Of Wolves and Northern Dragons
Chapter 6
Joffrey Baratheon
This was humiliating. Everyone was so concerned for his safety that he couldn't do anything now without having a guard nearby. One of those oafs had even tried to follow him into the privy. That was the last straw, so now he waited for his grandfather to arrive. He would put an end to this nonsense. However he had to be smart about it. He had already removed the servant who caused this whole mess. The bumbling idiot who had spilled water on him, while refilling his glass. He did a piss poor job cleaning it up. So later that night when he had been practicing with his sword, he slipped on a still wet spot. Falling forward he hit his head on the frame of his bed. The cut looked far worse than it was, although he still had a bit of a black eye.
"Your Grace." His grandfather said entering his room and bowing. "How may I be of assistance today." Tywin said straightening up.
"Grandfather, I wish to discuss the amount of guards around me." Joffrey said to him.
"What about them your Grace?" Tywin asked as he walked and took a seat at Joffrey's desk.
"There are too many of them Grandfather. I have not had a moment of peace since the shifts were bolstered." He said trying to sound dignified.
"Well you were almost killed your Grace." Tywin replied as he filled a glass of wine. "It is admirable for a King to be brave, but I won't have you acting foolishly." He said before raising the glass and taking a drink.
"Well I think we could do to reduce it a bit." Joffrey continued. He was starting to get annoyed with keeping up this whole farce. "Besides there hasn't been a single development in looking for my attacker." He finished reaching for his own glass to fill.
"I'll be leaving for the Rock in two days time for your uncle's wedding to the Stark girl. When I return if there have been no further incidents then we can discuss the guards rotations then." Tywin said as he finished his glass. Setting it down and standing up again, Tywin bowed curtly. "If that is all your Grace." He began to turn before Joffrey spoke up.
"I'm having second thoughts about the Stark bitch and her mother." Joffrey declared causing Tywin to sigh. "I want them here, they are my prisoners." He said puffing up his chest.
"Why so you can go back to beating a sad little girl?" Tywin asked turning and leaning over the desk. "Or would you go against my council and have Catelyn Stark beheaded, giving the North a new reason to take up arms against us. With the Riverlands renewing the cause, and possibly adding the Vale to their forces? Or have you forgotten that though they sat out at first, the death of Lysa Arryn's sister would surely force her entry into the war?" Tywin asked as he brought himself closer to Joffrey causing him to shrink back. "No the girl and her mother will be Jaime's charges and I'll hear no more of it." With that Tywin stood up and bowed again, before walking out of the room.
"I am the king!" Joffrey yelled as he threw his glass to the ground. It wasn't fair, he thought to himself. Why should that bitch get to marry into his family still? Why couldn't he just have them both killed and be done with it? Then he could marshall his armies and march on the North. He would raise every castle that refused to bow to him. With that he stood up and walked towards the door of his chambers. "Guard, find my sword master I wish to train." He ordered the closest man to him. He marched down to the training field fully intent on laying into any whelp who would dare stand against him.
Margaery Tyrell
She had been enjoying breaking her fast with her grandmother, when Loras came in to tell them the King was in the training yard. Quickly she dismissed herself and grabbed her brothers arm to follow him down. This would be her chance to make her move with Joffrey.
"How fares the King brother?" She asked looking up to him.
"He is a brat sister, and he fights like one too." Loras said causing her to sigh. "He has no real talent with a blade, and yet none who fight him dare to strike." Loras explained as the made their way to a balcony. Once they arrived, she leaned over the rail to watch Joffrey do battle. If one could call it that. "See what I mean?" Loras asked watching as the third opponent fell to Joffrey's savage swings. "He thinks the world of himself because no one is stupid enough to best him." Loras said, as yet another poor soul entered the ring.
"It's true, his form is dreadful brother." she said as she watched the knight back away from Joffrey's sword. "I have little doubt that I could best him." She declared causing Loras to let out a loud laugh. Unfortunately Joffrey heard the laugh, and turned his attention to them.
"You there what is so funny?" Joffrey yelled up at them.
"Your Grace I was merely entertained by something my sweet sister said." Loras responded with a bow. Margaery was slightly nervous now. Everything her grandmother had told her about the King's violent tendencies flooding her mind. She tried to pull Loras's arm for them to leave but the Joffrey called up to them again.
"You get down here now. Your king wishes to face a more worthy opponent." Joffrey yelled as he pushed the other knight out of the ring. She froze at that point turning to Loras and again pulling his arm to try and flee.
"But of course your Grace." Loras responded before starting to make his way to the stairs. She ran and grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Loras you cannot do this." She whispered angrily. "Or if you do, you must let him win." She warned looking at him.
"Alas sister I will not allow that to happen." Loras said freeing himself from her grasp and making his way down the stairs. She let out a frustrated huff before following him down the stairs. By the time she got there Loras had already removed his cloak, and was reaching for a tourney sword.
"What is your name?" Joffrey said sneering at Loras. "I always like to know the names of those I vanquish." He declared raising himself up.
"I am Ser Loras Tyrell Knight of Flowers, and son of Mace Tyrell Lord of Highgarden." Loras answered back raising his sword in front of him. "I am afraid you will find no easy victory here you Grace. I rode with your grandfather in the vanguard against the false king Stannis Baratheon."
"The knight of flowers eh." Joffrey said with a laugh, as he looked Loras up and down. "If that is the case then your sister is none other than the Rose of Highgarden." Joffrey continued as he turned his look towards her.
"Indeed I am Margaery Tyrell your Grace." She said curtsying to Joffrey. She felt her skin crawl as he eyed her, a sick grin spreading across his face. He turned his attention back to Loras raising his own sword.
"I've heard tales of you Lady Margaery." Joffrey said as he began to pace the ring, Loras circling with him. "Wed to my other uncle, the false king Renly Baratheon. Yet somehow you were never bedded." Loras froze as Joffrey finished. "Either the rumors of his preferences are true, or you are a terrible fuck." He laughed as he finished. He did not however anticipate Loras's angry charge at him. By dumb luck Joffrey was able to raise his sword in time to block Loras's first swing. However as Loras brought his sword around again, he swept it down hitting Joffrey in the leg. The king gave a rather feminine yelp of pain as he jumped back. Loras though was on him again in an instant batting Joffrey's sword from his hands, before connecting with his gut causing the young lion to crumple to the ground.
"Yield your Grace." Loras said angrily while pointing his sword into Joffrey's back. Several guards approached hand on their own weapons.
"Brother that is quite enough." Margaery yelled as she ran into the circle. She knelt down in front of Joffrey and grabbed a handkerchief, beginning to wipe the sweat from his brow. This didn't last long though as Joffrey swatted her hands away rising to his feet.
"Get away from me both of you." He yelled stomping his feet. "I am the king and I did not give you permission to touch me." He turned and stormed out of the training yard, his guards following close behind.
"What were you thinking?" Margaery said as she turned angrily to her brother. He merely shrugged his shoulder nonchalantly at her causing her to become more upset. "You could have just ruined everything." She hissed at him before storming away.
"Margaery where are you going?" Loras asked as he began to run after her.
"I'm going to find grandmother and see how we can salvage this disaster." She spat back over her shoulder, continuing on her way.
Olenna Tyrell
"Yes Mace things are finally coming together." She said to her son. They had been enjoying a rather pleasant luncheon together, after Margaery and Loras went off to watch the king train. "Margaery is sure to woo the king after he finishes in the yard." She declared reaching for another piece of fruit. "And if what you have said is true, then the crown will be indebted to us for a long time." She said of Mace's meeting with Tywin Lannister. Her son had told her how they agreed to finance and feed the crown, if certain expectations were met. Tywing of course had agreed, if not reluctantly. But the crown needed their gold and food.
"Yes mother. My sweet girl will be queen before the end of the year I can assure you that." Mace said reaching for his wine glass. It was then that the door was pushed open, and a fuming Margaery followed by a concerned Loras stormed into the room.
"Sister I said I was sorry." Loras pleaded as they both reached the table.
"What is the meaning of this?" Mace asked looking between his two children.
"Ask your son why he just beat the king into the dirt." Margaery seethed looking angrily at Loras again.
"You did what?" Olenna demanded causing Loras to shrink back slightly.
"You don't understand grandmother. He insulted Margaery, I could not let that stand." Loras tried to explain himself.
"Tell me everything now." Olenna said directing them both to be seated. And so Loras and Margaery recounted what had happened in the training yard. By then end Olenna was furious. True it was more at the boy king, but Loras was not escaping that easily. "You fool, Have you any idea the problems you've caused now?" Olenna glowered at her grandson. "I understand defending your sisters honor, but was it really necessary to embarrass the king like that?" She asked causing Loras to lower his head. "Loras I will set up a meeting with Tywin Lannister. If it comes down to it you will apologize to his Grace for your actions." Olenna said causing Loras to rise. She quickly silenced him with a glare though before continuing. "I will also see to it that the little brat apologizes to Margaery for his own comments." She said before looking at the lot of them. "Now all of you leave me. I have letters I need to write." She ordered, watching the three of them leave.
Once they were gone Olenna opened her desk and began looking through it. She found the letter from Varys quickly opening it and studying the contents. Surely the eunuch was jesting with her. Insisting that not only had Rhaegar's son Aegon lived, but that he was preparing to reclaim his throne? She would need to find the truth of this. Perhaps there was another option for her sweet Margaery who didn't have the Lannister name. Yes she would indulge the Spider in his little game, for now at least.
Jon Snow
It had been a week since the incident at Moat Cailin, where Robb had let slip the truth of his parents. It had also been a week since he had spoken to Robb, going out of his way to avoid him. He wanted to forgive him, but Robb had sworn to keep his secret. He understood Robb had been frustrated with the lords, and that it slipped out by mistake. Yet still he could not bring himself so easily to move past this.
Most of the lords had taken it in stride, with even the Smalljon coming around after a particularly brutal sparring session one day. Now even he looked at Jon with a guarded respect. The night before they had talked about pursuing his claim to the throne. The thought of it made him sick. He was a wolf, he belonged on the north. Yet in the back of his mind a small voice would always say you are also the dragon, and dragons hide from no one. So there he sat in his tent wondering what he should do.
"Jon we need to talk." Robb said as he entered his tent. Jon looked around trying to find a reason to leave the tent. "I'm sorry Jon I never meant to say it." Robb said again kneeling down in front of him. Finally seeing no escape he sighed and got to his feet. He walked over to Robb and lifted him to his feet as well.
"I know Robb, I know." He said putting his hand on Robb's shoulder. "I've already forgiven you brother." He said noting the relief that washed over Robb's face.
"Then why have you been avoiding me?" Robb asked him. Jon looked at Robb seeing how sad he truly looked.
"I haven't been avoiding you brother I merely needed time to think for myself." Jon explained leaning back in his seat. He looked at Robb, who looked somewhat relieved by what he had heard. He took a breath to calm himself, before continuing. "Robb it's not even been a week since the lords learned the truth, and now rumors fly around the camp. I can only imagine how long it will take for this to get back south. And then what happens Robb?" Jon asked feeling defeated by the weight of it all. "What happens to Sansa, Arya, and your mother when the Lannisters learn that they missed one of the dragonspawn?" Robb sat there thinking over what Jon had just said. "Plus they've already talked of seating me on the damn Iron Throne." Jon shouted, his anger starting to build up. "I don't want it Robb, and yet our lord's discuss who may still throw in with the last son of Rhaegar Targaryen." Jon stood up and began to pace as he thought about it more.
"I won't allow that to happen Jon." Robb tried to calm him down.
"There's nothing you can do about it Robb. Nothing any of us can do, because I fear it may be our only option." Jon said as he fell back into his seat, his head landing in his hands. "That is why I must go east to meet this aunt of mine Danaerys for myself."
"We're a little more than two weeks from Winterfell." Robb said rising from his seat and coming to stand in front of Jon. "Help me take back our home, and then I promise you can sail out and meet this aunt of yours." Robb promised as he set a hand on Jon's shoulder.
"Of course Robb. I'll see our home safe." Jon said returning the gesture.
Varys
Varys looked at the letter he had received from his associate in Essos. This was not good. Young Griff had somehow come in contact with someone afflicted by greyscale. The boy had since contracted the sickness himself. All his work was being burned down before his eyes. Danaerys was still in Mereen although he knew little and less of her temperament. Letters from Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan had long since ceased.
So now as he made his way through the gardens in King's Landing he had to think of something else. It wasn't until one of his little birds came to him with a slip that his mood began to improve. He passed the child a single silver stag, and sent him on his way. The message was tucked into his sleeve, as he went to meet again with the small council. Surely he hoped the tedious meeting would be short. He had to prepare to visit Illyrio in Pentos.
"Ah Lord Varys, so good to catch you." He heard the voice of Peter Baelish in the distance. As much as he wanted to groan, Varys schooled his features before turning to the man.
"Yes Lord Baelish, how are you this morning?" He asked as Baelish fell into step with him.
"Same as every other day Varys. Too much work to be done, with not nearly the time needed." Baelish replied. They walked together to the council chamber in silence, and the meeting itself was yet another boring affair. After they had been released Varys returned to his chambers. Opening the letter he had received earlier, he gasped when he read it. After looking through it again he held it up to a candle and watched as it burned. Thus Varys went to make his arrangements to visit Pentos with a smile on his face. It seemed that he would have no need for the pisswater prince after all, not when he had a dragon in the snow. Yes Varys could already see the beginnings of a plan forming. Perhaps he would speak with Lady Olenna before he left. Clearly she was not impressed with Joffrey. He himself certainly wasn't. Now her sweet rose could be queen, and the Lannister welp could be put down for good.
Woohoo another chapter done. Well it's all kicking off now. New is beginning to spread, how will everyone react to it. Poor Joffrey, I guess Westeros hadn't invented wet floor signs yet. Oh well I laughed when I wrote it. Onto the next one. As always thanks to everyone who read and commented. Keep it coming I always enjoy reading them. See y'all next week.
ATP: Yes Robb will have a Northern wife. As for Jon not too sure yet. And yes Ramsay is still Ramsay. We'll see more of him in the next chapter or so when they return to Winterfell.
Guest: The Northern lords felt lied to. Their Liege lord he may be, but Ned Stark did still lie to them about Jon. In terms of Jon and Robb, the North still thinks of itself as an independent nation. So Robb is still the king in the north.
Kmhappybunny240: Yea I wanted to do something different with Arya. It'll be explained how she ended up there sooner than in cannon shortly. Since according to cannon she should have been at the twins at the time of the red wedding. I'm glad you like it though, her and Dany will definitely have some moments.
Guest: I think they would come around after it was laid out for them, and they did. I think the initial shock though would cause some grief, learning that your liege lord has been keeping a secret of this magnitude.
Jean d'arc: Yes I really enjoy writing the alternate timeline. I think everyone always has different ideas of how things could have gone. It's nice to be able to put my idea out for people to enjoy (At least I hope they do). Jaime and Sansa is an interesting pair that we don't see much of, and I think Sansa is accepting that she must do what is best for her family. As far as Robb we all know that he is an emotionally driven guy. He acts first and thinks second, this is just another example of it.