Chapter 34
The man moved back and forth - here and there. He didn't stab anyone or cut them down. But he was fast, able to apprehend or disarm any guard that went to challenge him before moving on to the next. However, with each passing guard, this man drew closer and closer to the gates.
"Archers at the ready," Tyta said from on top of her horse. She had collected fifty guards from House Frey, House Blackwood - her mother's House - along with House Vance. The guards would protect the Queen and serve under her and Lyra's command. Both she and Lyra gave them no rest and trained them vigorously. Ten of them were very decent archers now. "No kill shot, the King will want him alive!"
She held her hand up and waited with bated breath as the man drew closer to range.
Lyra leaned closer, aiming for the man's legs.
"We want him wounded, not humiliated," Tyta told her.
Okay, so perhaps Lyra had been aiming between the man's legs instead. Lyra smiled and moved her to change her position. "I've got him."
"Wait for it," Tyta told her.
A sudden rumble, jostled them.
They both turned to look at the ground and then at their surroundings before realizing that someone had gave the order to open the gate.
"He's inside," a shout came from below.
"It couldn't be," Lyra said, looking back over the castle walls. She stared at the hooded figure that had fought off a guard on horseback - effectively stealing his horse. "I do not understand how there could be two of them."
"What," Tyta asked.
Lyra pointed towards the figure as the other guards who were out there pulled him from his horse and removed the man's hood. Only it wasn't a man. It was a woman. "It's a woman," Lyra shouted as the men hauled her away. Lyra hurried the men down and away from the wall. She spotted the King then, hurrying with his group of guards to where they were. "The attacker was a woman, your Grace!"
Robb ordered the men to move out when a third attacker appeared. Immediately this attacker took off her hood, revealing that she was a woman just like the one that had been caught outside. She held a spear in her hand and cut down as much guards as she could until she came toe to toe with Gendry. He jumped to protect Robb - wielding his hammer and short sword with ease - causing the woman to fall on her back.
The Greatjon and a few others surrounded her as she threw her spear down - her eyes narrowing at Gendry as Robb came to stand by him, nodding to him in thanks for defending him.
A fourth attacker came to a sliding halt as Tyta had moved their fifty guards to defend the entry to the Twins.
"I have come here for the Queen," he stated.
"You have come here to die then," Tyta replied as she attacked him.
He kept his sword at his side, not withdrawing it. Instead he produced a spear and began fighting off the guards with that. The guards scrambled to surround him as Gendry, Greatjon and Lord Glover were given orders to tie the two women up. When Robb turned his attention away from the captured women and looked at the man who was brilliantly defending himself against their guards.
The fourth attacker was joined by the other. As the remaining two had been apprehended. They entered so easily that it caused Robb to panic. If there were more attackers out there, he had to act quickly. He ordered a few of the guards by him to search around the castle.
"Stop!"
A few of the guards did, but Lyra and Tyta held their swords and continued to fight the two attackers. The hooded man deflected each swing of their swords. After a moment, Lyra could tell that both she and Tyta were just attacking out of frustration. The man exploited that - humiliating them with his staff.
"Stop this!"
Lyra lunged forward and watched in disbelief as her sword tangled in the other man's cloak and was pulled from her fingers. He swung it around and used the hilt of the sword to hold Tyta off.
"I said to stop," the voice commanded. Lyra glanced back to see that it was Nysa.
This time one of the men dropped to his knees, causing Tyta to stumble back. The second one bowed his head, releasing Lyra's sword - which she quickly went to retrieve and hold it up towards the man - who was bowing in reverence in the direction of Nysa.
Nysa walked towards the group of guards that surrounded the men. The women being dragged forth before Robb - but she paid them no mind. She was focused on the men who had stopped fighting.
Lyra moved to stand protectively in front of Nysa. "My Queen, it would be safest if you got back inside."
Nysa shook her head and turned to look at Lyra. "No harm should come to this man," she gestured to the one of the right.
"My Queen," one of the guards stepped forward.
"I understand that no one is dead," Nysa stated, looking around as the guards shook their heads in response. Nysa began to move forward again towards the man she pointed to. Lyra watched as the man stood and pulled back the hood of his cloak. "You have a lot of explaining to do, Ser Barristan."
A few voices whispered and muttered as the man revealed his identity.
"He serves as Joffrey's Kingsguard," someone shouted.
"He was dismissed from Joffrey's Kingsguard," Nysa replied. "And what are you doing here, Ser? So far from the Capital?"
"I've come to serve the rightful Queen of Westeros."
"Do we speak of Cersei Lannister or perhaps Margery Tyrell," Nysa questioned.
"He speaks of you," the other man went to stand.
"And who are your companions, Ser Barristan," Nysa asked, eyeing out the women for the first time.
The second man drew back his hood, revealing his dark hair and tanned skin. A few murmurs filled the crowd but nothing too unsettling. Nysa still couldn't figure out who he was.
He smiled at her - the same way she noted that Ser Preston had smiled at her. "You look a lot like your mother," he stated - still smiling. He glanced around and noticed that the two who had accompanied him were detained. "I would ask that they be released, my Queen. Then perhaps you and I could discuss matters."
"You and I will discuss matters first, before you reach my Queen," Robb replied, coming to stand by Nysa.
"Young King Stark," the man smirked at him. "My daughters could kill your guards quickly, take your wife and leave the castle before you even realized that we had done so. Now..."
"I am showing you mercy by stopping this fight," Nysa stepped forward again. "Do not threaten me or my King again or you will see that my mercy has limits. You obviously came here to speak to me."
"Aye, I did." The man bowed his head, turning his attention back towards Nysa. "My name is Prince Oberyn Martell."
"From Dorne," Nysa added.
"The Red Viper," Lyra muttered behind her.
He held out his hand. "My daughters, Obarra and Nymeria," he gestured towards the two who were still bound.
"You will forgive me if I do not unhand them immediately, Prince Oberyn," Robb replied. "They did attack my men and myself included, after all."
"I merely wished to gain an audience with my niece," Prince Oberyn stated as he looked at Nysa.
Was he looking at her? Suddenly the first words that he had said to her came back to her mind - you look a lot like your mother. How was it that Prince Oberyn Martell knew her mother? And the fact that he had come here looking for his niece, left Nysa confused as well. Who could possibly have been his niece? The way that this Prince Oberyn was looking at her - with respect and adoration - could indicate that she was his niece. But that couldn't be true.
"You must have me mistake for someone else, my Prince. I am..."
"The daughter of Princess Elia Martell and the crown prince, Rhaegar Targaryen," Ser Barristan finished.
"No," Nysa responded. "My father is Ser Martyn Cassel from House Cassel in the North," she stated as Prince Oberyn smiled and looked down - still appearing unconvinced. "I am..."
"Perhaps we could take this inside." Everyone turned to see Lady Catelyn standing there - a look of both concern and fear in her eyes.
"You've never told her," Prince Oberyn stated. "I was under the impression that - according to a letter you wrote to my brother - you did in fact in form my niece, Lady Stark."
Again, the heads turned to Lady Catelyn. She lifted her head high and walked slowly towards Robb and Nysa. "It is neither the time or place to be speaking of such matters. We should go inside so that..."
"There's truth behind his words," Robb questioned.
Lady Catelyn appeared apprehensive at first before casting a guilty look towards Nysa. "We were waiting for the opportune moment," she confessed.
"No, you're lying," Nysa shouted, turning away and staring at Prince Oberyn. "I do not know why you're here or what you expected from..."
"I expected that you'd want to take your place as Queen," he replied.
"I already am," Nysa affirmed, taking Robb's hand in hers and lifting her head.
"My darling girl," Prince Oberyn shook his head. "There's no use in denying the truth any longer."
"It is a lot to take in, I understand," Ser Barristan stepped forward. "Lady Catelyn is right. We should take this inside. Forgive me for the style of entrance, but we knew there would be no other way to enter the Twins unless by force, my King," he addressed Robb. "There is much to discuss and very little time to discuss it."
"No," Nysa shouted.
"Nysa," Lady Catelyn's soft voice spoke out to her.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and surprisingly, Nysa shrugged it off. "Tell me it's not true. Lady Catelyn, I..." She shook her head and felt the tears running down her cheek.
"Ned was going to tell you in King's Landing, when he introduced you to Prince Doran," she replied. "I'm so sorry, Nysa. Forgive me. We only lied to protect you," Lady Catelyn explained.
"As for your training, what Theon said is rubbish," Catelyn affirmed, "you have more noble blood in you than that squid."
"Your eyes," the Queen held her face in her hands, "they look almost violet."
Torrhen laughed heartily before moving back to hold her more intimately than before. His arms wrapped about her waist, holding her tightly to him. "I wish you were coming back to Karhold with me now. But your brother and Lord Stark are insistent that you meet your Lord Uncle first. Apparently, he needs to approve of me."
"I should hope that you find them," Tyrion Lannister began. "From what I hear, they come from a wealthy house indeed, with the name-day gifts you have received thus far."
Nysa felt her breath leave her. The fluttering in her stomach turned to a beating - the babe in her womb recognizing the mother's distress. She touched her stomach and shook her head. Her mind was whirling, trying to discern everything that had happened in her childhood - everything that she could remember, everything that she dreamed about.
She felt her hands shake and she reached out for someone to take a hold of her. Robb bought her to his side, holding her gently but tightly to him. He started to say something to his mother, but Nysa couldn't make out the words. It was as though everything around her became muffled. She shook her head again, trying to clear her mind, trying to calm down.
Arya turned around to face her and smiled. "We're here!" Nysa took a deep breath as they rode into the Capital. Something blinded her eyes for a moment and she was struck with a memory of a woman singing to her.
She took a few steps forward before stopping, a sudden voice calling in her head. She spun around but no one was there. "Throne," she heard a child's voice. Again, Nysa turned, but saw no one there. She looked back at the Iron Throne and took a deep breath at seeing how impressive it looked.
"There is still Rhaeger's daughter," Lord Varys held up his hand, "remember that she could not be found."
"She was presumed dead when the Lannister's sacked the Capital," Lord Stark responded, "they murdered innocents that day as well."
"Presumed," Lord Baelish said, "but never confirmed."
"We should have had the two Targaryen Princesses killed years ago," Renly mentioned as Nysa turned her head towards him.
"Mother," Robb turned to her. "Are you serious? Is this true?"
"It is," Lady Catelyn sobbed.
"I do not know if it can be put more plainly than it already has, young King," Prince Oberyn responded.
Even if the facts were plainly stated, Nysa felt so confused and conflicted. No, it couldn't be true, she shouted in her mind. She tried to focus, tried to draw strength from holding onto Robb. It was overwhelming and unsettling. She couldn't form a thought on the matter other than to say that she was confused, uncertain. Oh, this was a horrid situation indeed. Surely, Prince Oberyn was wrong. But the more she thought about the past, little incidents that happened here and there that no one could explain, Prince Oberyn's excuse was looking quite possible after all.
"You do not understand," the Greatjon came forward then. "We all believed that she was," he paused, uncertain as to what to say so that he wouldn't offend the Queen.
Harrion assisted him then. "She was raised as a bastard. We all believed her father to be Ser Martyn from House Cassel."
"If this is true, then why," Robb continued to look at his mother.
"Your father returned with them both. I didn't know how to..."
"What do you mean by both," asked Arya.
"Robert Baratheon did not bat an eye over any Targaryen's death," Lady Stark stated.
"You were there in King's Landing, my Queen," Ser Barristan reminded Nysa. "You know that he still wanted to murder you and your Aunt. There was no rest for him."
Lady Catelyn nodded her head. "The Lannister's had murdered your brother and mother. They had Prince Viseryn put to the sword as well. Robert and your father argued about it," she glanced at Robb. "They were children, you were but a summer or two," she looked to Nysa. "Ned had planned on taking you back to Princess Elia but when he heard what happened he knew you were not safe."
"I know who you are," he admitted.
"Everyone knows who I am. I am the girl from the North, household member of Lord and Lady Stark. I am to become one of Lady Sansa's ladies when she becomes Queen. I am called Lady Snowflake or Lady Bastard."
"That is not who you are."
"You aren't making any sense," she shook her head.
Ser Jamie chuckled at how plainly she put it before he turned towards the hallway to see a few Lannister guards, awaiting his instruction. "It would be safer if you learned who your mother was when you are farther away from here, believe me."
"Why not say something? Why raise her as a bastard," Robb questioned.
Ser Barristan stepped forward. "Lord Eddard Stark hid her identity to protect her. And from what I've been told, she was raised in comfort."
"And he couldn't bring himself to hand Nysa over," Lady Stark walked up to Nysa and took her hands in her own. "You were in Lyanna's room when she died. You kissed her cheek. It was obvious that your father had you and Lyanna there to keep you both safe and during that time you two had bonded. He heard of what took place at both Kings Landing and Dragonstone. He decided to take you to the North."
"He committed an act of treason against the crown," Nysa shook her head.
"I suppose he did," she smiled gently. "We were scared. We both were. But somehow, we knew every day that you were in our protection that we had done the right thing. The North hated House Targaryen because of what happened to Rickard and Brandon and the other Northmen that were lost that day. I suppose taking you and raising you in the North, Ned had hoped that you would..."
"Come to love it," Nysa whispered. "I remember Lord Stark telling me that before we left for the Capital. He had hoped that I would love the North and that the North would love me. I did not know what he meant by that but..."
Ned chuckled. "Odd that you would say that since you were born here."
"I was born in Kings Landing," her voice rang with hope.
"Once they see the terms for your betrothal to Torrhen Karstark, they will know."
"Know what exactly," Nysa questioned at the ominous tone in Lord Stark's voice.
He cleared his throat and looked away for a moment. His eyes were haunted. "If people knew," he paused and turned back to her. "There are too many ears here, I'm sure you know that." Nysa nodded, understanding that she would still not be getting the full scope of it all. "After the war, I knew that a Southern maid would not be appreciated in the North. So, I made the decision to raise you among my own..."
"It was our hope that when – and if - you reclaimed the throne, your birthright," Lady Stark ran a hand down her cheek, "that you'd remember everything we taught you. That you'd have a kind and forgiving spirit. That you have admiration for the North and its people," she smiled.
The throne, she thought. As in the Iron throne - that being her birthright. No, she was just a bastard - a bastard from the North. It wasn't possible. She couldn't sit on the Iron Throne.
"Daenerys Targaryen is in Essos, desiring the Iron Throne," Nysa tried to breath steadily.
"You hold the better claim," Ser Barristan pressed, "your child holds a better claim than her."
"Even if you did not want it," Lady Catelyn spoke up, "at least Ned could rest easy knowing that he had made peace with your family."
"Why did you not say anything before," Nysa asked Lady Stark.
"That means that she is the rightful Queen to the Iron Throne," the Greatjon proclaimed. "She belongs there. Robb Stark as her husband, he will sit there. A Stark will rule all of Westeros."
There were shouts among the North and Riverlands, a sign that they agreed with Greatjon Umber.
This couldn't be happening.
No, this wasn't true.
She was the daughter of Ser Martyn Cassel.
Nysa's eyes sought out Jory then and saw him standing a distance away, a bandage around his midsection. Their eyes locked and she could see the regret he displayed in them. What was he telling her? Was he informing her that there was truth behind this man's words? No, it couldn't be. Not Jory. Jory would never lie to her. No, he wouldn't.
She broke contact with him as Prince Oberyn stood in front of her then - his tanned skin, just like hers. His dark hair, just like hers. The memory she had when she arrived in King's Landing entering her mind again.
"Don't leave, Papa!"
Arms were holding her in place as she felt the warmth of the hand holding her own disappear. "Protect my daughter."
The voice became clearer and as her eyes focused on the memory, so did the man behind the voice - a man with long, silver hair. His eyes staring at her with longing and care as he took steps away from her and towards his horse. She saw the two Kingsguards behind him as they nodded towards the men she was being left with. Nysa released a breath as she saw men she affectionately called 'Bull', 'Orning Sword', and 'Ser Swell' holding her back. She didn't want to stay with them - not on this day. Not when she could see that her 'Papa' was torn about leaving her.
"No! Papa," her hands moved out in desperation.
"It's not true," she whispered, still denying it.
Prince Oberyn reached out and touched her cheek. "I heard a rumor that a dragon made of fire flew above the Twins. Only a daughter of Fire and Blood could do such a thing," he smiled gently. "Believe me, little dragon," he called her as it brought on another slew of memories, "you are Rhaenys Targaryen, daughter of Elia and Rhaegar, the rightful Queen of Westeros."
Sansa sat up quickly and glanced around the room. She had nightmares before but this one was different. After hearing about the rumor that a dragon had attacked the Twins during a wedding feast, she immediately pictured her mother, sister, brother and of course Nysa being burnt alive in that castle. Despite the knowledge that they had survived the fire, that they were indeed alive - she couldn't help but think about what had happened that night.
Of course, Tyrion had explained everything to her when he returned from his meeting with her father - not just about the rumored dragon that had burnt the Twins but also about the plot against Robb Stark. Lord Walder Frey and Lord Roose Bolton had arranged to betray and murder her brother at the Twins. He also explained - subtly - that his father had been aware and that is why there was a delay in the two of them leaving to go to Casterly Rock.
Sansa had remembered the conversation her and Tyrion had the day before their wedding.
"I fear something terrible is going to happen, my Lady," he said in a grave tone. "My father seems to think that our child could become heir to the North."
Judging from Sansa's startled expression, Tyrion knew she had not heard of it nor did she quite understand the situation at hand.
"With your brother at war, there's always a chance for him to die," Tyrion explained. "There is no news of your other brothers. I'm sure you know that the Ironborn have burned Winterfell." She nodded. "And your younger sister is traveling with your brother and mother. Which means that you are the only..."
"The only Stark left," Sansa finished with a flicker of recognition. "Your father wants to wait until Robb's army is attacked before naming an heir."
Lord Tywin had assisted Lord Frey and Lord Bolton in this plan in the hopes of Sansa becoming the only Stark left - the only Stark to inherit Winterfell. She closed her eyes and tried to picture Winterfell without her family. She couldn't. The only way she could truly be home is if they were there with her. After all -
"A Stark must always be in Winterfell," Sansa whispered as she pushed back the covers. Looking down at the sheets she realized that her moon's blood was upon her again. The nightmares always came at the same time. How she desperately desired for her mother to be here. That's when she slumped back and sighed. "Forgive me," she said softly, wondering if her mother could hear her.
"It's quite alright, my Lady."
Her body jerked in fear and again she sat up, coming face to face with her Lord husband. Tyrion smiled kindly and nodded to her. "Good morning, my Lord."
"Still abed at this hour," he continued to smile before glancing towards the table in the room. Sansa looked up to see that food had been brought for the two of them. A small portion of it had already been eaten, which she could only assume was her husband's doing. "I hope you do not think me rude, Lady Sansa. I have a few meetings to attend to. So, I broke my fast early so as not to disturb you."
"I understand," she nodded. "Is it more news about my brother?"
"I'm afraid it is," he replied. Tyrion glanced at the door before turning back to his young wife. "What do you know of Nysa Snow?"
"I've told your father everything that I know," Sansa answered.
Tyrion's lips twisted in confusion before his features softened and he gave her a nod. He had just turned away from her when she called for him. Tyrion paused and glanced back towards the bed, waiting for her to speak. Sansa slowly got out of bed, comfortable enough with his presence in the room that she didn't immediately reach for her gown or robe. Tyrion tried not to let his eyes linger on the outline of her form that the thin shift on her body revealed.
Oblivious to his thoughts, Sansa gestured towards the bed behind her. Tyrion took a few cautious steps forward before pulling the covers back to reveal the blood-stained sheets. "My moon's blood is upon me."
His hands dropped the cover and turned to look at her. "I do not understand why..."
"Your father desired to know," she interrupted him.
Realizing what she was implying, he gave her a slight nod. Tyrion knew that they hadn't conceived and that they would not - until she was willing to share her bed. And this latest news that she was not with child would surely reach his father. They hadn't been wed long but this appearance of blood on the sheets would indicate that there was no desired 'heir'. He reached to take her two hands in his and gave Sansa a kind smile.
"My father is the only one who is impatient for it," Tyrion reminded her again that he would wait. "You do not need to worry about being forced upon - not by me. And he has set Joffrey in his place as to how you should be treated."
"I thank you, my Lord," Sansa responded softly.
He released her hands and went to leave the room again. Then he stopped, remembering his earlier question. Tyrion turned to look back at Sansa. "My father's spies have returned with word that Ser Barristan Selmy and Prince Oberyn Martell have named your good-sister Nysa as the Queen of Westeros."
Sansa's eyes widened before she looked towards the window - the Hand's tower in her sight. Did he think that she knew something of it? She would have thought that by now, Tyrion would have understood that she knew nothing of games or riddles - especially those here at court. No, Sansa always pictured herself far away from King's Landing.
"Do you..."
"The last time I had seen Nysa," she spoke out loud before she could stop herself. "She was helping me escape the Hand's Tower when the Hound and Ser Meryn Trant got a hold of her. The Lannister guards had captured me, brought me back to the Keep - claiming that my father sought to steal the crown away from Joffrey." She looked back at Tyrion. "I knew nothing of that plot and neither do I know anything of this one."
Tyrion nodded and turned to leave.
"Is that what you wanted to hear, my Lord?"
He opened the door and without glancing back, responded, "It's what I already believed about you."
Nysa sat at a table in the hall with Ser Barristan and Prince Oberyn on the opposite end of her. Robb sat at her side with several guards at their back, watching over them protectively. Harrion was the closest to Nysa, followed by Lyra and Tyta. The guards from House Blackwood - Lady Tyta's mother's house - standing guard with her. Smalljon, Perwyn, Patrek, Gendry and several others from the Riverlands and the North stood by their King. Lady Catelyn sat at the table also, along with Arya, Edmure, Roslin and the Blackfish.
Just as the meeting she held with the members of House Frey - Nysa requested that all the Lords from the Riverlands and the North be in attendance, except for those that Robb had posted outside. Prince Oberyn's daughters - Obarra and Nymeria - had left not too soon after they were released and instructed to return with a 'gift' that Prince Oberyn had brought for his niece.
"Does Prince Doran know that you are here," Lady Catelyn spoke up, directing her attention to Prince Oberyn.
He smiled at her before looking back at Nysa. "Your Uncle expresses his sincerest regrets that he wasn't able to meet you."
"He doesn't know," Nysa deduced, glancing at Lady Catelyn. "While in King's Landing, Lord Stark told me that it was unsafe for me to meet my Uncle," her head turned back to Prince Oberyn and she smiled at him. "Hence the reason why they would both wait. And I can only assume that if Prince Doran knew of this, then he wouldn't have attacked the Northmen and River Lords to gain an audience with me."
Prince Oberyn smiled at her reply. He nodded before looking at Lady Catelyn. "She is smart. I have to say that Doran is right about the Starks raising her well." He leaned forward, causing a few guards to pull out their swords. He chuckled before tilting his head to Lady Catelyn. "I think I would have done a better job. Your husband should have brought her home - where she belonged."
"I belonged in King's Landing - not in Dorne," Nysa responded for Lady Catelyn.
A few of them turned to look at her in confusion.
"You accept who you are," Prince Oberyn questioned.
"No," she shook her head. "It's just something I remember Lord Stark saying to me while we were there. He wanted me to remember the names and faces of those that I met, what they said and how they said it." She smiled at Prince Oberyn. "Lord Stark also wanted me to remember the North. He implied that my Uncle would try to get me to forget it."
Lady Catelyn did her best to hide her smile at the shocked expression on Prince Oberyn's face.
"Lord Stark took me to King's Landing and showed me where I belonged, showed me how," she paused and looked towards Arya, "dishonorable, is that the word I'm looking for, Princess Arya?"
"I was going to say 'liars' but dishonorable fits," Arya replied.
"Yes, I suppose it does," Nysa nodded before facing Prince Oberyn again. "I'm quite sure that your reasoning for coming here in such a fashion was not to help raise me. My plans in this war have not changed." Nysa took Robb's hand in hers. "My husband, the King, and I want freedom for the North, to free the siege on the Riverlands, to bring peace to those who have sworn their fealty to us. He wants his sister to come back home. Regardless if I am this Princess Rhaenys or not - we do not want this war to continue. But your actions in coming here, in saying that I am the Queen of all of Westeros," she shook her head. "After what I saw in King's Landing, I do not want all of Westeros."
"With our combined armies," Prince Oberyn leaned forward as Nysa sighed and turned away, "we could march on King's Landing and take your husband's sister back."
"Stannis Baratheon failed to get into King's Landing," Robb interjected, "and he had more men than we have, Prince Oberyn."
"We have more ships than Stannis Baratheon," Prince Oberyn smiled. "How do you think I got here, young Wolf?"
"Think about it, Queen Rhaenys," Ser Barristan spoke softly and kindly. "I have seen enough of you in King's Landing to know that you have a kind heart - the same heart that your father and mother had."
"My father kidnapped and raped Lyanna Stark," Nysa replied. "That is very kind indeed."
"Your father did not kidnap her," Ser Barristan stood up and proclaimed in a definitive tone. "I've heard many things said about King Aerys, many of which are true," he agreed - still holding his solemn expression. "But your father was not of that sort. I will not have anyone talk of him that way - especially you. Your father loved you," he said as Nysa felt her heart constrict and her eyes water.
"My father's brother was executed in King's Landing by the Mad King," Ser Patrek spoke up. "He went there because Prince Rhaegar had abducted Brandon Stark's sister. That war started because Prince Rhaegar abducted..."
"Believe what you were told," Ser Barristan turned to him before facing Nysa, "but I know those that I protected. I swore an oath to keep their secrets, protect their lives and sometimes guide their understandings. There was no abduction."
Nysa looked down, the emotions Ser Barristan conveying in his eyes was more than she could handle.
"Ser Patrek is right," Robb stated. "We all know the story - especially in the North. The North remembers. My sister Sansa is not the first Stark maiden to be harmed by the crown."
The guards in the North cheered in agreement before Lady Catelyn stood up, quieting them down.
"There is more to the story," Lady Catelyn said as she glanced at Robb.
"I'm sure there is," Robb licked his lips, shaking his head in frustration. "What other news do you have to tell us, mother?"
"This is important," her bottom lip trembled. "You have to understand, Robb, your father swore me to secrecy. I knew what dangers were involved if I so much as uttered a breath on the subject. He and I didn't discuss matters openly for fear that it would put innocent lives at danger."
"I still want to know why I was raised as a bastard," Nysa whispered. "Not that I'm unappreciative of you and Lord Stark raising me," she looked at Lady Catelyn. "Lord Stark made sure that everyone treated me as Lady. I was trained with Maester Luwin - the same as the rest of your children. Septa Mordane gave me lessons - the same as Sansa and Arya. You introduced me as Lady Nysa," she smiled softly, "but why..."
"Jory had approached Ned and I," she answered. "We did not know how to hide you, should anyone recognize you," Lady Catelyn shook her head. "As I said earlier, the North hated House Targaryen. They wouldn't take kindly to knowing that Ned was hiding a Targaryen Princess in the North. And Robert," she huffed before looking off into the distance. "He sent men to Dragonstone to murder Daenerys while she was still a babe. We knew he'd do the same if he ever discovered you."
Nysa turned to look at Jory. "And so, I became the daughter of a dead knight."
"Jory would take Nysa in as his sister so that we could protect who she was," Lady Catelyn explained. "Everyone believed her to be the daughter of Ser Martyn Cassel. Your father," another pause as she looked up with a sad smile, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "He had already lied to protect another's identity, he decided to the same."
"Another," Robb questioned. "How many lost Targaryen's did we have hiding in the North?"
"Just one more," Catelyn replied with a soft sob.
"One more," Arya exclaimed. "There are no other children in Winterfell. And I highly doubt Theon was a Targaryen."
Catelyn shook her head and turned back to her eldest son and his wife. "This one was also raised as a bastard."
Robb felt a squeeze on his arm and looked over to see Nysa - her eyes wide and her mouth parted as exhaled and inhaled deeply.
"Jon," Nysa whispered.
Nysa looked to Robb before turning away to look at the table as many of the Northern Lords and guards began to roar in protest. Again, everything was muffled out as her mind ran through all her memories with Jon. She often would spy Lord Stark smiling at them as they often got in trouble together. We are the same. Nysa felt the tears left her eyes then. That could be one reason why she had felt closer to Jon than anyone. It wasn't the fact that they were both bastards. No. They were siblings.
"Prince Rhaegar did rape Lyanna Stark then," the Blackfish commented.
Ser Barristan shook his head. "No, that's not what happened." He opened his mouth to explain but didn't get to finish.
The door slammed open, Lord Glover hurrying inside with a small group of guards. "An army approaches, my King."
Robb stood up and glared down at Oberyn as he leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the table. "We welcome you here and you bring an army?"
"They are a gift to my niece," he looked at Nysa, allowing his eyes to roam towards her swollen stomach, "to celebrate the new heir of Westeros," he paused, "forgive me, the heir of the North."
"How many," Robb looked up at Lord Glover.
"Ten-thousand," Oberyn answered for him, glancing over his shoulder at Lord Glover. "Unless you counted differently, my Lord," he asked with an arrogant tone.
Nysa looked towards Lady Catelyn as if to ask if Prince Oberyn was being serious. Nysa had to admit that finally meeting someone from her mother's family was exciting. She knew that they were from a great House. But the newest revelation - that her father came from royal blood also - had her feeling all sorts of emotions. The statement that Ser Barristan made about her father loving her made her feel light also. She had never known the love of a father - being told that Ser Martyn Cassel was dead. So, for her to hear that, made her soul soar with joy.
She also heard whispers when they walked into the hall that Prince Oberyn could pass as her father, that's how similar the resemblance between the two of them were. And the earlier statement that Prince Oberyn had indicated she looked like her mother made her feel lighter. She had a connection - something that hadn't been there before. She looked like her mother - she had a name and face now to put to that likeness. In the yard, she had almost thrown her arms around Prince Oberyn. Instead, she remembered Lord Stark's words and knew that this was what he had been alluding to.
From what Nysa had heard, House Martell still wanted vengeance for Princess Elia's rape and murder - along with the murder of her son. It was obvious that Prince Oberyn had wanted to join Robb's campaign on the Lannister's to get retribution. Nysa wanted to gain her Uncle's approval - and if she was Rhaenys Targaryen, then she'd demand justice for her mother, her brother, her father and her grandfather. However, she remembered the North - remembered that they lost Lord Stark's father, brother and sister. Jory lost his father - a man she considered her father at one time. The North was not without their losses, either.
"Ten-thousand," Lord Glover confirmed with a nod before Nysa glanced past him to see Obarra, Nymeria, a few guards and three other women enter.
Obarra and Nymeria were both holding prisoners with their heads covered.
"What is the meaning of this," Robb moved around the table and started to walk towards the people who had entered. It was obvious that one of the prisoners was a woman.
"A gift," Prince Oberyn repeated as both prisoners were brought down to their knees.
Obarra stood behind the man and Nymeria behind the woman. At the same time, their hoods were pulled off their heads - revealing the two prisoners.
Everyone seemed to pause in that moment. A few swords were unsheathed while murmurs and gasps filled the hall. Nysa stood also, hurrying towards Robb's side. She looked in horror at the young woman before glancing at her Uncle who had stood and walked towards them.
"My King and Queen, I present to you the Kingslayer," he gestured towards Ser Jamie Lannister himself - bruised and beaten, but otherwise alive. "And here is..."
"Princess Myrcella," Nysa left Robb's side, pulling Myrcella off the ground. "What have you done to her?"
Myrcella looked around in fear before glancing at Ser Jamie, confusion and worry shining in her eyes. "Where am I? Why am I here?"
"It's alright," Nysa replied, moving her to the side. "No one will harm you here."
"Lady Nysa," Myrcella looked her up and down - both in confusion and fear. "I don't understand," she shook her head.
Nysa had not one thought of Ser Jamie's presence. The only thing she could think of was seeing Princess Myrcella and wondering how in the seven hells they had brought her here. She had not heard a thing about Myrcella. Could it be that the Dornishmen had attacked King's Landing in secret and taken her? Myrcella clung to Nysa as she looked around, betrayal on her face. It was obvious that she didn't expect Prince Oberyn and his daughters would bring her here.
"Oberyn, you fool!" Ser Jamie moved forward, still bound. "Robb Stark, I beg of you," he pleaded. "Let her go. Your fight is with me! Let her go, I'm begging."
"Oh," Robb stepped towards him. "You're begging now?"
A few of the Northern guards began to shout insults at him as Myrcella shook in Nysa's arms.
"Why is she here," Nysa turned back to Prince Oberyn.
"Princess Myrcella Baratheon is betrothed to Prince Trystane Martell," Oberyn answered. "She was already in Dorne."
"Betrothed," Ser Jamie shouted, "and this is how you treat her? Drag her away from Dorne like a savage criminal," he accused. "By the Gods, have you no..."
"You won't speak to me about the Gods, Kingslayer," Oberyn nodded to him. "Not after you failed to protect my sister and allowed your men to rape her!"
"Stop! Stop, this is enough," Nysa shouted, gesturing for Roslin, Shirei and Alyx to step forward. "Take the Princess to one of the rooms. Lady Lyra," she called forth as she released Myrcella into Roslin's care - the other Frey women taking Myrcella with them. "Go and watch over her. Make sure no one enters her chambers until you've heard word from me."
"Yes, my Queen," Lyra replied before pointing towards three other guards to follow her.
"Why did you bring her here," Nysa questioned again. "If she truly is betrothed to Prince Trystane then she should have been left in Dorne."
"We thought you could use her as a bargaining chip," Nymeria answered.
"And of what her betrothal," Nysa turned to her cousin. "Surely you know that that betrothal was made to form peace between the crown and Dorne."
"The only way there will be peace between the Crown and Dorne," Oberyn stepped forward, "is if you are sitting on the Iron Throne, my Queen." Nysa shook her head at their reasoning. "Cersei will see to it that her son does everything in his power to get his sister back safely, even if that means releasing Sansa to all of you."
"Foolish idea, if I ever..." A grunt left Ser Jamie's mouth as he doubled over.
Obarra had kicked him roughly.
"Not only that, but I found the Kingslayer for you, niece," Oberyn gestured towards Ser Jamie. "He was traveling with that knight and that woman there," he pointed towards the door, indicating Ser Barristan and the tall woman in man's armor. "If I understand this correctly, you want his head. Apparently, there are crimes that he has committed against House Stark."
"And House Karstark," Harrion reminded.
That one reminder shook Nysa to her core.
"Close the doors," Nysa interrupted. She noticed that Lord Glover had done just as she commanded.
"Nysa," Robb cautioned her as she walked towards Ser Jamie.
"Harrion," she called as he came to stand next to her and Robb. Harrion silently handed her sword over to her.
"Nysa," Lady Catelyn and a few others shouted.
Robb took her arm and pulled her back. He had seen her execute enough people as it was. She shook him off. This time, Ser Barristan attempted to stop her.
"My Queen," Ser Barristan spoke up immediately, moving to stand before Ser Jamie. "Think about what Prince Oberyn has mentioned. Ser Jamie does not need to die."
"Is it true," Nysa questioned, looking back at Prince Oberyn before glancing at Lady Catelyn. "Is it not true that I am Princess Rhaenys Targaryen? Am I the daughter of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Princess Elia Martell? Am I," she shouted as Lady Catelyn shrunk back a little.
"Yes, you are," Lady Catelyn answered.
"My mother was raped and murdered by knights who served House Lannister, men who were commanded by House Lannister, isn't that true?"
"You are alive because of Ser Jamie," Ser Barristan attempted to calm her again. "He didn't..."
She looked at Ser Barristan. "Did you think that it was possible, when you saw me in King's Landing, Ser Barristan," she questioned. "Did you think that I looked like the Princess Elia? Did you think that I was one of the lost Targaryen Princesses?"
Ser Barristan was quiet for a moment before closing his eyes and sighing. He gave her a brief nod before she pushed past him.
"As a young maiden, you took my betrothed from me. As the Queen of the North, you crippled my good-brother. Now - that I am a member of House Targaryen - it seems that your crimes against me have tripled, Ser Jamie," she said, lifting her sword. "For the death of King Aerys Targaryen!"
"Nysa, no," Robb shouted but it was too late.