Willas II

Waiting on Loras riding back to Bitterbridge felt like it was taking an entire winter. Yet despite being annoyed by it, it was something that needed to be done. For days they had read over the raven that had been sent to him whilst in Highgarden and trying to think of ways in which they could prove it as a mummery. No matter how hard they tried though, everyone agreed that it fit far too perfectly into the timeline to be one. They had sent a raven to Leyton Hightower- his grandfather- to see if there was any verification within the Citadel to prove the claim the boy everyone believed to be Eddard Stark's bastard was currently making. If there was, then it was something to be looked in to.

With House Tyrell being bound by blood to House Hightower, they were granted knowledge on things that otherwise was played as complete falsehoods. One they had kept quiet was Rhaenyra Targaryen's temporary victory of six months in which she did sit the Iron Throne rightfully. Whilst history books wrote on how she was a usurper who was jealous of the rightful heir, they knew the truth. A truth they had succeeded to squash for more than one hundred years and it was one they did not want getting out now. The main one however, was the truth of House Baratheon.

Whispers were spoken prior to the conquest but nothing had ever been confirmed with certainty. Until there was a letter found on Orys Baratheon's mother from Aerion Targaryen offering their child safety if need be. Was it something that was still taught in Storm's End? Probably not if Robert Baratheon's rage was anything to go by. Even in the Reach it was known how much he despised the dragons. To the point of refusing to name his own grandmother by her full name and simply referring to her as Rhaelle, wife of Ormund Baratheon. Kinslaying was one of the biggest sins, and it had filled his grandmother with disgust when word got to her of how Robert had killed Rhaegar himself. Whilst the two were cousins removed- they were still cousins. Blood lines could not be refuted no matter how hard one tried to do so.

No, history was what was written. Not all of it truth, and not all of it necessarily a lie. Always written in such a way that it was favourable to all parties at said time.

Willas shook his head before staring down at the map to determine their forces and what they could do. Fifty thousand remained with them, two thousand were riding back with Loras, and eight thousand had turned their cloaks. The latter worried him because if some of those who did turn their cloaks were ones they had kept in war councils amongst other meetings, their movement could be presented to Stannis which would weaken them greatly. They need to make a decision, and they needed to make one soon. The men were restless, all of them itching for a fight. Knowing deep within him that if they stalled any longer they would likely desert.

They had two offers. Both of which were desirable, but it was figuring out which one was most desirable that was difficult. Not long after Lady Catelyn had left with Renly to Storm's End, Margaery confirmed Lord Petyr Baelish had come with an offer from Tywin Lannister. Offering marriage with Margaery and Joffrey alongside offering a white cloak to Loras. It was one according to his grandmother she was close to accepting but this was thrown into the abyss when he had ridden into the camp with the second offer. Both offered similar perks.

To agree to the one with the one who currently held the throne or to agree to the one going for the throne?

He hadn't said to aloud, but Willas was leaning towards the latter. If it weren't for House Targaryen, House Tyrell would never have grown to the height it was. They were stewards appointed after the Field of Fire, regularly looked down on and something they had worked for decades to stamp out before they were even accepted. Even accepted was putting it lightly as many Reach House's believed it should be them who had Highgarden and not them. Numerous spies he had in the capital always reported on Prince Joffrey being difficult to control. Whilst he didn't doubt Margaery's abilities, he loved his sister. If he could help it, he would keep her from all danger. The tent flap opened and his mother walked in wearing a small smile on her face.

"Still staring at maps?"

"Still staring to figure out which side is better."

Alerie walked over and placed her hand on her eldest's shoulder, which calmed him massively. Politically, both offers had much the same benefits. Strategically was different, something which he was not the best at and why he was getting angsty waiting on his youngest brother to come back with what remained of the small force they had taken to Storm's End.

"Banners have been spotted riding this way, Renly's banners. Loras and Garlan will be here in perhaps an hour."

A long breath left Willas at these words, that was that portion resolved.

"Have you considered counter offers for either?"

"Nay. That is something I'm leaving to grandmother and Margaery to decide."

"Not your father?"

The look he gave her was all the confirmation needed. There was no lying between them, his father was abysmal when it came to anything strategic. The less Mace Tyrell was involved with, the better. He'd already embarrassed their House enough during the last war by setting up a siege with most of their army and essentially sitting out the war.

"The choice is rather simple. Agree to one with the bastard playing King or agree to one with the King who played bastard- "

"If he's trueborn that is- "

"Speaking of which, my father sent this."

She reached over with a withered book. The leather peeling off at the edges and the parchment such a dark yellow it looked like it had sat undisturbed for decades. Carefully opening it and seeing who had written it and frowning in confusion. Why would his grandfather send a diary of a previous High Septon? There was a small note scribbled and he recognised the handwriting of his grandfather immediately, telling him to go to a specific page. Turning the pages until he got to the one mentioned and reading it to himself, eyes widening ever so slightly as he stared at his mother.

"Elia Martell and Rhaegar Targaryen annulled their marriage prior to the tourney?"

"It certainly seems so, my boy."

Gods be good. This was huge. If this were sent by anyone else he would've thought it a mummery but considering it had come from the Hightower and the Citadel itself- the chances of it being so were minimal. Continuing to read down the page alongside all the terms. Of how Aegon would be the heir and that for the annulment to be granted it was agreed he would not wed his sister Rhaenys. It was a practise which had spanned for thousands of years in Valyria, yet in Westeros it was looked down on highly. The thought of laying with ones sister was vile. Turning to the next page once he had finished and there it was, written in blank ink. Confirmation that Lyanna Stark had wed Rhaegar Targaryen in a mixed ceremony. The High Septon, Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Oswell Whent, and his granduncle Gerold standing witness to the union.

"Riders!"

Who it was that spoke he knew nought. Snapping his head to the opening of the tent as Margaery ran in to confirm it was Loras and Garlan riding back with what remained. Had he been reading for so long? Apparently so. Either this or his brothers had ridden fast and hard to get to their destination quickly. Closing the diary and handing it back to his mother, ignoring the quirked eyebrow of his sister and knowing immediately she was going to ask about it later. Gently tapping his fingers on the table in the tent which had the map stretched out so they could look at it, and it was not long until his brothers entered. Margaery running to Garlan and pulling him in to a tight hug before moving to Loras who was wearing a look of absolute fury. One which was understandable.

Many would deny it and had things gone differently, they would've pulled the strings to make sure Renly's preferences were not written in history to keep their position secure. Yet now there was no need to do so. Renly was dead, according to Loras the deed had been carried out by Catelyn Stark herself. Whilst it was a distinct possibility and given the upheaval of events that had occurred, even likely, a part of Willas didn't believe it to be true.

"Grandmother has gone to get father as we speak."

Even as Loras spoke his words had a bite to them, his voice seemingly lower too which showed just how angry he was over what had occurred. How had everything gone so wrong in such little time? Two more people walking inside and noticing Erryk and Arryk at the opening- or Left and Right as his grandmother called the brothers as she could never tell which one was which.

"You will tell us exactly what happened at Storm's End, leave nothing out."

It was Garlan who spoke as Loras was still notably seething on the spot.

"We rode to Storm's End when we heard Stannis had besieged it. Held a parlay which went sour. Talks happened through the night and into the next day. We were planning an attack to weaken the other army which was a little more than half what we arrived with. Before we could though a fight broke out and during said fight Renly was stabbed- "

"Stabbed by the Tully bitch, you mean- "

"Seven hells Loras, you set one guard on Renly. One. Thus leaving perfect opportunity for someone to slip in when said guards back was turned- "

"Do not blame me- "

"Oh both of you shut up. You're arguing like you're four name-days old over a toy."

Leave it to Olenna Tyrell to put an end to the spat. Not many words were spoken but a few things stuck out to him. Loras assigned one person to watch Renly, meaning said person was a witness to what had happened. And from Garlan's words, it was obvious he did not believe it was Lady Catelyn who wielded the knife.

"Who was this guard?"

His eyes hardened even more at this but thankfully the older spoke before the younger could.

"Brienne of Tarth. She either turned cloak or escaped in the fight afterwards. We didn't find her body but we did find Ser Robar Royce's courtesy of a certain someone."

What? Loras slew Ser Robar? Things now getting worse.

"What in seven hells were you thinking Loras?!"

"They let Renly die!"

"You mean you failed in adequately protecting my husband and refused to take accountability so silenced anyone who would say differently."

His face went red at the words but he was wise not to argue with Margaery. Not many people could stand up to his sisters wits, even he on occasion struggled to do so.

"With how devoted Brienne was, I doubt she turned cloak. She'll have escaped. Meaning we now don't have a witness to what really happened and now we've angered Lord Yohn Royce by taking the life of one of his sons. You need to learn to control your anger better grandson, you cannot immediately jump to conclusions. What happened to Lady Catelyn?"

It was silent at this, neither of the two wanting to speak which made a pit to form in the bottom of his stomach. If she was dead then they had just angered the Riverland's and the North massively. Both Kingdom's which were tied to the hidden dragon that no one knew existed until very recently. Thus ruining their chances of allying with them and pushing them towards Joffrey which as more time went on seemed the most stupid decision to make given everything.

"She escaped. We thought she was dead but she must've just been unconscious as we couldn't find her body in the aftermath. We sent men in all directions but we have yet to find out exactly which way she went."

"She would've gone north. Meaning she's either already back with her son in the Westerland's and with who they're declaring for or she's halfway to Winterfell."

"Who they're declaring for? Weren't they considering allying with Renly?"

"It was a ruse, a brilliant one. Whoever thought of it needs a commandment. Willas, show your brothers the raven you received."

Willas reached into his pocked to remove it, opening it and handing it to Garlan as he wholly expected Loras to tear it to pieces in anger and refuse to listen to reason currently. Reading over it carefully and by the time he had reached the end he had gone ghostly pale.

"Surely not, it can't be- "

"It is, my boy. We sent word to my father to see if there was any proof of it and he found a diary which documents it is truth."

"Well gods be damned."

In a different situation, his reaction would've been comical. But this was not a time for japes. Loras looked really confused as he read over Garlan's shoulder to see what was on it. And when he finished, his mouth was hanging open in shock.

"It changes everything. Right after you left Petyr Baelish appeared with an offer from Tywin. We might've even considered it did things go sour with Renly but then your brother received this and rode to Bitterbridge urgently. We no longer only have a war of many King's. We have a war where one of said King's is a dragon. And this dragon wants blood to quench its thirst."

Which led to now. Himself and his father riding to the Westerland's to parlay.

An argument broke out before they left but eventually all agreed that this was their best bet to succeed in allowing their house to not only grow strong but to remain strong too. Firstly, they had rode to Silverhill after crossing directly into the Westerland's. Scouts had all but confirmed that the Westerland armies were either with Tywin in the Riverland's or were being beaten left, right, and centre by Robb Stark. It had been a gamble to cross directly here, but it was more of a gamble to cross at the Riverland's considering they had chosen a side. From Silverhill they had ridden to Deep Den, then to Hornvale, to the Golden Tooth, and finally towards Ashemark which according to the raven sent was where the camp was set up.

A fitting place, as it was the only defeat Robert Baratheon had been dealt with during the rebellion from one of his fathers own bannermen. Willas disliked Randyll Tarly greatly, but there was no denying the man was a strategic genius and he was a good man to have on ones side. The entire time he had been talking to his father who was adamant he would not support unless marriage was offered. Something which annoyed him massively. One does not make demands by blackmail, and it would be something that would make their House look even worse than it already did in the eyes of who they were likely going to back. This meeting was going to determine everything for House Tyrell.

It was obvious they had indeed reached their destination when he saw the massive camp up ahead with numerous banners from both the Riverland's and from the North. A few riders making their way towards them and upon recognising who they were began to escort them through the camp. At least his father had dressed functionally today and not for looks, because looking at everyone that was here he would've stuck out like a sore thumb. One offered to aid him in getting off his horse but Willas waved him off and dismounted with relative ease, taking his cane and awaiting on where they were being taken to. Two guards standing outside what appeared to be the largest tent wearing helms which covered their faces and with plain armour so he could not use this to determine who they were. Both turning around and showing billowing cloaks of white as they were escorted inside.

No one was within the tent yet which confused him initially. This was until two people walked in from near the back as they were originally hidden from a thin sheet of fabric. The taller one was obviously Robb Stark. Wearing armour covered with wolves and coloured grey and white, dark auburn hair flowing freely and curling at the ends. He'd never met him before, but he had known Eddard Stark briefly and he certainly looked like his father. The other is what caught his attention. Black hair that curled and landed just below his ears, wearing armour that was incredibly ornate and carved to look like he were covered in scales. Two swords strapped to either hip, a cloak of red, and a crown Willas Tyrell had never thought he would see in person. But there was no denying it was the crown. Aegon the Conqueror's crown.

"Lord Mace, Lord Willas, I welcome you to the camp. I am guessing you received my raven. Cousin, kindly ask someone to bring bread and salt for our guests."

Calmness immediately overcame Willas at the words, knowing that they would not be harmed whilst in this camp.

"Thank you for the invite, your Grace. House Tyrell is grateful for the opportunity to repent our previous allegiance."

From the slight quirk of an eyebrow from the younger, it was obvious he did not believe that one bit. There wasn't much time to think as Robb Stark walked back inside alongside the two guards, both himself and his father wasting no time in taking a small piece of the bread to dip into the salt to solidify guest rights. Being led to the area they had previously come from and seeing a table with a few seats surrounding it which he was glad about as the cane was difficult to get around on and he was always grateful to be able to sit down during negotiations. Being offered wine which he took gladly as did his father.

"I must say I am surprised you came alone and not with anyone else in your family, my Lord's."

"My daughter has ridden for Highgarden alongside my wife and my mother, your Grace. My other two sons are remaining with our army."

His father was not supposed to reveal that. It was one of many things they had discussed on the journey here yet he had just thrown one of the agreements out.

"I must say it saddens me so as I would've liked to have met your mother and tested her wits myself, but I understand. Highgarden is your Seat and your Seat is where you feel safest. But we are not here to discuss current locations of House members, we are here to discuss your renewal of your pledge to House Targaryen that was made in perpetuity."

The last word had much more emphasis on it, which was all the confirmation that he was not pleased they had turned their own cloaks from black and red to black and yellow. Beginning to feel nerves settle in as Willas had not heard much about the boy that until very recently he had believed to be the bastard of Winterfell. After all, how much damage could a bastard cause? Something which he was regretting believing now more than ever as he knew almost nothing about the boy in front of him. Leaving him with little leverage which put them at a massive disadvantage. If they had leverage, they could use that to get a better deal.

"I sincerely apologise for supporting the usurper- "

"Are you sorry though, Lord Mace? Or are you sorry that your actions are now biting you in the arse? What is it they say in the Reach again? Ah yes, roses are all fine and dandy until the thorns bite back."

How? That was something they said frequently in Highgarden but to his knowledge no one else spoke them outside of the castle they called their own. Meaning one of two things. Either someone had overheard them saying so and spread it around, or there was a spy reporting back to them within Highgarden. Neither of which he was glad about as now it meant he had leverage over them which meant they had even less room to bargain. They had to play this incredibly carefully to get a good deal by the end of these talks, something he did not believe he would get with his father as he was adamant he would only proclaim fealty if a marriage was accepted.

"Father, why don't you take a tour around the camp? Stretch your legs for a while as I know your muscles clench horribly when you've been riding for a while."

His father turned to look at him and Willas hoped he didn't catch on. It was times like this where he was glad that his father was easily sent away on fools errands. Standing up from his seat and being escorted out by one of the guards to be shown around. The second guard was remaining ominously silent. Standing directly behind his King with two swords also strapped to his hip. Two dual swordsmen, even if he were not a cripple he wouldn't fancy his odds if things were to go sour.

"Robb, please leave us. I would discuss with Lord Willas personally."

The other nodded and left the tent, leaving just the three of them and feeling nerves deep within which he prayed to the seven weren't showing on his facial expression.

"I will say, your Grace, I did not agree with pledging to the Baratheon's- "

"Spare me your courtesies, my Lord. By the end of the rebellion it was only myself, my aunt, and my uncle left of mine own House. As I was not even born yet, it was the choice between a Prince who was smuggle to Essos or a newborn girl. I do not fault you for your fathers pledging to my cousins, Lord Willas. Do I like it? Nay, I do not. But I do understand it. The past cannot be unwritten so there is no use dwelling on the past."

Silence followed for a little after this, taking in the words spoken and realising to his surprise that he did not know what to say. He had expected to come here to be treated like an enemy because as of right now House Tyrell were neutral until a decision had been made. Which if things went well, would be reached during this talk. Of course, there was the possibility he was playing nice as he did not know what he was like nor how he played the game. The only thing Willas knew was that he was at the very least a decent player. For an army consisting of the entirety of the North and the Riverland's he must've revealed himself long ago, and the news had simply not seeped out of the borders of said Kingdom's. Well, perhaps not. Remembering from the raven Prince Oberyn knew which meant there was a distinct possibility Dorne were aware.

"House Tyrell stood behind House Targaryen for more than two hundred years, your Grace. We were loyal during that entire time- "

"Tell me, my Lord. How many men did you lose during the rebellion?"

Anger welled within him at this, immediately catching on to what he was doing. Trying to embarrass him. No, this one he was not winning.

"We lost a few thousand- "

"A large bulk of said few thousand almost certainly being the battle that occurred right in this very spot under the command of Lord Randyll Tarly I'd imagine?"

Dammit, he had all the cards. There was no denying the statement because it was true. Despite the army that was sent being relatively small- only four thousand- three thousand did die. All others they had lost had been from a mixture of things but there hadn't been a loss as large in one spot on their side.

"I assure you, your Grace. My father fully intended to send men but due to a massive storm our men were cut off and arrived too late."

More like his father realised too late he had messed up and didn't have time to rectify it. Cursing silently to himself for his father's stupidity when it came to strategy. From the expression of the person his family may very well be pledging for was anything to go by, he saw right through it but did not say anything on the matter.

"I appreciate the attempt from your father, Lord Willas. But I must say it does look like something else entirely. I won't hold you accountable because I am aware it was difficult to remain loyal to my grandfather. I of all people know that considering he burned my other grandfather alive, strangled my uncle via Tyroshi noose trying to free said grandfather, and demanded the head of my other uncle. He also demanded the death of my mother for her tourney stunt. Luckily, my father found her before anyone else did and covered it up. Now, enough on our families previous misdeeds and past grudges. If you pledge yourselves to me, I will not hold anything against your House for pledging to Robert Baratheon. You will maintain your position as Lord Paramount of the Reach and Warden of the South, and there will be no penalties on your incomes to Highgarden such as tax rises."

Willas was stunned at the words, something he wasn't best pleased to admit to himself. A moment ago he had been holding their breaking of oath to House Targaryen yet now he was saying he did not fault them for it? What game was he playing currently? Mind working in ways it had not done so for a long time.

"Your House has three options. One of which is to remain neutral, one is to support Joffrey Waters, and the other to support mine own claim. Either this or supporting Stannis but I highly doubt that will happen considering he sent an assassin after Renly- "

"It was an assassin?"

"According to my aunt and Lady Brienne, aye. And I have no reason to distrust either. I have even gone to the extent of promising Brienne will be the one to kill Stannis to fulfil her vow to Renly if he does not fall in battle."

There was the confirmation. Lady Catelyn had not wielded the knife. But if she hadn't, how had an assassin gotten in? It also wasn't lost on him that his words confirmed both women were in this camp somewhere, keeping note to himself to speak to both before he left to find out exactly what happened in that tent where Renly was stabbed in the back directly through the heart. Perhaps Loras and Brienne would bond over this, if she were promised to be the one to kill Stannis if he were not to fall in a battle, he knew his brother would jump at the chance to at the least get a hit in on him.

"I would like to know something though; it is something I have tried to figure out but I have failed to do so. Why did you proclaim to Renly? What gave him the right to be King? Even without me known the right of succession goes to a son. In the case there wasn't a son it goes to the eldest male sibling. Robert Baratheon had no trueborn children, Joffrey has slaughtered all of his bastards bar the one in Storm's End, the one in the Eyrie, and one who managed to escape so none could be legitimised. Thus by rights, Stannis is heir and puts Renly as second in line. And if you were to include myself, third or perhaps fourth in line if either Shireen or my aunt Daenerys were considered in the line of succession."

And there was the barb again. Words were honeyed but he had been trained extensively by his grandmother. His ears picked up on it immediately and with a start, figured out what he was doing. Riling him up to get him to spill to what they wanted. Well, Willas was not going to give him the satisfaction of such a thing, wiping his face completely blank and taking a long sip of the sweet wine in front of him, never breaking eye contact with his potential King.

"At the time, it seemed like the best idea. Whilst Stannis was first in line when you were not yet revealed, your Grace, it is common knowledge the man despises ruling. My brother squired for Renly for years and as a result of this fed us information both unknowingly and knowingly. Stannis despised Robert because he did not give him Storm's End and instead passed it over to their then infant brother Renly. Instead gifting Stannis Dragonstone. Apparently he even attempted to outlaw brothels, I believe you can figure out what King Robert said to that. Renly on the other hand, had the peoples interest at heart. He wanted little bloodshed and he was making plans to put a right to everything that had gone wrong. In fact, according to my sister he was considering allowing Northern independence considering for a long time said Kingdom appeared to be sitting it out- "

"There is no need for Northern independence, Lord Willas. And for good reason. I would like for you to read this if you understand High Valyrian."

Why would he have something written in that language? The parchment being slid over towards him as he frowned at the handwriting- not recognising it even slightly. Yet he could read it, just slowly as he hadn't spoken anything of said language in years. Had only learned on a dare from Garlan when they were younger. By the time he had finished, his eyes were wide again, quickly disguising this as he thought it all over.

"Due to this pact, the North is a Principality thanks to my parents marriage which solidifies the term. So even if Renly were to grant Northern independence- even with good intentions- it would heavily insult Dorne. Aye, Renly might've made a good King, but he would've been a terrible politician."

There was no need for him to be offended at the words because they rang true. Renly had made some questionable decisions which now he thought on it, wouldn't have worked out in the long run.

"Ser, kindly search for Lord Mace. I believe we need to discuss terms of an alliance now."

He'd forgotten the guard was there, wondering who it was underneath the helmet. Small talk happened but it was awkward because he couldn't say anything incriminating. He had figured out the others game and it appeared the other had figured out his game. At a point where they knew what the other wanted but thinking on how to go about it. House Tyrell wanted Margaery as Queen, and even a blind man could see it would be a good match. But he had to beat the others offer for his father to accept, which was going to be difficult as they had been given a desirable offer. They were not waiting for long before the second Kingsguard walked in with his father chatting merrily. Quirking his head to the side as he had removed his helm and he recognised him. Brynden Tully. It appeared there weren't any more members and a thought made its way into his head. Would his brother accept though? Probably if he were given the opportunity to help avenge Renly's death, and they were of a similar age if his calculations were correct- perhaps they could even become friends. There was no denying being friendly with a King was a great boon to ones House.

"I trust you have a lot to consider, Lord Mace, before pledging fealty to mine own House once again. State your terms."

Now what was he doing? Asking them what they wanted? Willas had already figured out that he knew what the main portion of what they wanted would be, so why ask? Was it to get confirmation of what they wanted for their House? Was it to use against them in the future? It annoyed him he could not figure out exactly what it was.

"I will pledge myself to House Targaryen alongside the men I have at my disposal with one condition, your Grace. Wed my daughter."

And once again, his father ignored his warnings. At this point it shouldn't surprise him yet somehow it always did. The younger quirked an eyebrow up as if asking 'is that all?,' but no words were spoken aloud.

"I am afraid for the time being I must decline."

His father looked completely affronted now, face turning red in anger at the immediate refusal and once again wondering what game he was playing with them.

"This is my one term- "

"A subject does not make demands of a King, Lord Mace. I said I will not hold your House breaking your pledge after the rebellion but that does not mean I will reward your House for coming back to mine own."

Ouch, so this was the route he was coming from. Words all but confirming he did not trust them and that distrust was wholly justifiable given everything. The words almost coming from the younger like a bite from a vicious beast. His father was getting redder as time went on yet despite this not a sweat broke out on the younger, sitting back relaxed as if he were waiting on something to occur. Eventually, his father broke his gaze and let out a sigh.

"A betrothal between my daughter and Lord Robb then- "

"My cousin is already betrothed. If you would wish a betrothal with House Stark you're only option is my youngest cousin Rickon as my cousin Bran is promised to another."

A tiny smile formed on his face now, as Margaery had ranted in annoyance to him that the little plot she had tried had been thwarted by Catelyn Stark before it could bear fruit.

"My Lord, you missed one key piece of information in my words. For the time being I must decline."

Clever. Dangle the rope with the crown on the end in front of his father, and it became obvious now that he wanted something in return from House Tyrell besides their oath of fealty and the army they had. But what could he want? Loyalty seemed the most likely but he would be stupid if he were to consider them wholly loyal. Remembering his grandmothers words. Never remain wholly loyal to anyone other than ones own House, otherwise always remain partially loyal. An agreement had already been made for someone to kill Stannis so it couldn't be anything to do with that. Joffrey perhaps? No, that didn't make much sense. But the reasoning was confirmed a moment later.

"I have spies through the Kingdom's. One of which I have in Dragonstone, therefore I know Stannis Baratheon's next moves. With the men that deserted when Renly was assassinated, he plans on sailing to sack Kings Landing by the end of the month."

How did he get a spy inside Dragonstone? Knowing that was something to figure out later because that was not being confirmed from his expression.

"What are you requesting of us, your Grace?"

He reached over to take a sip of his wine once again, sitting back a little more relaxed now he had gotten a measure of the young King. Clearly he had a plan forming, and he wanted to use them to not only prove their pledge true but to test them on their seriousness of it.

"Dragonstone is a little more than a day away by ship to Kings Landing. An attack on the city will last perhaps a day, and it will take a little more than a day to return back. Thus leaving a three day window in which Dragonstone is undefended. Take my House's ancestral Seat in my name, and I will agree to a match with your daughter, my Lord."

Now that was a demand. Whilst worded as if it were a request, there was no denying it was not. A big task. Certainly doable, but incredibly risky. He had stated at the end of the month which would be enough time to send a raven to their Redwyne cousins to sail around Dorne to do the job in their name, but in doing so they would almost certainly be crossing the path of Stannis as they did so. Meaning they would need to do so from the northern side as opposed to the southern side. Going via the Crownland's was not an option, the same as going through the Stormland's and perhaps even Dorne despite him being friends with Prince Oberyn. Thus leaving the Riverland's, the Vale, and the North. The latter was too far away, by the time they got their men there and sail down to Dragonstone it would already be too late.

"Send your man to Maidenpool. From there a fleet will be awaiting of both House Manderly and House Velaryon. Together, the task is doable- "

"I apologise, your Grace. But House Velaryon have sided with Stannis."

"Have they, Lord Willas?"

It took a few moments for it to sink in before he let out a loud laugh, understanding now who the spy was that was in Dragonstone. This boy seated in front of him had made all the moves right under the other claimants noses and had done so undetectable. Admirable indeed. He'd be good for his sister; he knew that now. From the little time he had spent in his midst it appeared he had a wit about him which he knew Margaery would enjoy, and Northerner's were known for keeping to their oaths.

"There will be one condition on this mission. Selyse Florent and Shireen Baratheon are not to be harmed. Shireen is blood as is Stannis even if I mislike the thought. And Selyse is only following her husband because of her oaths to our knowledge currently. Bring both of them to me and I will further reward your House. I believe your youngest son wishes to be a Kingsguard. I have five open spaces, he is more than welcome to join. Provided he impresses my Lord Commander, he is rather picky with who guards my back."

He turned to the other guard who reached up to grip his helm and remove it from his head. Shaking his head to get the few loose strands of hair away from his face. Tanned skin that was known to him, a Dornishman. But what did catch his attention was the colour of his eyes. Before he could speak his father blurted out in surprise;

"Arthur Dayne?! I thought you were killed by Eddard Stark?!"

Loras would be screaming in happiness if he were here, suddenly glad his younger brother had remained behind as had Garlan. A name as such renown was a name to be feared. How had he succeeded in keeping something like this quiet? Either Eddard Stark was more duplicitous than anyone could've foreseen or he had not known he had survived. In which case, how had he survived?

"For sixteen years I was dead, my Lord. But I am not dead now, I am with my King the same way as I was with him when he nought but a quickening in his mothers womb. As for my survival, on that you can thank Lord Howland Reed as it was he who saved my life that day. Lord Eddard never found out I survived which allowed me to go undetected for so many years."

For a moment, boyish wonder filled him as he stared at the legendary Knight. The very person who had taken

Jaime Lannister to squire and Knighted himself. Probably something he regretted doing now considering everything that had happened. By now, there was no denying this was the best option for their House. His father looking to him for a minute to ensure he also agreed and with a simple nod the deed was done. His father getting up from his seat as did everyone else, removing his own sword, and placing it at who was now his King's feet proclaiming House Tyrell's fealty. They did not remain for much longer at this, being permitted to send a raven to both Bitterbridge and Highgarden to alert everyone that they were supporting House Targaryen once more. Mounting their horses and riding back towards where their army was to make the preparations to send the men to Maidenpool to prepare the difficult move of taking Dragonstone. Just before they left the camp though, a massive shadow covered them. Looking up to see what it was and his eyes widened in shock and his father let out a yelp of surprise. But this time, he did not chastise him. Because above them, was a dragon. Bright silver to a point that when the sun hit against its scales they reflected and partially blinded those below. With wings being a mixture of red and black. If this didn't shock him enough though, what did was seeing his King atop the dragons back.