DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.
Chapter rating: M
harlequin320: Please enjoy the next update!
NicoleR85: I know, it's one of my favorites too. I can't wait to write out Jaime's decision and his fate! I really liked Jaime and prayed he stayed good and didn't go back.
Black Dragon 42: Glad to make it so! Please enjoy the next chapter~
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Chapter Forty- XL: The Sea Dragon Tightens Her Coil
(Northern Army)
Rhaenyra moaned as Robb held her down, pumping his hips against hers. His hand tangled in her hair as she grabbed the furs, the pleasure building with her husband moving at irregular speeds. Moans and groans leaving him, Rhaenyra noticed her husband was quite vocal the closer he got to his release, she got a bit wilder but he became louder. Rhaenyra noticed how sensitive she was when she was pregnant and could not wait to become pregnant once more. Only she hoped the war would end soon so it would not be during this another of her children would be welcomed into the world.
Quickly, she pushed him back and straddled his waist as he moaned when she retook his member before helping him reenter. A desperate moan left the young queen as she bounced, trying to get to that final leg of the climax. Robb tangled his hands into her hair as he kissed her hard, kisses running down her face and neck, her own hands tangling in his curly hair and running down his back. The candles glowed off their skins as she bit his ear, eliciting a groan from her beautiful husband. She held his head to her chest as Robb all too happily suckled on her nipples. He never minded the sudden taste of her milk as he'd quickly detach from it before sucking other parts of her supple breasts. Her groan echoed through the tent as she moved faster, feeling that tingle before a snap came as she felt him flood and warm her belly as she moaned happily, settling more into his body while sharing kisses. Robb brought her down before laying her down as he laid over her, bringing her legs up under his arms and started to move once more he was inside her as she whimpered in sensitivity. Their sounds filled the tent once more.
XL
Valaena sighed as she sat there working on her needlework. The Velaryon woman decided to sit outside and wait for her daughter and queen to return with the twins. Ever since Rhaenyra reported seeing Lannister men marching nearby, she worried every time the girls flew off, especially with the babies too. Robb, though, trusted his wife to be safe and would not fly too far from camp if something was wrong.
"You know, you could trust our daughter to keep the queen and children safe," Jaime teased her with a smile as she jumped before laughing softly.
"I do trust her. I also worry if they're spotted and attacked. Rhaenyra has been hit twice on dragonback," Valaena said while Jaime sat beside her.
"When she was alone, and not when she had her children with her. Knowing she also has to look after them will make her more cautious on flying near danger," Jaime reassured her as she smirked.
"You sound like Tyrion almost, with how relaxed you appear," she joked as he laughed.
"Yes. I should have started to listen to Tyrion a bit about certain things," he said as she hummed. "Val, I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm sorry, I truly mean it," he said as she looked down at her stitching.
"Sorry for Baela or-"
"For leaving you with Baela," he said as she smiled.
"If you had known then you would have broken your vows and there was a chance your father would have had us both killed. To prevent further ruin to your family's name," Valaena said as he froze. "You know this is true," she spoke before standing as he stood to follow her, accepting the food a soldier offered them both when they went to break their fast. Rhaenyra had gotten up early this morning with Baela who was still learning to fly effectively on Alysanne. She felt uncomfortable and when her father suggested it was like riding a horse his daughter quickly deflected.
"No, it is not, and I also did not fear falling off thousands of feet and breaking all my bones if I rode a horse, by chance a broken bone, back, and/or concussion. Not instant death when you fall from dragonback," Baela shot off with a smirk as her father laughed. Jaime smiled at that memory of the three of them eating together days before.
"You need to stop worrying so much, otherwise you will miss all the good things. Even during this war are good things, such as the twins' birth, the dragons growing up," Jaime said as Valaena smiled gently. She knew what Jaime was doing, trying to ease her worries, which was something he was very good at.
When the rebellion started she worried the Capitol would fall, but Jaime had promised she would be fine. When her worries became more and Queen Rhaella was leaving to Dragonstone with Prince Viserys and a handful of servants Jaime asked his queen to take Valaena with her, not only for his peace of mind but also to keep her safe and his queen had understood that, smiling at seeing the devotion in Jaime to one of her favorite lady-in-waiting and her cousin. Jaime knew his secret relationship with Valaena wasn't exactly as hidden as he wanted with his queen or the prince, who would chuckle when he'd see a young nervous looking Jaime around a giggling Valaena. It was only when Valaena had fled to Dragonstone did she realize her moonsblood never came for weeks after her last night with Jaime. It pained her but reassured her she carried something of the man she loved. Jaime had told her everything from his childhood, including his relationship with Cersei. Valaena had understood, it was just how her Valyrian mind worked, she would never judge incest between family even if they never had it. Even now that he had children with her, same thing for Valaena she's always carried. To hate his children and Jaime, she would have to hate Rhaenyra, Daenerys, and their family, her family. And she could not.
Even now, Jaime still could not believe that the mother of the child still cared for him, after all he did. But it made Jaime's decision confirm his choice, he would do what's right and be there for his daughter and Valaena. He would help right a wrong that started nearly two decades ago.
XL
(Sansa)
Sansa made her way with her girls, they followed the Hound who was on guard with her direwolf as his partner as the she-wolf was protective of the small group. Tana, Maeia, Sia, Cella, and Elza were her loyal companions through all their marching, Cella and Sia were her normal sleeping companions. Elza had become the one to help her mend her clothing and started to create her dresses for her, Elza said her grandmother used to be a famous slave weaver that many slave owners wanted, the slave's grandchildren had been given out as they had the same teachings as her. Sansa had become so curious about Essos from the girls' words, they all came from different cities, most of Valyrian creation; Lys, Pentos, and Myr.
"So, you just did whatever the owner of your mother did?" Sansa asked as one nodded, stitching with her. Elza was a good weaver and her stitching was perfect from Sansa's words.
"Yes, Princess. That is the life of a slave's child, we were slaves too," Elza explained as Tana playfully pulled a giggling Sansa's hair as she was braiding it for the redhead.
"Do not think about these things," Maeia ordered as she brought Sansa her food. The women still treated Sansa how they did in King's Landing. Caring for her and tending to her needs despite the limited resources and time they had to wander around.
"I cannot believe we will be reuniting with Robb in a few weeks," Sansa said as her ladies smiled.
"You must be happy, Your Highness," a guard spoke softly.
"Both happy and terrified. The dragons are what I fear," Sansa said as she stroked Lady's ears. The wolf was now the size of Rickon's pony that was given to him by his brothers when he turned four, it would have learned to handle his child form and help him be ready for a horse once he grew into boyhood.
"Worry not, Your Highness. Your Queen would have a good hold on them now that she rides them," one of her girls smiled as the other hissed.
"She only rides one, her cousin rides the other, one remains unclaimed which is unpredictable," Maeia warned. Sansa paused while she looked at her stitching, a direwolf with pups surrounding her, it was for her mother.
"I will put my trust in Rhaenyra, for she helped me with Lady and Arya with Nymeria. I feel she would not fail in controlling her dragons," Sansa said as the others smiled at her before agreeing as the Hound also hoped the same.
XL
Sansa had nearly leaped out of her skin when Lady started by snarling and baring her fangs aggressively. She made the Hound and men surge to their feet with their weapons while her ladies protected her, pulling knives and long needles for weapons. Lady's snarl became louder as men ordered whoever to be wary as the she-wolf was much more formidable than even them, Lady was much bigger and thicker in size compared to a man in chainmail and swords. The Hound who examined her himself stated the female's body was being made ready to no doubt bear pups whenever she runs into a male but also thickening her body to endure any attacks, such as bears and large stags. Sansa remembered that was how her she-wolf's mother died, having an antler rammed through her throat.
"Oh, aye. I know the female is more formidable than you boys," Bronn's voice called out as Sansa froze.
"Sansa?" Shae's voice came out from behind Bronn who still held a sword up, eyeing the she-wolf who showed her fangs in warning.
"Please, we are not your enemy," Tyrion said as another scoffed.
"You are a Lannister!"
"And yet, the Hound following you, is a Lannister man as well, is he not?" Tyrion asked as the Hound laughed.
"Not anymore, Imp," he said simply as he sheathed his weapon. "They are on the run from the Keep," he announced as Bronn tensed.
"How do you suspect that, ser?" Tyrion asked, finally stepping into view as Sansa froze at seeing his face, it was slashed, like a weapon came down sideways. Leaving his face scarred diagonally.
"Because your man here is continuously looking around as though he is waiting for someone to leap out," the large man spoke. "Why are you on the run?" he asked as Bronn glared.
"My father and sister of course," Tyrion said as Sansa froze. "We are traveling in the way of your brother, seeking asylum with his army," Tyrion announced. Sansa puased while eyeing them as Shae approached.
"Please Sansa, we need your help. We helped you in the Keep by keeping your secret about Queen Rhaenyra's letters. All we ask is you help us speak to your brother," she said as Sansa froze before nodding.
"I do not know what I can use for speaking on your behalf, perhaps with Jaime there it might soften the blow," Sansa said as Tyrion smiled.
"Thank, Your Highness," he said, a gentle bow as his lover and sellsword did the same.
"Come, we were about to make camp," a knight offered as Bronn perked up.
"Don't have to tell me twice," the man said, joining in making camp before they broke out the food and drink while Sansa and Shae conversed, sharing what the other missed. Sansa learned everyone on the Red Keep and how Cersei had shut the gates to keep the lower class out of the Keep's walls, should an attack come it would leave the people defenseless. This was something they needed to tell Robb.
XL
(Northern Army)
Robb was laughing as he held his daughter who squealed softly as her father kissed her cheek a few times. Eddard laid peacefully in his mother's arms, cooing softly as he slept. The small family sat together as Rhaenyra hummed softly to her son as Daenaera laid her hands on Robb's face as he playfully bit her tiny hands as she screamed in play. Rhaella, who had been sleeping nearby, lifted her head suddenly but saw Robb playing with the small babe as he'd do it again before kissing her, the growing dragon would just lay her head back down as Rhaenyra sat her son down so he could sleep amongst the grass on his blanket that Roslin made for him with Lynara, Wylla, and Wynafryd's help. Thoros and Melissandre have stayed with the Northern forces and almost became healers to the Queen and her children. The Brotherhood Without Banners have become members of the northern army until they depart back to the Stormlands.
"Your Graces," Ser Barristan approached as he slowed. The dragons were cautious on who approached the babies. The knights close to their mother were among the few permitted to approach. Finan, who was curious about the dragons, asked a couple of questions to the soldiers who traveled back with them.
"So do you think she would agree?" Athelstan asked as Stiorra shrugged. She was fixing her arm guard.
"It was a requirement that Father asked us to request if she wished for our aid further," Stiorra said, though she looked to her husband as he nodded.
"She is with her dragons and husband," he said as Jaime came into view.
"May I ask why you are looking for the queen?" Jaime asked, he overheard the conversation and did not want someone to pressure the queen.
"A stipulation for the further use of our aid," Athelstan claimed as Jaime frowned. "Our lord, her father, wishes to have one of our men married to a member of her family or group of ladies," he said as Jaime looked surprised before nodding.
"That is something you will need to ensure the queen understands who you are asking about. Most of the girls present already have betrothals or are to be offered up to Prince Bran or any male relatives of Rhaenyra's," Jaime warned.
"What about her cousin?" Stiorra asked.
"My daughter?" Jaime questioned, eyeing the girl in shock. A gentle laugh escaped him as Jaime knew what his daughter preferred. "Uh, you can certainly ask, but she would no doubt give the choice to Baela," Jaime knew his Queen's choice on that. For children who have no say, she'll decide for them, others such as his daughter and Robb's sisters, she'd give the choice too. As Rhaenyra noticed how close Arya and Gendry were becoming she knew, Arya would fight the Frey betrothal. She thought the Freys were ugly or rude. Roslin was among the few exceptions as she had her mother's appearance, from her brothers' words.
"Well, if her queen tells her-"
"I am not like that," Rhaenyra cut the Frey soldier off as they all turned to see Rhaenyra standing there with her twins as Robb was frowning while giving his daughter over to Valaena. Roslin came and retrieved Eddard, the two quickly left for the King and Queen's tent. Rhaella chittered softly before launching into the air as she flew off, joining her sisters. "Now that our time with the babies was interrupted, how can we help you?" Rhaenyra was seen asking as she folded her hands in front of her. Obviously, she was not wanting to deal with this right away. But knew she needed to.
"Your Grace, our lord has requested that the further use of our aid be countered with a marriage pact, as many of our people are wanting to have a compromise on the give from your side," Athelstan said. Robb, frowning at his words, stepped forward.
"A compromise?" Rhaenyra questioned.
"A betrothal or marriage of a relative of yours," Stiorra said as her husband stepped forward.
"My cousin, Wolland, has offered to be the man to be married to if you have any women willing to marry," Sigtryggr said as his cousin bowed his head to Rhaenyra. The young queen paused before turning to look at Baela. The young woman herself, paused, surprised before humming while thinking before nodding.
"Think about it fully, My Lady," a soldier requested before she glared.
"I have. Unlike you, I have spent time with these men, I have spent time with Wolland himself, when he helped train some men before we left Winterfell. Should I need to think any further than the last six months I have traveled with this man?" She asked the soldier who blushed at her sharp words while Sigtryggr, Stiorra, and Wolland all grinned. The large man himself chuckled as Baela approached. Stepping up onto the tips of her toes, she kissed his cheek when he leaned down to mimic the gesture. "To help confirm an alliance between our people I will happily marry Wolland, unlike those who complain and think a quick unification is not a safe plan when it is," Baela said as Rhaenyra smiled and nodded.
"Very well," Robb agreed. He hoped Baela could come to care for her future husband, it will be challenging for her but he hoped she could find a common ground with the larger man.
"Once the fighting is done, she will be asked to come to Skagos and ensure the wedding takes place," Sigtryggr said as Baela nodded.
"I am one of our Queen's companions, will I be expected to leave my duties?" She asked as Wolland shook his head.
"No, I will join you in serving our leaders," he said, Baela smiled warmly and nodded once more.
"Would you all excuse me? I wish to fly with Alysanne to help bond better with her," Baela requested as some agreed while others wanted her to stay behind and discuss this further but Wolland and Rhaenyra both agreed she could go while Rhaenyra and Robb finished discussing the details of her marriage to Wolland. As everyone knew, any children Baela had could have a chance of riding dragons if more dragons were to hatch. That is the whole reason Rhaenyra knew many of the lords wanted their sons to wed Baela, regardless of whether she was a bastard or not. Because many had offered their second or third sons, nephews or cousins to marry her when she was known to be Alysanne's rider. So, Robb was going to be playing peacemaker between the lords and those who wished to marry their family into his wife's family.
XL
Jaime sighed as he sat beside Valaena who was stitching something. It was a part of their daughter's marriage cloak. It had the heraldry of Velaryon seahorses and Lannister lions with the red thread and blues threads.
"That's beautiful," he said as she smiled softly.
"His Grace thought it would be fitting as he and the Queen do not see Baela as a bastard but a sister, so he claims to just use both family sigils," Valaena spoke as he nodded. "I honestly never thought she would marry," Valaena smiled as Jaime laughed.
"I could see it, but they'd have to be someone strong willed," Jaime claimed as his lover laughed loudly. "She gained the good qualities from both of us, I would think," he surmised as Valaena hummed. Pausing in her sewing as she thought of her daughter warmly, thinking of her childhood.
"Stubborn, very loud, and is quite prideful when she knows she is right," Valaena commented, Jaime flushed at her words. "But she is a good swordswoman, I believe that is why Wolland had suggested her cousin in the first place, rather than a girl like Sansa. I like to think she got her natural skills from you," she said as he smiled before chuckling lightly.
"It is sad, I am sure Karstark's boys' could beat me if they truly tried. They're improving though, Torrhen is much faster and Eddard can finally lift his shield while using a lighter sword," Jaime laughed as Valaena beamed.
"Gods! Rickard has tried everything to get those boys better, what did you do?" Valaena asked. Many would note how at home she felt among the other lords; some she called by name, others she still by their title until allowed otherwise.
"Figured out what they were weaker in and started from there. Despite my father's teachings, they did come in handy," he commented as Valaena grinned.
"Most parents' advice tends to work, until it doesn't," Valaena trailed off as she slowed her stitching before poking herself as she jumped. "Seven Hells!" She shook her hand as Jaime caught it.
"Oh, it's just a prick you big baby," he teased, gently kissing it as she paused for a split second. Eyeing him confused before gently shaking herself as she allowed him to release her hand with a smirk. "Tiny little prick made you jump? And you gave birth to a child?" he grinned as she growled playfully, smacking him as Lynara watched at a distance. She bit her lip softly while walking back to the tent where her queen resided and decided to sit with her. Both were stitching clothes for the babies as Rhaenyra was actually much better than she used to be. Sansa was the best of the four girls with stitching, Baela and Arya were not much into the girl prospects while Rhaenyra did it but could not do as beautifully as Sansa and Catelyn. Though she was much better now, having spent her months in tents during her fights against the Ironborn. She had nothing better to do and could not sit on her dragon's back all day, despite wanting to. At the moment she was working on a cute dress for her daughter that was in the Stark grey blue coloring.
"Your Grace," Lynara started as Rhaenyra hummed, she long stopped correcting her ladies and friends on calling her by her title now as she was always with other ladies. As Roslin, Wylla, and Wynda sat in there with her, working on their stitching as well. Catelyn was spending time with her grandchildren with Arya. Eadith, Finan's wife, was a healer and was tending to the children when Melissandre said she would continue back to Renly. But she had warned them about lions invading the bountiful lands filled with food," it confused everyone before Jaime realized. His father was attaching the Reach. He knew that would be the next place for Tywin to attack so he could take the money and food the Reach held. So Robb had sent scouts ahead to check as Rhaenyra had reported to see Lannister men marching south.
"Aye, Lynara? What is it?" Rhaenyra asked, noticing her friend had not finished her sentence.
"I noticed Valaena growing closer and closer to Jaime," Lynara said as her queen paused.
"Ladies," Rhaenyra quickly said as the three stood, curstying to their queen and left to another part of the large tent. Once they were out of earshot, Rhaenyra turned to Lynara . "Explain," she ordered. Lynara turned to face her queen and started. Telling her everything from what she saw and have been seeing for months since Jaime was allowed to be free. Rhaenyra looked away as she sighed.
"Robb has the same worries, I try not to though, because it makes Baela happy," Rhaenyra admitted. Lynara paused before smiling sadly.
"I would love for her parents to be together but she cannot just-"
"Stop, Lynara," Rhaenyra ordered, swallowing thickly. She hated having to use her queen-voice on people she loved. "If it becomes an issue, I will deal with it then, but I will not step in their way of happiness. If she makes Jaime happy and content to stay than so be it, but if he attempts to flee he will be caught and back in chains he goes," Rhaenyra said as Lynara watched her, surprised before nodding.
"Aye, Your Grace. Forgive me," Lynara nodded her head before whistling that they were done and the other three came back in.
"Makes us sound like dogs," Wynafryd playfully teased the elder maid who chuckled.
"Oh, do not worry my dear. That is nothing how I treat the men, who I almost do treat like dogs at times when they piss me right off," she grumbled as the women giggled before wails could be heard.
"The joys of being a mother," Rhaenyra smiled while standing as Arya entered with a smiling Eadith who cooed to Daenaera, the red-faced squalling child, obviously hungry.
"Already a demanding Princess," Wylla cooed, offering to hold one while Rhaenyra, with no hesitation, undid her upper dress and started to feed her daughter.
"Is that not uncomfortable? Mother always said wetnurses were meant to be used for noble and royal blood," Arya asked, watching the babe eat.
"At first, but I feel a comfort to feed them from my own breast," Rhaenyra spoke softly while rocking her daughter and cooing to her. "But if you feel better with a wetnurse once you start to mother children, Arya. That is your own choice," Rhaenyra said as Arya frowned.
"I will not have children," Arya said as all the women looked up at one another before bursting into a giggle fit. Including Dacey and Stiorra who were standing guard as the men outside smiled softly, knowing it would change once she grew older.
XL
(King's Landing)
"How could Tyrion escape? He's not exactly hard to miss," Tywin asked his guard who froze.
"I am not sure, My Lord Hand. We were going through the rooms and when we noticed smoke coming from the Master of Coin's chambers we saw nothing after putting the fires out," the man explained.
The last few days had everyone clearing out the burned remnants of the chambers Tyrion stayed in for Master of Coin. But two nights ago, the night Tyrion escaped, a fire had started, no one knew what it was that started it.
"My Lord Hand, there have been reports of Queen Rhaenyra's knight spotted marching alongside her sister Queen Daenerys," Varys said as Tywin sighed. This was one of the last things he needed to deal with.
"And what good does that do us?" Cersei asked, not liking that her message to Jaime was taking so long to reach him and back to her. She didn't think it would take Jaime this long to respond to her.
"It tells us what is between the twins. Rhaenyra's man is no doubt helping her sister in choosing what would be better for her rule," Twyin said as Cersei looked down. "And it would appear that Robb Stark's army is getting closer to Casterly Rock and now that his wife has joined him, we might have to divert our army to go defend it," he sighed, realizing the negative of them attacking The Reach while Robb was aiming for the heart of the West.
"Then what are we supposed to do for the food and money?!" Joffrey shouted, angry that he was doing nothing but listening to annoying people. His grandfather was doing nothing for their army.
"Calm down, my love. We are still heading for the Reach. If anything, Robb's men will have enough and they will disperse back to the North where they belong," Cersei said, trying to soothe her son's outburst. Her father was slowly pulling his support of Joffrey having a voice in the council or present at all.
"They are not dispersing, Mother, they are getting closer and closer to the throne! You say this Targaryen woman does not want the throne but why else are they marching South? We have nothing for them, no Stark girls, no Eddard Stark, we have no prisoners of the north and riverlands. They, on the other hand, are gathering prisoners from the Greyjoys and our men! Your leaders and counselors are useless in fighting against these savages," Joffrey snarled.
"There are reports of the wildlings gathering months from the Wall. If they are reported to go on the attack, the northerners will no doubt go back to defend the North. Leaving you to retake what they leave behind," Varys spoke, helping calm the crazy King's mind.
"I keep hearing talk of the Wall being under threat, that wildlings will overrun it but I do not hear of it actually happening, only talk. What more of a threat is this rumor if it is just like the others?" Joffrey demanded as Cersei bit her lip at her son's jumpy nature.
"Well if we get the north under control, we would be able to handle the threat and be seen as the saviors, the Stark boy and his whore wife are just playing King and Queen here in the South. The people will see that they are of no use to them once true hard times hit," she said, taking his hand as he looked at her, scoffing while sitting down. "Now onto your marriage," Cersei smiled.
"No, I will wait until the war is over before looking for a wife," Joffrey said while frowning. "Why divert my attention to some stupid girl?" he questioned as Tywin frowned.
"Because you need an heir. Robb Stark's wife has given birth to a boy and a girl, her sister had twins as well before the boy and his father died, leaving his sister for Daenerys' campaign to use as her heir. These dragon children are a danger for your reign," the grandfather said. "You must marry and produce your own heir to submit your rule. If need be we can invest Baelish looks for a noble lady of Eastern blood, at least she would be controllable," Tywin muttered the last part as Cersei bristled.
"Another foreign whore? Isn't that the reason the Targaryens fell? Aerys chose to marry his heir to a foreign princess whore?" Cersei asked as Tywin frowned. Cersei has been drinking more and more, disregarding how she should act as Queen Regent over Joffrey. She just sneered about the women of court, almost terrorizing them. It was the reason Kevin refused to bring his wife and newborn daughter to King's Landing whenever he offered as Lancel was stationed there as a knight. Kevin claimed he refused to allow his innocent wife and defenseless daughter to be near the viper pit of King's Landing. But Tywin knew why, his daughter was a growing nightmare for the women of King's Landing. And a growing headache for him as a result.
"We need someone we can control and someone who can bear heirs for His Grace," Tywin spoke as Lord Varys started to write the letter. "Have him start to inquire about maidens of a good age and breeding, she must be pleasant and quiet, not a girl that gossips or indulges," he eyed Cersei as she looked away feeling the scolding from where she sat three seats away this time.
"Of course, My Lord," Varys said as Cersei pursed her lips before swallowing a mouthful of wine once more as Joffrey hissed about not wanting to deal with some stupid girl or a ridiculous wedding. But Tywin ignored him and already had a plan to set ahead in case Robb invaded Casterly Rock's defense. He could not risk the Rock's safety.
XL
(Northern Army)
Jaime sat there, staring at the man who offered the letter from Cersei. He could not understand at first as he just stared before taking the parchment. Jaime did not know how to explain this feeling. He and Valaena had just spent a nice time together last night and Jaime remembered why he had enjoyed being with Valaena. Cersei was controlling and manipulating, Valaena was strong, stubborn, and loving. Even after knowing he bore three bastard children to his sister, she still loved and cared for him. As in her words; "if I hated you, I would need to hate Rhaenyra. For she was born from incest, but I do not blame you. The stories you've told me, Cersei manipulated you because that is what we women were taught back then, I just ignored it," she told him after waking up beside him. Jaime felt content to lay with her, to say she was his love and the mother of beautiful children. Valaena said she adored Marcella and Tommen once she met them, adoring Marcella's sweet nature. And reassured him that she was safe in Dorne and slowly falling in love with the people and her betrothed who was smitten with her the moment he met her, from what Doran has written. His guards tell their prince that his son rambles about her constantly, but respectfully, showing his desire to be a good husband to her and help her when the time comes for Cersei to be dethroned. Trystan has sent word to Rhaenyra how Myrcella truly is curious about the rumors of dragons in Dorne, many still don't fully believe even if their prince says they are real and growing large. He slowly unrolled it before seeing the desperate scrawl.
"Jaime. Come at once. Help me. Save me. I need you now as I have never needed you before. I love you. I love you. I love you. Come at once. Our beautiful son is in dire need of your protection as our father is refusing to listen to the King and allow him to make a decision. Throw away the toys you've kept yourself entertained with these last few months. My love, I implore you, return to us, return to me," Cersei's letter pleaded as Jaime just stared before folding it as he stood.
"Do you have a reply for your sister, my lord?" the man asked cautiously. Jaime hummed quietly just a moment as he walked around his tent before smiling softly.
"No, I do not. Ser Barristan!" Jaime called out as the man froze. Jaime with lightening reflexes produced his sword as the man tried to flee. Cutting his leg so he was imobile, Jaime waited until the old knight raced in with a handful of others and Robb Stark.
"What is the meaning of this?" Robb asked the Lannister who offered the parchment.
"A ploy of my sister's, this is the letter she sent trying to get me to return to King's Landing," he said as Valaena paused, brows furrowed softly while thinking of Jaime's choice.
"Lock him up and tighten the guard around the camp. How did he get in?" Robb demanded as the men frowned, they were not sure but were determined to find out for their King. Valaena slowly approached Jaime while he looked away. A small kiss to his cheek made him look at her as she held his hand softly.
"Come on, don't stay in here by yourself," Valaena urged as Robb gave Jaime the paper before Jaime just let it catch fire and laid it on the plate before following Valaena outside. Robb watched that small gesture as the dragons shrieked while Alysanne greeted Jaime happily while Baela also did the same. Talking with her parents as Wolland slowly joined, Robb realized the four knew one another well as they traveled to Winterfell and back, Wolland joining afterwards.
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(Daenerys)
"What do you mean she should not take Meereen?" Daario asked, scoffing at the knight's words. Daenerys stared Raynor down, she understood his words when he spoke them.
"Your Grace, when I came here to help you, you were already gathering a great army, you have a good number of foot soldiers, you have a good portion of Dothraki who are skilled riders. But the former slaves you are gathering will have no place to go in Westeros," he said as Missandei looked at him sharply.
"There is ample land-"
"Farm lands, lords' properties that they will not give so readily to foreigners. My people fight the wildlings more than anything and we share the old gods. How do you think the high society of the southeron lords act when they will have to give up fertile land for those who do not follow our gods, old or new? That will be expecting housing, resources that the war is already draining of our powerful houses, and safe placing. Houses that were once powerful and plentiful are being made barren and poverty quickly follows their destruction. Your Grace, I mean no offense nor insult. You know by my loyalty to your twin that I will do anything to help you take the Iron Throne. But going to Meereen, that will take you from your true campaign, what you started out to do," Raynor said as he stood in front of Daenerys, the young queen sitting there as she stared at him.
"I swore to free my people," she started.
"You have, Your Grace. The people you have with you, because once you go to Westeros, you will be expected to see the Westerosi people as your people too. You cannot just see one side once you set sail, these people will be expecting to fall into place just like the rest of our people, working the land, being soldiers-"
"The people will not go back into bondage-"
"I am not talking about bondage, child," Raynor cut the translator off as she thought he meant to have them once more being servants. "But they cannot just gain land, servants, and will be equal to the lords of the land. They will be expected to live in castles to serve the lords or be the peasants on the farmlands, unlike here in Essos where they have slaves, we do not but they will be expected to do work," he said as Daenerys looked down. She stood quickly and looked over her crowds and saw her many soldiers and fighters, but also saw the vast amount of former slaves that she now cared for.
"She may take and bring to Westeros whoever she pleases," Daario scoffed.
"No, she cannot. People, like you sellswords, are worthless to my people," he snarled as Daario lost his smirk and swallowed. "We value loyalty, truth, and honesty. Traits that no sellsword, that I met, carries, they only fight for coin and their own gain, a soldier who hires out his services to the highest bidder. She does not need that, she needs the Southron lords who live and fight for their land and ruler, that is their prerogative for owning the land and living there, not those of Essos who fight for everything for gain and their own values. She needs loyalty, men who fight for their honor and words they swore, not to a mad King but his daughters who are level-headed, calm, not those who just take and do not think afterwards, have you thought of after those cities you took and freed? Are they still free now?" he asked as Daenerys paused.
"Of course they are, I liberated them," she defended as he frowned.
"No, Your Grace, they have once more fallen to the masters. Slaves are once more being enslaved there," he revealed as she froze. "You do not have the loyalty you think you do here," Raynor said firmly as he noticed Drogon advancing on him, growling. This dragon was obviously closer to Daenerys than her other dragons were. Daenerys looked down and back at Rhelli who whined softly.
"Then what should I do?" Daenerys asked softly. Ser Jorah, Missandei, Grey Worm, and Daario all looked at her. Seeing her face as passive and understanding. "To gain the Southron lords' loyalty?" she asked.
"Your sister is sending their terms and requests, you may negotiate, but all she asks is you truly consider them before saying yes or no. She is actually sending a handful of people to talk with you," he said as she looked curious.
"Who is she sending?" Daenerys asked, wondering if she knew who it was.
"Your nephew, Jon. And all this will be explained once he comes as well, please, Your Grace," he requested as Daenerys stared at him incredulous.
"You want me to believe I have another nephew?! I have one who claims-"
"One who takes a claim of a babe that was reported to be slaughtered with his sister and mother. No one will believe he is Aegon Targaryen! But Jon is who he is said to be. Ned, who made us all believe was his bastard son, took his nephew from his dying sister. A girl who was the heart of our North and the start of our whole rebellion, a girl who was among the most beloved members of our Northern families, died birthing your brother's son. Howland Reed had letters Ned had saved from being burned in the Tower of Joy, many were reported to be in her hand, Rhaegar's hand, and even Elia's hand. All concerned with Lyanna's deadly pregnancy. But, Your Grace, I implore you to please think of this and truly decide on your future to the Iron Throne," he said as Daenerys lifted a hand, stopping Drogon from approaching while Viserion lifted himself up to croon to a giggling Rhelli held in Irri's arms.
"I will, thank you for telling me everything," Daenerys said, she knew Rhaenyra did not tell her for a reason but wondered if she would've. "I wish to spend time with my daughter and dragons, please leave," she requested as Irri gave Rhelli to her mother. Her dragons followed and curled around them, crooning to them both as she held her daughter and stroked her dragons'. Thinking of everything that she needed to do before making her decision.
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End of the chapter, hope you all enjoyed it! Please read and review. Since watching Last Kingdom, I've loved Stiorra and her hubby and their friend, they were some of my favorites other than Brida, when she wasn't trying to kill Uthred.
Now Baela is marrying for an alliance and that will come into play later on. What do you think?
~Rusty14~