Chapter 18. King Robb Stark

Moat Cailin

Until Winterfell could be rebuilt Moat Cailin would serve as Robb's seat of power. As Lord Protector of the North a position similar to Hand of the King, Justin made 50 of his best men the King's Guard, but unlike the King's Guard of King's Landing they were allowed to have wives and children. Then with his aunt Catelyn's help he made preparations for an official coronation so that the Banners of North, the Vale, and Riverrun could reaffirm their oaths of loyalty to the new King.

Justin walks toward Robb's suit ignoring the servants as they hang flowers and streamers for the celebration. When he enters the suit Justin bows, "My King!"

Robb smiles, "You know you really don't have to do that when we are alone…"

Justin smiles, "I know but this is official business…"

Robb takes a seat at a small round table, "What's on your mind?" Robb asks as Justin sits across from him.

"Stannis…My spies report that he is marching towards kings Landing to claim the throne…"

"If the Lannisters can beat him then so can we…"

"Yes but how about we make a deal with Daenarys Targaryen…"

Robb sighs, "I am going to say to you what you said to me…Fuck her! We don't need her…"

Justin stands up to get some wine, "I agree we don't, but consider this…She has 10,000 soldiers at her back…8,000 of whom are Unsullied soldiers…2,000 are sell swords of the Titan's Bastard…And she has three Dragons…With our combined might we can destroy Stannis easily and force the Martells and Tyrells to their knees…"

Robb stands up and goes to the window, 'And what deal will you offer her to accept my title as King in the North?"

"How about a marriage between your child and the child she has with whomever she marries…That way we avoid a war…"

"And what if she says no?"

Justin gets up and walks over to the window, "Then I return to your side and give Stannis a war he will never forget…"

Robb smiles, 'Alright Justin…After the coronation…"

"I will need 30,000 of my own men…"

Coronation of Robb Stark

All the lords of the North, the River Lands, and the Vale were present to swear loyalty to Robb Stark and present their new King with gifts. Of House Stark Houses Karstark, Cerwyn, Dustin, Glover, Hormwood, Menderly, Devan Reed had been given a promotion and the Dread Fort as his hold fast. Then there was House Ryswell, Umber and the minor houses Cassel, Mollen, and Poole.

Of the River Lands lead by Edmure Tully the King's Cousin there was Houses Blackwood, Bracken, Clegane of the Twins and his pregnant wife Derwa. House Erenford formally sworn to House Frey, Mallister, Mooton Smallwood, and House Wode. All these stood in between the Banners of House Stark and House Arryn.

The Black Fish was Regent of the Vale until his Great Nephew was of age. With him were Houses Royce, Waynwood, Lynderly, Hunter, Egen, and the new Lords of Harranhal and the Fingers Lord Kannon Stone. His sigil is that of a black outlined mountain with two swords coming out of the top. The High Septon of the North stands before makeshift throne as the gathered lords part right and left. Robb Stark walks forward with Talisa his Queen at his side. Next is Catelyn with Robin at her side, then Sansa and her husband Richard Karstark. After them are Arya, and Rickon in the order of their births and lastly is Justin. Arya wore an armor made for her and as soon as she could returned to Brienne's side.

"HAIL THE KINGIN THE NORTH!" They all shout as the precession walks forward.

The Grand Septon raises his hands and it grows quiet as Robb and Talisa take their knees. "By the will of the gods and men I proclaim thee Robb Stark…King in the North…Your domain will stretch from the wall to lands of Harranhall…Hail the King in the North!"

"HAIL!" Everyone shouts.

"Long live the King!" Someone shouts.

Robb stands and faces the gathered lords, "You have made me your King and shall strive to be a good King to you my people…I wish to thank all the Lords and Knights who fought with me to avenge my father…and free our people from the tyranny of the Iron Throne…We have won a great victory and defeated many enemies…I wish you all peace and prosperity in the upcoming winter…But I am afraid that peace will be short lived…As we celebrate Stannis Baratheon lays claim to the Iron Throne…And he will march his army along with all those who have sworn an oath to lay claim to our lands…Will we let him?"

"NOOOO!" They all shout.

"Then keep your swords sharp and your hearts strong…Winter is Coming!"

Then the tables were pulled out and the food was served. The King and Queen were given gifts meant for the both of them and then there were gifts meant to be for one or the other. Some presented gifts for the unborn prince…A few gave gifts meant for a girl. Justin stood by the window watching his family. His eyes darted from one person to the next. Robb and Talisa, then Arya and Catelyn his aunt. He stared at Rickon who looked up to him a lot. Then his eyes fell on Edmure and his wife Rosalin who was also pregnant. Justin's eyes always came back to Robb who looked so much like his father in the eyes and nose anyway…He had his mother's mouth and chin. And Justin wondered how the war would have gone if he had not come back at all…

When Justin snuck away he found Victor who had been made Lord Governor of the Iron Isles to keep the Greyjoys in line. Victor hated noble parties and avoided them whenever possible, "My cousin has given me permission to sail to Mereen…I am to speak with Daenarys Targaryen…"

"I can't stay…" Victor blurted.

"Why I need you…"

"You know me I am not the family type…I go where the action is…Thank the King but this is not me…"

Justin smiles, "Well how about one more adventure you and I?"

"You plan to convince the Dragon Queen to fight with us?"

"My spies say that there are 200,000 sell swords, marching on Mereen…"

Victor smiles, "I always did like large numbers against small numbers in war…"

They interlock arms, "You never were too bright…" Justin says.