The Little Raven

by Succulent Killer

The world fell to fire and ice, and the three eyed raven tired quickly of bloodshed. To change the tide of fate, they conjured a child of their own to be born alongside Cersei Lannister and Robert Baratheon's only trueborn son. With knowlage of the future no one else has, how will Kailyah Baratheon change the tide of the war?

9. Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Kingsroad

"And Myria said her Mother and Father are fighting, her Mother won't let her attend Laena's nameday festival, and she refused to invite Laena's family to Mathas' first joust or to her Grandmother's funeral even though Laena's Father is their families Liege Lord and Myria's Father says they have to-"

"Mm, I've heard rumors that Lord Motrus is suspiciously close with Lady Saera, he got a bit to liberal while they danced."

"But Lord Mortus never drinks!"

"I got rather curious about some rumors I'd heard and asked Haden to keep his goblet full."

"Why, Kailee? I thought you liked Lord Mortus. You said he wasn't as incompetent as the other Lords."

"He was stupid enough to make some snide comments about Joffrey's skill with a sword."

"In the castle?"

"No, darling, in his holdfast. He was discussing finances with his Maester and a few Lords, and started boasting about his son besting Joff during practice."

"How do you know these things?"

"Magic." Kailyah winked at her little sister, who giggled, turning back to her embroidery as their Ladies in waiting looked over curiously.

"Princess Kailyah? Princess Marcella?" Kailyah's eye twitched slightly, annoyed at being interrupted. She didn't particularly enjoy embroidery, but it seemed to be the only time she'd been able to spare her sister her undivided attention since they'd left King's Landing. At home, they had Marcella's training time to spend together, but her skill with weaponry was kept quiet, unlike Kailyah's, who Robert boasted about night and day. They'd had no time to find a private place to practice, and in Winterfell, Kailyah had focused much of her attention on Arya or slipped out to spend time with her brothers and Robb.

Back on the Kings Road, headed to King's landing, Kailyah had turned much of her attention to Joffrey, since she wasn't sure exactly when the incident with the Direwolves occurred. Marcella, the smart little girl she was, had noticed, and demanded her fair share of time with their eldest sibling. Kailyah, who'd never been able to deny her sister a thing, conceded, and made it clear that they weren't to be interrupted. But she hadn't been able to escape the eldest Stark girl since leaving Winterfell, and now seemed no different.

"Lady Sansa." She greeted, turning to the nervous young girl with a smile.

"I didn't mean to interrupt."

"You didn't, Lady Sansa. What can I do for you?"

"I was hoping I could join you." Kailyah arched an eyebrow at her sister, who, despite the disappointment in her eyes, made room for Sansa, politely asking what she was making. The two girls chatted amicably as Kailyah's mind wandered, as it often did, towards the future. Barring Ned making any unfixable missteps, she would likely travel North to marry Robb once Jasper's reign was secure. Jasper would marry Margery, and the twins had decided together that Marcella would marry Trystan, as they'd been content before Oberyn Martells ill timed death. As much as she hated the distance, hated the risk it would bring her only sister, Marcella deserved every happiness the world had to offer, and Kailyah was determined to give it to her. It also had the added advantage of bringing Dorne back into the fold.

Depending on which title he inherited, Joffrey would likely marry either a highborn Lady of the Westerlands or the Stormlands. Jasper insisted it be the Stormlands, as it was unlikely Renly would ever father children, and Joffrey was the eldest 'Baratheon' able to inherit the Stormlands since Jasper would be busy running the Seven Kingdoms. But Kailyah knew very well that Tywin would rather die than hand the Rock down to Tyrion, and would likely avoid it through Joffrey or Tommen.

Tommen would be eligible to inherit the Stormlands, though her youngest brother was far too gentle to handle it. More likely though, if Grandfather didn't whisk him off to Casterly Rock, their Mother would cling to her youngest child, and he'd live at court. Jasper would likely give him a place on the small council, if he put in the work for it. Tommen loved ships, Kailyah would encourage his interest, gift him lessons in sailing, trade, and economics and hire someone to teach him naval military tactics, and perhaps attend with him. It certainly couldn't hurt, especially with the coming battles.

Fathers eldest bastard son had grown up at Storm's End, if Renly had no children and Tommen refused, he could always legitimize the boy and claim him as his own. Either way, the Stormlands and Westerlands would firmly support Jasper's reign, especially since Renly would never rebel against his favorite nephew. Kailyah had noticed Jasper's fondness for their uncle when they were young, and eagerly encouraged it, while also doing whatever she could to endear herself and her twin to her Baratheon Uncles. While Stannis seemed largely unaffected and often left them for Dragonstone, Renly adored the both of them, especially Jasper.

The Westerlands and Stormlands would firmly support Jasper, as would the Reach once Jasper and Margery married. Marcella would give them a foothold in Dorne, and she and Jasper would work to mend the bonds between their countries. Robb would support her, and in turn her brother, which gave them the North, and the Riverlands and Vale would follow his Mother, the current Lady Stark. She had plans in place for Daenerys, and for the Night King. So long as Ned Stark didn't monumentally fuck up in the next few months, everything would be fine. Her family would be safe.

TLR

"Well done Joff!" Kailyah cheered as the stag fell, and her brother beamed, resting his crossbow against his shoulder cockily. He waved his hand dismissively, and the two guards with them started forward on their horses to retrieve the deer. "Lets head back." She suggested, eager to leave after three hours hunting.

"Why did you join us if you hate hunting?" Joffrey laughed, handing his bow off to Sandor absentmindedly.

"I needed to get out of camp. Everywhere I turn, there's a Stark that needs my attention."

"So tell them to leave you alone. You're a Princess of the Realm, they'll have no choice but to listen. Especially if you tell Mother."

"They are Lord Stark's children, it wouldn't do much good to offend the man. Besides, Arya and Bran aren't bad, and they're easy to redirect when I need space. It's Sansa."

"Yes, I have noticed her following you around like a lost little duckling."

"A very persistent little duckling. She's upsetting Marcella, interrupting our time together."

"I thought Marcella liked her."

"She does, to an extent. But the Starks already claim quite a bit of my attention, she isn't happy about losing more of it to Sansa."

"So what will you do?"

"I'll have the other ladies of court welcome her, hopefully her new 'friends' will be able to hold her attention."

"I don't want to marry her."

"It isn't official yet."

"Mothers encouraging it now. I thought she of all people would be against it. She's never agreed with any of my possible betrothals before."

"She doesn't particularly agree with this one, but it is the lesser of two evils. Father is determined that one of his children will wed a Stark. Jasper has loudly and publicly refused to marry a child, and Lord Stark has backed him. That leaves Robb and I, Sansa and you, Marcella and Bran, or Arya and Tommen. Father doesn't want to wait long enough for any of the children to come of age, so it's just us. Mother is backing you and Sansa because she doesn't want me sent to Winterfell." Joffrey just pouted. "She will be beautiful, Joffrey. And I believe she will be clever, once she learns a few lessons. She'd make a fine Ladywife, and she's been trained to run a household since she was a babe."

"I don't like her. I don't want to marry her."

"Who do you want to marry?"

"No one, I suppose." Joffrey said after a moment of thinking.

"Unfortunately, unless you decide to go to the Wall or join the Kingsguard, you'll have to, little brother. But your marriage will be what you make it. If you decide you want a happy marriage and put in the work to make it happen, you'll have it. Alternatively, if you choose to do so, you only need to see her when it's time to have children or for formal events." There was a snort behind her, but Kailyah ignored Sandor as her brother sighed.

"I suppose. Even so, I don't think she'll make a good Lady of the Rock." Kailyah's hands tightened slightly on her reigns, though her face remained calm and serene. Her Grandfather had sent a missive days ago, renouncing Tyrion's claim on Casterly Rock and naming Joffrey its heir. Her brother and Mother had been on cloud nine for days, while Jasper had been stewing in rage on his Uncle's behalf.

"What do you think makes a good Lady, Joff?"

"She has to be clever, strong. She needs to be trained, not some Northern bint that doesn't understand politics in the South. Someone like you, I suppose."

"Darling," Kailyah drawled. "There is no one like me. Who could possibly compare?" Joffrey laughed at her arrogance, and Kailyah joined him. They rode back to camp in content chatter, and Joffrey left her at the stables, running off to boast to her twin over his kill. Kailyah stayed a moment, content spoiling her horse, until she realized there was a presence behind her. "Shouldn't you be with Joff?"

"You can't let him marry that girl."

"Sandor-"

"He will destroy her. That little bird cannot handle that monster."

"My brother is not a monster." Kailyah snapped, steel winding through her voice. Sandor didn't back down.

"She won't be able to handle him. She doesn't have the strength."

"We are women, Sandor. We don't have much of a choice than to find the strength to endure." Sandors didn't budge, and she sighed. "They won't marry. Your little bird will be safe." Her brother's sworn shield met her eyes, before nodding abruptly, turning to follow after his charge. "Sandor." He paused at the door, glancing back at her. "You will never call him that again."

"Or?"

"I'll find the strength to do something about it."

TLR

"Well done, darling." Kailyah smiled down at Arya, who beamed proudly up at her. "You are a natural."

"Jon said that too! He used to take me out to the Weirwood Tree at night to practice, while everyone else was sleeping."

"I hope you weren't shooting at that Weirwood tree."

"Of course not!" Arya gasped eyes wide. "We can't-"

"I'm only joking, Arya." Kailyah promised, striding towards their target and removing the arrows embedded in the bullseye. "Your Father wouldn't let you learn?"

"No."

"I'm a bit surprised at that. I was told his sister loved to hunt, that she was also brilliant with a bow."

"She was, Father- he was going to. But he and Mother had a fight, and…" Arya looked down at the ground. "He told me- Mother thinks it would ruin my 'marriage prospects'. Not that I'd care. She always said I'm far too wild already, and Father only encourages it."

"I'm sorry she said that to you, darling."

"They want me to be like Sansa. I just know it. Father- sometimes- I think the only reason he lets me be… me, is because I look like her. My Aunt Lyanna. Sometimes he looks at me and he only sees her." Kailyah knelt in the dirt, gently lifting Aryas chin so the little girl would meet her eyes.

"My Father has that same problem."

"He does?"

"Yes. And I'm sure Lyanna was a lovely woman. But we are not her. We are beautifully, wonderfully individual, and we will blaze a different path. Yes?" Arya beamed, nodding eagerly, and the older girl smiled, kissing her cheek before rising to her feet. "Come darling, I should return you to your Father." Arya took her hand, chattering away at her the entire way through camp, past the Stark guards, and looked up at her with adoring eyes, hugging her tightly before Kailyah handed her off to her Father, who left her with a kind smile. Kailyah made her way back to her own part of camp, pausing occasionally to speak with various members of the Stark party, making sure to greet them by name and leave them smiling as she left. When she finally reached her tent, Maya helped her change and she quickly collapsed onto her bed, exhausted. There was more work to do tomorrow. She needed the Starks to be loyal, before they reached Kings Landing. Before Baelish sinks his claws into them.

TLR

"Good morning Bran." Kailyah greeted the next morning when the Starks joined them for breakfast. Bran had managed to claim the seat next to her, beating both of his sisters, who scowled at him.

"Good morning, Princess Kailyah." Bran blushed up at her, and Kailyah smiled, amused.

"Call me Kailee. Did you sleep well?"

"I had a strange dream! I dreamt I was a wolf, hunting in the woods! I caught a wild chicken, but it was able to scratch my face. And then I walked back through camp and fell asleep at the end of my bed. And guess what? When I woke up, that's where Summer was!"

"All of our Direwolves sleep on the foot of our beds, Bran." Sansa scoffed, though Ned watched his son curiously.

"But she had a cut on her snout! Just where the chicken scratched me!" Bran insisted, and Kailyah tilted her head to the side, mind racing.

"What a strange coincidence. I had a strange dream myself, though there weren't any wolves or evil chickens to be seen."

"What did you dream of, Kailyah?" Arya asked.

"The white walkers." Kailyah said faux casually, watching out of the corner of her eyes as Ned dropped his fork with a loud clatter, his head snapping towards her.

"A white walker?" Sansa asked.

"I think that's what it must've been. Robb was telling me stories, perhaps he scared me more than I thought." Kailyah chuckled, taking a delicate sip of her tea.

"What happened?"

"Mm, there were these three men on horses- I've never seen them before. They were looking for Wildlings, and one found- somethings strange. Bodies laid out in some strange symbol in the snow. He wanted to go home, their leader called him a deserter. They must've been from the Night's Watch." Kailyah tilted her head to the side, her ebony braid falling over her shoulder as her eyebrows furrowed slightly in thought, pretending she didn't feel Ned's eyes focused on her. "He took them to where that symbol was, but it was all gone, even the blood in the snow. But then the White Walker appeared. Only one of them got away." The tent was silent, and Kailyah blinked, before shaking her head with a bashful smile. "Perhaps I've been reading too many stories."

"Do you think the White Walkers are real, Kailee?" Bran asked.

"I'm not sure. But, I suppose if Dragons were real, anything could be. We'll have to ask my Uncle if he saw any when he returns from Castle Black. Or maybe your brother will have some stories." The children lit up at the mention of their brother, and chattered away, telling her stories of him and reciting their Uncle Benjen's stories, musing over how well Jon was doing while Arya and Bran argued over whether he'd be the next First Ranger or Lord Commander. Kailyah indulged them through it all, while Ned's eyes never left her.

TLR

"Move over." Jasper shifted over easily, not moving his arm from where it laid over his eyes, and Kailyah laid down on the back of the haystack next to him, groaning as she stretched out. "I'm going to set that wheelhouse on fire."

"That bad?"

"If I have to hear those girls argue one more time…"

"I'll trade you two fighting girls for Fathers drunk moaning for Lyanna."

"I'll take that deal, I've learned to tune out Fathers whining. Even Marcella is getting upset."

"Cella? Really?"

"Mhm. How's Joff doing?"

"Better. One advantage of him avoiding his betrothed- he's gotten better at riding since he hasn't been in the wheelhouse. He's used to it now, and he doesn't whine anymore. Plus he's started talking to the knights to relieve the boredom, mostly Red Cloaks. Which I suppose works out well, considering."

"Stop." Kailyah squeezed his hand. "You can't change Grandfather's mind, future King or not. You cannot dwell on something you cannot change."

"It is Tyrion's birthright, Uncle Jaime cannot inherit, so he-"

"You cannot change it, brother. You can't force Grandfather to give him his title. But you can give Tyrion the title Grandfather wants." After a few moments of thought, Jasper's tense shoulders relaxed slightly, and he squeezed her hand.

"He would make a good Hand of the King."

"He will. And Grandfather will choke on his rage." Jasper smiled slightly, and Kailyah returned it. "How's he doing? With the knights?"

"Well enough. He's learning, I gave him some tips, and I know you did as well. He's mostly asking about battles, tourneys, and training."

"It's a start. I'm sure Grandfather will want him to start training when he arrives in Kings Landing."

"It will be good for him."

"It will. Tommen should join him in lessons, get an early start."

"I'll speak to their Maesters about it."

"I may join you, I want to add a few lessons I think may interest him."

"Oh?"

"He's always loved ships, he should learn more."

"You intend for him to become Master of Ships."

"I cannot appoint anyone to the Small Council, dear brother. That is your job."

"You know I'll do anything you ask of me, Kai." Kailyah's smile grew fond, and she squeezed her twins hand. "He'll have to earn it, though. I cannot have an incompetent council, not if I want the Kingdom to be run well."

"He will. But, failing that, he'll have his lessons with Joff. Back up plans never hurt."

"Do you ever think of anything but the future, sister?"

"Occasionally the past. I like to lament over what I could've done better." Jasper rolled his eyes, wrapping an arm around her and tugging her closer, letting her rest her head on his shoulder.

"I think you've done well enough, sister. Rest now, the future can wait. Everyone is safe, for the time being."

"Time waits for no one." Kailyah quotes her Grandfather, even as she closed her eyes. She could use some rest.

TLR

"Find the butcher's boy! I want his head!"

"Absolutely not!" Kailyah snapped, striding into the tent and holding a hand to Sandors chest to stop the man from needing. "Out. Now." Kailyah snapped at the Maester, who scrambled to leave. Joffrey opened his mouth to argue but faltered when KAilyah glared down at him with glacial emerald eyes. "What were you thinking?"

"Why am I in trouble? I am the victim!"

"Don't give me that shit! I am not Mother, and furthermore, I am the one who taught you to lie! I know you. Now, tell me now, word for word, what happened." Joffrey shrunk under her glare as she sat across from him, finishing wrapping the bandages around his arm.

"I- Mother told me to spend time with the Stark girl. We went on a walk down by the river, drinking wine. I found the youngest Stark girl and the commoner by the river, fighting with sticks. I- it wasn't meant to- it's not my fault-"

"Joffrey."

"I- I wanted to show off, I told him to pick up his sword, and he refused. I told him striking any high lady was a crime, especially the sister of the next Queen of Westeros. I told him in Kings Landing he would lose his hand for his crime, or his head. I told him if he took his punishment quietly it'd go no farther than here, and I'd consider his lesson learned, and I- I cut his cheek. And that Stark bitch hit me from behind with the practice sword. I knocked her over, I was shouting at her, and her mutt attacked me." Kailyah closed her eyes for a moment, taking a few deep breaths.

It wasn't good. But it was better than it was the first time around. As stupid as his justifications were, he had told him his 'reasons', it wasn't him just being cruel for the hell of it, at least not the way Kailyah would twist it.

"You will not punish the butchers boy. You will not speak to him, you will not send anyone after him. Am I clear?"

"Yes." Joffrey said quietly.

"Mother is going to ask what happened, as is Father. In fact, you'll likely be brought before the court to answer for this. You'll tell them this, and only this. You and Sansa went for a walk by the river and indulged in a bit to much wine. You found the boy when he struck a high lady. You made it clear that that behavior wouldn't be tolerated at Court, and hoped to punish the boy lightly to be sure it wouldn't happen again. You will tell them you didn't want to see a boy younger than you lose his hand, and sought to remedy it yourself. When Arya struck you from behind, your temper got the best of you, you weren't thinking clearly because of the wine, and you knocked her down."

"But-"

"Father can sympathize with that at least, and so hep me god, you will sell it. Every boy in the world has had to much to drink before, and I'd rather this mess be chalked up to that rather than have them calling you The Cruel Prince."

"But-"

"Would you prefer Maegor the Cruel, come again?" Kailyah asked sharply, and Joffrey went quiet. "You lost your temper, and the wolf attacked you. Nothing else, Joff. I will pay off the Butcher's boy and his Father and they will leave, and you will be on your best behavior. Is that understood?"

"Yes." Joffrey whispered, hesitantly reaching over to take her hand. "Thank you. For taking care of me."

"Always." Kailyah kissed his hand, rising to her feet as her Mother burst into the tent, rushing over to fuss over her son. She slipped out after sending Joffrey a stern look, striding out as he began reciting the story she'd told him. She waved over a group of guards, and Ser Barriston raised his fingers to his lips and whistled loudly, making every Red Cloak and White Cloak in hearing distance head in their direction. Jasper, who had been heading towards Joffrey's tent, quickly joined her, brushing a hand over the small of her back when he reached her side.

"There has been an incident. We have two missing children, Lady Arya Stark, and Micah, the butcher's boy. He's about ten, pale, with red hair. Anyone who is not on guard duty now is too be combing the woods, looking for them. They're scared, if you find either of them, tell them their Fathers are worried for them, and they will not be hurt. Jasper, please tell Lord Stark that the children got into an altercation and Arya ran off. Tell her that we are looking for her and will need help. I need someone to tell the Butcher the same thing."

"I will send my squire to do so, Princess." Ser Barriston promised, and Kailyah nodded.

"I'm sure you have more experience in search and rescue, Lord Barriston. I'll let you organize. Please pass it on that neither child is to be hurt."

"Of course, Princess. Men, with me." Barriston bowed at the twins and led his troops away, and Kailyah turned to her twin, lips pursed.

"After you speak to Lord Stark, stay close to Joffrey. We'll have to buy the boy's silence, likely his Fathers as well."

"And where will you be?"

"I'm going to find Arya."

TLR

"Arya." The little girl crouching behind a tree gasped, whipping around to face her, and immediately started choking on her sobs.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

"Shh." Kailyah knelt a few feet away from the little girl, propping her torch up against a boulder.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, 'm sorry, please-"

"Hush, darling. It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you, okay? I promise." Arya sobbed, scrubbing her face with her hands, but didn't flinch when Kailyah came closer, kneeling and settling her hands on the girl's shoulders. "Are you hurt?"

"No." Arya sniffed, and Kailyah smiled.

"Good." she stood, taking Aryas hand in her own. "Come, darling, let's get you back to your Father. He's very worried about you."

"No!" Arya panicked, yanking her hand free. "The King will- I hurt Joffrey, but- Nymeria, she bit him, but I didn't tell her to! I didn't! And- they're going to-"

"Darling, look at me. It's going to be okay. Yes, we need to talk to the King and Queen, to get this mess straightened out. But your Father will not let anyone hurt you, nor will I. I promise you Arya, no one will lay a hand on you. I just want to get you back to your Father."

"Okay." Arya croaked, wiping her red rimmed eyes before taking the hand Kailyah offered. She wrapped herself around the eldest Princesses arm as they got closer to camp and guards closed in around them. Kailyah waved them away easily enough, whispering quiet assurances in the girl's ear.

"Princess Kailyah." A Red Cloak called as they reached camp. "The Queen has ordered us to escort the girl to the Kings Tent." Arya released her death grip on Kailyah's are only to mold herself to the sixteen year olds side, clutching her like a lifeline and looking up at her with pleading eyes as Kailyah held up a hand, stopping the guard's approach.

"I will escort her myself, there is no need to scare the poor girl. Ser Daemon!" A young White Cloak stepped forward, bowing his head respectfully, and Kailyah smiled at her favorite knight, besides her Uncle, of course. "Please find Lord Stark, tell him Arya is safe and we will meet him in the Kings Tent."

"Yes, Princess." The knight left, and Kailyah led the young girl through camp, into the Kings tent, where she found her family waiting. Father was slumped back in his chair, waiting impatiently with wine in hand. Her Mother was standing to his right, Joffrey and Jasper next to her, and on the other side of the throne was Marcella and Tommen, sleepy eyes and wearing their night clothes.

"You." Her Mother hissed, eyes zeroing in on Arya. "Where is your beast?"

"Nymeria ran away." Arya practically whispered, hiding her face in Kailyah's side.

"Go find the beast." Cersei ordered, and several Red Cloaks nodded, leaving the tent to search. Arya remained silent, but clung to Kailyah tighter when the Queen's poisonous green orbs fell on her again. "You dared strike my son, your Prince?"

"Quiet, woman." The King snapped, taking a swig of wine. "We'll wait for Ned, get this whole mess straightened out then." Cersei's mouth pursed, but she went silent, turning to meet her eldest daughter's eyes. Kailyah held her gaze, running her fingers through Arya's hair to calm her, and the tent remained silent for a short while until Ned Stark entered with his party, pushing through the crowd to reach his daughter. Arya finally released Kailyah, rushing to her Father, who held her tight. Kailyah stepped away, standing just behind the Starks.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Arya insisted, and Ned hushed her.

"Are you hurt?"

"No."

"It's all right." Ned held his youngest daughter for a moment, before turning to the royal party, stepping before her defensively. "What is the meaning of this? Why was my daughter not brought to me at once?"

"How dare you speak to your King in that manner?" Cersei asked quietly.

"Quiet, woman." Robert snapped again, and Kailyahs lips pursed at the disrespect towards her Mother. "Sorry, Ned. I never meant to frighten the girl. But we need to get this business done quickly."

"Your girl attacked my son, and that animal of hers nearly tore his arm off."

"That's not true!" Arya insisted. "She just… bit him a little. He was hurting Mycah."

"Joff told us what happened. Mycah struck a high born lady, he was being punished properly."

"Micah and I were just playing! He didn't need-"

"In King's Landing he would have lost a hand for such an offense! My Uncle is the Master of Laws, I've seen trials where far worse has happened!" Joffrey insisted, and Kailyahs lips lifted slightly before she schooled her face into a blank mask. He was doing well. "The boy was younger than I am, I hoped to prevent worse from happening if he made the same mistake at home."

"You just wanted to hurt him! You liked it!"

"I did not!"

"Enough! Seven Hells, what am I to make of this? Where's your other daughter, Ned?"

"In bed, asleep."

"She's not." Her Mother smiled, straightening to look over the crowd. "Sansa! Come here, little dove." Sansa was led forward by two Red Cloaks, Bran hovering nervously at her side as they stepped forward alongside her Father and sister.

"Now, child. Tell me what happened. Tell it all, and tell it true. It is a great crime to lie to a King." Sansa looked nervously to her Father, and then at Joffrey.

"I don't know." She murmured after a moment. "It all happened so fast…"

"Joffrey tells me the two of you had been drinking wine before the incident. Did the two of you have too much?" Kailyah said gently, offering her an out, which Sansa eagerly took.

"We may have. I've only ever had one cup at meals…"

"As has Joffrey. I believe they indulged too much, and a petty fight escalated." Kailyah turned to meet her family's eyes, and saw Jasper subtlely nudge Joffrey.

"My temper may have gotten the best of me." He admitted, looking like he was sucking on a lemon.

"Joffrey was punishing the boy as per our laws, and she attacked him, alongside her beast. I want her punished."

"What would you have me do? Whip her through the streets? Damn it, children fight, it's over."

"Joffrey will bear these scars for the rest of his life." Robert scoffed, glancing around his wife to glare at his son.

"You let that little girl disarm you?" Joffrey looked away, and Jasper placed a hand on his shoulder. "Ned, see to it that your daughter is disciplined, I'll do the same with my son."

"Gladly, Your Grace." Ned nodded, turning to lead his children from the tent.

"And what of the Direwolf?" Cersei asked as Robert stood to leave, making him pause. "What of the beast that savaged your son?"

"I'd forgotten the damned wolf." Robert sighed, turning to Ser Daemon, who shook his head.

"We've found no trace of the Direwolf, Your Grace."

"No? So be it."

"We have another wolf. Two, in fact." Robert turned, meeting his wifes eye, and sighed.

"As you will."

"You can't mean it." Ned protested, and Robert paused again next to him.

"A Direwolfs no pet. Get them a dog, they'll be happier for it."

"He doesn't mean Lady, does he?"

"Not Summer!" Bran gasped, whipping around to face his Father desperately.

"No, no, not Lady. Lady didn't bite anyone, she's good!"

"Lady and Summer weren't there! You leave them alone!" Arya protested.

"Please, Father, don't let them do it!" Bran begged his Father while Sansa plead with the Queen.

"Please, please, it wasn't Lady!"

"Is this your command? Your Grace?" Ned demanded, meeting his oldest friends eyes, and Robert just turned away, heading towards the exit.

"Kailyah!" Arya pleaded, and Kailyah finally stepped in, steeling herself for what was to come.

"Father." She called as he went to pass her, making him pause one last time. "The wolf that attacked Joffrey is gone. That is punishment enough. The others should not suffer because you are too lazy to rule the kingdom you fought for." Kailyah fully expected the backhand her Father gave her next, but it didn't make it hurt any less. Fat and lazy the King may be, pain still exploded across her cheekbone and white dots danced across her vision, though she stayed on her feet through sheer stubbornness and pride. She turned cold emerald eyes back to her Father, vaguely noting those who'd stepped forward to defend her.

Her brother looked every bit a lion, fury painted across his face. He was feet away, shaking with rage, and the Kingsguard had closed in, keeping him away. Her mother looked much the same, shaking with rage with a hand clenched around her twins arm. Jaime looked much like his father, his face a blank mask but his eyes screaming his fury. It was unclear who was restraining who. Lord Stark had stepped in front of his horrified children, jaw hanging, staring at his old friend as if he'd never seen them before. Finally Kailyah met her fathers furious blue eyes, and her chin lifted defiantly.

"Lady Olenna says a man only strikes a woman when he cannot find a better argument than hers." Her Fathers face flushed in fury and he lifted a meaty hand. Kailyah didn't flinch even as Jasper lunged against the four guards separating him from his twin. Lord Stark was the one who stopped him, lunging forward to catch his hand. Kailyah barely heard his words over the yelling that had filled the tent.

"What are you doing? That's your daughter!" Robert stared at his old friend, breathing heavily, trying to think through the gallons of ale he'd drank today and the furious shrieking of his wife and son.

"ENOUGH!" He roared, silencing the tent. The only thing he heard was his own heavy breathing, and faintly, the quiet sobs of his youngest children. He turned his eyes to his daughter and felt a pang of regret, suddenly remembering how small she was. Kailyah stood straight though, meeting his eye proudly despite the large bruise already blooming across her cheekbone. "What would you have us do, if you wish to rule so badly?" He mocked, glaring down at the girl.

"All this was is a squabble between children that got out of hand. The wolf that attacked Joffrey is gone, that is punishment enough for a nine year old girl. I see no reason the others should suffer for one wolf's actions. Instead of needless bloodshed, send the wolves back to Winterfell. Wolves do not do well in the South anyway." Here, she met Lord Stark's gaze before turning defiant eyes back to her Father. With no better arguments, the King left them with a gruff 'see that it's done.'

No sooner had he stepped out of the tent that Kailyah found a sobbing Bran wrapped around her waist, a blubbering but more restrained Sansa hovering nearby. Mildly annoyed over the humiliation of her father striking her in front of an audience, but slightly placated by the care she had earned from Ned Stark, she kept her voice gentle and smile sad as she gently embraced the eldest Stark girl and threaded gentle fingers through Brandons long locks, carefully keeping her gentle princess mask in place. Just as she handed off the devastated children to Lord Stark, who was comforting a sobbing Arya, her twin was there, turning her to face him with gentle fingers that betrayed the fury in his stormy eyes as he examined the purpling bruise.

"I'll kill him." Jasper snarled, furious, gentle fingers tracing the mark. Kailyah winced at the pressure and he let out a slow, hissing breath through his teeth. "He can't-"

"He's the King, Jas, he can do whatever he wants." Kailyah sighed with a bitter smile, fully aware of Lord Stark's worried eyes on her. "Fat as he is, he can probably still swing a warhammer with the best of them." Jasper's jaw clenched and Kailyah smiled softly, catching his hand and squeezing gently. "I am alright."

"I'm taking you to see a Maester, he could've-" Jasper shook his head furiously and turned to glare at Ser Meryn- the guard meant to protect her before beginning to lead her out of the tent. "Excuse us, Lord Stark. Ser Meryn, you're dismissed."

"Your Grace, I'm meant to guard the princess until-"

"I've seen how you guard my sister. I'm sure I will do a better job. I'm sure a greenboy could do a better job." Jasper scoffed, leading Kailyah away, leaving Ser Meryn sputtering furiously.

"You know none of them would stop the King."

"I don't care if The Father himself appears wishing to strike you down, their job is to protect you and I expect them to do it. They will not last long when I rule." Jasper paused, glancing at her. "Did you know this would happen?"

"Something like this. It's difficult to prevent when you don't know what day anything will happen." Kailyah sighed.

"That's why you've been spending so much time with Joffrey."

"Joff needs some attention, Gods knows Father will never show him any-"

"He won't have a chance. If he strikes you in front of me again, I will strike him down myself, and he won't get back up." Jasper snarled. Kailyah sighed, pulling him to a stop.

"Jas, Fathers reign- it won't last much longer." Kailyah whispered, meeting his eyes seriously. "It's not something I can stop-"

"Good." Jasper spat, though there was something far sadder in his eyes now. "He's a shit King, and an even worse Father-"

"But still your Father." Jasper was quiet and Kailyah leant up, kissing his cheek. "Make your peace with him, if you wish it."

"He's never been a Father to me, I don't think that's ever going to change. I lost any respect I had for him before my sixth nameday." Jasper admitted quietly before squeezing his twin's hand. "Thank you for telling me." Kailyah smiled at him gently and he led her to the Maesters tent. Once the Maester determined that the King had not managed to break her cheekbone, he went to escort her back to her tent, only to find their uncle waiting outside the Maesters tent.

"Your Mother wishes to see you." Jaime drawled, with an easy quirk of the lips, eyes locked on her bruise.

"She worries." Kailyah rolled her eyes, taking the arm Jaime offered. "I'm fine, Uncle."

"The Maester says nothing is broken." Jasper agreed, taking her other arm and making her way towards the royal tents. Kailyah wondered briefly at the image they made, her Uncle and brother, nearly identical, towering over her. Golden lions, the both of them. Kailyah, half a head shorter, pale with her Baratheon colors, with the antler circlet woven through her hair shining in the firelight. They entered the royal tent, and Kailyah could only sigh when she was nearly tackled by her two youngest siblings upon her entry.

"I'm alright, my loves." Kailyah promised, running gentle fingers through their blonde locks.

"Father hit you." Marcella lifted her head and Kailyah felt a pang of guilt at her red rimmed eyes and flushed, tear stained face.

"I'm sorry you had to see such a thing, 'Cella." Marcella sniffled, burying her face in Kailyahs skirts as Kailyah sighed, picking up little Tommen and propping him on her hip before taking Marcellas hand and leading her towards a settee next to her mother. She settled Tommen in her lap, enduring her Mothers silence as she ran a hand up and down the boy's spine. He quickly fell asleep, tired from a trying day, and Marcella laid her head in her mothers lap, falling into a light doze as her mother played with her golden curls. "I am sorry, Mother."

"Why did you do it?"

"Father listens to Lord Stark above all else. I didn't wish to make an enemy of him before we even reached Kings Landing."

"We do not have much to fear from one man."

"We do when that one man is the only voice Father hears." Kailyah met her Mothers identical eyes. "The north is a fierce country, Mother. I would hate to make it an enemy." Cersei's eyes did not waver and Kailyah sighed, suddenly exhausted. "I am only trying to protect us."

"I know you are, my darling." Cersei leant forward, cupping her cheek and running a thumb over the growing bruise. "You are young still, Kailyah. I do not want you to worry so about protecting us from invisible enemies, that is my job. Please don't wish to grow up so quickly."

"I grew up a long time ago, Mother." Kailyah disagreed, though she allowed herself to lean into her mother's touch. Cersei's smile turned fond.

"I know darling. My brave, brilliant girl who bows to no one." Cersei's eyes caught on her cheek and her eyes darkened. "I nearly killed him, Kailyah. I nearly stole Jaime's sword and slit his throat myself."

"As much as I'd love to see that, I think we can find a way to dethrone him without ending up with our heads on spikes." Kailyahs smile turned vicious and Cersei's smile sharpened to match it.

Kailyah didn't use the powder her Mother left her to cover her bruise. She wore it proudly, as well as a soft baby blue dress that emphasized her youth, a bit of rouge on her cheeks, and kept her hair braided back enough to showcase her face and the bruise that spread over half of it. She kept her voice happy and sweet, made sure people saw her play carelessly with her youngest siblings and let the ladies in waiting braid flowers into her hair. All the while, she relished in the pitying looks the caravan sent her, and even more in the glares she found pointed towards the Kings tent. When the caravan moved on, she rode her horse, chatting away with any knights that would indulge her, which turned out to be all of them. Even the Northern men who had ridden South with Lord Stark softened towards her, and her brother in turn. When they made camp for the night, she abandoned her guard, making her way toward the Starks tent. She was announced and let in quickly, and found Lord Stark and his exhausted, teary eyed daughter huddled close together.

"Princess." Ned stood quickly and she waved him off. "I apologize-"

"Please, I came unannounced." She gave him a sad smile, glancing towards his youngest daughter. "I simply wished to apologize for yesterday, and check on your children. I am so sorry about the direwolves, if I could find another way…"

"Sending them home is a far better alternative than the King would've allowed." Ned sighed, rubbing his hand over his face and glancing at his children before his eyes caught on her cheek. "I am so sorry that your father struck you, for defending them."

"My Father isn't used to being disagreed with, especially in public." She gave him a rueful smile and his frown deepened.

"He never should have laid his hands on a child."

"I am not a child, my lord, I'm seventeen." She tried not to smile even wider as Ned shook his head. "May I speak with your children?" She asked, and he nodded slowly.

"Sansa and Bran are asleep already, they've had a trying day."

"Just Arya then." She agreed easily. With his permission, she made her way past him to sit on a cushion next to Arya.

"How are you feeling, Arya." The little girl sniffled, rubbing her eye, and Kailyah smiled sadly. "I am so sorry you lost Nymeria. I know how much you loved her."

"They would have killed her, if she had stayed." Kailyah sighed, wrapping an arm around her.

"Yes they would've."

"She was just trying to protect me!"

"I know she was, she was a good, loyal companion." Kailyah soothed. "But no matter the circumstances, attacking a member of the royal family is punishable by death. You know that Arya."

"He was hurting Mycah."

"Rest assured, Joff will be punished for that. No matter his station, he shouldn't hurt innocents. I believe he was trying to show off, and went way too far. Mycah and his father were compensated for their time, and chose to return home."

"That doesn't make it right."

"No, it doesn't." Kailyah agreed easily, and felt Lord Stark's eyes on them. "Joff's temper got the best of him. He gets that from our Father. That doesn't mean what they do is right."

"I'm sorry the King hurt you." Arya reached up with gentle fingers, tracing the bruise. Kailyah allowed it, feeling her heart soften slightly.

"It happens."

"It shouldn't. Father never hits me, even when I sheep sewed Sansa's bed!"

"You'll have to tell me that story someday." Kailyah chuckled. Arya wilted suddenly.

"Sansa and Bran will probably do that to me, now. They are going to hate me forever."

"Speaking from experience, it is quite difficult to hate your sister forever. I could never hate Marcella, and the Seven knows how much Jas and Joff have had to forgive me for."

"You don't understand. Direwolves are special."

"I know, Arya. But they are not gone forever. They are waiting for them in Winterfell. And Sansa and Bran would much rather that than the alternative. They'd much rather be able to see them again."

"I'll never see Nymeria again."

"You know, with the bond you two have, I do believe the gods will bring you two together again. And even if they don't, Nymeria is like you Arya. Wild. Untameable. She'll be far happier ruling the forest than she will be stuck in King's Landing."

"I'll miss her, though." Arya looked up at her with big, sad eyes, and Kailyah felt her heart break.

"And she'll miss you. I know it." Arya leant her head on Kailyahs shoulder and Kailyah allowed it, even if she felt a bit twitchy from the prolonged contact. The little girl remained sad and melancholy until Kailyah lured her outside and into a long game of tag with Marcella and her friends, which left the little girls panting and Arya the smug winner, trying to convince the girls to play again.

"Thank you." Ned Stark appeared at her side, watching his daughter run from a mob of little girls, laughing loudly while their Septa's squawked in the background about getting their dresses dirty. "She'd been crying since yesterday."

"I wish I could do more." Kailyah answered. "She's left the only home she has ever known, losing her pet as well will be hard on her."

"It will be hard on all of them."

"We may need to find a way to keep her entertained." Kailyah laughed when Marcella tried to tag her, and ended up tumbling into the dirt. The youngest princess jumped back up immediately, chasing the Stark girl and ignoring her shrieking Septa. "She is going to wreak havoc on the courts."

"Aye." Lord Stark groaned, making her laugh again. She reached up, patting him on the arm.

"Send her my way if she gets restless, Uncle Jaime and I have a secret training yard we used to practice at with my old equipment, I should be able to wear her out. And it'll be nice having a new sparring partner, Jaime and Jas always win, and the other knights are to scared of Mother to raise a sword against me."

"Not your father?"

"Trust me, Lord Stark. Unless my father has a war hammer in hand, my mother is the dangerous one. Mother lions always defend their cubs, after all."

"Please, call me Ned. You've been very kind to my children."

"You all were very kind to me, in Winterfell." Kailyah said simply. Ned cleared his throat, suddenly awkward.

"My son is very fond of you."

"Which one?" Kailyah grinned impishly and Ned chuckled, remembering Bran's not so subtle crush on the princess. "Robb is a good man, I am very fond of him as well."

"And?" Kailyah chuckled, shaking her head.

"Father was right, you Northernmen are very blunt."

"Word games are not our forte." Ned agreed easily.

"You may have to learn to love them in the Capitol." Kailyah glanced up at him. "I do care for Robb, and I would be very agreeable to a future with him. I just… I'm not quite ready to leave home yet. Especially with the state the Crownlands are in right now."

"What do you mean? Robert hasn't mentioned anything besides the Targaryen girl." Ned glanced down at her and she shook her head.

"I'm sure you will hear all about it when we arrive in King's Landing." She offered him a smile and a curtsy. "If you'll excuse me, I should see to my siblings."

"Of course. Thank you for your kind words to my daughter." Kailyah said her goodbyes to Arya as well before making her way to the Princes tent, where Joff had been sulking all day.

"Let me see." Joffery turned with a murderous glare as his sister entered the Prince's tent, waving off the Maester and sitting down to wrap his wrist, applying oils to help with the pain and scarring. "Is it still hurting?"

"Why do you care? Shouldn't you be with your new family, the Starks?" He mocked, pulling his wrist away. Kailyah snatched it back, unbothered, and turned to glare at him with her matching emerald eyes.

"First of all, regardless of who I marry someday, you are my family. That is never going to change." Joffery didn't respond, though his shoulders relaxed slightly. "Second, as much as I love you, we cannot start a war with the Starks over something as silly as pride."

"It's not silly! Her beast mauled me!"

"Pride gets men killed, Joff. The beast that mauled you is gone, it's done. Now we can simply make amends and move on."

"I don't want to."

"Then you shouldn't have picked a fight with a little girl in front of her direwolf. You're smarter than that, Joffery." Joff looked away and Kailyah sighed. "What do I always tell you?"

"If I'm going to be awful, don't get caught." Joff grumbled, before looking at her with beseeching eyes. "I shouldn't have risked it, or left witnesses. I'll do better next time."

"I know you will." Kailyah finished wrapping his wrist and bent to press a kiss over the bandages, just as she did when he was a child. "Why'd you do it in the first place?"

"Mother wants me to win the Stark girl's heart. She wants to keep the Stark's close."

"If you're going to pick a fight to impress someone, make sure it's one you'll win." Joffery nodded reluctantly and Kailyah smiled. "Mother is right about one thing though. We need to keep the Starks happy. They make very dangerous enemies."

"The Starks wouldn't dare rise up against their King."

"They did once, and they won. You should never underestimate your enemies, Joff, that's how they beat you."

A.N,- Oops its been a month. Life has been kicking my ass lately, but here's an extra long chapter to make up for it! I hope you enjoyed! Kai's been working hard to get the Starks loyalty, lets see if she can keep it in King's Landing. Thank you tp everyone for the Favories, Follows and Reviews, they inspire me to write!