DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.
Chapter rating: M
NicoleR85: Sorry for taking so long. But now we were able to get multiple chapters out. We're going to try and keep up the pace! Please enjoy the rest~
brachelle80: I'm glad you liked the first and hope you enjoy the second one. I figured since dragons imprint they can form bonds as a direwolf could to other pack mates.
0605074557: I hope to get more out soon! Please enjoy the chapter.
Chapter Twenty: Going to Dragonstone
(Riverrun)
Rhaenyra sighed softly as she slowly woke up, realizing she'd have to get up. An arm locked over her back made her vaguely aware of Robb's presence as he snored softly. She'd been moving a lot in the middle of the night and knew Robb only ironed his arm over her back because of it when it got a lot. She did it once when Bran had remained in his sleeping state, she had worried it bothered Robb but he had reassured her it just worried him, he assumed she wasn't sleeping because of it.
"We will have to leave Riverrun soon," Robb spoke suddenly as she moaned tiredly.
"Today?" she asked softly as he urged her to turn before pulling her back in as she pressed her face into his neck while he buried his nose in her hair scented by smoke and lavender, he noted since the dragons had started bringing their burned kills to eat closer to Rhaenyra, her scent started to carry something of it.
"No, but in a few days we will have to go," he said regretfully as she hummed and started to doze back off.
"How about you make a solid plan about allies. Dorne isn't enough," she mumbled as he chuckled.
"Even half-asleep, you still can talk about this," he accused as she glared before returning her face to his shoulder. "But I will, I know I should have an idea before we leave," he mused as she hummed an agreement, he smiled at seeing her slowly dozing off again before burying his face against her hair, closing his own eyes.
When Robb awoke again his wife was gone and he saw Grey Wind sleeping below the open window. Robb could hear the dragons, it stunned him to see how much pressure they could exert from their wings. Robb still watched them for aggression, as he did with Grey Wind and his brothers when everyone was at Winterfell. His particular interest was Ghost who was the smallest yet he became among the biggest with Grey Wind while they were still under a year. His new interest was watching Rhaella of all dragons. She was the most aggressive and was like her mother, the leader of a pack of unruly children.
"Love?" Rhaenyra touched his arm, surprising him as she smiled and pressed a happy kiss to his lips. He smirked about to pull her down when she ironed herself with a refusal. "Ah uh," she laughed as he whined. "Get up lazy husband," she ordered as he scoffed.
"I am your King, I demand you lay with me," he demanded as she laughed, a full belly laugh that made him smile. Her hair shook with her head as she shook it.
"Well my King," she cooed as he growled. "If you had allowed me to continue, we have a bath awaiting us and to save our time we could wash together?" she queried with a smirk as he glared.
"Evil minx," he growled as she grinned with a bite on her lip.
"Get up," she ordered before walking and discarding her robe revealing her naked body as he followed, grabbing her first as she laughed, him nipping her neck as she moaned softly, once they had sat in the tub her back to his front. He had already started to wash her skin before kissing her as he rinsed, Robb noticed she didn't react to those and ran the rag across her chest as she moaned instantly, it made him hard just thinking of all the fun he could get her to do in the tiny tub when they do their baths. Using the rag he pinched her nipple on the left while he rubbed her right, only she decided to wiggle her hips against his cock as he moaned. Carefully, he eased her up before pulling her back and she gave a soft squeal, Robb made sure to silence her with a bruising kiss. This position was new and she enjoyed it, his hands continued to abuse her nipples while she moved her hips as he kept their lips locked. Knowing she wouldn't last long with the new stimulation, Rhaenyra squeezed her walls around him. Growling, he gripped one of her breasts, releasing the other to hold her against his hips while thrusting up. The movement made her whimper into his mouth before they both came. Continuing their lip-locking, she turned as he groaned, Rhaenyra rocked her hip back and forth, prolonging their pleasure as they broke apart while he resumed suckling on her skin as she whimpered softly. They remained wrapped up in each other's arms as he continued to rock their hips after she had stilled, limbs still twitching.
"I love you," he spoke as she smiled, pressing another kiss to his lips while she finally felt the cold water.
"I love you too, but we must leave this water. I am freezing," she emphasized as he laughed.
"Well you dragons prefer the heat," he scolded, making her grin.
"Not this one," she teased as Robb chuckled.
"No, not you," he spoke lightly before kissing her again as they enjoyed their peace before needing to leave it.
XX
Rhaenyra growled as Robb fixed her with a look. Their lords had long vacated the room as the plans sat in front of them.
"You want me to do what?" she asked as he sighed.
"My Love, I am going to go help reclaim the Riverlands with my men. Even Prince Oberyn has suggested we do this-"
"The Mountain is among those men!" she roared as Rhaella's head suddenly appeared near the solar doors. It made them both pause, the female watched them, a small noise leaving her. "Gīda ilagon, Rhaella." (Calm down, Rhaella.) She ordered before continuing with Robb. "I don't understand, am I going to remain here?" she asked softly. Frowning at her tone and change in temper, he carefully approached her. Minding the growling dragon who had decided to hang around, watching her mother with sharp eyes that spied her every move.
"Just for the first few days. And no, I will not go near the Mountain, Prince Oberyn has already demanded he gets that right. One I am all too happy to give to him," Robb spoke as he gently cupped her face. "Love, I want you kept safe and secure. But I also know you're worried for your dragons and sister, you have been trying to get a message to her," he revealed as she frowned. It was true, she had been desperate after receiving no message for over a month.
"I have sent word to Maester Luwin to see if there have been any more messages for me," Rhaenyra explained as Robb brought her closer. "Promise me you will be safe and come back to me," she continued as he smiled, nuzzling her forehead while giving her a few kisses.
"If I can return, I will," Robb promised as he embraced her tightly.
"That is all I ask, Ñuha jorrāelagon," (My Love,) Rhaenyra begged. She knew the prospect of losing her husband during this war and prayed every night and day that she did not, blessing every god that her husband remained alive as well. Valaena and Lynara were usually with her when she prayed so she was not alone, as per Robb's request.
Rhaenyra sighed as she left, leaving her husband to tend to the march with her leaving. Her guards and maids following, Ser Barristan had suggested that both have guards that were always with them. Robb had agreed, knowing they were talking about the Kingsguard that both Ser Barristan and Jaime had been a part of. So Ser Barristan had been looking for candidates for Rhaenyra, Robb had a handful of lords while Maege asked her daughter to join the Queen, feeling like her daughter would be a better match for the young woman. Dacey had agreed, she would return from the battle with the King and start her Queensguard duties.
Others felt different about this before Rhaenyra explained her guards would be allowed to have children and families if they so wished, knowing Dacey was her mother's heir and still needed to be married off. Many of the men had sons or even daughters they felt would be good for her Queensguard and planned to have them brought before their queen.
XX
Rhaenyra sat in her room, biting her nails while waiting to hear about her husband. Knocking made her look up as Lynara entered while the girl sighed disappointedly.
"Child, you worry more than Catelyn!" she growled as Rhaenyra frowned.
"I was going to see the Kingslayer," Rhaenyra revealed to the horror of her maid who shook her head frantically.
"Your Grace, I beg of you no! As the woman who aided in raising you please hear me out!" the elder begged as her queen furrowed her brow. "Jaime Lannister killed your father, allowing King's Landing to be sacked. He betrayed your father," she spoke as the girl thought about it.
"It's not that I haven't thought about it. My father was mad though, I do not mourn his death," Rhaenyra explained as her maid continued to stare in horror.
"I cannot allow that," Lynara denied as the queen froze, turning to her.
"Excuse me?" Rhaenyra asked, startled.
"Robb placed you in my charge while he was gone. I will not allow any harm to come to you while you are here without his protection. Do you understand me?" Lynara asked sharply. "Ser Barristan and Raynor have been given the same order," the woman finished her explenation as her queen growled softly. "Goodnight, Your Grace," Lynara bid the girl who glared. "If you hate this plan, talk to the King. He returns soon, be happy about that." Her departure was echoed with a snarl of anger while her guards sighed.
"Are you sure this will work?" Ser Barristan asked.
"She doesn't realize it. But she will soon," Lynara hinted before shushing the men. "Stay safe you two," she grinned as they shared a laugh before resuming their guard duties. Listening as the dragons shrieked and flew over Riverrun.
XX
(East)
"You have no news of Arya?" Daenerys asked, sadness on her face as she held Drogon in her arms.
"No, Khaleesi. All of my Westerosi contacts have severed many of their East connections, I have a few who give me very few messages. But I did receive two from your sister," he revealed, offering the parchments. Daenerys frantically took the papers, giving her dragon to Irri who held the screeching hatchling close. "They took Riverrun," she breathed in relief as the guards cheered softly as the women beamed. "Robb has sent terms to Cersei? Why?" she asked before realizing Robb had sent her the terms too to see. "Sansa," Daenerys commented.
"And her direwolf, Lady. They don't seem to realize Arya is no longer there," Jorah spoke as Daenerys frowned and took a deep breath. "Ser Jorah," she called. Her voice was strong and held a queen's tone which made him straighten instantly as did her guards. "Can you somehow get a message to Sansa Stark in King's Landing? You said you knew people," Daenerys questioned as Jorah paused before nodding.
"I may be able to, Khaleesi," Jorah answered before racing off to see if he could find his messenger to wait for another letter. Daenerys was taking a big risk in doing this, if she was caught, Sansa could be seen as a bigger traitor by Daenerys contacting her which might result in her death. But she knew this was more important and could help both her sister and Sansa if they did not know of Arya's whereabouts. So Daenerys quickly started her letter as Irri watched with Drogon in her arms, eyeing his mother.
XX
(Riverrun)
Night had fallen as men returned to Riverrun, being mindful of the dragons that slept usually along the bank. Grey Wind nudged each dragon to greet them before laying down beside Rheanys who moved her large head to lay near the direwolf.
"Such beautiful creatures," Oberyn praised, his tone hushed as they moved their horses around the smoking creatures.
"They are," Theon agreed as he eyed Rhaella, her blood-red/orange eyes open and sharply watching them all while her sisters slept. She lifted her head to greet Robb who stroked her as Karn moved with no hesitation. Her glowing eyes would make many shiver in sudden fear of the power she held. Rhaella slowly stood as some horses became skittish and went ahead faster. Robb paused with Oberyn and Theon on their horses while Rhaella stretched her long wings over before leaping up to fly off. Oberyn whistled softly as he eyed her with a frown.
"She is nearing the size of a cog ship," he spoke in disbelief.
"How is that possible?" Theon asked, they were well a year now, but the creatures were growing quickly.
"Not bound up," Robb realized. Now he saw the problem his wife's ancestors used when they locked up their dragons and allowed them to be slaughtered in the end, they needed freedom and food aplenty to grow. "Gods be good," he whispered.
"The Gods are smiling upon us then," Greatjon reassured with Bolton agreeing. "For they will be a great advantage once they become battle-trained," he explained.
"These creatures will protect us when we camp just as your direwolf guards the encampment, Your Grace. We are honored that they wish to do so." Roose Bolton had grown used to the dragons in a record time and would encourage his men to study them and learn their emotions so they would not upset them. He had heard one man almost got burnt by Rhaella when he stumbled upon her sleeping. Robb had become worried that the camp was too much for the growing creatures before Valaena explained they needed to get used to all the people in the camp. So she would encourage Rhaenyra to keep them close by rather than sending them away. Robb understood and also kept his nose out of the dragon's rearing because it was their heritage and the ones who were closer to the dragons. But he would help if asked by his wife.
"Take care, Young Dacey," an elder Mormont guard urged his future Lady to study the dragons and be used to their presence. She claimed already used to their noises and growing sizes, even their growing appetites she was accustomed to.
"Come along, Your Grace. You must sleep," Roose urged, reminding his King that even he should sleep.
"Aye," he agreed as they continued before dismounting. Robb entered his temporary chambers after greeting Ser Barristan and Raynor, both bowed to him, and he saw Valaena sitting in the chair while she stitched.
"Your Grace," she greeted quietly. Not disturbing the young sleeping queen as Robb said goodnight to the white-haired woman, watching Raynor accompany her to her room before he'd return. Raynor did not feel comfortable here for some reason and it worried Robb. His father once told him to trust a northerner's feelings, never dismiss them. So Robb would be trusting that gut feeling. Robb undressed to his breeches before climbing in with her.
"Rhae," he whispered, kissing her shoulder. Rhaenyra moaned quietly as she turned over to see a grinning Robb.
"You're back?" she asked, still half-asleep as she reached up, touching his stubble.
"Aye," he confirmed, kissing her palm as she brought him down to curl up again. "Go back to sleep, My Love," he urged as she buried her face into his neck. Happy that he was back in her arms.
XX
"What you wish to do, Robb, is insult the Brothers Baratheon!" Catelyn called as Robb sighed, wishing his sleeping grandfather a good day before promising to see him tonight for supper with Edmure and Blackfish.
"It will not, Mother. And you know that I must send an envoy to both brothers and not favor one over the other," Robb said as the Tully woman scoffed.
"By sending Rhaenyra to Stannis you are favoring one," Catelyn spoke, following her son who was greeted by others. They entered the 'War Room' as dubbed by Oberyn in jest for the library that was now the main area for them to plan their war.
"Mother, Stannis is the one who found Rhaenyra and brought..."
"Brought her to King's Landing," Catelyn confirmed, knowing that was the main reason for sending the younger woman.
"And he visited her when she was in White Harbor. He even gave her the Valyrian knife she still wields to this day," Robb explained to his mother's surprise. "Did Father and Uncle Benjen never tell you?" Robb asked, confused. He went a few times to see Stannis there as well, though he was usually there on business and would sometimes greet Ned and Benjen, normally he'd be giving her a present. The first one was her Valyrian knife with a scaled hilt like a dragon's scales.
"No. Ned never told me," Catelyn frowned.
"Why?" he questioned.
"Because Stannis wasn't meant to see Rhaenyra. As they are cousins through his grandmother and her grandparents, Robert must've feared that she somehow would have turned Stannis' rumored cold heart to be warmer to her." Oberyn entered the room, offering his advice. "Maybe he didn't..."
"Want Stannis to support Rhaenyra if he ever thought maybe the madness skipped her and she would rule better than her father," Catelyn finished as Oberyn nodded.
"That is what I think. Now, I know the Baratheons are not to blame for my sister's death. And I do understand the point of unifying them to fight the Lannisters, who are responsible for it. But understand that we will not follow them, they are not our King," Oberyn spoke as Robb nodded.
"I understand, Your Grace, I do. As I will make sure both know, whether they join together or not, we will be our Kingdom as we plan to, regardless." Robb stood as Rhaenyra entered, dressed with her crown pinning the silver tresses that were bound in a single braid down her back. She was dressed in black and red riding clothes with an outer skirt that covered her pants. With Rhaenyra were the lords and her brother, they all sat around while Roose held the Queen's chair out with Edmure doing the same for Catelyn.
XX
"Not Balon Greyjoy," Rhaenyra instantly said When all the men left, Theon among them, to go create the scout parties for Riverrun with Catelyn agreeing before throwing her own idea of an ally out. "I am going to Stannis Baratheon. He is a ship owner, if I can convince him that we do not want the Iron Throne, he might help us." Rhaenyra was desperate to keep the squid from their home or army. She didn't trust them. Theon, yes. His father, not in the Seven Hells, so he was worth nothing to Rhaenyra. At this point Theon and his sister meant more to Rhaenyra, one as her ally and one as a prisoner if she dared to step foot onto Northern land.
"Rhae," he sighed.
"Don't 'Rhae' me, Robb Stark," she growled as he glared.
"What would you have me do? I am sending my mother to treat his brother as well," he spoke as Rhaenyra growled. "And what if he does not allow you the use of his ships? Our men do not have enough," Robb argued.
"I do not care, but I do not want Balon Greyjoy as an ally. I would rather trust wildlings before I trust him," she snarled as Ser Barristan joined the conversation.
"If I may," he politely started as both turned to him for his input. "If you can convince the brothers Baratheon under a peace flag and join together against the Lannisters you might have a chance against the Greyjoys should they turn," he spoke as Robb sighed. Thinking about the possibilities, he wanted to trust Theon's family but he knew the Baratheons had more men between them. "Might I also remind you, Balon Greyjoy rebelled against all the lords of Westeros, not just King Robert," he finished as Rhaenyra held a hand out, pointing out her original problem.
"You are sending me to Stannis, Robb. And the girls too," she spoke as he looked at her sharply. "How else to show that I am willing to meet him while they are still young and vulnerable? I am showing trust to the man who smuggled me back to King's Landing as a newborn, who swore to ensure my survival to my dying mother, even against his own kin? Please," she begged as he closed his eyes, feeling his resolve break as her violet eyes pierced his.
"Let me think it over and talk with the others," he requested as she nodded, giving him a kiss on his cheek as he kissed her forehead before allowing her to leave with Ser Barristan as she walked out of Riverrun and to stand along the bank watching her daughters fish, she watched them dive and submerge themselves for a few seconds and emerge with fish in their mouths, she worried they'd drown themselves before watching them happily shake the cool water off. It must've been good to their scales as they were born during the summer snows, they truly were winter dragons as they seemed to like it when she'd playfully splash them with the Dornish girls.
"Was that a good idea Ser Barristan?" she asked as he sighed.
"Your Grace, you must stop second guessing yourself, or you will eternally worry more than normal. Going with your gut can cause multiple feelings but it usually means the right choice. You believe in Stannis Baratheon for a reason," he spoke as she smiled.
"I do, because he is truly loyal. And I would hope they would either inspire fear or awe, I hope it awe because of their beauty and strength," she smirked as he nodded.
"I would go against fear or they could be in danger," he reasoned as she agreed.
"And you would never lie to me would you, Ser Barristan?" she asked as he paused, looking to her for confirmation before realizing that she didn't take to liars.
"Of course not, Your Grace," he agreed instantly, knowing she wasn't like Joffrey or Robert who wanted whatever you said to appease them. Eddard truly did raise a northern girl who would not allow liars around her if she could help it.
"Would you go with me to the Brothers Baratheon?" she asked as he nodded.
"Of course, Your Grace," he agreed instantly while she smiled as the dragons tired of fishing before going off to hunt for deer no doubt.
"Would you help me with them if I asked?" she asked as he once again nodded.
"Anything, Your Grace," Ser Barristan spoke as they continued to watch and listen to their shrieks.
"I actually planned on bringing Theon with me as well, he's been trying to think about his own people but..." she paused, not sure how to talk about it.
"You love him too much to deny him," Ser Barristan spoke, understanding her emotions. He had seen the bond between the leaders and the Greyjoy, Theon was, as many would admit, too close to the queen. But he's overheard Theon defend both his leaders' opinions and would usually be watching the dragons like he's seen many from Winterfell do as well.
"I guess I do. He is my brother and I care for him," she claimed as he nodded.
"Your Grace, I am not sure what would be the best option for the Greyjoys, they are well too close to the Westerlands for you to completely worry about," he noticed her shift in attention.
"They're reavers and rapers. 'We do not sow' those are their words, I've always been taught they'd rather steal and kill then do honest work, I do not want that for people in my army, I just… fear that they'll turn their attention to the most vulnerable people and why am I feeling like it's us?" she asked tiredly while Alysanne landed on the wall, feeling her mother's attitude shifting like crazy. "But I fear for them most of all," she smiled sadly as she stroked the blue face as trills escaped the female who purred and nudged her hand. Watching with his own thoughts he thought about the best outcome and couldn't think of one.
"You will always fear for them, Your Grace," he spoke softly, knowing no lie would aid her in feeling better. "They are the only ones left," he spoke as she chuckled. "You know your brother, Rhaegar, once read all the books on the maesters who recorded their history as the dragons aged," he spoke suddenly as she turned to him with interest. "Always so fascinated by the history and the skulls, he read on two different accounts that dragons were of no gender and could lay and hatch their own eggs," he revealed as her eyes lit up.
"Like frogs? Theon used to say that he and his sister would find eggs among girls only. I take it the other claimed they needed the male?" she asked, wondering.
"Yes, Your Grace," he agreed as Alysanne left her mother and sniffed him, watching him with her clear eyes with interest.
"Their eggs I hatched because of the attempt on my life. I was in the stables with their eggs when I was attacked. We lost over a dozen remaining horses and the assassin died as well. Maester Luwin claimed an old magic phrase my great-uncle sent. 'A life for a life with fire and blood,' Maester Luwin assumed it explained how my house words told us, they were born with a live sacrifice," she revealed as he hummed, offering his gloved hand as the dragon paused, breathing heavily.
"The parent, whether male or female drops a live animal with the egg and burns them," he finished as she nodded watching her smallest dragon inspect Ser Barristan watching him with her clear blue eyes.
"Which as my husband put it, gives them food as well should anything survive the fire. Their fires do get hotter as they age, one of my servants told me that used to be barely able to light the straw on fire but now..."
"They can set anything on fire if they wished," Ser Barristan finished her sentence for her as she nodded and watched with shock as Alysanne bowed her head, allowing the knight to, for the moment, touch her as she trilled, accepting the touch of someone else. A smile slowly grew across Rhaenyra's face as she continued to watch, happy that they seemed to be accepting of others.
XX
Rhaenyra sighed irritatedly as she read some messages that she was trying to get through. The Blackfish entered with a fond look on his face. Confused, she turned and groaned, realizing Rhaella had nestled herself around the wall of the solar she was using, belonging to his mother for his nephew and niece to use.
"I thought I left you to hunt outside the walls," she growled as he laughed deeply.
"Must think her mother needs a guard at all times, you don't have one outside your door," he noted as she shrugged, producing a loaded crossbow that had been propped up by the desk before lowering it again.
"Ser Barristan didn't want to leave but conceded when I asked Dacey to retrieve the weapon before he went to eat." She motioned to the guard who came from the corner sitting beside Grey Wind, the direwolf was laying on his side sleeping, the young woman was reading through a book as she pet the wolf who slept with ease. "He wandered in a few moments ago, looking for a location to nap," she spoke before going through another letter while he sat on the chair with a soft sigh after she had waved him to rest. "Was everything alright?" she asked as he shrugged.
"Just been looking after the girls when they fish, they seem to gravitate more towards the non-fish prey," he warned as she paused, looking up from her letter for a moment before returning her gaze to the parchment. "So you've noticed as well, we're not running out of fish, I can guarantee that but..."
"The dragons grew up on deer meat and rabbits when someone hunted for them. Now they hunt for their own and I guess they prefer their original taste," she commented as she finished the letter and put it down before looking at the man in front of her.
"My only fear is if they turn it to the livestock," he warned as she froze. Eyes widening a bit. "You didn't think of that," he reasoned as she shook her head.
"No, but I should have." She thought of the people and animals among the army but not the livestock of farmers and free foraging animals; such as cows, sheep and horses.
"But now?" he asked as she sighed.
"I do not know, I only hope that they hunt the wildlife. I cannot do anything about it, once they grow too big I will barely be able to control them. As it is once they outsize me, which will be soon given their size now. But I've been faced with the possibility of losing them because they're too small. I am sorry but I'd rather my dragons be big and a bit stubborn on food rather than weak and small," she claimed as Brynden frowned softly. "I wish I had ways to know how my ancestors controlled their dragons. As it is, most things that dealt with those subjects were lost during the Dance. The rest was either lost or destroyed by Robert Baratheon. I can only do what I think is right for them right now." Rhaenyra knew that the river lords would have preferred the creatures locked and confined in some way. Catelyn would never admit it but wished her daughter by law would send them away from Riverrun. But not only do they not go far from her, she has told people 'no' outright when they've asked her to make them fly off. So Ser Brynden understood a few when he saw them focus on loud people suddenly and would growl warningly. As he noticed and has spoken out about Rhaella, who had the nastier temper of all three.
"Even if they attack others?" he asked, making the queen look at him sharply along with Dacey.
"My dragons hunt animals. The reason I've kept them at Riverrun longer is because of the fish and wildlife nearby. But I'll make sure they travel further, I'll take Gael," Rhaenyra spoke quickly as she stood. Brynden, not having meant to upset or offend the dragon queen, tried to stop her.
"I meant no offense, Your Grace," he tried before she tiredly waved him off.
"No. It's fine," she gave a tight smile as Dacey also stood with Grey Wind. Rhaella seemed to realize something was wrong as she lifted her head and red-orange eyes went to the frozen knight who spotted her moving. Ser Brynden was in closer proximity to the creature most feared of all three. Despite the fact that her sisters eat as much as her, she still towered over them, no longer smaller than the yearling Grey Wind, who was thick in size to accommodate his intimidating size. "Excuse me," she spoke and walked out with her two shadows while the third watched the Tully man longer before she simply flew into the darkening sky. Sighing he spotted the comet once more, many spoke about it meaning the dragons, others meaning red Tully fish or Lannister red.
As Rhaenyra walked through the hallway everyone still bowed to her as they resumed their duties. Murmurs of 'Your Grace' or 'My Queen' echoed as did her steps, knowing she'd have to slow down soon she and Dacey made it to the stables in record timing with Baela joining them.
"Ride with me, Dacey," she requested as a stablehand made plans to ready the two horses for the women. With no need of assistance, she mounted the mare who tossed her head a bit as Dacey followed suit.
"Safe ride, Your Grace," he bid as she nodded her thanks. As of late Valaena has been making sure she and Robb wear their crowns more and more and now she always had it on. It drove her crazy. Urging the horses on, they raced out of Riverrun and into the forest, Grey Wind hot on their heels like the flying dragons above them. Baela laughed as Rhaenys flew low near them, shrieking happily as she pushed herself against the wind.
XX
"Was that my wife that just left?" Robb asked curious as he noticed Alysanne and Rhaenys leaving the lake surface suddenly. He and his uncle had been talking and watching the dragons hunt. Edmure still liked watching them, occasionally sitting with his father and sister in the solar Hoster had taken up.
"I believe I might have upset her," Brynden spoke as Robb sighed softly, spotting his great-uncle joining their watch.
"Why? What did you say?" he asked, knowing it'd have to be about the dragons.
"I suggested that they hunt further from Riverrun, only once they became bigger!" He tried as Robb groaned softly.
"It wasn't you, Uncle," Robb reassured him, who sighed.
"Not what I really worry about, Your Grace," the elder spoke softly as he stayed with his kin.
"Rhae wouldn't hurt you," Robb frowned. Thinking that the people feared his wife for that.
"Of course not," Brynden spoke, not realizing he pointed it in that direction. "I fear those dragons' reactions to her emotions, I upset her and the favorite practically glares at me," he spoke as Robb smirked.
"Uncle, Rhaella glares at everyone. But if she's doing this then she's taking your opinion to heart, anyone else is given a queenly 'no' and basically that's it," he said as Brynden deflated.
"Oh," he commented, Edmure smirked. Knowing many couldn't read the queen's actions easily, he was barely keeping up as it was.
"Don't worry if you truly upset her you'd know," Robb reassured as he looked to where they disappeared. "She's been thinking about having them fly further but with Lannister men and how young they are she wanted them bigger, but if they hunt with Grey Wind, they'll be fine," he smirked.
"I overheard the argument between you and the Queen," Edmure commented as Robb frowned.
"Do you think she should?" he asked as his uncle shrugged. "I am sending my wife and her young dragons out to Stannis Baratheon who might see them as a threat just as his brother did all those years ago. I hear he still went after Daenerys who is now missing in the East. So yes, I worry for my wife also the fact that the Lannisters could kill her or them, it's why I was going to send my mother at night so she wouldn't be noticed, though those dragons would give me away in a second," he grumbled the end as Brynden chuckled.
"Send her. If she believes in him then send her," he encouraged as he nodded. "The dragons are no longer the size of cats as you once said they were. They grow every day, and soon will be the size her ancestors' dragons once were. Very soon, she'll be able to mount one," Brynden added as Robb nodded.
"I'll tell her when she returns," he spoke as they nodded and waited for the return of the dragon queen.
XX
"Shadd. Have you put everything together for the journey?" Rhaenyra asked as she approached the guard who nodded, Dacey and Ser Barristan stood not too far from her as Raynor was seeing to their own journey.
"Aye, Your Grace," he said, bowing his head. "I have the weapons you had made for Lord Renly," Shadd explained as he also produced a cloak. "And the fur you commissioned for his wife," the guard finished, the fur was made from elk skin sewed with wolf fur added on top, packing everything securely as Wendel Manderly came with Catelyn.
"Make sure to greet them with their proper titles. Even if Renly should be following his brother to destroy the Lannisters instead of dividing their home and the loyal men to the Baratheon name," Rhaenyra ordered as the man nodded.
"Of course, Your Grace. I will ensure the others do the same," Shadd bowed to his queen who nodded and wished him well and a safe journey.
"Be safe, Catelyn," Rhaenyra wished with a smile as Catelyn mirrored it before embracing one another.
"Be sure to wear your crown," Catelyn ordered as Rhaenyra smiled with a nod.
"Aye, Lady Mother," she agreed before stepping back as Wendel quickly helped her onto her horse. Rhaenyra stood as her two guards stood there watching her with the ladies.
"Your Grace," Baela called, her queen turning and marching off with Grey Wind joining her, bringing her a stick to throw which she did so. Throwing it every time he brought it back before Raynor took over when she grew tired from it. The Queensguard threw it further which made Grey Wind race after it happily before returning.
"That wolf has so much energy," Rhaenyra spoke softly as everyone chuckled.
"As do the dragons," Ser Barristan added with Baela grinning.
"I wonder how they will handle Dragonstone," Rhaenyra wondered as Dacey eyed her.
"I am sure they would love it, Your Grace. It was their origin of creation, where many of their ancestors were after the Doom," Dacey offered comfort to her queen who liked it.
"Thank you, Lady Mormont. I appreciate the comfort. Though I do know the girls prefer cooler weather, rather than warmer temperatures, oddly enough," she laughed with her group as they all did the same.
"We are all northerners, Your Grace. Including your daughters," Dacey smiled. "May I ask you, Your Grace. About your sister? Many of the other families were worried if your sister were to march on Westeros." Dacey knew she was taking a risk of asking about the Queen's sister and her intentions.
"Her Dothraki husband will never cross the Narrow Sea. It is considered poisoned water because their horses cannot drink it," Rhaenyra told the woman who paused.
"And if she does?" Dacey asked, seeing the look Ser Barristan shot her. Obviously touching too close with the elder soldier, but she wished to know.
"Then I truly do not know. The Dothraki don't belong here in Westeros," Rhaenyra said as she watched her dragons flying around. They were shrieking and gliding through trees as Grey Wind watched them alongside the bank. "I do hope they do not. They would rape and pillage our lands, though they might not make it far into The North, I do not think the horselords would handle the cold well," Rhaenyra chuckled as they all smiled.
"You must be at ease that the girls get along with the wolf," Dacey added, pointing to a scene that made Rhaenyra laugh, watching Grey Wind and Rhaenys play a game of tug with charred bones Rhaella continued to eat the burn herd of elk, only a few escaped the fiery death while Grey Wind tore a stag a part. The herd was eight with six dead and completely eaten. Right there Rhaenyra lost her smile as she realized that they needed to hunt bigger kills and eat more.
"Your Grace?" Baela asked, seeing her cousin's face change.
"It's nothing Baela," she denied as she frowned.
"The dragons? Their growing sizes?" Ser Barristan asked as she froze before smiling.
"Aye. I have never really seen them feast. Now I can see that they gorge and are becoming fatter. Soon they'll become bigger," she noted to the handmaiden who noted the size herself.
"You never notice until someone else points it out," Baela commented as the queen hummed.
"Well, I hope they eat more on the way to Dragonstone, they say if they eat more they continue to grow bigger," the young queen spoke as she gave a curious 'huh' before the dragons distracted them. Grey Wind was growling softly and Rhaenyra froze for the moment, fearful of Lannister men that may have snuck closer.
"Well, if it isn't the Queen in the North," a drunk spoke, he had a flaming red topknot and beard as another man with an eyepatch came into view. Rhaella growled warningly when they came closer, Rhaenys and Alysanne tensed while the men held their hands up, hearing the growl of Grey Wind behind them.
"Well it looks like we've upset her," the second man spoke as Dacey tensed, readying to fight with Ser Barristan and Raynor who reached for their swords. Baela held onto the queen while her mother and Lynara pushed her behind themselves.
"Easy. We come in peace. My name is Thoros of Myr and this is Beric Dondarrion," he introduced as Ser Barristan sighed in relief. He knew who those men were, as did his queen.
"Lyka," (Quiet,) she demanded as Thoros perked up. He watched the dragons stop their hissing and threatening nature but Grey Wind continued his warning growls. "He, I do not control," she claimed as they laughed.
"It is alright, Your Grace," Beric spoke, still looking at the girl in awe. To see a Targaryen dressed like a northerner was a shock, he overheard the Targaryen woman and her dragons. He was grateful to see it was true as the creatures were hissing and snarling at them despite their mother's demand. "We were merely passing through, we've been raiding Tywin's camps and terrorizing them," he commented as they laughed.
"Are you in need of money, gentlemen? Or food?" she asked softly as it brought a smile to their faces.
"Both, if you can spare it, Your Grace," Thoros claimed as she nodded and jerked her head to a servant who had come closer. He nodded and took off with Grey Wind following.
"Come, you will talk and retrieve what you need," she offered as they nodded and followed while the dragons looked to their kill before flying off back to Riverrun. Beric hummed in awe as Thoros sighed out a breath. They've heard of the dragons, but just thought them rumors. The dragons were bigger than they thought, the she-dragons were bigger than the last one was rumored to be.
"Beautiful creatures, Your Grace," Beric spoke out before pausing. "Or do you prefer dragons? I know, creature must sound-"
"It does not offend me, they are beasts. They breathe fire and have minds of their own," Rhaenyra claimed as Thoros hummed curiously. Most would be cautious on how they'd address the royals' animals. The trek back was silent as the dragons continued to stay in sight before Theon came from the castle with Greatjon at his side.
"His Grace has agreed to the request and asked me to join you so you can return inside, Your Grace," he spoke as she nodded after sending the dragons off.
"Safe journey, My Lords," she bid as they bowed their heads in respect. She carefully made her way to her husband who looked up from Grey Wind who he had been petting.
"Quite brave to stay with Baratheon men," he spoke as she scoffed.
"The men have long separated from Baratheon men as the Dondarrion family has served in Storm's End for years, but with King Robert's death they had striked all their banners being dubbed 'The Brotherhood Without Banners'." She revealed having been told by Ser Barristan everything that happened during Eddard's reign as Hand. They continued their march to their chambers as Robb continued to think while Rhaenyra carefully maneuvered herself directly behind her husband. When they reached their chambers Robb stopped and looked to her for the moment, Lynara and Valaena quickly came in as they helped her ready for bed, Robb walked around as he readied himself. Wearing a simple slip, Raenyra watched Valaena open the chamber windows, softly she migrated to the window and watched her dragons continue to hunt, they seemed to enjoy flying and feasting. "I have made my choice," Robb said as she turned and realized Lynara and Valaena have already left, Grey Wind too, she noted. She held a confused look before remembering their conversation.
"Oh," she nodded before turning to look at her dragons a bit longer before she would lay back down. There was a good chance her dragons would not return back to the chambers anymore because of their freedom she gave them earlier in hunting further.
"Something my lords seem to agree on as well, Balon Greyjoy will not be brought into our allegiance, and no I did not bring him up. But I did mention your idea, my mother is to march to Renly Baratheon's camp and you are to go to Stannis Baratheon under a peace flag. You, your choice of guard and the dragons," he claimed as she froze, realization coming into play. She was really going, leaving her husband and people.
"When am I going to leave?" she asked.
"Whenever you are ready," Robb spoke, knowing she will leave soon. "Mother will leave in a day," he continued.
"Alright then, I will leave the same day," she spoke before quickly walking past her husband and softly placed a robe on and gently got a guard's attention. "Tell Valaena and Lynara that I am to march for the treaty with Stannis, I leave after tomorrow," she ordered, rather than going into too much detail as he nodded.
"Of course, Your Grace," he responded before leaving as she closed the door, feeling Robb embrace her from behind, kissing her neck as she closed her eyes, feeling her veins light up as his hands cupped her breasts gently. He was testing her tenderness and her moan of pleasure proved him a good thing as he helped her drop her robe and started to pull at the strings on her slip while her hands drifted behind her to pull at his strings.
"I demand you not let me sleep tonight Robb," she whispered as he huffed against her neck, moaning softly as her fingers brushed up against him. "As your queen," she sneered playfully as he growled.
"As you wish," he whispered hotly against her lips when she turned, keeping eye contact with him before he recaptured her lips, one arm going around his neck while the other remained pumping his arousal. Faster than before he ripped her loosened slip off and caught her perky nipple in his mouth, sucking harshly as she moaned out of breath. "I plan on mapping every inch of your body," he whispered, falling to his knees, lips pressing open kisses against her stomach and hips, her hands going through his hair. "So when I think of you, I remember this. And you'll miss me just as much," he hoped as she laughed softly.
"My Sweet Husband, I will miss you regardless of our time apart. How I wish Dragonstone was closer," she wished as he nipped her thigh.
"Then we will make this count," he promised before standing and hoisted her up and threw her on the bed before caging her with his arms as hers anchored him to her as she forced his lips back on hers, tongues warring against each other as his pants disappeared, her legs wrapped around him. He entered her quickly as they moaned and started as she whimpered.
XX
"I love you," Robb wished as Rhaella hid her mother and father from view. Rhaenys and Alysanne were crooning and eating before they flew off.
"Your Grace," a guard called as Rhaenyra turned before nodding as she approached her saddled mare. Softly petting the horse, Rhaenyra came to Robb who kissed her softly and held her tightly. Whispering sweet things to her as she buried her face into his neck, inhaling his scent to remember it while thinking of her journey to Dragonstone.
"Be safe," he wished. Kissing her softly while others came into view and others came to Rhaenyra. Ellaria and her daughters all said goodbye and wished her luck on winning Stannis Baratheon's side, Oberyn wished her dragons were bigger so she was more protected. But Rhaenyra knew her guards would protect her as would her growing children. Saying goodbye to Theon and Grey Wind, Rhaenyra asked Baela if she could stay and help protect Robb.
"Of course, Your Grace," she smiled, happy she did not have to go on a boat. She hated boats.
"Thank you, my friend," Rhaenyra thanked her closest friend and kissed her cheek in farewell. Raynor helped her up before mounting his own stallion. The large charger was aggressive but calm when needed, especially around the dragons and direwolves. Many stood there, watching their queen march off with her small party and the dragons who shrieked and called out as they flew off with their mother following Ser Barristan's lead, the knight's memory was strong in the path to the island of her ancestors. Robb continued to watch his wife ride off with her small party. Oberyn had some of his own men go with her, wanting to know she'd be protected.
XX
End of the chapter! I hope you enjoyed it! And don't worry, we'll be getting more from Dany soon!
~Rusty14~
