Chapter 41

Arya paused to breathe in the clear air outside King's Landing. It was nice to be wearing her own face for the moment. She had worn a mask all throughout King's Landing, which allowed her to learn many interesting things from the docks to the city gates. Apparently the whole city was preparing for war, and they sounded very confident that the crown would win. But the most interesting thing was the heads that were supposedly hers and Sansa's on pikes outside the walls. Arya could tell that they were-well crafted masks…it made her curious as to just who had crafted them.

Arya turned her back to the capital and began making her way north to The Twins. First she would visit the Freys to thank them for the beautiful wedding they held for her uncle; then she would continue north to see her sister in Winterfell.

…

Yara Greyjoy loaded up the last of the Iron Fleet and gave the command to set sail. She gave one last look to the island she had used as her hideout as they sailed off towards King's Landing. She only hoped that the alliance made to kill her uncle Euron to give her back the salt throne was worth it. Even her other uncle Victarion was being hunted down so that she would have no opposition from murderous uncles. She hoped her new ally would honor his word and uphold his end of the bargain fully.

…

Hannibal had spoken with Margaery about his trap. He did not like the idea of using her as bait, nor did he like the idea of giving their enemies a harder target and potentially risk young Rhys and Reina. The Blackfish had been present at their meeting and had helped to assuage their fears of what could go wrong with this plan.

They were on the march to set up their camp near the Twins. That was the first stop along the path to King's Landing. He expected the Freys to be cowering within their walls, causing them to be an easy target with his plan.

Their tent was set up in the absolute center of the camp with the best guards around it. Hannibal had Vhagar hidden within the tent and a special network of tents set up nearby for him to move through so that he was kept a secret for as long as possible. Hannibal did not want the Lannister army to know that he had a nearly full-grown dragon just yet.

Once the army was settled, Hannibal joined his family inside the tent. A messenger arrived and reported that the Lannister spies were seen lurking to the south of the camp closest to The Twins. Hannibal gave a nod of his head as he approached Margaery. The messenger scurried off.

"Did you hear the report?" He asked her as they watched Rhys and Reina playing with Mab and using Vhagar to hide behind.

Margaery nodded her head. She was wearing the green armored dress Hannibal had given her with a matching green cloak. She had a secret dagger tucked away within her boot.

"I did indeed. You know I am more than prepared to step into the trap as bait." She replied.

Margaery was worried, but she would rather tempt them with an easier target by allowing herself to be taken rather than risk a strike that might harm their children. She rubbed her hands over her growing belly nervously. Her pregnancy made their plan feel like an even greater risk. It had been quite the debate to bring them at all, but neither she nor Hannibal truly trusted that their children would be safe anywhere other than with them. They were not certain Sansa had enough control to prevent an enemy assassin to make an attempt in Winterfell.

Hannibal nodded before sighing deeply. He trusted her and he trusted his plan, but he still did not like sending her on such a dangerous mission. He turned her head to kiss her deeply. Slowly he pulled back to look deep within her eyes. "Let them think they have a Golden Rose. Not a Bolton Huntress."

Margaery returned the kiss and nodded. "I will not falter. That proud lion would put himself in danger rather than see a hair out of place upon me for fear of your wrath. The journey there will be the most dangerous part. After that I will patiently wait for you to rescue me and place him firmly in your trap."

Hannibal kissed her once again before calling out to the children. "It is time for bed. Come and say good night."

Rhys and Reina pouted, but came toddling over to hug each of them in turn. Hannibal picked Reina up to set her in the large crib they had brought. During this journey they would sleep together, they did not need to be weighed down by too many excessive items after all.

Once the children were sleeping peacefully, Margaery commanded Mab to guard the children before kissing Hannibal and leaving for her mission.

Hannibal watched her leave for a long moment before he began to strap on his armor. He grew to not like his plan as much after she had left. He knew she was strong enough, but he was worried about how she would be treated during her mission until he arrived. He would give Margaery a two hour head start to be certain she was clear of The Twins before he made his attack there. There was no moon tonight, it was the perfect time to eliminate the pestilent Frey clan in its entirety.

…

Highgarden was a warm climate, but Dorne was downright tropical. Not that Olenna was complaining, she rather enjoyed the warmth and the breeze that came in from the sea. Ellaria Sand was too busy arguing with Oberyn's brother to meet with her, but she had sent the Sand Snakes in her stead. Well, three of them at least. Olenna was clad in her light blue silks, sitting across from Obara, Tyene and Nymeria Sand. Each Snake was clad in loose beige clothing strapped along their bodies with dark brown belts and ties, leaving several cutouts in the fabric to show off their tanned skin. To think that Cersei Lannister had mocked Margaery for being scantily clad in the Red Keep! Olenna really didn't care much for how they were dressed, this was their land after all.

"Allow me to extend my apologies to you for the passing of your father," Olenna began. "From what I've observed, though my time with him was short, he was a good man."

"Indeed he was," Obara replied.

"But you didn't come here to discuss our father," Nymeria pointed out.

"Get to it," Tyene growled.

Olenna gave the third Sand Snake a sharp look. She would not be spoken to that way. Olenna was no warrior, but her cold glare had Tyene straightening in her seat, and silenced her.

"You're right," Olenna admitted. "Your aunt was married into the Targaryen clan. I've come across some rather…interesting information but need to verify it. Obviously the Baratheons destroyed whatever records remained of the Targaryen line in King's Landing. The great oaf Robert wanted to try and eviscerate any evidence of the dragons from the history books."

"That or Cersei did," Obara smirked.

"More likely Tywin, dear," Olenna sipped the island tea that had been brought for them. It was nice, different from the floral teas of Highgarden – it was more citrus in taste. "Cersei isn't quite that bright."

"At any rate, how can we possibly help?" Tyene asked, finally gaining her voice again.

"Surely the Martells have their own records, if they gave one of their daughters to the Targaryens," Olenna pointed out. "I would be much obliged to look into those records, and corroborate what I think I found in the Bolton records."

The Sand Snakes exchanged looks. "What's the benefit for us if we allow you access to such information?" Obara asked with a smirk.

Olenna leaned in, and for a moment kept her expression stern. She hesitated, but only for a moment. "If I'm right, I may be able to provide another living blood relative to the Targaryen line. One who could challenge the Lannisters and take back the throne from the lions."

The Snakes balked; they were impressed, but skeptical. They whispered to one another for a long moment. "Such thoughts and plans…that's treason, Lady Olenna," Nymeria tutted.

"But if successful, I may save our lands and the Seven Kingdoms entirely from Lannister reign," Olenna pointed out. "Something I think we can all agree would be beneficial to all of us."

The Sand Snakes looked to each other, then slowly Obara nodded. "We'll take you to our royal archives. If you need anything you cannot find there, we will find a way to get it for you."

Olenna nodded. "I thank you for your hospitality."

The next morning, Olenna was permitted into the royal archives section of the Martell library. Olenna had several books and family records spanning the last several centuries laid out before her. All the way back to the Stark Kings and Red Kings of old. She flipped through the pages and parchments, looking for any scraps of information that might help her.

First she trailed the Bolton line, beginning with Hannibal and Roose, and going backwards from there. It seemed that the Bolton men lived for quite a long time. A curious thing in her opinion. She knew from the Bolton records that the last Red King had to surrender his children to the Starks as hostages and that one had died. She searched for any information on his name and the descriptions of his children. When she came to the Red King, Rogar Bolton, she paused. His wife was a woman by the name of Tyanna, she had seen that name somewhere before.

Olenna turned to the Targaryen records. These were a bit more complicated, given the amount of incest that occurred within the family tree. It took a few hours, but working backwards, Olenna was able to find the list of marriages and women that were associated with Maegor the Cruel. Tyanna of the Tower was one such woman. The mysteries that surrounded that woman were astounding; rumored to be a sorceress, a woman of similar description was found among the Wildlings in the North only a short time later. Olenna had a servant copy the information down and went immediately to find Ellaria Sand and her three daughters once again. They needed to have a discussion woman to woman.

…

The spies had been shocked at the massive army that was sprawled out before them. There were far more men here than their master had anticipated. They would report that to him indeed. One of the spies spotted a highborn lady moving through the tents and towards the perimeter. They quickly realized that this had to be Lady Bolton herself.

A few guards were following her, but once she was out of the camp she stopped and told them to wait. Apparently she wanted some privacy to make water. The spies could not believe their good fortune! They shifted silently and watched where she went. Once she was in the treeline and out of sight of her guards, they moved in. They tied fabric around her mouth to keep her from screaming as they worked to restrain her before lifting her and carrying her to their tied up horses. Once they got to the horses, they realized that she was full with child.

The leader of the spies spoke to her. "Come along quietly, Lady Boltong - if you do not fight us, we promise not to injure you or your child. We will ride at a reasonable pace to not jostle you too much. However, if you fight us...I cannot promise these same terms."

Margaery's eyes lit with anger as she glared at the leader. She instinctively tried to hide her belly with her hands. She looked over her shoulder, but nodded her head in agreement with his words. She allowed them to help her into the saddle.

The spies mounted extra horses and tied lead ropes to her horse so that she could not race off without taking at least two of them with her. They then began to make their way to Riverrun. They wanted to be there before the sun came up with their prisoner. This was the bargaining chip their master desperately needed.

The guards who had been watching Margaery were aware of the plan. They saw the spies take their mistress and they shifted forward to watch how they treated her. Once they were clear of the camp, the guards went to the center of the camp to report to their master that the bait had been taken.

Chapter 42

Hannibal rode upon Vhagar's back with confidence. They soared high into the sky where no one would have hope of seeing them. He was wearing black armor to blend in with the night sky even better. He flew out past The Twins and saw a group of riders moving rapidly towards Riverrun. He brought out a spyglass and spotted Margaery sitting upon a horse with the spies around her. At least she was clear of The Twins and seemed to be riding under her own power. The spies were smart enough not to drug her in her condition.

Hannibal guided Vhagar back towards The Twins. He had a bag with a few specially-made ceramic jars. Inside the jar was wildfire. He moved Vhagar and dropped a jar at each of the entrances to the Frey tower. It was not a large amount of Wildfire, but it was enough to easily destroy the bridges to leave them stranded within the castle. Hannibal took Vhagar higher to see how Lord Frey would send out his troops around the top of the walls to defend themselves.

Hannibal had small groups of men who were to light fires and keep the men on the walls distracted. He flew to the south side of the two castles first. He dropped more jars there and commanded Vhagar to add some of his dragonfire as well. Soon all of the defenders along the southern walls were ablaze and spreading the flames as they tried to stop themselves from burning.

He then flew to the north walls, followed by west and then east. He had cleared the tops of the walls of defenders. Now they were gathering in the inner walls. Hannibal had only a few more jars left. He then tossed them in the center of the eastern keep to set the very heart of it ablaze before doing the same in the western keep. Vhagar roared loudly so that all in the castle would look up and see him. They flew in circles around the castle, Vhagar sending streams of his dragon fire into the keep until the outer walls were ablaze with dragon fire and the inner walls were ablaze with wildfire. Those within the keep would die no matter where they tried to run.

Hannibal had Vhagar patrolling the keep to see if any of the rats had survived by trying to escape through a tunnel. They would be roasted and eaten by Vhagar. The small teams of men fired ballistae into the Frey keep loaded with more wildfire. The keep itself would contain the green flames from spreading. It took nearly four hours for the castle to crumble to pieces.

Hannibal stayed with Vhagar to ensure that all within had indeed died. His camp was already packing up to move quickly to Riverrun, the order had been given to be prepared to move out after Hannibal returned from this attack. The trap for Jaime Lannister was about to be set. He nodded in satisfaction as the first rays of light began to stretch across the sky at the rubble that had once been The Twins. He then flew back to his camp to ensure his men were ready to march.

…

"…what," Ellaria Sand was present with the Sand Snakes. She was in disbelief over what Olenna had just told them.

Olenna sipped her tea once again. She then pushed forward the notes she'd taken during her time in the Martell archives. "My grandson-in-law and my granddaughter's children can trace their lineage to the Targaryens. Did you not hear me the first time, dear? Perhaps you should have your hearing checked in your old age."

Ellaria did not take kindly to that, but she knew better than to snap at the older woman. She looked over the notes with the Sand Snakes, and nearly broke out in laughter. "Tyanna of the Tower? Maegor the Cruel carved out her heart before she ever left King's Landing!" Ellaria sneered.

Olenna smiled and tapped another section of the paper. "Then explain to me how a woman of similar description to Tyanna of the Tower, and of the same name, appears in the North only a few months later among the Wildlings when the White Walkers began appearing again. Explain to me how this woman married Rogar Bolton and gave birth to a child only a few months after her marriage. A child dark of hair, but with violet eyes."

Ellaria was silent. The Sand Snakes were silent.

Olenna leaned forward and smiled. "I'm not saying it's not an absurd idea. It is. However, Tyanna of the Tower was rumored to have powers akin to those the Red Priestesses claim. It's just possible that she staged her death, and went on to have Maegor's child safely in the North among the Red Kings."

"Why would a Red King tolerate a child who wasn't his?" Obara pointed out.

Olenna gave Obara a look that one gives an idiot child. "My dear, don't be naïve. There were no other children from Tyanna and Rogar's marriage. What man would boast impotence if he had the choice? He had a male heir. That was all he needed."

The Dornish women looked to each other, then back to Olenna. "Then it would seem, Lady Tyrell, that we have a deal to make."

…

Jaime had been pacing back and forth for the entire evening. He knew Hannibal had camped his forces just outside The Twins. He hoped that treacherous Lord Frey was going to actually fight him and not just let him pass through. He heard a shout from a sentry and went to the gate. He saw his spies riding towards the drawbridge and ordered it opened. Either something had gone terribly wrong…or they had a prisoner.

Jaime went down to meet them and his eyes widened in shock when he saw Margaery Bolton upon horseback...and pregnant. "What in the seven hells have you done!?"

Their leader held out a hand. "I promise we haven't harmed her in any way."

Jaime frowned as he motioned for a couple of his trusted men to carefully get her down. "You better not have. Her husband will be certain to repay the favor slowly if you have." Jaime ordered his men to guard Margaery carefully as he led her down to the dungeons.

They put a chair in one of the cells along with two large buckets. One for water and one to use as a toilet. She remained unbound and the gag was removed after they locked her in her cell.

Margaery paid careful attention as she was led down to the dungeons. She would need to find a way to leave a message for Hannibal's spy in Riverrun so that Hannibal would be led to her exact location. She found it curious that Jaime had not had her bound. He must not see her as a threat, that would be a terrible mistake. However, she would not let him know of that mistake yet.

Jaime intended to win this battle. However, he was not foolish enough to mistreat a pregnant woman. He was wary enough of her to lock her in the dungeons at the very least. He entered her cell to try and get some information out of her.

Margaery sat on the chair in the cell and rubbed over her belly out of habit. "You had me kidnapped? I recommend you release me immediately, tuck your tail, and run back to that sister of yours. You don't want my husband catching you all alone here in Riverrun with his pregnant wife locked in your cells." She said as she remained in her chair with a haughty smirk on her face.

Jaime frowned at her comment, but shook his head. "We are quite well provisioned here. We can withstand a siege for months. Your husband will not openly attack us with you here as my prisoner. Once we reach terms, you will be released." He said before a messenger ran up.

"Sir…there is a green glow in the sky. It is coming from The Twins." He reported.

Jaime froze and looked at the messenger with a dark scowl. "Are you certain it was green, boy?" The messenger nodded quickly. Jaime turned his focus back on Margaery in an instant. "Just how does your husband have wildfire?"

Margaery leaned back in her seat with a hint of a smirk on her face. "What need have you to worry what he does and does not have? You plan on using me as a bargaining chip. Let me know how that works out for you Ser Jaime." She said before looking about the cell. "Although, you should be concerned when I tell him that you did not provide a proper bed for me to sleep upon. That will make him quite cross. He gets very protective over me, especially when I am with child."

Jaime was fuming as he glared at her. "A man who is willing to use wildfire on innocents will not give a single, solitary fuck if you have a proper bed or not." He said before turning to storm out.

"I'll be certain to let him know your opinion." Margaery quipped just before he was out of earshot. She was on the eastern wall in the center of the cells. Once the spy made himself known, she would give him the signal to display.

Jaime stormed off to the top of the wall to look out at the sky. He did indeed see a green hue on the skyline. This was going to be a far more difficult fight than he had originally anticipated. Especially since the spies mentioned that the overall numbers of men were a good deal more than he had anticipated. He would need to negotiate if he was going to survive this battle and return to King's Landing to keep Cersei and Tommen safe.

…

Ellaria Sand had gone to Prince Doran after her meeting with Olenna Tyrell. Doran had told her to lead the contact with the Queen of Thorns since he was recovering from another illness. Ellaria reported on the deal she had proposed to Olenna.

Unfortunately, Doran thought the entire thing was a farce and he had no intention of honoring the deal Ellaria had made with Olenna. Ellaria was furious with his blindness and decided to take matters into her own hands.

She summoned the Sand Snakes and they decided to put an end to his constant illness. They did not make a frontal assault that would alert his very skilled bodyguard. They approached him as if to make a new report.

"I have spoken with Olenna Tyrell once again. I'm afraid she is quite adamant about her argument. Perhaps you could speak with her. She does not seem to believe me that we need more proof of her suspicions." Ellaria said.

Doran was a bit suspicious when the Sand Snakes joined Ellaria, but he told his man to back down and allow them closer. "My strength has returned enough for me to speak with her. Send her to me and I will speak with her."

Ellaria stepped forward and went down onto her knees before Doran. "Are you certain? She drains a person of energy with how much she talks. I do not want you to fall ill again simply from a conversation with a flower."

Doran allowed her to get close and reached his arm out for her to kiss his hand. "I appreciate your concern. However, I assure you my health is just fine."

Ellaria leaned forward to kiss the back of his hand and slowly stood before leaning in to kiss his cheek as well. "I certainly hope it is." She said before stepping back and moving with the Sand Snakes as if they were going to get Olenna.

With her back to Doran, she took a quick antidote for the poison she had on her lips that she had just given to him.

It only took a few minutes. His guard was trying to save Doran when the Sand Snakes returned and struck him down. It was quick. Now Ellaria ruled Dorne. She would inform Olenna of the change in power and establish their alliance immediately. No more waiting on a sick man to slowly make decisions from his chair.

Chapter 43

Jon Snow had frowned over the latest reports from North of The Wall. Things were getting worse. The White Walkers were getting bolder and the army of the dead was growing. This upcoming war was going to be far worse than he had originally feared. He knew many of his own men were starting to seriously question his leadership, but he was far more worried about matters North of The Wall than within the walls of Castle Black.

Jon decided to go out for a walk and try to clear his mind. He had stopped to look in the ice cells. He heard a few footsteps approach him from behind and he turned to see Alliser Thorne. He opened his mouth to speak when he felt the sharp sting of a blade piercing his back and suddenly he lost the ability to fully breathe as a lung was punctured.

"For The Watch." He heard a soft whisper in his ear.

Jon felt himself go numb as multiple blades pierced him over and over again. The edges of the world went dark, and that darkness slowly filled his vision before nothingness overtook him.

…

Jaime had not slept that night. He expected a rapid and a very aggressive response from Hannibal once he discovered his pregnant wife was missing. The fact that he seemed to have wildfire was a terrifying thought. Jaime had destroyed the entire store of wildfire in King's Landing. If he could not hold off or destroy Hannibal's army…then he left his last remaining son and sister completely vulnerable. He would need to hold his ground and put Hannibal down before he marched any further south...or at least negotiate for the safety of what remained of his family.

He went up to the ramparts and looked out over the fields surrounding Riverrun. He saw many teams of Bolton men digging trenches haphazardly all around the keep. He told his men not to fire or hinder their progress. They were disorganized at best. Perhaps this would turn out better for him than he had thought. Hannibal was not taking his time and remaining calculated. He was rushing because he was being emotional…something Jaime did not think he would be fortunate enough to see. He hoped to exploit this weakness to his greatest advantage.

…

The captain of the excavating party looked over the plans that had been discussed with Lord Bolton and the Blackfish just before the digging crews broke from camp to race ahead and begin digging. The tops of the trenches looked haphazard. This was where half of Lord Bolton's strength would be nestled for the Lannister army to see. The trenches were actually gateways to a secret tunnel system that the Blackfish had been working on for years. His diggers just had to widen and finish a few of them for the master plan to work.

Lord Bolton would take three days to march his full forces into the Riverlands. He would send waves of Tyrell and Vale soldiers in the dead of night to sneak into the trenches and hide in the tunnels. They would also work to assist with the underground digging as they arrived.

There were two important tunnels that were of highest priority. One needed to be large enough to hide Lord Bolton's dragon from view. The other needed to go beneath the channel on the east side of the keep that was currently flooded with water. That tunnel needed to be completed and safe by the time Lord Bolton arrived. If it wasn't…then he would likely lose his hide for inefficiency.

...

Hannibal had seen all of the Tyrell and Vale reinforcements successfully sent ahead to the tunnels as he marched with his Bolton army and a few representatives of Northern tribes. Sansa had done her part in sending a few men to help with this ruse of a 'small' army. He didn't want his full numbers reported to

Cersei with any accuracy. He would send the northern men back home if they desired to return after he took Riverrun.

He rode on horseback with both Rhys and Reina riding in the saddle with him. He did not ride too fast, but he did indeed arrive in the evening of the third day. Hannibal presumed Jaime Lannister would make sure no man laid a hand on Margaery, but it was still a bit of a gamble. He had sworn to Margaery to have her out during her third night, and he intended to keep that promise.

The camp was ordered to be set up rapidly. The tents were set up in what would look like confusion, but in reality it was a series of offset circles. If any spies made an attempt to enter, they would more than likely get lost long before finding out anything useful.

Vhagar was being carried in a special armored cart that was built to look like it was holding a storehouse of food and supplies. The carriage had a special floor that would fall away when certain levers were removed. They parked the carriage above the opening for the extra-large tunnel he was to hide in. Hannibal opened a side panel in the carriage and pet over Vhagar's head before speaking to him in Valyrian.

"Crawl into your cave and rest. Listen for my command once the sun lights the sky. Your goal is the man with the gold hand. I want him alive. Kill any that strike at you along the way."

Vhagar rumbled lowly before nudging Hannibal's outstretched hand. Some of Hannibal's soldiers pulled the necessary levers, releasing the floor of the cart and allowing Vhagar to crawl down into the cave. The end of the cave was covered with cloth. It was in the sheer wall of dirt that opened over the water of the moat. They had angled the cave upwards so that Vhagar could see the top of the ramparts and easily breathe with all of the air holes they had provided.

Once Vhagar moved towards his spot, Hannibal took his children to his tent. He placed them in their crib. "Now, the two of you need to rest for a little bit. I am going to go and get Mama. She will be very upset with you two if you are not at least pretending to be asleep."

Rhys and Reina nodded their heads rapidly in understanding. They lay down and closed their eyes. Mab and six other wolves surrounded their crib to guard the children.

Hannibal pat Mab on the top of her head. "Good girl."

He then turned and set his personal guard around the tent before taking two men and the Blackfish with him towards the entrance to the rescue tunnel. It was time to collect his wife and begin Jaime Lannister's undoing.

Chapter 44

Beck had finally landed in Mereen. He was surprised to see the city having the difficulties they were with the famous Dragon Queen sitting on the throne. He had a special mission from his Lord. It was a secret mission and he was instructed to kill himself should he arouse any suspicion or possibly expose his purpose.

He had special herbs on his person he was to ensure were consumed by four specific parties. The trick was to find a way close enough to accomplish his task. Fortunately for him there were a few uprisings against the Dragon Queen and that would allow him a few opportunities for entry he had not expected.

He was not told what the herb he carried would do. He was only told to ensure that it was slipped into the food and drink of the royal family and the Queen's hand no matter the personal cost. He was told that it would not kill them to consume the herb, but that it was very important that he succeed in his mission.

Beck moved through the city in search of the various places that hosted patrons in search of warm company for the night. He figured Tyrion Lannister would be the easiest to find first. The royal family would be far more difficult to drug. He knew that failing his master in this would end in his death and replacement with another poor soul to complete the task.

…

Hannibal made his way through the tunnel with the Blackfish and three of his best guards. This tunnel went under the moat and up to a secret passage that went around the keep just beyond the cells. The Blackfish had made them during his time to try and regain Riverrun on his own. There were two diggers who had been very discreetly loosening bricks to enter what they assumed was Margaery's cell. They had tapped a few discreet messages into the bricks and gotten a coded response from her. The bricks had been appropriately loosened to open a hole in the wall just large enough for a person to fit through.

Hannibal arrived and leaned in to peek through a crack to see what was on the other side. He waited for the guards to make their next check and gave the signal for them to remove the bricks. It took them just two minutes to open enough of a gap for Hannibal to lean through and tap Margaery on the shoulder.

Margaery was relieved to hear the sound of stone moving behind her. She moved to sit with her back against the wall just beneath the sounds. She wanted to be close to her eventual escape.

Hannibal offered his hand and helped Margaery through the opening in the wall and into the tunnel. He then picked her up to carry her down the tunnel as the diggers quickly worked to reset the bricks with mortar. They would completely collapse the tunnel behind them once they got on the other side of the moat. They did not want to leave any evidence of what had happened. The bricks would be solid again by the time they realized she was missing.

Margaery was relieved to see Hannibal's face and happily curled into his arms as he carried her out of Riverrun. She enjoyed the smell of fresh air once again as he carried her outside of the tunnel.

Hannibal carried her to a small tent near their personal tent before setting Margaery on her feet and looking her over carefully. "How are you feeling? Did they provide you with plenty of food and water?" He asked her with a tone of concern. She didn't appear to have any marks on her from mistreatment.

Margaery wrapped her arms around Hannibal to kiss him deeply once she was on her feet. She pressed herself up against him almost desperately. Hannibal felt the kiss and how she pressed up against him. His body began reacting far faster than his mind as he held her tight against him.

Margaery nipped hard at his lip as she pulled back from the kiss. "I have found myself unsatisfied for nearly two full days Hannibal. That is a breach of one of the promises you made to me." Margaery was not truly cross with him, they had both agreed to this to keep the children safe. "You owe me satisfaction."

Hannibal hissed at the hard nip, but relief could be seen on his face when she spoke. She was plenty healthy if her only focus was on the daily pleasure he had promised her and not been able to give over the past few days. He held her tighter as he brushed his lips over her jaw and left a trail of kisses and nips.

"Indeed I do. I do apologize for starving you so, my dear. Let me begin the repayment now and finish it tomorrow after we capture the prize." He said lowly in her ear. His hands had moved down to give her ass a firm squeeze.

Margaery moaned at the squeeze and the series of teasing kisses and nips. "Do you not have the stamina to make it all up to me tonight?" She taunted.

Hannibal growled lowly as his hands quickly undid the laces of her armored gown so that it would fall and pool around her ankles. "I do indeed, but I fear you will not." He replied as his mouth moved to her neck and began to nip and tease along the smooth column of her neck.

Margaery's body was aflame with desire as she felt her dress fall away. She reached down to undo his trousers just enough to free his cock as she reached down to work on stroking it with her hand. "I have done nothing but rest and fully recover my energy." She pointed out breathily as he teased her sensitive neck.

Hannibal rumbled lowly as he felt himself rapidly hardening beneath her touch. "I will put this energy of yours to the test."

Margaery could already feel heat pooling below her stomach at his words and the images that flashed through her mind of him claiming her again and again and again.

…

Jaime saw that the Bolton army had finally arrived. He noticed a few flags from other northern houses and found himself relieved not to see any banners from the Vale. This could be far easier than he had expected.

Jaime took a moment to glance at the camp. It looked like a true mess with how it was set up. He was expecting Hannibal to demand a parlay when the sun came up. He tried to prepare himself for a grotesque display of some sort.

Jaime had his men on high alert for any unusual activity. They would be watching the moat carefully to see if any of Hannibal's men were trying to cross discreetly by swimming through the moat. A suicide mission, in his opinion.

He was satisfied with what he saw and he made his way down to the dungeons to check on Margaery. Jaime saw that she was curled up to sleep under the thin blanket on the small bed they had provided to her. He looked around the empty cells for a moment and turned to leave her to her sleep. He did not want to hear that sharp tongue of hers after waking her from sleep. That would be a nightmare on its own. Better to let her sleep and rub in the fact that her husband was camped outside the gates in the morning.