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Raenera sat on her throne like chair in the great hall of Riverrun. Selaera, Rhaenys, and Visenya were laying her. She was waiting for Stannis's former commanders to offer their surrender. Lady Shireen stood by her on the left. Catelyn was behind her standing by her uncle, Brynden. Sansa stood nearby with Willem and Martyn. Arya was training with Brienne now that it was safe to do so. Tyrion stood on her right. Evalyne and Clarysse stood near Tyrion tending to Raenera's needs. Ser Tobas stood near the door with Ser Loras. Ser Markas, Ser Hectar, and Ser Howar serve as a guard near the throne. Her eyes looked around the room. She noted that The Hound stood near Sansa like he was guarding her. She was not sure if Robb or Smalljon would like it by for now it worked. Margaery was talking with Lady Olenna near Sansa. She had no doubt they were talking about how to better their position. Her eyes then landed on Ser Davos who was talking to Septon Marthew. Rae took deep breath placing her hand on the baby bump.
"Ser Davos, approach" Rae ordered.
Ser Davos came forward. He smiled over to Shireen. He looked at her dropping to one knee before her. Selaera moved her body so her head rested on Raenera belly. She stroked Selaera's head. She gave him a smile as he bowed his head to her. She looked over to Tyrion. Tyrion nodded his head.
"My Queen" Ser Davos addressed her.
"Ser Davos you have served the Baratheon family well. Better than most, Lady Shireen told me the story of how you saved her father during Robert's rebellion," Raenera paused. She looked sideways to Shireen who smiled at her. Ser Davos looked up at her as she continued. "This is why I now name you Lord Regent of the Stormlands and Storm End until such time that Lady Shireen comes of age. Also, I now place her in your care," Raenera finished.
Shireen looked at Raenera with wide eyes. Ser Davos opened his mouth in shock and had the look of disbelief on his face. He looked down composing himself for a moment.
"Surely, your Grace, there are others of more noble of birth to…"Ser Davos started.
"None that was willing to defy their Liege Lord and at the time their king for her safety. I have also come from nothing I know how you must feel but I would not do this if I did not think you were worthy of it. She trusts you and I trust you to keep her safe." Raenera said.
Ser Davos looked at Shireen then at Raenera and then to Tyrion. He had a slight look of disbelief on his face. To his, knowledge Rae trust very few people for her to say she trust Ser Davos to keep Shireen safe was huge.
"I will do my best to live up to this honor your Grace," Ser Davos said with a shudder in his voice.
Ser Davos rose to his feet making his way back to where he was standing early. Shireen lets go of Catelyn hand and ran over to Ser Davos. Ser Davos placed his hands on her shoulders. Raenera smiled at the pair. She looked to Tyrion and then to Se Loras nodding her head.
This was the part she was dreading. Rhaenys and Visenya rose on their hunches as Ser Imny Florent, Ser Guyard Morrigen and Ser Rolland Storm entered the room. Their eyes were wide when they saw her sitting surrounded by her dragons. They hiss and click at her. Raenera eyes turned cold as she regarded each of them. This was the same woman that killed Melisandre and Stannis just an hour ago. They looked sideways finding Shireen face beside Ser Davos. She looked a little frighten. Ser Imny Florent steps forward the members of her Kingsgaurd closed in around her and her dragon let out a loud screech. He steps back a step dropping his knees before her. His sister would not come forward. She had yet to be found after the death of her husband and their Red Woman. It was good to see his niece alive and well. He had hoped to name her guardian, after all, he was family.
"Your Grace, we offer our surrender. We will not stand against the true Queen and King of Westeros. We will support your claim. Joffery Baratheon is neither a true Baratheon nor a just ruler. You have shown to be a just ruler by not killing us all out right. We simply ask for pardons for the crimes we made against the true crown after being lead astray by our Liege Lord. We also offer to swear complete loyalty to Lady Shireen the true heir to the Stormlands and Strom End." Ser Imny Florent addressed her.
Raenera nodded her head. He seems a bit of fool to her. He was an overstating thing. She could see the fear in their eyes along with their respect for not killing Shireen who had a claim to her throne if Shireen wanted it. She looked to the other two men. One handsome by some standards, the other was beast of man nowhere near as large as the Mountain but still fearsome. He had scars on his face from the pox she thought.
"Do either of you have anything to add?" Raenera asked.
Rolland Storm stepped forward by Imny Florent. He dropped quickly to his knee he pulled out his sword placing it before him. Ser Guyard quickly did the same. It was met with gasps from Catelyn and Sansa and Evalyne.
"I humbly ask to be a made member of your queen's guard. You have shown me the meaning of true queen. I am willing to die for. My sword is yours; my life is yours, victory and defeat," Ser Rolland Storm swore.
"I also ask to be a member of your queen's guard or at least be a member of your council. I can help you win this war," Guyard boasted.
Raenera looked at each the men. She was unsure how to respond. She had expected their surrender but two men swearing to be her guard was something she was not thinking in the least. She knew Ser Guyard was member of Renly's Kingsgaurd and then transferred his alliance to Stannis after Renly's death. Ser Rolland Storm had her at a disadvantage she knew very little about him. With the last name of Storm, she knew he was a bastard of one the lords of Stormlands but which one she did not know. She looked over to Tyrion licking her bottom nervously. Tyrion notices this leaning into her to offer her some advice.
"Ser Rolland Storm, I heard Cersei call him a seasoned killer. He worships the warrior I hear with a faith as fierce as he is. He is the bastard of Lord Bryen Caron my lady. His brother Lord Bryce Caron was wounded in the Battle Blackwater. He could be a great asset," Tyrion explained.
Raenera nodded. Her eyes went back to the men before her. Her eyes lock on the pretty face of Ser Guyard.
"Correct me if I am wrong Ser Guyard you served as not only guard to Stannis but also to his brother Renly. It seems your view who is fit to rule changes with the winning of battles. If I accept you this would be the third King you would have served. And what would that say about you," Raenera questioned.
Margaery and Lady Olenna giggled at the dumbfounded look on Ser Guyard's face. He was trying to think of a response.
"So, has Jaime Lannister and all the kings' I have served is dead."
"Ser Jaime is not a member of my or mu husband Kingsgaurd. He is my sworn sword. There is a difference. I will offer you place as all commander of men are offer place on mine and my husband council. But that is all, take it or leave it Ser Guyard," Raenera stated.
"Thank your Grace," Ser Guyard said finally knowing he was not going to get anywhere else with her.
"Ser Rolland I know what it is like to have the title of bastard. And wish to show that, that title does not make the man. So, Ser Rolland I accept your offer," Raenera said.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Ser Rolland said gruffly.
Ser Rolland looked shocked he rose to his feet. He picked up his sword coming to stand by Ser Markas. Raenera rose from her chair making her way out of the chamber. She was followed by her guards, lady in waiting and her dragons.
Robb paced by a fire as his tent was set up. The army was moving at a swifter pace than on their way to the Twins. Robb's anger and frustration were paramount. He wanted to be back at Riverrun now. To deal with Stannis, his red woman, and his army once and for all. Nearby him Torrhen Karstark, Randyll Tarly, Edmure, Jaime, Greatjon and Smalljon Umber were all watching Robb pacing. Greywind kept pace with him. He ran his fingers through his hair as all the things that could happen to his wife, his children, his mother, and sisters. Greatjon approached him placing his hand on Robb's shoulders.
"Your Grace," Greatjon started.
"What is it?" Robb growled.
"I have a feeling you are underestimating the willfulness of your queen, my niece" Greatjon started. Robb looked at him with laughter in his eyes. He was right Rae was willful. "If I know one thing she will not give into Stannis easily. We have both seen her temper and her knowledge of the game and two strong think minds on her side. And you I hate saying that, Tyrion is great asset. And Brynden "Blackfish" Tully is season warrior," Greatjon tried to reassure; mostly because the other option was not acceptable to him.
"This is not some far off thing we are planning this is an unplanned attack. It's not about the stupid game of thrones, the great wheel with them all trying to stay on top. I would give everything up just to have her and my children to alive and safe. And right now," Robb finished sounding defeated.
"As would I, Do think I want to lose her so soon after finally finding her?" Greatjon exclaimed.
"It's not just her that in there, it's my mother, my sisters. So much more is on the line. Stannis's head will be on spike when I'm done" Robb exclaimed pacing away from Greatjon.
reatjon let out a sigh. Smalljon was talking to Prince Oberyn who rode up. Seeing him one thing that Prince Oberyn had told him about that screwy religion R'hllor. It was the one thing had given some hope that Rae would live through it.
"For all, we know Stannis's and his Red Woman heads' are already on a spike," Greatjon called out. It was enough to make Robb and Greywind pause. Robb turned looking over his shoulder at Greatjon with questions on his face. "You are forgetting three details that we leaf there. Rhaenys, Visenya, and Selaera are there also. Stannis wants them, they are proof that her favor with this red God. What better sign than three fire-breathing dragons. Stannis will not risk killing them. And they will defend their mother until their deaths. I know that" Greatjon explained.
Robb stared at him for a moment coming back over to the man who has given him the woman he loved. He had taken him down from losing his mind.
Not far from them Jaime sat staring into the flames. That realization did not do anything to calm his feelings. Evalyne weighs heavily on his mind. In all the seven hells he never dreamed that she would be in grave danger when he rode off to battle. He was not even as worried about Tyrion who was also in that castle. And he loved Tyrion. That was when his mind realized what he felt for her. He loves her. He never thought he could love any other woman than his sister, care very deeply about but love never.
Randyll Tarly came over sitting down next Jaime. He also stared at the dancing flames. He looked sideways and Jaime's face. He was in shock.
"I know it's hard. I want her to be safe more than you could ever dream. You will never understand that feeling until you are father yourself," Randyll Tarly started. Jaime looked at him to rebut him. "I know what they say that Cersei's children are yours. Seven hells that is true. But did you ever hold them? Your whole world changes when they place that tiny bundle in your arms. We nearly lost Evalyne as a baby. But she is fighter. I have seen your feeling for her. And as much I may hate your family. I cannot deny my daughter a match like this. I saw the lion necklace around her neck when we departed. She loves you. She is willing to defy me to marry you. If that not love I don't know what love is."
Jaime and Randyll Tarly stared at each other for time. Jaime let Randyll meaning slowly sink into his head. Evalyne loves him just like he loves her.
"But know this Lannister if you hurt her I will take great pleasure gutting you" Randyll Tarly stated slapping Jaime on his back as he walked way.
Jaime looked over his shoulder at Randyll Tarly as he walked over to Robb. He started to talk to Robb. Robb looked over to Jaime nodding his head. Did Randyll Tarly just give him permission to marry his daughter, Evalyne? It seemed that way, he never in dreamed that would happen.
A week later, Rae sat in her room watching the pups that now had their eyes opened. All of them had blue eyes for now. Lorgan Hightower told her that pups all had blue eyes until their eyes could change around three weeks old. They were roughly two weeks old. Robb had nearly been gone month. They had yet to hear anything on their progress. Ser Amory Locke was executed. His head now decorated a spike. He had been executed the same day as the funeral held for Stannis. That Rae had attended standing by Shireen side the whole time. That day was very hard for her but she did it because it was only right. She started to feel little flutters but nothing anyone else could feel. Starlight came over to Rae rest her head on her legs as Rae caressed her baby bump. Evalyne was in the room cleaning up the pups who gotten into their mother food. The golden sand color pup licked her chin. There were three males and three females. Lorgan had sexed the pups for Rae. They were not happy about that. He realized quickly how protective Starlight was of her pups. The golden one was male, the dark gray one as male and white one was male. The three females were the dove gray one and the two silver gray ones. One of the silvery females had white crescent moon on her right ear. With each passing day, it became harder have no news on Robb and their fate at the twins.
"Hey girl" Rae greeted Starlight petting her head.
The pups made cute little noises as they were cleaned. Evalyne smiled at them as the cuddled up together in tight little pile after they were cleaned off.
"I miss them too girl," Rae said.
"They will return fine Raenera," Evalyne said.
"How do you know?" Rae asked looking at Evalyne.
Evalyne came to sit up Rae. She played with lion necklace around her neck. She looked worried too but she was trying to be brave for Rae.
"I just know I have faith in my father, Jaime and his grace. They will do all in their power to return to us," Evalyne said.
"Thanks, Evalyne," Rae said.
Later, that night at supper Rae sat at the high table with Tyrion on one side of her and Catelyn on the other side. Gendry came into the room. He coughed drawing attention as he approached her.
"Your Grace, I have the piece," Gendry said as Raenera nodded.
"Thank you Gendry," Rae said motioning for him to sit and eat.
Tyrion and Catelyn looked at her in shock. She took a bite of her meat as they stared at her. She looked at both of them for a moment. She placed her silverware down taking the piece that Gendry placed in front of her. She opened it showing it Catelyn first. Her eyes went wide. It was the hand of King or Queen Pin. Catelyn was the first to attempt that she was wrong about Tyrion. He had shown great loyalty to their cause. Raenera turned in her seat. Tyrion looked at her as she reached out taking the pin from it home.
"Tyrion Lannister I name you Hand of King and Queen" Raenera stated pinning the pin on his doublet.
Tyrion eyes went wide as he looked down at pin. He looked at Rae in shock. There was loud cheer that went out started by Brynden Tully. Brynden and Tyrion had found respect for each other in their time together. Tyrion met his eyes raising his glass to him. At that moment of great celebration, Maester Vyman came running in. He had a raven letter in his hand. He came up to high table. He bowed his head to Raenera.
"Your Grace, a raven from Winterfell," Maester Vyman said handing it to Rae.
Catelyn looked at Rae, as she read the letter. Tears started to well up in her eyes as she handed it to Catelyn. Catelyn eyes scanned the letter. A gut-wrenching sense of dread filled her stomach. She quickly got heading out of the Great hall with tears in her eyes. Arya and Sansa looked at Rae in question. The news was not good.
"Your Grace, what does it say?" Tyrion asked.
"Prince Bran Stark has gone missing" Rae addressed Tyrion sadly. She turned to Maester Vyman. "Send word to hall men holding the keeps in the North to be on the lookout for Bran, and Hodor,"Rae ordered.
Raenera rose from her seat head out of the great hall. She found Catelyn in the septa praying in front of the Mother statue. She did not even look up as Rae entered.
"We will find him Catelyn I swear to you," Rae said dropping to her knees beside her.
"I seem to get by children back only to lose them," Catelyn said.
"I brought the girls back to you I will find Bran, I promise you," Rae said hugging Catelyn.
Arya and Sansa found them holding on to each other. They both had tears in their eyes as they entered. They came over huddled in together silently praying to any that could hear them that Bran would be found and be alright.