Sitting beside her sister in the Great Hall, Rhaena eyed the two men who had journeyed all the way from King's Landing to present themselves before the Dragon Queen and the Wolf King. Jaime Lannister and Dickon Tarly. Of the entire Lannister army which Cersei had promised them, only two were yet to arrive, and Rhaena suspected that this was all the number they could expect to receive. She should have followed her instinct when she suspected Cersei's words to be false. She had abandoned her word and now left them to face the enemy alone, however Rhaena found it curious that Cersei's own brother Jaime had ridden to them, and more so Dickon Tarly of all people. It was a peculiar happening, and Rhaena could not help but feel a little amused as she listened to her sister's words as they rang clearly through the hall. "When I was a child, my brother would tell me a bedtime story about the man who murdered our father." Having never met the Kingslayer before, Daenerys surveyed the man before her and found him pitiful. The monster of her nightmares, the man who had haunted her every step, whom she had feared for many years of her girlhood to be hunting her in order to thrust the same sword through her back which had pierced her father, was little more than a cripple. "Who stabbed him in the back and cut his throat. Who sat down on the Iron Throne and watched as his blood poured onto the floor. He told me other stories as well. About all the things we would do to that man once we took back the Seven Kingdoms and had him in our grasp." Daenerys continued to stare coldly at Jaime who lowered his gaze from her as he was reminded of his past transgressions. "Your sister pledged to send her army north."

"She did."

"I don't see an army. I see one man, with one hand and another man who refused to bend the knee after defeat. It appears your sister lied to me." Dickon shifted uncomfortably, glancing around him to the people who sat in stony silence. His father had disagreed with his decision to follow Jaime Lannister north, had even expressly forbidden him to come, but he had disobeyed him regardless. Honour drove his actions, as they had Jaime's. Queen Cersei had given her word to send her men north to face the threat of the undead but had broken her vow. Dickon would see to it that at least he honoured that vow. For his mother and his sister, for their home, and also for Sam. The words of the dragon princess had haunted him ever since she had released them from the prison cells underneath Dragonstone, telling him how he was alive only being set free because of Samwell, his brother. Hopefully, any past grievances between them might now be settled.

"She lied to me as well," Jaime revealed, answering the Dragon Queen as she continued to stare at him accusingly. "She never had any intention of sending her army north. She has Euron Greyjoy's fleet and twenty thousand fresh troops. The Golden Company from Essos, bought and paid for. Even if we defeat the dead, she'll have more than enough to destroy the survivors." Catching his use of his phrasing which suggested that he now counted himself amongst their number, Daenerys queried it carefully, wanting him to further explain himself. "I promised to fight for the living. I intend to keep that promise." After a few moments of pause, Tyrion dared to step forwards in order to entreat with the queen for his brother's life, looking to Daenerys but also to Rhaena. It was perhaps underhanded of him, but Tyrion knew he could ask almost anything of Rhaena and she would do her best to grant his desire. With a single look, he knew he could request Rhaena's aid in shielding his brother from misfortune. Rhaena looked at him, met his gaze, but revealed nothing in her expression.

"Your Grace, I know my brother…"

"Like you knew your sister?" Cutting him off sharply, Daenerys turned her cold expression upon Tyrion who faltered slightly, knowing that after everything, he was currently in the queen's disfavour. He had disappointed her, and now his brother's life hung in the balance.

"He came here alone, knowing full well how he'd be received. Why would he do that if he weren't telling the truth?"

"Perhaps he trusts his little brother to defend him, right up to the moment he slits my throat." Feeling utterly helpless, Tyrion once more looked to Rhaena whose eyes had returned to focus upon Jaime and Dickon. She studied them closely, Tyrion watching as her mind worked, most likely thinking and calculating every motive and reason they could possibly have for coming her in an attempt to determine their credibility. Sensing his imploring gaze upon her, Rhaena shifted her eyes to her little friend. He looked utterly desperate, but Rhaena did not allow herself to reveal anything yet. She was still undecided whether or not she could allow herself to trust Ser Jaime. However, she knew more than anything that she would never wish grief upon her dearest and most trusted friend. If Jaime died, Tyrion would never be the same again. This much she knew. So still without giving anything away, Rhaena lifted a single finger and moved it to the side, signalling for Tyrion to step back and allow her to handle things. Having no other choice, Tyrion bowed his head to his queen and stepped aside, praying that Rhaena would prove true.

"You're right. We can't trust him." Sansa spoke rather unexpectedly, drawing the attention of all four of her brothers. She looked at Jaime with a deep rooted sense of hatred, not because of anything he had done to her, but because of the name he carried, and because of what he had done to her father. "He attacked my father in the streets. He tried to destroy my house and my family, the same as he did yours." Speaking to Daenerys, Sansa would feel no sorrow to see Jaime Lannister meet with a little justice as she had delivered to Lord Petyr Baelish. She dreaded to think the manipulations he might be weaving even now were he still alive, but after he had attempted to drive a wedge between herself and Arya, Sansa had decided that enough was enough. She learned the truth from Bran, and it was more than enough to convince Robb to pass sentence upon him. If she could bring down a man such as Littlefinger, Sansa saw no reason why she could not do the same with a Lannister such as Jaime, who even now demonstrated no regret or remorse for anything he had done.

"Do you want me to apologize? I won't. We were at war. Everything I did, I did for my house and my family. I'd do it all again."

"The things we do for love." At these words a flash of fear had appeared in Jaime's eyes, something Rhaena noticed and observed as Jaime stared at Bran, slightly agape. There was something there, Rhaena sensed. Something which only Bran and Jaime knew. Silence followed as each person deliberated on their opinions. Robb and Jon sat together, watching the Kingslayer. They had seen him only once before, when King Robert had come to Winterfell in order to take their father away to be his Hand. The man they saw now was so altered from the man in their memory, they would not have recognised him again. Robb was more than inclined to follow his sister's opinion and execute Jaime Lannister on the spot, though he kept his silence. It was not a decision only for him to make. Jaime Lannister had offended many people and committed numerous crimes. His fate would need to be decided by more than just himself.

"So why have you abandoned your house and family now?" Finally breaking the silence, Daenerys furthered her questions as Jaime tore his stare away from Bran who never once shifted his focus.

"Because this goes beyond loyalty," he glanced to Brienne of Tarth, catching her gaze then looked away once more. "This is about survival." His words hung in the air, weighing heavily again the minds of those who would decide his fate. Rhaena continued to contemplate, looking to Dickon Tarly also but before she could speak, Brienne had suddenly stood up from her seat with a great sense of urgency, moving around the table from where she had sat beside Sansa in order to address the Dragon Queen directly.

"You don't know me well, Your Grace," she spoke before moving, bringing herself to stand in front of Jaime Lannister, almost as if to be his shield. "But I know Ser Jaime. He is a man of honour." Honourable would not be the first word Rhaena would choose to describe Ser Jaime Lannister, but she did not raise her voice in disagreement as Brienne continued to speak of her own view and opinion, revealing her history with Jaime Lannister to all those present. "I was his captor once. But when we were both taken prisoner and the men holding us tried to force themselves on me, Ser Jaime defended me. And lost his hand because of it." A little surprised, Rhaena glanced between the two figures, thinking how odd a pair they made. Brienne turned to Sansa. "Without him, my lady, I would not be here to serve you. He armed me, armoured me, and sent me to find you and bring you home because he'd sworn an oath to your mother. Although I failed in this, I was able to take up your brother's cause and fight at his side."

"And save my life, more than once." Robb finally spoke, begrudgingly acknowledging that if it were not for Jaime Lannister sending Brienne away with her sword and armour, he might not be sitting there today. He recalled when Brienne had first appeared to him, informing him of his mother's charge of her and offering her blade to his cause until his sisters could be found. Not soon after, Brienne's sword had saved Robb's neck. Quite literally. As vexing as it was to think that in some roundabout way Robb was alive because of Jaime Lannister, Robb could not deny the truth. "No one here doubts your honour or your word, Lady Brienne." Nodding her thanks to him, Brienne then looked to Sansa who deliberated thoughtfully, asking Brienne if she would vouch for Ser Jaime and fight beside him. It seemed surprising to Jaime himself when Brienne rather firmly pronounced that she would on both counts, not hesitating for even a second. Finally, Sansa sighed heavily.

"I trust you with my life. If you trust him with yours, we should let him stay." Glancing to the auburn headed girl, Daenerys could see that she was steadily being outvoted. She turned to her sister, looking at Rhaena who was set to say anything.

"And you?" Speaking to her, Rhaena turned her head in order to meet her sister's attention. "What would you have us do with him? You perhaps know this man better than most. You have suffered more because of the Lannisters than any of us here." To this, Rhaena could not disagree. Leaning back against her seat, Rhaena looked at Jaime steadily who could not meet her gaze. Memories plagued her, uncomfortable and painful ones that she wished would fade away forever. Instead of facing them for the moment, she looked instead to Dickon Tarly.

"What I wish to know is the reason for the heir of House Tarly has for coming here." She announced instead, shifting focus from Jaime Lannister to his companion, who until now had stood silent and solemn. He had no trouble meeting the princess's gaze, though struggled to keep himself from flushing as her eyes looked directly upon him.

"Honour, my lady." His answer was stout and honest. "Queen Cersei betrayed her word when she should not. I am of a mind with Ser Jaime, that this war goes beyond loyalty and oaths. It is about fighting for survival and protecting those you love. I have family, a mother and a sister. If I can keep the march of the dead from reaching them, then I shall gladly join my sword to your cause." Arching an eyebrow, Rhaena began to tap a finger against the table, the sound causing an echo to fill the hall which was otherwise silence. She tapped rhythmically, her head filled with thoughts and pondering until she smiled slightly to him.

"Not so long ago, I sentenced you to die." Daenerys reminded him, perhaps a little unwisely. Dickon nodded his head in acknowledgement, facing the Dragon Queen who would have burned both himself and his father alive were it not for the princess. "Yet still you come here to fight for us. Perhaps I misjudged you before." To this Dickon's expression darkened and he drew himself upright, his gaze harshening into a glare at the Dragon Queen who sat before him in all innocence when she had no such right.

"Respectfully, it is not for you I have come here to fight. As I said, it is for the people I love…and because I owe my life to Lady Rhaena." Instantly Daenerys' expression fell into one of sour displeasure. "It is to her I owe a debt, and it does not sit well with me to allow it to go unpaid. If my sword might make even the smallest difference between victory and defeat, then I will gladly pledge it in Lady Rhaena's honour." At little taken aback, Rhaena glanced to her sister and registered her anger. She was beginning to learn that Daenerys did not like to be made second to her own sister, often growing envious over things which should not have mattered. There was nothing to be done about the situation at present, so Rhaena sought to swiftly put it at an end.

"Then I thank you for your courage. It would be my honour to fight alongside you, Dickon Tarly." Bowing his head to her, Dickon moved away to the side at Rhaena's gentle motion of her hand, allowing her focus to return to Jaime Lannister. "Now begs the question, what is to be done with you?" Jaime swallowed back the thick lump that had risen to his throat, now forcing himself to raise his head and look at the little dragon before him. He thought once again how different she seemed to him. Just like on the bank of the river where she had cornered him with Bronn after attacking their convoy, Rhaena was no longer the weak and helpless little girl he had known. He had no doubt that she resented him a great deal, and did not blame her for feeling such. Perhaps had he known, he might have done more to protect her as he should have. True, he had killed her father and no matter the reason of his actions, did not excuse the betrayal of his oath. In recompense, he should have protected the daughter the Mad King left behind, but he had not. He had watched her weep and bleed, done nothing when others hurt her, and only rarely come to her aid when it was most certain that he would not incur his sister's wrath in doing so. When it came to Rhaena Targaryen…Jaime had been a coward, and nothing would ever excuse him from that. Still, he did not wish to have everything he had done since becoming a somewhat decent man be for nothing. He had come here to honour his own word, surely that must count for something?

"My lady…"

"What my sister said is true," speaking over him in order to silence his words, Rhaena remained as unaffected as stone as she glowered at Ser Jaime Lannister. "I have suffered more at the hands of Lannisters than anyone else here. Your sister is as cruel as she is beautiful." Jaime breathed deeply as his heart began to tremble in guilt, thick swells of emotion rising through him as he looked at the little dragon piteously.

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…"

"You murdered our father. Then you allowed me to suffer at the hands of your sister and her husband. It is my understanding that the vows of a knight swear them to protect the innocent and defend the weak." Her eyes were a violet fire, burning with seething rage as the dark shadows of her painful past dug their claws deeply into her flesh. "Yet you ignored those vows and left me to the lions and the vultures." To this, Jaime had no denial. It was true, he had abandoned her, and there was no defence he could make in order to protest her claims. Even with the few times he had defended her or protected her, it was not enough to repay all the times he had failed to hold up to his vows. At least he had the decency to weep now. Shamed and mournful, guilt ridden and crippled, Jaime Lannister stood before Rhaena and knew that he would deserve any and every punishment she chose to inflict upon him. Even death. Perhaps he had known he risked this when he had decided to come to the north. Perhaps even a part of him wished for it, to atone with death for all that he had done. Gods know he deserved it. "And yet…" Many gazes shifted quickly to Rhaena, including Jaime's as his head lifted at the sound of her doubting tone. "And yet I understand you, Jaime Lannister." He stared at her disbelievingly, and for a brief moment, saw a similarly tortured soul within the little dragon he had known since infancy. "It is easy to speak the vows and say the words that a knight makes upon anointment, but another thing entirely to truly live them. The world his harsh, cruel, and unforgiving. Only the greatest of men walk through life untainted by its touch." Rising to her feet, Rhaena pressed her hand against the table as if to steady herself, feeling her pulse hammering through her as she struggled to contain the maddening scream within her to demand the man's blood in repayment for her sufferings. "You never hurt me, Ser Jaime. Once or twice, you even protected me. Concerning me, it is my opinion that all you are guilty of is neglect of duty." Taking her hand away, Rhaena drew herself up to her full height, the coronet of jewels glinting as she inclined her head. "I say let the gods judge you as they will. If you are a man worthy of living, then you will survive this battle. If not…then you shall die. Let their justice decide your fate." Glancing towards Tyrion, Rhaena finally stepped aside and turned herself away. "I want no part of it." Before she could allow anyone to see her struggles, Rhaena removed herself form the great hall.

She strode away quickly, drawing in deep, ragged breaths until she was far away from that place and able to breathe fresh, crisp air. Winter air. It was sharp and filled the lungs with its bite, but Rhaena relished in the sensation as she dragged the breaths into her body. Within, an edge of madness still raged. Kill him. Gut him. Burn him. Let him writhe in pain and scream. It was nothing, merely notions of a frightened, tortured girl who no longer existed. Rhaena was better than that now, stronger and no longer afraid of those who had once haunted her. There was no need to lash out from terror. Rhaena was capable. She could defend herself. All she required was to remain calm. So she breathed deeply, and felt the coolness of Winterfell's presence settle upon her as if the ancient stone walls were calling to her, promising her their safety and protection. It soothed her mind and stayed away the sparks of insanity which had reared its ugly head. Rhaena pushed all such thoughts aside, instead focusing upon the present. Now was not the time to lose her head. She needed ever fibre of her focus upon the battle which was coming, because as she had vowed to herself…she would not stop until her sword was driven through the Night King's cold, icy and unfeeling heart.