Chapter 15

Hey everyone, here is the next chapter of this story. I don't think I need to tell any of you that have officially put up my first story for adoption. Which has left me a lot of time to work on this one. Yet sadly despite being more in to this story it still took me for ever to do this chapter. So many things to do and write that I feel like i am forgetting something. But here is the next chapter and I hope you all like it.

Winner of the poll is How much should the supernatural take part in the story? Example the various gods giving their followers powers to fight against Lelouch and CC. Just a little lol. That was actually surprising to me I was thinking you guys and girls would vote a lot or at least middle of the road. But whatever I have a few ideas for that. We will still see some big supernatural things but not on the level I was thinking lol.

Reiki27 that is a good idea, and I will add that at some point. I have a few ideas how to go about it.

Helkil other thing I have planned but have yet to get around. So many things lol.

Kalipendragon I feel like those chapters are needed from time to time. After all, how can you get a feel for what is really going on if you don't so it. So, I am happy you liked it and there will be more down the line.

Darknaru3 that is pretty much what is going to happen. And as for the misspelling ya I suck when it comes to that. Wish I was better and have software to proofread but it can only catch so much.

Jade Martell 750 I had no plans to add anymore. Name sakes sure but no characters but who knows if I get more people asking perhaps. We will see more examples of how other people see the kingdom as time goes by. Chief among them are Hela, and Achilles but not for some time when it comes to Achilles because he is so young and Attila and Hela are the main characters of this part of the story.

Holyscythe there will be more dragons. How many I am not sure but there will be more.

yesboss21 at some point he may just do that.

Guest we will of course see more corruption taking place as time goes by. The kingdom just came out of a civil war so tension is still high and people are watching for would be traitor but were there is power and money there will always be someone there willing to take the chance to gain it.

There is not going to be another poll set up just yet. I have to catch up on a few things and the next chapter after this one should be fairly short. I hope lol

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-Minas Tirith 39 AMH or 48BC-

The clashing of blades and the war cries of two Individuals could be heard ringing throughout the Training Hall of the Royal Guard. The very same hall that saw the God of Lightning Steinporr lay low a number of traitorous Kings and Queens of power after an ill-conceived assassination attempt and kidnapping of a royal family member. But unlike that night today there was no assassination attempt happening nor any great battle but a simple spar between two youths in the prime of their lives.

"Come on Attily is that the best you can do. How do you ever expect to beat me like this?" Hela says to his face when she locks her twin blades with his glaive and pushes him back with ease.

Growling at her Attila yells out, "I told you before Princess Hela to not call me Attily."

He then stabs forward with his glaive at such a speed it would be hard for any normal person to keep up with its movements. But Hela was hardly a normal person and Attila knew that very well. Her speed and strength were far above what he could hope to achieve without the Power of a King that he absolutely refused to accept. So, he had to beat her with superior skill which sadly he was not so sure he had. He may have devoted himself to his martial skill unlike her but that didn't mean Hela lacked in that regard. Truly he was standing before a monster in human form. A very sexy monster who was currently was wearing only breast bindings and skintight trousers that only accelerated her impressive rear end.

Seeing where his eyes are looking, Hela giggles as she blocks his next strike and says, "Ohhhh Attily is thinking something nasty about his princess. Bad Attily."

Feeling a blush come to his face Attila says, "Shut up. I am doing no such thing and if I am it's because your dress like a harlot. Now shut up and take this training seriously."

Seeing a wicked smile come to Hela's face that reminds him all too much of his Kogo-sama's, Attila feels like he had just made a grave mistake. A feeling that is quickly proven correct when Hela goes on the offensive. When their blades clash her physical power hits with such force that he can barely keep hold of his glaive. Each parry he pulls off feels like a hammer is hitting his arms and he can tell he won't be able to keep this up for long before his glaive is knocked from his hands. Which happens soon enough and flies across the room away from him leaving him defenseless. The physical assault does not end there however as Hela uses one of her legs to kick his' out from under him making him fall on his back hard.

On his back now Attila sees her twin blades stab into the floor on both sides of his head before she mounts his stomach, leans down and says, "Harlot, am I?"

Knowing he is bested, Attila just smiles and says, "What can I say, I miss the sweet little girl you used to be princess."

"Oh, so you miss the days when I didn't do this?" She asks, then leans down and kisses him on the lips gently before pulling away with a teasing smile on her face.

With a blush on his face Attila says, "Well maybe not that much."

Feeling Attila's hands cupping her ass Hela just smiles and says, "Good because I think this is much better than back then."

They start to kiss again when Attila sits up. Their hands roaming around each other's bodies passionately. To tell the truth neither of them could tell you when this had all started. Up to two years ago they were just friends who cared deeply for each other. How, why or when that changed, they didn't know but then they didn't question the love that had develop between them. They just knew that when they were in each other's embrace they felt complete and even the anger Attila always felt deep inside faded away for a time.

So lost in their make out session that they quickly lose track of time till they hear someone clear their throat and says, "I am sorry am I interrupting something?"

A feeling much like a bucket of ice water being poured on them is felt as they break their little make out session to look over at the one who had spoken. They both turn pale as they spot who it is, and Attila quite literally feels the executioner's sword on his neck as he sees his Tenno-sama standing there with an evil look in his eye.

"D…daddy hi. Ah…we were just training." Hela says weakly while still mounted on top of Attila.

"Really is that what they call it nowadays? I know I am somewhat out of touch with the times, but I didn't know that is what groping and pawing at each other was called nowadays." Lelouch says as they both become even more pale.

Taking a thinking pose for a moment, Lelouch then says, "Hela, your mother is looking for you. Our guest of honor will be here soon. Why don't you go join her? As for you Attila we need to talk."

Knowing that her father was not asking, Hela jumps up and says, "Yes daddy. Bye Attily." Then runs out the hall before Attila can realize he had been abandoned by his so-called lover.

And before he can get his mind straight Attila hears his lord again. "Well Attila are you going to sit there all day?"

Looking over at his highness Attila jumps up with his back straight and answers, "No your highness. I…ah that is I apologize your majesty."

"Apologize? For what are you apologizing for Attila?" Lelouch questions the boy.

Attila did not fear death. He was ready to die at a moment's notice like the army had trained him to but what he did fear was how long he would be kept alive by his lord before he was allowed to die. "Well…that is… ah for what you just saw."

"Ah that. Do not worry about that Attila. My daughter is a grown woman and can make up her own mind on who she wishes to be in her life and who she doesn't." Lelouch says.

Taking a relieved breath Attila is about to relax but is stopped when Lelouch adds, "But I would advise more caution from now on. After all, accidents do happen from time to time. Especially if I have to see that more than once. Understand?"

With his face going pale once more Attila just answers, "Yes Tenno-sama."

"Good, now walk with me Attila." Lelouch commands.

"Yes Tenno-sama." Attila answers and starts to follow his lord at a respectful distance yet close enough to speak without raising their voices.

They walk for a while in complete quietness for a time till they leave the Royal Training Hall and are walking down the main road of the capital. Everyone they pass gives them a wide berth out of respect and bows their heads.

"Today is an important day Attila." Lelouch comments to the young man.

Nodding his head Attila says, "Yes indeed it is your highness. A very important day."

"But do you know why it is Attila?" Lelouch asks.

A bit confused by his lord's question Attila answers, "Well it is the day that signifies the end of years of construction on the city in the mountains."

"That is right Attila. After years of hard work and many lives lost, Minas Tirith is truly finished, but that is not the only thing we are celebrating." Lelouch tells him.

"It isn't your highness?" Attila asks.

"No, it isn't Attila. For you see today is the day you ascend to the position that you were always destined to have." Lelouch tells him.

Attila stops in his tracks as he hears this. Then he asks, "My lord do you mean…."

"Yes, I do Attila or should I say Great General Attila Khan." Lelouch says with a smile as he turns around to look at the stunned young man. Lelouch could not blame him for being surprised after all he had just been promoted to Brigadier General less than six months ago but with what had just happened with former General Qhovakko a position needed to be filled quickly. And with Attila's overall popularity with the masses, it allowed Lelouch to move him up to Great General without looking too much like favoritism. Lelouch would really have to thank his daughter for this later.

As for Attila at this moment he couldn't help but smile at this news. It had worked; Hela's plan for making him a Great General had worked just like she said it would. Despite all his reservations about it and how he saw it as a dishonorable plan it had still worked to perfection. But then now that it had worked it was little wonder why it wouldn't have. It was well known that General Qhovakko consistently took the 1st Army well past the border to fight remnants of the Dothraki, bandits, sell swords or whoever else he could find without orders to do so and that he would cover the 1st Army's lack of presence in Rohan with his cavalry unit. Something he didn't need to do or was actually ordered to do but did because he felt it needed to be done.

That feeling is what led to his fame among the common people and saw him made a hero to them. It was also what led General Qhovakko to his downfall when during one of his ill-advised ventures passed the border, he was not there to cover him. The man had gotten so used to him covering for him that Ohovakko just assumed he would be there to make up for his lack of presence if any raiders got past the 1ST Army. Which they always did and was why Hela advised him to make himself indisposed during this time. Something he didn't wish to do, but did, nonetheless. So, when the raiders came there was no one to stop them before they came across some villages.

Now because kingdom law required all villages to have at least a palisade around it for protection and all citizens were required to know martial arts the damage the raiders caused was minimum. But there was only so much a village of a couple of hundred people could do against a thousand or in this case 2000 raiders. In total over 900 citizens were killed during this time with an additional 1300 civilians. It was the worst tragedy seen since the rebellion and one that quickly saw General Qhovakko arrested and charged with several crimes including negligence in the face of duty and disregard of royal mandate. Two of the worst crimes anyone could commit in the military and only beaten out by treason.

There were of course questions about where he was during this time, seeing as not only did General Qhovakko get used to him being there, but the common people as well. Questions that he however didn't need to answer to seeing as he was neither a part of the 1st Army's chain of command nor did he answer to the people. His orders came only from Great General Gahaelor of the 2nd Army and never did he command him to protect Rohan on behalf of the 1st Army. Still, he did owe a thanks to one of the Imperial Newscasters for relaying the fact that he was in the mountains hunting bandits during this time. If not for them then he could have lost some of his popularity. Which may have in turn only allowed him to be promoted to general. Popular opinion after all did play some part in the running of the kingdom even if it was just a small amount.

"Your highness isn't it a bit premature for me to be promoted. After all, Qhovakko's trial is not until next week." Attila says to him. After all, while the chances of Qhovakko's not being found guilty were small they were still there. If he was found innocent the man couldn't legally be removed from his command.

"Not at all Attila. After all, Qhovakko committed seppuku last night. Most likely do to knowing he would be found guilty and instead of having to suffer the dishonor of having to go through a shameful trial he chose to die with his honor intact." Lelouch says to Attila.

Attila smiles at this not because he was happy to hear of the man's death, but because he chose to die with honor. Something Attila could respect regardless of how he may have felt about the man personally.

"In that case let me just say to your highness I will do my best to bring both honor and glory to our kingdom with the position you have given me." Attila says and bows his head.

"I know you will Attila. You are your grandfather's and father's kin. I know you will make them proud. Now come, we have a celebration to attend." Lelouch says and continues to walk down the wide-open road in front of them.

-Sometime later-

Back at her home sitting in front of a simple wooden table dressed in a highly decorated kimono dress Hela looked around it with fond memories coming to mind. She was born in this house, grew up in it, played in it and so many other firsts that they seemed uncountable. To know that from this day forward she would be living on top of a mountain in the Grand Citadel was saddening. But time waited for no one, and life moved on. As royals they had truly put this off long enough. Even if her mother and father cared little for such things her and Achilles didn't have that option. They could not just disregard the people's opinion of them seeing as unlike her parents they didn't give off a natural feeling of untouchability. So, the move was necessary in away even if it was just for them.

"Something on your mind my dear." Hela hears her mother's voice say as she exits from her parents' bedroom wearing a lovely kimono herself.

Looking at her mother Hela couldn't help but feel a small twinge of jealousy at her mothers' good looks. Don't get her wrong Hela knew she was just as attractive as her mother but the cold beauty her mother portrayed gave her the image of something that was unattainable. And as anyone with half a brain knew, that which you couldn't have you wanted all the more. It was an image Hela had tried to portray herself when she was 16 but couldn't quite pull off.

"Not really mother just thinking about how much I will miss this place." Hela says to her.

Giving a soft smile to her child CC walks up to her and hugs her, "I understand my child. It is not easy leaving the home you have known all your life. But it's not like we are getting rid of it or tearing it down. It will remain in the family, and you can come stay here whenever you like."

Smiling at her mother, Hela says, "I know mother it's just scary."

"I know my dear, but not changes are scary are they. I mean your father has already informed me about what happen between you and Attila earlier." CC says with a teasing smile on her face that makes Hela blush hard.

"I….I don't know what you are talking about." Hela says quickly.

Giggling at her child CC says, "Come now my child there is no need to pretend you don't know what I am talking about. Don't forget whatever your father sees I can see too if he so chooses to show me."

At her mother's words Hela's face just gets redder to the point that she looks just like a ripe tomato. She forgot her parents could do that and that oversite just added to her embarrassment.

"Oh, and honey, a little advice. Let Attila feel like the man every now and then. While you don't have to let him win, it's best not to hurt his fragile male ego too much. So do try and let him take command." CC says in a sing-song voice.

"Mother please!" Hela screams in two parts embarrassment and two parts anger at her mother's teasing.

"Now, now save that voice for when your alone with Attila." CC says to her with a big grin on her face.

CC wouldn't deny that she was loving how her daughter was reacting to her teasing. It was truly fun to do, and she now understood why Milly Ashford love to do so to her friends. Yet as fun as this was, she was at the same time feeling somewhat concerned about her child's developing relationship with Attila. And that was for several reasons. One of them being just the fact of who or better what her daughter was. While no one would notice anything different about her daughter for some years Lelouch and her had a type of connection to their children. Not unlike the one they had with their dragons but to a somewhat lesser degree than them. So Lelouch and her could see or perhaps a better word would be feel that Hela was starting to slow in ageing.

It was the same feeling they had about Gwaine when he reached 20 years old but were too inexperienced to realize what it was. Now however they both understood it was a signal letting them know that she would stop aging like a normal human being. Something she let her daughter know about and advised her to perhaps wait a few decades before looking to start a relationship. Her words of course fell on deaths ears sadly and she started to see Attila in a more romantic way shortly after that. CC guessed it was true you couldn't help who you fell in love with.

The age problem however was not the biggest reason why CC didn't fully agree with her child's choice of romantic partners. No, her biggest reason was simply Attila's not so little anger problem. To call Attila hot blooded would be the same as saying that molten lava was just somewhat hot. Now it wasn't like she was worried about him hurting her child in a fit of rage. After all, when it came down to it Hela simply outclassed Attila when it came to martial ability and the boy was no fool. If he was able to hurt, her child in any way he knew he would be begging for death long before he got it. So, he would keep his anger in check and besides anyone who saw them together could tell Hela had him wrapped around her finger. What she worried about was what would happen when he was officially promoted to Great General.

Sense the death of his mother Attila had for lack of a better word buried his anger at the world that took her from him deep inside himself. Bottling it up till the day he could unleash it on pretty much everyone not from Númenor. Which in hindsight wasn't necessarily a bad thing seeing as it would take care of any somewhat problematic enemies down the road. With that said however his anger combined with his bloodlust could lead him down a road that only ended with his death. A death that his child would not take well if it were to come to pass. She had seen it before many times and with the exception of Lelouch that is how vengeance often ended.

Hearing a knock on the patio door CC stops her musing and says, "Who is it?"

"It is me your highness, Jaereo." The voice says.

"Ah Jaereo, you can come on in." CC calls out as the door opens and in walks Jaereo Martell the former fourth prince of the Principality of Dorne and one of her best students.

Unlike most, CC was not surprised when the young man decided to give up his position as a prince and immigrated to her and her husband's kingdom. While most saw him leaving his comfortable position as a Prince of Dorne as a foolish thing to do, if you knew the young man it made perfect sense. Jaereo was an artist, through and through and wanted his talent to be recognized for what it was. Sadly, for him while Dorne was more socially advanced than the other kingdoms of Westeros it was still far behind in terms of art or in recognition of what art really was.

Everyone wanted to be the next Nilesha Baherion and those who could not be wanted to buy works just like hers. And when she said everyone, she meant everyone. By now Nilesha fame was such that everyone was inviting her to their court in order to entice her to do a painting for them. Including the current King of the Isles and the Rivers Harwyn Hoare who Lelouch called perhaps the greatest military commander Westeros had seen since Arlan III Durrandon. As for those who could not entice her, they looked for other lesser artists who copied her style to do something for them. Leaving true artists like Jaereo who followed his passions flapping in the wind.

Not that she could blame them seeing as Nilesha was widely considered the greatest artist of all time. Having one of her works were now consider a statement piece seeing as this was what everyone believed. Much like having a Valyrian steel weapon was to the nobles of Westeros but to a lesser extent. Regardless of if it was true or not and CC had to say personally it was not true at all. She could think of several of her students off the top of her head who could match Nilesha and to be honest Jaereo was perhaps even better than she was. Still people who did landscapes like her were in demand. While sadly Jaereo and expressionism was not.

The sense of calm, serenity and even an all-inspiring feeling her works gave were just preferable to Jaereo's more emotional ones. He really did just shove raw emotion in people's faces and made them think about what it meant to be human. Something that both nobles and kings didn't like to think about. Several such paintings were his now infamous Butchering of the Gods paintings which was inspired by her crude copy of the Black Paintings by Francisco Goya. In the paintings he portrayed the Seven being corrupted by their followers. The Father taking bribes for forgiveness. The Mother turning a blind eye to the rape and murder of innocent young women and children. The Warrior protecting cowards instead of the righteous. The Smith destroying homes and holy places of worship. The Maiden prostituting herself for coin and the Crone being blind, dumb and deaf. The only one of the Seven not depicted was the Stranger. Well, that was till you put all the paintings together and it showed a dark image of a specter waiting to reap the world of all hope and life.

CC still got a laugh at how much controversy came from those paintings in Westeros. In fact, if Jaereo had not been a Prince of Dorne he most likely would have been killed as a heretic. Like she said people didn't like to have to look at themselves and that definitely went for religious fools. If there was one thing CC had learned in her 1000 years of life it was that people would always pervert their so-called beliefs to benefit themselves under the false, guise of righteousness or some such bullshit. So, when Jaereo revealed his paintings for the first time in Sunspear in front of an audience of nobles, septons and septas he was basically challenging them to look at how corrupt they had become. Something that had kind of worked seeing as there were questions about the Faith.

Needless to say, the Faith of the Seven didn't like that and while they didn't call for his head did put pressure on Jaereo's father to let them put him on trial. Something that Jaereo wasn't going to let happen and shortly after the unveiling let his father know he was done with Dorne, the Faith, and their outdated ways of thinking. Then left and came back here to start a new life for himself and his art.

"Good afternoon your highnesses I hope I did not keep you waiting long." Jaereo says with a smile.

A smile that is returned by both CC and Hela who found Jaereo's numerous attempts at flirting with them both endearing and funny. Especially Hela who while having zero interest in the former prince was still a young maiden and very much liked hearing flattering words about her beauty. It wasn't something she heard often due to her relationship with Attila. People really were just that afraid of him which in a way was just as amusing. Jaereo however had no such fears and flirted with her freely. That was why they probably became such good friends over the short amount of time they knew each other.

"Not at all Jaereo my mother and I had just gotten done dressing ourselves." Hela says with to him.

"Ah, so I have missed the opportunity to see you both in your natural forms once again. How sad it is that I may never get to rest my eyes on that which was shaped by the gods themselves." Jaereo says in a broken-hearted way that gets them both laughing.

In truth Jaereo didn't really wish to see them naked. Yes, they were the most beautiful women he had ever seen but he had no interest in that which he could not have. They belonged to other more powerful men than him and while the thought of painting them had come to mind from time to time he still had little interest.

"So, are we yet ready to leave and start the celebration? The people are all excited and ready to begin. Some have even started already and are drinking themselves into a stupor." Jaereo asks with a big smile wishing to get the party started. While his artwork may have been a bit on the darker side of things, he was still a fun-loving type of guy and was looking forward to getting drunk and stupid.

Knowing what young Jaereo was thinking CC smiles and says, "Almost Jaereo we are just waiting for Achilles to show with our guest of honor."

"Oh? I was wondering where he was. Whenever I came over in the past, he was always in the yard practicing his swordsmanship or bow skills." Jaereo says thinking about the young prince of the kingdom who was obviously going to shake the world one day. At just 9 name days old or years old as preferred here the boy was a frightening skilled warrior. His speed and physical strength were already better than any other boy his age and he had seen more than once as the boy threw a javelin over 75 yards at a target and hit it right in the center. A feat most grown men couldn't hope to accomplish, nonetheless a child.

"Yes, well he was getting pretty restless lately and wanted something to do. So, I sent him along with Jin the 2nd to pick up our guest of honor." CC says with a smile.

When Jaereo hears this, he can't help but laugh. Jin the 2nd the current King of the Wind was much like his father Jin the 1st before his retirement. Fun loving, rambunctious, and troublesome he could not see those two going anywhere without causing some type of trouble. How that man became the leader of the Royal Guard he would never understand but then he was loyal if not a bit careless with his duties. He was however currently also the strongest of all the Kings and Queens of power. When he had asked how strong Queen C told him he was just under the God of Lightning himself.

Once his thoughts are finished, they all hear the loud roar of Rizontie above them. "It would seem your guest has arrived, your highness." Jaereo states to her.

"Yes, it would seem that way. Come let us go welcome our guest. "CC says as they make their way out the house.

Less than a few minutes later they watch as Rizontie land flawlessly on the ground and watch Achilles climb off with King Melvan Stark and Jin close behind. It was a sad sight in a way to see King Melvan here by himself. At a very young age he had to take up the mantle of king after the shaking sickness devastated his family. Lucky enough his uncle Prince Dravor had survived his own fight with the sickness and was around to help him rule as a young boy till he was old enough to rule on his own. He was also lucky that the Stark family was not known for betraying one another for if he had wanted to his uncle could have easily taken the throne from him without much if any resistance. It was in fact one of the things CC liked most about them. In all their long history they were unbelievably loyal to each other and to those who swore their loyalty to them.

Seeing her son running up to her CC can't stop the smile that comes to her face when he stops and says, "Momma I am home."

"Yes, I can see that my little prince and ou brought back our guest in fine shape just like you promised me." CC says with a smile.

"Yep, and not a scratch on him to boot." Achilles adds with a proud smile on his lips.

But then the voice of King Melvan speaks up and says, "Not that he didn't try his best to make sure that wasn't the case, however. What with all those flips and twists he had Rizontie do on the way here."

Feeling like a ball of lead was just drop in his stomach Achilles looks away from his mother's questioning gaze and says, "I was only having fun."

Giving her son a stern look CC says, "Fun at other people's expense it would seem. Apologize to King Stark my son and go get ready."

Grumbling to himself Achilles turns around and bows to Melvan and says, "Sorry King Stark for any trouble I have caused you."

Laughing just a bit at the young boy Melvan just says, "It is fine Prince Achilles. Your sister has done far worse to me when we were kids after all."

And wasn't that the truth. Before the death of his father and siblings he could remember very well the number of times she would take them on rides with Jörmungandr and had him fly upside down. Doing quick hard turns, spins in the air than diving into the ocean just for fun and sometimes without the safety of a belt to hold them in place. So, the few stunts he pulled while riding Rizontie was really not a bit deal.

Smiling at that Achilles thanks Melvan and runs off to go get ready. As he does Hela walks up to him and says, "I really wasn't that bad was I?

Looking over at his friend Melvan says, "No Hela, you were worse."

Smacking her his should with her hand they both just laugh at the memories of the past. Yet when he comes face to face with CC, he remembers why he is here and stops laughing.

"King Stark welcome back it is lovely to see again after all these years." CC says with a smile on her face.

It takes a moment to get his wits about him as he looks upon the Queen of Númenor once more. The beautiful lady he had seen as a child had not aged a day and was still just as lovely as he recall. "Your highness Queen C of Numenor it is a pleasure to see you as well one more. And may I say you are as beautiful as I remember."

His words are sweet, and CC give a lovely laugh at them that are music to the young man's ears. "You flatter me King Stark, but I am afraid I am already happily married."

Take off balance by this a bit Melvan says, "No I…I didn't mean it that way you Queen C."

This just makes CC laugh even harder before Hela comes to his defense, "Mother stop picking on my friend. And you stop trying to court my mother."

Laughing a bit at his friend's over reaction Melvan says, "Hela I can assure you I was doing no such thing and would appreciate it if you didn't pass along such slanderous rumors. I have a betrothed after all and I would prefer it if she doesn't hear such rumors."

Smiling at hearing this Hela says, "So it's done then. You and Lady Dyanne Dustin are to officially be married?"

"Indeed, it is my friend and once more I thank you for suggesting such a good match. Dyanne will make a fine queen." Melvan says to Hela and truly meant it.

While some would question him on why he let a foreigner have any say over such a thing the answer would be because he simply trusted Hela more than anyone else. While yes, he trusted his uncle and of course his mother both had started to distance themselves from court life as of late. His mother because she felt he was a man and needed to stand on his own two feet and his uncle because there were still calls for him to take the throne himself. This left him only with his advisors who were picked by his uncle and were all looking to get something from him. Hela on the other hand didn't want anything nor needed anything from him. The Kingdom of Numenor was simply too rich and too far away for her to want anything so when she gave advice to him it was generally in his best interest. Well, that was unless she was bored and wanted to have fun at his expense, but he usually ignored her when that was the case.

So, when she suggested Lady Dyanne for his bride he took the suggest seriously. And it was a good thing he did for Lady Dyanne was perhaps the perfect match for him. A fine strong woman of great character from one of his most loyal banner men he could not ask for a better match. It also helped that she was fair of face, body and had a love of art like he did. So, they got along well enough though he had a feeling she would have preferred pursuing her passion for wood carvings in a dingy hut than being a queen. Which just made her all the more perfect in his eyes. Those other candidates that wanted to be his queen had all wanted it for no other reason than to have the power that came with such a position. Dyanne would take it reluctantly for no other reason than it was her duty, and her strong demeanor would see to it she took the position very seriously. The real tipping point for him however was that Dyanne was simply close friends with Hela.

"Of that I have no doubt Melvan. Though I am sure it will take some time for her to get used to the role." Hela says knowing her friend was not really interested in being queen.

"Yes, while King Stark's upcoming nuptials are all very fascinating, I believe my ladies you have forgotten to introduce me." Jaereo says from the side sounding a bit hurt. Though really, he was just playing around.

Looking over at the young man CC smiles and says, "Ah, yes our apologies Jaereo we simply forgot you were here. King Stark allow me to introduce a dear friend of mine former Prince Jaereo Nymeros Martell."

"Your words wound me, your highness." Jaereo says while clenching his heart playfully.

The sad part was while he was being playful, he knew very well that it could be she did forget he was there. His new queen cared little for things like proper etiquette or common curtesy. Not that she was trying to be rude but if you didn't have her interest at the moment she could and would forget you were there from time to time. Absent-minded some would call it, but he personally thought it was a side effect of immortality. After all, why would an immortal need to pay attention to those around them if none could hurt them.

Melvan is a little surprised at hearing this. While the North didn't have much contact with Dorne he did know a bit about House Nymeros Martell of Sunspear. Much like his own house there was little infighting between the members of House Martell. At least on the surface so to hear one of their princes was no longer one was more surprising than him being here in the first place. It made him wonder if Jaereo was banished for some reason or did he choose to leave on his own volition. He didn't have the right to ask however so he kept his mouth shut on the question that he wished to ask.

Instead, he just went and greeted the man. "It is a pleasure and honor to meet a friend of Queen C and Princess Hela, Lord Jaereo."

With a smile on his face Jaereo says in return, "As it is to meet you King Stark but please I am no lord or even a noble anymore so just call me Jaereo."

Rising an eyebrow at this Melvan says, "Very well Jaereo and does that mean that you are now a citizen of Numenor?"

"Indeed, it does King Stark. You see, after I spent some time here learning art from her highness, I returned to Dorne hoping to become a famed artist. Much like Lady Nilesha Baherion but sadly I found my art ill-suited to the tastes of the people back there. So, I packed it up as Lady Hela, so kindly put it and returned here to where my art could be if not appreciated then at least tolerated. Thankfully her highness saw fit to grant me citizenship and a small dwelling so I can continue to improve my art form and hopefully find a benefactor." Jaereo answered him.

"Something that you won't find easily Jaereo if you stay with the style, you're currently using." Hela comments from the side. While personally a fan of his artwork she knew popular opinion was not in his favor. So, finding a benefactor would not be easy.

Shrugging his shoulders Jaereo just says, "Princess I refuse to change my style just to fit what the sheep are doing. No, I will continue walking my own path come what may. Anyways I am sure something will come along."

"Stubborn and stupid. It is little wonder why I like you so much Jaereo." CC says to him, causing the young man to laugh awkwardly and wonder if he should feel complimented or insulted.

Perhaps it was both, but Jaereo just took it in good cheer. After all he knew if her majesty didn't like him then he wouldn't be here right now. "Once again you wound me milady. But may I dare to ask if I am such a stubborn and stupid person than what does that make the person who enjoys my company."

"Someone who has nothing better to do with her time it would seem." CC says to him with a warm smile.

As he watches this Melvan can't help but laugh. Since becoming king moments like this were rare to see or have. After all, some of the words they had said could be taken as a slight but clearly, they were close enough to where that was not the case. Sadly, it had to come to an end for soon they had to go to the celebration. So, taking Queen C's hand King Stark has the honor of leading her to her carriage.

Once inside a separate carriage from Hela, Jaereo and Achilles, CC turns to him and asks. "Are you ready Melvan?"

Looking at her Melvan gives a sad smile and answers, "Yes milady I am ready. I just….."

"You just wish your father was here." CC finishes for him when she sees he is getting all choked up.

Taking a deep breath and fighting down the sorrow he was feeling Melvan says, "Yes, he often talked about wanting to see the city when it was complete and how King L promised that on the day it was, he would allow him to plant a Weirwood at the very top in honor of their friendship. To think about him not being here on the day that promise was fulfilled is hard to stand."

"A sentiment that was felt by many this day Melvan. In total 137 people lost their lives during the construction of the city. For many of those worker's families its bittersweet knowing they will get to enjoy the labors of their deceased kins hard work without them." CC says to him.

"It's easy to understand why. Do to my father taking a chance in coming here all those years ago the North is now in the middle of a golden age of prosperity. Something that I get to enjoy but it feels bittersweet as you say." Melvan says to her.

"Don't let those feelings take away from the joy of the moment Melvan. I have lived a long time and trust me when I say there are few moments like this. Especially for those in positions of power like we are." CC says to him.

"Does it get any easier, milady?" Melvan asks, thinking about his family who were gone.

"No." Is CC's simple answer. One could accept loss and even move on from it, but it never got any easier to bear.

-A few hours later-

Walking up the main road of the City of Minas Tirith Lelouch and CC kept on straight faces as the people cheered them on as they led the procession up toward the Citadel. Right behind them were their son and daughter along with Attila and King Stark who both held positions of honor. People tossed flower petals from the rooftops of their new homes and cheered so loudly that the ground shook underneath them. But while everyone else was in good cheer Lelouch, and CC's minds were elsewhere.

"It is almost time my love." Lelouch says to his wife inside his mind.

"Yes, it is Lelouch, but I am having misgivings about this trip." CC says to him.

"Is it about Attila or Hela?" Lelouch asks knowing his wife's mindas he did, he knew they were the only ones that could grab her attention right now. Well, them and Achilles but he was coming with them on their little trip, so he was a moot point.

"Both, Hela is too young to rule in our place while we are gone and as for Attila there is much hate in him. Where once it was beneficial to us it is now a liability." She says to him.

"I know my dear, but we have put this off long enough. Those things up North are a threat that we can't take lightly. Most of the world has forgotten them but we know they are there. I know not why they haven't made a moved since they lost so long ago, but if left unchallenged they could become a problem for if not Hela and Achilles than our future children." Lelouch says to her.

He too was concerned about Attila nowadays. After all, he couldn't have predicted his daughter would fall in love with the boy. Ways of the heart were never his strong point. Sure, he could be inspiring, charming and any number of things to manipulate people's emotions but when it came to love he was as blind to it as the next fool. As shown when it took him nearly 50 years to realize he was truly in love with CC. So really it was no surprise that he didn't see this coming.

CC reluctantly nodded her head at this. While she had a bad feeling of leaving Hela in charge for even what would be a small amount of time, if Lelouch was right they had to move now rather than later. For barbaric people like these free folk as they called themselves it could take centuries for them to be useful in the long run. Perhaps less time if they planned to help them more than they were, but they didn't wish for them to become so powerful as to threaten the Starks who were more useful to them in the long run. Perhaps that would change if the Starks lost their value to them, but she didn't honestly see that happening in any significant way.

Letting out a sigh CC says, "You are right Lelouch. Despite the Night Watch getting a small boost in recruits due to our daughter taking a liking to them they are still a shadow of their former selves."

A sad truth if there ever was one Lelouch thought to himself. At its height during the Battle for the Dawn they numbered over 100,000 strong and that was after the battle. After that however the numbers slowly started to decline with its biggest dip being within the past 100 years going from 20,000 men to a mere 10,000. That number rose back to around 15 to 17,000 due to Hela's love of the Wall and the Night's Watch but how long that would hold was unknown.

Regardless as it was the Night Watch couldn't hope to hold back these Others as they called them with what little strength it had now. Not when these Others could have possibly millions of undead at their disposal. Honestly, Lelouch just wanted to take Jörmungandr and Smaug there and wipe them out, but he was unsure if he could. Even with Jörmungandr and Smaug getting more and more powerful as the years passed, he was not sure they could stand against these Others and win. And that went for himself and CC as well. They, like their dragons, were gaining more power from this world every year, but taking on supernatural monsters in their own sphere of influence was not wise. Best they go about this in a more roundabout way till they knew for a fact how strong these things were.

-The two Martell by Maester Yraemond Targaryen-

If you wish to see perhaps one of the finest examples of a dysfunctional family, you needn't look any forwarder than House Nymeros Martell and Clan Nymeros Martell. One a Great House of Westeros and ruling family of Dorne and the other a loyal clan and current Daimyos of the lands Babylon. So much alike and yet so different they have become after the exile Prince Jaereo founded of Clan Martell. A clan famed more for their great artists than anything else their passion and stubbornness mirror their kin. But while House Martell words are Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken, theirs are My Life, My Death, All for the Empire. It is little wonder they have come to blows seeing as one has made it clear who they are truly loyal to.

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And end

I hope you all like this chapter if you have any comments, please leave them in the reviews as always.

The next chapter we will see more of the celebration of the city going on as well as some political shit and fluff with Hela and Attila. I don't expect to go very long but God knows I am a slow ass writer and fast to me can be a mouth.

Any ways you all have a great weekend and stay safe during these crazy times.