DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.

Chapter rating: T

10868letsgo: Hope you enjoy the next one!

NicoleR85: Finally got a laptop and now don't have to have a horde of chapters to write up ;), please enjoy the chapter!

Shadow Wolf 15846: Please enjoy!

GirlyGamer1986: I hope you enjoy this chapter!

otherworlder81: Well, sadly, Drogo's death helped Dany's strength grow but if it could also happen with Drogo there to aid her dragons' growth, it would be epic!

wildcat717: I hope you like what comes next!

ShiloCoulter: I'm glad you like the change! But I will admit Jon will play a strong role later on, though Drogo will survive a bit longer. And I do have a way for them to be born. I hope you enjoy what I have planned.

Chapter Fifteen: Stark's Allies

(King's Landing)

Walking through the Red Keep after letting Lady go hunting with her guard and his brother. Their family helped breed Casterly Rock hunting hounds. Her now larger wolf required more meat, and Sansa feared the cooks poisoning her wolf's meat when Cersei offered the same treatment Myrcella's sweet dog gets. But Varys spoke saying wolves needed more movement than pet dogs. So the Queen Regent agreed to her guard's offer to hunt with the direwolf. His brother was another of Sansa's guards so they could hunt with her. Today, Sansa would be in the queen's presence and the Kingsguard, so they would not be needed much. But Sansa stared at Ser Barristan as he was dishonorably discharged from a position that only death could relieve them of. Ser Barristan threw his sword at the boy King's feet as he turned to leave, giving Sansa a simple look before leaving. She felt sick, knowing they were removing all the good knights, and leaving the bad ones. Sansa listened as a courtier called for anyone else to talk with the King as Sansa took a breath before approaching as Cersei perked up.

"Do you have anything for the King and the council today, Lady Sansa?" She asked with a small smile as the girl nodded before kneeling gracefully.

"I do. As it pleases Your Grace, I ask mercy for my father, the Lord Eddard of House Stark, who was once Hand to the King..." Sansa started as the Grand Maester interrupted gruffly.

"Treason is treason! It is a noxious weed," Grand Maester Pycelle growled as he glared down at innocent Sansa. Though she kept her eyes on Joffrey, trying a trick that a southern woman gossiped about.

"Anything else?" the King drawled as she nodded tentatively.

"If you still have any affection in your heart for me. I beg you, please do me this kindness, Your Grace," Sansa begged as he watched her closely.

"The sweet words you've spoken have moved me. But your treacherous father must confess. He needs to confess and say that I'm the King or there'll be no mercy for him," Joffrey demanded as Sansa gave a firm nod.

"He will," she swore as she prayed he did so while Varys sighed softly, knowing the stubborn man.

XV

Ned was used to the darkness by now, it was the few times he'd seen Varys, who brought news either of Sansa or Robb. Arya was still missing from all the searching the Queen's men had been doing of the castle and city. And now he could hear the scuffles of Varys slippers as he entered the Black Cells. The eunuch entered with a flask of wine, the man was aiding Ned Stark who knew that people could die of starvation and thirst in these cells.

"My Lord," Varys greeted as he knelt to give the man some things. "You have seen better days," Varys added as Ned sighed. "Ser Barristan was dismissed this morning, under the guise of not being able to protect his King," Varys spoke as Ned scoffed before coughing.

"How can the man protect a King from themselves? He has dishonored being King once more," the former Hand claimed lightly while coughing again.

"Ser Barristan, if he is smart, will go to either Rhaenyra or Daenerys," Varys commented, shifting his feet softly as Ned frowned.

"If he wished to protect the girls, he'd leave them alone. Not draw attention to them. A former Kingsguard who was knighted by the Mad King? They will think it a chance of him empowering the girls, to teach them how their father ruled," Ned defied, fearful for his ward and Daenerys both.

"I can reassure you, My Lord. He would not leave them alone. But he still has not left the city, Ser Barristan is still within King's Landing," Varys told him as Ned chuckled.

"You keep me well informed. I believe you are my last friend, Lord Varys," Ned commented as the eunuch frowned.

"No, no. There are still many who love you. Such as sweet Sansa who pleaded for your life in court today," the whisper of the court spoke as Ned scoffed.

"Did you laugh with everyone else?" Ned snarled as Vary sighed gently.

"You do me wrong, My Lord. Your blood is the last thing I want," Varys claimed as the former hand looked down.

"I don't know what you want anymore," Ned fired back as the other man stopped. "So tell me, I am tired of trying to guess," the exhausted man demanded as Varys paused.

"Peace. Did you know that your son is marching south with an army of Northmen? Very loyal lad, along with both of your wards. Fighting for the freedom of the only father they've known," Varys told him as the man stood straight. "If Ser Barristan did meet up with one, I would hope it would be Rhaenyra. She would need guidance."

"They're just children..."

"Boys have been conquerors before. Such as your ward's ancestor. Rhaenyra is slowly following in her ancestor's footsteps. With her three dragons growing every day," Varys revealed, keeping his tone low as Ned's head shot up.

"What poisons have you dabbled in? Dragons died out over a century and a half ago. The last one was no larger than a cat. Everyone knows this," Ned claimed, knowing the fascination from his children of the mystical beings.

"These are. Bigger than cats and small dogs, one might say they rival your children's wolves," Varys confirmed as Ned looked at the ground. He could not believe it, dragons with direwolves were too much for mere coincidence, the dragons would be deadly once they grew. "But the one who truly gives the queen sleepless nights is the late king's brother, Stannis," Varys added as Ned thought. "He is a battle commander and his only act of mercy was saving Lady Rhaenyra when she was a babe, since then he is still a ruthless man. But Cersei knows a tame wolf is more useful to her than a dead one," Varys spoke as Ned glared.

"Stannis is the rightful king! And you want me to serve the woman who murdered my men, nearly killing my son and ward?" he growled as Varys frowned down at him.

"I want you to serve the realm!" Varys snarled back just as angrily. "Tell the queen that you will confess your treason, tell your son to lay down his arms, and proclaim Joffrey the rightful King. Cersei knows you as a man of honor. If you give her the peace she needs and promise to carry her secret to your grave she might allow you to take the black and live out your days on the Wall with your brother and bastard son," Varys spoke as Ned responded.

"You think my life is some precious thing to me? That I would trade my life for a few more years of what? I grew up a soldier, I learned how to die a long time ago," Ned spoke as Varys allowed a frown of sadness to come.

"Sansa pleaded so sweetly for your life. All for nothing, truly a pity," Varys spoke. "What of her life, My Lord? Is it not a precious thing?" Varys questioned as Ned looked at him.

XV

(North)

Rhaenyra sighed as she walked through the new camp that she was still learning. It was damn impossible to fully know where everything was before they were on the move once more. Daenerys had already told her that Raynor left Vaes Dothrak and would be returning to her army soon. While Raynor was there he described what was happening to a horrified Daenerys and a calculating Drogo. Before he left, Drogo had given the northern man a letter for Robb and one from Daenerys to Rhaenyra. Nymeria was going with him to head back, though the letter she received from her father had her acting differently when she talked about sailing back to Dorne instead. But now Rhaenyra carried a message she received just moments prior, she was in search of her husband.

"Lord Stark is in the war tent, My Lady," a soldier spoke, walking in the opposite direction as Grey Wind came out of the war tent.

"Thank you." She joined the wolf who now could nudge her elbow just by lifting his nose. As her dragons could rest their heads on her shoulders and chirp against her ear. They ate and flew freely, as a result, they gorged on unsuspecting herds that Grey Wind tracks with Robb and Rhaenyra. They've hunted with the animals many times and would watch Grey Wind eat with the girls by ripping some cooked flesh from the deer.

"My Lady," Greatjon greeted as Rhaenyra entered.

"Pardon my intrusion, My Lords, but I bring news for my husband," she revealed as they all perked up. "Dorne has decided to send 10,000 men under Prince Oberyn. He and his daughters are arriving in a fortnight, maybe less," Rhaenyra spoke as the men beamed and talked eagerly as Robb looked at her.

"Can they spare so many?" he questioned as she nodded, showing the message.

"Aye, be at ease, My Love," she urged softly as he chuckled.

"Very clever, my wife." He grinned as she giggled.

XV

"Summer snows, My Lady," Rodrik spoke as he and his small party came to Catelyn who had her guard, her uncle from the Vale, and Tyene who stayed. But she broke into a smile at spotting Raynor.

"My Lady! How great it is to see you well, you as well Rodrik!" The man greeted loudly as the two Dornish girls greeted one another in familiarity.

"Tyene, how good you look my sister," Nymeria spoke as Catelyn perked up.

"Oh, this is Nymeria. Tyene has told me much about you." The women talked as the light snowfall fell, dusting over the camp as they set up. Catelyn dismounted after Tyene leaped down and held the mare while Blackfish, Bryden Tully, froze hearing an unfamiliar noise. The Tully woman stopped when Rhaella landed, shrieking at the redhead that she recognized instantly. The woman paused as she reached out, gingerly petting the red dragon's nose as she trilled, pushing against the Stark mother who took a simple step away as Rhaella cried out and flew up before flying off as many of the men had watched with shock. This was the first time they've seen anyone besides Rhaenyra, Robb, or a few of their small group, who could touch the dragons.

"Gods be good! What..." Brynden and the Dornish girls were taken back by their appearance while Raynor and Rodrik judged their growth.

"Very nice formation," Rodrik praised as he watched the trio fly together. Grey Wind laid outside the tent as Catelyn greeted the direwolf by petting his head as she entered. The matriarch of the Starks was quick to see Rhaenyra sitting there watching them discuss their next battle plan. Her maids surrounded her with ease.

"Mother!" Robb started surprised as Rhaenyra perked up.

"Cat!" The Targaryen leaped up to embrace her mother by law. Catelyn embraced the young woman as she examined how different Robb and Rhaenyra became since joining the army. Her son was slowly turning into a true northern man as he wore thick fur and had a beard growing. Rhaenyra was dressed in equally thick fur and her white hair was now loose and flowed to protect her skin and ears.

"I saw the dragons, they have grown quite a bit," Catelyn praised as Theon greeted her.

"We had not thought to meet you here, My Lady," the boy spoke as Catelyn agreed.

"I had not thought of being here. May I have a moment alone with my son?" Catelyn asked as Rhaenyra nodded and aided in ushering everyone out. Clicking her tongue, Grey Wind followed Rhaenyra with Rickard who embraced his nephew, Greatjon spotted Rodrick and pulled his old friend into a wrestle-hug.

"Don't you worry, My Lady, we'll shove our swords up Tywin's bunghole. Then it's off to the Red Keep to free Ned," he laughed. "Rodrik, you old devil," the large man greeted as Catelyn continued to watch everyone leave as Baela came into view with Lynara joining.

"I see you have had them join the army," Catelyn spoke as Robb came closer. Both saw the dragons landed and crooned to their mother, shrieking or trilling. "Is it wise to have Rhaenrya here?" Catelyn asked as Robb sighed.

"It is better here than at Winterfell. Not only are they all safer on the move but it has helped the dragons grow," Robb explained.

"She is your lady wife, not some warrior like her ancestors who conquered Westeros," Catelyn spoke as Robb chuckled.

"She is more like Arya than Sansa, Mother. You know this. Besides she is a strong asset with the Dornish, as you know with Tyene, Nymerua had joined as they wished to offer Daenerys a gift as we did," Robb spoke as Catelyn looked surprised.

"When did you do this?" She knew they had talked to each other but did not realize Raynor was there.

"Just recently. Raynor was coming back from his journey," Robb claimed as his mother sighed.

"I remember when you were both babes, small. She was so quiet and pale, but you," she emphasized with a bright smile as Robb grinned. "Came into this world, red-faced and squalling loudly. Now you are both leading an army. A Targaryen and a Stark," she laughed softly.

"No one else..."

"Who were those men? They are seasoned in battle and could command..." This time Robb cut her off.

"But they are not Starks," Robb defended the choice of leading to himself and Rheanyra. "Mother there's been a letter from Sansa," Robb spoke as Catelyn scoffed, taking the letter.

"From the Queen, you mean," she sneered as he smirked. "There is no mention of Arya," Catelyn revealed as she prayed for her youngest girl to hide. The mother knew her children were smart and Arya was small and quick. She could escape with ease, just as she used to with the older boys & Rhaenyra, they all used to terrorize the guards as children. "How many do you have?" Catelyn questioned as Robb spoke.

"18,000. 28,000 once the Dornish joins up with us." Robb showed the letter as Catelyn took the letter.

"Can they spare so many?" the woman questioned as Robb nodded with a smirk.

"And as you know Prince Oberyn will be joining with his other daughters," the Stark boy was eager to have another fighter in his army. "But if I go to King's Landing and bend my knee to Joffrey..."

"You will be kept there. And your wife will be slaughtered just for her Targaryen blood, along with her dragons," Catelyn claimed. She's thought about what would happen when the Dragon Mother goes South. Many still call the Baratheon family usurpers and think Rhaenyra is the rightful ruler, even if she and Robb had a child, a boy. He would be a bigger challenge to the Lannister woman's children, so they'd try to kill her to make it easier.

"That will not happen," Robb defied with heat in his voice, he refused to think of his innocent wife being killed just for being a Targaryen.

"Do you remember what happened to her niece and nephew? When her father fell?" Catelyn questioned as Robb hardened.

"They were butchered, by the Lannisters," Robb answered as Catelyn nodded.

"On Tywin Lannister's order. And the years have not made him kinder," Catelyn spoke as Robb nodded. "If you lose. Your father dies, your sisters die, we die," the Tully woman claimed as Robb looked at a laughing Rhaenyra and Baela as the dragons nearing her waist ate at her feet with ease.

"Well that makes it simple then," Robb spoke, determination in his face and tone as Catelyn nodded in agreement.

"I suppose it does," Catelyn confirmed as she looked out as well.

XV

Rhaenyra laughed with Robb before Raynor came forward with some gifts. "My Lord, My Lady," he called as they paused while eating. "I am here to offer the gifts on Khal Drogo's behalf," he said as a maid unwrapped the coiled item. The beautiful whip was given as Rhaenyra praised it.

"It is stunning," Rhaenyra claimed as Catelyn nodded, gently taking it. She could tell it was made for a woman's grip, it surprised her that Rhaenyra chose this.

"And for you, My Lord." Raynor took the sword that had been sheathed in dried horseflesh leather.

"Strong steel," Rickard praised as he passed it to the Stark boy, Robb stepped away and swung the blade a few times with Rodrik nodding, a smile on his face.

"Good blade, I will use this in honor of my brother by law," Robb decided as the men nodded.

"We will have a sheath made for it," Rodrik agreed as he watched it be wrapped up.

"My Lords, My ladies!" A scout shouted before jumping when Alysanne shrieked, flashing her pale blue long wings. Rhaenyra effortlessly tapped her dragon's hide with the whip loop lightly, it startled her as she hissed before Robb ushered the man to relay his information. "We've caught a Lannister scout," the guard spoke as a man was thrown down as Rhaella twirled on the ground snarling and shrieking with her agitated sisters. The scout fearfully jumped trying to escape them but the guards held him still. Robb approached him slowly, brushing past near pony-sized dragons who growled as Theon flung the map over.

"Where did you find him?" Rhaenyra questioned from her seat near Catelyn.

"Above the encampment. He looked to be counting," the man spoke to Rhaenyra as Rhaenys leaned into her heavily. Glaring at the man with her sharp green eyes, snarling.

"How high did you get?" Robb asked the scout who flinched at Rhaella's proximity when she followed Robb, coiling around him as her frills stayed out.

"20,000, maybe more," he stuttered as Rhaenra smirked, knowing he was off.

"You don't have to do this yourself, your father would understand," Rodrik spoke before Robb interrupted.

"My father understands mercy when there is room for it. And he understands honor and courage," Robb spoke before deciding. "Let him go," he demanded as Catelyn stood, disturbing Alysanne who moved her tail away, giving a warning growl.

"Robb!" Catelyn spoke as he turned to stare at her. She looked down with shame as Rhaenyra watched her sharply.

"You tell your lord. 20,000 Northmen coming to see if he really does shit gold," Robb threatened with Rhaella faking a lung as she surged forward, snarling the entire time. The scout fell against the guards who held him tightly.

"Yes, thank you, My Lord." The scout bowed his head, looking to Rhaenyra who was still reclined as Rhaenys moved away while her mother continued to pet a hissing Alysanne, the pale blue frills out as her sisters' frills were puffed out like cats. Smoke started coming from the golden dragon who went across the ground growling as the men moved away. The Greatjon followed the guards as the scout was led out, Robb moved to the table, gently stroking the growling Rhaenys to soothe her.

"Are you touched boy?!" the lord yelled, turning on his liege lord's child. "Letting him go?" he growled, stepping too close for Rhaella's liking as she tensed. Snarling once with a warning as smoke started to escape her mouth as Robb turned to him.

"You call me 'boy' again," Robb warned, eyes narrowed as Rhaella continued. It worried the young woman that her dragon might attack the large man if he seemed threatening to Robb. Greatjon growled softly before looking to the dragons, the golden and red ones eyed him in warning, showing their protection of the younger lord. "Go on," Robb goaded the large lord who eyed him, neither backed down. The large man huffed before leaving as Robb continued to watch him, cautiously Robb lifted a hand to soothe both dragons. Rhaella calmed down as Rhaenys turned back to her mother while the men and Catelyn watched with caution as Robb continued to pet Rhaella.

XV

Rhaenyra sighed softly as she urged Gael through the muck of the Neck. Baela and Raynor rode on either side of her, Valaena and Lynara rode behind as Catelyn was nearby. Her dragons flew close, but what alarmed Rhaenyra was when she noticed them going for the ravens that flew overhead.

"They belong to the Twins, the girls never went after our ravens. But these ravens, they do not like," Raynor explained, seeing it as well.

"It still surprises me at what they do," Rhaenyra spoke as she watched the dragons. They were bigger, since their departure from Winterfell the girls grew bigger every day, Rhaella had grown a bit more aggressive, she bit at Grey Wind a few days back. It was the first time Rhaenyra has used her whip on the dragons, it startled them and many others but the dragons understood, do not bite at the wolf or they'd get whipped at. Rhaella was cautious about her now and would watch her mother like any child that was scolded. That was weeks ago, and now her dragons seem to only snap at one another for food which many claims is common among animal ranks, Rhaella was the 'alpha' among the she-dragons. But they were obedient to their mother, rarely giving her a snarl anymore.

"Well, I do hope this will fill the dragon's hunger for now," Rhaenyra spoke as she continued up to Robb who rode beside Robett Glover. "Is there anything new?" she asked as a man spoke. Telling her of the Blackfish's crossing to scout their way. Tywin's men were many days to the South, but Walder Frey had assembled a force of nearly four thousand of his men on the Green Fork at his castles. The ugliest fortress Rhaenyra has ever seen, one she spied from a distance.

"That is what he is so proud of?" Rhaenyra questioned as the few men laughed with her.

"It is also the only thing that can house all his children and grandchildren," the Greatjon laughed as Rhaenys landed right beside the horses. Rhaenyra reached down and pet her dragon's head as the female purred, her head resting on her legs.

"He has four thousand men. Surely he means to join our forces. He cannot fight against the Lannister army," Robb spoke as Catelyn frowned.

"Does he? My father always called him 'the Late Walder Frey,'" Catelyn spoke as Robb frowned as well.

"Some men take their oaths more seriously than others, My Lord," Robert Glover commented when Baela spoke up as she rejoined Rhaenyra's side.

"Would he betray us to the Lannisters, My Lady?" she questioned as one shrugged.

"Lord Walder was always friendlier to Casterly Rock than what my father liked, I believe one of his sons is wedded to Tywin's sister," Catelyn revealed as Rhaenyra sighed. "Truth be told, I doubt even Lord Frey would not know what Lord Frey would do. Cunning as a snake, he has a young man's ambition added to his caution that came with being an old man," Catelyn reminded as her lords agreed. Many knew the elder man, he always was a thorn in many sides. He had so many children that crowded the Twins, he was always trying to marry them off to others.

"We need the Twins," Rhaenyra spoke up as did Robb.

"It's the only way across the river. You know that." Robb looked to Catelyn who nodded as the dragons flew around, becoming agitated about something.

"And you know Lord Frey knows this as well," Roose Bolton spoke as he and certain lords lingered as well. Soon they made camp, Rhaenyra stood amongst her feeding dragons as men set up her tent.

"Lady Rhaenyra Targaryen, Mother of Dragons," Tyene greeted as she and Nymeria approached. But Rhaella seemed to think they came too close as she hissed and flashed her growing wings. Both Dornish women froze as Rhaenys and Rhaella came closer, Alysanne remained beside her mother while her sisters threatened the older girls who watched them.

"Keligon," Rhaenyra ordered as the two backed away. "Hello, you must be Tyene and Nymeria. It is a pleasure to meet you and I wanted to thank you for accompanying my family and friends," she spoke as Tyene smiled.

"To me it was fun," she said as Nymeria agreed.

"It was the first time I have seen a Dothraki horde," the dagger-user spoke while the two moved around the growling dragons. Rhaella smelled the air of the women but shied away with hateful snarls before launching into the air with her sisters following.

"I do not understand..."

"We carry poison on us," Tyene spoke as she stood near Rhaenyra. Nymeria watched as the dragons flew up, staying in the air, above them as Rhaenyra walked back to camp. They were not going to let her out of their sight.

"Father will no doubt come soon with his army. They are coming through the safe way, so as not to arouse suspicion from the Lannisters," Nymeria said as she greeted a Dornish man. Robb was seen talking with lords and soldiers while Rhaenyra tended to all the extras, the few maesters some lords brought with them, the other servants who followed their lords. Her dragons truly followed their lords. Her dragons truly flourished under the freedom of the march as they flew above the army, it made the men curious but also cautious, dragons never stopped growing, a man once commented, having heard the stories of the Targaryen dragons half a century ago.

Rhaenyra was praying they grew quickly, she loved their small sizes but could not wait for them to be bigger. A call from a scout made the women stop their conversations as Robb called to her, Rhaenyra, with the true grace of a lady, raced to her husband with the two women and her dragons who answered his calls as well. The Frey men were coming from their father's castle, and the dragons were very unhappy about these men approaching.

"My Lords, My Ladies," one greeted as he froze at seeing the snarling dragons, Robb looked to their mother who nodded.

"Jikagon arghugon," Rhaenyra urged as her dragons all growled at being sent away. But they obeyed, flying nearby to scorch a herd of deer. The army knew better than to interrupt them, one man almost got burned when he followed the dragons despite Robb's order to leave them be.

"Our Lord Father wishes to meet with you. You wish to cross, yes?" One guard asked as Grey Wind growled softly. "He will break bread and drink mead then you and your wife may explain why you are crossing," the man spoke as one even looked Rhaenyra up and down to her irritation before Nymeria pulled her behind the Dornish sisters who glared sharply. All the lords agreed with the women's nonverbal 'no.'

"I will go," Catelyn's voice made them all start to protest; Robb, Rhaenyra, Theon, and Baela the most. "I've known Lord Walder Frey since I was a girl. He would never harm me," Catelyn swore as a soldier brought her horse to her.

"Unless there was a profit in it for him," Greatjon said softly as a lord helped her up. She steeled herself as she followed the Frey men, to her surprise the dragons followed until a certain part of the 'boundary' the army set up. Though Rhaella's angered shrieks and snarls echoed over the river showing her displeasure, sending shivers down Catelyn's spine.

XV

Rhaenyra was pacing in her tent as Baela kept her soothed by having her either read or stitch. Robb had asked Valaena and Lynara to keep her there, she was making her dragons antsy. Baela though was just as anxious to have her Lady Stark back within their camp, the Freys had until sundown to return Catelyn to them. Since Catelyn was a guest of the Frey lord, they had one of their brothers here within the camp. Robb had expressed his displeasure at having to wait, not wanting to linger around the bridge.

"Gods above, I wish my dragons were larger," she hissed as Baela frowned.

"Rhae, you need to make deals to continue with being Lady Stark," Valaena started as she entered the tent. "Using the dragons in that situation was the old way, you will need to find a new way to use the girls," she suggested as Lynara agreed, both laying the linen.

"Aye, otherwise the people will fear the dragons instead of respecting them," the northern maid said to her lady as the girl nodded. Her maids were her teacher until her death. She always joked, but it was true to her.

"My Lady, the Blackfish has returned. And he brings grave news," a soldier spoke as Rhaenyra gave a soft sigh before allowing the man inside.

"Ser Brynden Tully," she greeted as the Tully man greeted the mother of dragons, he had been happy to be away from the flying beasts.

"My Lady," he bowed. She curtsied to him as she urged him to sit as Valaena offered him some wine, though he declined.

"Is everything alright?" she asked as he shook his head.

"Jaime Lannister attacked Riverrun, he took my nephew hostage, and I have to tell his sister all of this. Riverrun is besieged with Lords inside," the elder said as Rhaenyra frowned.

"T-they wouldn't hurt him, would they? He's the heir of Riverrun," Rhaenyra feared for the once kind man to her as a child.

"He better be kept safe, as it would mean any highborn prisoner we receive would follow my nephew into the grave should anything happen to him," the Blackfish promised while a shout made everyone turn to see a scout run in, panting.

"Lady Stark has returned," he claimed before racing off as Robb exited the war tent, Bryden helped her as the others followed. There Rhaenyra witnessed her pony-sized fire-breathers slam down behind Catelyn's mare, who hurried closer to a startled Robb. But it was to the dragons as they snarled and shrieked to the Frey men, the men were smart to remain saddled and backed away. Knowing they would be in danger by staying, the eldest opted to wait at the base of the hill, fleeing the moment their brother was returned to them.

Rhaenyra in confusion came to the dragons while asking Catelyn when Theon helped her down, the Tully woman approached with caution when Rhaenys hissed but allowed her to pet the golden scales. Catelyn was amazed by the heat she could feel from the dragon, Alysanne sniffed her from boot to the top of her head by craning her neck to reach. Rhaenyra ordered the dragons to go hunt and leave the army just a small moment to which they did, flying around a bit before searching for animals.

"Are you alright, Cat?" Rhaenyra asked, softly embracing her as the woman smiled.

"Yes, I am and I know what Lord Frey wants to grant you a crossing," Catelyn spoke as Greatjon suggested they retreat to their war tent.

"Very well then. What is it?" Robb asked as Rhaenyra paused, sitting as Valaena soothed her by simply calming her windblown hair. With dragons and a Targaryen among the army, Rhaenyra knew he'd demand something.

"First, he would like me to ward two of his grandsons if you could spare a few of your swords, so they could be escorted to Winterfell," Catelyn started.

"Why must it be now? Why not after the war?" Rhaenyra asked before a lord spoke up with a gentle tone.

"It has always been a custom during wars for many centuries, My Lady. I, myself, have warded some children during our last war, War of the Ninepenny Kings," he commented.

"Also known as the Fifth Blackfyre Rebellion," she noted as they all nodded, knowing her opinion about the Blackfyres, that they had no right to the throne unless all Targaryens had died out. Even then it would go to legal branches; the Baratheons would have been the next family to rule, legally.

"I can do that," Robb said, giving his wife a soft look, knowing she was unhappy about it. "Anything else?" he questioned, doubting that was all.

"Olyvar Frey, his son, will be coming with us. His father expects a knighthood in good time, he is to be your personal squire," Catelyn commented as Rhaenyra bit her lip, Robb was of the North, they did not knight men. So, it was ridiculous to expect that from a northerner.

"Fine, that's fine..."

"And Arya is to marry Lord Walder's youngest son, Elmar when the two of them come of age."

"Arya won't like that," Rhaenyra chuckled with the maids as a few lords agreed, knowing the young girl.

"No, she will not," Robb smirked. "Is that all, Mother?" Robb asked as Catelyn paused.

"And when all the fighting is done, and you are to bear a son, Rhaenyra, he will marry a daughter or a granddaughter of Lord Walder," Catelyn spoke as her gooddaughter froze, this forced whatever unconceived son she bore into the marriage of the Frey family. Rhaenyra has voiced her displeasure of the Freys, especially their lord. But she refused to answer, cutting fire-filled eyes to her husband as Robb sighed.

"Very well," Robb spoke, not even flinching while Rhaenyra schooled her features to not show her emotions.

"Also Lord Walder expects you to take one of his daughters as one of your handmaidens," Catelyn sighed, Lynara and Valaena shot her an alarmed look as Rhaenyra shook her head.

"No, I have three, I do not need another," Rhaenyra said as Robb agreed.

"Tell Lord Frey that we accept everything else but we will need to march soon," he finished as Catelyn frowned with a small sigh. She expected Rhaenyra to agree to the Frey girl to be added to her cluster of maids. It was not uncommon for a Lady to have many lady 'companions' as Valaena was a noble lady, her daughter was considered that, though they tended to her like maids, Lynara and Valaena refused to let others close to their lady. Less than a few hours before sunrise, the army was packed up and marching across the bridge. And to Catelyn's surprise, Roslin Frey was being escorted by Olyvar Frey. Robb had sent word while many slept, the Tully woman did not know what changed Rhaenyra's mind though she assumed it could've been Robb and her maids as Baela was the one who waited for the girl. At Rhaenyra's request, all three wore dark blue colors with light grey coloring, their hair was all knot-braided as well as Rhaenyra's, who had enjoyed her free hairstyle. But she would be a proper Northern lady, it was obvious she did not trust the young woman from the family like the Freys. Rhaenyra gave a gentle sigh when she approached the Dornish women, Balea was educating Roslin on how to be Rhaenrya's maid.

"So you took our advice, at least we will have a valued son and daughter if Walder Frey does anything," Nymeria smirked as Rhaenyra chuckled.

"He has so many sons and daughters, he would not miss one or two, unless they have some kind of true value, like the child he wants my unconceived son to marry. She would have true value to him, all the others are merely more ways for him to spread his seed across our continent, even the Lannisters married one," she spoke quietly as they giggled before Raynor coughed, spying Roslin who was brought to their lady. The Frey girl looked completely nervous to the other maids as Valaena's eyes went to the ground to tell her what to do. Roslin nodded shakily and knelt in a nervous curtsy, Rhaenyra mirrored it, not as deep but respectful in greeting as she kept her hands laced in front of her, slipping into her Lady Stark attitude.

"Welcome to the Stark household, Lady Frey," Rhaenyra greeted, her violet eyes piercing the girl's as she gave a shaky nod. It was obvious Rhaenyra terrified Roslin Frey, not intentionally, as she was a 'Dragon Mother' it was clear why, but many outside the North feared her temperament. Aerys Targaryen was a memorable man, but others tell of her sweet and good temperament. Roslin had nearly begged her father to not send her but Olyvar reassured her he would be there. So, here she sat in the litter with some other ladies of Catelyn's who started to tell her what she needed to know. Listening to the dragons as they flew above the marching line.

XV

Rhaenyra sighed softly as she rode alongside Raynor and Baela, both of whom found her annoyance with the new maid amusing. They settled her into a litter to be away from Rhaenyra, but it was her expectations on what to do.

"My Lady," a Dornish man called as another raced to the army. Carried a Dornish flag as Rhaenyra had a suspicion.

"They are here," Tyene grinned racing up to the hill as a beautiful man and woman rode up. Tyene hugged the woman while still astride their horses.

"Is that your father, Prince Oberyn and Lady Ellaria?" Rhaenyra asked as Nymeria nodded. The Prince rode a beautiful stallion black as sin with a mane and tail the color of fire, his paramour rode a sleek cream skinned, golden Sand steed.

"She is Tyene's mother, but Father loves her very much, and she does care for Obara and me, as well, along with another daughter that is not her's. But she is also a bastard like us," Nymeria said as Rhaenyra hummed.

"But you are all royal bastards whose company I very much enjoy," Rhaenyra claimed, bringing a smile to the Dornish woman's face.

"Prince Oberyn," Robb greeted, riding closer as the second son of Dorn.

"Lord Stark, your army is a sight," he responded as Ellaria and Tyene joined. Another woman who resembled Oberyn a bit hinted she might be Obara Sand, the eldest of all the Sand Sisters.

"Well we march for a reason and hope to succeed," he smiled as Oberyn nodded. But the sudden slamming of the dragons down on the ground in front of the Dornish horses made the animals jump or nearly flee as the three shrieked or snarled, Oberyn soothed his giant beast before dismounting. He allowed a guard to remove the horse from the protective dragon hoard that surrounded the Prince. Rhaella growled as she came close before sniffing and pulled back with a sharp trill, her sisters joined when she flew away.

"Well, that never happens. They normally don't get that close to new people," Robb commented as the Prince smiled, patting the young lord's shoulder.

"Do not worry," Oberyn urged them to remount. "These are the first dragons in centuries. I am simply amazed to be close to them," he explained while urging his nervous paramour closer. "This is my paramour, Ellaria Sand," Oberyn introduced as Robb smiled at her.

"My Lady," he greeted her as Rhaenyra smiled as well.

"Lord Stark, My Lady," Ellaria spoke as she kept Tyene closer, nervous about the dragons.

"Let us discuss our plan," Oberyn offered, mounting his stallion while riding alongside the younger male, Rhaenyra kept her maids nearby while talking with Ellaria, the other was curious about the dragons.

It surprised the Freys to realize that the Northern army had allies waiting on the other side. A few questioned some Stark men who did not answer the questions, they knew Walder Frey would find it a slight that the Dornish snubbed them payment as Obara said when some Frey men threw looks at the new fighters for the Stark army. The dragons followed their mother as she rode alongside the larger army, Rhaenyra knew her dragons were growing quicker and started to think of when she'll be able to ride one.

Maester Luwin once told her that her dreams meant something, and many as of later were of her on one of her dragons. So she felt it would be much later but hoped soon.

XV

End of the chapter! I hope you all enjoy it! Sorry, I had moved and hadn't had internet for a month and a half, finally got this chapter up! Hopefully the next few will come up soon.

~Rusty14~