As you may have seen if you look at my profile, I've now actually thought of an idea for a Tully story. Now that won't be written until after both No Mercy and A World of Fire and Blood are finished, but the idea has been thought of and the House fleshed out a bit. I've made a sigil and House words and all of the necessary things needed for a Game of Thrones House.

It seems silly, but I keep checking to see if this story has been added to the community it's relevant too. It's not a major issue of course but it would be nice!

As always, I own nothing but Durran.

The Stark's ended up taking the long way around King's Landing on King Robert's request, so the people of the city would know they had arrived. Durran wasn't one for great theatrics however, and as quickly as was allowed to, he made his way into the Red Keep and straight up to his room. Immediately he dropped onto his bed and relaxed into the soft mattress, relishing the feeling of his own bed rather than whatever they called comforts in the North.

The next thing he knew, dusk was falling. Realising he must have dropped off to sleep, he began stretching, and looked around the room. He saw his Mother in the corner lighting the candles. She heard his movement, and smiled softly as she lit the last couple.

"A good sleep, I presume?" Cersei asked.

"A needed one." Durran nodded. "I've missed the comforts of my own bed."

"As have I." Cersei smiled, making her way to sit on his bed. "I need to speak with you. You haven't had word from your uncles, have you?"

Durran thought, and shook his head. "No, the last time I spoke to Renly was a week or so before we left for Winterfell, and Uncle Stannis often wondered about with Jon Arryn at strange times of the day for hours." Cersei looked uncomfortable at that statement. "Why?"

"No reason sweetling." Cersei smiled. "They just weren't at the Small Council meeting apparently."

"I'm sure they'll be there tomorrow." Durran told her.

"Quite." Cersei said. "It's nice, actually talking to you without you ignoring me."

Durran frowned, he had basically ignored everyone on the way back from the inn. "I didn't feel like talking."

"You worried me." Cersei admitted. "After the incident…"

"Incident? Joffrey tried to kill me!" Durran exclaimed. "All because I was helping somebody learn."

"A commoner attacked you, Joffrey was doing his duty." Cersei snapped.

"I invited him to spar with me." Durran said, teeth clenched. "It was my fault and Joffrey distracted me, that's why Mycah caught me on the side. There was no need to start that."

"Don't blame Joffrey for your hobby of playing with smallfolk Durran." Cersei sighed.

"Of course not, it's never his fault." Durran mumbled. Cersei heard, but ignored him.

"It's commendable, trying to break bread with the Stark girl, but she isn't a good influence on you clearly. I want you to stay away from her." Cersei requested. Durran looked confused.

"She's harmless, a bit wild but she's from the savage North." Durran chuckled briefly before a look from Cersei put him off. "Very well, I suppose I'll be too busy anyway with Uncle Stannis and Dany."

Cersei pursed her lips. "That's another thing. The King…"

Durran got up, feeling himself getting angry again. "The King has requested I don't see her? Again?"

"He has put forward a couple of suitable matches for you to wed. Margaery Tyrell, either of the Lannister twins and even Arya Stark has crossed his mind." Cersei told him, looking unhappy. Durran looked aghast at the thought.

"What? I thought we agreed…"

"You agreed she could have a walk." Cersei cut him off strongly. "I didn't raise you to be a fool, Durran. You know you'll never marry the Targaryen girl."

Durran's breath hitched as his emotions threatened to spill over. Rising, he took one look at his mother and spat. "Try and stop me."

Cersei laughed once. "Durran, come now. Did you truly believe your Father would agree? She's our enemy."

Durran sighed, and looked at his Mother almost pitifully. "No." He told her. "She isn't." With that he turned and fled the room, with only one destination on his mind.

The first sign that something wasn't right came when Durran turned the corner and couldn't find a guard by the skull of Balerion the Black Dread. He searched the small corridor to make sure he hadn't just gone for a piss or something, but frowned as the entire area looked like it hadn't been used in any way in a couple of months.

He tried Dany's door, concerned as he found it was unlocked. Unsheathing his sword, he kicked the door in, expecting company.

He found nothing. The room was completely empty. He stared around, trying to find some form of life but there was none. Going through Dany's furniture, he noticed all of her clothes and personal things had gone too.

Rage filled through him. Expecting that his Father or Mother had done something to her while they were away. He was about to storm up to his Father's chambers when the light caught on something on her bed.

It was a letter with his name on. Curious, he sheathed his sword again and opened up the letter.

'Nephew. I ask that you do not worry about my absence from the capital. I have returned to Storm's End as Lady Baratheon is unwell, and do not know when I shall return. In order to fulfil your duties, I ask that you explain to the King why I am absent and join me. Lord Stannis Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End.'

Durran read the letter, and reread it, and read it again. It didn't make any sense and didn't explain where Dany had gone. Hearing footsteps come from the corridor outside he unsheathed his sword again, holding it out to the doorway. A moment later, and Varys appeared, looking slightly alarmed.

"Prince Durran." He acknowledged, as if expecting him.

"Where is she?" Durran asked.

"Safe, I swear it." Varys told him.

"Prove that." Durran said, narrowing his eyes.

Varys held his arms up and slowly moved one in to his robes. Durran edged the sword closer to the eunuch, confused when another letter was held out. "She wrote this for you, for this exact moment. Lord Stannis couldn't say everything in his letter because the King can't know anything yet until we've prepared."

"Prepared for what?" Durran asked, lowering his sword and taking the letter. His breath hitched as he recognised Dany's writing. Urgently opening the letter, he took in her words, but they confused him even more. "What? This makes no sense." Durran told the eunuch.

"All will when Stannis can explain everything." Varys urged.

"This says Jon Arryn was murdered and the same people would murder Uncle Stannis and my Father too! How can I not show this to the King?" Durran exclaimed.

"Because you will put the King in even more danger." Varys said, scoldingly. "Stannis Baratheon isn't the sort to run away unless it was necessary for the survival of the House."

Durran sighed, and fell to the bed. "So Dany is with him?"

"I insisted." Varys nodded. "She isn't safe here, she never has been. The Royal excursion to Winterfell was the perfect excuse to smuggle her out."

Durran shook his head. "This is all too much, what if my Father finds out?"

"This is where everything you have learnt comes into play my Prince." Varys told him. "You must only show your Father the letter from Lord Stannis, that's what will make him agree for you to go to Storm's End."

"Lie to him." Durran said uncomfortably.

"If you want to save him, you must." Varys said sadly. Durran looked at Dany's words again, and looked at her plea for him to join her. He made up his mind.

"I will go and see my Father now." Durran told Varys strongly.

"Very good, My Prince." Varys smiled.

Durran arrived at his Father's door to find Jaime Lannister exiting the room. The golden-haired Lannister looked surprised to see him.

"Nephew." Jaime said, the grin not quite reaching his eyes.

"Uncle." Durran countered. "Is he in there?"

"I wouldn't be stood here otherwise." Jaime told him. He knocked on the door and allowed Durran to enter.

Inside was Robert and Ser Barristan Selmy looking slightly shaken at something. Durran walked over to the table and bowed his head.

"Your Grace." He said.

"None of that nonsense. Tell me, have you calmed down now?" Robert asked.

"A lot, Father." Durran nodded. "I've been given… perspective."

"Oh?" Robert asked, chuckling. "How so?" Durran handed the letter from Stannis over to Robert and let him read it out loud.

"It was on my bed as I got back." He lied after Robert had finished. "I'd like your permission to travel down to Storm's End to fulfil my duties as his squire."

Robert thought about it for a few moments. "I could order him to return." He said.

"Lady Joy may be dying, to force him away from that would be cruel, Your Grace." Ser Barristan told him. "Prince Durran may benefit from being away from the capital and in a new environment."

Durran looked questioningly at the old knight, before silently realising the meaning. Robert wanted him away from Dany.

"True. Tell me lad, do you want to go? Truly?" He asked.

"Yes Father." Durran nodded. "I've been learning lots from Uncle Stannis that will help me advise both you and Joffrey well in the future."

Robert nodded. "Very well then, you can leave as soon as you like. It will be good to have time where you and Joffrey aren't biting at each other's necks." He grinned.

"Of course, Father." Durran nodded.

"And send a weekly raven, it will be good to hear what mischief and adventures you are getting up to in my old home." Robert chuckled. Durran grinned back before making his way out of the room. He stopped by Jaime, who was still on the door.

"So, off to Storm's End then?" Jaime asked, having heard the conversation through the door.

"It seems that way." Durran nodded.

"Make sure you make up with your Mother, she will be beside herself when she hears." Jaime said, concerned. Durran nodded his confirmation, and slowly walked away, thinking of the consequence he hadn't thought of, his family not being with him.

Having packed his things, Durran immediately went to his Mothers chambers to explain what was happening. The guards let him in immediately and he was pleasantly surprised to see Myrcella and Tommen with her, eating lunch.

"Durran. What a lovely surprise." Cersei smiled.

"Mother, Myrcella, Tommen." He greeted with a grin. "Am I able to join you?"

"Always." Cersei smiled, gesturing to a seat. A servant placed another plate onto the table in front of Durran and he began to lightly fill his plate with fruits and a bit of bread. The table was silent for a few moments until Tommen turned to his brother.

"Guess what Uncle Renly sent me from Storm's End!" He squealed in delight.

Durran visibly thought hard at this, before grinning. "A cat?"

"Yes! He said Joffrey won't be able to get to this one, as his name is Ser Pounce and he's a knight!" Tommen exclaimed. Durran chuckled.

"Well I hope to meet this brave feline knight when I return then." Durran grinned. Cersei noticed his words though.

"Return? Where are you going?" She asked.

Taking a bite of an apple, Durran replied. "Storm's End. Lady Joy is unwell so Uncle Stannis has returned to his seat and requested I join him."

"Can I go to Storm's End too Mother?" Myrcella asked.

"No, sweetling. Durran isn't even going. Your place is here." Cersei said.

"Father has agreed." Durran said. "If I didn't have to go I wouldn't Mother, but this will be good for me."

Cersei pursed her lips as Myrcella looked wistfully. "Why can't I go?"

"Because, Princess." Durran grinned throwing a grape at her. "You must stay here. You're only 11 and must learn a lot more before you go off on your own adventures."

"You're only three years older." Myrcella pouted, before grinning and throwing a grape back.

"Enough." Cersei said sternly. "You're Royal children, not a pack of savages."

Myrcella and Durran apologised quietly. "Please can I go?"

"Durran is right Myrcella, you must stay here and learn from the Maesters until it is time for you to move." Cersei smiled diplomatically.

"I promise I'll write all the time." Durran smiled at his sister. "To both of you." He added to Tommen.

"Is it true that Durran Baratheon married a sea goddess?" Tommen asked. Durran chuckled.

"Durran of House Durrandon, little Brother. We weren't Baratheons until after Aegon landed and his Brother married Argella Durrandon." Durran explained. "And according to the legends yes. That's why Storm's End was built, because the sea gods were angry at Durran, and tore down every castle but Storm's End that he tried to build."

Tommen looked fascinated. "I want to see it too!"

"One day." Cersei said, her smile not reaching her eyes. "When do you leave then?"

"Tomorrow night. We're sailing down to the edge of Shipbreakers Bay and then going by horse inland." Durran explained. Cersei sighed sadly.

"I'll miss you." Myrcella said, equally as sad.

"I'll miss you all too." Durran smiled. "But as soon as Lady Joy gets better I'm sure I'll be back."

"Please hurry, Joffrey might hurt us if you don't." Tommen said. Durran looked shocked.

"Joffrey wouldn't hurt you Tommen, you must be mistaken." Cersei told him.

"He hurt Baelon." Tommen sniffed.

"The cat?" Cersei asked, rolling her eyes. Tommen nodded. "He didn't mean to."

"He did!" Tommen shouted, his little voice rising.

"Tommen!" Durran exclaimed. "Come on, I'm leaving late tomorrow so you won't wave me off. How about you and Myrcella come and help me finish packing?" Tommen and Myrcella nodded, and Durran looked to their Mother for permission to leave. She nodded, and Durran shepherded them out. Before he left he turned to Cersei. "I'll see you at the docks?" He asked.

"Of course." Cersei smiled sadly. "You're my boy, I need to be there to wave you off."

Durran grinned, and turned to catch up with his siblings. Myrcella was whispering to Tommen.

"You can't tell Mother those things! She never believes us!"

"You need to make friends with Sansa." Durran told them.

"Why?" Tommen asked.

"Because if you can spend most of your time with Sansa then Joffrey can't hurt you." Durran explained. "You've see how he is, he'll be nothing but courteous if you're with Sansa."

His Father hadn't even bothered to come down to the docks. Instead sending Ned Stark to see Durran off. Ser Arys Oakheart had been ordered to travel with Durran, supposedly for protection. His things had been placed onto the warship Stannis had given to him for his 11th nameday, named 'Sceptre'. The hundred-oar monster being manned by Stormlanders for the journey. Ser Arys was receiving final instructions from Ser Barristan, and Durran went to stand before Ned Stark before seeing his Mother.

"Lord Stark, try and keep the Capital standing until I return." Durran joked. Ned smirked briefly, before holding out a letter.

"Would it be possible that you deliver this to Lord Stannis? For his eyes only." Ned asked. Durran was surprised, but nodded.

"His eyes only, of course, My Lord." Durran nodded.

"Enjoy Storm's End. I've been there a few times, it really is a wonderful castle." Ned remarked. Durran grinned, and moved over to his Mother who was trying to hold in her tears.

"I still remember the day I birthed you like it was yesterday and now you're leaving me." Cersei cried softly.

"I'm not going forever Mother." Durran smiled sadly.

"You be sure to write to me as soon as you get to Storm's End." Cersei instructed. Durran nodded, and Cersei brought him tightly into a hug, which Durran melted in to. He stepped away and smiled at her again, before turning and joining Ser Arys on the ship. The call came, and soon they left the Capital, and Durran watched as the lights marking King's Landing faded from view.

The ship was sailing nicely, and Durran was in his cabin reading a book by Lomas Longstrider on the 9 man-made wonders of the known world. He was reading the chapter dedicated to the Palace with a Thousand Rooms, the now ruined palace in the city once called Sarnarth, now known by its Dothraki name Vaes Khewo, when a knock at the door came. Putting his book aside, he was surprised to see Davos Seaworth enter the cabin.

"Ser Davos? I wasn't expecting you to be on the ship." Durran stated.

"Lord Stannis insisted, My Prince." Davos bowed politely. "There's been some changes to the plan. I'm just here to tell you all is well, and we should be arriving in a day or two."

Davos left quickly before Durran could question the man, but in the doorway stood a boy Durran hadn't seen in years with cropped black hair and blue eyes. "Stefan? What are you doing here?"

"Squiring for Ser Davos. Hello cousin." Stefan grinned, closing the door and locking it. Durran looked worriedly, but Stefan quickly allayed his fears. "It's so we aren't interrupted. I have to tell you something."

"What is it?" Durran asked impatiently.

"We're not going to Storm's End." Stefan said.

Durran was shocked. "Where are you taking me then? And where is Dany?"

"Daenerys is fine, she has her own rooms and loves the castle." Stefan said. "We're going to Dragonstone cousin, we'll be uninterrupted there."

"Dragonstone? Isn't it almost in ruin?" Durran laughed incredulously.

"No, we've been repairing it. Father left the capital almost as soon as he'd heard you had left Darry on your way up to Winterfell. We've been preparing." Stefan said.

"For what? Please, cousin, just tell me." Durran almost pleaded.

"We've been building ships, warships." Stefan explained. "I don't know why, but Father is preparing for war."

It was a clear day as they sailed into the island of Dragonstone. Disembarking from Sceptre onto the longboats, Durran kept his eyes firmly on the jagged castle peeking out over the cliffs. Next to him stood Stefan, not as interested. Ser Arys was being kept on the warship, drugged to keep him sleeping. Durran wasn't a fan, but Davos had insisted.

"So, this is Dragonstone, the island where it all began." Durran whispered to himself. "It looks in good shape for a place that's not been used in almost two decades."

"Father has had everybody working hard." Stefan explained. "We've turned it into a formidable base."

"You've still not explained why Uncle Stannis is planning for war." Durran said. The journey had taken two days, and for the most part Stefan had shied away from the topic.

"I don't know anything, Father only told me that we were soon going to be at war and I needed to tell you that." Stefan shrugged.

"With who though?" Durran asked impatiently.

"I'm sure you'll find out soon enough." Davos Seaworth said from behind them. "Lord Stannis has his reasons I'm sure."

Durran wasn't happy, but stopped questioning for now. He looked up at the castle ahead of him and began to think. This was the castle Dany was born in, the castle Rhaegar Targaryen called home for most of the year. Shuddering, he hoped Stannis had cleaned it all of Rhaegar's perversions, not wanting to think any more on the man that his Father had mentioned time and time again while in his cups.

They landed on a beach close to the gate, flanked by two stone dragon heads. Durran got off the ship and hastily followed Stefan towards the gate. Archers stood on the two towers either side, aiming down at them.

"Who goes there?" One shouted down. Davos stood forward.

"Ser Davos Seaworth! I'm here to escort Prince Durran to Lord Stannis!" He shouted up. Durran looked up as the guards talked amongst themselves before finally putting away their arrows, and the gates opened.

He sighed at the sight of the steps that separated the beach from the castle, but moved forward, following Ser Davos and his cousin who moved quickly. They entered the castle, and Durran found himself escorted into the Dragonstone Throne Room.

There was only one occupant, and it was the person Durran had wanted to see most. Dressed in a spectacular black dress with golden detailing, Daenerys Targaryen was stood beside the Throne. The doors closed behind Durran as only Davos, Stefan and himself had been let in.

"Dany." Durran whispered happily. Dany smiled, before turning to Davos.

"Lord Stannis requests that you and Stefan join him in the chamber, Ser." She told them, more formally than Durran could ever remember her speaking.

"At once, My Lady." Davos nodded, shepherding the younger Baratheon past Daenerys and into the Chamber of the Painted Table. Durran waited for them to go before he rushed forwards, as Dany did the same and they met in the middle of the giant Targaryen sigil carved into the floor with a fierce hug. They parted slightly, before Durran crashed his lips to hers, and the two teenagers kissed like they never had before.

They carried on kissing for a few moments more, when finally, Dany pulled away. Grinning, all she could say initially was. "Wow."

Durran chuckled lightly. "I've missed you, Daenerys Stormborn."

Dany blushed. "I've missed you too. There is so much we need to catch up on."

Durran nodded. "Why we're here for starters, why we are preparing for war."

Dany's smile fled. "There's things I haven't been told, Stannis hasn't exactly been forthcoming, but from what I can gather, it's something to do with how Jon Arryn died."

"You said in your letter he was murdered?" Durran asked.

Dany nodded. "Stannis knows it all, but from what I can gather whatever Jon Arryn knew, it was dangerous enough to get him killed."

"But why all this? Why drag me to Dragonstone? Why smuggle you out?" Durran asked.

"Because we're all in danger." Dany sighed, holding a hand up to his cheek. "From what I understand, you in particular."

That shocked Durran to his very core. "Me?" He barely whispered. "Why?"

"Your very existence threatens everything, nephew." A voice came from behind Daenerys. Durran looked up to see his Uncle Stannis.

"Uncle." Durran acknowledged.

"Come." Stannis said, moving aside to gesture the duo into the next room. "There is much to discuss."

Tiny bit of a cliffhanger to end upon then! This really is the beginning of change for the story, and I'm so excited with some of the places I'm going.

The interactions with Myrcella and Tommen were fun to write. I imagine the three of them as fairly close, with Durran especially trying to protect them as much as possible from Joffrey. Fingers crossed we get to see more of the sibling relationships.

I've tried to show things from Durran's perspective, meaning he sees characters differently to how we potentially see them. One reviewer didn't really get that, so please think of that while reading Durran's thoughts on Rhaegar, and his interactions with Cersei.

One of the better things about this is that I barely had to re-watch anything for research/copying out purposes. I watched Ned and the Starks entering the capital and realised none of the royal party were there, meaning they had to have made their own way to the capital. I also watched the scene where Robert, Barristan and Jaime talk about the men they've killed, which is where the scene Durran has with Robert picks up after. I also watched the scene in Season 7 where Dany arrives on Dragonstone, but nothing else.

Hopefully we can break 100 reviews with this chapter! The support I've gotten from this story has been incredible. Please, please leave a review if you have anything at all to say about this chapter, or this story. I also try and regularly respond to any PM I get, so if you don't want a question or comment made public, drop me a PM about this story, any of my stories or anything at all, and I'll do my best to reply as quickly as I can.

Next chapter: A bit of a time jump, and everything Durran ever hoped for out of life is turned upside down.

Reviews:

Dipsyy: Durran was actually a squire so he could enter, Joffrey wasn't so couldn't. Other than the first chapter I've never actually intentionally shown Joffrey fighting.

AmuletOfWinter: It adds a bit of plot for the future for sure.

riley1506106: Exactly, she's grown up knowing the Baratheons in a way, and hasn't had the propaganda Viserys has spun her.

Many Faced Mage: He's just got enhanced martial ability, he's still a bit of a moron! The thing about Robert viewing the fight is that he feels everything has been dealt with now, so Joffrey can't order Mycah's death. Renly will come into it next chapter, but of course I've just mentioned him here.

Asphaleia-I: I love Arya, she's a multi-layered character that's gone through some horrific things, and has come out with the sole intention of vengeance which is refreshing in a story where Jon and Dany have some form of godlike plot armour and are morally singular. Arya is a stubborn character overall and I tried to portray that. Some writers do what most writers do, myself included probably, and unintentionally age up characters so they're wiser than they would be. It's easier in Westeros as children grow up faster, but it's still a thing most writers do more than necessary. As for Robert, he still hopes Durran will grow out of it. The point about Tywin is an interesting one.

BLACK-OP1: I've gone into his thoughts on Rhaegar here. As for your point about the annulment, Rhaegar was the head of House Targaryen of Dragonstone, so by your definitions would have had the right. He was also the Crown Prince and for many people, a worthier King than Aerys. If I was High Septon Maynard I too would have listened to Rhaegar about issuing the annulment.

jgs237: In his eyes Cersei is a victim. He's seen Robert belittle her all his life, and he feels bad for her. Yes, he'll keep himself as a Baratheon more than a Lannister, but he still cares for her.

medistr: If I've translated correctly, you've reviewed: 'Durran deserves a knife on his neck for being so emotional. He lived in the capital surely learned something of not showing weakness. Is stupid.' In response, yes, he has been brought up and learned things in the capital, but he's not in the capital, he's been in the North. He knows as much as any 14-year-old who he can relax around and who he must be guarded against. With his family, he can relax a bit more.

Fantasymaker76: I thought about it, but having them steer clear as much as possible was better in my mind, they're still brothers.

Bobby B: I'm certainly looking forward to the future of Joffrey and Durran! I've tried to keep the relationship realistic, hopefully I've done a good job. A capable Joffrey is a scary thought, and I'm excited to explore it a bit further.

GoTFan: I like AWFAB too, but that will take a lot more planning and work into the lore of it than the others, and I think the total AUness of it turned people off compared to this story and No Mercy. I will finish it though!

Hail King Cerion: It's just logical Joffrey will try and assert dominance. You meet Stefan here, and you'll meet Shireen and Davos later!

Guest (Joffrey): Like I've said previously, with Joffrey not being an only child and doted on for the first few years I would have thought he would have developed some form of jealousy complex, meaning he'd always want to strive to be better than Durran.

Reader: How do you think he's an entitled jerk? He's a prince and with that comes a certain level of arrogance and pride. The whole parents wanting to kill his girlfriend thing would change anybody. As for Cersei, how is Durran to know that? We all know what she was like, but her own child? Nobody but Cersei knows she killed her friend, nobody knows she's in an incestuous relationship (and for the purposes of the story and all my stories, they never slept together before Robert) and if they did know, who would tell her son whom she has a good relationship with? I get your points, but from the character's perspective, she's bitter and horrible because she's been neglected in marriage.