"My lady Arryn, Lady Waynwood is here."
Catelyn carefully put her unfinished needlework aside and nodded at the guard. "Tell Lady Waynwood to come in please." Yesterday Catelyn had enjoyed Lady Waynwood's company so much that she invited her to return in the afternoon the next day. The Lady of Ironoaks was more than pleased to oblige. The guard opened the door and nodded at Lady Waynwood respectfully as she walked in gracefully for a woman her age.
"Lady Arryn." Lady Anya Waynwood bobbed her head. "I am delighted you've asked me to come and keep you company once again." She was tall, elegant and had a distinct air of nobility. Her dark brown hair was twisted in a bun and was garbed in an exquisite dark green velvet dress embroidered with the black broken wheel of House Waynwood, the kirtle also of black velvet. Her long, black, draping sleeves were encased by longer wisps of dark green silk that trailed to the floor. Her beautiful gown was complete with a shiny black belt adorned with an emerald as large as an egg gilded in gold. Around her neck was a golden necklace that glittered with more tinier emeralds.
"Lady Waynwood." Catelyn gestured for her to sit beside her. "Have I kept you from your husband and sons?"
"Oh no my lady. My husband is busy trying to find us more good-daughters and our second son Donnel is enjoying the splendour of King's Landing." She smiled dryly.
"What of your eldest son?"
"Morton? He is preparing to return home to Ironoaks. His wife is a few months away from giving birth. A good woman, Morton's wife. A devoted mother too. She would have been here beside her husband if it was not for their little boy, Roland."
"Your Roland must meet my Robert one day. I suspect they will be good friends. The Arryns and the Waynwoods seem to be close to each other."
"Our Houses have been," Lady Waynwood affirmed. "Even before my uncle Ser Elys wedded Lord Arryn's sister, House Waynwood had always been loyal to House Arryn. Our loyalty to your House my lady, is unquestionable."
"I suspect my husband listens to you when it comes to the Vale?"
"Indeed my lady." Lady Waynwood smiled. "I do not know if you are aware of this my lady, but your husband has agreed for me to foster his great nephew – and my cousin – Harrold Hardyng. He is a boy of two, but both his mother (a Waynwood) and father have died, the former giving birth to him and the latter from his wounds he gained in Battle of the Bells. It might be in our best interest for your dear son to meet him too? Between us mothers, Lady Arryn, may I offer some sound advice?" Catelyn nodded, eager to hear more from an experienced mother. "It is best for children to associate themselves with others their age. Many others, not just one. Especially for an heir. If an heir and his sole companion become inseparable…we do not want favouritism."
Catelyn nodded fervently. "My Robert is only an infant," she said worriedly. "My lady, I do not think babes can have companions."
Lady Waynwood chuckled quietly. "Children will not be babes forever Lady Arryn. I heard you had a wonderful childhood at Riverrun?"
"Yes. Most of my fondest memories are from my childhood."
"Most of ours are, my lady Arryn." Lady Waynwood noticed the needlework. "What is that you are sewing, Lady Arryn?"
"I am embroidering, Lady Waynwood. My husband was appointed the King's Hand; I have not yet gifted him with a congratulatory present as I could not think of one that is good enough. I thought an embroidered handkerchief would be lovely."
"A lovely gesture, Lady Arryn. Quite lovely indeed." She paused slightly. "You haven't been at King's Landing long, have you? My sons were telling me last night that there was a fine shop at the top of the Street of Steel that sells swords, armour, helmets and all that. Many nobles have purchased their armour from that place. If you are still uncertain of a gift for your lord husband, why not venture there? I admit it's no place for a woman, but perhaps with your uncle or father, you may visit that shop. A handkerchief is a beautiful present for your lord husband, Lady Arryn, but why not a sword?"
"That is a good idea," Catelyn admitted. "This shop, who owns it?"
Lady Waynwood's forehead wrinkled as she thought. "A foreign man I believe Donnel told me. Oh where was he from? Braavos? Qohor? Somewhere in Essos."
"I will ask my uncle to accompany me there tomorrow."
"When you intend to visit the Vale, Lady Arryn, I insist you, Lord Arryn and your son come and visit Ironoaks."
"I will be honoured. We all will be."
Lady Waynwood looked pleased. "House Waynwood has been fostering highborn and knightly children for decades, Lady Arryn. In fact, my husband Ser Rogar was one of my father's wards." The late Lord Waynwood must have approved of him the most, Catelyn thought as Lady Waynwood went on and named all her father's former wards. If he had not, he wouldn't consider marrying you to him. She grew uncomfortable at the thoughts of fosterage and wards. It reminded her too much of –
"What can you tell me of House Arryn?" Catelyn said suddenly. Lady Anya Waynwood broke off and stared at her. "Lady Arryn?"
"What can you tell me of my husband's House?" Catelyn repeated. "When I remained at Riverrun, I read a good deal of books about House Arryn. You are from the Vale, Lady Waynwood. What can you tell me about the Arryns that I do not know from a book in a library at Riverrun?"
"That is…rather unexpected Lady Arryn," said Lady Waynwood, recovering from the unusual inquiry swiftly. "Is it Arryn history you wish to hear about?"
Catelyn shook her head. "My husband's family. His siblings, his father, his mother…I did not want him to suffer the memories of their deaths so I thought it best to ask you as I am unfamiliar with my husband's household."
"There is not much to say, Lady Arryn, as I myself was a young girl when Lord Arryn's father Lord Jasper, was Lord of the Eyrie. He quelled a few mountain clan raids I guess, and he was a fair man. He dispensed justice when it was needed. He married a Redfort – one of Lord Horton Redfort's aunts or cousins I believe – who birthed the present Lord Arryn and his brother Ser Ronnel who became Keeper of the Gates of the Moon, and his sister the Lady Alys, who married my uncle Ser Elys Waynwood.
"As you know, both the Lady Alys and Ser Ronnel have been dead for some time. Lady Alys was taken by the Stranger first, my lady. Childbed fever, sadly something common in House Arryn. Lord Arryn's own mother died giving birth to Ser Ronnel. Lady Alys had given my uncle nine children: eight daughters and one son. Her son died at age three, he was kicked in the head by a horse; two daughters died from the pox as children; another survived but was scarred and became a septa; a fourth was seduced by a sellsword and had his bastard – the child died in infancy and she joined the Silent Sisters; the fifth was married to the Lord of the Paps, but she was barren; another was to wed a Bracken lord but she was abducted by the Burned Men; the eldest married your husband's last heir before you gave him little Robert, Ser Denys Arryn, but died shortly after he did; and the youngest married a Hardyng knight before dying after she gave birth to Harrold.
"As for Ser Ronnel, he wedded a lady from House Belmore but died roughly about the same time his son Elbert was born." Lady Waynwood hesitated. "Elbert knew your um, former betrothed, Brandon Stark. When Brandon Stark rode into the Red Keep with his party and demanded Rhaegar Targaryen's head, Elbert was with him. I heard that every young man that rode with the Stark heir was executed that very day with the exception of one. I'm afraid the members of House Arryn have not been lucky for some time, Lady Arryn." She bowed her head. "I should not have said that."
Catelyn remained silent. Jon's mother, sister and niece all died of childbed fever; her own mother Lady Minisa Whent died giving birth to her fourth son and sixth child. Was House Arryn cursed? Was she too fated to die in childbirth?
Lady Waynwood rose. "I should go," she said, more tightly than before. "I will remain at King's Landing for another few weeks Lady Arryn, before I must return to Ironoaks. I think the Red Keep is a splendid castle, but Ironoaks calls for me."
"Of course Lady Waynwood," Catelyn murmured, standing up. "Thank you so much for giving me guidance today." Lady Waynwood smiled at her. She dipped her head and headed out, leaving Catelyn alone in her chambers.
Supper was more lively than the last supper between husband and wife. Catelyn told him about her rather uneventful afternoon and Jon enlightened her on his first council meeting…which only Lord Varys and the ancient Grand Maester attended.
On the middle of the table, the candles flickered and greedily consumed more wax as Jon and Catelyn chatted and ate. The food is so much richer here, Catelyn thought as the servants placed a plate of lemon cakes and blackberry cakes in front of her and Jon. She loved lemon cakes since she was a child but could not manage a single bite after already eating trout baked in clay, a bowl of creamy chestnut soup with smoked duck breast and lentils followed by a colourful salad of spinach, sweetgrass, violets, plums and candied nuts, all swallowed down by a cup of sweet plum wine.
"I cannot eat anymore," Catelyn confessed. Jon smiled indulgently. "We will not dine on such fine, rich food every night," he assured her. "I too cannot manage another bite. I was full when the salad was served."
"As you serve the king," Catelyn began, "when Lord Stark returns with his sister and she marries the king, will I have the honour of serving our new queen?"
Jon looked uncomfortable. "There will be no new queen for at least another month or so," he revealed so softly that she almost missed hearing them. "Ned sent me a message – his sister is dead. The king has no betrothed. I am afraid it will be my responsibility to find our king a wife. Do not speak of this to anyone, Catelyn. So far only Ned and I – and now you – are aware of Lady Lyanna Stark's death. Once the entire court hears of Lady Lyanna's death…it will be utter chaos."
"All the lords will throw their sisters and daughters in front of the king."
Jon nodded unhappily. "Minor lords, noble lords, great lords…disaster. I'm afraid that there are hardly enough eligible noble ladies for the king."
Catelyn's eyebrows rose in astonishment. "You already examined potential queens?" Jon reached into his pocket and produced a folded piece of parchment. Without a word, he handed it to her. Catelyn carefully opened it and glanced at it.
Great Houses:
House Lannister:
Lady Cersei of House Lannister – only daughter of Lord Tywin Lannister.
Lady Cerenna of House Lannister – elder daughter of Ser Stafford Lannister.
Lady Lanna of House Lannister – only daughter of Ser Damion Lannister.
House Martell:
Lady Malora of House Martell – cousin of Prince Doran Martell.
Lady Meria of House Martell – cousin of Prince Doran Martell.
Lady Melisa of House Martell – cousin of Prince Doran Martell.
House Tyrell:
Lady Mina of House Tyrell – younger daughter of Lord Mace Tyrell.
Lady Victaria of House Tyrell – cousin of Lord Mace Tyrell.
Lady Olene of House Tyrell – cousin of Lord Mace Tyrell.
"I have only started compiling names today," explain Jon. "I am most eager to find the king a bride from a Great House – especially one who allied with the Targaryens during the war. Thankfully the king prefers to create friends from his enemies, and what better way than through marriage?"
"The Martells will never agree to a marriage," Catelyn said on impulse. She blushed at once. Had she spoken out of place? Jon chuckled a little. "Indeed," he admitted, "which is quite unfortunate. Of all the Great Houses, the Martells bear the most hate towards the king. Then again, I understand why the Martells will be reluctant to acquiesce to the an engagement between the king and one of their own. The last time a Martell princess was sent to King's Landing, she was viciously murdered along with her children. That leaves us the Lannisters and Tyrells. Perhaps it would've been better if Lyanna Stark lived and married our king. Trade between the north and south would've improved considerably, even mere relations would too."
"Both a Tyrell or a Lannister queen would offer benefits to King's Landing."
Jon's smile widened. "Benefits?"
He is testing me. He wants a clever wife, not a simpering one. "By the end of the Mad King's reign, the Lannisters bore no love for the Targaryens," Catelyn said slowly. "And at the end of the war, Ser Jaime Lannister slew the Mad King, so I've heard. Apparently it was also Lord Tywin's men who killed Princess Elia and her children. They showed the king their loyalty. Apart from that, they are immensely wealthy and powerful. It is good to have a powerful and rich House as an ally.
"As for the Tyrells, they too are wealthy and powerful, less so than the Lannisters at this stage. However, their lands flourish in crops and stores that will be much desired in the upcoming winter."
"You would've made a fine queen," said Jon simply. Catelyn's eyes widened. "A Tyrell or a Lannister will wed the king," he continued. "The other, will marry into a House loyal to the king. Either our House, your father's House or House Stark."
"Why cannot the other marry one of the king's brothers?"
"We will have bloodshed, poisoning, manipulation and maybe even civil war on our hands. Both Lord Tywin Lannister and Lord Mace Tyrell are proud men. Neither of them will have one of their own married to a younger son – even the brother of the king. No, I will not have the Seven Kingdoms suffer through a civil war at Robert's death."
"What will it be, Jon? A Tyrell queen or a Lannister queen?"
Jon drummed his fingers against the table. "What do you think of your father having the position of Master of Laws?" he said, changing the subject.
"My father? Master of Laws!"
"The chance of Lord Stark filling that position is highly unlikely. I know Ned. When in mourning, he will wander to the most isolated place in the Eyrie and stay there all day, from dawn to dusk even. He will not come back to King's Landing."
Catelyn's mind whirled with an array of thoughts ranging from delight to shock. Her father as Master of Laws! When was the last time a Tully held office in the small council? Uncle Brynden said that Father was pleased at the prospect of being good-father to the King's Hand and the Master of Laws – what would he say to the possibility of being the Master of Laws and good-father to the Hand of the King? Perhaps that would even bring some of the life he lost at Mother's death back into him.
"…Lord Varys suggested a Lannister to be Master of Coin," Jon was saying. "I cannot imagine Lord Lannister agreeing to it at all."
"Perhaps that position can be part of the marriage agreement?"
"You prefer a Lannister to be queen?"
"It is not in my place to decide which queen I prefer, lord husband." Honestly, Catelyn did not know whether she would favour a Tyrell or Lannister queen. At one point before the rebellion, their father was brokering a match with Lord Tywin between Lysa and his heir, Ser Jaime. It all ended when Ser Jaime was sworn in as a knight of the Kingsguard, to Father's – and for some odd reason, Lord Tywin's – irritation.
"It will be wiser to bind the Lannisters closer to us," Jon acknowledged. "Lord Tywin is in a much more powerful and negotiable position than Lord Mace. The Tyrells will try and reach for power, but at the moment, all they can do is climb. Grabbing power is still a little out of reach for them."
"What if they side with the Targaryens again?" Catelyn asked worriedly.
"If all goes to plan, there will be no Targaryens left. The Lannisters ensured Elia and both of her children's deaths; Stannis Baratheon will return shortly with the remaining Targaryens. Hopefully."
"What then?"
Jon did not meet her gaze. "With the king's approval and consent, Viserys Targaryen will be sent to the Wall under heavy guard where he will take the black. If there are any remaining female Targaryens left, they will join the Silent Sisters. If any infants…I do not know what will happen to them."
The icy fingers of fear scratched the back of Catelyn's neck. Death, a voice in her head said flatly. The Stranger will take the infants, all because they bear the name Targaryen and the blood of dragon kings flow in their veins. Catelyn's hands shook. "You cannot…" she murmured. "You cannot allow them to die."
"The king will not rest easy until all the Targaryens are subdued and gone," Jon said to her patiently. "A Targaryen child can be used as a figurehead by those whose loyalty are still in doubt. The Tyrells…the Martells…only some who no doubt yearn to see King Robert Baratheon dead. The idea of children dying is…morbid and rather distasteful. Let us hope Lord Stannis returns with no Targaryen children."
"I thought perhaps if there is a child…we could take him or her as a ward."
Jon shook his head sadly. "You are kind-hearted, Catelyn. Clever too. Tell me why the king will never permit it."
"You are his Hand, Jon. The king trusts you…"
"Aye, he does, but for how long? How long until suspicion clouds his mind completely and he declares us traitors for harbouring a Targaryen? Highly unlikely, but distrust will always consume a ruler. When we married, I promised I will care for you until our dying days. I will not risk your life over this, Catelyn. What will your father say? One day when matters settle, we'll take wards. We can have highborn children fostered here or at the Eyrie. Whichever you prefer."
Catelyn bit her lip. "Will Robert be fostered?"
"That is a conversation for another day," decided Jon, pushing his untouched plates of cakes away as he stood up. "You must excuse me, Catelyn. I have matters to attend to. If you need me, I will be at the Tower of the Hand."
"You are not staying here tonight?"
"I thought you would like some time alone with Robert." Jon's eyes met Catelyn's. "He probably wants you for an hour or so. Don't fear, Catelyn. By tomorrow evening, we'll all be sleeping in the Hand's Tower."
"Very well Jon. I hope you sleep well."
"I hope you sleep well too." He dipped his head politely and went to grab his sky blue cloak and a pile of papers. Catelyn watched him move around as swift as a young man. I should not care for the Targaryens, she mused. They are the pretenders now. Having one under my roof will bring naught but trouble. Jon is right. She was relieved her marriage to Jon was on the road to success. Jon was kind to her and she respected him. It had been a mere two days, but Catelyn wondered: will I learn to love him?
Catelyn brooded silently, playing with a delicious-looking lemon cake. Jon gave her a farewell smile and left, leaving her alone. It was still too early to retire to bed and little Robert was content sleeping in his cradle – what was she to do to pass the time by? She could not ask Lady Waynwood to keep her company again. Lady Anya had family of her own and her heir, Ser Morton Waynwood, was returning home tomorrow after all. She glanced at her basket of needlework on the little table. After such a rich supper, she had no desire to sew – very rare. She loved sewing and during her months of pregnancy, she alternated her time between sewing charming blankets and clothes for little Robert and reading in the library.
Where is the Red Keep's library? Catelyn wondered. She wished she had asked Jon or Lady Waynwood earlier. There was no point wandering around the Red Keep with no idea where the library was. With a sigh, she abandoned the lemon cakes and blackberry cakes for the sewing needle and pieces of cloth. She wished Lysa was with her. At times Lysa was a little silly and easily excitable, but she was still her sister and good company. She hoped Lysa would be happy at Winterfell once she arrives there.
The door creaked open and one of the guards peeped in. "Lady Arryn, there is a letter for you. Shall I bring it to you?"
Catelyn's heart leapt. A letter already! It couldn't be from her father; he was residing somewhere in the Red Keep. Was it from Lysa? "Yes please," she said with a beam. The guard handed her a folded parchment and left, closing the door behind him. I must learn the guards' names, Catelyn thought to herself as she looked at the wax seal.
Her heart froze.
She recognised the wax seal immediately. It was such a familiar sight for her during her girlhood at Riverrun. The grey stone head with fiery eyes, on a light green field – how could she not forget that particular sigil?
I actually wrote this chapter before I posted the previous one, so you could see that I was slightly edging towards the more canon Baratheon-Lannister marriage, but after reading all your suggestions, I really like the idea of Robert marrying a Reach lady - especially a Florent to keep the Tyrells in line or something. I would've thought to match Robert with a Tyrell, but they fought on opposite sides during the war and after the siege of Storm's End, I can't really see the prospect of Robert marrying a Tyrell. A Hightower or a Redwyne...I think those two Houses are pretty close to the Tyrells while the Florents aren't as close. Now...which Florent should Robert marry? :) Open to suggestions!
By the way, Robert's marriage won't be for at least another ten chapters as I'm trying to focus more on building Catelyn and Jon's relationship as well as Ned and Lysa's.
