Enjoy!
Jon Snow did not envy being a highborn. At least not at this moment.
The nine name day old bastard of Ned Stark was watching on in relief as Robb got chewed out by his mother. The redhead that was Catelyn Cailstark was currently spitting fire with such vehemence that Jon could've sworn he saw smoke rising from her ears.
The reason being was his half-brother had encouraged Arya to prank Sansa once again. The dripping water from the eldest daughter's hair was testament to the lengths of which the spirited Arya was willing to go in order to have fun.
His internal chuckling was interrupted when Catelyn turned her attention towards him and the ten outriders sent to escort the Cailstark party here.
He did a poor job of hiding his amusement but to his credit the scene was rather funny. From Sansa's weeping to Robb's failing efforts to even appear properly scolded and Arya's laughing whilst peeking from behind his father's broad frame, with Theon looking on with a smug, up-turned façade and openly chuckling. Young Bran was looking rather bored sitting on the cart.
Jon knew he didn't imagine the way his father's lips cracked into a smile at the sight as well.
"And just what are you smiling at?" She snapped from her perch on the wooden cart they used to travel there. Granted that the escort had snuck up on them, Jon had to contain his laughter as the heads of the Cailstark family snapped to him. How only Lady Cailstark had transitioned her ire with such ease was beyond him.
"Lord Stark has sent me to escort you to Winterfell, if that is alright Lord Cailstark." He said respectfully before gesturing to the cavalry guard around him to take up positions around the party of Moat Cailin. Jon was drilled by his cousin to observe formalities at all times unless in private and given leave to do so. While still considered a bastard by many of those outside Winterfell, Jon was told, in private with his father in attendance as well, that he would be his cousin's heir until he had a child. It is an incredibly well-kept secret and would be until Hadrian could find a way to legitimize him to make it official.
Considering the amount of danger that seemed to surround his cousin Hadrian Stark, it was a perfectly sound idea and given that he had already gathered respect of those in Winterfell, it wasn't hard to fit into that role.
Catelyn sneered at Jon who paid it no mind. He flanked his father's left side while Robb quickly took the opportunity to escape the clutches of his mother, jumped back onto his horse, and rode up next right hand side of his father.
It was a silent ride to Winterfell, other than Arya and Sansa wanting to go through and see the sights that were in Wintertown and Jon had to admit it was quite the sight. Granted for as long as he could remember it was always like this but his cousin told him it was once a desolate town with only a third of the houses occupied and almost always covered in snow or frost.
Now it was a bustling hub of activity and trade with a lively shade of color. Jon had been with his Lord cousin when he was personally overseeing the planning and renovations of the town with the builders. It was divided in many quarters and districts. The main road that lead to Winterfell castle was crowded with people and stalls selling food, trinkets and many other things. The Winter Guard busy, a garrison of two thousand men with blue tunics and tight scaled mail armor armed with spears and shields, patrolling the streets to keep the peace.
"It doesn't stink." Ned stated looking nothing short of relieved.
Jon nodded but thought nothing of it other than slight confusion. One of the first things Hadrian had implemented were bath houses for everyone and a strict code of cleanliness. His cousin absolutely adamant that these things be done before anything else.
The bath houses getting their water supply from the hot springs below Winterfell and Hadrian had stated that he had plans in the works getting an aqueduct, as he had called it, running from the White Knife to Wintertown.
The entourage quickly made their way towards the main gates of Winterfell where they were waved in after seeing who it was. It was the harvest feast and Hadrian's nameday would be in a few months where he would be officially taking over the lordship of Winterfell and many nobles both in and around the North and the Neck were here to give oaths of fealty to the Wolf of Winterfell. It was determined that it would be easier to do so now when everyone was going to be here regardless rather than later.
Hadrian was there waiting for them. Beside him on his right was Rickard Karstark and on is left Greatjon Umber. He looked as he usually did, leather jerkin with dark colored breaches and around his shoulders a wolf pelt cloak and Winter at his hip. His hand resting comfortably on the wolf head pommel. At only fifteen namedays old, he even stood taller than the Karstark lord and Lord Umber was only a neck and head taller than his cousin.
Jon attributed it to his uncle, Brandon and the Dayne family. His father had once told him that Brandon was unnaturally tall for someone of the Stark line and the Dayne's were always a tall people.
Hadrian's slight smile greeted the entourage. Catelyn almost scrambled off the wooden cart to pay her respects to the Lord of Winterfell and future, official, Warden of the North.
Jon stood off to the side of his father as he watched his half brothers and sisters line up in an orderly fashion from oldest to youngest. Sansa did her cute little curtsey and blushed at the inspection of Lord Stark, who merely looked her over once, offered her a compliment and moved to Arya who, smiled widely at her cousin. Her failed attempt at a curtsey was waved off as he hugged the youngest of the Stark family and promised her to give a her a few archery lessons.
Bran was looking in wonder at the castle. While Moat Cailin was incredibly bigger than Winterfell, Jon always felt that the ancient and weathered castle always had a slightly more warm ambience to it. Hadrian had offered to escort them all around Winterfell and Wintertown the day after the harvest feast.
It was at this time where maester Theomore came shambling out of the castle in a hurried pace where he whispered in the Stark Lord ear. The smiling and joyful expression adorning Hadrian immediately morphed into one of cold indifference and everyone could feel a foreboding and commanding aura suddenly permeate the yard around them.
Jon had only experience this one other time. Maester Theomore had neglected or rather avoided to educate him further in the duties of a lord and heir. The cold, calculating gaze that Hadrian had leveled on the former Lannister had caused Jon himself to take a step back in fear. He could only imagine the amount of fear he instilled in the sniveling man at the time.
Gone was the warm and jolly Harry Stark, a teenage boy whose presence was never unwelcomed, in place was the commanding Hadrian Stark, Lord of Winterfell, the cold and calculating Warden of the North and the sole reason the Iron Islands were hardly attacking Northern trading ships.
"Lord Cailstark and Lord Karstark may you meet me in my solar?" Hadrian questioned but he did not way for another answer as he took the two rather large letters from the maester. "Jon, could you see to it that the Cailstark family is given full accommodations within the castle?" Hadrian did not even need to look to Jon to see his acceptance.
Jon figured that when Hadrian was like this it was best to just agree with whatever it was that needed to be done.
The young Stark Lord quickly left afterwards with the Northern lords sharing a concerned look before following their liege lord into the castle, maester Theomore quick on their heels.
Hadrian growled aloud as he threw the two letters down onto his polished ironwood desk. The desk was rather simple but held a snarling Direwolf head carved into each corner. The two Northern lords and the maester helping themselves in.
It was apparent to the trio that the Wolf was furious.
It was after several moments when the maester spoke. "My lord, what is wrong."
Hadrian didn't look towards the grey rat that he kept around only for appearances sake. He finally found a way to enhance messenger birds. It was no mistake that owls, known as symbols of intellect and wisdom, were used as magically enhanced messenger birds.
"Maester Theomore, I had thought that I only asked for my uncle and Lord Karstark to join me." The frigid tone was not missed on the two Northmen.
The maester glanced annoyingly at the two lords before turning towards the lord he was supposed to be loyal to. "My lord, that is the seal of the King."
"I can see that Maester Theomore and if you do not leave now. I will make good on the threat I made years ago."
The two men had never seen a man of such advanced age move so fast.
Hadrian waited till he knew for sure the man was gone then he gestured to the letter. "The King, or rather the Hand, has requested me to go to King's Landing to discuss a betrothal between me and the Princess Myrcella."
One could hear a pin drop as Ned took the letter and read it over quickly.
By order of King Robert of House Baratheon, the First of His Name. King of the Andals, the First Men and the Rhoynar. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.
I summon Hadrian of House Stark, Heir apparent of Winterfell and wardenship of the North, to King's Landing to arrange a betrothal between the Princess Myrcella of House Baratheon, my eldest child and daughter and Hadrian of House Stark, heir apparent to Winterfell and wardenship of the North. This is by order of the King.
Signed
- King Robert of House Baratheon, the First of His Name. King of the Andals, the First Men and the Rhoynar. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm
"I would've expected Robert to want to betroth his daughter to Robb." Ned stated honestly. Many northern lords also expected it as well. "I can see Jon's hand in this, he wants to have a measure of control over Hadrian but I do not see an issue other than that."
Karstark grumbled as he pinched the bridge of his noise in annoyance. "Hadrian and I have been discussing a possible betrothal between him and Alys." Rickard sighed in defeat. "I understand that you have to accept and do not hold it against you. I will ensure that the other lords do the same."
"Thanks Rickard." Hadrian said earnestly. "I'll be sure to repay your troubles."
"There is no need." The older man waved the younger man off. "For all you have done for the North, you have already earned the North's respect. While marrying within it would've garnered it moreso, there is nothing you can do against the King's commands." Hadrian thanked him once again before his uncle spoke.
"What of the other letter?"
The daunting multicolored gaze of Hadrian Stark turned towards his uncle and picked up both letters, one in each hand. "While this one, is from Jon Arryn, Hand of the King to King Robert," He set the one with the Hand's seal onto the desk. "This one is from Jon Arryn, Lord Paramount of the Vale and Warden of the East." He began as he tossed it onto the desk in disgust. "It is regarding the Sistermen and their raids along White Harbor and on the merchant fleets from Essos."
At that they nodded and both took a grim façade. "Wyman was talking with me earlier today on whether we need to increase patrols along the shoreline."
"No need. Lord Arryn has thought that simply sending them a raven will stave them off. The Sister Isles are not as large nor as fortified as the Iron Islands. When I leave for King's Landing through White Harbor, the whole of the Northern Fleets will bear down upon them."
They both nodded. Hadrian subsided conventional declarations of war. Ned knew that his nephew preferred shock tactics over giving a potential enemy time to prepare.
The Greyjoy Rebellion was proof of that and soon the Sisters would be as well.
"On a lighter note," Hadrian stated. "I have been meaning to discuss plans to foster Arya here and perhaps Robb as well."
Ned nodded already liking the sound of that. "Arya is giving her mother grey hairs already. Perhaps you can mold her wolf-blood into something that won't be dangerous." His uncle laughed lightly. "Robb will stay at home though. He needs to learn the Moat and manage both White Town and Moaton." Ned turned towards Rickard. "Perhaps you will be open to a betrothal between Alys and Robb?"
Hadrian and Rickard both nodded at the same time. "Good," The Cailstark lord declared and with Hadrian's leave both the Northern lords left their liege lord.
Hadrian looked down at the many parchments strewn across the ironwood desk. Perhaps it was time to act more reforms on the Northern military.
And the Sistermen, and Jon Arryn's stupidity had given him the perfect excuse to do so.
The grinning Wolf of Winterfell, whose bannermen swore fealty to with no qualms (except on Lord Bolton's part however minor), went to bed that night with the assurance that the North would be even more powerful by the time he retuned from King's Landing.
Hadrian absolutely loved spending time with his cousins. He never experienced that in his past life. Ron Weasley may have been a brother to him and Hermione a sister but they never really had the composition and attunement with each other that Harry had with his cousins of this life. Perhaps it helped when one shared blood.
Regardless, there was a sort of peacefulness and carefree attitude he could adorn when he did. The last time he did so was after the Greyjoy's Rebellion but Jon wasn't there and he missed his cousin like he did the others.
Sansa clutched his arm since as, in her own words, 'wanted to be escorted like a proper lady'. Arya was marveled at all the sights while Robb, Jon and Bran were looking at all the wares more specifically the sharp objects of the blacksmiths.
They didn't have an escort because frankly they didn't need one. Harry was well-loved by all the people that lived there and they knew who to thank for their prospering lives.
That is to say if Hadrian didn't notice the four Winter Guards and a few of the Stark household guard shadowing them.
Despite that though the laughing and merriment of the six was shared by most. Though Sansa did sort of sour the mood when she vehemently denied causing ruckus and having a bunch of fun.
It also didn't help Harry's slightly soured mood at having been forced into a marriage, when Sansa claimed he should be acting like a 'proper lord' and be above all the childish antics he wanted to take part in.
All this culminated into a shortening of their time when Hadrian finally declared that they should head back to the castle when the copy of Catelyn Tully didn't want to do anything the others wanted to do and they couldn't very well leave her behind.
Hadrian would be glad when the day came when Sansa was to foster at the Vale.
Hadrian Stark sighed in exasperation as he palmed his forehead.
At fifteen name-days old, he was - to his dismay – one of the most eligible bachelors in Westeros. Being Warden of the North, Lord of Winterfell and head of the one of the most powerful houses and families in Westeros tended to have that effect.
He was angry in the regard that he was effectively trapped. The first being Alys Karstark. This had both benefits and repercussions. Benefits included cementing his hold on the North and appeasing his fellow lords while furthering his own agenda without having to be scrutinized for his every action.
He'd rather not think of the insult he would be ensuring by having Alys as his wife.
He had to hand it to Tywin in that regard as he had seen that cunning mind that he wanted the North under his thumb and the only way for that to happen was by royal betrothal.
Robert Baratheon, the First of his Name along with his many other titles, had finally bent under the pressure of the Old Lion and his wife and issued a request for Hadrian to meet the royal family at King's Landing.
Hadrian being forced into marrying Myrcella Baratheon was a move by two different players for the same reason. Jon Arryn and Tywin Lannister wanting to get control of the powerful North.
The young wolf knew that the other lords would be displeased but knew he was being forced into this. Especially Lord Karstark. Hadrian had after all visited Karhold on many occasions and had a blooming relationship with his eldest child.
Alys was no doubt saddened. Hadrian knew a crush when he saw one and hopefully she didn't take the heartbreak out on him or Robb who she was now betrothed to.
He was snapped out of his thoughts when one of his household guard came into the cabin letting him know that they were docking at the deep harbor port of King's Landing.
Hadrian nodded and stood to leave. Winter at his hip and his wolf pelt cloak wrapped around him which he quickly shed. The summer heat bearing down upon them was rather uncomfortable. The North had perfect weather and cool nights but no stifling heat that he grew up in. He could thank the runic array he created for that.
He rather missed the humid heat of the south.
But not enough to envy those that lived here.
He was greeted at the harbor by a retinue of gold cloaks and the Lord Hand himself. Jon Arryn of the Vale along with several of his household knights.
This is definitely going to be interesting. Hadrian thought with glee.
After all, the Vale now possessed several thousand less mouths to feed.
"This is an unprovoked attack!" Jon shouted at Hadrian from within the small council room. Hadrian looked disinterested as did Lord Varys, Renly, Stannis and the two other Northern lords present in the room, Wyman and Eddard.
Baelish, on the other hand, made Hadrian want to wish upon a merry star that he had a rather large pike to adorn the man's smirking head upon. Hadrian did a cursory scan of the man's surface thoughts and found himself wanting to bleach his mind of the thoughts that pervaded the Master of Coin.
He would need to let Eddard know the kinds of things the mousy man wanted to do to his wife. Perhaps a liberal application of the Imperio curse and force the man to brag his supposed exploits to the Lord of the Moat? Well, it would further distance his uncle from the Hand to allow such a weasel to sit upon one of the most important seats in Westeros.
Hadrian, tired of tirade that has been going on for sometime, stood and slammed his palms on the table causing it to shake and almost buckle at the sudden and strong force. "Lord Hand, if its war you want, then you will get it." He paused. "Even the King does not care for what happened at the Sister Isles. If he did he would be here himself reprimanding me. Face it Lord Arryn, the Sistermen are scum and have been attacking innocent merchants and traders from all over the world. To let them continue their ways, would stain not only the North but the Vale as well where honor is held in the highest regard."
That shut the elder man up.
Hadrian would not allow a region that could be in his control in the near future be allowed to fall so far. It grated on his nerves that Jon Arryn of the fucking Vale, of all places, would give second chances to the thieving and raping bastards of their eastern shores.
It reminded him too much of Dumbledore and his foolishness regarding the Blood War. He would not allow the same mistake be made again.
"Now that this issue has been taken care of." Hadrian said with conviction and a pointed look at the Lord Hand. "I am here to discuss the betrothal between myself and Princess Myrcella with the King." Hadrian made a show of looking across the table. "However, I see ourselves absent a King."
"His Grace will be joining us in a few moments." Varys stated, if a little sweetly, and with a knowing glint in his eye. Hadrian was glad that he rooted what few birds the eunuch had in the North from their perches. While Hadrian knew without a doubt that the Spymaster had other ways of gaining information, it was best to destroy the more reliable sources he had at his disposal.
The group of councilors sat in awkward silence as they waited for King Robert to arrive. Harry, however, quite enjoyed it. So much so that he jubilantly and rather obnoxiously made conversation with the up-tight Stannis.
By making conversation, the young Wolf actually meant talking the older man's ear off with him subtly sneering and growling at him in annoyance.
Hadrian's fun was interrupted in short order when King Robert followed by Lord Lannister walked in and the Wolf of Winterfell had to keep the shock off his face at weight gained by the Demon of the Trident. While by no means obese, he was definitely on his way there.
They all rose in respect until he sat down. "Wine!" The King demanded and a servant came scurrying in with a pitcher of the sweet beverage and quickly set it down in front of the King.
Hadrian's respect for the man who in large part avenged his father's death sank a bit more.
After taking a quick gulp of the red liquid the King barked a laugh and his flushed face turned towards the Wolf of Winterfell. "Ah Hadrian Stark! You grow bigger each passing year! I remember when you were a little whelp just at my knee! Now look at you!" He gestured widely at Harry. "A man grown!"
They all sat down at that.
"So Hadrian, I want a greater alliance between our two families!" He boisterously declared. "A royal marriage to bind our families together!"
Hadrian nodded but said nothing. He could tell that the King really wanted to ask Ned for Robb or even perhaps Sansa for Joffrey.
"Myrcella is twelve namedays old and Tywin and Cersei," Everyone took note of how he said such names with disdain except Myrcella's which was said in mild indifference. "have decided that the marriage will be held when she is six and ten here in the capitol at the Great Sept of Baelor."
That was where Hadrian interjected his own thoughts. "I cannot allow that, Your Grace." Hadrian stated. "The Starks of Winterfell have always and will always follow the Old Gods, if she is to become a Stark and get the respect of the North then she must be married the way the North have always done. The way I see it is that she will be ruling the North by my side rather than the Seven Kingdoms. It would be a way for the Baratheon name to garner even more respect from the North."
There was some discomfort evident in their shuffling postures. "We can hold a celebration here." Hadrian conceded. "But the main ceremony will be held in Winterfell. Whatever festivities can be held here."
Robert, after a moment of drinking another flagon of wine and taking a rather deep breath, responded in his booming voice. "I can accept those terms." Then in a sincere voice that surprised everyone present added, "I only ask that there be no bedding ceremony. Gods only know what'll become of the man that touches my daughter in such a way."
Hadrian immediately agreed. "Do not worry, Your Grace. I find such a practice rather degrading, any man who touches your daughter and my betrothed in such a way will lose their hand."
Eddard was rather relieved at that. When he wedded Catelyn he wanted to knock the men cold who pawed at her. He couldn't because he was rather timid and shy still then. Ned knew that Hadrian would make good on his promise on any who touched Myrcella like that.
Gods only know what he would do if he began to care for the young woman.
It was several hours later when they finished ironing out the details. What the dowry would be, who was paying for what and who would be at the ceremony and a bunch of other non-sensical things that made Hadrian want to tear his eyes and ears off and shove them in a burning pit of dragon fire.
The simpering and stuttering fool that was Pycelle was an incredibly annoying act and it took all of Hadrian's patience not to call the grey rat out on it.
Brown-nosing Baelish had made several back-handed compliments on Northern success and had made several undermining offers to manage the Northern finances for the duration of the wedding. That is why Hadrian had brought master economist Wyman here. He would be managing the finances with Tywin and Cersei.
To allow the sole reason the Crown was in as much debt as it was anywhere near the Stark treasury would be just plain stupid.
Plus it offered a way to lure the Lions of Casterly Rock into the coveted wealth of the Starks of Winterfell without making it obvious. After all, one can only hunt for the best outcome with salivating and unnoticeable bait.
The Spymaster that was Varys kept silent most of the time only offering platitudes and other rather poking questions into Northern military might and the state of affairs in the North. Hadrian had done a surface brushing of the eunuch's thoughts and found it surprisingly empty.
He had intended to do a rather deeper intrusion but was distracted by the flamboyant Renly commenting on the Tyrells having been at the Red Keep and wanting to meet with the Stark Lord. Stannis had kept quiet for the most part taking most of his time and investing it into glaring into his elder and younger brother and those around him.
By then it was nearing nightfall and Hadrian was on his last nerves. The amount of stupid in one room was so damn high that he didn't know whether to be impressed or depressed at that fact. Hadrian was counting his lucky stars that they weren't even planning the finer details of the wedding just yet. He would throw that planning disaster on top of some unfortunate sod that was actually decent at such things.
He retreated to his room in a hazy encumbrance. The leather jerkin on him getting rather stuffy and stifling in his sweat. He got to his room in relative ease and only stopped once to have a servant draw him a bath.
Hadrian felt bad for his uncle and Wyman. They would be used to the nice weather and cool and pleasant nights of the North and not the suffocating and hot summers of the South.
He entered the lavish room of the Red Keep and was greeted by the bath having already been done with. He quickly shed his tunic and clothes and eased himself in the soothing cool waters.
His senses tingled while he relaxed. "Jaqen." Hadrian greeted from closed eyes. Harry waved his right hand subtly and cast some security charms and silencing charms around the room.
"A Man is impressed with the Wolf's abilities." The robed and cowled man stated from his wooden seat that accompanied the wooden table. "A Man knows that the Wolf has keen senses."
Hadrian only nodded as he further reclined in his tub. "Tell me how your efforts are going."
"The Wolf has asked a Man to establish a network of ears and eyes. A Man has succeeded in this regard. While not as vast as a Bird's song nor as lavish as a Whore's mouth, a Man has effectiveness and reliability on the Wolf's side."
Having grown used to the poetic speak of the Faceless Man that had come into his service directly after the Greyjoy's Rebellion, Hadrian was able to deduce what the man who identified himself as Jaqen had stated. "Anything of note that I should be concerned about?"
"A Man has found that a Bear of Mormont is in league with binding chains." Hadrian opened his eyes only a little at that. Jorah had went to Lannisport for the tourney after the Greyjoy's Rebellion. Hadrian had thought nothing of it because frankly, he didn't care. In an impressive turn of events Jorah had won the tourney and asked for a Hightower as a wife. Hadrian saw this for what it was.
A Hightower would never be caught dead with a Mormont or someone as far North. Olenna was making moves into the North and was using the Hightower family to have some influence there.
If she wished to play that game then Harry would let her fail in that regard. Jorah was a greedy bastard with no access to the Mormont treasury other than a measly stipend and an expensive wife to provide for.
"The Wolf will know by the Master Grey Rat and the Spider in the morrow. A Bear flees east with his Tower on High."
"Does Jorah have Longclaw?" Hadrian asked. House Mormont would not so easily play with others nicely if they lost their ancestral blade.
Jaqen subtly shook his head. "The Steel of Old Valyria has been left behind. A Bear has some semblance of honor in that regard."
Hadrian nodded. "Assign a person to tail him and to be ready to kill him at a moment's notice. I want to know what he plans on doing."
"The Wolf has spoken and a Man will see it done."
Hadrian relaxed into his soothing bath at the response. "What of our efforts in Volantis?"
"A Man has his doubts if the Wolf's plan is even viable." Jaqen admitted. "The Fire God of the Red Religion may be prepared for what the Wolf may do."
"That is no matter." Hadrian responded as he rose from the bath and donned what clothes were prepared for him. "Just have them ready to kill any that leave the safety of their temples."
Jaqen nodded and stayed silent as Hadrian sat in front of him in the clothes that he had brought with him. They were similar to the silks he had while in Starfall, and had the Dornish style but the Northern grim and dark colors.
"What of the Tyrells and the Lannisters?" Hadrian ventured.
Jaqen shifted in his chair. "A wilting Rose is here in the Landing of Kings and is looking for a way to benefit from the Wolf. A wilting Rose is afraid of what may become of Garden on High should it continue to lose the gold of the no longer despondent Winters."
Hadrian thought for a long moment before deciding he would deal with Olenna when she made her next move.
"A Man can confirm that the rumors of the gold rivers drying are indeed true. Within the coming years the Lions of the Rock will be out of gold to wield. An Old Lion seeks to gain control of the mines of gold the Wolf has in his possession as part of a bride price for the young Stag princess."
Considering that House Stark was now one of the wealthiest houses and would continue to live frugal lifestyles, the treasury in Winterfell was literally overflowing and the rooms Hadrian had discovered below the elder castle of the North were being converted to hold the massive wealth that was now at his disposal. Under the stewardship of House Goldstark, there were several mines owned by the Starks of Winterfell directly.
"Thank you Jaqen. Continue your efforts but be sure we are cautious." Hadrian said quietly.
"A Man and the order are born of caution. The Wolf has no need to worry." And with that the Faceless Man left. Through a window, a hidden passage or even the front door, Hadrian did not want to know nor did he care.
What he did care about at the moment though was getting some sleep to which he readily fell into the feather bed.
Myrcella Baratheon was scared. She didn't want to disappoint her father.
Rather her banshee of a mother could go to the Seven Hells for all she cared. She could definitely see her hand in this in an effort to get rid of her and whatever claim she had to a throne she would never want.
She, however, was in luck. She had only heard good things of the Wolf of Winterfell. Granted the Arrow Catcher had awe-inspiring stories about him that made just about every lady want to jump his bones, even though he was only five and ten.
Even the Howl of the Wolf, as depressing as the song was, made Hadrian Stark out to be the heartbreak to those that heard it.
Her mind, even being twelve namedays old, was sharp and cunning. While her father never spent much time with her and her mother was either attempting to turn her into a glass doll or deriding her very presence, Lord Commander Ser Barristan Selmy of the Kingsguard had taught her about what he knew of court politics of the den of snakes that was King's Landing.
From the lessons the Lord Commander had given her, she was able to deduce that her betrothed, was as much forced as she was to partake in the arrangement. From the progression of the North and the rise of House Stark as one of the most powerful houses in the realm, it was as clear as day, at least to the princess, that Hadrian Stark was attempting to not only create a powerful region but also cement the loyalty of the Northern houses to House Stark.
Marrying a southron lady would be detrimental to the loyalty of the Stark household at worst or just make the lords neutral in their thoughts regarding only their liege lord at best.
Either outcome was not at all desirable to a Great House in Westeros.
Luckily, being a princess and marrying into the royal family lessened the blow, if only slightly.
She was standing from the Red Keep balcony waiting for her betrothed to come to her as a servant had come to inform her with her mother standing above her, watching her like a hawk. Myrcella often wondered where she stood in relation to the Queen Consort.
In Myrcella's opinion, Cersei looked down on everyone, even the King and grandfather, though she never did it to Tywin's face, believing herself to be the gods' gift to the people of the world and that everyone should worship her as such.
She even had attempted to batter that ideal in her children, though Tommen, Joanna and herself never took it to heart. Only the sadistic Joffrey ever did. After all, her precious lion and key to power could never do any wrong.
When Hadrian finally did arrive, he was clad in a dark brown silks that looked rather fetching on him. The tunic was slightly to the elbows and tight with a snarling Direwolf head embroidered above his right breast with dark brown breeches and black boots. Around his waist the sheathed Valyrian Steel sword, Winter, at his side.
"Your Grace." Hadrian bowed low at the waist and brushed his lips along the knuckles of the Queen Consort. Then he turned to Myrcella, "Your Grace." He smiled slightly at the younger girl as he repeated the same action. "May I have the honor of escorting you through the gardens?"
Myrcella nodded with a slight curtsey. "Of course, my lord."
Hadrian smiled slightly at Cersei who simply slightly sneered at the young man and stalked off with two Kingsguard in her wake.
It didn't take a genius to figure out the disdain she held for just about everyone.
He thanked his lucky stars it was Ser Barristan the Bold that was assigned to the princess' guard. From yesterday, Harry could only deduce that King Robert cared a lot more for his children than he let on, or at least for Myrcella he did. So having the best knight in Westeros assigned for Myrcella's protection was no shock.
It also played into Harry's favor as the honorable knight could not be bought nor bullied into submission. Hadrian would be discussing sensitive things with the princess.
With the first being, why the fuck her hair was dyed a horrendous Lannister blonde.
"So Myrcella," Hadrian began as they wandered the gardens. It was just before high noon and the sun hadn't yet its reached its peak today. Harry had forewent his daily morning ritual of drills and martial training so as to present a non-sweaty and barbaric savage of the North. "tell me what do you enjoy doing?" Her arm was entwined with his own and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard was several paces behind. Enough to be respectful of their privacy but close enough that should anything happen he could get to them as quickly as possible.
Puzzled at the question as her mother had once told her that boys, specifically teenaged boys were braggarts and cared not for their female counterparts. Considering she only had her brother Joffrey to use as an example and the many knights that usually were around the Red Keep, it was hard to argue with her.
Still though, the Princess of Westeros answered the phrase drilled into her mind by her banshee of a mother. "I enjoy walking in the gardens, singing and sewing." She had to applause herself as she might've even convinced herself that.
"Interesting." Hadrian commented as the duo rounded a corner. "Though I would rather you tell me what you really enjoy doing."
Maybe she wasn't as convincing as she thought.
She paused as she looked skeptically around, fearing a ruse. Sensing nor seeing anyone that she knew for a fact to be a spy for someone, which was odd, she responded earnestly yet quickly. "I hate being a lady."
Hadrian smiled wolfishly at her and she had to use every ounce of her upbringing not to allow a blush to show on her face. "I have a cousin who is much the same. She would rather learn to shoot a bow than learn the harp."
Myrcella beamed though it was subdued just in case it was a trick. "I would love to meet her."
Hadrian only nodded but the slight smile was still there as they continued to walk the gardens. "You still haven't told me what you enjoy doing."
She nodded and responded. "I do enjoy watching the many tourneys my father has, particularly the melee. Such chaos is really awe striking."
Hadrian laughed. "I have only been to one tourney when I was four namedays old and I can hardly remember it."
"There aren't many tourneys in the North?" She ventured her question.
Hadrian shook his head. "Not particularly. There are such things as War Games, much more chaotic I believe and much more deadly."
"War games, my lord?"
"As the name implies, it is to simulate actual battlefield conditions. A group of four hundred men versus another group of four hundred men. The objectives can vary from each game such as which team is the last standing or holding a certain objective. However, only men apart of the standing army can participate."
Myrcella nodded awe-stricken at the notion of such a thing even existing. "I would very much like to see one." The princess conceded as they continued their walk. "I guess I also like archery, though it does seem boring."
The Stark lord agreed. "Yes, sometimes it can be. Especially when hunting and waiting for the perfect time to loose an arrow. Sometimes you are so focused that you do not even notice those with you."
They continued their walk through the gardens mostly talking about each other's interests. For example, Myrcella enjoyed when Jon Arryn held court and the few times her father had as well, the political intrigue always baffled her and had expressed a desire to see Northern court politics in action as well.
It was just after high noon when Hadrian asked the question that had been on his mind since the beginning of their stroll. They were on their way back inside the Red Keep.
"My princess, I do have one question."
"Ask away, Harry." She quickly stuttered out her next comment. "I-if it alright that I call you that?" For some odd reason she felt strangely comfortable in the Northman's presence.
The Wolf of Winterfell chuckled lightly at that as he shook his head. "It is no matter, we are after all betrothed." He schooled his features slightly and attempted to meet her sapphire gaze with his own multicolored one. "I was wondering if you have dyed your hair blonde. I am sorry if I caused offense, I only took note that the roots of your hair are a raven black."
Myrcella frowned a little bit before looking away. She wanted to tell him a lie and say she wanted it that way but a strange feeling welled up inside her and she moved her gaze back into her betrothed's multicolored ones. It was at that moment that she knew that she could tell him her deepest darkest secrets (not that she had any, she was pretty much an open book to her family) and he would never question her nor would he laugh at her. She chanced a look around and found the immediate area completely deserted of servants and other people that would normally be patrolling these halls.
It was only them two and the Kingsguard that was Ser Barristan the Bold. She sighed slightly and conceded. "My mother had my hair dyed. It was originally black."
Harry nodded and said no more on the matter and asked if she would like to have lunch.
She beamed at him brightly. "I would love to!"
In Ser Barristan's opinion, he couldn't have been more happier for his charge.
Hadrian retired to his room that night in a happy mood.
What retreated the smile on his face was the presence of two of the Kingsguard in front of it, Ser Meryn Trant and Ser Boros Blount standing in front of the door to his quarters. His hand found itself on top of the hilt to Winter.
"The Queen will see you now." Ser Meryn sneered at him.
The Wolf of Winterfell made no pretext to move but the ever so slight narrowing of his eyes and a foreboding aura taking ahold of the space around them.
"I was not aware I was meeting with the Queen." Hadrian responded. His tone held no emotion but the beginnings of icicles could be felt in the sound.
Trant seemed to have an ever-present sneer on his face whereas Blount had a stony façade on his face. Harry deduced he should be more worried about the dark haired man rather than the man that smelt like he hadn't bathed in a week. Their hands went to the hilts of their swords.
"Well you whelp-"
"And that is your first mistake Ser." Harry emphasized the man's title. "You, a Kingsguard may wield the King's justice just as well as I do but I am not as you say as whelp."
It was just when the trio went to draw their swords when the door opened to reveal a blonde haired woman opening the door to Hadrian's quarters. It was definitely not the Queen and more likely a handmaiden to her. The three men outside, however, quickly slipped their swords back into their sheathes at her presence however as if the hostile exchange never took place.
"My lord." The handmaiden curtsied. "The Queen would like to have a moment of your time." She stated the supposed question into an overruling statement.
Hadrian's eyes never left Ser Boros Blount's lifeless and unfaltering gaze. The Wolf of Winterfell completely disregarding the sneering face of the other Kingsguard. He walked into the presence of the Queen Consort who idly sipping on a chalice of wine and flippantly regarding the young Wolf.
Hadrian bowed at the waist but the thoughts of his own disdain regarding the woman didn't disappear. "Hadrian Stark." The Queen said dismissively with something not described a sneer but something akin to it. A slight smiling sneer was something the woman probably perfected to blend her feelings into the perfect mask. It looked as if she was searching for something if the parchments scattered about the floor and rummaged strongbox was any indication.
"To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" He stated. Harry knew what she was looking for. The journal he hid in an empty vase with a repelling charm on it. While no would think to look there, the charm working in tandem with the unexpecting hiding spot served to doubly protect the information.
"Ah merely to indulge myself in the curiosities of the North." Her sweet tone laced with slight venom.
"And what curiosities would that be?" Hadrian asked. He elected to stay standing with his peripheral vision in sight of the closed door and the meek handmaiden.
"Just the sort to make you head of the second wealthiest family in Westeros." She sipped on her wine with a greedy glint in her eye.
Hadrian seeing no reason not to indulge her but also seeing none to do so, responded in a flat but deceivingly charming response. "Only a little bit of long term investment."
Her smiled faltered a second and a slight growl escaped but when Hadrian innocently looked at her she put her crumbling façade up once more.
She took another sip of her wine before speaking once again. "Tell me what do you know of your aunt. Lyanna, I think her name was."
That perplexed Harry. Here he was thinking that he would have to trade verbal punched with the Queen of Westeros now she was talking about his deceased family. Hadrian detected a hint of scorn in her voice but also a sense of accomplishment.
"I only met her once when I was three. She was betrothed to King Robert and that she was kidnapped by Rhaegar near Summerhall when she was making her way to Starfall."
Cersei had an smug look on her face as she sipped on her wine. "Oh the Wolf of Winterfell doesn't know? How tragic. Tragic indeed."
And at that she quickly took her leave and Hadrian wanted to go and plunder her mind for all the secrets she had.
Until Next Time!