I have a bad habit about losing interest and focusing too much on one story... this started to happen then my meds and dedication kicked in and I overcame it! I still want to work on my Chronicles of the Cursed Story but I haven't my desire to work on this!

I love when things go well!

However there was a delay for another reason... I was deciding Robert's fate. I need some feedback to help me decided it further. I have some ideas but I want to set them up well, something new for me... So please, give me your thoughts. I need a sounding board.

Last thing, I have a picture I want to be draw for the cover of this story... any offers?


"Father is actually proud of someone that isn't himself? That is possible?"

Dagmir almost choked, staring at the little Princess, unable to comprehend that she would so easily and openly disagree and disrespect her King Father. Her words seemed almost foreign, false, something a mere child of eleven would never say and yet here she was speaking so easily and lowly of the very king himself. From the lack of shock on Arryn's face, it was clear this was not an uncommon occurrence.

In fact the boy seemed amused and in utter agreement. "I was as surprised as you are. I admit, it threw me enough that I didn't question him but I know he was lying to me. Not about being proud but about accusing Lord Stark of being guilty of a tenth of the deaths. I wouldn't be surprised if he was a part of many poor mistakes but there were many around him that were not fools in the way he was. No, this was father being consumed by his pain and rage and making accusations instead of using facts. It was an easy out... and a way to more fully gain my loyalty, or so I imagine. I've never gotten a full read of our father. At times he truly seems to understand politics, and at others he barely seems to understand only enough to fulfill what pleasure he can find in his vices.

Now, as fun as it is to insult him, we cannot afford to focus so solely on this matter. One of my servants have informed me that father is planning a hunt. I may be called away at any time if father's pride is truly so great. I need to know what you think of this matter Myrcella? How would you have handled this?"

'It cannot be appropriate for a child...even a royal one.' A foolish thought he knew, kings were made at younger ages then Myrcella was, queens even younger then that.

For a moment the girl said nothing, content to ring her fingers through her hair, pulling at curls and coils while she collected her thoughts.

"I don't like it in anyway case but I think you were right." She turned away, a touch of shame in her eyes. "The thought of causing the death of another, especially a child, is a painful one but I can see why you have to do it. One life cannot be worth our entire country. Your not wrong, everyone knows the stories of the Blackfyre Rebellion and all of the horrible things that happened because of one group so desperate to use a vague connection to the Targaryens to justify a desperate power grab that cost so many people their lives...it would have been a kinder, more noble act to end the entire clan after the second rebellion. It was clear their loyalty was lacking and they were still hungry for power, a hunger only exacerbated by traces of Targaryen madness. It shouldn't be celebrated though, like father will most likely do."

'Okay, I was wrong, she is not a child even if she appears to be one.'

The words seemed to move Arryn, he turned and kneeled to his sister, even as she sat at the table at the far end of his room. "Knowing when to cast judgement, and knowing when to make a hard choice even if it kills your spirits... that is the mark of a leader." He held her hand, soft and sweet despite the cold reality of his words.

"Your brother's right, M'Lady. The same idea goes for battle. Despite the songs of war and violence filling the halls of every castle in the world, killing always leaves a sour mark on the souls of those forced to do so." Dagmir couldn't help enjoy, drink in, the smile of the sweet princess. It was a nice thing, to serve one that was no so cold and unyielding and precocious as those who lived in Kingslanding. "Can't tell you how many praise war but do little to heal those broken from it."

"Thank you, Dagmir." The girl whispered, smiling at him softly with the sweetest green eyes.

Eyes that were something a little more then sweet looked at him from where Arryn was kneeling, a remind that maybe he had said just the right thing.

"Now, enough of such a sad topic. Let's talk about marriage." Dagmir almost choked at the poor girl's terrified look. "Not now, but we all know it will happen soon enough. I want you to have a choice in it when it comes. Mother agreed to allow me to have a choice or a say rather, but since it will be your life I will be using your choice to justify my words. Now, you don't have to answer now just know that it has to be an equal to you. Your the only daughter of the King and Queen, granddaughter of the terrifying and powerful Tywin Lannister. It defines your worth more then anything you do, I am afraid, so we have to allow it to define your wedding. Keep in mind that any Prince of Dorne is an option, and so is Robb Stark. There are others but you must be willing to justify it. Consider that your first lesson, the first task you will consider if you will for further discussion.

As for your second lesson, I want you to get into charity work. Father is hated by many, mother by countless others. We need to rebuild you some sort of reputation, that will allow you some greater power still. Influence outside of the family to aid you in times of need."

Myrcella's eyes brightened, her fear of the idea of marriage evaporating before his eyes. "Like Alysanne Targaryen or Betha Blackwood!"

"Very good, yes! Alysanne was able to gain incredible influence, so much so that even before she became queen she was able to accomplish a great many feats. People adored her and wanted to listen to her." He smiled, stepping back and gesturing to Dagmir. "I expect you to accomplish the same. My grandfather gains influence out of fear, my father out of racious parties and a willingness to bestow honor, my mother through promises of power... I intend to gain favor by bettering our reputation and offering aid. In the North it was clear the people loved their Lords, I didn't get much chance to look into town but I did see a massive dimwitted man perform as a stable boy. Hodor I do believe his name was.

Most would have made him a fool or something equally as cruel and yet they treated him with deference and respect, and he performed his job exceptionally well. It was inspired really... I aim to do the same, or rather I aim to make the people trust us. Show that we are a better crowd to listen and love then my grandfather. To start I will be improving the health of the people through public work projects. My sewer project will have to wait until we have greater funding, but I do believe increasing our granaries and improving local orphanages will be welcome. I also aim to have maesters offer some basic healers training to local women. With mother's stories about how our grandmother's death it seems foolish to not have better trained healers at hand for the births of our people. It will take at least a month of pleading but I hope to get the funding for it personally.

Now, given what I just told you, what do you both wish to do? How would you give a reputation, a better one for both myself and yourselves especially now that our names shall be linked? Dear sister this will be what you do in place of our brother's time under the Kennel master. Dagmir this will be how I justify giving you a Lordship some day."

Dagmir didn't answer, instead he just looked at the man in front of him and wondered. 'What is the King thinking keeping him from the Line of Succession? No one has ever asked me what I wanted to do in anyway, let alone for an act of charity...' Urge to asslick aside, he stopped and thought. 'Lord Dagmir of House... what? I wear Lord Arryn's personal Sigil now, but what would I wear if I had one of my own... if I am to have my own House, then I should start thinking about how to make it so that I can make that House Thrive. Will Lord Arryn always be the best ally or should I make other allies for when he is no longer in my interests?'


Renly Baratheon's Chambers was oddly plain, a strange thing given his rather ostentatious tastes. The truth, simple and sad as it was, was that his brother would only allow so much an expression of his tastes. Yet, here Renly was seated in a chair with his beloved Ser Loras Tyrell kneeling beside him, preparing to shave Renly's chest.

"Lord Stark's lucky he still has a head." Almost laughing, Loras was mixing a cream in one hand before pasting it onto Renly's chest.

Renly actually did give a weak chuckle. "Robert will rant for a few days, but he won't do anything. He adores the man."

Years of being lovers made it impossible to hide his pain from Loras. "You're jealous." His eyes were too knowing, they left Renly almost weak."

"Are you sure this won't hurt?" And easy way away from the conversation that still hurt to even think about.

"Only if I slip."

"And you prefer me like this?"

"hm - mmm... " Slowly, his lover began to render the hair from his body, bit by bit around the nipple.

Unable to mask his need to mock his lover, even if playfully, he snarked. "If you want hairless, maybe you should find a little boy."

"I want you."

The words were touching, soft and sweet and it made it impossible not to start opening up to what his lover really wanted him to speak of."My brother thinks that anyone who hasn't been to war isn't a man. He treats me as if I'm a spoiled child. Oh, and you're not? Loras Tyrell, the Knight of the Flowers? How many wars have you fought in? Oh, and how much did your father spend on that armor of yours? "

Loras pinned him with a look of pure defiance only he was capable of." Hold still."

"All I ever hear from Robert and Stannis is how I'm not tough enough, how I squirm at the sight of blood."

"You did vomit when that boy's eye was knocked out in the mêlée." His tone absent, Loras focused on his work on making Renly closer and closer to the boyish look he apparently craved.

Renly barely withheld the vomit as the memory surfaced. "His eye was dangling out of the damn socket!"

"He shouldn't have entered the mêlée if he didn't know how to fight."

The pain, jealousy really, surfaced. "Easy for you to say. Not everyone is such a gifted swordsman."

"It's not a gift. No one gave it to me. I'm good because I work at it - every day of my life since I could hold a stick. "

"I could work at fighting all day, every day, and still never be as good as you."

" Yes well, I guess we'll never know." Loras wiped Renly's chest off and then raised his arm to shave underneath it.

Unable to mask his shock and discomfort, Renly gaped at his lover. "Everywhere?"

"Everywhere. So how did it end up? The Targaryen girl will die?"

Somehow it was easier to talk about the murder of a small pregnant girl. "It needs to be done, unpleasant as it is. Robert's rather tasteless about it. Every time he talks about killing her, I swear the table rises six inches."

"It's a shame he can't muster the same enthusiasm for his wife."

"He does have a deep, abiding lust for her money." He laughed a cold, mocking sound as he imagined his monstrously cruel sister by marriage. "You have to give it to the Lannisters - they may be the most pompous, ponderous cunts the gods ever suffered to walk the world, but they do have outrageous amounts of money."

For some reason this made his lover pause. " I have an outrageous amount of money."

"Not as much as the Lannisters."

"But a lot more than you."

"Robert's threatening to take me hunting with him, He's trying to get Arryn to go with us as well. Last time we were out there for two weeks - tramping through the trees in the rain, day after day. All so he can stick his spear into something's flesh! Oh, but Robert loves his killing. And he's the King." He sighed softly, a sound that echoed with the pain of being related to such an insanely cruel moron like his brother.

"Hmm ... How did that ever happen?"

"Because he loves his killing..."The image of his brother, black bearded and once handsome and lean and strong filled his mind. Days spent casting his hammer into dummies and other knights... an image he hadn't seen in more then a decade."... and he used to be good at it."

"Do you know who should be King?" Both men exchanged a look, disbelief and shock versus faith and seriousness.

"Be serious." He kept his tone mocking, masking the desire that rushed through him at the suggestion of wielding such power. Power so undeservingly given to Robert.

"I am. My father could be your bank. I've never fought in a war before, but I'd fight for you."

"I'm fourth in line."

"And where was Robert in the line of royal succession? Joffrey is a monster. Arryn was cast out of the line for being too sickly. Tommen is eight.

The image of his brother, tall and ancient looking staring starkly at him from within his mind stemmed some of his excitement. "Stannis?

"Stannis has the personality of a lobster."

"He's still my older brother." Memories, this time mocking him from the Small Council meeting. The words of pride he heard Robert give to his nephew, a child his brother had all but ignored his entire life, resurfaced and with them a sense of painful and angry jealousy. "Besides if anyone should be king it's Arryn, he's actually trained in combat and can tell even Robert no. He all but commanded the entire council, even Littlefinger seems to respect him. My Brother is proud of him now, he seems him as a man."" Sharp and sweet washed across him as Loras sliced a small cut in Renly's side, the disgusting line of red liquid leaving a breathlessness to Renly's chest "What are you doing?"

"Look at it."

"You cut me!"

"It's just blood. We've all got it in us. Sometimes a little spills. If you become King, you're going to see a lot of this. You need to get used to it. Go on. Look. People love you. They love to serve you because you're kind to them. They want to be near you." Loras rose and taking Renly by the hand, having him stand up as well. "You're willing to do what needs to be done, but you don't gloat over it. You don't love killing. Where is it written that power is the sole province of the worst? That thrones are only made for the hated and the feared. Arryn is smart, but he's young and sick while your strong and viral. The people know you, you've served them for years. You would be a wonderful King.

Loras then kneeled down in front of Renly, unfastening Renly's pants and slid them down.:

After a moment, Renly could not hold back his smiling at neither Loras' skill mouth nor the idea of getting one over on Robert, Stannis and his nephew... people everyone looked over him to see. People of power, people who did so little to earn their respect or might.

He was not a warrior like them but he would show them...

Show them all one day, maybe as Loras suggested. Maybe one day he would be king after all...

Maybe.

It wasn't like Robert was going to last much longer as it was.


The King Robert's chambers echoed with a pained silence, the man masked his mourning over his argument with Lord Stark, his Ned. It was an easier thing to do, years of practice made focusing on wine and anger and sadness almost effortless for him, he drank cup after cup, not even noticing the absence of his squire. The boy's presence wasn't wanted as it was, and would have only served to anger him more so it was for the best.

Then Cersei walked into his chambers, and his pain only increased though oddly enough his anger did not. " I'm sorry your marriage to Ned Stark didn't work out." Her words were soft, only carrying a minute echo of mocking. It was still enough to remind him of how dearly his loathed her but not enough to make him angry. " You seemed so good together."

"I'm glad I could do something to make you happy."

Cersei actually sighed, sitting in her chair "Without a Hand, everything will fall to pieces."

" I suppose this is where you tell me to give the job to your brother Jaime."

"No. He's not serious enough." She seemed almost amused by that, as if the very idea was as laughable as Robert personally saw it. "I'll say this for Ned Stark - he's serious enough. Was it really worth it? Losing him this way?"

The weight of her words and the memories they brought up, the weight of his anger and loss was impossibly great. " I don't know. But I do know this " He stood, turning to stare out of his window out to the courtyards below. "- If the Targaryen girl convinces her horse-lord husband to invade and the Dothraki horde crosses The Narrow Sea ... we won't be able to stop them. Your son knew this... gods, when he spoke I saw them crossing the Narrow Sea myself, on the helm of a powerful series of ships. It was a good idea, putting him on the Council, he almost swayed Ned." He almost laughed, the image of his fat body with armor stretched around it burned into his mind. "I was ready to lead against them in that moment. He can speak and he is wise and cold."

His words almost seemed to pain Cersei, to his surprise and she turned away. ""The Dothraki don't sail. Every child knows that. They don't have discipline. They don't have armor. They don't have siege weapons. How could they be a threat as you and apparently Arryn seen them as?"

KING ROBERT: Cultures change, your son mentioned as much. I saw Viserys as the great threat against us but Arryn pointed out that he is only the start. In a generation, under the thrall of a new Horse Lord, one born of Targaryen mad blood and raised to believe that this land is his right, they will break from their fears. They will follow him to the ends of the earth and over the Narrow sea. Ten or forty thousand Dothraki screamers, backing a Dothraki trained Targaryen, crossing the Narrow sea with the intent to charge upon us and take all we hold dear. We hole up in our castles - a wise move. Only a fool would meet the Dothraki in an open field. They leave us in our castles. They go from town to town, looting and burning, killing every man who can't hide behind a stone wall, stealing all our crops and livestock, enslaving all our women and children.

How long do the people of the Seven Kingdoms stand behind their absentee King - their cowardly King hiding behind high walls? When do the people decide that this Targaryen, be it Viserys or his nephew, is the rightful monarch after all."

"We still outnumber them, now or in the future."

Which is the bigger number - five or one?"

She seemed almost offended, his wife, but still she answered. " Five."

He held up his hands, one with all five fingers and one fist. Five ... one." He slammed his fist home, right into his open hand. " One army, a real army, united behind one leader with one purpose. Our purpose died with the Mad King. Now we've got as many armies as there are men with gold in their purse. And everybody wants something different. Your father wants to own the world. Ned Stark wants to run away and bury his head in the snow. Your son wants to rule the council."

"What do you want?"

Mockingly, he held up his wine. "We haven't had a real fight in nine years. Back-stabbing doesn't prepare you for a fight. And that's all the realm is now - back-stabbing and scheming and arse-licking and money-grubbing. Sometimes I don't know what holds it together."

"Our marriage." And so finally, after seventeen years, they shared in more then pain or hate. They laughed and laughed, a sad pained sound from two broken souls bound together by paper and politics.

"Ah, so here we sit, seventeen years later, holding it all together. Don't you get tired?"

" Every day."

"How long can hate hold a thing together?"

Cersei stopped herself, a part of her wanting to ask a question so deep in herself that she never even considered it. Yet answers to another more potent question had to come first. "Well, seventeen years is quite a long time... tell me, what is he like on the Council, Arryn? I cannot imagine he has this influence that even you and Pycelle seem to praise." She focused with a rare grip she often struggled to find, desperate to find something over her son and ensure that she could still maneuver over him should he get the power he was so rapidly approaching.

With haunted eyes, Robert turned away. "He reminds me of Jon Arryn only meaner. More militaristically minded. I thought for a moment he was going to call me evil, cruel for calling for the death of the Targaryens." Her husband snorted, mocking and amused all at once. "He actually called for the death of the whore's husband as well, calling Ned weak and actually had the audacity to wonder for the safety of his people with him at their helm. I never have seen so much anger in Ned... when the boy called honor all but useless in ruling, I thought Ned would cut his head off... he reminded me a lot of your father."

"I've thought the same. We made a mistake, ignoring him I believe."

"Yes we did. I am taking him hunting with me. With a mind like that, I need to see where his loyalties lie."

"With his sister and brother." She spoke without meaning too, but since Robert was too die soon she didn't bother to mask what came next. "He convinced me to give him total control over the path of their education. He is teaching even our daughter how to fight. She seems to enjoy it."

She expected some anger, some disbelief in her husband's eyes... and yet only pride filled them. "Good, she's beautiful and I worry that our enemies might work against her. If she was to marry Robb, she would have likely learned archery at the least."

'So I was wrong, even in this he is no ally... very well.'


"... The squires and pages were not happy with you." Dagmir enjoyed the irritation that crossed his Lord's face at those words. "Something along the lines of wasting their talent on protecting lowborn bastards or something to that affect."

Myrcella actually leaned forward, a growl almost at her lips. "Ungrateful the lot of them. How many are actually able to see the point? They should be given a position among us, to prove the use of this opportunity my brother has presented them." Her green eyes were wild, a rare rage he had never seen in such a child. It wasn't unreasonable temper tantrums like one would expect but deepest irritation and despair for the stupidity of others. "Hmmm perhaps we can see those who actually have greater skill. I am sure the Kingsguard will need to be filled with more then sycophants held by my mother and grandfather. If we can prepare for when my brother is on the throne, then we can ensure his safety better while also gaining allies... as for the others, perhaps having them guard my brother or I or even you Arryn? Lancel is capable enough I suppose but he is no match for anyone of greater skill. Having him as their figure head would also keep him satisfied and out of the way while also keeping his loyalty."

The words of the small girl held a greater impact, one that a small child should never have.

'It is little wonder Lord Arryn wants to mold her into a queen.' Unable to mask his respect, and mild discomfort, he nodded to her. "I know of a few that would be a good fit with some adjustments. However most were irritated and ungrateful, only a handful showed any understanding or acceptance of what was going on. It will be a difficult task but one I can work on."

Arryn, having been silent, finally spoke. "Wonderful. My sister is right, we need more allies. The Knights are bound to powerful families, the majority of them anyway. Having an ear and finger in those families would be an unbridled gift. Do what you can but be careful, knights or not most of them are politically trained and will be willing and able to see through any guise of kindness or questioning-"

"Lord ARRYN!" A voice burst through his door, opening it to reveal a rush and terrified Lancel Lannister.

Dagmir flinched, having stood with sword drawn in an instant. Not knowing if there was a threat, he moved in front of Myrcella and stayed low.

"What is it Lancel? Who is hurt? Are we in danger?" Quick and worried, Lord Arryn had pulled out a blade of his own it seemed, as had Myrella from the bodice of her dress.

Lancel, now facing down three weapons from three people willing to kill to survive, stepped back with some fear. " It's Lord Stark.. hehehehehehehe's."

"What Lancel?" Myrcella's voice whipped out soft but imposing with a power he was stunned to hear a child have. "What happened to Lord Stark?"

That her cousin was actually intimidated by an eleven year old child was deeply amusing to Dagmir, but still worry was fierce in his chest.

" Lord Stark was accosted by Lord Jaime, he was seen coming out of Littlefinger's brothel and there was a fight. His household guard managed to fight off the Lannister attackers but after the Goldcloaks stopped the fight but Jaime managed to flee."

Arryn's voice softened and he approached his cousin, placing a hand on the older man's shoulder. "Was Lord Stark or my Uncle injured?"

"No, the guard prevented that. It almost happened, a Lannister guard tried to cut Lord Stark's calf but one of Lord Stark's guards killed him. Lord Stark lost five men, Lord Jaime lost six."

"Damn... damn all of those idiots. We are lucky, Lord Stark is lucky his guard was present... but why was he as a brothel... and why attack... shit... I almost forgot." He turned to his sister and Dagmir swore he saw the wrath of Robert Baratheon in his eyes. "Lady Caitlyn kidnapped Uncle Tyrion. I doubted the validity of the letter when I received it but this would explain it. Uncle Jaime has long been overwhelmed by familial love often to the detriment of duty." Sighing long and loud, he turned to Dagmir. "We need stronger guard for my siblings, I will not have them used as pawns to get back for this. From this point on, Myrcella is your priority not me. At all times will you guard her. You have the fully weight of my power behind you. Lancel, thank you for telling me this. Am I to assume you've accepted my offer?"

"Yes... and... I..." he sighed and stepped forward, whispering something in Arryn's ears. Dagmir didn't hear what it was, only saw the utter fury and fear cross his Lord's eyes.

"Yes... I understand. " Turning back to the new Smaller Council as Myrcella was calling them, he spoke. " I am go to hunting with Father in the next hour. Myrcella, continue your studies and think about our discussion. I will be back when father is, it may be two weeks. Dagmir do the same. I will be speaking to the Kennel master before I leave. He is near the stables anyway, might as well get my brother started. I expect you to escort him every day with Myrcella at your side. Lancel, you are staying here. I will speak to father. If Mother asks, tell her it was my idea."

The relief in Lancel's eyes spelled nothing but fear for Dagmir, it was clear that the queen was up to something using Lancel as a tool. What that was, was unclear but the trouble of it was beyond repute.

"Yes, my Lord." They all said in unison... and with that, Arryn and Lancel left, leaving Dagmir with his new Lady.

Said lady turned to him and smiled. " I see why my brother likes you. I hope we can be friends, especially since we are going to spend so much time together... but you need to cast aside your old judgments. If you are to serve my brother judging me as only a little girl, and him as what you thought you knew will help no one. The world as we know it is about to change even if he was never born. Together we can choose how it changes, hopefully for the better.

I pray you can do your part well, but if you cannot open your mind you will be a hindrance or pawn at best."

As if she did not utterly destroy his excepctations, the little girl skipped across the room, settling onto her brother's bed with book in hand, reading diligently and leaving Dagmir to wonder just what he was to think.

'The world, my world, has already changed... if it is to continue I would rather it be for the better... just how that is to be though... I can only hope she is wrong and I will not hinder it...'


Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a fun chapter, powerful and great and epic and simple. I loved showing the reactions and minute changes. Renly's jealousy ( a defining quality), Robert's openness, and finally some of Dagmir's thoughts and goals! And proof that being nice can help make allies as seen with Lancel!

Showing Dagmir's doubts, fears and the oddness that comes with suddenly having been thrown into a world without preparation... the cost of Arryn so impulsively making him an ally... I am proud to remember that... to remember that he is a person first and then a character.

Oh and If you want to know why Stark wasn't hurt, well in the series he lost his guard by giving them the City Watch remember? Twenty of his Household guard and then the rest later to stop Armory and the Mountain. That didn't happen, the first part, so he was fully protected and thus no sneak attack... it went differently!

Do you want to see Arryn fight? I want write it if you want to see it!

I hope you enjoyed it!

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.