Rhaegar

Everything inside tensed up and the entire room went silent when in walked his father King Aerys Targaryen. He walked in too much whispers when he last left his father looked none different than this his silver hair dirtied, and tangled. A beard to nearly his waist looked frazzled and tangled together in places. He looked gaunt and paler than he last saw him almost a walking corpse. Even his once kind purple eyes that looked at him, now darted with suspicion and malice left and right until his eyes met some-ones. Following his gaze Rhaegar saw it was to Ned his friend looked as uneasy as anyone else but he lifted his cup and a slightly tight smile he nodded to his father. The Kings malicious eyes turned soft and he moved to Ned his friend stood and rounded the table they sat on. When Ned went to kneel, his father pulled him into a hug and Ned simply went along.

Rhaegar stood to greet his father when Ned separated he glared at him and despite everything he still felt a dagger stab at his heart to see his father see him with such loathing. "Father I did not think you would join us welcome. Ned will be happy that you'll be here for his wedding" The king changed at the mention of his friend's name.

"Aye he's a good lad…you found a good friend son" clarity passed over his father when said these words before once again the madness took hold and he waved him and Ned away.

"Enough come on fools, have you not seen a king before drink! Already haha!" his father cackled madly and a nervous laugh started before turning more convincing. Standing up Rhaegar saw Ser Jaime walk in with Princess Elia on his arm. Walking up to them he greeted Elia with a kiss on her hand a charming smile and shook hands with Ser Jaime.

"My Lady I hope you enjoy the Tourney" he said.

"It should be…an interesting Tourney my prince" she gave a bit of an ueasy smile.

"Ser Jaime will you compete in the Joust? There still is a few spots open" Ser Jamie smirked at that and nodded.

"I think I'll take you on that offer" Ser Jaime said and he and Princess Elia took their leave arm in arm. His gaze lingered on the Dornish princess before he motioned for Ned to join him. Lady Ashara came as well and the two found Robert outside who was tying his trousers up and saw them exit.

"Come let's go to the tent we must speak" Rhaegar finished and the four of them entered their tent the guards outside told the same as when he met with Lord Tywin.

"This isn't good we still have spoken with the main Lords that attended but my father's arrival is not good" Robert seemed to disagree with him.

"Bugger that if they see the king's madness first hand any reservations our supporters have should be wiped out" he argued but Lady Ashara spoke sense to Roebrt.

"Aye in that madness he might call for a Lords head, and then what does the council matter if he triggers a war her and now?" Robert cursed rubbing his face in thought. Ned as well looked tired by it all and Rhaegar understood their pain. He was tired his father constantly made his family name grow weaker. He did horrible things and their rule would crumble if he remained.

"Well there hardly seems anything can be done about it." Lady Ashara had point on that regard his father was mad, and the crown on his head made him powerful.

"The joust continues tomorrow, we should rest the final round of the melee is on us as well. If we are lucky the king will be distracted by the spectacle. Ned escorted Lady Ashara to her tent, when he returned he said she was now accompanied by Princess Elia and she send her regards to them all. Robert himself left to see Lady Lyanna one more time before they retired. The three men sat down and had one last drink before heading off to bed. At a later night, Robert sneaked out and Rhaegar woke to the sound. Robert had his doublet halfway undone and left the tent Rhaegar sighed quietly following hoping his friend wasn't up to anything foolish. Following him quietly and luckily undetected. The camp was barely lit and the guards on night shift payed them no mind the darkness obscuring their faces so as to not be recognized. Robert turned a corner to a tent Rhaegar paused by the tent and peeked around it. Robert was meeting with a young lad it seemed they spoke in hushed tones before moving on and Rhaegar stepped up calling out to them.

"Robert" he called out and his friend nearly jumped in his skin and turned holding out a sword he hadn't noticed along with his friend.

"Fuck!" Robert half yelled before his companion shushed him. "Rhaegar? Seven heels man where you following me?" Rhaegar turned a bit red with embarrassment but the darkness hid it well.

"Aye you just woke up without a word I got curios" the prince admitted.

"You didn't tell him?" the feminine voice surprised him and walking closer he got a better look at Roberts companion and found it was Lady Lyanna.

"My Lady Lyanna is that you?" Rhaegar was dumbfounded seeing a woman wearing breeches was actually a first for him. Rather secondly but necessity had been a factor when Lady Ashara and Princess Elia had come to him in the Kingswood.

"Aye it is me prince Rhaegar" coughing a bit awkwardly for staring he directed a question to them both.

"Why are you up at this god forsaken hour?" Lady Lyanna answered for Robert.

"Robert is teching me swordplay, and seeing as these southerners would spit their bloody wine in indignation if we were seen. Well we chose to do this at night" Lyanna said.

"Aye frankly I couldn't give two shits for it but with the king here I thought it be safer" Lady Lyanna looked to Robert with a frown.

"You still haven't told me about what was going on Robert" Now Rhaegar scowled at his friend.

"Robert what did you say to her?" His friend was on the hot seat and he scratched the back of his head sighing.

"Look I told her I would not hide anything from her. I haven't said anything because I told her it's dangerous." Lady Lyanna crossed her arms and made an exasperated sound.

"I am not a child and if we are…to wed I expect Robert to treat me as an equal, not just some mare he can fuck for children" Rhaegar was certainly intrigued by the Stark girl he hadn't really talked to her in all the commotion of the Tourney but she certainly was different. For one she seemed to take more after her older brother than quiet Ned.

"I will tell you gods put your teeth away woman, but not here when we are wed and you are safe in Storms End" Lady Lyanna interrupted with an accusatory finger pointed at Robert.

"No Robert, whatever you are planning with the prince involves my family I have a right to know." Rhaegar cringed but he figured there wasn't avoiding this.

"Fine we shall tell you everything but please be patient my lady there are too many ears in this quiet night. In the morrow at the Tourney we can speak afterwards in our tent" This seemed to appease the wild wolf.

"Alright but promise me, promise me Robert you will" she looked to his friend for conformation Robert lifted his hands in defense but agreed.

"I will I promise Lyanna" his friend replied and Rhaegar decided to excuse himself.

"Very well I shall take my leave I must compete on the morrow I should rest while I can." Rhaegar excused himself from his friends walking away he caught the tail end of Robert's and Lady Lyanna's parting conversation.

"So…can I still get that kiss?" Robert asked.

"Only if I beat you and remember what happens if you let me win" Lady Lyanna hastily said.

"Yeah, yeah I'd have an easier time fucking a silent sister" was the last Rhaegar caught before the two left his range of hearing. Returning to his tent the prince of the seven kingdoms rested for the busy day ahead. The morning started off with the final melee, the finalist was Robert, Ned, Ser Richard Loonmouth a former squire of Rhaegar's, Ser Gilwood Hunter and, Ser Jon Connington. Five men faced off against each other that morning and the spectacle was to be the talk of the Tourney until the Joust ended. Robert had made a B-line for Ser Jon Connington and defeated him soundly caving part of his breast plate with his Warhammer. Though not before Ser Jon Connington delivered a hit to Roberts helm. Ned was than able to best Ser Gilwood with technique to get Arthur standing in the now designated royal box to clap for his soon to be brother in law.

The talented hedge knight to everyone's surprise bested Ned with sword skills that made the kingsguard watch with interest. Robert and the hedge knight were left and the battle was intense sword and Warhammer clashed the hedge knight landed a blow on Roberts arm. Robert returned it ten-fold and got two hits on the hedge knight before Robert slipped on the ground and suffered the last hit. The hedge knight was cheered for his accomplishment before removing his helm. Gasps and shock filled the audience even Rhaegar himself was dumbfounded. The hedge knight with a fake name was actually Ser Jaime Lannister he smirked as everyone stood and clapped for the golden Lion of Lannister.

The Melee came to an end, and Ser Jaime was awarded the prize ten thousand golden dragons. The already rich son of a powerful house divided the purse with his fellow knight's Ser Connington was somewhat begrudging but accepted Ned shook hands with Ser Jaime and accepted honorably while Robert gave a booming laugh and instead used his coin to buy drinks for anyone who would join him. All but Ser Connington joined the Stormlord for drinks and merriment.

Rhaegar was next and to his surpsie entering the lists were Ser Barristan Selmy and Arthur. The first round was completely filled with excitement for everyone but his father. A mystery knight appeared with a shield of a tree and a smile on it. The mystery knight wore mismatched armor and unhorsed three knights from House Blount, House Haigh and, House Frey. The knights humbled and properly ashamed at being beaten by a mystery knight were further scolded. The mystery knight demanded they teach their squires honor as ransom for their horses and armor.

"Rhaegar! Unmask that knight! You as well Robert enter the lists! Bring me the mystery knight!" his father had screeched but when Rhaegar went to the lists his opponent never showed. So, he won the round and was then faced against Ned's brother Brandon Stark. He was a decent enough jouster and broke a lance. But Rhaegar unhorsed him on the second tilt to the applause of the people then Jon faced off against Lord Yohn Bronze Royce. He broke three lances each charge Rhaegar felt like he was an anvil being pounded by smiths hammer but he finally was able to unhorse the Lord of the Vale and won the match. A break took place as the sun began to dip and the joust would continue tomorrow.

Rhaegar didn't see much of Robert who spent his time with Lyanna Stark and Ned with his own betrothed Rhaegar deciding to try and do damage control stayed with his father if only to keep his ire directed at him and no one else. That very same knight Rhaegar was out walking near the God's eye when he found a shadow by a tree hanging something on it. Catching the figure by surprise it was Lady Lyanna.

"You seem to enjoy the night my lady" Rhaegar smiled and she turned surprised but relaxed when seeing him.

"It is just…a night stroll" She tried to hide the shield she was holding but Rhaegar had already seen it.

"May I help you?" he offered and she looked to him guarded but nodded slowly. The knight of the laughing tree was a woman. Lady Lyanna as well? This really was an interesting Tourney after all, even if planned for different reasons.

"You joust well, I must say now I feel pity that I did not get to face you" Lady Lyanna rolled her eyes but smiled at the praise.

"Thank you, prince, Rhaegar, but I did not wish to win glory…or show these fools a woman can be as good a knight as any of them" He knew there were Dornish women fighters and Essos had them as well.

"I found myself agreeing with you though I would not wish women on the battlefield" he said and she took offense to that scowling.

"You contradict yourself my prince" Lady Lyanna countered.

"No, you are a good rider and Robert would teach you how to wield a sword well, but already men have to butcher each other in war. I don't wish to add women to the corpses" That seemed to calm her and look pensive for a moment.

"I would think a woman should be free to decide for herself as any man is decide himself" True enough words but their world didn't see it that way or at least most of it.

"I suppose you are right, tell me something my lady do you feel for Robert? If you do not wish to answer I will not press you" He added quickly after he asked. She paused thinking sighing before speaking.

"He is not bad…I suppose he is handsome and he treats me better than any other Lord would but. I do not love him I did not choose him" Lady Lyanna spoke and Rhaegar smiled sadly at that true he did not choose Lady Cersei either.

"May I be honest with you?" she said suddenly, Rhaegar nodded in response.

"I thought of running away, maybe to Essos" she mused and he thought over how to respond to that.

"I know you feel trapped and do not feel in control. But that would be unwise" She scowled clearly not wanting to hear that answer.

"Why not? At least it would be my choice not what someone else orders me to do" she said her tone almost sounded defeated.

"I see, may I return the honesty then?" Rhaegar gestured with his arm and she pensively nodded.

"I am to marry Cersei Lannister, she is a nice enough girl pretty and well mannered." He paused looking towards the God's eye his eyes melancholy.

"But I do not lover, nor did I choose her my actions are driven because it is what I must do. What I am bid to do by circumstances. Me the future king of the seven kingdoms is not allowed to choose who he marries." Lady Lyanna smiled sardonically at that.

"Perhaps we should run away together then were we can choose" The prince chuckle at that in another life he might have taken her up on that. But he thought of his mother, his little brother and the bond he shared with Robert and Ned. They were brothers in all but blood and he could not think of life without them.

"I could not do so, besides I believe Robert and Ned would find me and drag me by the hairs back to Westeros" he japed and she laughed covering her mouth so as to not be so loud.

"I think my brother Brandon would do the same if not Ned as well" she smiled and Rhaegar could see the infatuation Robert had she was quite the breath of fresh air compared to other ladies.

"Well I hope you give Robert a chance…he really is trying I don't know if you noticed but when he's around you he acts like a fool and doesn't seem to know it" He winked at her and made to leave.

"Prince Rhaegar" Lady Lyanna called to him. "Do you think I could be happy with Robert?" she asked and sounded very vulnerable. The prince wondered why she was suddenly so unguarded with him, perhaps him sharing his own woes made that happen.

"I don't' know my lady" she interrupted him.

"Lyanna you can call me Lyanna" he she said.

"Well Lyanna you can call me Rhaegar…as for your question I don't know. Robert can be difficult he's stubborn by all accounts more stubborn than a mule" he said but his smile was soft and genuine thinking of him.

"But from what your brother tells me you are much of the same. You two have quite a bit in common. You enjoy to ride and clearly do battle" she smiled as he spoke and hope seemed to fill her eyes and he liked that. He liked to think he could that for the kingdom in the future. "So, continue like practicing the sword continue learning about each other and open your heart to the idea of being happy. I know you did not choose Robert you can still choose to let yourself love him. I must do the same with Lady Cersei"

"Thank you Rhaegar you certainly gave me lots to think about" Lyanna said bowing not because she had to but because she was thankful he returned the bow with the same respect she gave him.

"You are welcome Lyanna" The dragon prince walked off, by morning all that remained of the mysterious laughing knight was his shield hanging on a tree branch by the God's eye lake. His father was furious next morning and condemned traitors from the smallfolk who were taken by his kingsguard. The display was met with silence and fearful glances at their peers. Who among them would be called traitors again? It seemed Robert's suggestion might pan out if his father kept from doing anything too serious. The Joust began the next morning Rhaegar rode first in the lists against Arthur on the field he rode as well as when they first competed. Lance after lance was broken on their eight lance his father grew bored and called it a tie to be settled on the morrow. Yet it had only been a few hours after sunrise.

The great hall was filled again wine and song was shared and talk of the Tourney was all anyone had on their mouth. Plenty of lords came to him who he would crown as queen of love and beauty if he won, he gave no answer simply a smile and a promise for a surprise. When the sun dipped after much merriment and drinking people went to their tents to sleep off the wine and food. Rhaegar laid on his cot thinking of the match tomorrow the wedding would take place right after the finals. With the hope of ending this and the great council just months away he hopes for resolution.

Eddard

The final rounds of the Tourney were here and the resolution between Arthur and Prince Rhaegar was on everyone's tongues. Ashara sat beside him their hands lightly clasped she was wearing a beautiful dress of her house colors along with his purple and grey mixed rather well. A necklace made of silver hung on her neck a direwolf with sapphire eyes bared its fangs at the onlooker. A gift from princess Elia Ned had thanked her along with Ashara and the king to his discomfort gave him a gift as well. Wildfire a good two hundred kegs of the bloody stuff shipped to Duskendale. He would prefer if that volatile stuff was kept out of his city but denying the king was unwise now. When the king put his hands on his shoulders and congratulated Ned he nicked him in the neck with his nails.

"Rhaegar might win this Tourney no man has been able to stand up to him" Ashara said to him over the crowds. As she spoke his friend broke another lance with Arthur the two raising their broken lances at each other in respect. The two ran again and again breaking lances another charge and Rhaegar with a move of his shoulders Arthurs sword slid off his shield and his friend unhorsed the kingsguard. Ashara tensed beside him worried but Arthur just as quickly stood and the crowd cheered when Rhaegar dismounted and shook hands with his Kingsguard.

The next round Ser Barristan Selmy secured his position as the finalist to face Rhaegar. He unhorsed one of Lord Whent's sons after three broken lances even and everyone cheered for Ser Barristan the Bold. The finals approached and Rhaegar was favor to win, When the first tilt began Rhaegar was nearly unhorsed bent backwards his lance intact from Ser Barristans blow. On the Second Tilt Rhaegar broke his lance and Ser Barristan as well faltered but held out from being unhorsed. The crowd clapped and cheered for both men even the king cackled madly for his Kingsguard to win. Again the two men rode at each other Rhaegar like with Arthur rolled his shoulder back and his lance glanced off his shield but he as well missed ser Barristan. Murmurs and bets went about on who would win, Rhaegar the favored by the smallfolk but the knights that once competed told experience would win the day. Another charge both knights leaned into their lances meaning they meant to unhorse each other one way or another. Their mounts kicked the mud up the light of the day shone on the armor of the two men when the crowd was at is highest hollering. The two knights collided lances broke but when the shouting died out only one man remained seated.

"Prince Rhaegar is victorious!" shouted a man near the royal booth and the whole of the stadium stood as the black armored prince made it to the other end of the lists he thrusted his lance upward and Ned stood excited capping for his friend along with everyone even Ashara stood a smile on her face clapping for his friend. Out ran an aid and quickly placed a crown of blue roses on Rhaegars Lance. The excitement died down soon after as the king made his first move to the stands. His horse galloped slowly cross the Tourney ground making it to the royal stand. Princess Elia along with ser Jaime Lannister. Next to him was his sister Lady Cersei she looked visibly…smug if Ned had to describe it. It happened Rhaegar crowned his queen of love and beauty. He deposited the blue roses on Cersei Lannister's lap. She picked the roses and smiled this time more sweetly to everyone accepting the crown. Lord Tywin looked pleased and the king. Was oddly without reaction or at least without his madness present instead he smiled and clapped for his.

"It's fine it…come in stages perhaps we are safe today" Ashara squeezed his hand and Ned smiled a little. The noble lords moved to the great hall this time set up for a wedding. In his dealings with Lord Tristan Dayne they agreed they would wed in a Godswood to Ned's Gods. Ashara herself did not mind and thought it be an interesting experience to witness a Northen type wedding. Until offcourse they lost all control of the wedding and now they were being married in a sept. Ned felt…odd these weren't his gods nor his ancestors' gods. But he mentally recited it was for the good of the kingdom to bare it and remember their sacrifices would mean a safer Westeros for the future of his and Ashara's children. Ned in velvet Queen Rhaella had gifted it to him and even sown personally, a direwolf guided by falling star on his breast. Though he felt…soft in it and he much rather have been wed in his leathers he could not deny the queens kindness. Not after she looked after him and Robert as she did her own blood. To her credit, it was his house colors along with Ashara's he personally never understood why a man would ever wear purple but then again. In the North House Bolton flew a flayed man as their banner and they didn't find any stranger.

"We are here to see two souls pledge their souls two each other and unite two houses into one." The Septon began, the man had glared at Ned for his choice in gods but he must have felt smug marrying him in his god's temple.

"Now who goes there?" The Septon said.

"Lady Ashara of house Dayne, a fair maid is here to be wed" Arthur said giving her away in her wedding, to replace Lord Tristan who still angry with their wedding refused attendance.

"Who gives her?" the septon continued.

"I Ser Arthur of House Dayne her brother am here to give her" Arthur despite everything smiled to Ashara who did so looking happier than he remembered seen her. Then again Robert who was on his side of the ceremony had whispered if he smiled any larger he'd crack his face.

"Then step forward, and remove her maidens cloak" a cloak in the purple of house Dayne draped over a soft ivory silk with a low neckline. The direwolf necklace baring its teeth at him proud and fierce, the cloak left her shoulders Arthur folded it and placed it on his arm, he wore white bleached leather of the kingsguad but his house sigil was over his heart.

"Now replace the cloak with your own" Ned unfolded the stark Direwolf stalking the white snow and placed it on his betrothed shoulders.

"Now my lady do you this man to be you Lord Husband?" The septon asked her.

"With this kiss, I pledge my love and, take you as my lord and husband" they both took each other's hands lifting them staring into each other's eyes.

"With this kiss, I pledge my love and take you as my lady and wife" Ned repeated his voice soft when he stared lovingly at his beloved. Her lilac eyes shone her smile that always haunted him when away from her now looked like the god's gift incarnate. Leaning forward like so many times before their lips met, but now they met as husband and wife. The room clapped various lords giving their congratulations of the couple and the septon finished the ceremony.

"I declare you husband and wife, one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever" the septon rapped a red cloth around one of their joined hands and they turned lifting it to represent their union and a second round of applauses and congratulations. Stepping down from the raised platform the two newlyweds walked down the between the guest and after reaching the end the king spoke up standing by the septon. Ned and Ashara hadn't even left the temple when the king cuased a commotion.

"Ah good now Rhaegar! Get up here you too girl" the king pointed at the crown where Lady Cersei was standing with her crown of flowers with her family and Princess Elia stood with them as well with Ser Jaime. Stepping forward the king snarled shook his arms at her to stop Lady Cersei from moving.

"No not you Elia! Come get up here, this wedding isn't over you are to wed my son after all" Ned felt his heart drop and Elia squeezed her hand everyone whispered among themselves Rhaegars face was of pure shock his mask utterly broken through. He looked to Ashara she looked half-heartbroken half angry their wedding their supposed happiest moment was destroyed after already being taken from their control.

"Father please this is hardly the moment" Rhaegar tried and Robert himself spoke up next.

"Your Grace, this is Ned and Ashara's wedding surely taking their moment would do no good?" Robert tried only for the king do dismiss him.

"Bah! There is no better time I am a good and merciful king and house Martel is loyal! Now come on then move" Elia did as tell and Rhaegar tried as he may his father would only grow angriere when questioned.

"Do not question me boy! Septon get it over with now!" The ceremony if under duress began Ned himself and Ashara were forced to stay to watch the king cackle as the impromptu wedding happened Rhaegar remained stone faced Elia looked uncomftarble. Lady Cersei was livid openly snarling at the ceremony before being escorted out by Ser Jaime. No one gave the Princess away and none even the septon did as told in fear of the king's wrath. Awkwardly Rhaegar and Elia repeated the process and the two shared a kiss awkward and without tenderness. Their hands were joined together with the ribbon both declared husband and wife. The king clapped his eyes glaring at anyone daring not to and the applause was thunderous with the sole exception of Lord Tywin Lannister and his wife Lady Joanna.

The ceremonies ended and everyone went to the great hall for a feast even though the music was cheerful no one danced. Instead they talked among themselves, with frightful glances at the king and pitying glances at the high table were the newlyweds sat. Rhaegar was stoned face and Princess Elia looked dignified if without interacting with anyone. As tradition, some of the guest came with gifts to Ned and Ashara apologizing to Rhaegar for not having anything prepared. His friend would have politely told them it was not their fault. Merely he nodded stiffly and his gaze looked out through the gathered lords and ladies. Then things got even worst, the king stood at the center with his kingsguard a cloak on Ser Gerald Hightowers arms.

"Ser Jaime!" the king called out his grin mad haughty. The Lannister heir did as commanded and bowed to the king.

"Your Grace" he said evenly.

"You proved worthy a knight besting even my cousin's son Robert! Truly a knight of renown" the words were mocking and hollow but none the less Ser Jaime thanked the king not looking flattered or honor by his words.

"Now we must celebrate this occasion! A reward for such accomplishment befit of your station no?" The whispers grew louder Lord Tywin always cool and collected looked at King Aerys with fury in his eyes his lips curled back in a snarl but still he did not react.

"Kneel I would take you as my kingsguard, and reward your valor" The king took a sword from Ser Gerald and Ser Jaime looked stunned but this time. Honored Rhaegar next to him balled his hand into a fist his eyes closed as he breathed out a sigh of resignation. This wasn't good it was falling apart their alliance to the West in one fell swoop just crumbled before them. Revenge might be their only motive left to get the west under their banner. So, the knight knelt and said the words when he rose he was given the white cloak and the people applaud as expected of them. When the king motioned them to stop he addressed Ser Jaime now a white brother of the Kingsguard.

"Ser Jaime! I want you to take up your station immediately! Return to the Red Keep and guard my wife as a man of the kingsguard." Ser Jaime stood bowing the king from the crowd two men stepped up. Ser Addam Marbrand

"Your Grace may I follow Ser Jaime to the Red Keep, he and I have grown up together and I would see him safe on the kings Road" before the king could speak Ser Gerald whispered in his ear and the king rolled his eyes dismissively and allowed it secondly Ser Lyle Crakehall asked for the same and was allowed, the three-knight exited Great Hall to prepare for their journey. The rest of the Festivities if they could be called that slowly came to an end. There was no bedding ceremony there wasn't even an attempt by anyone people excused themselves and slowly trickled out of the Great Hall. The Greatest Tourney that the realm had ever witnessed had come to an end slowly. The next morning Rhaegar had ordered camp broken and to hastily ride back to Kings Landing the king had left ahead of them but in a boxcart he would be slower than them.

"This ends now, once we get to kings Landing we must secure my mother and brother, we will make for Duskendale and call a great council" Rhaegar said, Ashara was with him looking less than stellar accompanying Princess Elia. Ashara held Elia at this point she insisted on it and Rhaegar feeling himself guilty for the turn of events let Elia in on their conspiracy.

"Should we call our banners?" Robert said and no one wanted to answer, this was it unplanned but his father had done something that could not be so easily fixed. Lord Tywin furious left the Great Hall and he rode out with his family from Harrenhal that same night to Casterly Rock. After a few hours Rhaegar with Ned's men rode out of Harrenhal heading straight for Kings Landing. The Tourney had come and gone his wedding impersonal and disasterous but as Ned rode beside Ashara he gazed at her and gave a her an encouraging smile. Ashara despite her sadness over this entire mess generously called a wedding smiled.

"When we get to Kings Landing Ser Mark Ryswell will lead you Duskendale my love" Ashara frowned.

"I much rather be with you this is a trialing time." Ashara said but Ned needed her in his castle behind trusted men and high walls.

"If the Great Council fails I will need you safe, and in my absence, you are the only one to call on my banners" Ashara looked forward looking down.

"Eddard" she used his full name "If you widow me so soon after we married I promise to drag you from your hole in the ground and bring you back just to make your life miserable" She said glaring at nothing in particular but Ned chuckled softly.

"That's a fear worse than the king" he said.

"Good keep it in mind…I love you" she rode closer so as to reach take his hand. He squeezed it and nodded.

"I love you as well" Ned professed. The ride to Kings Landing was short, even with the two girls with him they could make good time and pass the king who rested in Sow's Horn allowing their party reach the city first. When the city loomed before them, it no longer looked like the home he grew up with. Now it was a snake pit and for the sake of the people inside Ned hope he wasn't baring outside this walls with an army at his back in the coming months.

Alright Here it is! The powder keg or Wildfire keg? Whatever that lights up the Seven Kingdoms. I hope you guys enjoy what is to come the next chapter things will start happening and Rhaegar has lost the west! The Mad King lives to his name and sows fear into the kingdoms will that fear inspire revolt or will it ensure loyalty? Well you'll find out soon enough my friends. Question time I suppose not much to answer this chapter, but more to the point I still can't find a beta! Seriously no one ever responds to me ;~; my ravens go unanswered.

Insatiable Reader: You know what happened I had Arys Oakheart in my mind lol.

Random Person: Don't worry you'll get some more Ashara and Ned soon just had plot to get out of the way first.

Well Read and Review lads hope you enjoy it!