A very very short update. This update takes place in 'GOT Eddard II' during the conversation where Ned and Robert discuss the new Warden of the East. Normally I wouldn't rewrite, but considering the circumstances I feel like it is necessary.
***It is necessary to read 'GOT Eddard II'' for this chapter to make any sense. If you don't have the books, which I believe a lot of people reading this do have them, then sorry, but this chapter, and the story in general, might be a tougher read until I get into ACOK.
Disclaimer: I do not own nor do I claim any ideas, places, or characters from the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. Cheers
"He will not cross." Eddard promised. His discussion with Robert about the supposed Dothraki threat had grown tiresome, and Ned felt the king's fears were irrational. "And if by some mischance that he does, we will throw him back into the sea. Once you choose a new Warden of the East-"
The King groaned. "Ned, I have my doubts about naming the boy so early. He's still only a boy, and with the Dothraki bedding the Targaryens, I'd be mad to rest a quarter of the realm on the shoulders of the boy."
"Olyvar should not be denied his birthright. The Arryns have been Wardens of the East for nearly three centuries." Ned was heated in the defense of his nephew. Robert may not have been able to see how the boy had grown since the death of his father, but Ned had. Olyvar was ready, and in Ned's eyes he had no need for regent or replacement. "Your brother has raised him well, Robert."
The king sat there on his steed, frowning and saying nothing in response. Ned could see that he was uncomfortable.
"Unless," Ned continued. "You have already promised the title to someone else."
For a moment, Robert looked startled by the accusation. But in the same moment, the look turned into one of annoyance. "So what if I have?"
"It's Jaime Lannister, isn't it?"
Robert kicked his horse in the side, urging his horse down the ledge that he and Ned were traversing. Ned followed stride for stride, looking suspiciously at the King. Finally, Robert spoke. "Yes."
"A fine way to honor Jon's memory. Give away the title that rightfully belongs to his son. All because your wife told you to do so."
"Come off it, Ned." But no soothing words or pleas for silence would quell Ned's anger about the arrangement. Why Robert? Ned continued the silent questioning of his friend, even as the king continued his explanation. "The boy is three and ten, he's not even a man yet. I cannot entrust the east to him. What would the rest of the realm say?"
"The Vale will not be pleased. They admire the boy, he's growing to be the very image of Jon." Ned remembered the letter from Lord Royce that his nephew had shown him a little over a fortnight ago. "They would rally for him with more fury than they would the Kingslayer."
"The boy has never been in command, Ned. Jaime has, and that will matter when the Dothraki come for my Kingdoms."
"If they come, Robert. And if they do, it will not be for many years. By that point, Olyvar will have become a man, likely married to your daughter." Ned noticed that this had struck Robert, as if the king had forgotten that Olyvar had been paired to his daughter by his own command. Ned observed as Robert stroked his beard a few times whilst they continued riding.
"Enough of this. I grow tired of the discussion." Ned was annoyed and relieved all at once by Robert's response. He truly hasn't changed. Stubborn as ever.
"Then may I speak frankly to you, Your Grace?"
"I haven't been able to stop you." Robert grumbled.
"Do you trust Jaime Lannister?"
A/N: Ahh, tension over the title of Warden of the East. I always did think that this argument should be important in this AU, considering that Ned has such a high opinion about his nephew and, ya know, the whole 'honor' thing Ned always has going on.
This question stems back to Chapter 7, which I missed in Chapter 8 because I was posting so quickly. Sparky She-Demon asks "When Olyvar splits off from the group returning to King's Landing, does Myrcella go to the Eyrie with him?" What an interesting question. Guess we'll find out soon, won't we? ;)