CHAPTER 3. JON ARRYN

He is six one with white hair from age as it use to be light brown. Jon is the eldest of three, but his sister Alys died in child birth, the baby died as well and his brother died in the war fighting Targaryen loyalists. Jon is well traveled having visited Pentos. Braavos, and Volantis in his youth. Upon returning to the Eyrie he became Warden of the Vale and the East.

Jon became well known for his wisdom and understanding. Eventually Robert Baratheon came to him as a young man to ward. A year later Eddard Stark came and the two young men became the best of friends. Jon was like a father to both then the war started and Robert leads a rebellion against the Targaryens. Jon aids his young wards in their war to avenge family.

After the war Jon became Hand of the King to Robert. "I am glad you decided to stay for a while…" Jon and Cassana are taking a ride through the King's Wood.

"Well father asked me…I will stay a week then I will go and visit my cousin…then make my way home…"

"So how are you and your siblings getting along?"

She looks at him, "You know I can't stand Joffrey, Myrcella and I have nothing in common…and Tommen is a weak little boy. Why do you ask?"

"You remember I visited you at Storm's End a year ago…"

"Yes…"

"Gendry and Edric are both blue of eyes…You are blue of eyes and black of hair…"

She interrupts him, "You know don't you? You know Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are all bastards…"

He looks at her, "How long have you known?"

"Since I was eight years old…and I caught them…Ser Jaime and my mother…They didn't see me, but I saw them…"

"Why haven't you said anything?"

"For one I have no wish to sit the Iron Throne…Two…We both know what my father will do to my mother…I don't give a rat's ass about my uncle Jaime…three it will start a war and you know what my Grandfather will do if my father beheads his precious Jaime…" She stops her horse and his horse grabbing the reigns. "I ask that you say nothing…"

He sighs, "Right …I have enough problems of my own…"

"How so?"

"I am going to send my son Robin to be a Ward to Stannis…"

She frowns, "Why not Lord Stark…"

They start riding again back towards the city. "Stannis will be very strict with the boy…He needs discipline and he needs to get away from his mother…I am far too busy as Hand of the King…"

"When will you send him?"

"Soon…very soon…" Over the next few days Jon is a little slower in his duties and he starts coughing. Then one day he does not wake up.

CASSANA

Cassana is teary eyed as she stands next to her father looking down at Jon's lifeless body. The Maester says he died naturally, but Cassana does not believe it. "You should have another Maester examine Jon Arryn…"

He looks at her, "Why?"

She wanted to say why, but it may lead to questions best left unanswered, "Never mind I was thinking off the wall…and I do not trust Pycell…"

"He's a good Maester…" She grunts a reply, "Look I'm planning to head North to Winterfell…I am going to ask my good friend Eddard to be my new Hand…He has an older son Robb…"

"Yes you told me about him…"

"I want to marry you off to him…"

"There is Joffrey and he is the crown prince…Stark has a daughter near his age…"

"I am your King…"

"My father first and my King second…Don't you want me to be happy?"

He nods, "You know I do…"

"So if I don't like Robb Stark…Can I walk away?"

"Fine, but it is high time you found a husband…"

"I don't want to argue especially now…But I want to find love…"

"Empires aren't built on love…But alright…I will give you another year…Then I chose…" Two days later the royal family, with the King's Guard and a royal escort make the journey to Winterfell.