Chapter 14: The Pact

RECAP

"His son will inherit the Title of Lord of horn hill, when come of age, until then, lady Tarly will act as regent…., After three days, there will be Trail by combat and finally all the Traitors will be executed, We are adjourned for the day" Viserys finished. Almost everyone approved of the verdict, but what they did not knew was that it was all preplanned, just a farce for all those who sat on high chairs, rendering judgment.

Ned

The trial was over, the audience was asked to leave the hall, shortly after them prisoners too were escorted to the dark cell once again. If things went good, in 3 days, turmoil over the seven kingdoms would be stabilized and peace would be solidified.

After the trial, he took his leave and walked towards Benjen, who was waiting for him at the exit, but Benjen's mood was not at his best.

"that went well," Benjen said trying to hide his discomfort that arose because of their last night conversation.

"Aye,….. let's walk," Ned said, waving his hand towards the door. Benjen took his words, and both walked outside to the open gardens. When he had arrived at the red keep, the whole place was a beautiful sight to be beholden, but after the battle of blackwater bay, same could not be said anymore.

"Have you considered my words?" Ned asked without looking at Benjen or even halting.

"I don't think my consideration is required," Benjen replied in the same manner,

Hearing his words Ned gripped his shoulder to stop him,

Benjen halted and turned to face him, looking at him.

"It's not like that, your consent is must Ben, I won't decide it, on my own," Ned said, with his serious tone, but there, his voice held some familiarity, more generosity, that was surely a special privilege to his family only.

"Why not, you are Lord of Winterfell, you can decide anything on your own" Benjen finally voiced his anger and frustration, his face was an open book to read for the moment.

"I am Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the north for others, but for you, I am your brother Ben," Ned said, there was a plead in his voice. For Ned only thing that mattered most was his family and for them, he was willing to do anything. And ben was one the last two that left of his family.

Ben looked at him with a grimace,

"Fine, I will be a part of your plan for the ideal realm of men,…" Benjen said without any pretense revere and walked away from his side toward his chamber most probably. Ned was not happy with these circumstances, he does not want his brother to hate him, ben was all he had left, no, he won't let that happen. When he was lost in his thought, he did not notice someone approaching him, until his word reached ned's ears.

"Lord stark," as soon as words entered his ear, signaling his mind, he recognized the man in one go, none other than, Oberyn Martell,

Ned turned towards him to find Oberyn with his annoying grin on his face.

"Prince Oberyn," ned acknowledged, looking at him.

"trial seemed very fair, don't you agree Lord stark" Oberyn said with a wolfish grin, which obviously does not suit a viper.

"Aye, trials are meant to be fair, "ned replied without much of change in expression,

"yes, but things do not play as it meant to be, ….does it," Oberyn said amusingly, continuing with smile on his face,

"What do you want, no need to play this game of words,…. go straight for the matter, I don't have stomach for all of that" ned said, irritation was eminent in his words.

"No-no- it's not like that, I just wished to have a friendly conversation with you, after all, starks, martells and Targaryens are going to be united soon," Oberyn finally blurted what he wanted to speak for so long and that was enough to enrage Ned to lose his cool.

"Do you even have a little bit of honor or self-esteem,…. She is a child and your niece… for god sake….. and you wish to use her as a pawn, just to grab power…." Ned voiced angrily, he hated even the notion of marriage between brother and sister, that was beyond disgusting for him, But Oberyn just stood in front, taking his words,

"There you went wrong, Lord stark, she is far from being a pawn or anything else, she will be Queen," Oberyn said with his sly smile. But Ned did not care for whatever word game Oberyn was playing, he had his beliefs and he lived by them.

"Do you think, that make it any less disgusting," Ned said straight, anger being evident in his voice.

"Oh no-no- it's not disgusting at all," the smirk on his face was a temptation, Ned just wanted to drive his sword straight through his heart.

"You taint the sacred bond, just to get what….power and dominance…if you were in the north, I would have beheaded you, the second you dared spoke those words," Ned spoke with vehement anger in his voice, Oberyn was getting way over the head and if that goes long, one of them would surely end with a blade in the heart.

So he just gave Oberyn a death glare and walked out of there. He had no wish to talk or even see that man, he did not have any patience or tolerance for Oberyn Martell and surely never will.

Ned walked straight towards his chamber, surely a bath would help him calm down. After all, he could not afford to lose his cool.

Oberyn

"You taint the sacred bond, just to get what….power and dominance…if you were in the north, I would have beheaded you, the second you dared spoke those words." Ned voiced, surely he held quite an intimidation in his voice, but Oberyn was not one to get intimidated by a wolf growl, But again that was expected, he himself was not a fan of marriage between brother and sister, but it was for the best, Rhaenys would not become one of Viserys's many pawns, she will be the queen. And for the time, he truly believed, the stark would surely drive a sword at him, if his glare was anything to go by. Ned gave him a final glare and just walked away. After Ned left, he turned and walked towards the training yard, after all, fighting was his best pastime.

He walked towards the training yard, maybe he would find some big northerners to spar with, and they were quite tough. But as he was walking towards the training ground, suddenly his eyes matched that of Viserys,

Viserys was about twenty feet away in his front, so he just walked toward him.

"Why are wandering over the yard, Prince Oberyn," Viserys said, obviously in his calm tone, looking at him quizzically,

"Actually, I do not like to stay in one place, its simple, your grace" Oberyn answered in his usual tone,

"It's the first time, you called me that" Viserys pointed, and that was true, he himself never really cared much for the titles, most of the time he wished to be commoner, unless when he needed gold for expensive drinks.

"Well, you are the one, who was sitting on the throne," Oberyn said giving him his usual smirk.

He was looking at his face, but Viserys's expression suddenly went to a serious note.

"I thought about what you said the other day," Viserys voiced, but it was clear how much he was struggling with the words.

"And," Oberyn said, waiting for the good news, most likely.

"For the sake of peace between our houses, I consent for the betrothal between Jon and Rhaenys," Viserys spoke in a slur, his words were music to Oberyn's ears.

He was smiling ear to ear, but interrupted by Viserys.

"But I want Stannis and renly Baratheon in kings landing, before the Trial" Viserys voiced, and the authority and arrogance again rang in his tone, But Oberyn was far from being a fool.

"As soon as the betrothal is made official, Baratheons will be in your care," Oberyn replied with his wolfish grin, he would never trust a Targaryen for sure, not after what Rhaegar did and for the time being, Baratheons were the gold cards that he was not willing to lose without the guarantee to get his part of the deal.

"You does not trust my words," Viserys said, his tone indicated him to be slightly offended, but Oberyn could not care less.

"I don't think words hold much these day, and your brother was one to prove it…" Oberyn replied with his wry smile on his face,

Viserys face held rigid expression but suddenly he slid his hand into his pocket at the back of his long high necked coat, to pull out a rolled up parchment. Oberyn was a little bit confused but not completely clueless.

Viserys handed him the parchment and beckoned him to open it.

"What is it," Oberyn asked with somewhat of a puzzled look, he waited before opening it.

"it is what you asked, it's a replica of document that was to be signed,….according to it the union between Princess Rhaenys and King Jon will secure the peace between Dorne and crown, and many other things too" Viserys vocalized straight,

"What's many other things" Oberyn was confused,

"You can read it, it's still time, If you agree with the terms, the deal could be signed tonight," Viserys said but this time he kept an irritating smile that clearly said 'you do not mess with a dragon'. And with those words, Viserys left. Oberyn stared quite long before finally breaking the three dragon head seal, and opening it.

As he read line by line, his frown got intense and his smile got dimmed somewhere along the lines. And the only thing that came to Oberyn's mind was 'well played, Viserys Targaryen'.

Viserys

The trial was over, matters of reach and westerland were settled, and also finally, he made his decision for the betrothal of Jon and Rhaenys. Ravens were sent to Lords of westros, great feast and royal ball was planned after the trial by combat and execution and that will be the dawn of new age of peace and harmony.

The whole day, he was busy with the reconstruction of city gates and other damaged builds in the city. He also replaced the Lord Commander of the city watch, the previous commander of city watch was sent to the wall, and until new commander was appointed, Ser Malcolm Banfield would be the interim commander of the city watch. After the fall of mud gate, one thing was sure in Viserys mind, and it was that city watch was not strong enough to hold the city. He would work on that, city watch should be well managed, currently, only five hundred men were in city watch and most of them were green boys, not many survived the battle of blackwater bay. Barely thirty men from city watch managed to survive the fall of mud gate.

Now the city was in construction, recruitment was on pace but still, he does not had anyone in mind for the commander of the city watch, he would have named delen but that's long gone. Then there was Malcolm but he already had plans for Malcolm. He will have to get someone for the job, someone loyal, and someone capable enough to get the city to its prime.

Also, Edmure Tully had arrived before sundown, along with more fillers for his dungeons, Cersei Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Dorna swift, Alerie Hightower and Willas Tyrell. Due to the deal with Tyrells and Hightowers, Alerie Hightower and Willas Tyrell were not sent to the dark cells, rather kept in the chambers, much like house arrest. While Dorna swift, Cersei Lannister, and Tyrion Lannisters were moved straight to the dungeons. After the trial by combat and execution, judgment will be rendered to them without any delay.

The decision was tough but finally he agreed to the betrothal, he also listed the terms of the signing of deal clearly, before handing it to Oberyn. He would not let Dorne get away without some sort of payment, and he knew Martells would not refuse the deal, and that was confirmed when Oberyn asked for signing to be held the same day.

After getting a bath and change, he walked out towards the small council chambers. As he entered he saw that others were already there, Oberyn, Ned, Jon arryn, and Grandmaester Pycelle. Seeing Pycelle made him remember his previous conversation with him.

Flashback (Viserys Chamber)

Viserys was waiting for Pycelle, when he entered, arching in front,

"Your grace" Pycelle courtesied. Viserys just waved him to take seat,

"Grand maester, I think I read it somewhere that maesters are sworn to be celibate," Viserys asked with a curious face, yet with a sly smile. Hearing those words, Pycelle expression went dry and face got paled,

"Yes, your grace, every maester swores an oath of celibacy" Pycelle replied, but his words were stammered, fear and hesitation was evident in his voice.

"But still, you enjoy the company of young women a lot" Viserys finally pulled the string, and Pycelle's face deadened.

"What,….. your grace" Pycelle asked, trying to look as innocent he could but all of that was in vain.

"did I say something that you did not understand,…ok then let me clear it out….in spite of your oath, you involve in intimate physical acts with young women's, is it clear now grand maester," Viserys said straight looking at his face.

"No…no… your grace…. No physical intimacy, just study on the human body," Pycelle voiced, justifying his action, by making silly excuses.

"Oh…..but the whores, you research on would disagree,….. I can call few of them if you like" Viserys said amusingly. But Pycelle did not reply this time, obviously, he was well aware of his sins.

"Well, what will happen, if others knew about your experiments and research,…. I don't think this will end well for you," Viserys said, again trying to threaten or more like heating the iron before setting it right.

"Your grace, I loyally served your father and I will serve you well to my last breath," Pycelle said in a slur, and Viserys liked that, it was what he needed, 'fear inspires loyalty'.

"Well, that depends on your action, I hope you understand that… it does not end well for those who work behind my back," Viserys said, but this time his tone was grave.

"I swore to serve the crown, your grace, I would never do anything against you," Pycelle said with his stammering words, dipped in fear. Viserys was not a fool to trust him blindly, but he knew for now Pycelle would come in handy.

"Then, I would make sure you will stay far from the dungeons,…..Grandmaester Pycelle" Viserys said with a smirk on his face, while Pycelle tried to smile and bowed to hide his fear and fright.

Flashback ends

Only selected few were called. He walked toward the table and took his seat. Everyone courtesied formally. He deciphered everyone's expressions well enough, Ned was displeased, Jon was as always neutral even though he also did not favored incestual marriages but he had accepted Targaryen Tradition long ago, Pycelle was just dutiful, and Oberyn was in high spirit as expected.

"we all know why we are here, so now terms of pact should be clarified,…..Grandmaester," Viserys said while beckoning Pycelle to begin,

Pycelle stood with the parchment of the pact in his hand,

"Pact between House Targaryen and House Martell

By mutual agreement between Viserys Of House Targaryen, Lord protector of the realm, regent of King Jon Targaryen and Prince Oberyn of House Martell, brother to Ruling Prince of Dorne, Doran Martell, the betrothal between King Jon of house Targaryen and Stark and Princess Rhaenys Of House Targaryen and Martell is made in the presence of Eddard of House Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden Of the North, Jon of House Arryn, Lord of eyrie, warden of the east and Grand maester Pycelle, representative of Citadel in Royal Court.

Under the pact, five conditions are agreed upon.

First- All the trade would be sanctioned at twenty percent less rate between crown and Dorne

Second- land will be provided to the crown in Saltshore to build a harbor that would be under complete control of royal fleet and crown,

Third- no rebellion would be uprised by Dorne against crown or any kingdom without consultation with the King or Lord Protector.

Fourth- during any war in which crown is involved, Dorne will lend its full aid to the crown immediately.

And last- Holy matrimony between King Jon Targaryen and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen would only be held after King Jon comes of age." Pycelle finished, clearly, not everyone was pleased with all these, but in Viserys mind, the deal was not half bad. With this marriage Dorne would remain in check, Also Port at the Saltshore would surely help in filling royal treasure by ten times then Lannisport filled Lannister pocket until then.

Jon arryn was a man of reason or better say an indolent man. So vale, north, riverrun, and Dorne are in peace way on his side. Also, they were the only one who were capable of waging any war for the time being. Since Reach, westerland, and Stormland were left in no condition to wage any war. Stormland may be in better shape than others but Westerland and reach would not be able to size up to enter any war at least not for a decade. So most probably, this pact will secure the peace in westros for quite a long time.

"If anyone has any objection to any of the terms raise your opinion now" Pycelle voiced but again his words as always stammering, but everyone there were already made aware of the term. But when he heard Ned raising his voice, he got wary of the consequences.

"Prince Oberyn Martell, it's still time, you should reconsider…..betrothal between House Martell and Targaryen could be arranged in future, when your brother or you have daughter or son, there's no need for this unholy exploit of innocence of child," ned vocalized with a loud, but there his voice held more of a plead than anger.

But that did not made even a scratch on Oberyn's head.

"Lord Stark, I believe we are over the talk part, let's just get it done,….. shall we," Oberyn said in his casual tone, and in the end turning to Viserys,

"Yes," Viserys consented and beckoned his hand to Pycelle for the document, Pycelle without any delay handed over the document to Viserys. There were three copies of the document,

Viserys dipped the quill in the ink that was placed on the table and signed the document. As Viserys did his work, he passed it to Oberyn. Others remained silent, inspite of Ned not agreeing to this arrangement. Oberyn signed the Documents and soon after others also signed, and the deal was officially concluded. There were three copies, one copy for each house and one copy for the citadel. Though information would not be leaked without the consent of crown.

After documents were signed, he turned to others in the room.

"Now pact is signed, but this would not be made public for the time being, I will make the public announcement at appropriate time," Viserys said, in his firm voice. Finally, peace was settling in the realm and he did not want people standing against the crown at that point. So it's better to keep it low for the time being.

Others too understood that part and agreed with it. Soon after that, the meeting was called off, and as expected first one to walk out was Ned, while Oberyn kept his wide smile, and walked out with the signed document in his hand, Jon too left after that.

Once others were gone, he turned his attention to Pycelle and made things clear to him about this arrangement, unsurprisingly Pycelle was very eagerly helpful.

After ending and concluding the meeting, he too walked back to his chamber. Now most of the pieces were at the right place, the only thing needed was to begin the Game.

hello guyz, i wished to add the trial by combat and execution in this chap, but it was getting big one, so next will be trials,

spoiler alert-, jaime vs arthur is coming,
i hope you liked it,
leave comment, and follow up the story

till next time