixed on Kenna's stomach.

Kenna placed a hand underneath Tywin's chin unchallenged and lifted it so his eyes were forced to meet her's, "This changes nothing in the immediate future."

"You should go with the rest of the ladies to the Maidenvault when the fighting begins."

Kenna scoffed at the suggestion, "Pregnancy didn't stop me walking into an enemy camp alone and fighting for my people's future then and it won't stop me now."

"Walking into my camp while carrying my children and fighting in an actual siege against people who have no reservations in killing you are very different situations."

"You won't change my mind. I want to stay. I want to make Daenerys Targaryen rue the day she decided to cross the Narrow Sea. I want to make Robb Stark realise what a terrible mistake he made betraying me and House Arryn. I want to end Oberyn before his tortured existence can touch our children's lives," Kenna only noticed the tears falling from her cheeks when Tywin's hand snaked around her neck and pushed her forehead into his chest.

"Our forces are prepared to do all of that," he said into her hair, "but if you are to have any part in the fight you should rest."

"Join me?" Kenna said, lifting her head from his chest and locking eyes with him.

Tywin had half a mind to refuse simply to retaliate against her stubborn decision to stay but he wasn't sure how many nights he had left in this world and he didn't want to deny himself the pleasure of Kenna's company.

"I will."

Middle of the Night …

Tywin lay awake, with Kenna slumbering beside him. She hadn't lasted long after their coupling and Tywin knew from experience that nothing sapped your energy more than grief. He rolled onto his side and cautiously positioned his hand on Kenna's tummy, watching it rise and fall with her rhythmic breathing. She wasn't showing any outward signs of being with child but he trusted her instincts.

Another child. I should have married her myself, Tywin chastised as his fingers absentmindedly started to caress around her belly button. Things would have gone smoother with her openly by my side … or she would have killed me in my sleep, Tywin added to his inner thoughts, remembering the utter contempt in Kenna's eyes on the day of the Eyrie's capture.

He had planned to order her execution that day and now they were both willingly sharing a bed. If ever there was a time for the Gods to marvel at the threads of fate, they had created it was now.

A slim hand pressed over his caressing fingers, "I can hear you thinking."

"You should go back to sleep," he said pressing her wrist to his lips.

"I'm awake now," Kenna said rolling so they faced each other.

"I can put you back to sleep," Tywin rumbled as his hands pulled Kenna closer so he could nip at either side of the golden chain encircling her neck.

"You can try," Kenna said inviting the challenge.

"I've already succeeded once," Tywin purred, moving them so he hung above her.

Kenna gave him a sheepish smile as her hands glided down his torso but before they could reach their destination a loud screech swept through the night's air penetrating their chamber.

Tywin was off the bed in a flash, hastily wrapping a robe around himself before sprinting to the balcony.

Kenna followed after him once she had won her tussle with her tunic shirt. She dashed to the edge of the balcony and copied Tywin's searching looks into the pitch-black sky as another screech pierced through the night. They both knew what that sound meant but surely Daenerys wasn't unleashing her dragons indiscriminately on the whole of the city and there was no advantage for her armies to attack under such poor visibility.

They understood a moment later when they saw the lanterns of the combined Redwyne and Arryn ships floating out on the Blackwater Bay. Every single glow of light denoted the position of a ship. Or at least did before the two dragons started to spew fire down upon them illuminating the entire bay in destructive light.

"She is attacking now," Kenna said, rushing back into her bed chamber.

Tywin took a further moment to ponder the attack, she is using the cover of darkness to protect her dragons from our balistas.

It was a smart play and one Tywin doubted the Dragon Queen had some up with herself. The balistas couldn't hit what they couldn't see but attacking during the night was still detrimental to the soldiers trying to breach the gates. The dragons might have an advantage in the sky but the men on the ground would be just as encumbered by the lack of visibility as his men on the wall were.

By the time Tywin returned to the room Kenna was already dressed in her lightly armoured battle garments, clasping her hidden blades to her wrists and swinging a quiver and bow onto her back below her white cloak hood.

"We need to get out there," she said bringing him his clothing before picking up his sword, "Who is in command at the walls right now?"

"Randal Tarly," Tywin replied tucking his tunic into his breeches and fastening his belt, "until I get there."

Kenna handed him his sword, "Artys will accompany you. Tyrion and I will stay at the Red Keep."

"Your nephew should remain with you."

"Artys is a fighter, he would be wasted waiting at the Red Keep with me and Tyrion."

Tywin accepted the logic but a part of him smarted at the thought his son and his lover would be the Crown's last line of defence.

"Tywin you didn't come in through the door," Kenna reminded as they both moved towards the exit.

"We don't have time to be coy," Tywin replied, pushing through the door and surprising Kenna's four personal guards who all reached for their weapons.

"Stand down," Kenna ordered with a wave of her hand as she marched side by side with Tywin down the corridor.

"Get your nephew to meet me in the courtyard with your best men."

"Tell your son I expect him on the walls of the Red Keep."

Both nodded at each other with their eyes conveying the unspoken message of good luck before Tywin split off from her and the trailing guards.

The bells of war started to ring around the Red Keep in announcement of the coming attack on the city and Kenna doubled her haste as she started to run towards Artys's chambers.

Author's Notes:

Kenna's continued reaction to Royce's death is probably less visceral than you would imagine because she is heeding Royce's dying words for now (I expect that the heat of battle will unleash any … destructive feelings held inside) but there are still moments of white fury in the Sansa Kenna conversation. Some moments of vulnerability even shone through at certain points with Artys and Tywin due to the double whammy of her pregnancy reveal … timing am I right? xD

This was a heavy chapter for the Tywin Kenna dynamic and I'm happy it achieved what I wanted it to as I have been cultivating this relationship for a long time (enemies to lovers takes forever, especially if romantic relationships aren't the focus). What I was showing in this chapter wasn't the Queen over the Mountains or the Hand of the King but the individual Kenna Arryn and Tywin Lannister on the eve of a battle that is everything to them and their families futures.

If you squint really hard, I think Tywin confessed to loving Kenna or at the very least caring for her in this chapter as well. I mean he isn't going to actually say it is he.

RIP

Lord Paxter Redwyne (Burned alongside his fleet off page)

His highlights were definitely Chapters 67 & 77 where he fought with Victorian Greyjoy and got drunk with Lord Royce, Artys and Kenna after Lord Grafton's funeral and to be honest I really liked his character in this story so I'm a bit sad over it.

Reviews:

Antares Graceford – Meh, already made Robin fly lol What has Myrcella done to deserve death? xD Well from this chapter you know that Kenna heeded Lord Royce's dying request (which I think is a Kenna thing to do) in regards to Sansa and why she doesn't want to execute Sansa (care for twins, Sansa personally done nothing to Kenna and they are friends despite the war). Don't worry vengeance will happen just Sansa isn't the target.

Ser Dorito of Aisle 13 – I don't think she cares too much, hence she sent Oberyn (who is not a negotiator!) but the Stark boys will be fuming at Oberyn and his recklessness. I'd say it definitely works in their favour. I don't want to spoil anything but your suggestions inspired a lot of what is to come. I also put a lot of your ideas into a 'bank' so I can use them in future stories so thank you!

Cleo9427 – Aw thanks for not resisting! I appreciate the comment and the help to surpassing 1000 reviews 3

Guest (commented 4/04/2021) – Exactly, action = consequence. This is Kenna's point of view but to Robb her favour towards the Lannisters is an alliance breaking thing. It's certainly a marriage of political convenience. Although true, I think there is double standards for woman in Westeros, especially queens and sleeping with one's good-father is still seen as a form of incest, I think. Give yourself a name please :)

Supremus85 – I was playing on that fear for the first half of the Sansa scene but I hope it was clear why Sansa is safe from Kenna's retribution. Kenna is deeply hurt over Lord Royce's death; it is the death that has so far affected her the most emotionally I'd say but even in her grief-stricken state she has a clear idea on who she blames and wants to punish.

Kawaibabies – He did indeed …

WTFGOT – I know, Lord Royce's death has hit her hard but she doesn't really have time to stay down a battle is about to begin.

IOUcomment – I'd argue he has a lot all ready but the story isn't over! He didn't, his children were captured in Sunspear and brought to King's Landing as prisoners by Kenna and Tywin after Chapter 76. No spoilers ;)

Tohka123 – Thank you. I like that quote so I made Sansa say it :D Thanks for saying that regarding the Robb edit, I was worried about backlash. I think it is one of the most emotional deaths, although Maester Luwin's death in Chapter 39 still makes me uncomfortable.

NightlyRowenTree – As always,your welcome :)

David Daniel B – I agree! Oberyn isn't a tactician, he is more impulse led. Team Targ restoration are definitely split into three factions.

Captain Gregor – Hello there Captain! Thanks for those scenarios. I'll start writing some after original timeline of DotF is finished.

DannyBlack70 – Yeah, I'm happier now I've edited it. As soon as he was a captured his fate was sealed. Tyrion revealing Oberyn is fatherless was just the spark he needed to do something damaging.

Mister LaGuardia – Lord Royce's death in the story was always going to happen as I saw it as another vital point in Kenna's character development, she really has lost a lot of her own supporters, I think Artys is the only 'Vale' character left in her corner. I do like secret plans! The prisoners in King's Landing are in an interesting position no matter what happens really. Robb does feel guilty but he also feels like he did the right thing – conflicting I know. Everyone has their limits but that is Kenna's MO and we'll see if in the next couple of chapters if she continues to follow that pattern as there is a lot of opportunity to hit hard.

Next Up: Jon receives a warning; Tyrion has a much-needed conversation with Kenna and the gates of King's Landing open.

If you are enjoying this story please *Toss a coin to your writer, Oh valley of readers* and review, follow and favorite!

Schedule Notice:

The 'regulars' (You guys are awesome) know I normally update every few days but the next couple of chapters are all about the siege of King's Landing and I want to have them all written before releasing the first one so I may be away for a while, I predict I'll be back sometime this month but that is not a guarantee.