Dragons of Wolf and Sun
Toxicfireball
Chapter 15: A fall that changes everything
Summary:
No one said the Royal visit would be uneventfull
Notes:
This took way longer than intended, I am really busy with exam preperations these few months. Expect the update pace to be around 3 weeks.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Eddard
"A prince of the realm was assaulted! I demand her head!"
"Her head? All Lady Whitefyre did was do what Prince Joffrey asked her to! He asked to spar with her and lost!"
Ned Stark rubbed his head, it hurt like it never heard before though that was not the worst. He was plagued with fear and anxiety. He was in the King's solar, with his brother and his wife, Dacey Mormont alongside Ser Jaime, Ser Rodrik. Facing them was Sandor Clegane, two kingsguard and Cersei Lannister. Ned knew problems would arise when Joffrey challenged Rhaenys Whitefyre to a duel, Ned knew her skills with the sword were deadly but to think the prince would demand her head in front of half the castle after losing…
"The punishment for laying a hand on the prince is a hand! I want Rhaenys Whitefyre's hand." Cersei replied.
"Your Prince can't handle being bruised?" Benjen threw back angrily "It's a spar, people are expected to get hit!"
"She threatened the Prince's life!" Cersei replied, her green eyes dancing like wildfire.
"She asked him to yield!" Dacey Mormont replied "That is a crime? Why are we not talking that Lady Whitefyre went up against Prince Joffrey with a blunted tourney sword while Joffrey had a castle forged steel sword!?"
"Because Lady Whitefyre feared hurting Joffrey," Ser Jaime remarked. "Your son ordered a lady of a house to be killed by Sandor Clegane and the Kingsguard because he lost,"
"He was threatened and attacked! He needs to punish those who do that to him!" Cersei yelled back.
"ENOUGH!" Robert yelled, "All this damn bickering is giving me a headache!"
Ned decided it was best for him to speak "Robert, Lady Whitefyre did as Prince Joffrey asked, she sparred with him and she won."
"Fair and square I might add," Ser Jaime said.
"The bastard threatened your Kingsguard husband!" Cersei responded. "How can this go unpunished?"
"So did the kingslayer," One the kings guard said.
"I am sworn to Lady Whitefyre, when your sweet son asks for her head, I have to defend her. And what was Lord Whitefyre supposed to do? Let his wife have her head lopped off?" Jaime responded.
"Asking for someone's head because he lost fair and square is extremely dishonourable," Dacey Mormont added.
"SHUT UP!" Robert yelled, "Everyone out!"
"But my love—"
"OUT!"
Ned was about to leave the room when Robert called him "Not you Ned, you stay." Robert said and Ned obeyed. When everyone left the room and the door was closed Ned immediately asked.
"Robert, what will you do?" Robert sighed and took a large swig of wine.
"My wife wants the dragonspawn's hand." Robert said "I need to dish out punishment for her laying hands on my son,"
"Your son requested Lady Whitefyre to spar with her, Lady Whitefyre agreed and spared and won," Ned replied calmly, it would do no good to lose his cool. "I fail to see what she did wrong, your son asked for her head over that. Surely you can see who is in the wrong?"
"Damnit Ned I can't let a dragonspawn defeat, my son! Too many people will whisper. There are people in the seven kingdoms who call me usurper. I cannot look weak," Robert replied.
"Robert, punishing Lady Whitefye will only make you look worse in the eyes of the realms. The north likes Lady Rhaenys, that will be dissatisfied and as for Dorne, there will be even more hate directed at you," Ned replied.
Robert was silent for a moment. "What should I do?"
Ned sighed "Robert please, you shouldn't hurt her. If you do so more people will dislike you. Pretend the incident did not exist, it will be forgotten. If you punish her, the whole realm will learn about it."
"This is why you should be my hand" Robert laughed.
"Robert…" Catelyn had been adamant that Ned should be hand after Lysa Arryn had sent the message to Winterfell claiming the Lannister poisoned her husband. The actions today seem to have lowered Ned's opinion of the Lannister's even more.
"Fine! I will not take action, but you keep the dragonspawn in line will you not?" Robert asked, "and you must accept the offer."
Nee sighed "I will accept it, your grace,"
Robert laughed, "That's more like it! Tomorrow we are going hunting, are we not?"
Ned walked out of the King's solar and found Benjen and his wife as well as Ser Jaime waiting. They all sighed in relief when told about Robert's decision.
Ned next went towards Jon and Rhaenys chambers inside the great keep. He knocked on the door and opened it. Jon and Rhaenys were inside, sitting together on an armchair. The moment Ned entered, Jon had his hands going straight to the pommel of his sword.
"Father, what is the king's decision?" Jon asked anxiously.
"He will do nothing," Ned said "No punishment is to be carried out. Is everything alright?"
Ned saw Jon breath a sigh of relief. "Everything alright," Rhaenys replied. She had a small smile on her face.
"The crown prince demands Rhaenys head and we don't get an apology?" Jon muttered, "I suppose to expect nothing better from Robert Baratheon."
Ned sighed, Jon wasn't wrong though they were somewhat lucky they got out in one piece.
"Jon, consider yourself lucky that Robert Baratheon did not do anything. Cersei Lannister wanted Rhaenys' hand. I told Robert to forget about the incident and thank the old gods I managed to convince him." Ned said and Jon's eyes slightly widened. Rhaenys shook her head.
"I am sorry," she started "I should have—"
Jon put an arm around her "It's okay Rhaenys, it's not your fault,"
Rhaenys gave off a bitter laugh "Weren't you yelling at me not to spar?"
Jon gave her a small smile "It does not matter Rhaenys, not one could have expected the prince to be such a horrible shit."
"Thank you, Lord Stark," Rhaenys told him with a small nod of her head.
"Thank you father," Jon added. Ned gave them a smile and left the room. With the Prince's actions, Ned was considering declining the betrothal between Sansa and Joffrey. He would have to discuss it with Catelyn and tell Robert.
Bran
The hunt left early in the morning, before even the sun was up. The king wanted wild boar for the feast that night and so they left early. The party had contained his father, his uncle, Robb had been allowed to go, Theon, Ser Rodrik, two of the kingsguard and the king's funny little brother. The prince had also gone on the hunt to Bran's surprise. He had not seen the prince often for he had disappeared completely from the sparring yard and only turned up for dinner.
Bran was left behind with Jon, his wife, the girls and Rickon. Jon seemed angry these days, Bran had seen what had happened in the sparring yard a few days ago and it was shocking. Bran had expected the Prince to be like those in the story, like those of Prince Aemon the dragonknight but instead, Prince Joffrey was arrogant and a sore loser and had demanded Rhaenys head! Bran had feared it would come to blood with swords drawn but his father had put a stop to it.
Bran was excited to be heading south, where stories of Prince Aemon the dragonknight, Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk the two twins, Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Ryam Redwyne came from. Bran had watched the kingsguard who came north with fascination. Ser Boros Blount was bald and joely face. Ser Meryn Trant had droopy eyes and a permanent scowl on his face, Ser Arys Oakheart looked more like a man from the stories with light brown hair and a comely face.
There was a legend of a knight in Winterfell, Ser Arthur Dayne who his father had brought to Winterfell all those years ago. Ser Arthur Dayne was a legend though Bran's mother seemed to greatly dislike the man. The once kingsguard was always glad to speak with him if Bran asked questions though the knight seemed distant and spent most of his time with Jon and Rhaenys. Another legendary knight, Ser Jaime Lannister was Rhaenys sworn sword. Jaime almost never taught Bran as Bran rarely asked him questions. Bran always found the knight with an irritating smirk on his face.
Bran felt an empty loneliness as he strolled through Winterfell. He would be leaving the castle soon for King's Landing. Bran had spent his whole life in Winterfell and leaving it seemed unthinkable. His father told him to say goodbye and Bran had tried but he felt a sense of sadness when he did. He would miss Winterfell.
Bran went to climb the castle. He always loved climbing. His father, mother had all tried to prevent him saying it was too dangerous but it did not stop Bran. He was one of the best climbers in Winterfell and no one climbed half as well as he did. He loved the feeling off pulling himself, stone by stone.
Bran had started as always from the godswood. He would sometimes catch his brother, Jon and Rhaenys along with Ser Jaime or Ser Arthur sparring there and Bran would watch. Whenever Bran watched, he noticed Jon seemed faster and more precise than he normally was. Sometimes when Jon and Rhaenys were alone, Bran would catch them kissing and he would run away.
Today, Bran did not see any of them sparring, perhaps it was too late for Bran only saw them sparring if it was early in the morning. Bran then headed for the broken tower. Bran had brought corn to feed the crows for resided on it food for they would always be there. Bran was moving from gargoyle to gargoyle when he heard voices. He was so shocked he nearly fell. The first keep was always empty. Bran peered inside to find the queen, naked along with another man with golden hair. He looked like Ser Jaime but was shorter, less muscular and less comely.
"I do not like this, I do not trust Eddard Stark," The queen said.
"Stark's are too honourable and never cared what happened below the neck," The man replied, Bran, peered closely and recognised the man as King Robert's squire, Lancel Lannister.
"You are a fool, if the Stark finds out…" The queen replied.
"He wouldn't Stark's are too dim-witted," Lancel replied and Bran felt a sense of dread.
"Shut up," The queen came in "lie down,"
The man seemed to hesitate and the queen went to him. Bran heard soft, wet sounds as the two began to wrestle. There were moans and groans. Then a scream.
The queen had seen him, her eyes were wide and she stared right at Bran with horror. Bran panicked and tried to flee but instead lost his grip. There was the sickening feeling of falling but he grabbed onto a piece of stone. Faces appeared above Bran.
"He saw her!" The queen screamed.
Bran's fingers began to slip, his fingernails unable to find grip. Bran stared back at the queen, feeling panic completely overcoming him. They looked at each other for a brief second. Bran did not catch the look they gave Bran. He lost his grip, a sickening lurch washed over Bran.
Bran screamed as the courtyard rushed to meet him. Fly! A voice cried out, it was that of a crow. How could crows talk? That was the last thing Bran thought of as his world went black.
Rhaenys
A howl of the wolf echoed through Winterfell. Rhaenys looked up from the letters Ser Mark Water, Dragon's Watch castellan had sent, detailing the castle's incoming, updates on maintenance and construction works.
"Whose wolf is howling so loudly?" Rhaenys asked Jon who was drafting a message to Dragon's Watch.
Jon looked worried by his expression "I have no idea, it could be Arya's, Bran's or Sansa's. The wolves never howl." Ghost next to Jon looked on full alert, ready to kill. "What is it, boy?" Jon asked Ghost. Ghost looked towards the door, begging Jon to go and see.
Rhaenys knew the wolves never howled. They were quiet, even Arya's Nymeria which was the wildest. The kennel master had said the direwolves took after their master. Rhaenys had japed that since Ghost was silent, Jon must be the quiet one. Which Rhaenys somewhat agreed with, Jon had been the quietest of the Stark siblings until Rhaenys got Jon to open up when they first got married. Nevertheless, Jon spoke less, especially in Winterfell compared to his siblings.
Rhaenys felt something was wrong and Jon seemed to agree. "Ghost wants you to see what happened," Rhaenys told Jon.
"I know," Jon said as the dire wolf continued to howl loudly. "I will see,"
"I will go with you," Rhaenys said as she shrugged on a blue cloak. Jon donned his swordbelt which carried a longsword, it was not Dark Sister for that was left in Dragon's Watch..
Rhaenys followed Jon as they left the great keep. Following the sound of the direwolf. They walked briskly across Winterfell. Pass the numerous buildings and smaller keeps. The howl seemed to be coming from the First Keep. Ghost darted off as they reached the broken tower.
That's when Rhaenys heard a scream mingled with the howl of a direwolf. Jon's face darkened and he drew his sword. Soon, multiple shouts could be heard, another scream. Ghost reappeared and beckoned Jon to follow.
Jon and Rhaenys ran, trailing behind Ghost. Jon drew his longsword, preparing for the worst. They ran until they reached the courtyard below the broken tower. They found a boy with red hair lying down, unmoving. A direwolf was howling next to him, it was Summer, Bran's direwolf. Rhaenys and Jon must have came to the same conclusion.
Jon rushed to Bran's body, lying in the ground unmoving. Jon immediately sheathed his sword and knelt next to Bran. Rhaenys saw no blood but Bran was not moving. A few castle folk quickly moved away when Jon and Rhaenys arrived, a few ran away to call for help.
"Bran! Can you hear me?" Jon yelled, his voice filled with panic. Rhaenys knelt and her hands went to his wrist, desperately searching for a pulse. When Rhaenys felt the pulse she grimaced.
"He's alive but the pulse is weak," Rhaenys told Jon who was searching for any signs of blood.
"He fell," Jon said, his eyes beginning to be filled with tears "Call Maester Luwin! I'll stay here,"
Rhaenys nodded, clutched her skirts and ran towards the Maester turret. Jon stayed next to Bran, Summer was howling while Ghost stood next to them. Rhaenys ran as fast as she could towards the Maester turret.
When she reached it, she did not even bother knocking. Barging straight into the Maester's turret she yelled to Maester Luwin who was completely taken aback. She did not give time for the Maester Luwin to even say a single word.
"Bran…Bran fell! He's near the first keep, broken tower. He's pulse is weak, come quickly" Rhaenys yelled with panic. Rhaenys was not as close to Bran as Jon was but nevertheless he was a bit like a little brother to her. He dreamed of knights and tourney's and loved to climb. That love might have killed him.
"Gods be good." Maester Luwin was shocked though he recovered quickly "Lead me to him,"
Along the way, Rhaenys found Dacey Mormont who followed them. Maester Luwin ordered two of Winterfell's household guards they encountered to follow them.
When they arrived in the scene, they found Bran laying still, Jon over him. Ser Jaime was there with an extremely grim expression. They all cleared the way for Maester Luwin who after examining ordered them to carry Bran. Jon and Ser Jaime picked Bran's unconscious body up and carried him to the Maester turret.
A rider was dispatched to the King's hunting party. They arrived back in Winterfell in the afternoon where Ned Stark had rushed to his son's room. Jon carried Bran to the Maester's turret where Maester Luwin examined him. When Lady Stark arrived, her face filled with anxiety, Jon excused himself. Rhaenys followed him, Lady Stark held no love for them and they stayed out of her way.
That night, after feeding Visenya with her own breast and putting her to sleep. They went to bed late at night. Jon had run to ask Maester Luwin multiple times about Bran's condition.
"I know you are worried, Jon, but going off to keep asking the Maester will only make it harder for him to care for Bran. Come to bed love" Rhaenys told Jon who sighed and slid under the furs with Rhaenys.
"I am so afraid of Bran? What if he dies?" Jon asked, his voice filled with anxiety and worry.
"Will worrying help Jon?" Rhaenys asked softly as Jon tossed under the furs next to her.
"I know," Jon said in a resigned tone "I just… can't stop worrying,"
Rhaenys opened her arms "Come here Jon," Jon slid into her embrace. Rhaenys could feel the frustration, anxiety and sadness. Jon buried his face inside her hair. She wrapped her hands around Jon, Jon seemed to crack up a little. Rhaenys heard him choke back a sob.
"It's okay Jon, it's okay," Rhaenys told Jon softly. Jon loved his siblings fiercely. Rhaenys felt that it would be a miracle if Bran survived, the height of the broken tower was huge. Jon must have known it too, for he was afraid Bran would not survive the night.
Rhaenys felt a small amount of tears leave Jon's eyes, landing on her nightgown. She did not mind Jon crying, she could not imagine a sister or brother dying. Her brother was killed before she even knew him.
"I don't want him to die," Jon whispered "He dreamed of being a knight, he dreamed of so many things. He cannot die."
"I know," Rhaenys replied, "It is up to the god's now Jon."
The next morning, they awoke in each other's arms. Rhaenys loved it when they were in each other's embrace. It made her feel warm, comfortable and safe. Rhaenys admitted she supposed she was lucky Jon was her husband. Robert Baratheon meant it as a punishment though a punishment would be marrying his heir. Jon was kind, humble, honourable and loyal. He was skilled with a sword, had a sharp wit and was more comely than his brother Robb. Whoever Jon's mother was, she had to be of some great beauty. He had a nice ass. Rhaenys mused before she brushed such thoughts from her head.
Immediately after dressing, they went straight to Bran's chambers. Ned Stark and Catelyn Stark were there, both had exhausted, anxious expressions with grief written all over. There was still no change, Bran was still alive though unconscious.
Robert Baratheon was to be leaving Winterfell soon and Rhaenys was grateful for it. She was glad to be rid of the fat queen, the asshole of a son and the malicious queen. The exception was Tyrion Lannister who would head for the wall. Rhaenys was seriously considering following the Lannister to the wall. There was Maester Aemon Targaryen, the last member of her father's family she could speak to. She wanted to thank him for Dark Sister. That night she spoke to Jon about it.
"Jon?" She asked as they both prepared for bed once more.
"Yes, my love?" Jon replied.
"I was thinking of heading to the wall with Tyrion Lannister. I would like to thank Maester Aemon for Dark Sister." Rhaenys told Jon as she got into bed.
"The wall?" Jon grimaced slightly "From what I have heard the wall is a shadow of its former self. Filled with thief's, rapists and scum. Only a few good men are there. I fear for your safety."
Rhaenys groaned "I can handle myself,"
Jon placed a kiss on her forehead "I know you can but, I can only have Ser Jaime to protect you. Most of Winterfell guards are heading south, I have no Whitefyre guard's under me in Winterfell. I fear what happens if some men are particularly lusty."
"We must thank Maester Aemon," Rhaenys replied "I know you fear for me Jon, but I have too meet my last living relative of my father's side in Westeros,"
Jon sighed "I will go then, the wall is not safe for a women as beautiful as you,"
Rhaenys laughed "So flattering, I thought it would be best if you stayed in Winterfell to grieve for Bran."
"Bran will recover with or without me," Jon replied "I suppose it is better I leave here. Catelyn Stark doesn't like me here. You can write a letter, I fear Tyrion Lannister, Ser Jaime loves him because he is his brother but Tyrion could be with his father."
Rhaenys groaned, she never liked Catelyn Stark. The women despised Jon and while Rhaenys could understand why, Rhaenys could not dislike her for it. Tyrion Lannister, on the other hand, made sense, Rhaenys could not afford to speak to another Targaryen. If Tyrion spread it, whispers would fly.
Rhaenys groaned "Fine, you go. Though perhaps in the future I will get to visit Maester Aemon."
"With me and a full complement of guards," Jon replied, Jon was really protective of Rhaenys though she could not fault him for it, she had gotten herself into trouble recently.
"Fine," Rhaenys began climbing out of bed. "I will go check on Visenya,"
Visenya was extremely active in the day, which meant both Jon and Rhaenys rarely had time to spar. They spent most of their time inside their chambers with Visenya. At night, Visenya went to sleep so easily Rhaenys could not believe how she acted was completely different from how she acted in the day.
The next few days, Rhaenys managed to write a letter to be passed to Maester Aemon Targaryen at the wall. Jon had spoken to his father who agreed on letting Jon go with Tyrion Lannister to the wall.
On the day Jon was about to leave, he and Rhaenys went to pay Bran a visit. Jon had avoided doing so for it to mean being in the same room as Catelyn Stark. She had stayed in the room ever since Bran's fall. Filled with grief. Yet the journey to the wall and back would take two weeks. Jon would return to Dragon's Watch after visiting Castel Black while Rhaenys would only spend a week in Winterfell before heading back to Dragon's Watch.
Jon and Rhaenys went towards Bran chamber. Rhaenys could tell Jon was nervous about seeing Lady Stark. Rhaenys squeezed Jon's hand.
Rhaenys stood in the doorway with Jon. Jon was filled with slight fear. Though he entered the room. Lady Stark looked over and she spoke.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice was cold, emotionless and distant.
"We have come to see Bran," Jon replied.
"You have seen him, leave."
"Bran's his brother, Lady Stark," Rhaenys replied, trying to put kindness in her voice. She hated Catelyn Stark's treatment of Jon but she was grieving and emotions could go out of control.
Catelyn looked at them, her eyes cold and said nothing. Jon and Rhaenys approached. Rhaenys let Jon wish Bran goodbye for she would be staying in Winterfell for some time.
"Bran," Jon said softly "Stay strong, please. We are all waiting for you. Robb, Sansa, Arya, me, everyone…"
Lady Stark remained silent. "I have to go, Bran, stay strong." Jon kissed Bran's forehead.
It was Rhaenys turn, Rhaenys remembered how much Bran loved stories of knights and was excited at the prospect of heading to King's Landing. "Bran, don't die. Everyone wishes you to be alive."
Rhaenys was about to lead Jon away when Catelyn Stark opened her mouth.
"I wanted Bran to stay in Winterfell," She said softly with a hint of bitterness. "I prayed to the seven gods for Ned to change his mind. They answered my prayer."
"It's not your fault," Jon replied.
"I need none of your comfort, bastard." Rhaenys flinched but forced herself to shut her mouth. She is grieving. Jon lowered his eyes and squeezed Bran's hand.
"Good-bye," Jon said. Rhaenys steered Jon and they walked out of the room.
They were through the doorway when she called out to Jon. "Jon," she said. Rhaenys and Jon spun around. Catelyn Stark had never called Jon by his name before. Rhaenys looked at Jon who had a look of confusion before he spun around.
"Yes?"
"It should have been you or your child," she told him and she cried. Rhaenys did not care and saw red. She felt anger explode through her.
"How can you say that?" Rhaenys nearly screamed, her skin flushed red with fury. Jon seemed to have a better grasp of his temper for he grabbed her arm.
"Rhaenys, drop it. Let's go," Jon said and Jon had to practically drag her away. Catelyn Stark did not respond for she was sobbing, her whole body shaking. Rhaenys was furious, how dare she wish my husband and Visenya to die?
They made their way to the yard. "Rhaenys, let it go," Jon told her as they made their way to the yard.
"How dare she say that?"Rhaenys yelled, "She wished you and Visenya dead!"
"She is grieving," Jon replied simply though Rhaenys could feel the anger in his tone. Rhaenys let it go and Jon went back to his chamber's and grabbed a thin sword he had made for Arya. Rhaenys had said that Jon never gave her a sword. Nevertheless, Rhaenys had her own sword, one given to her as a wedding gift.
After Jon presented the sword to his little sister Arya, he went to saddle his horse. Rhaenys bade him farewell and she passed him her letter meant for Maester Aemon.
"Goodbye my love," Jon said as he prepared to mount his horse. Rhaenys gave him a small smile.
"See you in Dragon's Watch," Rhaenys replied, "Don't take too long."
"I will try to be as fast as possible or I fear you might think I have taken the black," Jon japed and Rhaenys laughed.
"Oh no, that would be a disaster. I still need you to give Visenya brother's and sister's," Rhaenys replied with a grin and Robb laughed.
"Goodbye Jon, remember Winterfell will always welcome you," Robb said to Jon as they embraced. Though your mother on the other hand…
"Thank you brother," Jon replied.
"We will always be brothers." Robb said, "Now go say goodbye to your child and wife."
Jon kissed Visenya's forehead. Jon took Visenya's hand. "I will see you soon my precious baby girl," Visenya squealed in replied.
"Be quick, Lord husband," Rhaenys said before pulling Jon in for a kiss. The kiss was sweet and warm, though Jon broke it much faster than Rhaenys would have like.
"Please warn me if you two are going to kiss, you look like two lovebirds," Robb told them with a grin on his face.
"Perhaps I will return that remark once you have a wife," Jon replied with an abashed smile. Robb laughed and Jon saddled his horse.
"Goodbye Robb, see you soon Rhaenys," Jon said and the both of them waved their goodbye as Jon rode off to join Tyrion Lannister's party.
Notes:
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Would love if you left a comment and your feedback.