Sunspear, 284 AC
Brandon and Elaena Stark, Oberyn Martell, Ellaria Sand, and the group of men that accompanied them on the ride back from the Tower of Joy made their way into the entrance of the Sunspear palace that housed the ruling Prince of Dorne, Doran Martell, and his family. As they made their way inside they were greeted by Doran Martell, himself.
"Welcome to Sunspear Princess Elaena and Lord Stark. It's sad that you could only come here under such tragic circumstances." Prince Doran said. "But someone of great importance has shown up, and it requires your immediate attention, Ellaria, if you would excuse us, please." Doran added.
As Ellaria went to go and spend some time with her daughters; Doran, Oberyn, Elaena, and Brandon made their way to the room that housed this important person Doran has spoken about.
"Oberyn and Elaena will go in the room first, now you two need to not freak out when you see who it is in that room. I nearly fainted when I saw them, but I assure that you'll be happy once you see them." Doran said with a small smile as Oberyn and Elaena made their way into the room.
"Elia!?" Oberyn and Elaena whispered simultaneously.
"Hello, brother, good-sister. Please come here and embrace me. For I have longed to be reunited with you two the very most." Elia Martell said.
Elaena rushed over to the side of the bed, and grabbed her good-sister's hand. She thought that she was in a dream, and was constantly thinking that this was not real. But feeling the warmth of Elia's hands against her own made her realize that this was real, and that her good-sister survived. But what about Rhaenys and Aegon? Elaena thought to herself.
"Oh god Elia, you're alive, you're really here!" Elaena rasped out between her choked sobs.
Oberyn made his way over to the sister of his heart as he saw her breakdown in front of his sister. Between Rhaegar's death, having to leave her daughter behind with her good-brother, and now finding out that her best friend somehow made it out of the Red Keep alive, he can't imagine how she is currently feeling.
Suddenly Brandon Stark entered the room and saw the state in which his wife was in. He quickly gave his good-sister a kiss on the forehead before he kneeled beside his wife. "Elaena, come on, let's get you a sleeping draught potion so you can get some sleep." Brandon said as he tried to get his wife's attention.
"I don't want to leave Elia. I refuse to leave her now, Brandon. Please don't ask me to leave her, too." Elaena wailed.
It was at that moment when Doran came into the room, and saw what the commotion was all about. He didn't understand why Elaena was reacting this way, it was like she was having a complete mental breakdown. "What is going on, Oberyn? Brandon?" Doran inquired from both men.
"It seems that seeing Elia alive has set her over the edge, Prince Doran. Between Rhaegar's death, losing Lyanna and her child, having to leave our daughter behind with my brother, and now learning of Elia's survival when she initially thought she was dead, it seems my wife is having a breakdown, and to be honest I don't know how she lasted this long keeping her emotions together." Brandon said while trying to keep his emotion in check, he had to be strong for his wife.
"Could you please lay my best friend on the other side of the bed, Brandon?" Elia quietly asked.
Brandon did what was asked of him, and everyone saw how Elaena automatically curled up next to Elia. They couldn't help but smile at the sight of the two best friends finding comfort in one another. Especially with all that they have lost recently, the two women will need each other now more than ever.
"Elia? Will you be okay by yourself while I go and talk to Oberyn and Brandon? Doran asked as he wheeled over to his sister's side of the bed. He still was in a daze over the fact that his sister somehow survived, if only Rhaenys and Aegon survived too.
"Yes, I'll be just fine, brother. I believe some rest will do Elaena and I some good." Elia said as she grabbed her older brother's hand. "And Doran, I'm not going anywhere." Elia added as a way to reassure her brother.
Doran looked over at Elaena and realized that she was already fast asleep. "We won't be long, sister. Now, get some sleep. You need it." Doran said as he kissed his sister on the forehead. He slowly watched as Elia succumbed to a state of deep sleep as she cuddled further into Elaena, if that was even possible.
Doran wheeled his way out of the room, and told the guard on duty that no one was to disturb the princesses. He knew that in less than a couple hours Elia, Elaena, and Brandon had to board a ship, and make their way to Dragonstone.
Doran, Oberyn, and Brandon made their way into Doran's solar. All three men didn't know how to bring up the inevitable. "Did all three of them fall in love with each other?" Doran finally asked. Both Oberyn, and Brandon whipped their heads up to look at Doran.
Brandon was the first to speak up. "For the longest time my sister begged my father to break the betrothal contract with Robert Baratheon, but he simply wouldn't budge. Even I saw how unhappy she was. One time I found her praying in front of the weirwood tree in the godswood, begging the old gods to make my father see Robert for who truly was, an unfaithful manwhore, and a drunk, but the god's never answered her prayers until she met Rhaegar, and Elia. She told me it was love at first sight for her, and of course she was scared that I would judge her for falling in love with two people at the same time, but I believe you can't help who you fall in love with." Brandon said as he stared out into the beautiful sunspear gardens.
"Elia said it was also love at first sight for both her, and Rhaegar. She said that they had never seen anyone so beautiful, with her wild curls, and her eyes that shined like the moon." Oberyn said as he remembered how happy his sister was when she talked about the northern she-wolf.
"Speaking of Lyanna, I am sorry for your loss, Brandon. I can't imagine how you feel, but I hope you know that Dorne will always be open to you, and your family." Doran said. He could see that the northern man was trying to keep it together.
"My family? My family is scattered, my pack is separated, and for what?! What was this war for?! Rhaegar, Rhaenys, Aegon, my father, Lyanna, Lyanna's child, who else do I have to lose in order to finally break?!" Brandon cried out in frustration. Oberyn tried to comfort the distraught man, but Brandon just walked to the other side of the solar, and paced like a caged wolf.
"Brandon, you need to calm down! I promise you, that we will avenge all those we have lost, we just have to wait for the right time." Oberyn tried to reason with him.
Brandon looked over at Oberyn and Doran as the wild wolf finally broke. "My daughter, Oberyn. I had to say goodbye to my little girl. I have to be separated from her, and I don't know when I will see her again. I have been left with NOTHING! Don't you see, we have all been left with NOTHING! And what does Robert Baratheon get? He gets to sit on the throne that is my little girl's rightful place." Brandon said as he finally left go of all the emotions he was suppressing.
He wept. He wept for Rhaegar. He wept for his wife, his good-sister, Elia. He wept for the two innocent children that were slaughtered simply because of who their father was. He wept for his daughter, and the burden that has been put on her shoulders at such a young age.
Doran and Oberyn truly felt for Brandon. Oberyn walked over, and embraced the man as brothers would. They both wept as they found the comfort in one another that not today, not tomorrow, not next week, or next month, or two years from now, but one day they would avenge the loved ones they have lost, they would make the usurper, and the Lannister pay for the crimes they have committed, and one day they will watch their daughter, and goddaughter ascend her family throne, and bring peace back to Westeros.
Oberyn pulled back, and grasped Brandon's shoulder, and looked him in the eye, and said, "One day, brother, One day." Brandon grasped Oberyn's opposite shoulder, looked him back in the eye and said, "One day, brother, one day they will pay." It was at that moment that both men had an understanding that even though they may not always like each other, they were still family, and that family matters above all.
"I don't mean to interrupt your moment, Oberyn, Brandon, but we should really discuss our next move." Doran said. He was already making back up plans to his back up plans.
"Well Obviously Elaena, Elia, and I must go into hiding, but first we need to depart, and make our way to Dragonstone to get my good-mother, and decide the line of succession, but we pretty much know..." But before Brandon could finish what he was gonna say he was interrupted by a frantic knock on the door.
"Come in." Doran said.
"My Prince there has been a missive sent to you, but the seal is blank." Aero, Doran's personal guard said.
"Hand it to me, Aero, and please go check on the status of the princesses, we must wake them up soon to prepare them for their journey to Dragonstone." Doran ordered.
Doran waited until Aero was completely out of his solar before he ripped open the missive he received.
"The north has been granted its independence. King Regent Eddard, and Crown Princess Vysenera are on their way to Riverrun with two fallen stars. -V"
Doran was completely shocked. The north asked for their independence? But that makes absolutely no sense.
"Brandon, look at this!" Doran said as he wheeled over to the man, and shoved the missive in his face. If Doran was shocked, then Brandon looked down right gleeful.
"Give me that! What could make you look so gleeful, you were just crying not even five minutes ago." Oberyn said as snatched the missive from Brandon's hands.
Oberyn openly gaped as he looked between Doran and Brandon. "King Regent Eddard?" Oberyn said, still shocked. "The quiet wolf just became the cunning wolf! Who knew that he had it in him!" Oberyn exclaimed as he laughed in mirth at the ramifications this will have.
"Don't you see? My brother just gave my daughter a stepping stone to conquer the other seven kingdoms! We could use this to our advantage." Brandon said as he thought of ways they could use the North's independence to not only build an army, but build a military fleet.
"What are you plotting?" Oberyn asked as he crossed his arms over his chest, and scrutinized the wild wolf because if there's one thing Oberyn knows it's the fact that there's nothing more scary than a scheming Brandon Stark, he's absolutely diabolical.
"I'm just thinking of ways we can use the north's independence to our advantage." Brandon said. "I'll have to talk to my brother, and tell him that moat cailin should be rebuilt." Brandon added.
"That's a very high possibility, but we have plenty of time to plot, and scheme the Usurper, and Lannister's downfall. What I want to know is how Ned came to the decision to call for the north's independence?" Doran asked. "Something drastic must have happened when Ned went to the Red Keep." Oberyn added.
"Robert more than likely threatened Vysenera. I wouldn't put it past him. Vysenera is a huge threat to his reign, but now that she is gonna be the future queen in the north, she will now have the experience she will need when she takes back the iron throne." Brandon said. He never wanted this for his daughter, but these are the cards life has dealt them, so they must make the best of the life they've been given.
"You are so adamant that she will want to take back the iron throne. What if she doesn't want it?" Doran asked.
"What I'm about to tell you must not leave this room. Oberyn please check outside to see if anyone is listening in!" Brandon said as he closed the door that opened out to the balcony attached to Doran's solar.
"Okay so you know Daenerys the Dreamer, and how she apparently had dragon dreams? Well apparently my wife has them, and she said she has dreamed of our daughter sitting on the iron throne." Brandon said as he watched Oberyn, and Doran widened their eyes, and looked at him like he had a third head.
"Did she dream of the rebellion?" Oberyn asked, curiously.
"That's the thing she never dreamed of the rebellion, she says she doesn't control what she is shown in her dreams." Brandon said as he contemplated what these dragon dreams could mean for his infant daughter.
"And the scary part is, she also dreamed of our daughter wielding some sort of magic! You know what they do to magic wielders here in Westeros! Am I condemning my daughter to a life where she has to hide?" Brandon cried out remembering how the faith of the seven, and the citadel feel about magic.
"Calm down, brother! We will take it one day at a time, and if my goddaughter wields magic, that just makes her ten times more deadlier. Could you imagine her wielding magic while fighting? That is something I would love to see." Oberyn said in new found excitement.
Doran and Brandon both just rolled their eyes at the overly excited man. Before anyone could say anything, there was another knock on the door.
"Come in." Oberyn said, earning a pointed look from Doran.
All three men watched as Princess Elaena walked into Doran's solar with a smile on her face, and a pep in her step. It looks like the small nap did Elaena some good.
"What are you guys doing?" Elaena said as she went to pour herself a goblet of wine. "Does anyone want a drink?" She asked.
"I'll take one, Ena." Oberyn said. He watched as Elaena poured, and handed him his wine as if she didn't just have a major mental breakdown two hours ago, he always admired the Targaryen princess' fortitude.
"Now that you're awake, Elaena, I would like to know what plans you have made. As of right now it seems that you will be named Queen Regent by your mother until your daughter comes of age." Doran said. He didn't want to remind her of the huge responsibility that was suddenly thrown at her. He can't imagine the kind of pressure she will be under in the coming years. It will be up to Elaena, and her daughter to bring House Targaryen back from the ashes.
"I'm well aware of the responsibility that is being put on my shoulders, Prince Doran." Elaena said as she gave a dead-panned look to the Prince of Dorne. She was not in the mood to talk about the state her family is in.
"As of right now the only thing I'm going to do is go get ready for the journey to Dragonstone. We leave in less forty-five minutes, and I need to mentally prepare myself for the possibility of my mother dying in her birthing bed." Elaena said with a morbid look on her face. Reality was setting in again, and she realized that she very well may lose another member of her family.
Brandon watched as his wife slowly, but surely pulled herself back together, and gave them a beaming smile. "I hope our daughter gets your fortitude." Brandon said as he imagined what his daughter would look like, and be like in 15 years. She will be a formidable warrior queen, that is always how he imagined his daughter to be, and if she's not that then he'll love her regardless.
"We can talk about the expectations you have set for our daughter another time. But I will tell you this..." But before Elaena could even finish her sentence her husband stood up and screamed.
"Oh my god, Ena. You're not going to believe what your good-brother did." Brandon said with a smirk on his face, He couldn't wait to see his wife's reaction to the north's new found independence.
"Ned called for the north's independence when he went to see Robert at the Red Keep. The north is now a free kingdom, and our daughter has been named the crown princess, while Eddard was named King Regent." Brandon boasted with pride.
Elaena stood there gaping at her husband. Did I hear him correctly? she thought to herself. "You are surely jesting, dear husband of mine. Haha, but really, did Ned swear fealty to the Usurper?" Elaena asked her husband, she could hear Doran, and Oberyn snickering at her expense from behind her.
"I'm not joking around, Elaena. Ned really did call for the north's independence, and Robert had no choice but to grant it, he can't afford to go to war with the north." Brandon said to his wife with a pointed look.
Elaena had to sit down. She did not expect her quiet good-brother to storm into the Red Keep, and call for the north's independence. That is the last thing she expected, but does she mind it? No, because this could be used to their advantage because when they are ready to wage war on the Usurper, and the Lannisters, they will have a stepping stone to start an invasion.
"Don't worry, Ena. I was just as shocked when we first got the news. Who knew that the quiet wolf could be so cunning? The war obviously did your good-brother some good." Oberyn said.
"I'm not surprised, I'm downright shocked. I never knew that was a viable option." Elaena said. She would have to write to her good-brother, and congratulate him on job well down for swindling the north out of Robert Baratheon's control.
"Shouldn't we be getting ready to leave? The last time I left Elia in her room she was taking a bath, so she's probably prepared to leave by now." Elaena said as she wiped dirt off her riding trousers. She was thankful they stopped at Sunspear before they made the journey to Dragonstone, she didn't want to see her mother smelling like she did. The new clothes that they provided are very comfortable. She would've worn a dress, but she then realized that they have to make a quick getaway after her mother gives birth.
"Yes the ship leaves in a half hour, not a minute later." Oberyn said as he made his way out of Doran's solar. Elaena, and Brandon followed him out, but not before saying goodbye to Doran, and promising that they'll keep in touch, and to keep him updated, and in the loop.
"Brandon and I will go check to see if your belongings are prepared. You go check on Elia. I'm sure she is nervous, reassure her that this is not permanent." Oberyn said.
Elaena nodded in agreement, and made her way to Elias' bed chambers. "Elia, are you dressed, and ready?" Elaena said as she poked her head into the room. She saw Elia looking out at the beautiful, and vast gardens of sunspear.
"I'm just trying to stare at the gardens long enough to embed them in my memory. It will be years before I can come home again." Elia said as she sighed. Life has changed so much. Her husband, her wife, and her two children are lost forever to her.
"Your home is where the people you love are. Your home is in Doran, Oberyn, Ellaria, and the sand snakes. In me, Brandon, and Vysenera. In Ashara, and Arthur. I promise you that one day we will avenge them. One day we will get justice for my niece, and nephew. We just need to take this day by day. You got me?" Elaena said as she held out her pinky finger.
"To always and forever." Elia said, linking her pinky with her good-sister's. She knew that she'll be okay, as long as she has her loved ones, she can make it through anything.
"Are you guys ready?" Oberyn said as entered his sister's bed chambers.
"Yes we are, but I'll leave you to say goodbye to each other." Elaena said as she kissed Oberyn on the cheek. She knows that Oberyn, and Elia will have a hard time saying goodbye to one another, but this is only temporary, eventually they will come home.
Elaena was escorted to the ship that was taking them to Dragonstone. "We were really doing this? Huh?" Elaena said as she embraced her husband.
"Yes we are, we really have no other choice, but we will make the best of it. You know what's keeping me going?" Brandon said as he smiled down to his beautiful wife.
"What?" Elaena said as she looked her husband in the eyes. He was good at masking his emotion, but if you look him in the eyes long enough you can see them clear as day.
"You, and the knowledge that one day we'll be reunited with our little dragonwolf. One day we'll reunite with her, and tell her that we kept our promise, and that there wasn't a day that went by where we didn't think of her, because she's always on my mind, but vengeance is also another thing that makes me want to live another day. Is that so wrong of me?" Brandon practically ranted to his wife.
"No it's not because our daughter, you, our family, friends, and vengeance are the things that keep me going. I know that the coming years will be hard, but as long as I have you I know I can make it through anything." Elaena said as she looked at her husband, he just smiled at her.
"Okay love birds, let's get on our way." Elia said as she came up onto the dock. "So this is it, this is really goodbye?" Elia added.
"No, it's just a 'see ya later'. One day, we'll come home." Brandon said to reassure his good-sister. Elia didn't dare look back.
Brandon directed the two women onto the ship, it was a three work journey to Dragonstone, and if the winds were just right they just might make it in two. The only thing he's worried about is making it in time for his good-mother to give birth. He was brought out of his thoughts when he heard someone shouting from behind them.
"Your graces! Your graces! Your graces!"
Brandon turned around only to see Ser Gerold Hightower running their way. He could strangle that man, right about now.
"Where have you been?" Brandon said. He hasn't seen the Lord Commander since they first entered Sunspear.
"I was sending word to Dragonstone to expect our arrival in three weeks time, two tops depending on the weather. Where are the princesses?" Gerold Hightower said.
"Down, below deck. They are both resting. It will be a long journey, and Elia doesn't always do well traveling by sea, so Elaena is staying with her to keep her calm." Brandon explained to the lord commander.
"I do have something to show you." Brandon said as he pulled out the missive Doran had originally received from the spider, and handed it to the aging knight.
"You've got to be kidding me?" Ser Gerold said in a state of shock.
"Nope, no jokes here Ser Gerold, but don't worry, Elaena was just as shocked as you were, if not more." Brandon said as he directed the lord commander below deck to check on Elaena and Elia.
"Are you guys ready for the journey?" Ser Gerold said as he stood in the entrance of the cabin that was preoccupied with his princess and future queen regent.
"Ser Gerold! Oh my, you are a very welcome face in these troubling times." Elaena exclaimed as she saw the Lord Commander. She would need to speak to him about the plans once they depart from Dragonstone.
"Yes, I'm sorry I've been absent. I sent word to Dragonstone to expect our arrival. Also your husband here told me about your good-brother, princess." Ser Gerold couldn't help, but snort at the look on Elaena's face.
"Yes, once we are safe across the narrow sea, I will be writing to him, and congratulating him on his swindling skills. He's a very sly man, that Eddard Stark." Elaena said. By this point everyone in the damn seven kingdoms knows about the north's new found independence.
"Damn right, he is." Brandon said feeling very proud of his brother for finally coming out of his shell.
"We'll get some rest, we have a three weeks journey ahead of us." Brandon said, everyone else just groaned.
Dragonstone, here we come, Elaena thought to herself.
Dragonstone, 284 AC
Their arrival at Dragonstone went as smoothly as the storm that's raging all around them. Elaena had just received word that Stannis Baratheon was currently heading to Dragonstone to get rid of the rest of the Targaryen's.
With her mother in mind she, Elia, Ser Gerold, and Brandon made their way into the keep where her ancestral seat was. To think Aegon used to live here, that still blows her mind. Elaena was not made aware that her mother had been in isolation for over an entire year. She hoped that the kingsguard, and handmaidens had taken good care of her mother, and made her pregnancy as normal, and pain free as possible.
Just as they reached the courtyard that led to the entrance of the main part of the keep, she heard her mother's agonizing screams. Knowing that her mother needed her the most right now, Elaena ran off to the bed chambers she knew her mother occupied when she came to Dragonstone.
While running she heard the bells that indicated someone unwelcoming was making their way into the harbor. As she stood there listening to the bells she didn't realize Ser Gerold, Elia, and Brandon had caught up with her.
As Ser Gerold talked to the guard that was on duty, he turned to his princess in a state of composed panic. "Baratheon banners will sooner rather than later start coming into the harbor. As of right now your mother has been in labor since late last night. We must hurry." He explained as best as he could. Everyone and everything was in complete chaos.
A sudden feeling of dread descended on the group as they rushed towards the doors, and straight into the keep, but something felt wrong to Elaena, it was silent, way too silent. Where are all of the guards, she thought to herself. She found this to be odd, and the anxiety she was feeling was starting to suffocate her. They suddenly came to the chambers her mother always used, and all she could hear were moans, screams, and cries that seemed to echo from inside.
Elaena walked into the room like she had a purpose, and Elia, Ser Gerold, and Brandon followed her in.
She saw that Ser William Drarry, who was the brother of the last Ser Jonothor Drarry of the kingsguard, was standing in front of the queen protectively. She could also see a couple Targaryen loyalists scattered around the room. Two maids were running around, and then her eyes came upon her mother who was clearly covered in blood, and still having contractions. The kingsguard stood down when they realized who had entered the room.
"Princess Elaena? Elia?" Prince Lewyn Martell whispered as he couldn't quite get over the shock that his princess, and great niece were standing in front of him. He had survived the battle of the trident barely, and made a quick getaway to get to Dragonstone.
Elia went over to her great uncle while Elaena rushed over to her mother's side, and took her bloody hand. "I'm here, mother, I'm here".
Queen Rhaella heard the melodic voice of her daughter, and struggled to open her eyes, but when she did her deep purple ones met the beautiful light indigo eyes of her daughter, her first born child who was born two minutes before her twin brother. The day the twins were born was the happiest day of her life, even Aerys had been happy that day. Her daughter has grown to be a beautiful, and formidable woman.
"Elaena, my sweet daughter. Is that truly you?" Queen Rhaella spoke quietly, she was trying to reserve some of her energy to bring her new babe into the world. "I feared the worst, I thought you were as dead as your twin brother." Rhaella choked back a sob as a contraction ripped through her body.
"I'm not dead, I'm here." Elaena whispered to her ailing mother. She relaxed a bit knowing that her mother was still here with her.
"I'm afraid I don't have much longer in this life, my sweet girl." Rhaella said as she raised her hand to caress her daughter's cheek. Her daughter looked so serene at that moment.
Elaena felt a few stray tears fall down her face as she closed her eyes to compose herself, she knew that her mother spoke the truth, it didn't make it any easier to accept it. There was more blood than there should be, and her mother had a hard time breathing. She was clearly having trouble giving birth to her new sibling.
She suddenly turned around, and looked at the two maids that were tending to her mother. "Is one of you a wet nurse?" she asked. One of them who had black hair with deep brown eyes stepped forward. "I am, your grace." she answered.
"Is anything keeping you here?" Elaena asked the woman as she gripped her mother's hand a tad bit harder. The woman shook her head, "no your grace, I'm a simple bastard who worked at the palace in Sunspear. Prince Doran sent me here to help the queen when I got word that my father was killed in battle," she explained as she settled in between the queen's legs to check on the baby.
Elaena nodded before her mother regained her attention. "Did you know that the day of your birth was the happiest day of my life? You, and your brother are the best thing I have ever done, and I couldn't be more proud of the woman you have become." Rhaella said to her daughter, the daughter she loved with everything in her. "Your brother is lost to us both, and..." before Rhaella could finish her sentence she shrieked as a contraction ripped through her.
"Why don't you go and sit near the queen?" Prince Lewyn asked Elia.
"I want Elaena to have the last moments with her mother. She has already lost Rhaegar, and you know how close they were? Well Elaena, and her mother were even closer." Elia choked back a sob as she watched her good-sister attempt to keep her composure. Prince Lewyn just embraced his niece.
"As I was saying, your brother is lost to us now, but you are not. I had last thought you were with babe, that is what I was told. Have you lost the child?" Rhaella asked her daughter, as she looked around to see if she could find Ser Arthur who was her daughter's personal guard, but instead of finding Ser Arthur she made eye contact with her good-son. How? He was said to have died in the Red Keep, she thought to herself.
Brandon, sensing someone was looking at him, lifted his head, and made eye contact with his good-mother. He quickly made his way over to her, and stood behind his kneeling wife. "Hello, good-mother of mine." Brandon said.
"But how?" Rhaella asked as she looked between her daughter, and good-son. She was told that her husband killed him for treason, for asking for Rhaegar's head alongside his father, Rickard Stark.
"I was rescued just in time, I barely made it out of the Red Keep with my life. Unfortunately I did have to watch my father die, but I won't burden you with how it happened." Brandon explained. His good-mother didn't need to know how her husband took great joy in burning people alive with wildfire.
Elaena squeezed her husband's hand feeling grateful that he didn't tell her mother the horrible deeds her father committed. It was then she was brought out of her own thoughts when she heard her mother scream. She looked up, and saw the maid in between her mother's legs. "It's time to push, your grace." Elaena heard the maid command. She grabbed onto her mother's hand as she labored to birth Elaena's new sibling.
After an hour and a half the bells rang, alerting everyone in the room, and throughout the entire island that someone was approaching the docks. Ser Gerold left the room in a hurry, and started ordering people to protect the keep with their lives. A simple barricade was made in the courtyard to keep everyone that wanted to get in, out. Archers lined the wall, and Ser Gerold had someone get a ship ready for he knew that once Queen Rhaella gave birth, they would need to make a quick getaway.
With one final scream, and push Queen Rhaella birthed a small blonde haired little girl. The sound of the baby's wails filled the room as the maids rushed around cleaning the newborn baby. Elaena kept holding her mother's hand, she knew she didn't have long.
"Mother, I never lost my child. You have a beautiful granddaughter who has Rhaegar's eyes. I would have brought her here, but Brandon, and I decided it was safer for her to live with Eddard Stark in the north." Elaena explained to her dying mother.
Rhaella gasped as she imagined a baby with hair as black as night with her deceased son's eyes. "What's her name?" She asked her daughter, wishing she could have at least met her granddaughter.
"We named her Vysenera Targaryen-Stark." Elaena said.
"A princess born of ice and fire." Rhaella murmured. She saw her daughter stiffen. Her son wasn't as obsessed with the prophecy as her husband was, but it still made her question his motives towards Lyanna Stark. Rhaella knew she didn't have long, and needed to name her granddaughter as the rightful heir to the iron throne.
"I, Rhaella Targaryen, Queen Mother of the Targaryen Royal family give her grace, Vysenera Targaryen, of Houses Targaryen and Stark, First of her Name, Princess of Dragonstone, Future Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm." she announced, loud and clear.
All the men bowed, and all the women bowed their heads.
Elaena instantly straightened up, and took her newborn baby sister from the arms of the wet nurse, and handed her to her mother. She watched as her mother looked down at her new siblings with so much love in her eyes.
"Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen." Rhaella named her newborn daughter after the storm that's raging outside the walls of Dragonstone. The small child opened her eyes, beautiful eyes the same color as her sister, and she smiled at her mother. The mother she would never see again.
The sounds of shouting filled the entire courtyard, and Prince Lewyn rushed to the window, "The barricade is going to fall soon. We must make haste, and leave soon, princess." he explained turning towards Elaena.
Rhaella carefully handed her daughter back to the wet nurse knowing that these were going to be her final moments in this life. "I Rhaella Targaryen of House Targaryen, Queen Mother, and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms hereby name Elaena Stark-Targaryen, Princess of Summerhall, and of the Seven Kingdoms, Queen Regent until such a time that Crown Princess Vysenera is of age to take her place as the head of our family. So I have said, who witnesses my claim?" she commanded.
Elaena knew this was coming, and she was ready to take on the responsibility of being the head of her house.
"I, Ser Gerold Hightower of King Aerys Kingsguard, witnessed the announcement of Queen Regent Elaena."
"I, Ser William Drarry of King Aerys Kingsguard, witnessed the announcement of Queen Regent Elaena."
They bowed their heads as all eyes turned from them to Princess Elaena. She knew she had to accept this responsibility because they're was no one else who could.
"I accept the responsibility of the Targaryen Family. I, Elaena Stark of House Targaryen, First of my Name, Princess of Summerhall, Queen Regent of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, decree that one day I will come home and help my daughter, Vysenera Stark-Targaryen claim back our families throne." She announced.
All the men in the room drew their swords holding them above their heads and as loud as they could, shouted "Long May She Reign!"
Louder sounds of shouting echoed throughout the courtyard. Elaena rushed to the window only to be held back by Ser William as she watched her husband rush to the window, "We need to leave, the entire Baratheon army has finally breached the barricade." Brandon said.
Ser Gerold quickly grabbed the small babe as he, and Ser William tried to find the queen. He ordered Prince Lewyn to collect Princess Elia as they rushed out of the room.
Brandon rushed to his wife who had rushed towards the queen. "Mother, I promise that our family will rise from the ashes once again, and everyone who has risen against us will die with Fire, and Blood." Elaena promised her dying mother.
Rhaella smiled, and nodded before she closed her eyes, ready to accept her death. Elaena turned towards the maid with tears streaming down her beautiful face, "Protect her until she takes her last breath, and then get out of here," she ordered. The maid rushed to the queen's side to make sure she was not alone in her final moments of life.
Ser Gerold, and Ser William rushed back into the room as they traded spots with the Targaryen loyalists who took the small babe. The duo knights, and Brandon surrounded the Queen Regent, and rushed her out of the room, through the halls towards the level where the ship was waiting for them.
They boarded the ship quickly. Elaena heard the wails of her baby sister from below deck. She never thought she would have to raise her sister, she always thought her mother would be there to do that, but it seems fate had other plans for the late Queen Rhaella.
Elaena, and Brandon stood at the bow of the ship as they watched Dragonstone become smaller. She watched as sixty different ships bearing the three headed dragon sigil moved off in all different directions. She knew that it was the only way to confuse the Baratheon men as to where the Targaryen Royal family fled to.
Ser Gerold, Ser William, Prince Lewyn, and Princess Elia joined them as together they watched the last sign of Dragonstone disappear behind them. They all turned to the Princess turned Queen, "What are we going to do now, Ena?" Princess Elia said as she stepped forward to face her new queen. Ser Gerold nodded in agreement.
Elaena ran her fingers through her hair, frustration clear as day showed on her youthful face. She hadn't thought that far ahead, yet. "First I need you to sign a proclamation that a Queen Regent has been named, and that my daughter has been named as the rightful heir, just please do not use her name." Elaena explained to the Commander who did as he was told while she continued to talk.
To Those Loyal to The Targaryen Family;
We will not be so easily defeated. The Targaryen family still stands at three members strong. We have been commanded to send out letters to those who remain loyal. Queen Rhaella has died in childbirth, birthing a healthy girl. She has named the daughter of Princess Elaena Stark-Targaryen as Heir to the Iron Throne. Until the child is of age, Elaena Stark-Targaryen has been named Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.
Witnessed by: Ser Gerold Hightower, Lord Commander of the Queensguard
Witnessed by: Ser William Drarry of the Queensguard
Accepted by: Elaena Stark of House Targaryen, First of her Name, Princess of Summerhall, Queen Regent of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm
Each letter that was sent out was sealed with the three headed dragon and direwolf sigil.
Elaena continued, "Next we need to figure out where we are going to go. Do we go to pentos? Or volantis? We can't split up, I refuse to be apart from Daenerys and Elia." she said.
Elaena then turned to her Queensguard. "You're going to have to retire your white cloaks for now, you will be recognized immediately if you go around wearing them." she said as she looked at what remained of her Queensguard. They looked so dejected having to separate from the thing that makes them, well them. "It's not forever, I promise." she added. They all nodded in agreement. She quickly squeezed each of their shoulders before she, and Elia made their way below deck.
Elaena, and Elia made their way into the cabin that was housing the wet nurse and baby Daenerys. The wet nurse Amara Sand has been nursing daenerys on, and off throughout the entire journey. Amara stood as the Queen Regent entered the room. "Your grace, Princess." She said with a curtsy.
"Please have a seat, Amara." Elaena said as she took her baby sister into her arms. "Amara, I have an offer for you. Now all of us are staying together. Elia nor I can handle being separated from Daenerys. With Elia losing Rhaenys and Aegon, and me having to send my daughter away to live with my good-brother in the north, we simply couldn't bear parting with another young one. We will all be heading to Braavos to stay with people who are loyal to my house and House Velaryon. I need to know if you want to stay with us, and be a wet-nurse, and then a lady-in-waiting for me, Elia, and Daenerys." she explained to the young, impressionable girl.
This was the first time in Amara's young life where she was given a choice about her life. As a bastard there were hardly any opportunities for people like her. She had been sent by Prince Doran to help Queen Rhaella, now she was in the service of the Queen Regent Elaena who was said to be as formidable as Visenya, and as kind as Rhaella.
Since the time she has been on the ship, she has grown attached to the young Targaryen princess. She looked at the young queen, and said, "I would love to stay in your service, your grace." In that moment she felt she had made the right choice.
As everyone on the ship was contemplating what decisions needed to be made, and what the future would bring, letters were being sent out all over the seven kingdoms, reminding everyone that the Targaryen family would not be beaten down without fighting back.
Lord Varys read the letter of intent with a huge smile on his face. It would seem that Queen Regent Elaena has taken up the responsibility of being the head of her family until her daughter is of age, and ready to step up. This was just confirmation that the Queen Regent has officially became a major player in the game of thrones, and he will do everything he can to make sure that Princess Vysenera Stark-Targaryen and her family take back their families throne.
Lady Olenna Tyrell opened the letter with a huge smile on her face. With a woman being named the future queen of the seven kingdoms, that means her granddaughter doesn't stand a chance to become queen, but Willas, and Garlan now have the opportunity to become King Consort. She knew she had to prepare her family for the inevitable because she had no doubt that the dragons would come back, and tear down all those who stood against them in both fire, and blood.
Ned Stark sat in his tent with his niece, and son sleeping in a basket next to him. They were currently still two weeks from Riverrun, and they desperately needed a couple days break, so they set up camp. Suddenly a guard came into his tent carrying a letter. "Your grace, this letter has just arrived for you."
Ned took the letter, and dismissed the guard. He sucked in his breath when he saw both the three headed dragon, and direwolf sigil, he was hoping his brother, or good-sister would send word about their current whereabouts.
Good-Brother,
I must congratulate your current appointment as King Regent. When Brandon told me you swindled the control of the northern kingdom from the Usurper I nearly fainted in shock, you are one sly man, Eddard Stark. I am currently writing to you from a ship in the middle of the Narrow Sea. I was gonna wait to write to you when we safely reached our destination, but I couldn't wait. We are currently going to Braavos to stay with a family who is loyal to my family, and House Velaryon. I also write to remind you of the expectations I have of my daughter's upbringing, Ned, and I mean it when I say that I don't want Catelyn Tully involved. I know that makes things difficult, but your lady wife hates me with a vengeance, and I believe she will take her hatred out on my daughter, and that simply can't happen. Brandon also told me to remind you of the Vault that resides behind the throne of winter, and that an important artifact resides in there that our daughter could use, he won't tell me what it is, but I'm sure you do. Please send all my love to my daughter, Ashara, and Arthur. We miss you, and wait for the day where we can all be reunited.
All my love,
Elaena Stark of House Targaryen,
Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.
Ned sat there contemplating his good-sister's words. He still had no idea what he was going to do about his lady wife. He knew that he couldn't set her aside unless she did something that gave him a real reason to. His only option is to keep a close eye on her, and make it perfectly clear that her only role was to raise their children, and to help run Winterfell. She will not be involved in his niece's upbringing. He sighed heavily, he can only hope he made the right decision in calling for the north's independence.
Small Council Chambers
Kings Landing, 284 AC
"What is the status of the search for the rest of the Targaryen family, Lord Varys? " King Robert asked.
"There is no status, your grace. According to my little birds the remaining Targaryen's have fled across the Narrow Sea. We will have to wait, and see where they have fled to." Lord Varys reported. Internally he was happy that the remaining Targaryen survived, and got away from Dragonstone. King Robert has only been king for a year, and is already running the kingdom into the ground. It's only a matter of waiting for the right time to strike, and he has no doubt that the Targaryen's will strike when Robert least expects it.
"And the status of Ned Stark, Varys?" Robert said through gritted teeth.
"According to someone from within the northern encampment Ned Stark has been named King Regent, until his niece, Vysenera Lyanna Stark-Targaryen comes of age, where she can take her rightful place as Queen in the North." Varys stated. He could see that the king was not taking this news very well.
"Damn, Ned Stark. This was his plan all along! Mark my words Jon, one day I will have his head, and the life of his filthy niece." Robert roared as he stood, and threw his chair into the wall.
"You will do no such thing..." Jon Arryn tried to say, but he was interrupted by a knock on the chamber door. "Come in." Jon Arryn added, reluctantly. Lately Robert has been out of control, he is starting to regret his decision of making him king, he's good in war, but as a king he's downright awful.
A guard walked in, and handed a letter to the king. Robert turned the letter over, and saw the sigil of the three headed dragon and his blood boiled.
"Well who is it from?" Maester Pycelle asked.
"It has the Targaryen sigil, who would have the gull to write to me? Who would dare test my wrath?" Robert yelled.
"Just open the letter, and read it, Robert," Jon Arryn said as he tried to keep his composure in check. The last few days have been really testing his patience, he doesn't know how he will survive as Lord Hand in the coming years if Robert doesn't get his act together. He watched as Robert began to rip the seal off the letter.
Robert's breath caught in his throat. The first was a letter of intent naming Elaena Stark-Targaryen as Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms while her daughter has been named the rightful heir to the iron throne. Robert crinkled the parchment in anger, and went to read the next part.
To the Usurper,
I hope you find my family's throne quite comfortable. I wanted to write to you personally as a grieving sister, but first I want to give you a little bit of the bitter truth since you didn't seem to believe my good-brother. Rhaegar never kidnapped Lyanna, she went willingly. She fell in love with both my brother, and Princess Elia. Accept it Robert, Lyanna Stark never loved you. Be honest with yourself Robert, you never loved Lyanna, you only loved the idea of her.
You caused a war for unnecessary reasons. I have lost people for no reason, and you have left me, and my family with nothing! You took away my home for nothing. You took my family's throne because we share the same blood, you are trying so hard to eradicate. As a sister who is grieving, my hate for you only grows by the day.
You stole my twin brother, and my other half from me. Did you know that I felt it when he died? I felt it when you killed the other half of my soul. Not only have you taken my brother, my home, my family's throne, but you took a part of my soul, and killed it. I feel it's only fair that I return the favor, as of today I will not stop until both of your brothers are dead. I will have people hunt them down like you have people hunting me, and mine.
This is a warning Robert, this is only the beginning. You might have won the battle, but I won't die without trying to return my family to their rightful place, and if you ever try to harm my daughter again, I will return the favor ten fold when you have a child with the lion whore.
All my hate,
Elaena Stark of House Targaryen
Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms
Everyone stood in complete silence. No one knew what to say or what to do, the silence in the room only made the growing tension unbearable.
"I-I-I mean, sh-she ha-had the gull to threaten me!? Who does she think she is!?" Robert roared as he tried to cover up his embarrassment from stuttering in the beginning.
Before Robert could continue his tirade, Lord Tywin Lannister walked into the small council chambers, and he did not look happy. "What is this I hear of you granting the north's it's independence? Are you out of your mind? Not only that, but you let the child who has the rightful claim to the throne you sit on, live?" Tywin Lannister yelled at his future good-son. He couldn't believe it when he got the news of Robert granting the north its freedom, he might have done it reluctantly, but he still did it.
"I was backed into a corner, I had no choice. We can't afford to go to war with the north! Besides, it's only temporary, one day I'll strike, and the first thing I'll do is kill Ned's niece. That way no one can contest my claim to the throne." Robert boasted. He was so adamant that no one could defeat him.
"We will deal with all that later, but right now I want to talk about the betrothal between you, and my daughter." Tywin said as he said down to the king's left.
If only the Baratheon's, and Lannister's knew how much would change when a certain Winter Princess would come of age.
Riverrun, 284 AC
It's been two weeks since they have been back traveling. Ned was currently making his way into the courtyard of Riverrun when he saw his lady wife holding a small bundle, her father and brother stood on each side of her, this confrontation is not going to go well.
Catelyn Tully watched her husband ride into the courtyard of her ancestral home. She feels like she has been waiting for what felt like ages for his return, but that doesn't matter now. She is only seconds away from showing her husband his heir, it seemed that they conceived their son on their wedding night, which means Catelyn will be able to give her lord husband many children in the coming years.
Ned dismounted, and took a second to get his nerves in check. He was going to introduce his heir, that is not his son, he has no idea how anyone will take the news he is about to deliver, but he promised himself that he would not fail his niece, and he won't start now by denying her of her rightful place. Ned walked over to where Ser Arthur Dayne was standing with Vysenera strapped to his chest. "Are you ready for the inevitable?" Arthur asked.
"No, but I have a duty to my niece, so I really have no choice, and even if I did I would still do right by her." Ned said with confidence, but you could tell he was nervous.
Arthur slowly handed over the crown princess to her uncle as he turned to make his way over to his lady wife, and good-father. Most of the northern lords were present in the courtyard. They had a meeting last night to discuss how they were going to introduce the crown princess to Lady Catelyn as many of the Lords, and Ladies were privy to the reputation Lady Catelyn had with princess Vysenera's mother, so they felt it was best to be present if anything would go wrong.
Ned walked over to his lady wife as slow as possible. He situated his niece comfortably into his arms, and he could tell that by doing this only had his wife, and her family looking at him confused. "Hello, Lady Wife." Ned said.
Catelyn couldn't believe her eyes, her husband was walking back to her from war with another child in his arms. How dare he, she thought to herself. "You dare present me with a bastard you sired from war?" Catelyn said with so much disgust and venom. She looked at the child in her husband's arms, and automatically hated it.
"This is no mere bastard, my lady wife. This is my niece, the trueborn daughter of Brandon Stark and Elaena Targaryen. I'm assuming your father has not told you what happened when I was in Kings Landing." Ned said as he shot Hoster Tully a heated glare.
"No he did not because that's not my place to know such things, my lord husband. You say she is your niece? That is wonderful, I assume she is now an orphan?" Catelyn said with a smug smile on her face. What everyone doesn't know is that she hated Elaena Targaryen. Knowing her daughter is now an orphan makes her feel extremely satisfied.
"I believe we should take this conversation to a more private setting, don't you think?" Lord Tully said through gritted teeth.
"Yes, I think that is best. I will have some of the lords who were privy to what happened in Kings Landing come with us. Lord Karstark, Lord Umber, Lord Manderly, and Lord Grover please come with me, the rest of you can set up camp on the north side by the river." Ned commanded.
"Is that truly necessary, husband? Surely you see that this is a private family matter." Catelyn said as she flashed her lord husband a sultry smile, or what she felt was a sultry smile.
"Are you questioning me, my lady wife?" Ned said with a raised eyebrow. He found it extremely funny how Catelyn tried to manipulate him. It's a good thing that the war made him grow a backbone.
"Of course not, I was just suggesting." Catelyn said, completely taken back by her husband's tone. He never talked to her that way before, she wonders what else the war changed in him.
"I do believe the thing can stay with a wet nurse while we discuss things in my father's solar. She may be your niece, but she has no important role when it comes to our family." Catelyn snidely said. She was going to do everything in her power to make that child's life hell, what her husband won't know won't kill him. She'll just have to watch her behavior around him.
Ned looked at Catelyn, and was seeing red. She has yet to introduce her son to him because her disdain has been solely focused on his niece. His good-sister was right, his lady wife will take her hatred out on Vysenera, and he has no idea how he can stop her from doing so. "What did you just say?" Ned said walking slowly closer to his wife in an intimidating way.
"I said what I said, Ned. Learn to accept it. You know how I feel about the Targaryen princess, so you really can't fault me." Catelyn practically screeched. She was not going to stand down in this. She refuses.
Before Ned lost his cool, and did something he would regret he turned to his good-father, "Lord Tully, would you mind escorting myself, and my fellow lords. I believe we have much to discuss." Ned said. He could tell Hoster Tully was unhappy over the fact that Ned was not bending to his daughter's will.
"Of course, right this way." Hoster Tully said while trying to not attack Ned. He was not happy with his good-son. Introducing the daughter of Brandon Stark first before meeting his own son meant that something drastic happened in Kings Landing, and he could already tell he was not going to like it. He will be damned if his grandson gets put to the side for a little girl who has no business being a position of power.
As they made their way through the halls of Riverrun, Ned was trying to figure out a way to placate his good-family without denying his niece her rightful place, but the more he thought about it the more he realizes that his wife, and her father will only be happy when he names his first born son as his heir, and clearly Catelyn doesn't know of the north gaining its independence. Why did I ever agree to marry Catelyn Tully? he thought to himself. His good-sister was right, she was nothing, but trouble.
Ned walked into the solar, and had his fellow lords sit by him in order to stop his wife from getting any closer to Vysenera. "Now that we are amongst ourselves, we have a lot to talk about, such as the existence of my niece, and the north gaining its independence." Ned said as he watched Hoster Tully warily, the way Hoster was looking at his niece was making him uncomfortable.
"You're gonna make our son a king? Oh how wonderful. I told you father that an alliance with the north would pay off." Catelyn said completely oblivious to the truth.
Ned was getting fed up, and this discussion just started, "You are wrong in your assumptions, lady wife. My niece is the heir to the winter throne, since she is Brandon Stark's daughter. The law in the north states that the daughter will inherit before the brother. The law is the law, and I will not contest the line of succession. I promised both Brandon, and Elaena that Vysenera would not be denied her rightful place." Ned said as he gave his wife a pointed look.
"How can you deny your son a chance at being king? How could you do this to my daughter! I want the line of succession brought into question in front of the northern lords, I also want to know why we were sent a letter of intent from Elaena Targaryen. She knows how my family feels about her." Hoster Tully said with a huff. He was trying to control his anger, but every time he looks at the child in Ned's arms he just looks over to his grandson, and feels spited.
"What I want to know is why you hate my good-sister so much. Do you even have a real reason to hate her besides the fact that your daughter didn't get to marry Brandon, and she did?" Ned said. The question he just asked clearly made them uncomfortable.
"I don't like her because she spited my daughter out of the chance of being queen. My daughter came home from court the last time in tears because she said that the Targaryen princess turned everyone at court against her, and made Rhaegar overlook her as an option to be his bride." Hoster Tully spat. He was not going to let the daughter of the woman who spited his perfect daughter be queen of anything. Not if he had a say in it.
"Arthur, were you at court when Lady Catelyn was?" Ned asked his niece's sworn shield.
"Yes, and Lord Tully is lying straight to your face. It was quite the opposite actually, Lady Catelyn arrived at court, and immediately didn't like the princess. Over the next few months after Lady Catelyn's arrival at court princess Elaena tried to befriend your lady wife, but it seemed to make Lady Catelyn hate her even more. My guess is that she is jealous of the princess turned Queen Regent. She would talk rudely to her, and not address her in the correct way. She would spread tactless, and harmful rumors about Elaena, so if anyone was trying to turn the court against someone, it was Lady Catelyn." Ser Arthur spat as he glared at Catelyn Tully. The woman is truly wretched, and he has no idea why Ned agreed to his father's demand to marry the Tully woman.
Catelyn just sat there in complete shock. What was Arthur Dayne doing here, anyways? She thought to herself.
"Well that's not what my daughter told me!" LordTully said as he crossed his arms over his chest. His daughter would never lie to him, ever. "Why is Ser Arthur here anyways?" He added.
"Because he is my niece's sworn shield. He was appointed by the princess herself." Ned stated. He was tired of his decisions being questioned. He was a King Regent, he didn't answer to the people, the people answer to him, and his lady wife better fall in line.
"Elaena Targaryen is no longer a princess or a lady, she's in exile, she is nothing!" Catelyn Tully spat. She could tell her husband wasn't going to budge, so she might as well just go with plan B, and threaten the child then he'll have no other option but to send her away to safety.
"If you won't put your niece aside for your son to be king then you leave me no choice, I will kill her myself. I will not let her take my son's rightful place, and I will not be spited again by that Targaryen slut." Catelyn said with as much venom as she could muster.
Everyone sat in shock at what lady Catelyn just said, even her own father sat there gaping at her. The only people who were not shocked were Ned, and Arthur who looked extremely mad.
"Then you leave me no choice, if you can't accept my niece as your future queen then I will set you aside, and find a wife who will. There is someone in the northern party currently who would gladly take your place." Ned threatened his wife. He has been thinking that he could curb his wife's hatred, but it seems he only has one option, and one option only.
"You can't set my daughter aside! You also can't set my grandson aside for a woman. I want a meeting with the northern lords to discuss the line of succession, immediately. I knew there was something funny going on when you walked to my daughter with another child. I will not stand for this! First your father voids the betrothal contract with your brother, Brandon then you want to allow his daughter to take your son's rightful place? I will not have this, I will fight you tooth, and nail on this if I have to!" Lord Tully stood, and screamed at Ned, and the present northern lords.
"Fine." Ned stated as he stood up, and took his niece from Arthur. Not only did Catelyn threaten the life of the crown princess, she also openly treated her with disrespect, and he doesn't know what would happen to his niece if she was left alone in Catelyn's care. He is finally understanding why his good-sister didn't want Catelyn involved in his niece's upbringing.
"If the northern lords vote for my grandson to be the next king of winter I want your niece gone, Ned. Do you hear me, gone! I don't care if you promised the dragon slut you'd protect her daughter, if I had it my way I'd send your niece directly to Robert Baratheon on a silver platter." Lord Tully spat.
The entire room was eerily silent until Ned carefully flung his niece into Lord Manderly's arm, and tried to reach over the table to attack Lord Tully, but was quickly pulled back by Lord Umber, and Lord Karstark. "My lords and Brother were right about you, you are a power-hungry fool. What did you think you could control the north through your daughter? I regret the day I agreed to marry your wretched daughter, but by all means I dare you to threaten my niece, and the crown princess again, I will ruin your entire bloodline starting with your perfect precious daughter." Ned snarled as he fought to get to Lord Tully.
Lady Catelyn walked around the table and went straight up to her husband, "Ned, there is no reason for all this hostility, and violence. Just give my son his rightful place, and send your niece away and things will go back to normal." She said as she reached out to caress her husband's face, but before she could touch him Ned slapped her hand away, only to end up slapping her in the face, but that didn't stop Ned from still trying to get to Lord Tully.
"Ned, calm down! Your niece is safe, and no one will hurt her." Lord Umber said to his king. He never in all of the years he has known Eddard Stark, seen him react this way. The quiet wolf has truly evolved.
"I won't calm down, John! He threatened to send her to Robert. You know what he had done to Rhaenys ,and Aegon Targaryen, he'll only make Vysenera's death worse. I made a promise, Jon, I promised I'd never fail her, and I won't let this fool threaten my niece's safety!" Ned spat as he started to get riled up again. He thrashed and kicked to try, and get free, as he was hellbent on ending the life of the person who wanted to harm his cub.
Lord Manderly knew that the Tully's wouldn't react to Vysenera's existence very well, but he never expected them to react this way. He had underestimated Lady Catelyn's hatred for Elaena Targaryen, and to most people it sounds like petty drama, but with the way Lord Tully, and Catelyn Tully looked at the crown princess he doesn't doubt that they'd follow through on their threat just to spite, Vysenera's mother.
Arthur watched as Ned thrashed and kicked Lord Umber and Karstark. "You don't understand, Vysenera is all the family I have left. My father is dead, my brother is in hiding, and my beautiful sister died in her birthing bed. Vysenera is my lifeline, and I refuse to allow anyone to threaten the last piece that ties me to my brother and sister!" Ned cried out.
"Vysenera is the only thing that keeps me going, besides Jon. My son, and my niece are all that keep me from ending it all." Ned screamed as he started to lose himself in the grief. Having Hoster Tully threaten to send Vysenera to Robert snapped something in him, he couldn't bear it. He wouldn't be able to continue on.
Lord Tully just stood there staring at his good-son, "I want that meeting called now, Ned" he said. Just like his daughter he wasn't going to back down.
"You'll get your meeting, and it's 'your grace' to you, you old fool, or have you forgotten about formality when talking to royalty." Ned said menacingly.
Lord Tully just gaped at him while all Ned could do was smirk. He made his final decision, he knows that the northern lords will vote for his niece to be the next queen of winter, and when they do, he will set Catelyn Tully aside and marry the woman he should've married in the first place, Ashara Dayne.
"Lord Manderly please take the crown princess to Ashara Dayne, and call all the lords and ladies for a meeting, saying that Lord Tully and his daughter wish to discuss the line of succession." Ned ordered. "Arthur, go with him," he added.
"Where do you want to have the meeting, Lord Tully?" Ned asked through gritted teeth, he was fighting his inner wolf who just wanted to rage and tear someone or something apart, piece by piece.
"We'll have the meeting in the Great hall in 10 minutes, I expect to see everyone there." Lord Tully said as he turned to leave.
Catelyn made her way over to her husband. She didn't think it would be this hard to get him to see reason, "I implore you to see reason, Ned, I just want what's best for our son!" Catelyn said. "He is your heir, he deserves this!" she added.
"Get away from me, Lady Catelyn before I do something I will regret." Ned spat at the woman he has come to detest in such a short amount of time.
"As you wish, lord husband," Catelyn said. She could tell that if she got any closer he would lash out.
Ned watched as all the northern lords walked into the great hall looking confused. "Please sit down so we can start this meeting." Ned said. "Lord Tully has called the line of succession into question," he added. It was at that moment when Ashara walked into the great hall carrying his niece. He could see from the corner of his eye how Lord Tully looked on in disgust at his niece, and it was taking everything in him to keep his composure.
"Ashara please come up here with my niece, and sit on my left." Ned said, loud enough for Lady Catelyn to hear.
"Why is Lord Tully questioning the line of succession?" Lord Reed asked. As far as he sees it, the head of House Tully has no reason to question the succession, the law is the law.
"Because Lord Brandon is in exile, and a traitor to the crown, and my grandson is the rightful heir. Vysenera is a girl, woman shouldn't hold positions of power. Plus, she's the daughter of Elaena Targaryen, that woman has spited my daughter time and time again, and this is just another way to spite your king regents wife." Lord Tully said.
"We all know the reputation of your daughter, Lord Tully. Elaena Targaryen has never done anything to merit the amount of hate and venom that you showcased today, and you want to talk about spite? What about when you threatened to have the crown princess sent to Robert! You would do that just to spite Elaena Targaryen. You are a petty foolish man." Lord Grover stated which only had all the northern lords shouting in agreement.
"My lords, please look at my son, and see that he is the right choice to be the king of winter. He will be strong, and formidable, and a great warrior. What will Vysenera be? Nothing, she is the dragonspawns offspring, and should be killed just like Rhaegar's filthy children," Catelyn Tully spat, but soon recoiled back as she realized what she said. She looked around to the northern lords, and all she saw was hatred and disdain, this was not how it was supposed to go.
"Who do you think you are talking to, Lady Catelyn? How dare you sit there and spit out your venomous words about our crown princess. How dare you sit there, and demand we make your son our future king. We have laws, and the law states that the daughter inherits before the brother, which legally makes Vysenera the rightful heir, you just hate the fact that the daughter of the woman you hate is going to be a queen, and you are not. You are a wretched, and despicable woman, and you have no place in the north." Maege Mormont spat out.
"Are you not going to stand up for me, Ned? I am your wife! Are you going to allow this savage to speak to me this way? Do something!" Catelyn said with tears streaming down her face.
"Your tears don't affect me, Lady Catelyn." Ned said in a cold tone. He was going to have the northern lords vote on whether or not he should set his marriage with Catelyn Tully aside, and take a new bride.
"Father, do something!" Catelyn Tully cried, but Lord Tully looked defeated.
"What do you want me to do? It's clear as day that all the northern lords chose Helaena to be their future queen, Catelyn." Lord Tully said, crossing his arms.
Catelyn looked around the great hall, and realized that what her father said was true. What does this mean for her son? What about her marriage? she thought to herself.
"You're still married to me, Ned. Which means my son still gets to inherit something, why don't we compromise? Your niece could marry our son which would make him king, and your niece queen." Catelyn said, trying her hardest to manipulate her husband, but Ned knew what she was doing. There was no way he was gonna allow that to happen. He made his decision, and nothing was going to change his mind.
"My lords, you have seen how my lady wife has reacted to the existence of my niece, your crown princess. I want to call in a vote, and set aside my marriage to lady catelyn and take a wife who will help me raise Helaena the way my brother, and good-sister expect her to be raised." Ned said as he looked at his fellow lords.
"You can't do this!" Lord Tully finally spoke up. "I understand the law you have about the line of succession, but if you set aside Catelyn that means you'll set aside Robb," he added.
Ned's blood boiled, "you named him Robb?" He sneered. "You dare name my son after the man who caused my house to lose everything?" Ned roared, as he struggled to reign in his rage, and anger. "No son of mine will be named after the Usurper." He said, leaving no room for argument.
"And I didn't plan to set aside my son, he will be raised in the north with his cousins. I'm setting Lady Catelyn aside because she openly threatened to kill my niece, herself, or do you deny saying that?" Ned said as he looked over at his soon to be ex-wife.
"I said what I said." Catelyn said with a dead-panned look.
"All those who vote for me to set aside my marriage to Lady Catelyn Tully, say aye!" Ned said to his fellow lords, he saw Lord Tully sigh in defeat.
"AYE!" said every single northern lord, and lady.
"Who do you plan on taking as a bride?" Lady Mormont asked with a sly smirk. She had a feeling she knew who Ned would pick, but she wants confirmation.
"Ashara Dayne. The woman I was originally supposed to marry. I already talked to Arthur, and he has given me his blessing." Ned said as he looked at Ashara who gave him a beaming smile.
"What about me? I'll be disgraced" Catelyn Tully said.
"And that's my problem, how?" Ned said snidely. "And you will be coming with us north to help me raise our son, where you can be watched carefully," he added.
"Do you object to this, Lord Tully?" Ned asked
"No I don't, she's your problem to deal with now." Lord Tully said in complete defeat. He fully regrets allying with the north. With both of his daughters disgraced, all his hope lies in his son, Edmure. He just hopes he doesn't disappoint him like his sisters have.
Ned watched as Lord Tully walked out of the great hall with Catelyn without sparing him a single glance. He didn't feel bad for doing this to Catelyn, she only brought this upon herself. At least with Ashara, he knows she'll raise Vysenerato be the best queen she can be, and plus all of Elaena's damn demands will be met, but he will still keep an eye on Catelyn, one wrong move, and he'll banish her from the north, for good.
Catelyn Tully wasn't mad or angry anymore, she was downright vengeful. She didn't think her husband would go through with actually setting their marriage aside, and the worst part is that he still expects her to live in the north to help raise their son. But that's okay, She'll play along, for now.
The Trident, 284 AC
"Welcome back to the land of the living, Rhaegar Targaryen."