Robb sighed as he wandered through the Keep heading to the next place Theon could be moping around in. Gods he hoped he had not gone to burrow his sorrows in that damn whore house again, did he even know how bad of a reputation he was gaining? He walked up the steps to the balcony overlooking the training yard when he caught sight of sandy blonde hair and wind chafed clothes. He quickly strode over to his best friend before he could run off once more.
"You know it took me quite awhile to track you down," Theon glanced over at his friend's joking tone, shrugged his shoulders, and glanced back down at the training yard where Bran was practicing his archery with his little prince friend, Tommen? Who even cared.
"Sorry that you wasted your precious time looking for me, sure you have more important things to do." Robb shook his head at his friend's pitying words.
He approached Theon and patted his back, "Nothing is more important than my family," With is words Theon shoved his hand off of his back and started to storm off again. "Oh what in Seven Hells did I do Theon?!"
The Greyjoy man yelled back to Robb, "I am not your family!"
"What?" Robb seemed shocked by his friend's outburst. "Of course you are."
"No I am not! I am a bloody ward for you father, not a Stark! I could never even begin to measure up to you, the wondrous Heir of Winterfell." He cried out. "For Gods' sake, I thought, 'At least I am better than the bastard' but NO! That prat has gone and not only gotten married, but legitimized too." The auburn man watched as his friend poured his feelings out with his rage and felt guilt wash throughout his body. He had always thought Jon felt left out because he was a Snow, he never once thought Theon felt left out for being a Greyjoy.
Before Theon could slip away, Robb threw his arms around his friend and crushed him in a hug. Theon froze at his friend's action, surely he would be mad for what he said about Jon, right? Robb pulled away, but kept his hands on Theon's shoulders, "I'm sorry."
"What did you say?"
Robb cleared his throat, "Theon, I'm sorry. You have always been a Stark, even if it isn't in name or blood. You are our family, and you always have been. From the minute you arrived after your own father gave you up we've been here for you." Theon's eyes became misty as he listened to Robb. "We never meant to make you feel left out, and I am sorry you are upset about Jon. But you know father had no say in what happened to him either, the King's word is law."
Theon nodded his head as his best friend's words seeped into his mind. He then threw his own arms around Robb and the two hugged for a moment before pulling away. Theon sniffed, straightened his back, and turned back you look at the younger boys in the yard.
"Sorry Robb, guess I was feeling jealous," Robb just chuckled and patted him on his shoulder. "Want to go help Bran with his archery? I think since he spent time with the prince his aim has gotten worse."
Robb laughed at his friend's jest and began to walk down the stairs with him, "Nothing would make me happier than to spend a day with family." He then continued down the stairs, missing Theon's face break into smile behind him.
Bran smiled as his older brother and Theon greeted him and his new friend, Tommen. The two younger boys had spent the past week since Myria introduced them spending every moment together if they were able. They both found out how similar they were: They both loved to read, They adore their pets, they had siblings who teased them, and they both wanted to be great at archery. So for most of the day they had been at the archery targets attempting to hit the bulls-eye, but most of their efforts were in vain.
"So hit any bulls-eyes boys?" Robb asked as they reached the auburn and the blonde.
Tommen shook his head, "No we've tried though."
Theon smirked at the two, "You just need to work harder then." The young friends nodded their heads breaking into motivated smiles.
They turned back around and were about to continue their practice when a sharp voice rang through the yard, "No matter how hard they try, they will fail." The four males turned their heads to see Joffrey walking towards them with Sansa strolling beside him attached by the arm. The pair were joined by Arya trailing behind them and the crown prince's ever faithful shadow, the Hound.
Theon raised his brows at the royal child's statement, "And how would you know both Bran and prince Tommen will fail, Your Highness?" The prickish blonde's mouth curled into a sneer at the Ironborn's quip.
"For one you should hold your tongue, pirate savage," Robb grabbed his friend's arm to prevent him from strangling the prince. "And Tommen's arms are too fat to even hold the bow correctly."
Bran watched as his friend's face became sadder as he dropped his bow to the ground. He walked up to Tommen and rubbed his back while glaring at his friend's older brother. While he was annoyed when Arya poked fun at him, it was all in good fun. Joffrey's behavior to his brother was cruel and bordering on evil.
"Can you even hold a bow correctly?" Everyone snapped their heads towards the voice to see Arya glowering at the blonde boy. The giant of a man next to the small girl lightly smirked at her attitude towards the prince, but returned to his stoic visage when he caught the prince's murderous glare directed at the young girl.
"Arya! Why are you always such a little beast!" Joffrey's anger melted as he watched his betrothed's outburst at her sister. The girls stared each other down before Arya spat at her sister's feet and stormed away. Sansa's anger dissipated when her fiance took her hand and led her away from the training yard with the quiet Clegane following them.
Tommen watched his brother leave the yard before he leaned over to Bran, "Remind me to thank Arya later." Bran nodded his head at his friend while Theon and Robb laughed at the little prince's whisper.
While the four nobles left in the yard resumed their small archery lesson, Jon stood in his father's solar lost in his own mind. He could not comprehend why Edric would willingly leave his entire house's future in the hands of himself and Myria, well actually he could completely understand Myria. She was raised as a noble woman her whole life, she was made for the life she had. Jon was raised as a bastard, to help his brother when he comes into his own noble title when their father passes. Maybe at the most become Winterfell's next Master-at-Arms.
He had not foreseen the past weeks events, but he was grateful to the Gods for blessing him with a beautiful and kind wife. He still did not understand how he deserved all the rest he had been gifted with and frankly felt undeserving of his new title as a Stark. Some part of it just did not sit correctly with him.
"Jon, something on your mind?" He came out of his mess of thoughts to see his father sitting at his desk with a large rectangular chest sitting on it.
He smiled at his father and sat in one of the two seats opposite of his own, "Just trying to process everything that's happened as of late."
Ned returned Jon's smile and let out a slight chuckle, his mirth clear on his face, "What Edric said this morning spooked you a tad, eh?" Jon's face betrayed his agreement to his father's words. "Well, there's nothing wrong with Edric's decision. He obviously trusts yourself and Myria more than others in his family."
"Father, no disrespect, but I have lived my whole life as a bastard, a nobody. I have no idea how to be a Lord or run a house," He shook his head and let it rest in his hands. "That's stuff Robb was born to do, not myself."
Ned stood from his seat and walked around his desk to sit on the edge of it by Jon, "Jon , I know you feel like you are not worthy of all you've received the past week, but I know you are." He lifted his arm and placed his hand onto Jon's shoulder.
"I think it's time I told you about your mother."
Jon's head shot up at his words, "My mother?"
"Aye," Ned got up and walked back around his desk to stand in front of the chest once again. "I wanted to wait longer, til you were a bit older." Jon listened as Ned started to unlock the sides of the box. "But something is coming, I can feel it. I want you to be prepared for anything that may come your way, Jon."
Ned creaked open the lid of the chest and both men were greeted by the smell of old parchment and leather. Jon peered into it and caught the sight of a small book, scrolls of parchment, and raven's letters. He also noticed a slightly smaller chest nestled securely inside of the bigger one, safely wrapped in all of the parchment. The last thing to draw his eye was a small knitted blanket of gray and red wool folded in the corner.
"What's all of this?" He asked his father.
"This," he gestured to the whole crate. "Is all of your mother's possessions she had with her when I found her with you 17 years ago." He stared at Jon with a piercing look. "In the Tower of Joy."
Jon quirked his brows at Ned.
"The Tower of Joy? But that's where you found...Aunt Lyanna." He watched as Ned's face became wrought with sadness and guilt. He waited for an answer, but watched as his father turned and walked towards the window, peering out of it with a pensive glimmer in his eye. He instead went back to the chest, picking up the worn book and flipping it open, hoping to find some insight on whatever the hell was going on.
Ever since the tourney at Harrenhal I have been haunted by his face, his words, his smile. Clara wasn't lying when she said any woman could fall for the Silver Prince's charm. But I wonder if she knows about his sadness as well. He's good at hiding it, but I could see it as bright as day. Perhaps because we both are cut from the same cloth, forced to marry someone we have no love for to better our own families. Everyone acts like he and Elia are happy with their life and children, but then why does the princess barely even speak to her husband? Why did he give me the crown of winter roses? Perhaps I should just keep my head down and marry Robert, even though he disgusts me. Does Ned even notice how his 'dear' friend treats women? I doubt it.
Jon flipped to another page as a new side of history was presented to him.
He came for me, And I went with him! By the Old Gods what was I thinking? Running off with the Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms!? But the thought of staying forever trapped in Winterfell and then Storm's End terrified me. Why is it women have no choice in the path of their own life? So I left, and Rhaegar is so happy. He's been smiling the whole time. He didn't let many come with us, since he wants to keep us a secret for now, but he said Arthur and Clara would join us soon. Once she gives birth to her child. I hope she has a girl, she's always wanted one.
Another page turned.
I'm married, and to the love of my life. Rhaegar had the Grand Maester annul his and Elia's marriage and took me for his new wife. I am a princess, if Ned could see me now he would laugh at that fact. I always claimed I never wanted to be a lady, well I suppose I'm not a lady anymore. Clara and Arthur were our witnesses along with little Ria. She was born less than a fortnight ago in King's Landing and she is the happiest child I've ever laid eyes on. Clara named me her Godmother, a tradition from the Seven's confusing faith, but I am honored nonetheless. We are staying in Dorne for a while to wait out the King's anger at the annulled marriage. I hope the King doesn't blame my family for my choice, but his mind was lost to madness long ago.
And another.
Clara knitted me a beautiful blanket for the baby, hues of grey and red to reflect both house Stark and Targaryen. Ria loves putting her hands on my stomach to get a rise out of my little dragon. Arthur and Rhaegar joked they would have another generation of Dayne and Tarygaryen friendship. I believe it will be a boy, a perfect little prince. And a perfect match for my sweet little star.
Finally he reached the final entry with shaking hands and noticed the change in handwriting.
Eddard arrived to retrieve Lyanna, but he was too late. The pregnancy was too much for her body to withstand, but at least she passed with her favorite brother by her side and the false knowledge that her husband still lived. However I am well aware of my dear Arthur's passing, I can see his body strewn across the ground through the window. Eddard claimed Myria and myself would be safe because of who my brother is, but I am no fool. Robert's rage is as volatile as wildfyre, my older brother will be unable to protect me from his seething anger. Hopefully Jon can protect Myria, she is his niece after all. I hope the Stark can protect her son, but I am not hopeful. Practically a carbon copy of her older brother, Brandon. Dark hair and grey eyes, but he has Rhaegar's soft smile. Maybe Robert will spare his love's son. We can only pray the Gods will protect our children. I hope they will also forgive me for my own choice, but it's the only way. I love my little shooting star, and I hope she grows up knowing her parents did everything to protect her.
Jon dropped the book in shock. Ned glanced back at him before muttering, "She made me promise." Jon slowly craned his head to him.
"Promise what?"
The Lord of Winterfell sighed before stepping away from the window to stand by the man he raised as his son, "She knew Robert would've wanted you dead," Jon shakily inhaled. "So she made me promise to protect you, to lie. So I did."
Jon stumbled into the chair behind him, "So I...I'm not your son?" He watched as the man he had called father solemnly shake his head. "That means I'm…."
"Lyanna and Rhaegar's son? Yes you are, Jon." The younger man became slightly green and he watched as Jon turned to throw up on the ground. "I told everyone you were my bastard to keep you safe."
Jon closed his eyes as he tried to push back another wave of nausea, "You didn't even tell your wife, you made Lady Catelyn think you betrayed her to protect me?"
"Yes."
He took in a deep breath and opened his eyes, "Does anyone else know?"
Ned sat down in his chair, "The only people who knew back then was myself, Howland Reed, and Jon Arryn. Since Jon's passing it's only Lord Reed and I." Jon nodded his head. It was known by everyone in the North that Howland Reed road south with Eddard Stark to save Lyanna from her prison in Dorne, but they came back empty handed. Or at least everyone thought they did.
"So my whole life has been a lie, is my name even Jon?"
Ned shrugged his shoulders, "Yes, at least that's what Lyanna and Clara called you. Your full name is Jaehaerys Targaryen, third of his name. By the line of succession you would be the next in line for the throne of Westeros."
Instead of responding to his father's...uncle's? information he turned his eyes back down to the chest and began to shuffle through the other items. There were countless raven's letters from Lyanna to Rhaegar, Rhaegar to Lyanna, as well as all of the ones shared between Myria's mother, Clara. Any one of them enough evidence to prove the story of Lyanna being kidnapped a lie to the whole Realm, but instead they stayed locked away in a chest protected by Lyanna's favorite brother. Jon picked up the folded fabric, feeling the softness of the blanket that was made for his birth. As he unfolded the blanket a loud clang caught his attention. He looked toward the sound to see a pouch that was cleverly wrapped inside of the wool.
He poured out the contents of the pouch to be met with countless pieces of jewelry ranging from rings to a small tiara inlaid with sapphires and rubies. He passed his hand over each of the priceless objects he was certain his mother had worn. He craned his neck as Ned reached his hand into the chest and pulled out a handful of papers along with the smaller chest. He passed the papers to Jon as he pulled open one of this desk drawers.
Jon scanned over the papers: an official annulment between Princess Elia Martell and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, A marriage certificate for Lady Lyanna Stark and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen signed by witnesses Arthur Dayne and Clara Dayne, and a signed betrothal agreement between Lord Arthur Dayne and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen for their children Myria Dayne and the unborn Targaryen heir; providing the child was male.
Jon almost laughed at the irony, he ended up betrothed to the same woman twice. As if the Gods willed them together one way or another. He glanced up again at the sound of a key entering a lock, and watched as his apparent uncle pushed the smaller box his way.
"I've never opened it. Lyanna said it was a name day gift from your father. He brought it before he went off to fight at the Trident." Jon slowly placed his hand on the lid and pushed it open. The inside of the box was lined with black velvet and sitting on the blanket were...three rocks? He picked up one of the strange objects to observe it better. It snugly sat in his palm, the feel of it was scaly like a fish,and there a peculiar warmth radiating from the stone. The one he was holding was jet black with red highlights, while the other two were a cream color tinged with blue and a pale green shimmering with silver.
Jon could only think of one thing they could be: Dragon eggs.