Old friends

Jon POV

I looked at the new Grand Maester, Marwyn, the mage people called him. He didn't look like a Maester or a mage. He looked more like some sailor that I met in Seagard. His nose was probably broken a dozen times to look so crooked, and his teeth were red, probably from chewing too much sourleaf. And yet there he is, my new Maester.

The other choice was Gormon Tyrell, uncle to Lord Mace Tyrell. I don't know what strings Edmure pulled for Marwyn to be elected, but I hope it wasn't a wrong decision. It was already hard to limit the influence of Tyrells, so I could never trust a Tyrell as my Maester. Still, looking at Marwyn, all I wanted was to groan in despair.

"Welcome to King's Landing, Maester Marwyn," I said with a smile. "I must apologize, but I must put you to work immediately. Many injured people need to be looked after."

Maester Marwyn didn't stand a ceremony and left for his station. I was left sitting on the Iron Throne, awaiting the next guest. Arianne Martell and her children were the next guests and one of the most important guests I would meet today. The new Mistress of Whispers.

She looked as beautiful as the first time I saw her. She didn't wear exposing clothes that Dornish are famous for. Yet her red and blue velvet dress only enchanted her beauty and elegance. The whole court was stunned by her, and I knew it was what she wanted.

"Princess Arianne Martell, I welcome you to King's Landing."

"Thank you, your Grace," She gave a respectful bow. "I hope to be of service to you and your reign."

From her sharp eyes, I could tell she would keep an eye on me as she would on my enemies. I remember when I wished to be Stark and the lord of Winterfell. What a foolish child I was then. Now I could not wish enough to be Jon Snow, bastard of Winterfell.

It wasn't the responsibility and the duty that didn't let me sleep at night. It was the eyes of everyone looking at me. They held doubt, expectation, and venom. I had to look at those eyes with a firm resolve and a smile on my lips. Otherwise, it felt like I was going to be devoured by them.

The day just began after Arrianne Martell arrived, yet soon another important guest came. Margaery Tyrell, my wife to be. She was a beautiful woman like Arriane, but her eyes held ambition. From one look, I could tell I was nothing but a toy for her to play with. Edmure had warned me not to be influenced by beauty because behind that beauty laid thorns that would make me bleed.

Both Arianne and Margaery only enforced that notion. They were dangerous women. I feel ashamed for being afraid of Lady Stark in my childhood. Their smiles were more terrifying than Lady Stark's cold gaze ever could.

I strained myself to smile for the rest of the day. There was only one guest today that I was happy to see, Samwell Tarly. It felt like an eternity had come and gone since I saw him. He still looked awkward and hesitant in his steps. Once our eyes met, I could tell that he and I wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.

"Your Grace," A guard came up to me as I was prepared to finish the court for today. "Prince Oberyn Martell has arrived."

I almost cursed, I knew he was coming from Dragonstone, but I hoped it would take a few more days for him to arrive. I could do nothing but tell the guard to announce Prince Oberyn's arrival.

Prince Oberyn Martell strode to me with confidence that I rarely see. His head held high. His companions shared the same enthusiasm. He knelt to me exaggeratedly, and his smile stretched from one ear to another when he stood up. Yet his eyes held venom and nothing else.

"Your Grace, the Dragonstone is yours," He said.

"Thank you for your services, Prince Oberyn. I will make sure you are rewarded accordingly," I replied, even if I badly wanted to ask what he wanted now and be done with it.

"Your words are enough," He responded. "I also bring you a gift."

With a clap of his hands, his companions brought a sword covered in cloth. I started to become tense. Edmure has warned me that I should be careful of Prince Oberyn. He will try to pick out my words and actions to use them against me.

"I present you a Valyrian steel sword. Please accept my sincere gift."

It was indeed an enormous Valyrian greatsword. It was Ice. I understood what he was up to. He wanted me to make him a fool. I can't accept it, as it belongs to House Stark, and if I point it out, I will take him for a fool. He will use it to justify his aggression against me later. He put me on the spot in our first meeting. I had no other choice but to do as he wished.

"Uncle, don't you recognize the sword you are holding?" Before I could say anything, Arianne interrupted us. "Even a woman who doesn't know anything about fighting knows it is Ice. The sword belongs to House Stark. Please don't make a fool of yourself and House Martell with your ignorance."

"I'm sure it is an honest mistake," I used the situation to save Oberyn's face. "Not many had seen the famous sword of House Stark, Ice. I will ensure Lord Robb Stark hears of your deed."

I motion to Lord Mallister to take the sword from Oberyn's hands. I wanted to sigh in relief. Once Oberyn was done with his acting, he knelt to me and proclaimed his loyalty. It was the most insincere proclamation I have gotten so far. And with that, I ended the court before anything unexpected could happen.

Still, I had a feast to attend and guests to entertain for tonight. I felt exhausted even thinking about it. It will be a long night.

…

I felt my body give up as I sat on my bed. I was too exhausted even to sleep. Oberyn was a viper that was hard to deal with, and I had Margaery Tyrell by my side the whole evening. It wasn't easy to avoid her thorns. From tomorrow onwards, it will only get worse.

"Your Grace, ser Samwell Tarly and Maesters Marwyn's acolyte want to have a meeting with you."

The guard behind the doors of my chamber informed me. I was happy when I heard Samwell's name, but I grew confused when I heard of Maester's acolyte. I hope nothing serious happened as I wanted to talk with Samwell alone.

"Let them in," I told the guard.

"Jon, it was so long," Sam jumped to hug me once the doors were open. The guard almost pulled his sword before I motioned him to leave me. "Look whom I found."

"Hello, Jon."

"Sarella?" I couldn't believe my eyes. "I thought you were a girl."

"Pff," Sarrela snorted. "That all you have to say after so long?"

"Sorry, I was just surprised. How come you are Maester's Marwyn acolyte?"

"How come you are a king?" Sarrela asked instead of answering. "I thought you were the bastard of Winterfell."

"If only it were the truth," I murmured. "Sit down. Let's drink some wine."

"I think I drank too much for tonight," Sam said. "It was so uncomfortable sitting next to ser Loras Tyrrell. He looked at me like he would kill me at any moment."

"I believe the renowned ser Samwell Tarly the Red would be able to defend himself," I replied.

"So will you tell me, how in the seven hells have you become the King of the Seven Kingdoms?" Sarrela asked.

"If only I knew," I said. "I am a son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. My uncle Eddard Stark had taken me as his bastard to protect me from Robert Baratheon."

"Sounds more like a fairytale," Sarrela commented.

"I know," I agreed and then took documents from my drawer. "But these documents prove that Rhagaer had married Lyanna before my birth, making me his trueborn son."

"This is Diary of Septon Maynard," Sarrela picked up a book. "So, it is true, Lyanna Stark married Rhaegar Targaryen. The Roberts rebellion was fought over a lie."

"Don't I know," I groaned. "My real father and siblings died because of me."

"You were not even born when they died," Sam quickly came to my defense. "It is unfair to blame you for their deaths."

"Tell that to Prince Oberyn," I replied.

"My father will hold a grudge against you, but he knows you are innocent. He might be mean to you, but he is loyal to his family, and Arianne is loyal to you. My father won't cross a line."

"Have you not been at the court? He was baiting me to insult him," I told her.

"And Arianne insulted him instead. Arianne will be able to handle my father. You don't have to worry too much."

"I will trust in your words," I felt relieved at her words. "Anyhow, tell me, how did you become an acolyte? I thought only men were able to do so."

"Well, I wanted to learn, and those old fools couldn't tell I was a girl with a simple disguise."

"Seriously?" I asked in disbelief. "What about Maester Marwyn."

"He might know, but if it doesn't involve magic, he won't care."

"What kind of person is Maester Marwyn?" I asked, wondering.

"He is eccentric, but he is very knowledgeable. He has traveled the world and knows what he is talking about."

"Why is he called the mage?" Samwell asked.

"Well, he dabbles in the magical world too often, and other Maesters don't like it. No other Maester wants to believe in magic."

"I saw Stannis' red priestess turn into dust when her head was cut off. I saw executions before, and that wasn't normal."

"I saw a shadow with Stannis' face kill Renly," Samwell added.

"It seems I will have to talk with the mage," I murmured.

"You should," Sarella told me. "He claims that the dragons have returned."

"Dragons?" I asked. "What is the world come to? Soon I will hear that the White Walkers have come back."

"Your Grace," The guard knocked on my door. "Maester Marwyn and a man from the Night watch want to see you. They say it is an emergency."

A man from the Night watch? I got a bad feeling, a horrible feeling. With a nod to Sam and Sarrela, I left my chambers and went straight to Maester's chambers. Sarella and Sam were close behind me. I only hoped that my words didn't jinx anything.

A.N As always, If you want more, up to five advance chapters, you can support me on pa treon. com \ ironwolf852