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Lord Manderly and his family along with Ned Stark, Ser Jorah, and a group of King guards met the royal party at the dock. The nine dragons circled and danced overhead. Rae had Snowstorm in her arms as they disembarked the ship bearing Targaryen and Stark crests. Robb stood by her side on her other was Tyrion. Behind them were Lord Varys, Daenerys, and Ser Markas.
"Welcome to White Harbor My King, My Queen," Lord Manderly said dropping to his knees.
"Thank you, Lord Manderly," Robb and Rae said together with a smile on their faces.
Daenerys eyes met Ser Jorah as they made their way back to the seat of White Harbor. Ser Jorah made his way over to Daenerys as she watched how all the people seem to love and fawn over her sister.
"How was King's Landing?" Ser Jorah asked.
"My sister was given gifts from Essos. 40,000 sell swords with her crest on their armor, and 10,000 unsullied soldiers with her crest burned on their chests. Twenty dragon eggs and Blackfyre Aegon's sword," Daenerys tells him. Ser Jorah's eyes widen with each passing word. He looked over to Daeny there was more in her eyes. It was like she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Her eyes lingered on Jon who was conversing with Lady Valaena. Raenera was talking with Ser Jaime who came from Winterfell. She nodded her head as her eyes traveled skyward to the dragons. War was a sure thing now. She was not sure how much more her sister has it easy while she had to fight for everything she had. "Send for the golden company," Daenerys ordered.
"Daenerys, it would be unwise to stir the ire of your sister. The second sons are enough. We are lucky enough that she has not found out about it yet," Jorah cautioned.
"She knows," Daenerys said gravely. Jorah's eyes traveled between Daenerys to Raenera. She was smiling talking with Lord Manderly and his family. By all rights, Daenerys should be arrested for treason. That could be seen as amassing an army. He knew many of Raenera's predecessors and even most of the high lords would have arrested Daenerys for less. "Yet, she does nothing. She is weak. I should be queen," Daenerys growled under her breath.
Those very words were treason. Ser Jorah knew that Raenera not moving against Daeny had nothing to do with weakness. Raenera's amethyst eyes met his in a challenge. With that look in her eyes, he knew that a game was afoot. And Raenera was prepared to win no matter the cost. There were reasons she did not move yet. He was shocked that Daenerys could not see it. It was clear as day that Raenera was just buying her time. It was the reason that all Raenera's children had been sent to Casterly Rock along with most of the direwolves. Ser Barristan and a group of loyal Stark, Umber, and Lannister soldiers were protecting them. The only reason he knew that fact was he overheard preparation for the move. It was a move to protect her children. It was clear Raenera was preparing for a civil war. He was not sure how many people knew where the children were or where they were headed. Most common folk assumed the children were to be going to King Landing. And Ser Jorah clearly knew that Daenerys had no clue what was going on behind the scenes with Raenera's plans. He would not be surprised if what Ser Barristan told him and what Catelyn Stark told him about Raenera were true. That Raenera played the game of thrones better than anyone. She learned the game quickly the reason was her life hung in the balance. Now, he had no doubt Daenerys' life hung in balance now. It all depended on what Daenerys did next. It would decide what her fate would be.
Later that night Rae stood by the Heart Tree in White Harbor. She had a black fur line cloak on her shoulders. She was dressed in a northern fur line dark grey gown with black and red dragons and direwolves sewn on the bodice. The catspaw dagger was hung in its sheath on her waist. Her husband, Jon, her children's grandsire, and a group of King's Guards would head to the wall at dawn. Her eyes traveled skyward Visenya flew overhead dancing with Viserion. This was like the mating dances Rae had seen before. This was like a fight without being a fight. Ser Markas stood nearby guarding her.
"Ser Markas, who do you think gives me my dreams," Rae questioned.
"Some claims it is the red god, other claims it the old gods, others yet say in it is in your blood. I find a simpler answer they come from your bloodline. You are of the North and have green sight that could be why you were spared in the flames that should have caused your death. But is it so farfetched that the gods of Old Valyria blessed you? If what you say is true and Aegon knew, and his dream was lost. Would it not be wise to show one of his blood-line what is to come," Ser Markas asked.
"You think I have dreams because the Gods of Old Valyria wills it so," Rae asked.
Rae looked back to the heart tree. His answer really did make sense. Seven Hells even her being reborn in flames held up by the gods of Old Valyria. Her praying to the heart tree in a way was praying to the oldest gods that Westeros knew. But who really answered her prayers was it the old gods or were it the Gods of Valyria.
"It is just an idea, your grace," Ser Markas replied noticing the look on Rae's face.
"Thank you, Ser Markas, for your wise words," Rae said.
Greywind trotted into the God Wood. Rae knew it was hard for him to be separated from his mate. But she told herself it was for the best. Starlight was with her pups and Rae's babies. Greywind was to stay with her when they go beyond the wall. A guard that could not be bought. Whose loyalty was only to his master, his master's mate, and his family? Ghost was there too, but he had yet to warm up to Rae as Greywind was. He was protective of Valaena. If that was who Jon wanted, then so be it. She was happy for her lady in waiting. Rae walked back to the tree bowing her head to pray for her husband's safe return and her plans to work. All her plans working. She was lost in her prayers.
"Your Grace, Ser Jorah," Ser Markas told her.
Rae stood up her hand sinking into Greywind's fur. She put on a fake smile on her face as she turned to greet him. Ser Jorah looked at her in awe. In the flame of torches and moonlight, she looked like a goddess.
"Ser Jorah," Rae greeted friendly.
"Your Grace," Ser Jorah stated.
Why he had come here was on the tip of his tongue. His loyalty to Daenerys was unquestionable. So, part of him had to know what Raenera's plan was. Part of him was thankful that Raenera had not acted but at the same time, he wondered if a fate worst than imprisonment awaited Daenerys. He did love her. His eyes traveled to Ser Markas. He looked to Queen Raenera. Rae nodded her head one hand on the catspaw dagger and the other on Greywind fur. Ser Markas left them but still stayed within earshot.
"What brings you here Ser Jorah," Rae asked plainly.
"Princess Daenerys tells me you know about her second sons being on Dragonstone," Ser Jorah stated.
Raenera nodded her head. She looked down at Greywind then back at Ser Jorah. Greywind looped away from Raenera but stayed close. She knew this moment was coming. Ser Jorah realized there was more to her no reaction.
"Aye," Rae said not giving anything away.
"I must ask, there is a reason you have not acted. Your sister amassing an army is an act of treason," Ser Jorah said.
"Would you have me put my sister to death for the simple act of trying to help me?" Rae said playing the part of innocence that she knew so well.
"It is not to help you. She has ordered me to call for Golden Company" Ser Jorah revealed buying her innocence.
"Good, do it. If she wants a war; she will have it. She will not like how it ends," Rae stated clearly as the day the act is forgotten.
"You cannot mean that," Ser Jorah said in disbelief everything he had seen about Raenera pointed to her not wanting a civil war that was why she called Daenerys here in the first place.
"Oh, but I do. You know they say when a Targaryen is born the gods flip a coin and the world holds its breath to see what side it lands. My sister is mad. I know this. I have seen it. You have to. You just don't want to admit it. Just like I'm preparing for a war I never wanted. Tell me Ser Jorah what happens to my sons and my daughters. If she comes to power. Do you think she'll let them live? They are threats to her reign. She will put them to the knife before my funeral pyre has even stopped smoking. And any that appose her will also burn." Rae started. Ser Jorah could not believe what he was hearing. Daenerys would never murder children. He looked down shaking his head. Raenera came to stand right in front of him. Her hand grasped his chin forcing his eyes to meet her amethyst pools. "I heard what she did in Astapor. Qarth. Yunkai. Even in Mereen. Now think about that and tell me you don't see madness. I have seen the look of envy and greed on her face. I warned her way from Prince Oberyn for I know Prince Doran has his own plans to be on the Iron Thorne. And what does she do falls right into his arms. Yes, I could have married her to someone else and been seen like our brother. But I promised her she could make her own match. I knew she knows little about how this game is played. That is why I cautioned her against Dorne. If I wanted to be a tyrant, I could have had her arrested and even burned and beheaded for treason for amassing an army. But I'm not a tyrant. A King or Queen who isn't feared is powerless. Ser Jorah I'm not powerless. I just need her to act first in a way that could not be disputed as treason," Rae stated walking away.
Ser Jorah was left with his thoughts of all the horrors that Daenerys had committed in Essos. Some of them from while she was married to Khal Drogo as well popped into his head. Tears started to well up in his eyes when he realized that Raenera was right. There was madness in Daenerys.
Raenera made her way back into the feast that was taking place in the great hall with Ser Markas by her side. She grabbed a goblet of wine drinking quickly as she made her way to the high table. Everyone bowed and greeted her as her grace as she passed. Robb greeted her with an enthusiastic kiss causing a cheer to go up. She returned the kiss sitting down next to him. Tyrion was on her other side.
"How was your prayer sweetheart," Robb asked.
"Well," Rae responded.
"I am glad. I know you are worried about our venture beyond the wall my love," Robb said kissing the top of her hand.
"I am. I have faith in your return to me and our children and future children," Rae stated.
"Are you?" Robb asked when she said, future children.
"I just gave you Jaehaerys. I hope to give you more in time, but it is too soon to know my king," Rae replied.
Robb smiled at her squeezing her hand and bringing their joined hand kissing her knuckles. Rae's eyes found Jon kissing Lady Val. She smiled at the sight. The men that were leaving tomorrow were seeking out their lust.
"Jon has asked for our blessing on his betrothal to Lady Valaena Velaryon," Robb told her catching her look.
"And you have agreed," Rae said.
"Yes, he did say something that stuck me as odd. He said he had decided on his surname," Robb said.
"And what did he say it was," Rae asked.
"He said he wished to be known as Jon Targaryen," Robb told him.
Rae nodded her head. Robb gave her a look that told her he knew that she had something with Jon's new surname. She took another drink of her wine. She looked at him a little sheepishly.
"I gave him leave to make his own identity. He has known as many names as I have. I gave him leave to make his own surname. I also told him if he wished to remain Stark then I would be pleased to. I did not force his hand. I never mention Targaryen as a choice Robb," Rae explained.
"I believe you. In fact, I would have done that in time. It is a clever idea," Robb told her.
Robb got to talk to Ned who was talking with Lord Manderly and his wife. Lord Varys came over to Raenera. He whispered something in her ear. She looked over to Lord Varys in shock. She mouth the word truly. He nodded his head. Her grip on the goblet tightens to the point of white knuckles. Rae at that moment turned to address Tyrion. She down the rest of her wine.
"My Lord Hand, call them. I want them in King Landing as soon as they are able. This war will not wait out the storm," Rae stated.
Tyrion caught her other meaning by the look in her eyes and pallor of her face. And the way she was drinking wine. He paled and nodded his head. He took a larger drink of his wine.
"Your Graces, I am retiring for the night," Tyrion announced.
"Good Night my Lord Hand," Rae said.
Raenera's eyes followed Tyrion out of the hall. That was until she caught Daenerys eyes. They regarded each other for a long time. Daenerys could tell something just happened. But she had no clue what.
Tyrion shut the door to his chamber with a loud sigh. He walked over to the desk in the room pulling a large stack of parchment with quill and ink. He quickly decided that it would be done with a smaller raven letter calling the lords to call their bannerman to war with Princess Daenerys and a larger one calling the High Lords to King Landing in less than three moons' turn. He was drinking as wrote the letters. He sealed each of them with his crest and Queen Raenera's crest along with Robb's crest.
Tyrion had been at it for hours. The gravity of what was about to happen hit him. He dropped the quill and broke down in tears. This was the very thing that Rae was trying to prevent by inviting Daenerys to Dragonstone. A knock sounded on the door.
"Enter" Tyrion called.
Jaime came into the room shutting the door. He noticed the state that his little brother was in. He was concerned when his brother left the feast so early. It was now clear that he has every right to be.
"Tyrion what going on," Jaime asked.
"Queen Raenera is calling for the High Lords of Westeros to call their bannerman," Tyrion stated.
"That is smart we will need every man to fight the war with the Night King," Jaime reasoned.
Tyrion looked at his brother in shock. He never believed those children's stories much like Cersei didn't. Those words made Tyrion question how well he knew his brother.
"Didn't know you believe in that brother" Tyrion stated.
"Seeing a person burnt alive and remain unharmed birth dragons into this world. Makes you question everything you believe. If Queen Raenera says there are White Walkers and Night King, then I believe her and will follow her to the ends of the earth and beyond," Jaime vowed.
Tyrion handed his brother a goblet of wine. He down his own goblet. He was glad that Rae had such a loyal ally and sworn sword. He did not want to be one to tell him what he had to but he had no choice but to.
"It's not the Night King that she is calling for the banner man to be called. Yes, she wants them to come that is why you and the group are going beyond the wall to get a member of the army of the dead to prove to everyone that she is telling the truth. But the second raven letter. It's much worse to call all of them to war with Princess Daenerys Targaryen. She prepares for civil war," Tyrion revealed.
"Is that why her children are on their way to Casterly Rock," Jaime asked.
"What are you talking about," Tyrion asked.
"She did not tell you. Prince Torrhen, Prince Jaehaerys, Princess Lilliyan, and Princess Lyanna are to stay until otherwise informed at Casterly Rock. Under guard of loyal Umber, Stark and Lannister soldiers as well Ser Barristan and their direwolves and Starlight." Jaime revealed
Tyron looked to the ceiling. That move made sense the fewer people who knew where her children were if they did end up in a war with Daenerys the better. Casterly Rock had never been breached it was far enough from the Wall and path of Night King but also far enough from King's Landing.
Robb and Rae were undressing and getting ready for bed. She was seating by her vanity brushing out her long dark curls. She was dressed in a silvery silk robe with Myrish lace trim and nothing else. She was trying not to think about the coming war with her sister. At the same time, it was the only thing that plagued her mind. Robb came over dressed only in his pants wrapping his arms around her. He took the brush from her hand setting it down on the vanity top. He pulled her hair to the side, so he had access to her neck. He peppers lust-filled kissing down her neck in a slow sensual dance. Their eyes met in the mirror.
"I love you," Robb told her.
"I love you too," Rae replied even she could hear the catch in her voice.
"My love you have nothing to fear I'll be back shortly. And then we will win this coming war," Robb reassured her.
Rae looked down. She had not told Robb about Daenerys actions. But she could not burden him with that now. He had enough to worry about with the trip beyond the wall. He cupped her chin making her look into his eyes in the mirror. There was a pleading look in his eyes to let him in, to let him help shoulder this burden.
"It's not that," Rae started.
Robb came around to truly face her as she turned pressing her face into to strong hard chest. Tears fall from her eyes. Everything she had tried to prevent from coming was all in vain. For it was coming hard and fast. She kissed his chest as Robb wrapped his arms around comforting her. She looked up at him.
"If I need to can I call the North's bannermen your bannerman?" Rae asked finally with tears streaming down her face worry and fear clearly on her face.
"You are their Queen they will answer your call," Robb told her. He kissed her pouring all the reassurance into it. She stood up wrapping her arms around his neck. They deepen the kiss. He cupped her face as they pulled apart. The fear and worry were still on her face as much as she tried to hide them. "I need to know why you ask this, my queen. I know you need them for the War for the Dawn," Robb asked.
"It's not that war I'm worried about," Rae revealed finally.
"What are you talking about sweetheart," Robb asked finally realizing there was more at foot here.
"Don't worry about that just come back to me," Rae said trying to put a brave front knowing she already said too much.
"No, sweetheart, Raenera tell me," Robb argued as Rae moved away from him.
Rae made her way over to the bed. She sank down into the mattress. Robb came over to her kneeling in front of her with his hands on her legs. She looked straight ahead. Then she looked down at him. He had the right to know. The tears were really starting to fall now.
"A civil war," Rae cried. The weight of it all came off her shoulders at that moment. Robb tried to shake his head that it was not true. The words just started to tumble out of her mouth. "I'm preparing to destroy my family. But I have been given no choice. She's mad. I have seen it…not in dreams but in the glares, she has given me and you and our children. When people call me queen and welcome us and so many other things. She is amassing an army. I saw them on Dragonstone. And now the Golden Company. I don't want to do this but I have no choice. Lord Varys tells me he has heard from multiple sources she said she should be queen. Robb if I do this… if I have to kill her. I will kill the last of true full-blooded Targaryen dragon left." Rae sobbed.
"Rae my love you don't have to face this alone," Robb assured.
"I know but I don't want you to have to fight this battle for me," Rae told him.
"I know, I know but Rae sweetheart it will be my honor to defend your claim," Robb told her and kissed her again.
Rae returned the kiss until the need to breathe caused them to pull apart and rest her forehead against his own. She leaned in kissing him again. Her hand pulled him back up and onto the bed. He pushed the robe from her shoulders. Their passion and love flames burning hot.
The next morning, Rae stood dressed in a black dark grey winter gown with dragons embroidered on it. Greywind by her side. Tyrion stood by her left. Her eyes traveled to Daenerys she was dressed in blood red winter gown. She was by Ser Jorah. Robb came out to the courtyard with Jon, Ned, and Jaime. Robb came over to her kissing her deeply.
"I will be back shortly," Robb said
"I love you," Rae whispered in return.
"And I you," Robb replied.
Robb walked over to his horse after saying goodbye to his wife and queen. She stood still as a statue watching them prepare to depart. Her eyes went skyward to the dragon circle overhead.
"Is it done?" Rae asked softly.
"It is my queen," Tyrion replied.
"Good" Rae replied.
Daeny watched the Raenera how could she be so calm and serene. Her heart hurt with worry for Jon going beyond the Wall. She glared at Lady Val as he kissed her goodbye. She smiled up at him.
"Khalessi," Ser Jorah addressed.
"Is it done?" Daenerys asked Ser Jorah.
"Yes," Ser Jorah replied.
"Good," Daenerys stated.
Ser Jorah moved to mount his own horse to head out with the party. His eyes met Raenera's as he turned to head out with the party. They regarded each other for a moment. He looked between Daenerys and Raenera the tension between them was thick. The more he thought about what Raenera had said the more he could see it in Daeny. He loved her and part of him would do anything for her but at what cost.