Chapter 17
Warning: Rated M in some parts
Midnight
The Twins
Tristram was standing at a clearing near the bridge when he saw Lady Rose slowly rising from the water towards the banks of the river. Being the gallant man that he is, he assisted Rose to the clearing.
"Good day, Young Mistress. I was not expecting you to join me here; to what do I owe the pleasure of your company." He said as he handed her his cloak and they started walking
"I heard from Godfather before he went North to keep an eye on his acquaintances that you were going back to Riverrun to join Ser Tully and aid their men. Is this true?" she asked
"It is, my lady" He answered
"Then I shant keep you from your task, Tristram. This is where we part ways for I have a promise to keep." Rose said quietly
"Not Olyvar Frey again!" Tristram protested
"He kept his part of the deal. He protected my sister while she was still a captive of the Lannisters. I am bound by the laws of the Twelve to correct Giuly's error. Tristram, I still need a few of Freys for this plan to work. I have spoken with my great-uncle and he swore to me to spare as many Freys that I want." Rose revealed then Tristram tried to reason
"But, my lady I-"
"Must go on your way, go Tristram. I will be fine. You have my word, my friend." Rose assured him by marking a cross above her left breast then continued.
"Now give me the map of the Twins"
"Be safe my lady" Tristram said then sighed
"Goddesses!" as he faded into the wind
Rose opened the map and took note of the window opposite the hall which led to the Lord's Solar. Suddenly she was being held by a man garbed in black and furs as a woman appeared.
"If it isn't my sweet little sister. My love, release her so I may look upon her" the woman said as the man did as he is bid.
"Oh sweet child, how you've grown" Arianna shed a tear
"Mortality suits you, dear Arianna. I see your powers have returned, how did that come to pass?" Rose smiled
"Self-preservation and by choice, I'm sorry I've misplaced my manners. This man, sweet sister is my husband Lord Markus Antonius Stark, The Intelligent Wolf, brother to the Lord of Winterfell." Arianna announced
"Charmed" Rose said
"My lord, this young lady is my half-sister Nessarhose Arielle Aphros Calcire" Arianna gushed
"A beauty and I apologize for earlier." Markus uttered
"Think not of it." Rose dismissed and said
"Sister we've work to do" she said handing a silver chalice with water to Arianna
"Of course." Arianna nodded and gave her sister a small container
"Dákry gorgónas,glykiá mikrí̱mou aderfí̱. Méros ti̱s thysías vévi̱los." then Rose left.
Rose changed her appearance to make herself look younger then flew to the window of the room of Olyvar Frey. She approached the sleeping young man and sat by his bed.
"Olyvar, I've returned-" she said but was immediately assaulted by a kiss and she imagined Velkan kissing her.
"My lady, I did what you asked and protected Lady Argos. Although I had to point a knife to her throat so I won't be suspected" Olyvar said exuberantly
"Yes, you did and you didn't let any filthy Lannisters touch my little sister. Can you tell me where I can find Lord Stevron Frey?" she asked
"He is in a sickbed from the battle at Oxcross."Olyvar replied
"Thank you. Now I want you to look into my eyes" Rose whispered seductively as Olyvar eagerly obeyed
"You will not remember me or my sister and you will not remember what happened between us. You will go to sleep." Rose said as her golden eyes pierced into his and caused him to lose consciousness.
Rose flew to where Stevron was but found him in Death's embrace
Thánatos! Parakaló̱na stamatí̱sei ton chreiázomai
With those words, Death stayed his hand and waited.
"Stevron Frey, Harken to me! I will spare you from Death and grant you a second life but it comes with a price. Will you accept?" Rose said
Stevron nodded weakly then Rose healed him of his infected wound.
"Then drink this. It will give you strength, youth, and power." producing another silver chalice and pouring a colorless liquid into the water and offering it to him but before he had his hands on the chalice, she withdrew a little.
"But first, House Frey must swear absolute loyalty to House Tully in parchment and swear on your new life that no harm will come to members of the Houses Stark and Tully or their bannermen at the hands of House Frey"
Lord Stevron was reluctant but Rose let Death hover over him once more
"Listen, a curse was cast upon your house by one who is of my blood and I am here to correct that error. I am trying to spear your family at least those who are innocent so do write your pledge then I will let you drink after that we will discuss my demands unless you want to be known as the man that sentenced his entire house to death." Rose threatened
"You make hard bargain, my lady but I do swear it" Lord Stevron said as he wrote what asked of him. Rose took the document and made it indestructible. She let him drink from the chalice and almost instantaneously Lord Stevron was healed completely.
"You will release Robb Stark from the marriage pact out of gratitude for saving your life and returning you home even though your brother is a traitor to his liege for endangering an important ward and in extension endangering House Tully. You are to offer Roslin Frey to Lord Edmure of House Tully in marriage instead. Along with an offer of marriage, you will send this document to Riverrun. Are we understood?" Rose demanded
"How can I release Robb Stark? I am not the Lord of the Crossing." Stevron said
"Are you not?" Rose said mysteriously as Lady Frey appeared
"My lord, your father Lord Walder Frey is dead. Died in his sleep, with his death; you are the new Lord of the Crossing." Lady Frey said as she left him
"Now, you have the power to do as you are told. Now do so for if not, death will come on swift wings for you and your house if you defy me. And don't think of trying to ally yourself with the Lannisters and especially the Boltons. Understood?" Rose said
"Yes my lady. You gave me life. I am grateful." Lord Frey bowed
"Use it wisely and don't abuse it. Once you do you will surely lose it."
Rose warned him and before leaving with Death, she sent Icelus, son of Night and Darkness to give night terrors of warning to the other sons of Walder Frey that if they contest Stevon's authority terrible things happen to them. With part of her work done, Death descended back to the world beneath with Icelus and she left Lord Frey with near absolute power over House Frey, a father to bury, and a missive to send to Storm's End and Riverrun.
CYPRIS
When Cypris learned what Liam did to Giulianna, she was furious. Eager to delay any plan Liam may have she went before her father, the King of the Twelve in all her glory and revealed that Giulianna was caught in the middle of the war in Westeros and was hurt. She pleaded with him to grant her leave to see her daughter without revealing any ulterior motive of her sudden plea. The King was so moved by his daughter's change of heart that he allowed her leave. Leaving the palace, Cypris enlisted the help of her twin sons and Caliz before she transformed herself in to a dove and flew to Storm's End, where she found a sleeping Giulianna in her chambers. Curious, she looked into her daughter's dreams and a future filled with tragedy. Determined to change and prevent that future, she used her power to locate two of her daughters and found them in The Twins. She flew with all speed to where her daughters were and changed herself into a shadow to remain unseen by her daughters. Learning what Rose intends, Cypris was quick to put her daughter Arianna and her husband to sleep, taking the silver chalice from Arianna after Rose disappeared to the tower window.
"That was unnecessary, my love" Caliz's voice sounded in the wind
"No matter how ingenious our daughter's plot may be, I won't let my son by law ruin it. How does Arianna intend to get close to that weasel-faced mortal with her husband beside her?" Cypris sighed
"I see your point" Caliz conceded as Cypris casted a spell
"Aóratos" then a cloud of invisibility covered the couple.
"You go on, I'll keep watch" he said then cringed after Cypris changed herself into Joyeuse Frey.
"I know, I look quite ridiculous" Cypris huffed
"On the contrary, I am quite in awe of you even if you do look like a frail weasel but a beautiful one at that." Caliz flirted
"I hate you" Cypris said.
"And I love you. Now go. I'll keep an eye on your girl, her husband and our daughter while waiting for your twins." He shooed her
Walking to Lady Frey's chamber, she put Lady Frey to sleep and hid her in a cloud of invisibility. At that moment a page came in, saying that Lord Frey has summoned her. Concealing the chalice, she followed her escort to "her husband's" chambers. Upon arriving, Lord Frey dismissed the escort and have the doors shut.
"Come here." He ordered
She obeyed and climbed to the bed but before he could touch her. Cypris held him in a trance and had him willingly drink from the chalice. In an instant, he was dead and Cypris changed herself to a servant girl. She quickly went to the chambers of Lady Frey, lifting the cloud, waking the poor girl and telling her that she was summoned by her lord husband. When the lady left, she quickly turned herself to a shadow and flew to her daughter and her husband. She changed their memories (by borrowing Mnemosyne's power) into one where they accomplished their mission before leaving for Storm's End. She entered unseen by her pseudo-daughter and sent Giuly to a deep sleep and sent her essence into Giuly's body and Giuly's essence into her own body then concealed the body before locking Giuly's chambers and went looking for Robb Stark.
ROBB
Robb was pouring over the map of the Westerlands with Jon when Theon came in with blood on his sleeves and a smile on his face.
"I'm a father of a beautiful girl." He said joyously
Robb froze then ran out the door dragging Jon as Theon led them to Sansa who was nursing her babe as she spoke with Arya and Dany who was holding Barra when the three appeared. Sansa covered herself after handing her babe to her eldest brother.
"She has my eyes and Theon's hair but has the Stark look in her face." Sansa said as her brother hugged his infant niece.
"What is her name?" Jon asked
"Thyia Greyjoy after the midwife, who helped me" Sansa smiled
"You've a beautiful babe, Sansa." Robb said
After a few moments later, Jon left his cousins with Dany and Barra, and Robb went for a stroll down the gate near the beach when saw a beautiful sight of a girl walking through the grounds as if dancing to the music of a peaceful night and when the girl's face was visible to him, it was Giulianna. To his surprise when she touched the light the moon, she began to glow and went to the seashore where she was covered by a veil of light. He watched as she shed her clothes and dived into the water. The next thing he knew he was in the water and Giulianna was swimming towards him then there was mist and light and he saw no more.
CYPRIS
After putting Robb to sleep and dragging him out of the cold sea water, she checked to make sure that he was properly breathing. Taking an unconscious Robb after changing his memories, she donned her gown then disappeared into Giulianna's chambers with Robb. Cypris took her body back and Giulianna to hers then laid her next to Robb Stark in the bed then stabbed them both with her arrows of desire.
"Tha epithymía móno tou, tha prépei na tou dó̱sei gious , kai na ton agapí̱soun kai móno af̱tón óli̱ti̱zo̱í̱sas."
She stabbed Robb with the arrow of love for the first woman he sees. She ensured that it was her daughter.
"Tha agapí̱sete móno ti̱s. Tha prépei na katanaló̱netai apó ti̱n epithymía sas gi 'af̱tí̱n kai na dó̱sei se af̱tó. Tha oneirév̱ontai móno ti̱ xypní̱sei kai na ero̱tév̱ontai paráfora ti̱s . Poté den tha ti̱n afí̱sei kai poté den tha ti̱n peiráxei."
She looked at them both and said
"Sas ev̱logó̱me ti̱n aió̱nia agápi̱o énas gia ton állo. Boreí týchi̱kai ti̱moíra desméf̱soun tis zo̱és sas gia pánta me ti̱n ali̱thiní̱agápi̱."
Having done what she intended, Cypris left them both in a state of undress and locked the chamber doors. Turning to her waiting sons, she began to speak.
"Deserus, I need you to make sure that the deed is done and keep an eye on Giulianna"
"Yes, mother" Deserus obeyed
"Erius, I need you to inform Nessarhose of what has happened here. Please it is important."
"Very well, mother I shall do what I can. What of you?" Erius asked
"I'll be the eyes for all of you" she said as she became unseen
Present time, Storm's End
ROBB
He was riding through the River Road headed to Riverrun when he saw a woman carrying a babe while walking along the banks of the Red Fork. She looked deathly pale and was about to fall. Robb tried to reach her but a man arrived on his steed, dismounted in time to catch her. It was Brynden Tully.
"Lady Cypris, what happened to you?" he asked after seeing a large wound on the woman
"I need your help, Lord Tully. I need to save my boy Aeneas and his father, the war will destroy Ilium and if I can't save my son and they find this child, Aleanarnith will cease to exist. My daughter Giulianna, she is made from the power of my family and of the Council of the Twelve, she is made from my flesh and the power that now resides within her is what created the land I call my home. Unlike my kind, she is meant die one day; I need you to keep her for me. All of Helles is at war with the city of Ilium; I fear that once they find her they will use her. As a goddess I command you to keep her but as a mother, I beg you to care for her, give all the love that I would give to my own trueborn girls." Cypris begged before she faded from Brynden's sight
"I swear to keep her safe" he swore as he held the child to his heart
The scene faded and Robb watched as the child grew into the beautiful Giulianna. She was flying towards him, her blue eyes almost hypnotic and she kissed him with her soft lips.
Robb woke and found himself in a strange room and felt something soft move beside him when he looked, he found Giulianna in bed with him and the next thing he felt was overwhelming desire and love for the girl beside him. Unable to stop himself from his growing lust, he ran his fingers through her golden hair, leaned towards her face and kissed her passionately while climbing on top of her. Giulianna woke to a heated kiss from a very naked King in the North on her but before she can think clearly, she began to feel immeasurable desire when Robb's tongue begged for entrance. She opened her mouth as Robb tasted her and kissed her thoroughly. Overcome with pleasure, Giulianna gave in and let Robb have the gift of her maidenhead. The King of the North made love to Lady Giulianna Argos several times before the sun rose from the eastern sky. That is how Rose found her sister and Jon found his cousin inside a woman who was not his wife.
Earlier that day
Jon was teaching archery to Edric and Gendry with Lord Renly and Loras. Gendry was struggling with his stance but Jon corrected him and after a while Gendry was able to shoot an arrow at the center target. Arya was trying her hand at the longbow with Loras teaching her and making decent progress when Theon rushed out and came for Jon.
"Aren't you supposed to be with my sister, Theon?" Arya pointed out
"Sansa sent me to call for Jon. Lady Daenerys intercepted a missive for his grace from Lord Frey." Theon panted
"Where is my wife?" Jon asked
"The library with Margaery, Sansa and Thyia" Theon panted
"Go, Lord Baratheon. We will be here to watch this bunch." Loras assured them as he corrected Arya's hold on the longbow
"If you insist" Jon said then followed Theon
"Where is Robb?" Jon asked
"In his chambers" Theon replied as they entered the castle where they met Lady Rose.
"My lords, I need to speak with his grace King Robb Stark." She said
"We are on our way to pay him a call, my lady." Theon replied
"In that case, I shall join you, gentlemen" Rose insisted
"My lady, it would be most improper for a woman to enter the chambers of a man." Jon pointed out
"Dash propriety, my lords! This is urgent" Rose exclaimed
"I should go get Lady Baratheon" Theon sighed as he took his leave
"Then come along" Jon sighed as they neared Robb's chambers but did not him there.
Two pages (Caliz and Deserus in disguise) led them to Giulianna's chambers. When Jon reached the door, he heard heavy breathing. Quickly, he opened the door and found Robb in an extremely compromising position on top of Lady Argos.
"ROBB!?" Jon said
"Giulianna Kornelia Argos, Stamatáme af̱tí̱ti̱n akolasía kai érchetai pros ta edó̱af̱tí̱ti̱stigmiaía"
Surprised, Robb disentangled himself from the object of his desires as she covered herself beneath the furs.
"Lady Calcaire, I wish to have a word with you about your sister" Robb said as he grabbed his breeches. When Rose saw the scene, she feigned at shock at what she saw but was relieved when she saw death's mark disappear from his skin.
"Indeed, your grace. We shall have words" she agreed then glared at her younger sister
Without delay, Robb gave Giulianna his robe as she left to obey her sister and Robb went to change into something decent.
"We shall speak in my solar." Robb said as he left. Rose was escorted by Jon as they prepare to leave the room; Giuly was about to talk to Rose but her sister calmly said.
"Get dressed Giulianna; I will be with you momentarily." Rose ordered and Giuly obeyed. As Jon and Rose left the girl to go to the lord's solar. Robb appeared in a white shirt, grey breeches and a black jerkin and sat behind the desk. Jon was still shocked by what they saw earlier but straightened up when Dany arrived with Theon.
"Lady Nessarhose, I apologize for that awkward situation-" Robb began but Rose changed the subject
"Your good cousin is here, your grace. I'd imagine that she has important news."
"Thank you, my lady. What news, Dany?" Robb turned to her
"A missive arrived by rider last night from the Freys, they've a new lord. Lord Walder passed away last night. Lord Stevron Frey, his eldest son is the new Lord of the Crossing. He released you from the marriage pact as a form of payment for a debt of gratitude for saving his life in the battlefield. He offered his sister Roslin Frey to your Uncle Edmure Tully as a wife to show his loyalty to House Tully and assurance that they still fight alongside the Starks." Dany summed up
"Well, that news is very convenient since our dear cousin has become the man that Theon was before he married Sansa and dishonoured a ward of House Tully. No offense, Theon." Jon seethed
"None Taken" Theon assured him looking proud of Robb
"Robb, how could you?! Ser Brynden entrusted her to us, how can we explain?" Dany asked
"Think not of it, Dany and stop your fretting Jon" Robb said
"Robb you may be a king but have you forgotten that you are a Stark and a Tully. Family, Duty, Honor! The very words Aunt Catelyn instilled in you and you just throw them away. What would you have me do Robb? You've placed me in a difficult situation, cousin. How am I to face-" Jon reminded him
"You shall do no such thing. I will full responsibility of my deed. Lady Calcaire, I wish to wed your sister" Robb declared
"My grandfather is the man that you should ask for her hand since he is the head of my family and that is how you Westerosi do your courtship and make alliances. He knows what you've done for her during the negotiations with Lady Lannister. He will approve. My mother informed him of how you saved my sister and to show how grateful my family is of your chivalry for saving Giuly. On behalf of my grandfather, I give you his blessing to take Giulianna as your bride. Given the timing of it all, being released from your marriage pact with House Frey and you debauching my sister. I do suggest you wed her soon before Grandfather catches wind of what you did to my sister lest he destroys you before you have your chance to sit on your throne. However, even if you have the blessing of my family and mine, it will not matter. 'According to the laws of Aleanarnith, one has a choice in who he/she can wed and a choice if he/she will wed or not.' It is Giulianna's choice if she wants to marry you or not and I have a feeling that she does, seeing as she let you do what you did. I know for a fact that she has feelings for you since Riverrun." Rose raved
"Very well, my lady I ask you bring her here and in your presence and with your consent. I will ask her to marry me and restore her honor." Robb said diplomatically
"I shall fetch her" Rose left
"Jon, call for the septon." Robb ordered
"I hope you know what you're doing." Jon patted Robb in the back
"So do I" Robb sighed
"Dany, you and Giuly-."
"I will be kind to the poor girl it is the least I can do after what you've done to her." Dany said coldly.
"I am guessing that we will see you in the sept?" Jon hinted as Robb huffs
"If she agrees then probably" he nodded then Jon turns to Dany
"Come, my love we must tell Uncle Renly and Lady Margaery the news." Jon said as they left Robb
"You go ahead, I must fulfil Lady Stark's request" Dany kissed her husband then went to their chambers, took a beautiful new gown of white and silver entrusted by Lady Stark to Dany to give to Robb's would be bride and went to Giuly's chamber.
GIULIANNA
She was bathing when Rose found her. Wordlessly Rose washed her sister's hair, helped her in to her small clothes as well as lacing her corset. She let her sister dry her hair and started brushing it like Rose always did when she visited her in Riverrun in Giuly's childhood, twisting it and styling it like a waterfall and placed a crown of white roses.
"Robb Stark has asked for your hand and you would do well to accept his suit." Rose began
"I will do what is right, my lady." Giuly whispered as she felt guilt knowing that she hurt Rose
"You must for if you don't wed that Stark boy, you will pay a heavy price. Listen to me before you become a wife. While I was in the halls of our great uncle, the Lord of the Dead, we have seen a glimpse of your future. Your womb will quicken and you will bear a son and a daughter and more to come. You will grow old with the love of your husband and your offspring and rule as a queen. You will die and be buried beside your beloved in the crypts of his fathers. That is your happily tragic fate if you marry him and I will never see you again after you die except maybe in the fields of Elysium. Giuly hear this now before you pass to the care of another. You are my sister. Though you are not from my mother's womb, you are made from her flesh. Though I was never given a chance to know you, I have and will always love you Giulianna. Whatever you choose you will always have a sister who loves you. It is your choice Giuly." Rose said while giving her sister a kiss on her temple while embracing her as Giuly began to cry.
Dany came in with a beautiful white gown and handed it to Giuly.
"Lady Catelyn, asked to give this dress before she left. She had it made for you. I suggest you wear it now. Robb has asked to see you immediately." Dany said as she left
Rose helped her sister into the gown, grabbed a silver cloak from a chest and quickly embroidered the symbol of the Twelve (Omega sign in capital) with gold thread where a sigil should be then she folded the cloak and led her sister to Robb when she was ready. The page announced Giuly's presence and Rose gently pushed her into the room and had the doors closed. Robb was mesmerized by the sight of Giulianna clad in his mother's gift. A vision in white and the Maiden of his dreams, she was wonderful.
"Your grace, my sister sends her apologies she had an errand to run and bid me to tell you that whatever you ask of me does not require her presence." Giulianna spoke then Robb began
"That is unfortunate. However, what I will ask of you affects us both. I have dishonoured you by taking your virtue, an act that brings me shame therefore I ask for your forgiveness for my offense."
"You are forgiven, your grace." Giuly whispered then to her astonishment she watched as Robb got down on one knee
"I would also ask you for the honour, nay privilege of being your lord husband. Lady Giulianna of House Argos, will you be my lady wife and queen?" he asked
"Yes, your grace" she smiled as happy tears began to flow
"Call me Robb, my love" he smirked
"Then call me Giuly" she gushed as he leaned for a kiss that she returned fervently
"Marry me, Giuly?" Robb murmured
"Now?" she questioned as he nodded then led her to the sept where Jon, Dany and Rose were waiting. When Jon told Renly and Margaery, they made quick work decorating the sept and the Great Hall with white roses with help from Theon, Sansa, Arya, Gendry, Rose, and Dany. Margaery planned a simple wedding feast in the Great Hall. Theon came from behind Robb as Jon helped Theon coax him away from his bride-to-be
"Come with us, Robb. You'll see her again in mere moments but now follow me" Jon said as they hauled Robb into the sept. Rose removed the crown of white roses to place a veil over Giuly's head then set the crown on her head once more and placed the silver cloak on her shoulders.
"Are you ready?" Rose asked then Giuly hugged her
"As I'll ever be" she replied as they entered the sept a man with blue eyes and golden hair put Giuly's right hand on the crook of his arm
"Hello Erius, glad you could make it." Rose said
"Wouldn't miss this for the world, Deserus is here so is mother. Giuly, she asked if I stand as your father that is if you let me" Erius smiled
"Of course" she replied then he changes his face to look older as the doors opened the three siblings walk towards the altar. Robb looked at his bride and the man who took her father's place. The man lifted the veil and gave her a kiss on both cheeks Rose did as well then replaced the veil and gave her to Robb. The ceremony began with the exchange of cloaks, Erius came forward as Robb removed the silver cloak, folded it and gave it to Giuly then place the white cloak with the grey direwolf on her shoulders then Giuly gave the cloak to her brother and returned to face the septon, who bid Robb to take her hand and ties their joined hands with a ribbon which declaring:
"In the sight of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls binding them as one for eternity and let it be known that Giulianna of House Argos of Aleanarnith and Robb of House Stark are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder. Look upon one another and say the words."
Robb's Tully blue gazed into Giuly' stormy blue eyes and together they spoke.
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am hers/his and she/he is mine. From this day until the end of my days"
Giuly blushes as Robb removes the veil and declares
"With this kiss I pledge my love" leaning for a sweet passionate kiss.
King's Landing
Stannis had made several changes in the Capitol as Regent. He had Baelish executed after being found guilty of having a hand in attempting to murder Bran Stark and along with Lysa Arryn was beheaded for the murder of Jon Arryn the former hand of the King. He journeyed to Braavos to settle the debt of the Crown during Robert's reign. He improved the living conditions of the people of King's Landing at the same time fortifying the city's defences, taking full advantage of the temporary ceasefire. He was expecting his nephew Prince Stephan Baratheon, the only true son of Robert and Cersei; was to be his ward.
"Stephan, I know you're there. Did you think you could hide?" Stannis said
"I wasn't hiding, uncle. I've a missive from Jon. You might find the contents very intriguing seeing as you've missed plenty of the events that have come to pass in Storm's End." Stephan smirked
"Intriguing?" Stannis repeated before reading the missive
When he was done Stephan saw a hint of a smile on his face and said
"I wonder what will the blood of a goddess make when mixed with the blood of the direwolf. Stephan, be a good lad and fetch me some parchment and ink."