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Author note: Just to let you know that chapter and the coming chapter will have a large passage of time skips. It will make sense for story progression.
Robb came into the chamber in Last Hearth. Nymeria, Velella, and Lady Val were in the chamber bowing as Robb entered. They quickly left Rae and Robb alone with their son. Rae's dark curls framed her sweat-covered face. She looked lovingly at the baby nursing at her breast. She looked very tired. At that moment, She could not be more beautiful. It was like a serene goddess was before him. He rushed to bed kissing her forehead and looking at his second son.
"He has your eyes," Rae cooed lovingly looking up to Robb.
"I could care less if he looks entirely like you, sweetheart. You scared me for a while there," Robb told her kissing her softly.
"I love you," Rae said as they pulled away.
"I love you," Robb replied.
He kissed her again lovingly and reassuringly. Robb climbed onto the bed next to his wife. They stay like that for a time. Rae shifted the baby burping him. She pulled her chemise close. Once he was burped Rae cradled him in her arms as he slept. She looked over to Robb.
"Do you still want to call her Jaehaerys," Rae asked.
Rae and Robb ran their fingers over the dark hair on the baby's head. They met eyes as their fingers brushed each other.
"He does remind me of Jon," Robb answered.
"Prince Jaehaerys, prince of Winterfell," Rae said as she smiled lovingly at Robb. She handed Jaehaerys to Robb. He cradled his second son to his chest. It was at that moment he did notice that his second son look a lot like his wife. "Why don't you go show him to his namesake, your father, and my family," Rae suggested.
"You are sure," Robb asked.
"I'm tired Robb and I need to sleep. But I am perfectly fine otherwise," Rae reassured.
Tyrion sat in Tower of Hand. He was looking over preparation for Lady Margaery's funeral and the transfer of Lady Delylah Flowers to Garlan Tyrell. The child bared no resemblance to either Euron or Edmure, so it was only in gods' knowledge who her father was. Delyah had taken well with Jayne Waters, a nurse here in the capital. Garlan had written of him bringing one Elinor Tyrell to be a nurse to babe. Lord Varys came into the Tower of Hand with a letter in his hand.
"Yes, Lord Varys," Tyrion said looking up and then looking back down.
"The Queen has given birth to a second son. She and the child are doing well and recovering. Prince Jaehaerys Stark Prince of Winterfell was born at Last Hearth," Lord Varys stated.
"Long live Prince Jaehaerys," Tyrion said raising a goblet of wine.
"How is Delylah Flowers," Lord Varys asked.
"She is settling in well with Jayne and Lord Garlan is bringing another nurse when he arrives in a fortnight," Tyrion said shuffling paper on his desk to show Lord Varys the raven from Galan.
Four small paintings of young ladies and files on each of them surfaces. Tyrion sat back taking a large drink as Lord Varys looked at the ladies in the painting. One was Ilora Lannister now married to Lancel Lannister. One was Lady Averill Tully married to Edmure Tully. One said Melirah Vhassar and last one said Orella Vollel. Now looking at the paintings of those two women Lord Varys could see some of Daenessa in each of them. He looked over to Tyrion as he walked toward the balcony.
"Your lover has sent out letters to her family," Lord Varys stated.
"What are you talking about" Tyrion questioned.
"Daenessa sent letters to her siblings. There is Eraella Vhassar wife of Tiger Triarch of Volantis mother to one of Joffrey's would-be brides, Melirah Vhassar. Then Vaera Vollel wife of a powerful and rich merchant with ties to Iron Bank and is the mother of Orella Vollel another of Joffrey's would-be brides. Their pictures are right here." Lord Varys started. Tyrion came over to look at paintings. He met the eyes of Lord Varys. He poured himself another goblet of wine. "There is Asavvi who I believe is the wife of Dothraki Khal. Along with two letters to Daemon a commander of Golden Company and Jaerys who is a member of Daenerys' Second Sons. I wanted to know I right at first not trust her. They were trying to get the throne but it has changed," Lord Varys finished.
"Then tell me why she would do that if she not after the Iron Throne," Tyrion yelled.
"It's simple really. She and her family know how to play the game; she wants Daenerys to lose," Lord Vary told him.
"There will no losing; Queen Raenera and Princess Daenerys are a united front, "Tyrion reasoned.
"Are they," Lord Varys started walking toward the window. Tyrion sank into his chair drinking his wine. Lord Varys looked back. "A storm is brewing. At first, you were very right they were a united front. The Queen and Daenerys were very close. I would say closer than most siblings other than your siblings. But as time moved on something changed between the pair. The Queen noticed it herself I'm sure of it," Lord Varys paused.
"Them growing apart happens," Tyrion tried.
"Queen Raenera sent Ser Davos abroad. Why would she do that? I will not pretend to know what goes on in Raenera's mind or to know for sure why she sent him or to whom she did send him too," Lord Varys stated.
"How will Nessa's siblings help Queen Raenera," Tyrion question rubbing his temples.
"Well, Daemon and Jaerys are easiest to explain. They are in sell sword companies and family is important. I'm sure they have friends in said companies. Eraella is the wife of Triarch who was powerful enough to have Tywin ask him to send his daughter to Joffrey's Queen. How do you think she will help? The same could be said for Vaera with her husband tied to Iron Bank. Between the two of those, they could buy any number of sell sword companies and unsullied. Asavvi is most of a personal attack on Daenerys. A Khalessi of great grass sea who has borne her Khal husband three healthy sons. As Daenessa explained to me a Khalessi home when her Khal husband dies in Vaes Dothrak in Dosh Khaleen. It may be the only thing to make Khal cross the narrow sea to bring Khal Drogo Khalessi back to Dosh Khaleen," Lord Varys explained.
Lord Varys left Tyrion with his thoughts. He looked out the window as the dark storm clouds blew in. A civil war was the last thing they needed.
A few nights later, Raenera was getting ready for the celebratory feast held in honor birth of a healthy second son, Prince Jaehaerys. He was after all the future Lord of Winterfell while his older brother, Prince Torrhen would be king of the Seven Kingdoms. She was dressed in a dark grey northern-style gown. The neckline of the gown had the red leaves of Hearttree embroidered on it. The gown also had red leaves falling down the dress to the floor dispersed between the leaves were dragons and direwolves embroidered in silver white. Her hair was pulled back in a simple Dutch braid. She walked over to the cradle where her son rested. Nightfyre, Vhagar, and Meraxes were all guarding the baby. Snowstorm had taken to Rae the most he rest around her neck like a necklace. She smiled down at him running her finger down his chubby cheeks.
"Your Grace, Alys Umber and Gwyn Snow," Ser Barristan announced.
"Send them in," Rae called.
They both entered dropping into curtsey to her. Alys had reddish brown hair and brown eyes. She was her third cousin. She had recently had a child of her own and could think of no greater honor than to be one of the wet nurses Prince Jaehaerys. Gwyn had been a wet nurse for while now. She had black hair and brown eyes.
"Your Grace," Alys and Gwyn said raising to their feet at Rae's motion for them too.
"He is sleeping. He just ate before I got ready so he should be sleeping through most of the feast. But if you need me don't hesitate to get me," Rae stated looking lovingly at her son.
"Cousin, he will be fine. I swear by old gods no harm will come to him while he in our care," Alys reassured her.
Rae picked Jaehaerys up and cradled him to her chest. She transferred her sleeping son into Alys' waiting arms. Alys was only shocked for a moment when Nightfyre instantly flew and landed on her shoulder. Gwyn grabbed the cradle Vhagar and Meraxes took off following Alys and Gwyn as they left the room.
Once they left Rae moved over to the desk where the case that held her northern crown. She opened the case looking at the sword-like points of the crown. She took the crown from the case placing it on the top of her head. She turned walking over to looking the mirror. As she looked at herself in the mirror. She looked like a true northern queen. She petted the top of Snowstorm's head.
"What do you think?" Rae asked Snowstorm.
Snowstorm let out little chirps and clicks and tilted his head. She smiled at him petting him. She picked up a piece of raw meat feeding him it. He let out happy chirps and clicks. He flew over to the plate where the raw meat was eating his supper. Rae smiled at him before looking back at her reflection.
"Your Grace, Princess Daenerys to see you," Ser Barristan announced.
Rae steeled her spine before she called back to Ser Barristan. She moved over to Snowstorm. He took note of his mother's discomfort climbing back up her arm and around her neck.
"Send her in," Rae called.
Daeny entered the room in fury. It was very clear she was upset if not outright angry. There was a flash of pure rage at the sight of the crown on Rae's head. Rae moved slightly to her sister who was pacing the length of the room. She was muttering to herself under her breath.
"Sister," Rae questioned.
That was all it took for Daenerys to round on Rae. There was madness in her eyes that Rae had never seen before.
"Why was Jon named as your heir and not me" Daeny yelled.
Rae took a calming breath before she tried to passive her sister.
"It's not because I think you are incapable or anything like that. Jon is from Westeros and grew up here. As much as I wished that you did grow up beside me but you were raised in Essos. Not only that but he was raised by the High Lord of North, Warden of North. He understands the culture and people that live here," Rae reasoned. Daenerys gave her an unimpressed look. She looks ready to yell more. Rae silenced her with a glare. Daeny made a move in anger toward Rae. Snowstorm was having none of it. He let out a loud growl at Daeny for threatening his mother. Rae could feel the cold and ice-like breath coming from his mouth. Daeny back up at the sight of Snowstorm ready to attack it was like when Drogon to Lord of Yunkai. Rae had a calmness that radiated from within. She quickly changed tactics to explain in a way she hope Daenerys could understand. "The last time a woman attempted to hold the Iron Throne on her own right. She was my namesake. Princess Rhaenyra's father Viserys I named her his heir. He even made all the Lords swear loyalty to Rhaenyra after his second wife had many sons. But when he died his second wife rushed and crown her eldest son instead of Rhaenyra which caused the dance of dragons, and civil war. The only reason I hold the throne now is that I went I sent letters of intent as a single maiden. A pawn, if you will, for their own ambitions. I married Robb because he was the only one not trying to use me. He knew who I was for months and never tried to play that card. I never want any of my daughters or you to ever be put in that position. You said yourself before your first marriage was forced on you. Who to say the Lords would try to force your hand once you were the queen? It's not because I don't trust you or think you are unworthy. The high lords are more likely to follow a man than you. And Jon is Rhaegar's son. Simple as that," Rae explained.
"I don't believe you" Daeny spat in rage.
"Believe what you Daenerys. It is the truth," Rae yelled back.
Daeny left the room in a huff. Rae sank down into her chair closing her eyes. Her sister was truly mad. She nearly jumped out of her skin when Ser Barristan place his hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright?" Ser Barristan asked concern.
"I am alright, I've never seen you like that," Rae commented.
Ser Barristan and her exchange a look. Rae seemed to relax in his presence. He took pride that he got to see this side of Rae that very few had seen. This was the woman behind the mask. Tears welled up in Rae's eyes as her mask fell.
"I have never seen her like this either," Ser Barristan stated. He looked at the opened door where she left in a huff. Rae's eyes drifted to where he knelt. Their eyes met again. There was a look in his eyes that she had never seen before. "She reminds me of your father," Ser Barristan stated.
"Do you think she could me mad," Rae asked concerned.
"The woman I served in Essos had moments that would call mad but with good intentions. Now I am not so sure of her intentions. Something changed once she was in Westeros," Ser Barristan told her.
The feast was in full swing. Rae sat near Robb who was talking to Edd and Greatjon. Jon was dancing with Lady Val at her insistence. This was the first time she had seen Jon smile. Robb took Rae's hand leading her to the dance floor joining in the dancing. Sam and Gilly and Smalljon and Nymeria were all dancing. Ser Barristan laughed as Robb lifted Rae up in dance. Her hands traveled to his curls. They kissed as he put her down. As the song ended they head back to the head table they were greeted by their two new king and queen guards, Ser Aden Manderly the second son of Lord Manderly who was honored in serving King and Queen in North and guarding the future Lord of Winterfell Prince Jaehaerys. And Ser Bryon Hornwood came as a gift after the birth of their second son. Both men had dark hair Aden had blue-green eyes while Byron had dark black eyes. Prince Oberyn started to dance with Nymeria. Smalljon came over to Greatjon and whisper in his ear. Daeny was talking with Ser Jorah. She was eyeing Jon and Lady Val in contempt. The Stark army had been stopped here and were celebrating the birth of their future Lord and Warden of North and to escort the royal party back to Winterfell. Rae leaned over and kissed Robb. He returned the kiss causing even more cheers. Greatjon rose to feet. The music stopped along with the dancing. He rose his goblet in the air. He looked to King Robb and Queen Rae and then to his son and Nymeria.
"I thank the Old and New Gods for this joyous time. With healthy birth of a second son for my King and Queen who I'm lucky enough to call family. To Prince Jaehaerys Stark," Great toasted. The toasted was echoed by the crowd. Rae noted Daeny's look on her face. Greatjon did not sit down as the cheers died down. "And it is great excitement that I can now announce that my son and his lovely wife are expecting their first child with hopes of many to come," Greatjon finished.
Cheers rose in the room again. The music and drink filled the great hall. Nymeria was pulled into Smalljon arms He kissed her cheek as he cradled her belly where his child rest. Lady Val was talking with Jon. Them getting closer brothered Daeny more than she cared to admit. It did not help when she tried to get close to Jon and flirt with him. He did not flirt with her back. In fact if anything it made him turn toward Lady Val even more. Daeny could not feel that happiness as she made her way outside.
Daeny watched the dragons circling overhead. She was questioning her every decision to this point. The very thing she wanted was right in front of her, but he did not want her. No matter how she tried to develop a relationship it went nowhere. The only blessing if would call it blessing was Rae and Jon were not particularly close either. Mind you Jon was closer to Rae than he was to her but was only because of Robb.
"Khalessi," Jorah addressed
"She named Jon as her heir if the worst would happen to her," Daeny confessed. Jorah sighed as he walked over to Daenerys. He looked up at dragons dancing overhead There were no words that could make this right. "Jon has all but given the dragons he hatched in flames to Raenera. The ice dragon hatched and attached itself to Raenera. Why," Daeny asked.
"I have no idea why Jon would do such a thing. I do not know the man well enough to judge. As for Queen Raenera naming Jon her heir if the worst would happen. Prince Torrhen would still inherit the throne at age of manhood. You would have to rule alongside Robb," Jorah started.
Daeny rounded on Jorah. Ser Jorah just stood there. She looked at him like he had a second head. She knew that Prince Torrhen would get the throne after her. She had no other child but her dragons. Why would she have ruled beside Robb that made no sense?
"I would be the queen of seven kingdoms" Daenerys stated.
"Six kingdoms. If you noticed Queen Raenera's titles. She is the queen of the Six Kingdoms and Queen in the North. Meaning her son Prince Torrhen will be the first true king of the Seven kingdoms again. Robb and Raenera rule together neither I higher than the other. Robb was named King in The North she granted him the kingdom. Only when she married him did she become Queen in the North." Jorah explained.
"Why would she do that?" Daeny questioned.
"I don't know for sure. But it seems to me that he was the only one that would not use her," Ser Jorah stated.
Tyrion sat outside his bedroom staring at the raging storm. So many thoughts raced through his head. He had no clue how long he was sitting there staring off into space. Loss in his thoughts. Nessa came out dressed in a golden silk nightdress. Her white, blonde hair cascaded down her back. She came over to him wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind. She leaned in kissing his cheek. He gave no reaction. It made her frown and pull away. She came in front of him kneeling down to look him in the eye.
"My lion…my love…Tyrion, what is wrong" Nessa asked it was not until she said his name did, he look at her.
"Do you ever love me or was this all a poly for the throne" Tyrion roared.
"Of course, I love you. I gave up my family plan to be with you," Nessa said shocked. Tyrion gave her a look getting up and pacing away from her. Lighting stuck behind her in the window. He poured himself a large goblet of wine. Nessa rose to her feet turning away from him. Tears were in her eyes as realized her love was questioning her love for him. She turned away from him stealing her soul before she started. "That plan was for me or Melirah, or Orella to get close to the throne by marriage. Or get as close to the crown as possible. Marry them once there is a child or chance of one, killing them. Once I was on the throne, I was supposed to marry Daemon for he was the oldest. But all changed when I fell for you. I will admit I got close to you at first for the wrong reason. But once I got to know you and you saw value in me other than my looks. You did not care what or who I was. You loved me for me. I saw close you were to Queen Raenera. I realized quickly I could not hurt her or any of her family as was the plan. This is not the first time wrote my siblings. I wrote them and told them I could not do it. I may be a dragon but if a dragon is dragon black or red it does not matter. I wrote to them to help your queen… my queen" Nessa started with her back to him turning as spoke looking at him there was so much passion in her voice.
Tyrion looked at her tears were flowing down her face. There was truth in her eyes. The mask she wore like Rae was now gone. He moved closer to her placing his goblet of wine down.
"Will it not bring a civil war back to Rae causing more harm than good?" Tyrion asked.
"When I wrote them, I told them of what Queen Raenera was like and what other people say about her and her husband. How besides the Dragon Queen they called her the people queen? How with her it is clear the coin landed on not madness. And I how I was in fear of her losing control and losing to Daenerys. Who has already shown signs of jealousy and madness? This is the same woman that blew up Astapor. Who left a trail of body and blood in her wake? In her journey to get Iron Throne. They all agreed to help Raenera keep the Iron Throne. Daemon wrote that Raenera has a contract with them already. That she has commissioned them to agree to serve Daenerys but all the while really serving her. Their commanders have agreed to it. Even more so knowing now the woman that Queen Raenera is. He wrote it will be a true honor to serve a true dragon helping them keep the throne. That he looks forward to seeing the people queen with his own eyes," Nessa told Tyrion.
"That's a very Rae-like move. I could even see my father doing something like that. I'm sure she hopes she never has to use it but it's there nevertheless," Tyrion stated thinking of Rae and Tywin.
"My sisters are buying sellswords and unsullied soldiers to help her. While Asavvi's husband is preparing his khalasar to cross the narrow seas in hopes of bringing Daenerys back to Vaes Dothrak and Dosh Khaleen," Nessa told him.
Catelyn had her three grandchildren in the courtyard of Winterfell. The toddlers were playing in the snow with their larger direwolf pups. Evalyne stood by letting Joanna and Reyanna. Tommen was in his study with Rickon. It has been a month since the raven told them winter is here and the birth of Prince Jaehaerys. Catelyn smiled as Torrhen, Lilliyan, Lyanna, Reyanna, and Joanna laughed as Balerion, Artemis and Althea rolled in the snow. Balerion stopped as if he heard something. He got up the heckles on his back rose as he turned towards the gate. Catelyn turned to look toward the guards. They all nodded and prepared for an unknown threat. Artemis, Athena got up following Balerion's lead. Suddenly Ghost came running into the courtyard. Balerion bared his teeth in front of the children at the new wolf. Catelyn let a sigh of relief knowing that wolf. Ghost was quickly followed by Greywind and Starlight. Balerion heckles went down at the sight of his parents. As the cry of dragons returning echoed. Catelyn looked skyward seeing the six dragons flying overhead again. A cry went up alerting people that riders were spotted.
Moments later, Robb rode into the courtyard with Jon and Eddard, and Sam. Ser Aden Manderly by his side. The army filed in with Daenerys and Ser Jorah among them. The wheelhouse was rolled in with Ser Barristan and Ser Bryon Hornwood guarding either side of it. Catelyn smiled at the sight of her son and husband. Robb dismounted walking over to the wheelhouse. Ned dismounted but walked over to Catelyn kissing her softly. Torrhen, Lyanna, and Lilliyan looked over at their grandfather. Torrhen toddled over to him
"Poppa" Torrhen asked.
Ned turned and smiled picking the three of them up in his arms. Kissing each of them on the top of their heads. Sam's eyes met Evalyne as Gilly and little Sam exited the wheelhouse. Evalyne held her two daughters in her arms. She had tears in her eyes at the sight of him. These were happy tears. Catelyn had a huge smile on her face at the sight of Rae exiting with a baby in her arms. Evalyne made her way over to Sam.
"Evie," Sam said in shock.
"Sam" Evalyne replied.
"Look at you, a mother. You've done well for yourself," Sam commented.
Evalyne placed her daughters down. Then she threw her arms around Sam's neck. Sam returned the hug tightly. He released her and motioned for Gilly to come over to him. Gilly did so hesitantly.
"Gilly this is my sister Lady Evalyne Lannister. Evie this is Gilly and her son little Sam," Sam introduced them.
"Pleasure to meet you and little Sam," Evalyne said giving Sam and knowing look. She turned to her toddler daughters. "May introduce you to my daughters. Joanna and Reyanna this is your Uncle Samwell and Aunt Gilly and your cousin Sam," Evalyne said.
Joanna and Reyanna looked up at Sam. They both threw themselves at his legs with a child's laughter.
"Uncle Sam," they said in a toddler's voice.
Ned and Catelyn looked loving as Robb and Rae introduced their older children to their baby brother. Torrhen looked at Robb unsure. Lilliyan and Lyanna were fascinated with him. They all had a smile on their little faces.
I hope you like it. I know this story will likely be written completely very soon. I'm looking at maybe at max 5 more chapters. But I could always be wrong. I hope I do the ending justice.