A/N: Sorry again for the long wait. Im sure many can relate, life tends to get in the way of things. Almost a ten thousand words long this chapter, and I hope every word is worth the wait.
Jon
Waking early in the morning to the Northern breeze blowing in through the window of Daenerys chambers, Jon arose from the bed and stood on his feet to put his trousers on. It would be a long day today, and one he doubted Daenerys was ready for.
She was still asleep, laying in her bed alone with the blankets covering all but her face. A smile formed on his face as he walked around the bed to her side and placed a kiss on her forehead. He didn't deserve someone like her, a bastard and a former princess, the two didn't belong. And yet, somehow, he was lucky enough to have her.
Putting on his black leather tunic, Jon moved towards the door to make his way to his own room, where he could change into something more presentable for the king's arrival.
When he exited into the hallway, the smile he had on his face vanished instantly as he saw Greyjoy standing beside the door waiting for him. "Snow," Theon greeted him with a smirk on his face.
Jon gave him a sharp glare before turning away and walking to his room. Theon was quick to follow. "Lady Stark wants us all looking pretty for the king's arrival, Snow, asked me to tell you, it's time to lose the stubble."
It was no surprise that Lady Stark wanted everything perfect for the king's arrival. Though, he didn't understand why she wouldn't prefer him sent away to Wintertown for the evening instead. Viserys and Daenerys were already going to be absent for the visit, and the royal family wouldn't be interested in acknowledging a bastard, so why should it matter when he's concerned.
His father no doubt wanted him there, all of his children present to meet the king. "Let me change first." he insisted as he continued to walk on.
He didn't make it far however,as Theon was quick to catch up, clasping his hand on Jons shoulder. "Viserys is like a brother to me," he began, Jon knowing immediately where this was going. "How do you think he would feel if he knew you were bedding his sister? Much less if he found out I knew and didn't tell him?"
Shrugging away Greyjoys hand, Jon continued onward. "You won't tell him, and he won't ever know, he can't." Viserys was as much a brother to Jon as Theon was to Robb. Indeed it felt like he was betraying him, but Dany wasn't his, but still he could never tell him the truth.
How Theon found out was oblivious to him. Robb would never say a word and he doubted Daenerys told him. "Lucky for you Snow, Robb is like my brother as well. And I know he would never forgive me if I told anyone. So rest easy, knowing your secret is safe with me."
Some part of him wanted to slap that grin off Greyjoys face, but he restrained himself. He was better than that, and he wouldn't give Theon the satisfaction of having gotten a reaction out of him. Instead, Jon simply looked at him, gave him a stern look, and walked away to his chambers.
Viserys
The banner of a crowned black stag came closer to Winterfell's gates. Viserys stared on in both disgust and dread as the Northern wind blew through his silver locks.
A large party of horses and carts and a wheelhouse were so close to the gates, and it would be mere moments before he laid eyes on the man he hated most.
It was not just the Baratheon stag that made his face turn and redden, but also the banner with a crimson field Blazoned with the golden lion of Lannister.
Curiously, the golden Tyrell rose was carried with them. Seemed the Kingslayers lady wife was accompanying them as well.
Taking his hand as it tightened, Daenerys' soft touch helped quell his rising anger. Lord Stark had placed them both up here to avoid potentially causing a scene "Are you afraid?" He asked his sister, wondering if she was prepared to meet those who had butchered their family.
Surprisingly to him she shook her head. "I remember what you told me, how he was a giant monster with the strength and fury of a god." That was how he had described the usurper to her years ago, but now that he was older, he figured it might have been a bit of an exaggeration. "But I don't think he'll harm us, not under lord Stark's roof.
Guest right was a sacred custom, so she was right about that. Unfortunately for them, they could not do a thing to their guests for the same reason.
Ahead of the royal party came a few knights wearing the Baratheon armor with the stag horns on their helm. They parted on each side of the entrance to the courtyard, making way for everyone else to enter.
First came a knight in golden armor with a crown engraved on its breastplate. Likely it was the usurper's replacement for the Kings guard armor, having clearly gotten rid of the silver steel armor with the three headed dragon engraved in place of the crown, used by the true kingsguard that had served under his father, and the Targaryen family for centuries.
Next came forth a young man, around Sansa's age he imagined, with golden hair and wearing a crimson tunic. The boy was followed by a bigger man dressed in dark armor wearing some dog-like helm.
As a crimson wheelhouse was pulled through, Viserys looked at the Starks. All of them stood tall and presentable to greet their guests. Sansa he noticed was exchanging glances with the golden haired boy, while Robb seemed to take notice of this as well. Arya seemed to have finally arrived from whatever was holding her up, and Jon and Theon stood behind everyone, as they were no Starks.
A fat, dark haired man came on a horse next, and a few servants carried over steps to help him off. As this was happening, Viserys looked around for the Usurper. He figured perhaps he was coming out of the wheelhouse, but surely it would be covered in Baratheon colors and not Lannister.
Everyone soon knelt to their feet, and the fat man walked up to them. 'No, it can't be' Surely what he was thinking was wrong, there was no way that this was the same man that had killed his brother, that had usurped his family. Viserys had even seen Baratheon when brought before him in the Red Keep, and this fat hog was nothing like him.
It was when Eddard was gestured to rise to his feet by the fat man that he truly knew, this was the same usurper, just…"You got fat." the Usurper said to lord Stark as the crowd stood silent.
The two men then chuckled, and embraced each other in a brief hug. Viserys watched on in disappointment, still thinking of what could possibly have happened to the man he had spent his whole life hating.
Sixteen years ago the man was no doubt a monstrous warrior, capable of overthrowing the mightiest house in all of Westeros. 'How the mighty have fallen.'
Jaime
So far his brother had yet to show up, but otherwise everyone was here in the dining hall. The entire room was literally filled with people, and Jaime was dying for this to all end. Not just the feast, but the entire visit.
The North was the most empty and boring of all the kingdoms, not to mention the coldest. Would it not have been simpler to send a raven? How unfortunate that was not the way Robert did things.
Right now as Cersei and their children sat at the royal table, Robert was at another with some Northern slut, groping the poor girl. Oh how he wished he could do something about the king's behavior towards Cersei, she didn't deserve this.
A part of him wanted to go to his sister's side, but he was bound to a different table with Margaery and their daughter, Joanna. His infant son Loren was in their chambers, being cared for by a wet nurse as this feast was no place for a babe.
It wasn't the greatest marriage, at least not for him. Margaery was a sweet thing, always acting happy and delighted, trying to make Kings Landing a better place, while helping the poor in Flea Bottom. However, she wasn't like Cersei. Despite their significant others, both he and Cersei were still as they always were.
Regardless however, Jaime did hold up to his fathers wishes. He bedded the Tyrell girl, and now had two children with her. Joanna had her mothers hair, but the Lannister emerald eyes. Loren had his eyes as well, and was starting to sprout golden locks on his small head.
As the feast went on, music was playing and some people were dancing, while many were feasting. He glanced at Lord Stark, standing with some Northerner with the same looks as Eddard, likely some other Stark Jaime never gave a single thought about.
Finally, entering the hall, he saw a stunted man approaching them. It had only been a few hours, but Tyrion always kept good on his promises, just not the timing.
Joanna seemed to notice Tyrion as well, as she turned from her food she had been playing with to her uncle, and cried out for him. "Unc Tyri".
Tyrion chuckled at the toddler's mispronunciation and kissed her forehead. "Beloved niece," he greeted her before playfully picking Joanna up and moving her closer to Margaery, so as to fit between her and jaime. He then ruffled her hair while looking at the food in front of him. "I see you began without me."
Margaery put on a smile and looked at Tyrion. "You missed quite the greeting, goodbrother."
Tyrion smirked, "I imagine it was quite the occasion, but I was occupied with other matters." he said as he ruffled Joanna's hair.
Jaime looked down at his brother, "Matters that couldn't hold off until this evening?" Already Jaime knew the answer to that.
"I held them off for a month, surely that was long enough?" Tyrion smiled. Margaery seemed to pick up on what they were talking about, and turned her attention away towards the center of the dining hall.
"Attention!" Jaime and everyone else looked to the center of the dining hall to find his grace standing up with a jug of ale in his left hand. "Your king has an announcement."
"I have decided that Lord Eddard's children, Robb and...Sansa, will wed my own children...Myrcella and Joffrey. May this union strengthen the bond between not just our houses, but our kingdoms as well."
Jaime was honestly surprised. Not that Joffrey was to wed a Stark girl, but that Robert had gotten Cersei to consent to Myrcella marrying the heir to the North. However, one glance at his sister told him that the king hadn't even run it by her, as she seemed to be shocked, and angered. She did her best to hide it of course, but Jaime always knew when his sister was upset.
People began cheering for the royal matches, and the redhead Stark girl had a smile so big, it was like she dreamed of this all her life. Joffrey put on a smile as well, and looked at the Stark girl, though Jaime knew Joffrey could care less who he wed. It was only for show.
Myrcella on the other hand looked surprised as well, though did smile as everyone raised their cups. His niece probably wasn't thinking about how this meant she would be torn away from her mother.
Meanwhile, Robert clasped the eldest Stark boy on the back, and said something to him that Jaime could not hear. It must have been amusing, as they both laughed.
"Jaime," turning his head back, Cersei stood behind him with a sharp emerald gaze. His sister was angry, though he knew it was not directed at him. "Have you seen Joffrey?"
'Why would I have?' Perhaps if he was still a Kingsguard he would know, but it wasn't his responsibility to guard or look out for the young prince, only to train him to fight like a knight. "Perhaps he's with the Stark girl, or in his chambers."
Cersei didn't seem to buy either of those, and she almost lost it when Tyrion spoke. "Perhaps you'd be better off asking his dog, is it not Cleganes duty to guard him?"
Face reddening, Cersei turned away and spoke to Ser Barristan, who was watching the feast. "Find your prince, and bring him back here at once, ser Barristan."
Viserys
Sword in his hand, Viserys swung hard against Jon as the two sparred in the training yard. Neither he nor Dany were welcome at the feast, and Lady Stark didn't seem to want Jon present either, so they were here, sparing, with Daenerys watching them from above where Lord Stark would stand to watch his own children train.
A few years ago, Viserys would have won easily as his height allowed him to knock the younger Jon into the dirt with a simple nudge. Now that he had grown from a boy to a taller, stronger man, Viserys had to try harder to win.
He moved right and tried hitting Jons leg, but his nephew parried with his sword and shoved him aside. Viserys turned quick enough to deflect a blow to the chest Jon almost delivered.
After a few more minutes of swinging their blades, Viserys had his sword knocked to the dirt as Jon swung hard at the hilt and caused it to fly from his hand. Jon then held his sword at Viserys neck, a smirk cementing his victory.
Before either said a word,Daenerys clapped from above with a smile on her face. These were some of the moments he cherished most, when it was just them, the last three heads of the dragon, the only family he had left.
A moment after Jon lowered his sword, more clapping came from behind him. Viserys and Jon looked to see a boy leaning against the castle walls with golden hair and emerald eyes staring at him, his hands clapping at a slow pace.
Remembering from the courtyard today, Viserys knew this to be the same boy that was making glances at Sansa earlier. He was also the spawn of the Usurper and his Lion bitch.
A smirk formed on the boy's face, "So, you're the last Targaryen?" He pushed himself away from the wall and took a few steps towards Viserys. "disappointing, I expected more."
"Expecting what exactly?" Viserys replied, trying to keep a plain face. Much as he'd enjoy it, he gave his word to Lord Stark he wouldn't cause any issues.
The boy chuckled. "It's said the Targaryens were conquerors with great beauty." Looking him over, the false prince shook his head. "Though, seeing you, I can't say I'm surprised my father destroyed your family."
Viserys formed his hand into a fist as the boy talked on, though he kept a straight face and stood firm. "And who are you to insult me? Besides the son of a traitor."
The taunting smirk left the false princess face. "Prince Joffrey, the true heir to the iron throne, that my father won after he butchered your ingrate brother." she smirk returned to the prince's face "Honestly, if it were up to me, I'd have ordered the Starks to give your head as a proper welcoming gift."
"I'd imagine lord Baratheon would love nothing more." He replied as he began walking towards the Usurper's spawn, intending to pass him and go to his chambers before he did something stupid.
Before he could pass the Baratheon boy however, Joffrey drew a sword in front of him, stopping Viserys in his tracks. "Did I give you permission to leave?"
Standing still, Viserys sent a glare at the boy who called himself a prince. "Lower the blade," Jon demanded immediately. "Threatening your hosts is-"
"But he's not my host, he's not a Stark." Joffrey interrupted, looking at Jon with a scowl. "And you…you're not one either. So don't dare speak to me unless spoken to."
Turning his attention back to Viserys, Joffrey again smiled and looked from the Targaryens face to the end of the sword at his chest. "Lions Tooth it's called. A worthy blade for ending the Targaryen line, wouldn't you agree." No answer left Viserys' lips. "You wouldn't, well that's alright, you won't have much say in the matter."
Being threatened with both words and sword, he figured that was enough excuse to knock this boy into the dirt. "My prince?" An unfamiliar voice called out from the shadows before Viserys could retaliate.
Both of them looked over where the voice came from, and an old knight in the Baratheon kingsguard armor came forth while calling the false princess name. "What is it Barrastian?!" Joffrey asked while lowering his sword, annoyed.
'Barristan?' He knew that name. Eyes locked on Joffrey, the knight stood tall. "The queen has asked..." Before he finished that sentence, both the kingsguard and Viserys locked eyes.
It was him, Barristan Selmy, the same knight that was sworn to defend his brother. He failed to do so, as Rhaegar was dead while Selmy chose to bend the knee to the man who killed him. Barristan was as much a traitor in his eyes as the rest of them, taking the cowards way out and bowing before the Usurper.
"My...my prince.." Barristan mumbled quietly as the two stared at each other. Viserys' breaths grew heavy as he grew more angry, staring at the man who practically betrayed his brother, and left him for dead on the battlefield.
"Tell my mother I'll be there soon" Joffrey informed the knight of the kingsguard. "I have to show this fool what happens when you disrespect a prince." Again Joffrey raised his sword, trailing it up to Viserys cheek. "It won't hurt...much."
But before he could do anything, Jon came up behind Joffrey and pulled him back. "Get your hands off me!" The false prince screamed as he swung his sword at Jon, missing him. Joffrey turned around and gave him the chance he needed to lunge at the false prince, taking him to the ground and knocking the sword from his hand.
Viserys reached for the blade, and held it at the prince's throat. Immediately Joffrey's attitude changed, and the prince, scared, tried crawling away, but froze in fear as Viserys stepped forward.
Barristan was shouting something at him, but he refused to acknowledge anything that traitor had to say. "please...mercy...I didn't mean..." Viserys held Lion's Tooth at the false prince's throat, and moved it up towards his cheek.
It was so tempting, to do to the boy what Joffrey had planned to do to him moments ago. "Please don't...I beg of you.." How good it would feel, to spill the blood of a Baratheon.
"I won't hurt you...much." Viserys promised as he pressed the blade further against Joffrey's cheek, speaking the same words said to him moments ago. But before he could make a cut, Barristan came over and grabbed his arm.
"They will kill you." Barristan said quietly. "Please, my prince, don't do this."
Viserys breathed heavily for a moment. He wanted to, nothing would please him more, but Barristan was right. Instead he tossed the sword to the ground, and walked off while the knight knelt at the baratheon spawns side. "My prince, are you-"
"Get your hands off me!" Joffrey screamed at the kingsguard, shrugging off the hand that Barristan laid on his shoulder. Rising to his feet, the Baratheon boy sent a glare sharp as daggers towards Viserys, who was staring back at him while walking away. "You'll die for this!" Joffrey shouted before storming off.
Robert
It was getting late, and over half the party had left when people went off to their rooms. He almost went as well with that serving wench, but the Starks had put him and Cersei in the same room, believing their marriage to not be the shit one it was. And his wife had also left the feast, so she might be in their room right now.
Now he was at Ned's side at the high table, the two friends catching up more and talking about how their lives had been going since last they saw each other. They spoke briefly in the crypts, but now they had all night, and he was eager to learn about his future son by law.
Gods, he just knew Cersei was going to throw a tantrum about it, which is why he hadn't said a word before. Had he done so, she would have refused. However, announcing it in front of the entire hall with over a hundred ears to listen would force her to comply. And the wedding wouldn't be for a few more years, so what was there for her to worry about anyway?
"Robert," his friend said as their laughter faded from old memories with Jon Arryn and Mya, his bastard daughter. "There is something I need to ask you."
Clasping his friend on the back, Robert chuckled. "Well c'mon, out with it."
Instantly Robert knew he was going to regret saying that after his old friend said, "It's about the Targaryen children."
All the fun and laughter he had went away at the mention of those two ingrates. For now he could handle being in the same castle as them, so long as they kept her distance. Talking about them was the last thing he wanted to do, especially since every time they had a fight it was about them both.
Rhaegar's death, pardoning the kingslayer, condoning the murder of two dragonspawn, attempting to murder two more dragonspawn, and the kingslayer, and then when that fool Viserys ran away to the Wall.
Honestly, the Targaryens were bad for their friendship. But, because he didn't want to start another fight, he would hear his friend out. "Go on."
Lord Eddard nodded, "They're growing up, and soon enough, they'll want to make their own decisions." his friend paused. "I know your demands were final, but please, Robert, let them live their own life."
"When it snows in Dorne and the Wall melts." He thought to himself. There was absolutely no damned way in Seven Hells he was letting those two roam the Seven Kingdoms. "They can wander the North, I'll not let them run around the rest of my kingdom and cause trouble."
The Tyrells may be on his side now, but the Dornish...only one man had ever come close to conquering Dorne, and hell, not even three dragons could get the bloody job done. "My decision is final."
Ned gave a nod. "I understand, but I didn't mean for you to let them stay in Westeros." Robert raised a brow. "Let Viserys go to Essos, and remain there in exile for the remainder of his days, with the exception he can return to the North."
"Essos?" it wasn't a terrible idea to be honest, there were no true allies to the Targaryens there. But then again, it didn't mean the boy wouldn't return and plot treason. Although, if he did, Robert would be able to justify killing him. "And what of the girl?"
Ned sighed, "She is not like her father. Let her remain in the North, with my family after I go south to be your hand."
Hesitating, Robert thought about it. The two children separated meant less chance for them to breed, and less chance for them to plot rebellion together. And if they did, after their heads were mounted on spikes, Ned would blame himself, not Robert.
"Your grace!" a few of his wifes guards called out before he could reply to Ned. Robert glanced at them, and noticed his wife walking with Joffrey beside her, holding the boy close.
Both Robert and Ned looked on, wondering what in Seven Hells was going on. A few more men entered the hall, followed by Selmy and Ned's bastard, and the Targaryen boy, restrained by two of his wifes guards. Robert knew those silver locks from anywhere, he saw them every night as he slept, dreaming of killing Rhaegar over and over again. His wife had best have a good reason for whatever this was.
Ned seemed to notice the Targaryen boy immediately, and rose from his seat, face stern. "What is the meaning of this?!" It somewhat angered him how his friend was instantly so protective of the dragonspawn whose brother murdered their beloved Lyanna, Ned's own sister.
Cersei's gaze hardened as she answered Ned's demand. "Sit down Lord Stark, this is a serious matter." her eyes shifted to Robert. "It seems the Targaryens were plotting to get their revenge tonight, my love."
Robert glanced at the Targaryen boy he knew to be Viserys, seeing his hardened face, and how he was trying to avoid eye contact with him. Twas a mutual feeling, for Robert couldn't stand the sight of him either.
Shifting his attention back on Cersei, his wife continued with whatever accusation she was making. "Not half an hour ago, our own son, your heir and crown prince, was attacked and nearly killed by lord Stark's own ward."
Robert looked at his ingrate son, the boy looked upset, angered...but there wasn't a scratch or bruise he could see. "Was there anyone to witness this?" Ned asked, looking at all the guards.
'Oh Ned, if only you knew how loyal to my wife those men were.' Even if it was a lie, all of them would support whatever Cersei or Joffrey claimed happened. And Robert had to admit, he might just go with it to have Viserys executed tonight.
"You would question the word of your own prince, Lord Stark?" Cersei asked, her face cold and serious. "I would remind you that-"
"Quiet woman." Robert demanded as he would not stand for her calling his old friend a traitor. The Starks were too bloody honorable to plot any treason against their king, and so he knew whatever happened, Ned was not involved.
Staring at his son, his eyes and tone grew sharp. "I'll have the truth boy, what happened." knowing his son, this could all be an exaggeration. Then again, the Targaryen boy could easily have come at Joff with intent to kill.
Sniffling, Joffrey looked down. 'Gods, how did my seed turn into such a weak and pathetic cunt like you?' That was a question only the gods themselves could answer. "I was looking around the castle, taking time to admire the place where my betrothed grew up." Joff glanced at Viserys. "Once I made it to the yard where the Starks practice their swordplay, I was attacked by him with a sword. He threatened to cut me open, and would have, if I hadn't-"
"Thats a lie you-"
"Silence!" Robert shouted at the Targaryen when he tried to interrupt Joffrey. But god's, really, admiring the castle? Surely he could come up with something better than that. "Selmy, you were there?"
Of all the people present, Barristan was the only one he knew would tell the truth. Sure, the knight was once loyal to the dragonspawn, but he was still an honorable knight who would not lie to a king.
Barristan gave a nod, "Indeed your grace, I witnessed the confrontation between them both." Robert noticed a flash of worry come across Joffrey's face, but it quickly vanished as Cersei hid their son behind her.
No true Baratheon would be so weak to hide behind their mothers skirts. Clearly he needed to have the two separated, because he would not have this pathetic child succeed him as king of the Seven Kingdoms. "Tell the truth Ser Barristan," his wife began. "Remember your loyalty and oath to your prince."
Barristan glanced at the queen, and hesitated for a moment. 'Don't side with her now Selmy, you're too good a man for that.' He knew Barristan would be honest regardless, but he was getting annoyed by his wife's voice.
Sighing for a moment, Selmy glanced at Viserys, then Joffrey, then looked Robert straight in the eye. "The queen asked me to look for the prince after he had left the feast unannounced. I followed him outside to the training yard."
Selmy paused for a moment, and looked back at joffrey. "The prince was holding a sword in his hand, standing beside Viserys. After I bid him return to the feast as her grace requested, he raised his blade to the throat of Lord Eddard's ward."
Robert turned his gaze from Selmy to his ingrate son, his face growing red. The sharp looks Joffrey and Cersei were sending Barristan did not help their cause much. "Viserys did retaliate, and knocked the sword from Joffrey's hand and took it in his own. Viserys then held the sword near Joffrey, but did not do the prince any harm. I convinced him to lower the blade before-"
"Liar!" Joffrey shouted at barristan. "He was going to cut my-"
"I said be quiet boy!" Robert again interrupted Joffrey. He trusted Barristans word more than his own sons, and Selmy delivered what he recalled. "Alright, we're done here. Cersei, send your son back to his room, I'll speak with him later."
His wife shook her head. "You would believe a knights word over that of your own-"
"Yes," he interrupted, his voice growing angry. "The Targaryen boy will be disciplined, I promise you that, but I'll not let Joff be here to see it." innocent or not, Robert was presented with an opportunity he had not been given in years. "Now go, or I'll have my own guards escort you."
His wife's eyes turned to daggers as she glared at him with such hate he had grown accustomed to. Thankfully, she relented and walked out as the Kingslayer grabbed her hand and whispered something to her, before leading both Cersei and Joffrey out of the dining hall.
When they were out, All of Robert's attention turned to Viserys. The dragonspawn he had wanted dead for sixteen long years, and finally, he was presented with the opportunity to have him executed.
Every fiber of his being wanted nothing more than to see that boy's head removed from his shoulders. But, Ned was right beside him, with a look that was practically begging him to show mercy.
He had come so close, the two were laughing, drinking, enjoying themselves as they had all those years ago. A few months in the capital and they may be close as brothers again.
Staring right into the dragon spawns eyes, Robert made his decision as he glanced back at Ned. "I'll discipline my son for this lord Stark, but it is still a grave crime to bare steel against a prince." The Stag king looked again to the dragonspawn. "Viserys Targaryen, for not just the ordeal with my son, but for the many times in the past where you have defied my rule, I order that you be removed from Winterfell, and sent to the Wall in permanent exile."
"Robert-"
"My decision is final." Ned may not see it now, but it truly wasn't the worst outcome. The Targaryen boy would keep his head, and he would be as far away from Robert as possible. honestly it was something he had wanted for years, should killing him not work out. And should the boy do something foolish and run away south, he would be waiting with his warhammer in hand.
Daenerys
"Please, Dany."
It was a request, he wanted her permission, and yet she simply could not give it. "Jon...don't ask me to let you do this, please."
It was something he had always longed for, and with Benjen having arrived last night, the opportunity had finally arrived for him to go. Yet, their bond, their affair, it was the only thing keeping him here. Was it cruel of her to deny him leave? To deprive him of his wish? Perhaps, but already she was losing a brother, she could not bear to lose him as well.
"You heard the king last night." she reminded him as she stood up from the bed in his chambers. "I can't lose you the same way I'm losing him. Jon-"
Jon stood tall, and broody. "You won't lose me," he stepped over and took her hands in his. "You have your dragon, you can visit us at any time, just as you and Viserys visit your uncle at the Wall." She sighed, looking down at their hands held together. "I've wanted to join the Watch since I was a boy, Dany. you know that."
She did, and it was why she felt guilty for wanting to deprive him of his wish. Perhaps she could visit him and her brother at the Wall, she planned to visit Viserys anyway, but then when she was in Winterfell, he wouldn't be here with her.
"If not just for me, think of your brother." Dany looked up at him. Of course she thought of her brother, Viserys needed her as well. Instead she was standing here with Jon, trying to keep him from sharing Viserys fate.
"We both know Viserys won't listen to the king, he won't just stay at the Wall as ordered." This was true, it was likely he would desert his post. If that happened,and he was caught...could Robb truly bring himself to swing the sword? No, Viserys would have to swear the oath, and her brother would never say those words. "Let me go not just for me, but so I can watch over him, make sure he doesn't leave."
After a moment of consideration, she knew he had a point. Jon could keep an eye on him, better than Benjen Stark would be able to. Sighing, he was right. "Maybe...but..." If she let him leave, she was losing them both. And if he stayed, it would be because she deprived him of doing what he wanted most. Finally, she sighed, and relented. "Fine, you may go, just...know that I will visit the Wall soon."
A smile came across his face. "And I will be waiting for you." He leaned closer and pressed his lips against her own. It lasted for a brief moment before she pulled away.
Gesturing over to his wardrobe, she knew Benjen was leaving in only a few hours. "I suppose I will leave you to pack your things."
Not saying another word, Daenerys left the room. After she had closed the door behind her, a depressing sigh left her lips. Today she would lose two of the people she cared most about, all because Robert Baratheon decided to visit Winterfell and name Lord Stark his hand.
Standing in the hall, Dany looked to her left down one side of the hall. Viserys needed her now, she needed to say goodbye. But as she turned and looked right, she knew only Lord Stark could keep Jon from leaving. As she thought about it more, Daenerys took a step forward,and moved down the right side of the hall, in the direction of Lord and Lady Starks chambers.
Jaime
"I want you to stop this." his paranoid sister ordered him. "I will not have my only daughter ripped away from me." All night and all morning she had gone on and on about this. "He has no right to-"
"Well actually he does have..." the infuriated glare Cersei gave him forced him to keep quiet.
"Our father shipped me off to wed Robert Baratheon, I will not have the same thing happen to my daughter." As he recalled, she had all but begged father to be betrothed to Robert, and she might have been satisfied had their wedding night not gone as it did.
As his sister sat on the bed, Jaime walked over and sat beside her. "Myrcella will be fine, I'm sure lord Stark and his son will allow visits." After all, who would dare defy the queen a visit to see her child.
That answer did not seem to amuse Cersei, as she sighed and looked at him. "I want you to do something about this." She said in all seriousness. "Arrange a hunting accident, make him go missing, convince him to refuse the match, I don't care. That boy will not take my daughter."
"Are you mad? If the Starks found out..."
"Do it for me, Jaime. For our daughter."
'Oh Cersei, you know I can't' Before he could tell her such, Myrcella's voice was heard at the door as she knocked. "Mother?"
Cersei pulled her hand away, and Jaime missed its touch as he retracted his own. "Come in sweetling."
The door barged open as Myrcella walked in, wearing a golden gown beneath her snow white furs. "Do you know where Robb is? Father said I should meet him."
Cersei concealed her disdain at the mention of Robert and the Stark boy, and Jaime decided to answer the question for her. "I think I saw him by the main gate earlier, going to see his uncle off. I can take you to him if you like."
His niece smiled and gave a nod. "Thank you, uncle Jaime."
As he gave his niece a nod, Jaime rose from the bed and walked to the door. He could feel Cersei glaring as he began to escort Myrcella out. "Jaime" Halting in the doorway, he let out a breath and turned his head back at her. Rather than use words, the stern look she gave him said it all. 'Do it'. In response he gave a curt nod, and walked out with Myrcella.
As both he and Myrcella walked out to find her new betrothed, he could see she looked upset. "Are you alright?"
His niece shook her head. "I don't want to stay here. I don't want to leave Tommen, or mother." She sobbed. "Will I ever see them again?"
Jaime stopped and held her on the shoulders. "Of course you will." She was still young, in fact he doubted she understood all that was happening. "Think of it like this, your mother has brought you and your brothers to Casterly Rock on several occasions. You can do the same, and visit your mother in Kings Landing whenever you wish."
Well, not whenever, as she would have to wait a few years given how young she was and that she couldn't travel alone, but again, who would dare deny the queen's daughter a visit to her mother?
Myrcella sniffled and gave a nod. "I know, it's just…I don't…I'm scared, uncle Jaime."
The main reason he never wanted children. They cry, they get so emotional, and then he has to deal with stuff like this. "Well, you should at least get to know the Stark boy. Perhaps Robb will be enough company, and comfort, so that you need not worry about Tommen or your mother."
She gave him a simple shrug, and they walked in silence until they reached the main gate. "Quite busy this morning." he noted, as many of the castle's inhabitants went about their business, and Stark guards were garrisoned above the gates and on the Walls. Meanwhile, he spotted the Stark boy beside his bastard brother, who was all dressed in black. It seemed the two boys were saying their goodbyes.
Taking his niece's hand, he gestured towards her intended. "Shall we?" she hesitated, but gave a nod and tried her best to smile as they walked over to Robb.
Stark was wearing a brown leather tunic with a fur cloak draped over his shoulders, speaking with his brother as Jaime assumed he was departing now. Perhaps he would speak with the bastard as well, to wish him best of luck and to send his regards to the Watch.
"Robb Stark," Jaime smirked as he called out his name. the Stark boy turned to him, and his eyes drifted to the young Myrcella at Jaimes side. "I've brought you your intended, thought you two should get a proper introduction." he put it kindly.
Robb gave a nod and put on a smile as Myrcella gave a curtsey and looked at him. "I hope to make you happy, lord Robb."
The Stark boy again gave a curt nod. "You will be a delight to me, my lady..I mean, princess." Myrcella chuckled at his correction of her title, all the while Jaime stood firm, his expression unwavered.
"Well, I'll leave you both to it, but..." Jaime leaned into Robbs ear, and whispered. "She will miss her mother terribly, I trust you can fill that void? It would be a shame to have her moping about all day and night." he leaned away and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Myrcella, I leave you in good hands, I trust."
Robb eyed him for a moment, and gave a nod. So long as the boy took care of his niece, and she wasn't miserable when they departed for the capital, Cersei would be somewhat more satisfied. Not by much unfortunately, his sister hated losing things, and she would hate losing her daughter most. but he was not going to kill or hurt Eddard Stark's son on Cersei's orders simply because he was betrothed to the princess. His sister would relent sooner or later, this was just how it had to be.
As he walked away from Stark and Myrcella, he found Joffrey standing by a barrel, holding his face in the palm of his hand as he watched Stark and Myrcella. "Going to miss her two?" he asked as he stepped beside him. Perhaps his nephew had a heart after all.
"I'll manage," his nephew replied, with little to no sorrow in his voice. "I didn't come here to see Myrcella talk with the wolf pup, I came to watch the Targaryen leave." Jaime imagined Joffrey would certainly get some pleasure out of watching the Targaryen boy be forced into exile, especially when it was mainly Joffrey's doing. "He's going to regret what he did, I've made sure of it."
Jaime gave a nod. "That you have, I'm sure every night he's standing atop the wall freezing his balls off, he'll think of you." It wasn't to say he didn't disapprove, but it wasn't his place to come to the Targaryens' defense every time they were in danger. Perhaps once he would have, but not anymore, not years later after so much had changed.
As he was about to walk away, Joffrey shook his head. "He has to make it there first." His nephew said as he looked at an old man dressed in a black cloak. at his waist was a dagger, with a fancy hilt made of dragonbone. Curious how a man looking so low of birth could afford a nice looking dagger like that, but it wasn't Jaimes place nor intent to find out more about how that came to be.
Not bothering to understand his nephew's meaning, Jaime walked away from the courtyard. He kept walking around the keep for a time, looking at the Starks home, and eventually came across a small wolf pup barking up at a tower. It must have been one of the Dire wolves he had heard about, and he knew it to be true as he glanced up and saw one of the Stark boys climbing a tower.
It was high above the ground, and it seemed the boy wasn't afraid of falling at all. 'Quite the little climber, aren't you.' he muttered as he watched the boy make it to the ledge, and enter through the tower.
Eddard
Last night had been a disaster. The feast, greeting Robert, visiting Lyanna in the crypts, all those had been well. However, it all fell apart when his grace ordered Viserys exiled to the Wall. He hated Robert for it, but in truth, it was the best outcome possible considering the king's murderous hate for every Targaryen.
It was just that, he simply could not look Robert in the eye, and call him a brother, or a friend after this, and everything else that had happened over the years. Today they were going hunting with the royal party, but he feared he would not enjoy it.
Not only was Viserys being sent to the Wall, but Benjen was ordered by Robert himself to leave with the Targaryen boy as soon as possible. His brother had rode long and hard and only just arrived last night. He was supposed to join their hunting party, but now he was being ordered to leave after not even a full day back home in Winterfell.
Then there was Jon as well, Daenerys had told him this morning. The boy he had raised as his own son since that moment he first laid eyes on him. The Starks had manned the Wall for thousands of years, and Ned had thought Benjen would be the only one of his family to go. Daenerys had come to him, probably hoping he would deny Jon this right. Catelyn however, had encouraged it.
Jon was almost a man now, his mother would be proud of what he was becoming. Raised as a bastard, Jon stood to inherit nothing, and for the sake of peace in the realm, he hoped he would never know what his true inheritance was.
Perhaps the Wall was indeed the safest place for him, far from Robert, and he was close with Viserys. The two were both family, perhaps it was best they went North together. Jon could also keep the Targaryen out of trouble, for Ned knew Viserys would never let this stand willingly. If he should desert, and get caught, which was likely...Ned could not bear to be the man to swing the sword.
"Sansa," Standing alone in the keep, he knocked on the door to his daughter's chambers. "May I come in?"
Opening the door, Sansa stood in front of him dressed in a white snowy gown, a smile on her face. Before he knew it, his daughter wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you father."
Ned stood there, and returned the hug as he wrapped his own arms around her waist. "For what?" He supposed he figured he knew what.
"For saying yes." His daughter removed herself from the embrace. "I'm going to be queen some day, and Robb is to marry the princess, and you're to be the king's Hand." She truly was happier than he had ever seen her before. "It's all I have ever truly wanted."
Trying not to frown or sigh at hearing that, Ned kept his face neutral. Truly he was proud to see her so happy, but his disappointment was not with her, it was that he said yes to being Robert's hand. After last night in fact, he almost was ready to say no.
But later on that night as he and Cat laid in their bed, and Luwin came to their door, he had no choice but to say yes. Luwin had brought a note from Catelyn's sister, Lady Lysa, Jon Arryn's wife and the mother of his son, Robin Arryn. The letter contained news that Lysa believes the Lannisters murdered Jon, and that they were conspiring against the crown.
Whatever their differences, Robert's life was in danger. Once his close friend, now he was the king. Bound by honor and oath, he had no choice but to go south and keep him from the dangers of whatever the Lannisters were plotting.
Stepping into the room, he walked over to the bed. Sansa's Dire Wolf was laying on the floor beside his daughter's bed. Ned knelt and moved his hand along her fur coat. "Lady"
The wolf perked up her ears, and looked over at Sansa. "Sit Lady, you're supposed to sit when we have guests."
"Sansa it's quite alright," He spoke in the wolf's defense as he continued to pet Lady. "No need to act formal with me."
Turning his head back to his daughter, Ned left the wolf alone and rose to his feet. "I suppose, but I want her behaving when we reach the capital. Everyone will love her there."
The Capital was no place for a Dire Wolf. They were meant for the North, not the South in King's Landing. However, he had promised each of their children they would be responsible for them, and so if Sansa,Arya, and Bran were to join him in King's Landing, so to would their wolves.
"Sansa," his daughter gave him her full attention, the smile still on her face. "Have you gone to say farewell to your uncle before he departs?"
She did not reply at first, but soon shook her head. The smile left her face. "Viserys is there, I won't go anywhere near him, not after what he did to Joffrey."
Did she truly believe what the prince said? Infact, she was supposed to be asleep. Although, the whole castle knew about it, some taking Viserys side, some the princes. He did suppose that if Sansa was to marry Joffrey, she had to support him, whether he was right or wrong. But it didn't mean she couldn't say farewell to her uncle.
Walking over to her side, he held his hands on her shoulders. "You must forget about Viserys for now, Benjen is your uncle, and going south you may never see him again. Not for a long time" Already they barely saw Benjen, and if he became Lord Commander after Mormont, they would see him less. Going South, he hated the thought, but they may not see each other for years. And it wasn't just Benjen either, Jon would be leaving as well.
She didn't answer for a moment. "I'll say goodbye..." Ned smiled, only for that smile to vanish as she finished her sentence. "As long as Viserys isn't there."
Sighing, Ned planted a kiss on her forehead. "Alright," he moved to the door, and stepped outside her room. "Come now then, he won't be there yet, we should go before he is."
His daughter turned around, and gave a nod. "Lady, stay here. I'll be back." She said to her wolf, before following Ned out the door.
Jon
While it may not have been his uncle's original plan to bring a fresh group of new recruits to the Wall, Jon figured the Watch would be most pleased. They had borrowed a horse cart to carry everyone along, and joining them for the journey was one Baratheon knight whom the king no doubt sent to keep an eye on Viserys, and a hooded man in a dark cloak. Then of course there were him and Viserys, who still had yet to arrive.
Robb had come by and said his farewell, it was hard to say goodbye to him. It was hard to say farewell to Arya, and Daenerys most of all. No doubt it would be hard to say goodbye to all of them.
It was what he always wanted, to leave Winterfell and take the black. It wasn't the honorable place he had thought, Viserys and Dany told him such, but still, it was a place where even bastards could rise up high in the world.
"I will miss you uncle Benjen." Sansa proclaimed as she gave their uncle a hug. Jon was proud of her, that she had come to say goodbye. If he was honest, he didn't expect her to.
What surprised him more was that after she had given Benjen a hug farwell, she walked over to him,and hugged him as well. "I'll miss you too, Jon." Hearing her say that, he hadn't ever felt much love from her,not like the rest of his siblings. It was nice to finally feel something.
"As will I," he assured her as she backed away. "I hope the South treats you well, and the prince." Joffrey had shown his true colors last night, he witnessed the whole thing. Perhaps he could have stepped in and done more. If he had, Viserys might not be going to the Wall today.
Bran ran up from behind her and wrapped his arms around him tightly. "Don't leave Jon, come with us, down south to Kings Landing."
Jon released him from their embrace. If only he could, but the south wasn't his home, his home was the North. "Maybe when you come back North, we can see the Wall together, walk along it like we always dreamed about. I'll be a ranger then, I hope." he said as he ruffled his hair, which Bran smiled about.
"I'll be a knight when I come home, maybe a kingsguard." They both smiled and chuckled when he said that. To be a Kingsguard truly was a great honor, more so than the Night's Watch. He hoped Bran would be good enough to be one someday.
Sansa grabbed Bran by the shoulder, and the two walked away, with Bran looking back at him. Lady Stark he noticed was standing from the ramparts above, looking down at him for a brief moment, before diverting her attention to her children as they walked away
As his sister and brother walked off, he noticed Viserys and Dany enter the courtyard,followed by Greyjoy. Sansa he noticed sent a glare his way, but the Targaryen thought nothing of it. Jon wondered what that was about, normally his sister didn't care much for Viserys, more so Daenerys.
Viserys stood out to everyone present, fully dressed in the colors of his house, not in the black leather outfit Lord Stark told him to wear to the Wall. on his chest was the red three headed dragon sewn over his black tunic. His sleeves also red. At his side were his satchel, and Dark Sister. Nobody could tell it was the long lost valyrian sword, but anyone who knew what the swords pummel and scabbard looked like, knew it could only be that very blade.
Daenerys stopped her brother for a moment, and said a few words to robert he noticed was glaring at the Targaryens from afar on his horse, likely waiting for Lord Stark to join him on their hunt. When the two siblings were done saying goodbye, Viserys planted a kiss on Dany's forehead, and walked over to the cart.
Jon locked eyes with Daenerys, and the two had a moment to look at each other one last time before he left. She was the only person who could stop him from leaving, and a part of him wished he had let her. But it didn't matter now. He chose this, it's what he wanted. And soon enough, she would arrive at the Wall on dragonback.
"Viserys," Theons voice interrupted him as he eyed Dany. "Try not to freeze your balls off at the wall." Greyjoy looked at Jon. "That goes for you to Snow."
Viserys only chuckled as he sat on the cart. "I'll not be there long Greyjoy," he tossed a coin at the Ironborn. "Give Ros my regards."
Theon caught the coin and looked down at it. He smirked and took one last look at Viserys and Jon before walking off.
"Room for three more?" Lord Tyrion the Imp asked as he rode on a horse over to them, followed by two Lannister men, each on a horse of their own.
Benjen turned away from the conversation he was having with lord Stark, and eyed the Lannister. "Aye, I suppose you're welcome Lannister." It was good to see more people were joining them, but Jon had to wonder, why would the Imp of house Lannister want to come to the Wall. He found it unlikely the Imp meant to join, especially not after their conversation from the other night. 'Never forget what you are bastard, wear it like armor, that way it can never be used against you.'
As they waited to depart, His father said a few more words to his uncle Benjen, before he too walked over. At first, his father didn't say a word, only looked at him. "There is great honor in the Night's Watch." he finally said. "The Starks have manned it for a thousand years." his father laid a hand on his shoulder. "And you are a Stark, Jon. You may not have my name, but you have my blood."
Deep down he always knew that. He was his fathers son, he had the blood of the Starks and the firstmen, but...his name was Snow. "My mother...is she alive...does she know where i'm going?" This would be the last time they would see each other in a long while, and while he had never asked before, he needed to know now.
His father looked at him for a long moment, silent and still. "When next we see each other, we'll talk about your mother." eyeing him, his fathers voice cracked and became sorrowful. "I promise."
It could be years before they saw each other again. Still, Jon knew better than to talk back to his father. Disappointed with the answer, he gave a nod, and hopped on the cart. He sat beside Viserys, who gave him a strange look after hearing what his father had to say. They both shared one thing in common, they both had lost their mothers. Only Viserys had known his, known who she was, and that she loved him. Jon couldn't say the same.
As they rolled out of Winterfell, followed by the Lannister men and the Imp, Jon looked one final time at Daenerys, at his father, and at everyone else gathered there watching as they left. He hoped he would see every one of them again.