The Witch Queen of Essos
Computer: I've decided to start working part time again.
Wanda: Seriously, why have I not junked you? Your held together by tape!
Tyene: Because you're lazy?
Wanda: (glares at her)
Tyene: Just a guess. I refer you to the last chapter for the disclaimer.
Chapter 12: North, South, East and West
**~With Jon~**
Viserion swept above Dragonstone, Jon examining it from on high. Wow. I hope Viserys doesn't mind being the Prince of Dragonstone once he actually sets eyes on this place. It looked very gloomy and dark, an unhappy place to live. Maybe Emily could liven it up a bit.
Putting aesthetic taste aside, Jon brought Viserion in low approaching the outside of the castle.
The bulk of Stannis's army had been splintered or killed during the battle of Blackwater, so Jon felt confident about approaching his family's ancestral home. His dragon would protect him, and perhaps the men who stayed behind were less eager to die.
As he grew closer, Jon caught the smell of smoke. Knowing the Lord of Light's habits regarding sacrifices, he landed on the outside ramparts and forced his way inside.
Selyse Barantheon fanatically believed in her husbands new religion; she was always present when someone was sacrificed to her Lord. She had suffered a number of stillbirths in her attempt to produce a son for her husband; her only living child was a girl. This, along with her near starvation during the Storm's End siege, had left scars on her mind that no maester in Westeros knew how to soothe.
Selyse had gotten a hold of a raven from Mathos Seaworth detailing the failure of the initial attack on King's Landing. So she did the first thing her sickly mind conjured to help her husband – she set up a sacrifice.
Using her daughter Shireen.
Jon heard her starting to scream from the hall. Viserion headbutted the wooden doors down, revealing the makeshift pyre and the girl tied to it.
The white scaled dragon swatted the guards out of the way as Jon leapt directly into the fire itself. Taking his extra knife he sliced through the bindings and pulled Shireen from the roaring flames to the safety of the floor.
Shireen sobbed and screamed, still reeling and panicked. Jon wrapped her in a cloak to smother the flames on her clothes while Viserion continued to terrorize everyone in the room.
Jon got to his feet, holding Shireen in his arms, and walked over to the nearest guard. "Where's the maester?" He demanded, his voice hard and threatening.
**~Back at King's Landing~**
"She tried to WHAT!?" Lyanna shrieked when a pale Emily finished reading Jon's most recent letter.
Ginny was expressionless, the paleness in her knuckles being the only outward sign of the rage she was feeling at this revelation.
"The Lord of Light practices human sacrifice." Tyrion explained, looking equally discomforted. "And Selyse has never been the most stable sort. But for her to use her own daughter..."
"I can believe it." Mace Tyrell said reluctantly. "Shireen contracted greyscale at a young age; I believe Selyse resented her inability to produce a male heir for her husband. Between that and greyscale being considered 'sinful', without any sane person there to stop her, I can see it."
"Jon thinks she'll recover well." Emily noted with some relief. "But she'll be orphaned; not to mention with House Barantheon loosing its status as a Great House the poor thing will probably end up a spinster."
Aegon had deferred with the Hand (his father) as to what they should do with Stannis – after all, he was only following his family. In the end, it was decided that he would be sent to take the Black at the Wall. Selyse faced either life imprisonment or execution for attempting to kill her own child. Given the disgrace her family name faced, (not to mention her disfigurement), Shireen may very well have troubles finding a husband if she didn't wish to enter the Faith.
"Hm. Not necessarily." Rhaegar said with an air of thoughtfulness. "Send a raven to Lord Renly regarding her future care. Did Jon leave a note about when he might return?"
"Two nights. Viserion is tired." Emily read of the bottom of the letter. "And he wants to be sure Shireen is somewhat comfortable before he goes. Dragonstone has surrendered; once Viserys arrives he can take up the seat. The Barantheon men are moving back to Storm's End."
Aegon sighed, rubbing his head. "Well, that's one headache out of the way. That leaves the Greyjoys, and Tywin Lannister."
"Is he still in Harrenhall?"
"No." Ginny informed them. "I went to spy earlier today, and he had left – I imagine he doesn't want to stay in any one place at a time. He's giving orders via raven."
"Can you intercept any of them?"
"It's possible." Ginny responded. "I'll set up some wards. The quiet can only mean he's plotting something – I heard that bloody song of his while I was there."
Aegon growled. "When this is over, I'll have anyone who sings that loose their tongue."
"That's a bit extreme, Your Grace." Tyrion said mildly. As much as he detested his father (and was hated in return), he was still family. It was a little sad to consider his likely future fate.
Aegon's expression became somewhat contrite. "You're right, Lord Lannister...I'll think of something else. I never want to hear it again."
"I doubt you're the only one." Ginny remarked, thinking of the time Oberyn put a knife though the hand of a knight he caught singing it.
**~At The Twins~**
"A-Are you sure you can walk, Your Grace? I could bring a raven up for you."
Viserys smiled slightly at Roslin Frey, who was hovering next to him as he limped down the stairs. He no longer needed the cane, thank the gods, but he still winced whenever he put too much weight on his left foot. "I'm certain, Roslin, though it's kind of you to be concerned. If I don't start walking again, it won't heal properly."
Roslin smiled hesitantly in turn, though that expression fled away when she heard her father shouting.
Viserys heard it a moment later, too.
"-One final insult, after the thousands we've endued over the years! Some Volantis whore!? Some foreign wench, not even a noble lady, is more appealing to Eddard Stark's whelps than one of my daughters!?"
Viserys paused when he heard the word Volantis. Rhaenys had gone to the Stark's camp under the name of a minor noble family from that country – Maegyr.
Roslin gasped and touched his arm when he made to enter the hall. She flushed and pulled back when he glanced at her. "I-I'm sorry Your Grace. Th-there's no need for you to listen to my father's bile – he's easy to offend..."
"I've heard worse." Viserys responded reassuringly. "I think I may know what caused this."
Roslin looked surprised. "Y-You do?"
Viserys nodded and walked into the hall; Roslin paused uncertainly before hurrying in after him. A large majority of the Frey family was already there. Olyvar and Alesander stood off to the side, looking very nervous as much as they tried to hide it. Olyvar even looked a bit guilty; he had handed that particular letter over to his father before reading it.
Walder was enraged. The only reason he wasn't pacing or knocking over chairs was because of his disease. Sitting in front of him was a letter from the Frey representative in the Stark camp, regarding a conversation between Eddard Stark and his son Robb.
"-Not even a noble lady he spurns us for! A peasant girl! Some no named whore is more worthy of the Starks than one of my daughters!?"
"I-I think I read somewhere that Maegyr is a minor noble name in Volantis." Elmar Frey offered timidly, frightened of his father's anger.
Walder Frey spat on the ground. "I don't care if this Talisa Maegyr is descended straight from the Seven! Catelyn Stark swore her son would marry one of my daughters! We had a contract! This is one insult too many!"
Talisa Maegyr. Viserys grimaced. That was Rhaenys, alright.
His first instinct was damage control. Walder was a petty and vindictive fellow; Viserys wouldn't put it past him to attempt to harm his niece or the man she apparently fell in love with. If he succeeded, the Twins would burn in dragon fire, but that may not come soon enough for Rhaenys's sake.
Roslin had locked her hands together and was regarding her father with fear in her eyes. Viserys looked at her, then at the head table, and an idea sprang into his mind.
"Talisa Maegyr? Are you sure that's the right name?" He asked, projecting his voice so to be heard over Walder's ranting.
The Frey patriarch came up short when he noticed his royal guest had come downstairs. "Ah, Prince Viserys...please excuse me," the elderly man began, not sounding the least bit contrite, "I had just recieved some upsetting news from one of my sons."
"So I heard. But Talisa Maegyr? Your certain?"
"Yes, yes." Now Walder looked slightly wary. "Do you recognize that name?"
Viserys furrowed his brow, hoping he looked embarrassed and apologetic. "Yes, I do. When my family made to return to our homeland, my brother thought it would be best to discern the mood among the Starks – we would need them to hold the North for us, and he did not trust the Boltons to do so. So he sent the daughter of Gryffin d'Or's right hand man, along with my niece, in disguise, to see if we could heal the wounds between our families."
The silver haired prince paused for a second, ensuring all the Freys were paying attention to him, before saying, "I know that name because it is one of the alias chosen. Talisa Maegyr is not from Volantis. It is true she is a healer, but she is also a warrior." For the sake of theatrics, Viserys closed his eyes. "In truth, she is my niece, Rhaenys of House Martell and Targaryen."
For a moment, Walder simply sat and gaped at him as the news sank in. Most of his brood looked equally surprised.
"Rhaenys is talented in many ways." Viserys continued. "But she is also young, and a taste of true love makes the young reckless. On her behalf I offer my sincere apologies for interfering with any contract you made with the Starks."
At this Walder seemed to recover. "I-I imagine your niece is an enchanting and enthralling individual." The ambitious old man began, his voice cracking slightly, "B-But be that as it may, Catelyn Stark promised me that her son Robb would marry into my family. Should he spite us to marry Princess Rhaenys-"
Viserys raised a hand. "I see." He said calmly. "It would be a terrible embarrassment. A marriage to Robb Stark would make your daughter Lady of Winterfell. It is a good position, prestigious – but not the highest. If he is to become family through my beloved niece, than I would take up this contract in his place."
Walder choked on the wine he had picked up a moment before. "Y-Your Grace-! You mean to say-"
Viserys nodded. "I would make your daughter Roslin Princess of Dragonstone, with your permission."
Roslin gasped, stumbling back into a chair in her shock. Olyvar put a hand on his shoulder to steady her; he was one of a few who hadn't frozen upon this declaration. A burst of stunned muttering sprang up among the other Freys; clearly many believed Viserys was making fun of them. When his expression never changed, they fell silent in astonishment.
Walder's jaw clicked once and then he started grinning madly. "The Dragon is most generous indeed!" He proclaimed. "So be it! Roslin?"
Viserys turned to his new bride to be. Roslin nodded, and nodded and nodded and nodded with tears of joy starting to trickle down her cheeks. "Y-Y-Yes father. I-I agree. I agree!"
"Lothar! Bring a contract, some parchment and a quill. Now!" Walder barked.
When his elder son scrambled off, the man turned his attention back to Viserys. "Tell Princess Rhaenys and the Starks that her slight is forgiven, and the Dragon has our full backing. Would you prefer for the wedding to take place at King's Landing?"
"I imagine the Queen would prefer it, should it not be too inconvenient for everyone involved." Viserys said easily, before offering Roslin his hand.
She took it, gazing at him in adoration. I wonder. Was this what you experienced, Rhaenys? All at once? ...If that is so...I can only hope Daenerys, Lillian and Ginerva will get to feel it as well.
**~At Winterfell~**
"My boys!?" Catelyn asked the exhausted Theon, her face full of worry.
The centre of Winterfell was a mess, the ground littered with the bodies of Greyjoys and Starks alike. Among the fallen were Rickard Karstark's son; the man's mourning cries were one of the only sounds in the air aside from the crackling of fires that hadn't been put out yet and the calls of the wounded.
The battle had been fierce, lasting for three days – with incredibly heavy casualties on both sides.
The Greyjoys were unfamiliar with the territory of the north, and that was key to their failure to hold the castle. Balon Greyjoy's head was now rotting on a pike, alongside his brother Euron. The survivors were either being held for ransom or chased out to return to the islands alone.
Theon had appeared scarcely an hour after the invaders were routed, chased by three men. They were put down by archers.
Robb watched as his friend caught his breath. For a second, he feared the worst. Then, Theon looked up and said, "Safe. With Osha. The wildling woman. Hidden in the godswood. I was leading away pursuers."
Catelyn sobbed in relief, leaning against her husband for support. Eddard turned around to bark orders at a few sellswords to go and bring the children back to safety.
Robb found himself smiling. He grabbed Theon by the arm and helped him stand, before pulling him into an embrace. "Thank you," He said emotionally.
"You have the thanks for all of Winterfell, Theon." Eddard agreed, regarding the youth with shadow cast eyes. "I can only imagine how difficult this was for you."
Theon tried to brush it off with a shrug, but Robb could see a haunted look in his eyes. "When Balon gave me a sword and told me to hack off Bran's head, it didn't seem that difficult."
"Your injured." Robb noticed the spear wound on Theon's arm was bleeding quite profusely. "Let's get you inside."
%&%&%&%&%&%&
While Theon's wound was relatively minor compared to others, it had run the risk of infection. Maester Luwin was treating him while Robb sat off to the side.
Despite reclaiming his home, Robb still felt a small pain in his chest. Though he had already read it over a dozen times, he pulled out the small letter he had found on his desk what felt like an eternity ago.
Dear Robb;
I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I'm leaving without saying goodbye. I'm sorry I haven't been honest with you about myself.
I've lain with you under an alias. My real name is Rhaenys, of House Martell and Targaryen. My 'sister' Jeyne is Emily of House Black, of the Kingdom of Essos. My father and stepmother sent me to your camp to listen when they took king's landing.
I lied so much. But there's one thing I didn't lie about.
I do love you Robb. I love you more than I've loved anyone in my life. That is real, it always was – it wasn't part of a plan or political manoeuvring or anything else. You're unlike anyone I've ever known. Your kind and brave and loyal-
I'm sorry. My family needs my help and my dragon. If it was anyone else, I would stay, I'd be confessing this in person instead of leaving some gods-forsaken letter-
But I have to help them.
I understand if your angry. I understand if you hate me after this, for lying, for causing you pain and trouble. I wish I could take that away.
I love you.
-Rhaenys
Robb folded it closed and put it away. His Talisa was Princess Rhaenys.
If the Freys didn't kill him for breaking his word, Rhaegar and Viserys and Aegon would have him fed to the dragons when they discovered Rhaenys was no longer a virgin. She would probably try to protect him, but the Master of Whisperers would find the culprit eventually.
He had confessed to both his parents. Ned hadn't been too happy, but in the end he remarked that Lyanna must have influenced her step daughter quite a bit and said he'd try to barter with the Freys once they had dealt with the Greyjoys.
That just left Robb to sit with his thoughts. However he looked at it, he couldn't see how he might be allowed to marry Rhaenys even if his father managed to quiet Walder Frey's temper.
He had never wanted anything so much, and his chest ached whenever he thought about it – which was often, despite his best efforts.
**~In the Westerlands~**
Tywin Lannister sat alone, regarding a map of Westeros before him. There were a few other Lannister generals with him, but he didn't trust their input to be worth the trouble.
He was trying to come up with a plan to face down the family he had betrayed to gain power.
With the burning of Casterly Rock and the Fires of Blackwater Bay, Tywin was certain that the Targaryens had dragons once again. How was immaterial; it merely mattered that they had them.
Neither Rhaegar nor his sons would care to let him live after his betrayal during the Rebellion; nor would their accursed Witch. There was no defence against a dragon...
But perhaps there could be leverage.
Tywin had come across Robb Stark's love affair with Rhaenys Martell Targaryen quite by chance, thanks to his communication with Roose Bolton.
After his humiliating defeat at the boy's hands, caught between the Starks and King's Landing, Tywin had begun to look for other ways to bring his enemies low. He was famous for exploiting weaknesses among his enemies ranks. Walder Frey was known as a petty man who held onto grudges, but this was well known and Tywin didn't trust him to take hostages.
Roose Bolton, on the other hand, could.
Tywin knew that the Boltons had always resented the fact that the Starks, not they, were the ruling houses in the North. And in was in this fact that he created his plan.
When the Starks were weakened after fighting the Greyjoys, the Boltons would strike. Kill Eddard. Shatter the Wolf's control over their land. Make an example of the older girl, maybe both.
Take some hostages, perhaps the younger boys...but most important was the capture of Rhaenys's precious lover.
With him in irons, the Targaryens couldn't use their dragons or condemn him to a terrible death. That put them back on a level playing field. And Tywin was not considered Westeros's most dangerous man for nothing.
As for the witch girl...many in Westeros feared magic users. Tywin doubted she was very popular – especially as a foreign Queen who could be influencing the ruling family. It would be easy to convince multiple men to attempt to assassinate her.
End Chapter
(sighs) Trust Tywin Lannister to come up with a plan in spite of the odds. Much as I loath it, the man's not stupid - he's a master schemer. That's why we had the Unspeakable Red Wedding, after all. How shall this pan out now? We shall see...
Read and Review please!