Dragons of Wolf and Sun
Toxicfireball
Chapter 14: The King's Arrival
Summary:
Robert Baratheon arrives at Winterfell
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Eddard
The banners of House Baratheon and House Lannister were spotted as they flew in the wind proudly. A few riders from the honour guard Ned had sent had ridden forward to inform the castle of their arrival. The news had sent the castle into a frenzy. The gates were opened to its maximum potential, Men-at-arms lined the streets of Wintertown, riders bearing the banner of House Stark surrounded Winterfell, the castle's defences were lowered.
Everyone had gathered to greet Robert Baratheon. In the front stood Ned and his wife, Catelyn, their five children, Robb,Sansa,Arya,Bran and Rickon. Theon also stood next to them for he was the heir to the iron islands, Jaime Lannister had to also stand in front much to Lannister's dismay for he was the queen's brother. For Jon and Rhaenys, they were directly behind Ned, Catelyn was adamant to put both of them behind and Ned agreed for different reasons. Catelyn wanted Jon to be at the back because in her eyes, he was a bastard, Ned wanted him because he wanted to keep both of them away from the King.
The visitors soon poured through the castle gate, in a river of polished steel, red and gold. Robert had brought more than a hundred men. Bannermen, Knights, men-at-arms, free-riders.
The banner of the Royal House of Baratheon, the lion of the Lannister and the Stag of the Baratheon joined together flew proudly in the wind. The last time Ned saw it was in the Greyjoy rebellion though he found the red on it more pronounced.
The riders that came in first Ned did not recognise, a man in brilliant gold and white Kingsguard armour. Ned could not see through his helm. The next were a few household Knights, a few wore the red of House Lannister, others the gold of House Baratheon. Next came a man was a horribly burned face who must be Sandor Clegane, then followed by a tall,handsome-looking boy with brilliant gold hair who must be the crown prince, a dwarf came next who must be Tyrion Lannister.
Next came a man flanked by two more Kingsguard, their cloaks as white as snow trailing behind them. He was massive and rode a warhorse. This must be Robert. Though Ned could not recognise him initially.
Ned went to his knees and so did everyone in the courtyard. There was a period of silence before Robert yelled. "Ned! You have not changed at all! Get up!"
Ned Stark rose and everyone else followed his example. "Your grace, Winterfell is yours,"
Everyone began to dismount their horses, apparently the wheelhouse which carried the queen and her children could not pass through the gates for it was too large. Rober Baratheon gave Ned a bone-crushing hug
"Good to see you, Ned!" Robert boomed as he looked at Ned. Ned looked at Robert closely, the man had changed drastically.
Once, Robert Baratheon was every maiden's fantasy, clean-shaven, muscular and tall. However, now he was all but a ghost of his former self. He had a thick unshaven beard, the muscles were replaced with fats, his stomach had grown massively and his eyes had dark circles underneath.
Cersei Lannister and her children came and both sides exchanged greetings. Robert hugged Catelyn like a long lost sister while Ned kissed the queen rings though she looked at him with a sense of arrogance something which her twin brother had, While Jaime's arrogance was usually a jest to annoy people Cersei's seemed a sense of smug superiority. The children exchange greetings politely and both sides approved.
Immediately after they were done, Robert boomed "Ned! Where is the dragonspawn and your bastard?"
Ned flinched inwardly "Here your grace," Ned replied as calmly as he could manage, stepping aside to reveal Rhaenys and Jon.
"Your grace," Rhaenys said timidly with a bow. "It is an honour,"
"Honour?" Robert boomed and Ned held his breath "Dragonspawn knows no such honour! You are the accursed Targaryen? With your purple eyes of course you are!"
"I am not a Targaryen your grace, I am Lady Whitefyre of Sea Dragon Point," Rhaenys responded, keeping her purple eyes on the ground. "I must thank your grace for letting me get rid of the stain that is the Targaryen name,"
"Stain? That is all?" Robert bellowed and Ned flinched. "Where is your child?"
Visenya Whietfyre was in the hands of a nurse, Rhaenys had been determined to hide Rhaenys in her nursery but Ser Arthur had said hiding would only inflame suspicion. The nurse brought Visenya forward and Ned could feel his heart pumping wildly.
"Is this your child?" Robert asked, his face turning red at the sight of the silver hairs and purple eyes. When Rhaenys nodded, Robert yelled "She looks like a Targaryen! Kingslayer!"
"Yes your grace?" Ser Jaime asked, stepping forward.
"You have been watching over the dragonspawn have you not?" Robert asked and Ser Jaime nodded "The child is the bastard?"
Ser Jaime gave one of his arrogant smirks though Ned could see the tension underneath "It is theirs, the two have only slept with each other,"
"Ha!" Robert laughed before looking at Jon "You must be the bastard! You look like your father" At least that's better than him being identified as his father.
Jon flinched "I am your grace, I owe my titles and lands to you," He replied calmly.
Robert huffed "I killed your father dragonspawn, you better be loyal or you will end up like your brother and father!" He said threateningly to Rhaenys which to her credit did not flinch at all.
"Of course your grace," Jon replied, Ned could tell he was trying to be calm but his voice could not fully disguise his rage "My wife is fully loyal and is nothing like her father."
Robert nodded "She better be! House Targaryen is dead by my hands! Ned, show me to your crypts, I need to pay my respects,"
Ned nodded, he did appreciate Robert for that, after so many years Robert still had love for Lyanna. Yet she did not love him, for good reason. However, Ned couldn't help but wish the two did get married, then there would be no war.
"My love, surely you must be exhausted after the journey here," Cersei Lannister said in a sweet voice "The dead can wait,"
Robert ignored her "Ned, the crypts," Ned nodded "Of course your grace." Ned gave the queen an apologetic look but she only gave him a look of venom.
Ned led Robert to the crypts. They both descended in silence as Ned led the way with a lantern. Robert broke the silence as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"I was thinking I was never going to reach Winterfell! The North is huge!" Robert complained.
"I trust you enjoyed the journey, your grace?"
"It's a desolate wasteland! I barely saw anyone and there isn't a half-decent inn!" Robert exclaimed.
"The North is a hard place."
"It's only summer! How would it be in Winter?" Robert asked.
"The Winters are hard," Ned admitted, "But the Starks and the North have always endured."
"You should come south!" Robert exclaimed "You need to experience summers before it is gone! The fruits are plentiful and sweet! In Storms End, it is so warm but the winds of shipbreaker bay make it so cool! And the girls, Ned!" Robert laughed heartily and slapped his own stomach "Women lose all modesty in the heat! They swim naked in the rivers and wear short gowns!"
Robert Baratheon had always been a lustful man with huge appetites, however, it seems these pleasures had taken a toll on Robert. Robert was breathing heavily as they made their way towards the end of the crypts.
"Your grace, she is down there, with Father and Brandon," Ned said quietly as they passed by the different past Lord's of Winterfell each with their iron longswords.
Robert nodded silently, knelt and bowed his head.
"She was more beautiful than that," Robert scowled as his eyes lingered over the statue "Damn you, Ned! She was supposed to be buried in a place with sun and flowers! Not here in this...darkness."
Ned responded quietly "She was a Stark of Winterfell,"
"I vowed to kill Rhaegar for what he did to her," Robert said bitterly as he touched her statue tenderly.
"You did,"
"Only once," Robert swore, "In my dreams, I kill him every night, I smash his stupid breastplate, I watch as the life leaves his eyes. Yet, a million deaths is less than what he deserves."
"We should head back, your grace," Ned responded "Your wife awaits you,"
"My wife can rot in hell for all I care," Robert responded and Ned winced internally. "If only Lyanna was my bride I would not have to deal with my wife."
"You never knew Lyanna," Ned said quietly "You saw her beauty not her iron underneath."
Robert ignored his statement "You must wonder why I came all the way here."
Ned feigned ignorance "I haven't had the faintest idea, your grace,"
"Stop calling me your grace Ned damnit," Robert shook his head "We are more too each other than that,"
Are we? Ned thought to himself, what was Robert to him A threat? A friend? Ned shook his head, Promise me, Ned! Lyanna's voice echoed, he will keep his promise before anything else.
"I came here because I need you," Robert said "Seating on the throne is more tiring than fighting for it. I hate counting coppers, the people around are flatters or fools, all trying to scheme. Lord Eddard Stark, I name you Hand of the King."
It was as Ned expected and it was the last thing he wanted. Ned went to one knee.
"Your Grace, I am not worthy of the honour," Ned replied.
"Not worthy?" Robert groaned "If I was trying to honour you I would let you stay here. I am trying to get you to run the kingdoms while I eat, drink and whore myself into an early grave."
Ned was silent "Your grace I cannot accept, my children and my wife.."
"Ned, please," Robert said with some desperation in his eyes "Come south with me, I can give you something else. Your daughter, the pretty one, red hair…"
"Sansa,"
"Sansa, we can betroth her to my oldest, Joffrey," Robert said, Ned was surprised by that notion. "You will be the grandfather to a king,"
These honours are unexpected," Ned said slowly "May I have time to consider?"
"Find," Robert said "Think about it, but do give me an answer soon… I am not a patient man,"
"Thank you," Ned replied.
"Now tell me about the dragonspawn and your bastard! Are they loyal?" Robert asked, his voice low and dangerous.
"They are your grace, Rhaenys Whitefyre knows her place." Ned replied, "She is loyal to her husband, and Jon…" Ned paused "He is loyal to me,"
"I will see," Robert replied and they both left the crypts together. As Ned walked out, he felt a sense of foreboding, the statues all watched him. It felt like they were warning him, for Winter is coming.
Jon
The procession began with his father and the queen, Cersei Lannister. The queen was beautiful though when Jon compared her to Rhaenys he found Rhaenys more beautiful. The queen seemed to be staring at both them with suspicion and hate.
Next came Robert Baratheon with Lady Stark in his arms. The king looked nothing like his father described him as, he was fat and looked drunk.
The children came next, with Robb and Princess Mycell on his arms. The princess was as beautiful as her mother though she had a kind, shy look compared to her mother's look of scorn and suspicion. Robb was grinning like a fool while the Princess shot Robb certain shy looks.
Arya came in with Tommen on her hands. Arya looked annoyed and bored while Tommen looked shy and somewhat scared of Arya which Jon nearly laughed at. Sansa escorted the crown prince Joffrey, the prince was tall and good looking though Rhaenys joked he looked more like a girl. The prince had the arrogant smirk of his mother and Jon decided he did not like him.
Next came Ser Jaime with his younger brother, Tyrion Lannister. They both seemed happy and grinned as they made it down the hall. His uncle, Benjen and Theon greyjoy were next. After they sat, toasts were given and the feast began.
Within three hours, the great hall of Winterfell was hazy with smoke and heavy with the smell of roasted meat and fresh-baked bread. The walls of the hall were draped with the dire wolve of House Stark, the Stag of House Baratheon and the lion of Lannister. A singer was playing a high harp, a few fools were juggling a few balls and there was the incessant roar of laughter.
Jon sat close to the high table as befitted him and Rhaenys as Lord and Ladies. Jon and Rhaenys ate and drank little and were on high alert. Jon noticed his siblings were not allowed to consume more than a glass of wine. Robb had japed, he was lucky as Jon could drink as much as he wanted, but with his life on the line, Jon barely tasted the summer wine in front of him. Jon and Rhaenys had put Visenya in the nursery away from the feast to keep her away from Robert and had a nurse watching over her.
The feast showed no sign of ending. Jon noticed his father was tense the whole feast, glancing around nervously. The King was the opposite, laughing loudly at every jest, ravaging every dish that arrived on his table and leering at half the serving wrenches. The queen was as cold as ice, she looked coldly at everyone but in particular at both of them. Jon had expected the King to look like an impressive warrior-like in the stories he had heard but was disappointed in the form of a fat fool.
Jon and Rhaenys noticed it within minutes of the feast opening and spent the time in the feast talking quietly to each other and eating and drinking little. They dreaded the moment both of them would be called out to present themselves to the king. Jon prayed the King would forget about it but judging by the queen, it was unlikely.
"Lord and Lady Whitefyre," A Kingsguard knight said as he stopped in front of both of them "The King request your presence,"
Jon looked at Rhaenys who stared back. Her face was filled with fear yet at the same time determination and anger. The king's comments on her brother had made her rather angry.
"Of course Ser," Jon responded politely "We will be there,"
Jon and Rhaenys stood up and followed the Kingsguard, his white cloak trailing behind him. The hall seemed to grow silent as everyone watched the bastard and the Targaryen princess come in front of the high table. Everyone wants to see how the King will treat deposed royalty and how we will react.
They dropped into a curtsey when they reached the high table. Jon's father and uncle looked somewhat alarmed, Ser Jaime had stopped smirking and looked over nervously.
"Your grace, you summoned us?" Jon asked after both of them bowed.
"Yes, you do look like Ned when we were back in the Eyrie." The king mused as he stared at Jon from top to bottom. In the corner of his eye, Jon could see Lady Stark purse her lips. "If you did not have purple eyes you would look less like a dragonspawn!" Robert said loudly to Rhaenys who kept silent.
"Bastard, you are loyal to your father?" Robert asked.
"Of course your grace," Jon responded "I owe my name, titles and land to my father and you,"
"Indeed you do," Robert responded half-drunk "You, dragonspawn, what do you have to say?"
Rhaenys calmly responded in a meek tone "I only wish to thank your grace for removing the Targaryen name from me. I am loyal to my husband and House Stark,"
Robert studied both of them closely and then grumbled "You look fine, Ned! Good job getting rid of the Targaryen madness from her!"
"Thank you, your grace," His father responded.
"Kingslayer! They are loyal, are they not?" Robert bellowed and Ser Jaime gave another of his arrogant smirks though Jon could tell it hid a sense of uneasiness.
"They are your grace," Ser Jaime said before walking over to whisper something in Robert's ear. Jon already knew what Jaime was going to say.
When Ser Jaime was finished Robert laughed "Indeed you will Kingslayer! Ned! Your bastard is loyal enough, if the dragonspawn tries anything I trust you will put her down,"
The way Robert said "put her down" made it sound Rhaenys was an animal instead of an actual human. Jon felt his temper flare but he suppressed it.
"I will your grace," Jon responded, "If she tries anything against you I will personally get rid of her," The words tasted bitter in his mouth but Jon had to play the mummer's act.
"You will kill her yourself?" Robert laughed "Ned! Your bastard is exactly like you,"
Jon would never ever lay a hand on Rhaenys and lying about something so terrible was beyond Jon so he simply nodded. Rhaenys to her credit stared down on the floor she seemed to be whimpering in fear.
"See! They are no threat! Ned suppressed the dragonspawn!" Robert said to Cersei as he left the high table. Cersei pursed her lips and gave both of them cold looks. When Robert was gone to drink with some of his bannerman Cersei opened her mouth.
"Stop acting," She spat out "You two are not good at it,"
"I apologies My Queen," Jon responded "I don't understand,"
"Quiet bastard!" Cersei Lannister said venomously "You would have been a Princess if not for the rebellion,"
"I am only thankful his grace King Robert spared me and removed the stain of the Targaryen for which I am forever ashamed to be born of," Rhaenys responded meekly.
Cersei snorted "You are a fool, Robert wanted your head but you knew that already did you not. If not for Robert you would have been a Princess and half the realm would beg for your hand. You could have been queen if you married your brother like Targaryens did. Because of Robert you are married to a bastard."
"My queen, I am under my husband who is loyal to House Stark. We have no gold or armies." Rhaenys responded meekly again.
"You have a name and word travels to King's Landing fast. You are gaining gold from trade," Cersei said, her eyes showing irritations.
"Name isn't everything and our gold is little," Rhaenys responded.
"You have stolen my twin from me," Cersei spat "You will not steal my crown! You take care that your claws remain blunt. You little lizard born from a weak, flat-chested bitch. If you even dare raise a hand, I will have you tiny keep burned to the ground!"
Ned Stark seemed to have heard her words "My Queen, I can assure you—"
Cersei Lannister ignored Jon's father and continued "You bastard, better be grateful to what you have. If you even think about doing anything, you and your wife's head will be mounted on spikes. I am not Robert or my brother to be fooled by you,"
Jon felt his temper flare nearly out of control "You brother joined us by choice." He responded coldly.
"You dare presume my brother's true wishes?" Cersei nearly yelled causing the great hall to look over"You need to guard your tongue bastard,"
It was Rhaenys who responded angrily "That's rich coming from the person who called a Princess of Dorne a weak, flat-chested bitch. You dare call my mother that!" The whole great hall fell silent, Jon could see the rage in Rhaenys violet eyes, though Cersei's eyes were filled with flames.
"Jon! Control your wife!" Jon's father yelled, though he could see the panic in his eyes.
"Rhaenys! Enough! You have no right to speak to the queen like that!" Jon yelled and Rhaenys flinched though it was an act.
"Enough of this!" Robert yelled "Cersei! Stop antagonising the dragonspawn! Bastard! Get back to your seat!"
Jon nodded grabbed Rhaenys by the shoulder and bowed to the queen. Jon brought Rhaenys back to their table with Cersei's green eyes trailing them like a loaded crossbow.
"Rhaenys, calm down. Cersei is doing it on purpose," Jon whispered to her as the feast resumed.
Rhaenys shook her head and drank a long gulp of summer wine. "I am sorry,"
Jon shook his head "Don't apologise, I also need to calm down," he took a bite of the roasted pork in front of him. "The feast will be over soon,"
"Can we leave early?" Rhaenys asked "I can't stand Cersei's gaze any longer," Jon glared back up at Cersei Lannister who stared at them with cold furry from her green eyes.
"Sure," Jon responded, he liked nothing better. Jon stood up and walked towards the high table where the king had retreated too upon the next course of onion and venison stew was served.
"Your grace, might me and my Lady wife retire for the night?" Jon asked politely "We have a babe to take care off, surely you as a father must understand,"
Robert nodded but as they were halfway walking out someone shouted at them. "Bastard! Dragonspawn!" Jon turned around to see the crown prince, Joffrey smirking at them, trying to stand upright. He's drunk.
"Yes your grace?" Jon responds politely.
"Your half-sister, tell me your wife, the dragonspawn can use a sword." Joffery's smirk widened "Perhaps we can spar tomorrow? I could teach her a thing or two,"
Jon felt anger rise up but Rhaenys respond politely "It would be a pleasure to spar with the crown prince who I am sure is as skilled as his father," What? No!. With that, Rhaenys spun around and left the great hall with Jon.
Jon waited till he was outside to start talking "You agreed? Why?" He asked angrily.
Rhaenys looked slightly surprised at his anger "I wanted to wipe the smirk off his face."
"What if he hurts you?" Jon asked hotly.
"Do you doubt my skill?" Rhaenys asked with a smirk, how can she smirk about this.
"Cersei will tell her son to go full out on you! What if he hurts you?" Jon said angrily "I can't let that happen!"
"Jon! I am not yours to command! What if someone calls your mother a flat-chested bitch?" Rhaenys responded angrily.
"I don't have a mother!"
Rhaenys flinched realising her mistake "I didn't mean it…"
Jon shook his head angrily "What if you win? What would everyone think? The daughter of Rhaegar Targaryen defeats the son of Robert Baratheon! We worked so hard to avoid whispers of Treason but with this? How can we avoid it?"
"Let them whisper!" Rhaenys yelled back "If it's—"
"Ah the bastard and the princess have dropped their act," Jon spun around to see a dwarf stroll pass them. "Though I believe no one with half a brain believed it anyway,"
"You are Tyrion Lannister, the queen's brother," Jon responded.
"My greatest accomplishment," Tyrion responded dryly "You are the bastard and you are deposed royalty,"
"We are Lord and Lady Whitefyre," Rhaenys asked, her face still red with anger.
Tyrion laughed "That's what you want others to think of you, but in truth, you are a bastard and you're deposed royalty. Let me give you some advice, don't forget what you are, the rest of the world will not. Wear it like armour so it can never be used to hurt you."
Jon mused over his statement "Did you come all the way here to give us advice?"
"No," Tyrion laughed. "I came here to get away from the feast, though meeting you was a bonus, my brother always talked highly of you" Tyrion then walked away.
"Rhaenys..." Jon began
"Let's head back to our chambers," Rhaenys said and Jon agreed. They headed back to their chambers inside the great keep.
When they returned back to their chambers and got Visenya back to her crip. Visenya had fallen asleep easily, Visenya was rowdy in the day but at night sleep came to her easily.
After Visenya was sleeping Jon began "Rhaenys, I know you are not mine to command but the duel with Joffrey…"
"I will be fine," Rhaenys said confidently "My skills with the sword are not as good as yours but it's better than Robb's. I will not get hurt,"
"If you win, what will people think?" Jon answered hotly "It will let all our work acting crumble into the dirt!"
"You heard what Tyrion Lannister said, no one believes in it! Why not just drop it?" Rhaenys responded angrily.
"Robert Baratheon believes in it and it is him that matters!" Jon responded, his voice raising "Can you tell Joffrey that you are sick and won't spar?"
"No!" Rhaenys yelled, "I cannot, it will make us look weak!"
"Weak? Better look weak than a threat!" Jon responded angrily.
"If we look weak the Lannister will walk all over us!" Rhaenys responded, her voice filled with fury "We are not weak!"
"What if we start a war?" Jon returned.
"A sparring match won't start a war!" Rhaenys responded "And if we do, Robert Baratheon is in Winterfell! No war will start."
"Joffrey will remember if you defeat him, he is to be king. What if he calls for our head once he is king?" Jon responded.
"Let him! Dorne will defend us, the Vale and the Riverlands are tied to the North. The Tyrells were Targaryen loyalists and so are half the houses sworn to dragonstone!" Rhaenys responded. Jon felt his heart stop.
"War?" Jon exploded "You are thinking about war?"
"I am not!" Rhaenys scowled "I am just stating facts,we cannot afford to be weak!"
Jon replied angrily "Nor can we afford to look too strong!"
Rhaenys sighed "I cannot look weak! I was Princess of House Targaryen and Martell. I will not bow down to that golden shit!"
"You have to!" Jon yelled, "Your life's on the line!"
Rhaenys punched the dresser table and Jon flinched slightly "Rhaenys…"
Rhaenys sighed "I will spar with Joffrey tomorrow, nothing will change that. Can we go to bed now? I don't want to argue."
Jon knew Rhaenys well enough she was not going to change her mind. "Fine," he grumbled as he prepared for bed.
That night, Jon and Rhaenys slept on the same bed though they slept apart. Jon still felt angry and Rhaenys was unhappy. However, when morning came, Jon found Rhaenys in his arms and Jon in hers.
Jaime
The feast had gone well into the night. Countless toast were made. By the time the last dish was served, more than half the hall was drunk. Jaime had drunk and ate little and Ned Stark was similar, barely touching any of his food or drink. He was on alert throughout the whole feast, ready to draw a sword to defend Rhaenys.
Cersei was cold the whole feast and with the comments she and Rhaenys exchanged Jaime was worried she might actually call for her head. With Joffrey offering to spar with Rhaenys , Jaime feared what might occur. Tyrion had been great company throughout the feast and was likely the only reason Jaime could smile throughout the feast. Tyrion had left midway through the feast and returned shortly after Rhaenys and Jon left the hall.
"The bastard and the princess are arguing," Tyrion told him as he sat down next to Jaime.
"What?" Jaime responded, Jaime knew Rhaenys and Jon rarely argued.
"You heard me, they were arguing. Something to do with the spar she promised Joffrey," Tyrion responded as he took a long gulp of the summer wine.
Jaime furrowed his eyebrows and sighed.
"The act you are putting up isn't very convincing,only a fool would believe it,"Tyrion quipped as he put his goblet down and motioned for a servant to refill it "Though Robert Baratheon is a fool,"
Jaime smiled "I have no idea what you are talking about,"
Tyrion laughed "I am sure you do. I have no idea where your loyalty to the princess is from" I swore an oath and I intend to keep it. There is nothing for me anyway.
"Is Joffrey good with a sword?" Jaime asked.
"Him?" Tyrion laughed "He is not like Robert at all! If the Princess is even a quarter as good as you are Joffrey will find himself in the dirt,"
"How is our sweet sister?" Jaime asked, glancing at Cersei who looked like she was frozen.
"She hates her husband" Tyrion took a mouthful of wildberry pie. "She hates the Starks, Martells and Whitefyre's for stealing you away."
"Is there anything she does not hate?" Jaime responded
"Her children and you," Tyrion responded, "I am surprised you managed to keep yourself away from her."
Jaime narrowed his eyes, he knew exactly what Tyrion was talking about. "She is married," Jaime said, brushing his statement off.
Tyrion gave a grin towards him "Father still holds a grudge against you,"
"Let him," Jaime replied "He has held it for seventeen years,"
After the feast ended, some walked out of the hall ,though most had to be carried out to their chambers with some even collapsing on the table. It looked like a mess. Ned Stark and his wife retired followed by Robert Baratheon and his sister.
Ser Jaime went back to his chambers relieved that the feast was over. From what he saw of Ned Stark, Benjen Stark they all looked similarly relieved. Jaime entered the chambers Ned Stark had provided for him, it was bigger than the one at Dragon's Watch but everything was bigger in Winterfell compared to every castle.
Ser Jaime removed his boots and warmed his hands against the fireplace. It was still awfully cold in the North despite it being summer. Summer in the North is colder than winter in the south.
Jaime was preparing for bed when the door opened. He half expected to see Tyrion come walking through but instead Cersei entered.
"Cersei…" Jaime said slowly, he had tried his best avoiding her but now…
"Jaime," Cersei said as she closed the door, "I have missed you."
"What are you here for?" Jaime asked, narrowing his eyes.
Cersei shrugged off her dress leaving her in her smallclothes as she walked towards Jaime. "I want to be whole again Jaime, take me. I know you want too
Jaime grimaced, stepping away from her "No, Cersei. You are married,"
"I don't care," Cersei said as she took another step forward "I know you want me, brother,"
"Cersei, No" Jaime responded determinedly. Cersei came forward and tried to kiss Jaime but he moved his head away, avoiding her lips. Cersei hands moved to his breeches but Jaime had enough. Jaime, like he did seventeen years ago, forced himself to gently push her away.
There was silence, though Cersei's green eyes blazed like wildfire. The silence was deafening as none of them spoke. Finally Jaime had enough of it.
"Cersei, I will not bed you," Jaime said determinedly.
"It seems being in the north caused you to lose your manhood." Cersei said coldly before she exploded and started screaming "All I wanted was you! But you have forgotten your want for me! You are such a weak, useless thing!"
"Aren't you fucking married to the king?" Jaime responded hotly.
"The king?" Cersei laughed bitterly "Robert Baratheon is a drunk, fat oaf! He's nothing!"
Jaime laughed though it had no humour inside "What was it you said to me seventeen years ago? You seemed so eager to bear Robert's children. Now you despise it! At least you have given three children."
"Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen aren't his," Cersei threw back at Jaime and then there was silence. Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen aren't Cersei's?
"You have been fucking other men?" Jaime asked, his voice now cold and filled with hostility "And now you come to me like some whore?"
Cersei screamed, "How dare you accuse me?" I didn't sweet sister, you admitted it yourself. "I am the Queen! I should have expected nothing from you, I was a fool! You are a gone case, no longer the brother I knew,"
Jaime felt his head hurting "Cersei get out," his voice colder than the wall.
"I will leave, don't worry. You are nothing to me and don't ever come crawling back to me like the pitiful creature that—,"
"Cersei! Out!" Jaime yelled. Cersei grabbed a vase on a table and threw it at Jaime who dodged it just in time. He heard the vase shatter behind him. Cersei wore her dress and walked out of the room. Jaime sighed since when did things become so complicated. The news that Cersei had bedded other men had stirred something in Jaime, anger? Jealousy? Jaime could not tell though it pissed Jaime off he still loved his sister in the way Targaryens did. Not anymore.
Jaime went to lie on his bed, though sleep did not come easily to him. He tossed and turned on his bed, wondering how it all went wrong. It had been so perfect, Jaime was to be a Kingsguard, on the best knights of the realms, Cersei would be with him in King's Landing. Yet everything had gone all wrong. Jaime cursed his father, cursed his sister, cursed the mad king, cursed Rhaegar Targaryen and cursed half the realm.
Jaime woke up the next day cocooned in his furs. He got out of bed and wore a gold and white tunic with a blue cloak. He avoided wearing red, in fact, he avoided anything related to his house.
The morning fog was relatively thick, blurring the surroundings slightly. Jaime walked towards the sparing yard. It was mostly empty, Ser Rodrik Cassel, the Master-at-arms was there, a few squires and knights were as well as Robb Stark. Rhaenys and Jon were nowhere to be seen however, Jaime knew exactly where they were.
Jaime headed to the massive godswood Winterfell had. When he first came to Winterfell he was completely stunned that Winterfell had a godswood larger than most castles in Westeros. The godswood was filled with pine, ironwood and heavy oak trees. Jaime had initially disliked the place, with its harsh, cold nature. But grew to appreciate it's harsh beauty. Wildflowers and winter roses could easily be found around the godswood. Winter roses, the same flowers Rhaegar Targaryen gave to Lyanna Stark. Jaime brushed such thoughts from his head as he trod through the godswood.
It was not before long when he heard the sound of metal hitting against metal. Jaime walked towards the sound to find Jon and Rhaenys each with a blunted tourney sword in hand sparing. Jaime watched them in silence, smiling inwardly. He had to admit he was proud of both of them, Rhaenys fought as well as many knights Jaime had seen. She lacked strength but more than made up for it with her agility and speed. Jon or Aemon on the other hand was a different story. He was fast and quick though like Rhaenys was not as strong even compared to his cousin, Robb who was more muscular though Jon had far more cunning and intelligence put into his sword skills. While Jaime could see the teaching that he and Ser Arthur had taught them as they spared, Jaime could sense an uncanny resemblance to Rhaegar Taragaryen from the way they fought, especially Jon. Ghost, Jon's direwolf which Jaime had not quite got used too was silently observing them.
Jaime watched them both spar, Jaime knew that Jon was the superior swordsman and it showed, however, Rhaenys was no slouch either. Rhaenys agility and speed allowed her to hold her own for a while. Jaime remembered how in the past Jon would go easy but Rhaenys would be furious about it and forced Jon to go hard on her. Jon was rather similar with his determination to improve, he told Jaime and Ser Arthur to beat him into the ground and that they did exactly that. It showed, however, that Jon's skills were improving rather impressively. Jaime felt that his skills were that similar to Ser Oswell Whent or Jaime's when he was at fifteen.
Jaime watched as Jon forced Rhaenys to yield who gave Jon a look of acceptance with a little bit of defeat. Rhaenys said something which made Jon laugh. Jaime was slightly surprised as the two had argued last night. Jaime then stepped forward.
"I was expecting to see you here," Jaime said as he walked out.
"Ser Jaime, good morning," Jon responded.
"Very nice Jon," Jaime said with a smirk as he walked towards them. The godswood in the morning fog sometimes creeped Jaime a little with the carved weirwood faces and darkness due to the thick canopy. "I assume you are preparing Rhaenys to beat my nephew?"
Rhaenys responded "I am, Jon won't stop fussing about me. Is Prince Joffrey at the sparing yard?"
Jon grumbled, "I am not fussing over you, I don't want you to get hurt!"
"Joffrey's not at the sparring yard," Jaime responded but he changed his voice to a serious tone "Joffrey is a prince, do not trash him too hard Rhaenys. Or I fear whispers will travel."
Rhaenys rolled her eyes "Whispers will travel whatever is the outcome."
"Rhaenys…" Jon complained when Rhaenys shot him, a look of annoyance.
"Could you please shut up about safety and politics?" Rhaenys threw back. Jaime laughed in amusement. "Let's go another round, I'll beat you this time,"
Jon smirked, "Oh, I am sure."
It was late in the morning when Joffrey finally arrived in the sparing yard. After an hour or so in the godswood, Jon and Rhaenys decided to head to the sparring yard Jon was still grumbling in pain due to Jaime knocking him off his feet though Jaime admittedly gained a few bruises though he did not admit it. Jaime, Jon and Rhaenys were silently observing the rest of the people sparing and choosing not to take part in any of the fighting when Joffrey came walking in, accompanied by Sandor Clegane. Rhaenys had wore ringmail underneath her tunic, she almost looked like a man though her long dark brown hair gave her away.
Prince Joffrey had walked onto the training yard wearing black, red and gold plate armour with a sword with a golden pommel. He had a large smirk on his face that would soon be wiped off.
"Dragonspawn! Come let's have our spar!" Joffrey announced as he stepped into the middle of the yard as the two knights who were sparing quickly cleared out. Jon whispered something in Rhaenys ears and Rhaenys giggled and whispered something back though Jon still had a permanent look of worry on his face.
"With live steel," Joffrey then drew his sword, a shortsword, though it was no mistaking it was castle forged steel. A murmur was heard throughout the spectators.
"My prince, live steel is too dangerous, perhaps tourney swords with blunted edges?" Ser Rodrik Cassel said.
"Who are you to tell him if he can have an edge on his sword? Ser? " Sandor Clegane said as he pushed forward.
"It's okay," Rhaenys said as she stepped forward, "I can handle live steel,"
Another murmur went through the crowd, Jaime saw Rhaenys shoot Jon a look before Jon could say anything. Rhaenys took the tourney sword she was carrying. It had blunted edges, Joffrey was only a child though he was reaching manhood at the age of ten and five, Rhaenys, on the other hand, was six years Joffrey's senior. Though Joffrey was fully armoured in plate while Rhaenys had only ringmail and boiled leather. Joffrey had a sword of live steel while Rhaenys had a blunted tourney sword. Yet, Rhaenys had a look of pure confidence, though Jon had a look of pure anxiousness. His hand rested on the hilt of his tourney sword. Jaime was slightly worried, he kept his hands on his sword. I do not want my oaths tested.
When the yard was cleared and half the castle watching with bated breath,it began. Joffrey came in, attacking and Rhaenys went on the defensive. However, within seconds Jaime could see Rhaenys was playing with Joffrey. Jon seemed to have noticed it too for his hands relaxed ever so slightly.
Rhaenys dodged Joffrey's attacks and easily blocked those she could not dodge. Rhaenys actions were almost… lazy. Joffrey's face turned red with frustration as he continued his attack. For a few minutes, Rhaenys just basically ran circles around Joffrey.
After a few minutes, Rhaenys seemingly had enough and went on the offensive, attacking with great speed and agility. To the untrained eye, her sword movements could be seen as a blur. Joffrey was able to block two of her attacks though the third sent the Prince's sword flying out of his hands and onto the ground. Joffrey fell backwards onto the ground. A gasp could be heard.
"Yield!"
There was a mummer and then silence. Rhaenys stood over the prince, a blunted sword aimed at Joffrey's stomach. Joffrey's face was as red as blood with anger and embarrassment.
"Do you yield?" Rhaenys asked again after there was no response.
The silence persisted and it was deafening. Jaime saw in the corner of his eyes Jon preparing to grab a longsword. Jaime tightened his grip on his pommel.
Finally, Joffrey opened his mouth, though what came out was not what Jaime was expecting "KILL HER! Dog! Kingsguard! KILL HER!"
There was a brief second of silence but it was sliced apart by Jaime instantly drawing his longsword followed by Jon grabbing the longsword. Jaime went straight for Sandor Clegane, his sword aimed at his stomach before he could draw his sword.
"Do that Clegane and I will cut you from head to toe," Jaime snarled. Jon went straight for Rhaenys as two white-cloaked kingsguard advanced on Rhaenys. Ghost shot out of nowhere and came to rest next to Rhaenys and bared its teeth.
"My prince, perhaps—," One the kingsguard began.
"KILL THE DRAGONSPAWN! YOUR PRINCE COMMANDS IT!" Joffrey screamed.
"STOP!" A yell loud and clear came with a sense of authority. It was Ned Stark, he came in flanked by two Stark's guardsman.
"Lord Stark," Jon began.
"Silence Jon," Ned Stark said sternly though there was no anger in it. "Jory, disperse everyone. Stand down! I want no slaughter in my castle. I will speak to the King,"
"Lord Stark, it is good to see you," Jaime said. Ned Stark's face remained cold though Jaime could see the panic and fear in it.
"Stand down Ser Jaime," Stark said before lowering his voice "For Rhaenys' and Jon's sake." Jaime lowered his sword and sheathed it.
"Lord and Lady Whitefyre, let's go," Jaime said and he led the two of them away.
Notes:
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I would love if you could drop some feedback or comments!