Chapter 12: saving own head

RECAP

Oberyn also wanted her happiness, 'if Rhaegar would have survived he would have done the same,' he thought, But still, nothing eased his anxiety and guilt. Someday, she would get married, and even then that would not be for love, but Oberyn would make her the queen of seven kingdoms. Elia died or else, she would have been the best Queen in the history of westros. But Rhaenys would be the Queen, her mother would have been. Oberyn only wished for her happiness. And he was certain Viserys would concur soon enough, after all, Viserys did not had any other choice for sure.

RHAENYS

She woke from her slumber. Her eyes opened, just to get notice of foreign figure. His eyes were set on her. She had never seen that man in her entire life. He had dark hair like her, but other than that nothing rang in her mind, But that was all in first few moments of her half-asleep mind, as soon as her eyes, mind, and body awakened, she hurled back to jon's side, kind of getting on defense, there was fear in her eyes, after all, the thing that occurred to them wasn't all that normal, there was a tantrum inside her mind, and amidst of that she completely left out, someone who was also inside the chamber, Arthur, he was standing right at other edge. Suddenly, she felt his hands on her, but the sensation of touch was warm and calm. There was something gentle and caring about that men, she thought.
However, he was a stranger nonetheless.

"No need to fear, Rany,"unknown man said in calm tone gazing into her eyes. 'Rany', it was like she got stuck with a jolt, no one ever called her that other than her mother, a wave of emotion flushed in her mind. Her mother used to call her Rany, only her. Memories resurfaced, making it hard for her to halt the tears that were on verge to bulge from her eyes.

She turned her eyes to Arthur after all, Arthur always held answers to all her every poser, she knew, her expression was somewhat faint, mixed with hurt, confusion and even fear. She wanted to hide her fear and pain, but still, she wasn't strong enough. Surely Arthur discerned her expression.

"He is ur uncle, princess ur mother's younger brother, Prince Oberyn Martell" Arthur finished, as soon as word settled in her mind, she looked at the men, who was her uncle, one who sent her gift, even letters. She took a moment to gaze at him. He was looking at her with a warm smile, a smile which made her heart calm and steady. Suddenly, she did not know why, but she jumped in his embrace, hard against his chest. His hand locked her to him. She did not knew why she felt doing a thing like that, but maybe she wanted it, a warm and safe embrace of family. Although Arthur was there with her all the time and made her secure, but he always had his limits. She wanted the familial love, care, place of safety, and she does not know why, but she felt all of that in matter of moments. With Viserys it was never like that, she loved him, and she knew he too cared for her deeply, but something was missing.

Oberyn held her tight, at that point she could not control her tears from rushing out. She wanted to cry and smile at the same time. That was overwhelming,

"Hey, sssshhhh… stop now, I am here, you are safe with me" his words assured her more than any numbers of guards outside her chamber. He pulled her to look into her eyes, His hand in her hairs. In that moment, she thought, he looked like her mother, even if that's only little bit.

"Why didn't you came sooner." She said, she wanted him with her, someone who shares her pain. His expression turned serious, even little hurt on it too, but that disappeared in less than a moment.

"I am sorry, but I came as soon as I could," Oberyn said, with a grimace in his voice, But she was not really, upset with him. In the end, he did came to save them all. And she was glad.

"Thank you," she said looking into his eyes. Her words were genuine. She meant them. She was grateful to him to no extent, because of him, they all were alive. She saw a confusion in Oberyn's eyes.

"For what," he asked with a quizzical expression,

"For saving all of us. You came to save us." Oberyn face again offered the same warm smile.

"Would you thank your mother for protecting you" Oberyn asked with slight smile and frown.

"No" words spurted out her mouth instantly.

"Then why me,… It's my duty and right to protect you, you may be born to Elia, but you are no less than my own daughter…. My only regret is I couldn't protect your mother." Oberyn's face got darker following the end. and She understood that well enough.

"It's not your fault uncle," she said, she did not want to remember past events anymore. She wanted to move forward with her life. But Oberyn's face remained dark and hurt remained grimacing over it. However, suddenly, everyone was interrupted by none other than Daenerys. She started crying, no, more like screaming. She does that sort of thing, whenever she gets angry. She could wreak havoc if she wants.

Before Rhaenys moved Arthur took her in his arms while trying to sooth Daenerys temper. He was even getting good at it.

"That girl is going to be a real dragon," Oberyn said with an ecstatic grin. She completely agreed with him. Daenerys had a bad temper, the temper of a real dragon, maybe its because both her mother and father had Dragon's blood, still no one knows for sure.

"Yes, she has a very bad temper," she said smiling glancing at Daenerys. She could not remember when but her tears dried and replaced with a smile, and that was the main reason. She liked to spend time with both Jon and Daenerys. Whenever she was with them, she forgets her pain and all the bad things, they would make her smile when no one else could.

"Her poor husband," Oberyn said, laughing. She too joined in that. It was good for her, laughing. She never had that with her other two uncles; Arthur or Viserys. But Oberyn was different. She wished they could stay just like that, for eternity; Happy and together.

ARTHUR DAYNE

Seeing her laugh was really a delighting sight for him. He had seen her smile, even laugh, but only when she was with Jon and Daenerys, however, right there, he saw her true smile, her true laugh. He always tried to make her feel loved and safe. After all, it's the least he could do for his princess but even more, because she was Rhaegar's daughter, He might not have forgiven Rhaegar, for whatever happened, but that doesn't make his love and loyalty for Rhaegar any less. He only wished Rhaenys and jon their happiness, nothing more. And Oberyn made her happy, and he was glad for it, But still, he could not trust Oberyn with jon's life. Oberyn had way many reasons to hate Jon but not even one for seeing him alive. Viserys already warned him against Oberyn. Viserys did not trust Oberyn, and that was simple but the way Viserys talked with rage and hate in his voice. He held his suspicions for Viserys. But for time, he had to keep close eye on Oberyn. And Daenerys was making it hard for him to concentrate on any other thing for sure. She was really a hell of trouble, and as Oberyn said, he too prays for her future husband. However, for the day, things were good, but he knew, soon he would have use for his sword again; for the Fall is coming for many Houses.

VISERYS TARGARYEN

Viserys was hounded by immense amount of encumbrance on his head, whole day hearing to peasants, complaining even for their own shit. But that was his life at least until Jon comes of age. Furthermore, sitting on the fucking council with those whom he did not even want to meet in his entire life. Sometimes he thought of time, when they had their dragon, back then no one ever dared to raise a word to them.

Now Oberyn dared to threaten him in his own keep to start with. His proposal still was on the tip of the blade. He would have considered his proposal if Oberyn had not been so insolent. He had no need to bend to Oberyn. He had Northern army alongside riverrun and vale legions. Even crownland's remaining forces were stationed outside Iron Gate. If Oberyn wanted war, he might get some. He even considered arranging a betrothal between Renly Baratheon and Rhaenys. That would get stormland back with him.

but more than anything, He wished if he could just leave and wander in free cities. He remembered his time in essos. With gold in pocket, everything was best in essos. But world got upside down quicker than he would have ever contemplated He still had not talked with Ned about Oberyn's proposal, but he already predicted his obvious response. However, still maybe talking to someone who actually listens rather than giving fucking advice was better.

He missed delen, especially during times like that, He was his closest friend. Viserys never really had many friends, and he even acknowledged his fault. He was arrogant and selfish but most people in his life were ready to kiss his ass at his command, so he lost any interest in making any friends.
Other than delen there was only one other person, whom he could talk to; Arthur.

Though the more immediate issue was Olenna Tyrell. She requested an audience with him, and even he would not mind hearing words from the Queen of thorn. After all, she was only one who had a decent head on her neck. Soon knock came from, and Olenna Tyrell obviously in chains walked inside followed by two Goldcloaks. Ser Barristan had also entered He offered Olenna to sit on sette, and signaled others to leave.

As soon as they both were left alone, Viserys shifted his gaze to Olenna Tyrell, the prison had done her quite a detriment to her. However, that doesn't concerned him in a bit.

"Lady Olenna, I truly feel bad seeing you like this, but you know better,…..what you sow is what you reap," Viserys said with his arrogant smirk, he would never let go of any chance to show those traitors, what they get for waging war with the dragon.

"Well, this definitely not what I sowed, but my son" Olenna's words were straight and sharp, even in half-starved condition, she had not lost her charisma yet. He knew that already, Olenna was not a fool to defy the crown, obviously that was his fool mud headed son's doing.

"I don't think you and your son are diverse... in the end, the bitter truth is... House Tyrell betrayed the crown and stood in rebellion alongside Lannisters, and that I won't forget," His words were blunt and straight. But Olenna held her fixed composure.

"Yes, I don't deny, but house Tyrell supported your house during Robert's rebellion," Olenna said in her dour voice,

"As did Baratheons, for last 300 years, But in the end, they broke their oaths, as did house Tyrell." Viserys ended. His words were darker and grave. There was anger, after all, Tyrells tried to Kill his entire family.

"I certainly can't argue, on that,… I accept our mistake, If my son had consented to me before breaking bread with Lannisters, I assure you, this wouldn't have happened….. but as you said seeds are sown…. But I ask for mercy for my grandchildren. They did no wrong. They are innocent one." Olenna said with obvious concern glimmering from her voice.

"Just tell me, would have spared my niece, my nephew or my sister," Viserys vocalized, With a loud, anger was obvious in his voice. But Olenna remained silent with her doleful face. She did not had words, after all, he knew her answer, After few moments Olenna raised her head.

"I can't change what's done, but on the behalf of house Tyrell, I ask your forgiveness for the crime, my son committed against your family. If given chance house Tyrell will serve the crown, in perpetuity from this day forward. We will forever be indebted to House Targaryen." Olenna ended with humble tone, and why not after all it was a matter of saving her neck.

"But why would I do that, I don't think I have any need for traitorous houses, in my realm." His tone was somewhat suggestive.

"As you may know, house Tyrell wasn't always the overlord of reach, so it took centuries for house Tyrell to gain loyalty of lords of reach, and that was time when they feared your dragons…you can demolish my house for ever but that too won't bring peace to realm, house Tyrells holds power in reach. It would be foolish to simply vanish house Tyrell" Olenna said with her open demeanor.

But her tone offended him. She may have thought her sharp word would make cuts on his skull but that was not going to happen, most probably. "I say you are a fool, if you think, that Tyrells holds true loyalty in Reach, you were nothing more than minor house until you bent the knee to my ancestors,... and fortunately there are other powerful houses who holds respect and strength in Reach. Tyrells are not even rightful descendants of prior kings of reach." Viserys ended. He could see mix of anger and helplessness at the same time in her eyes. But that enthralled him even more.

"I think you should think twice if you are preparing to hand reach over to Florents. They are weak, maybe few centuries back. They held power but now that's not the case. Only Tyrell can hold Reach, noble houses won't bend their knee to anyone"

"You mean to say, I need you,... but that's not the case, and about noble houses bending their knees, I don't think it would be much difficult to convince them when I have their sons, brother even heirs in my dungeons" Viserys said in fierce tone, he detected flinch in Olenna's eyes. Those who survived or surrendered were all his captives in his dungeons, some of them are even from prominent houses of Reach.

"No, you certainly don't need me, but It would be in your advantage," Olenna said, there was a certain glimmer in her eyes as she had came down to humble tone.

Viserys thought about that too. But acquitting the man who planned to murder his whole family, he could not possibly do that. Traitors must pay for their sins.

"I think, that was all…. And yes don't worry, I won't execute babe in her crib, even if I want to" Viserys said, and then without waiting, walked out of the chamber. Ser Barristan and others were outside, he signaled them to take her back to dark cells, where she belong, at least for some time.

As they brought Olenna outside to escort her back to the dark cells, his eyes met hers, Olenna's gaze was piercing, in his eyes, possibly last attempt to get things her way. But He had plans to keep Tyrells at bay. he would not harm innocent Childs, but he had to make sure that those children would not turn against him in the future.

Edmure Tully had taken Highgarden, and most probably would be accompanying prisoners to kings landing next day. He also sent summon for Lord Lewton Hightower to king's landing, and he knew he would come, after all, his son and heir was in his dungeons.

Viserys had lot on his plate, Oberyn, Olenna even Baratheons, if Martells have them. Olenna's words weren't all vain. She did had point, setting new overload always has its disadvantages. However, even if he pardons Tyrells, still Westerland held more stress on him.

Suddenly, a thought banged his head. He turned to ser Barristan.
"I wish to see Quenten Banefort…. bring him to my chambers," Viserys ordered. Ser Barristan just nodded and walked to heed Viserys words. Viserys felt stupid, for not thinking about that before.

He walked inside the chamber, waiting. He had never met Quenten Banefort before, though he just wished him not to be stubborn. Soon, ser Barristan entered along with a man, who he guessed to be in his thirty. With few grey strands, man was looking dried and pale, obviously starving. Viserys just signaled him to sit and walked to the wine cellar. He poured wine in one of the chalices and walked back to him, Quenten's gaze was all over him, holding a confused expression. Viserys offered him wine, and not to his surprise, he took it in a tick and gulped it in a single go. However, that really felt amusing to him.

Viserys gave him time to settle up comfortably.
"Lord Quenten Banefort, I hope you know that I get no pleasure seeing you like this. But you know it well, that you made your choice." Viserys said gazing on Quenten. Quenten looked weak, he even sensed some fear in his eyes, and at that very moment, he knew, Quenten would play perfectly in his hand.

"It wasn't my choice. We don't get choice, I just did what my liege commanded, your grace" Quenten said, although his words were not unrelenting obviously starvation took on his health.

"But your liege lord broke their oath to the throne, by declaring themselves as rebels." Viserys voiced in a calm voice,

"But still, that doesn't mean, I would become an oath breaker too." Quenten's words were true, and even Viserys couldn't deny his possible reasoning.

"That's fair, but you know it, right, ...that Lannister army is done for, and Lannisters too," he said gazing at Quenten with a passive face.

"Yes, your grace" Quenten answered. Still, confusion lurking on his face.

"So you mean to say you fought alongside Lannisters, not because you wanted, but because you have to," Viserys said, striking the weak points, he may be young, but Viserys still had his art of manipulation for strike.

"Yes, and that goes for every single person who fought under Lannisters and died." Quenten voiced, and his words were all true if not anything more,

" but why is that, lord Banefort." Viserys asked, he was heating up the stage, for his final flow,

"Lannisters have gold and they pay their debt, and that's enough for a man to fight for them, your grace." Quenten gazed with his tired eyes, dark patches had formed below his eyes, But his words delighted him and that confused Quenten even more.

"Lannister holds gold but not loyalty or love unlike north, vale, dorne even stormland… the main question is, so who holds respect and admiration to inspire loyalty" Viserys declaimed with loud, obviously, that was the perfect time to strike the iron. Viserys could see skepticism and hesitancy in his eyes. And that was exactly what Viserys needed for the moment.

"you lord Quenten,….. You were second in command of Lannister army after Kevan Lannister, but he preferred his luxuries, drinking and whoring, while you commanded and led Westerland army. They respect you, at least if my sources are to be believed, and house Banefort is one of the first houses to rule lands in Westerland. And if you wish Baneforts would rule westerland once again." Viserys ended with his suggestive demeanor. The shock was evident on Quenten's face. While Viserys held his smiling face gracely.

QUENTEN BANEFORT

"You lord Quenten,….. you were second in command of Lannister army after Kevan Lannister, but he preferred his luxuries, drinking and whoring, while you commanded and led Westerland army. They respect you, at least if my sources are to be believed, and house Banefort is one of the first houses to rule lands in Westerland. And if you wish Baneforts would rule westerland once again." As soon as Viserys words took roots in his mind, his mind went in confound he knew what Viserys was asking, but still, it was not a jest. His mind was split. his ancestors swore to serve Lannisters, 'but Lannisters are over' his mind screamed. Becoming lord paramount of westerland; if he refuses, he would be dead before fortnight, but if he accepts, he would be Richest man in seven kingdoms.

Viserys was right, lords of westerland would support him. No one held any love for Lannisters. He already lost thousands of his men, because of tywin's over-ambitious crusade. He wanted to go back to his family, to his wife, his son.

In the end, there was not any choice, it's either death or life, starvation or luxury, widowed wife or lady paramount of westerland, death man or lord paramount of westerland. And even if he wishes to uphold his oath but in the end, house Lannister would perish.

Viserys was looking at him with his firm glare. Waiting for his reply.
"House Banefort will serve Crown faithfully if given a chance, your grace….," He said, what needed to be said, after all, Words only mean as long as one's life. Viserys smirked and winked in approval, with his beatific smile radiating on his face.

"Then, I name you Quenten Banefort, lord of Banefort as Lord Paramount of westerland" Viserys declaimed looking at him.

He stood from his seat and bent down to his knee, with his head ached down,

"I, Quenten Banefort, lord of Banefort, and lord paramount of westerland, hereby swear fealty to House Targaryen in perpetuity, to serve as your bannermen and come to aid whenever called upon." He finished. He knew what needed to be done.

"It's done, lord Banefort…" Viserys said beckoning him to stand, he stood with his weak feet. They did not had anything in two days. Only a cup of wine a few moments ago. Hopefully, his starvation period will end soon. However, he discerned Viserys's face, he wanted something else from him.

"I would make it official soon enough, but before that, there is something you have to do," Viserys said with a wry smile on his face. He knew whatever Viserys was going to ask. He could not refuse. He would not have any choice in that matter. He kept his gaze on Viserys face, waiting for his words.

"You would testify against tywin Lannister," Viserys spoke with his wolfish grin. But he was little shocked. Testifying against his liege. But Lannisters never cared for them, or any lord of westerland, because they had their gold. So why should he care about them.

"As your grace commands," he answered, beckoning to Viserys. Amusement was all over Viserys face. But the thing that mattered most was that he was starving, he needed something in his belly. Abruptly Viserys called ser Barristan. And ser Barristan entered.

"Ser Barristan, prepare chamber for Lord Banefort and regale him with everything he may need," Viserys ordered his kingsguard. Ser Barristan nodded and turned to him, and waved his hand towards the door. Quenten stood and walked out of Viserys chamber. Viserys held a victorious smile all over his face, but he had little care about anything but one. He just wanted something to eat and drink, or else he would die for sure and that when he just saved his head.

yo, here is next one, i am trying to update as soon as possible, hope you like it... so here olenna tries to get thing her way, also I am finally going to get lannisters out of power... Although they might come back in later chap, Also please dont bicker about baneforts being weak or not as powerful, we are not talking about power here but respect and that much baneforts have. there are many cases where vassals are more powerful than their leige.

so at last, i hope you had fun, leave reviews... reviews keeps me motivated to carry on with story...
until next time