Chapter 3 – King's Landing and Winterfell

Daenerys

It was far too early in the morning when the chambermaids opened the sturdy oak door to Dany's chambers. She barely paid attention as they quickly went about their duties, seemingly without a care for her desire to sleep some more. One of the most pitiless maids, a portly middle-aged woman with wrinkles under her eyes and a heavy brown braid that hung all the way to her lower back, opened the curtains to let the sun shine in on the poor princess in all its infernal glory.

What a dreadful manner to be woken, was Dany's first coherent thought. Her second thought was to send for Ser Oswell to protect her from the chambermaids. As usual she did not act upon that thought.

The truth was that Dany lacked all desire or interest to find out what the day might bring. If the day turned out to be similar to the previous day, she'd rather just stay in her chambers. Yesterday had begun with an exciting double-session with Septa Jolenta. She told the most riveting stories of the Faith and the duties of devout ladies. The very thought made her groan.

After the midday meal, she had been fortunate enough to spend the next few hours practicing her needlework. As she repeatedly stabbed her fingers with the sharp needle, the ladies had entertained her with the latest gossip. She was glad to have caught up with such important events such as what knight had been particularly charming, as well as the identity of the fortunate lady who had been the object of said charm. Fascinating.

Maybe today would be equally eventful. She buried her face in the soft feather pillow. Someone just kill me now. Well, she didn't quite mean that. Not really. It would be a tragic tale of the dull life of a royal princess, a footnote in the long Targaryen history. But it couldn't always be like this. Surely it could not.

"Your Grace," one of the maids addressed her demurely, "the King has requested your presence at the morning meal. Please, princess, we cannot let the King wait."

At that Dany forced her eyes wide open. It was rare that her brother had time for her. He was always busy seeing to the needs of the realm. Often much too busy for his little sister. She stepped out of bed and pulled her nightgown over her head and threw it on the floor. There was no time for a hot bath, but her maids had already seen to filling up a small stone basin with hot water to help her freshen herself.

A screen had been set up to allow her some privacy from any who might have entered her room while she was exposed. Not that nudity bothered her, to her Septa's chagrin. Just yesteryear Dany had almost given her Septa a heart attack as she had run screaming around the royal apartments without a stitch on her body as she gave chase to her youngest niece Shaena who had poured a bucket of ice cold water over her as she enjoyed a nice hot bath. Poor Barristan had not known where to keep his eyes as he had tried to respond to what he imagined must surely have been a threat to the royal family.

Maybe that was what I must do again to finally rid myself of the evil Septa. She immediately tried to regret her unkind thought, but didn't fully succeed. Dany mostly regretted her inability to truly regret her evil thoughts. She was truly awful.

The maids had already picked a dress for her and they helped her put it on. Her brother Viserys had gifted it to her after a recent trip to Lys. "Feel the fabric" he said as he held it up for her with one hand while caressing it with his other hand. "Touch it with your fingers. Feel how soft it is." It was soft indeed, very soft. But it did sound like Viserys had wanted to wear it himself if he could get away with it. The thought made her giggle. Her brother had become a fair knight, but the Prince of Summerhall had a surprisingly soft side to him, just like Rhaegar.

The maids finished buttoning the dress and started brushing her long silvery hair before they fastened a couple of simple hair ornaments to keep her hair away from her eyes. Dany inspected the results critically in a mirror before she determined she looked presentable. She hadn't always concerned herself over how she looked, but recently that had started to seem oddly important. Even for a family meal.

Luckily she didn't have to walk far. Her brother Rhaegar took his morning meal in a room adjacent to his own chambers, with a spectacular view of the city and Blackwater Bay. Sometimes she liked to sit there and just watch the comings and goings of the multitude of ships that entered the harbor. She would pretend that one of those ships had come to take her on a journey to Braavos or Pentos. Perhaps even to Lys, as she'd like to know why Viserys and her good-brother Prince Oberyn so often spoke of returning to that small island.

Ser Barristan Selmy bowed respectfully as she approached her brother the King's dining room. "Good morning, Ser Barristan," she greeted him with a genuine smile. Dany had never known her own father, but sometimes she pretended that the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard was her real father, regardless of how utterly inappropriate such thoughts were. He always treated her with such respect and always had a special smile just for her.

"Good morning, my princess," he answered her and held up the door for her. "You can walk right in, His Grace awaits you."

"Thank you." She stepped inside and saw that not only was her brother Rhaegar there, but Viserys and mother too. While Rhaenys was in Dorne, she had expected Lyanna and her nieces to be present, but they weren't. After greeting them, she asked why.

Rhaegar was the one to answer her as he looked up from his plate of cheese, meat and fruit. Bread rarely agreed with him, he claimed. "Sweetest sister, Lya is breaking her fast with her ladies and she decided to have our daughters join her." He looked tired and worn; doubtless he had labored at his desk late into the night again. As usual the King wore his house colors. His coat was almost all black, but with red details.

Her mother Rhaella looked happy this morning, sipping a cup of watered wine. "I love them all dearly, but sometimes it is nice to spend some time alone with my own children," she said. "We so rarely do these days." Dany always thought that her mother was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. While there were small hints of age in her almost flawless Valyrian face, they were easily overlooked. She directed a warm smile at her mother. It was good to see her happy. While rarely spoken of, Dany had heard enough to understand that her mother hadn't had an easy time while Dany's father was still alive.

Viserys on the other hand looked contemplative as he chewed on some bacon. She wasn't sure what he was thinking these days. In many ways he looked like a younger Rhaegar, though somewhat slighter of build. That had recently changed as Viserys had begun taking his swordplay more seriously and had begun to fill out nicely.

It had all started with yet another disparaging remark directed against Rhaenys, but that applied equally to all the less pure members of the family. Viserys had also expressed the thought that he ought to be Rhaegar's heir and should marry his younger sister to keep the Dragon's blood pure.

No one that heard him had been surprised, as he had said similar things several times prior. However, this time Jae had happened to overhear. The crown prince had not been amused, to put it mildly. The young boy of ten-and-two had given Viserys an icy stare. Dany did not think he had been as affected by the insult to his own person as much as hearing disparaging words about Rhaenys or his younger sisters. Everybody knew that Jae loved them fiercely.

She remembered how Jae's cold gray eyes had flared slightly purple. While his stare was ice cold, Dany sometimes imagined that this might well be what it meant to wake the Dragon. Jae had then ordered Ser Jaime to find them two practice swords and proceeded to utterly humiliate her poor fool of a brother, despite the seven year age difference. Everyone knew that Jae was a prodigy with a sword in hand even at his young age, but the sight of him in cold fury had forever been etched into Dany's memory. And Viserys' as well, it seemed.

She did not know what had been said between the two as Jae bent over the bleeding Viserys who lay sprawled on the ground. Even blunt edges could break skin if wielded with enough determination, it seemed. But she suspected that Jae's words had pierced deeper. She only knew that the result was a very subdued Prince of Summerhall. It had perhaps taken him a while, but he had later apologized to Rhaenys, Visenya and Shaena, although the latter two were really too young to understand what it was all about.

Viserys had then asked the Kingsguard to train him thoroughly, whereas before he had not put the effort into his swordplay. Somehow Viserys had emerged from this an able fighter as well as Jae's biggest supporter to Rhaegar's great surprise and relief. Even his older brother hadn't managed to rein in Viserys properly and had begun to despair at his attitude. The king had beamed with pride at his son; both for his fighting skills and for his protective attitude. Dany suspected he was relieved that Jae hadn't taken it too far.

Sometimes Dany pretended that Jae had been roused to anger because of Viserys' words about marrying Dany. The thought always made her feel so warm inside, but she didn't really understand why. She made herself a plate of fruit and strawberry pie. She always broke her fasts on light, sweet foods. She missed him, and knew the others did too.

"Yes mother," Viserys finally said. "Although, I'm afraid I shall depart for Summerhall soon. There's a lot there that needs seeing to."

Rhaegar looked pleased with his younger brother taking his responsibilities seriously. "You should take Ser Oswell with you to further your training. But more importantly, do not stay away for too long. Lord Arryn had just informed me he wishes to retire from his duties here and I intend to appoint you to Master of Laws in his stead."

Viserys looked like he had been given half the kingdom. "I shall be back as soon as I can. I won't disappoint you, brother," he swore solemnly.

"Good," Rhaegar replied with a small smile. "Serve me well as Master of Laws and perhaps one day when you've gained enough experience you will be made Hand of the King." Viserys looked very proud at that thought. So did mother who smiled at her two sons fondly.

"That brings me to you, sweet sister."

"To me, brother?" She asked worriedly. What is this about?

"Calm down, sister. It's nothing bad, I promise," Rhaegar chuckled. Her apprehension must have been quite visible. "Your mother informs me that you are bored with your lessons. Tell me, don't you find them interesting at all? I remember absorbing my tutors' every word and coming back each day hungry for more." Rhaegar got something wistful in his eyes as he seemed to lose himself in memories.

"Get rid of that old boring Septa and I might have felt the same," she murmured softly, thinking that no one could hear. She must have spoken louder than she thought because both her brothers burst out laughing. Rhaella just sighed heavily while she gave Dany an exasperated look.

"Oh dear sister, would you have found a Maester more to your liking?" Rhaegar asked amusedly.

"I don't know, but it could hardly be worse," she replied sullenly.

"Would that I could rid you of your Septa, Dany, but we have appearances to uphold. We must seem as devout followers of the Seven, whatever we shall think privately. This has been our way since Aegon the Conqueror."

"Fine," she huffed and reached for a piece of fruit. Well, that else was there to say. They were just having fun at her expense.

"Don't look at me like that, sister," Rhaegar said. "I actually have a suggestion for you. Under the supervision of Lya I want you to help the poor orphans of the city."

"Me?" she asked surprised. What do I know about poor orphans?

"Yes, you. It will be good for you to get out of the castle and see the city. I expect you will learn a lot, as well as help those who have nothing. We must always remember that we were the fortunate ones to be born into this great family, but most people are not that fortunate and some truly deserve our pity – and our help." Her brother looked very serious when he spoke of this and she understood that he meant every word.

"I... I am not sure what I can do. But I will do whatever I can! And I'll ask Lya for help," she said. And she really was going to do it; suddenly she was excited at the prospect of doing something else with her time, and felt the weight of the responsibility as well. And maybe, just maybe it would be worth getting out of bed in the morning.

Eddard

It was a miserable day, almost evening already, when they finally spotted Winterfell from afar. Gray, windy, rainy and cold; there was nothing quite like good northern weather to welcome him home. Storm had just returned to him after having been gone for a couple of days, and was now running just ahead of him.

He tucked his furs closer around Rickon who was seated in front of him. With his one and only name day he was barely but a babe still. He should have had that bloody wheelhouse fixed, but did not expect to ride for Winterfell so soon. This was no decent way to travel with a toddler and Cat would never forgive him if little Rickon caught a cold.

Next to him rode his wife with Bran seated behind her. Robb rode just behind them next to Jae who had the honor of keeping Arya wrapped up in furs in front of him. She looked to be chatting away happily and Jae smiled at her indulgently. Neither Bran nor Arya lasted more than a few hours each day on their ponies before they grew too tired to keep up with the modest pace Ned had set for them. It had taken them close to three weeks to reach Winterfell, but now as he gazed upon the familiar castle he felt at peace in a way he doubted he could anywhere else.

Winterfell was home, for all that he was the Lord of Moat Cailin. That was still somewhat strange to him. He had always expected a small keep somewhere as the second son. Or perhaps he'd serve in some capacity at Winterfell. Instead he was the lord of the second largest stronghold in the North. Second or third in importance too; whether White Harbor was more important was debatable. More important for the prosperity of the North, but not for its defense, he concluded.

He felt a bit bad for Benjen though. Stark tradition held that third sons serve at the Wall as to lead by example. While father would never have forced Benjen, in the end he didn't have to. Benjen was always a dutiful son. With luck Benjen would come down to Winterfell during their stay.

As they approached the gates he spotted guards and other members of the household milling about, trying no doubt to get ready to greet their Prince. This was a big day for the Starks. Not since the days of Aegon the Conqueror had there been a prince with Stark blood, and here he was, looking far more a Stark than a Targaryen. He did not doubt that his lord father would be pleased.

He turned to look at his nephew. Jae's face betrayed little of his thoughts or feelings as they beheld the immense castle and ancient seat of the Kings of Winter, with the mostly deserted Winter Town not far off. "It's time, my prince."

Jae nodded and rode up next to Ned as Cat fell back to ride beside Robb. It was important to make a good impression, and as such Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen ought to ride at the head of their party. Next to Ned, of course.

Behind them came Ser Jaime who had elected to pull out a large Targaryen banner as they approached Winterfell. The three-headed dragon in red on a black field announced Jae's presence to the world, just as Ser Jaime's billowing white cloak did. Jaime had japed that they needed the Dragon banner to remind everyone that Jae was indeed a dragon foremost, and not a wolf.

He wasn't quite sure what to make of Ser Jaime. Given how close he seemed to be with Jae he must be an honorable man, but it was hard to square that thought with Jaime's constant jokes – many of which Jae himself was the butt of. It seemed highly inappropriate, but he also didn't doubt that his nephew was an honorable boy, nay not quite a boy; almost a man grown now.

There was no time for such thoughts as they finally rode through the South Gate. Once inside they pulled up well ahead of the welcoming party that had come out to greet them. Guards, servants, small-folk, indeed everyone seemed to watch them as they entered the courtyard. Brandon's large black direwolf Shadow immediately fell upon Storm in playful excitement. Jae was the first to dismount, after which he helped Arya down.

"WELCOME TO WINTERFELL, PRINCE JAEHAERYS!" his brother Brandon's voice boomed out all over the courtyard, breaking all manners of traditions and customs by speaking out of turn. But there was no mistaking the pride in his voice. As if on signal, everyone erupted in deafening cheers. When it finally subsided, he saw his lord father take a deep bow with everyone doing the same.

"Winterfell is yours, my prince." His father said formally; voice weaker than Ned remembered. "By the Old Gods, you look just like my Lyanna", he heard his father whisper as if he could hardly believe his eyes. "The wolves stand with the dragons, now and always!" Rickard added more strongly and everyone cheered again.

After a moment Jae held up his hand, calling for silence. "You honor me, my lord grandfather. My heart is filled with joy at standing here in the ancient seat of the Starks; in front of my beloved kin. My mother, Queen Lyanna, spoke ever so fondly of each and every one of you. She misses you greatly and sends her most heartfelt greetings."

Ned could see that they were all pleased with how the prince had greeted them. The pride in their eyes was unmistakable; a pride that Ned felt even more strongly after having spent a few weeks in Jae's company.

Of course, from then it could only go downhill.

First spoke his lord father. "I've always wondered which blood would win out if a dragon was matched with a wolf. Now the answer stands before my very eyes." A bit of an awkward silence followed that.

Jae gave his grandfather an embarrassed smile as soon as he recovered from his momentary surprise, "While it's true that I greatly take after my mother, my sisters Visenya and Shaena mostly look like my father, the King, except for their eyes. They have got their mother's eyes." Ned could faintly make out Ser Jaime snickering behind them and saw how Jae threw his Kingsguard a dirty look; pregnant with the promise of later retribution.

Brandon too seemed to find it funny, "But the strongest blood surely belongs to the Tullys!" He turned to Ned and the rest of his family. "Wouldn't you say, Lord Redstark?" Brandon was the only one who seemed to find that funny. Ned rolled his eyes and prayed that this would soon be over. He could practically feel his wife's displeasure at having been reminded of her perceived failure to birth proper Starks. As if there was anything wrong with their wonderful children.

Jae finally came to his rescue. "It's an honor to meet you, Lord Brandon. Would you be so kind and introduce me to your lovely family?"

At his nephew's polite request Brandon could do nothing but comply. "This is my wife, Lady Barbrey, and the mother of my three beautiful daughters." Jae bent over and gave her knuckles a peck. "My lady, my mother told me you caught Lord Brandon's eye when he fostered at Barrowton, and I can certainly see why," he charmed her. Her cheeks went slightly red at that, did she think he alluded to the rumors of Brandon dishonoring her?

Jae was then introduced to their three daughters, Lyarra, Berena and Robyn, of whom only the latter had a Ryswell name, although the name of a Ryswell lady who married a Stark. They all looked like a perfect mix between Brandon and Barbrey; with his colors on her face. All of them smiled at Jae prettily. Over his shoulder Ned spotted Robb giving Lyarra an appreciative look; a look which the young lady must have noticed given her sweet blush. Or was it the prince she was blushing for?

From what Ned knew about Lyarra, she was like a mix between his own Sansa and Arya; being more adventurous than the former but calmer than the latter. A true northern lady. If only his own daughters would find some kind of balance, and make peace between themselves. But then again, Berena and Robyn weren't exactly proper little ladies either. Gods, what a family; too much wolf blood.

His musings were interrupted by his lord father after the last of the introductions were made. "Come on inside, everyone, it's getting cold and we still have an important task before the feast. If we are to stand here much longer you might as well carry my old bones straight down to the crypts and be done with it," he grumbled.

Everyone chuckled at that, although the worry for Lord Rickard was there too. He looked a lot frailer than he did the last time Ned saw him. He was paler than usual, and his voice didn't carry as well as it used to. It was very worrisome and Ned thought that they need to send word to Lyanna, if Brandon hadn't already done so. He approached his brother with the intent to speak to him about it.

Jaehaerys

It was with deepest reverence that Jae stepped inside the Great Hall of Winterfell, with Ser Jaime on his heels. This was his mother's childhood home, and the home of his Stark ancestors. His eyes traced the gray stone walls on the inside, taking great interest in colorful banners and the finely woven tapestries depicting ancient heads of his family and glorious battles. Jae observed the interior in silence, still full of emotion at seeing his mother's family.

His grandfather had been a surprise. Jae had always pictured Lord Rickard as a fierce warrior, but age had clearly taken its toll. His beard and hair had gone completely gray and wrinkles covered his face. He seemed to have some trouble walking and used a cane to steady himself. The Old Wolf he was called, or so Jae had heard the Stark guards say on the road to Winterfell.

His heir Brandon however was exactly as Jae had imagined. He had the typical Stark look; gray eyes, long dark brown hair and a full beard of the same color. An exuberant man; warm, loud and somewhat inappropriate. He didn't carry himself with the same quiet dignity as Uncle Ned, but people did speak of his charisma. A leader whom people would follow then, but was he a good leader? Jae feared that they would soon find out what it meant to be led by the Wild Wolf.

Said uncle joined Jae as he slowly made his way inside. "My prince, we are greatly pleased to have you here," he smiled. "We do hope you will like it, although what Winterfell can offer surely differs quite a lot from what you are used to down in King's Landing."

Jae nodded at that. "Aye, but in King's Landing I cannot walk anywhere outside the castle without being immediately recognized. Here I look forward to exploring the land; the Wolfswood my mother so often spoke of, and to follow the White Knife all the way up to the Long Lake and beyond. I greatly desire to visit Uncle Benjen and Great-uncle Aemon on the Wall, and to visit the keeps and the holdfasts of your bannermen."

Brandon's booming laughter startled him with its intensity. "Ah, I see you are of a mind to explore then. Lyanna was exactly the same; she could never sit still for long, and for the record, so was I. I shall tell you of all the good spots."

Jae smiled at him gratefully, immediately feeling comfortable around his uncle. "I already look forward to pick your brain, uncle."

Brandon then motioned for Jae to follow him as he began to speed up. "Come," he said, still smiling warmly. "The others have already gone straight to see the pups and as it looks now you will receive the last pick." He pointed at the rest of the family which had congregated by the raised platform at the far end of the Hall.

Jae nodded and followed with Jaime right behind him, the excitement growing rapidly within him. "Father wanted the pups brought inside, to be handed over first thing upon your arrival. You have no idea how excited he has been about their timely births," Brandon said.

"A sign from the Gods, you wrote Uncle Ned," Jae filled in.

"Aye, I almost believe it myself. It's just too bloody precise for it to be coincidence, I mean with the number of pups and their genders." Brandon raised the palms of his hands and shrugged, as if it to indicate that it was well beyond him. Jae understood fully, he didn't put much store in the Gods himself, but this was all a little bit too much to be pure chance.

"Politically it will play really well with your bannermen, I'm sure," Jae said after a moment. "For House Stark to be seen to have the favor of the Gods."

"Aye," Brandon said, "but the arrival of the direwolves all these years ago changed all our plans," he added almost ruefully. Perhaps Brandon wasn't happy to abandon the Southron ambitions? Jae wondered, but refrained from saying more as they finally reached the platform. He heard squeals of delight and laughter coming from all his younger cousins. Robb held up a small gray pup and exclaimed excitedly, "Look at him, what a fierce beast he will be one day!"

They had laid out several furs on the floor where they were all gathered, with an obscenely large gray-and-white direwolf at its center. This must be Winter, Jae thought. Little Rickon was giggling as a dark furred little pup began to lick his face as Lady Catelyn looked ready to intervene at a moment's notice. Perhaps he was too young to be afraid, while she was too Southern not to be.

Sansa and Lyarra cooed at their little pups, while Arya was already trying to play with hers. The pups were too young and small to really play though, but she wouldn't let that deter her. Bran was just petting his own pup softly that seemed to have fallen asleep on his lap. The little boy's eyes were wide and his face flushed with excitement. Berena and Robyn had carried theirs away and were jumping up and down next to Lady Barbrey who smiled at them indulgently.

On the far end corner of the large gray furs there was one small pup left. At first Jae hadn't even seen him as he seemed to have crawled away from the others. Its fur was all white as snow. He walked over to it, bent down and lifted it up by the scruff of its neck. Slowly and carefully he turned it around to face him until small - but somehow familiar - red eyes met gray.

This one is mine.

AN: I hope you enjoyed!

A big thank you to all who liked and reviewed.