Hello, people who are reading this. So I have finished a fanfic on House of the Dragon, which has been well received so far, and why not do the same with Game of Thrones? Before I start, I want to make it clear that Silent Wolf Singer inspired this story. She is a talented writer who made her own stories on Game of Thrones, which I heavily recommend reading. I already contacted her about it, to which she gave her full support in this story. So, I am not copying this writer, I took inspiration from her, and she's fully behind me. Now that's out of the way, let us begin.
I own nothing but my characters and their arcs.
Enjoy.
The royal entourage traveled through Westeros on a long, cold journey, riding down the King's Road with a large double-decked carriage pulled by forty heavy draft horses. The common people of the North watched The entourage, carrying banners of House Baratheon and House Lannister, pass them by as they approached Winterfell, the home of House Stark and the Wardens of the North. The Starks and their attendants waited to greet the royal family as they came to the holdfast. King of the Seven Kingdoms Robert Baratheon rode in on his horse with his head held high, accompanied by Kingsguard Knights. The great carriage rolled into the gates, and Robert got off his horse and walked up to Eddard Stark, the head of House Stark. Eddard and the others bowed their heads and bent their knees, but Robert gestured for them to rise, and they did.
"Your Grace," Eddard bowed his head again.
Robert stares at him briefly before saying, "You got fat."
Eddard raises his brow, eyeing Robert, who was clearly the one to be overweight. After a few moments of silence, the two men burst out laughing before embracing each other. When they were done, Robert embraced Eddard's wife, Catelyn Stark, then looked back to Eddard, "Nine years. Why haven't I seen you? Where the hell have you been?"
"Guarding the North for you, Your Grace," Eddard answered, "Winterfell is yours."
While this happened, the rest of the royal family left the carriage. First was Robert's wife and Queen, Cersei Lannister, and her children. The oldest was her and Robert's oldest child, Cassana Baratheon, seven and ten years old. The next was ten-year-old princess Myrcella Baratheon, the second daughter and middle child of Robert and Cersei and their youngest, Tommen. Besides them came six-and-ten-year-old Prince Joffrey Baratheon, the second-born child, riding his horse instead of being in the carriage. Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen looked more like their mother with their golden blonde hair and green eyes, unlike their eldest sister, Cassana, who took more of their father. She had her mother's facial features, but she did inherit her father's dark thick black hair that went down to her waist and piercing blue eyes.
"A month of riding only to come here to this dreary place," Joffrey complained.
Cassana smacked his arm, "We're guests and must be respectful."
Joffrey rolls his eyes as their mother, Queen Cersei, walks up to Eddard and Catelyn Stark as Robert speaks with their children. She raises her for Eddard to kiss it, and he calls her "My Queen," as Catelyn does.
"Take me to your crypt," Robert ordered, "I want to pay my respect."
"We've been riding for a month, my love," Cersei reminds him sternly, "Surely the dead can wait."
"Ned," Robert commanded as he made his way to the crypt, ignoring his wife.
Ned gives Cersei a sympathetic look before leaving with Robert, as everyone knows who Robert wants to pay his respect. Ned's deceased sister Lyanna Stark. Robert and Lyanna were meant to marry sixteen years before the rebellion happened. Before anyone else could do anything, One of Ned's children commented, "Where's the imp?"
No doubt, talking about her brother, Cersei walks to her twin brother, Jamie, who happens to be a Knight of the Kingsguard, demanding, "Where is our brother? Go find the little beast."
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"That could've gone better," Cassana commented as she lay on her guest room bed. It was large enough for a princess with a large fireplace and roaring fire to bring warmth. But what she loved most was the animal fur all around. The coat she was wearing before was stag fur which her father hunted not long ago, so seeing the furs all around comforted her.
"I guess the Queen didn't make light of her brother being called the imp," One of her four ladies-in-waiting, Ceryse Marbrand, told her.
Her other lady-in-waiting, Lenora Lannister, replied, "I'm sure my half-sister was more upset that Tyrion went off somewhere on our way here. To a brothel more like it."
In the room with Cassana were her childhood friends, who were also her ladies-in-waiting. The eldest among them was Lenora Lannister, the half-sister of Cersei, Jamie, and Tyrion, and the youngest child of Tywin Lannister and his second wife. Tywin surprised everyone when he decided to remarry after the death of his first wife, Joanna Lannister, from years before. Although many believe his decision was mainly due to Jaime, his eldest son, becoming a member of the Kingsguard during the Great Tourney of Harrenhal and not allowed to inherit their house seat, Casterly Rock, per vows of relinquishing all lands and titles when taking the white cloak. Therefore, his second son, Tyrion, whom he hated for being born as a misshapen dwarf and having Joanna die from the birth, became the heir. Shortly after the Great Tourney, Tywin remarried to Lady Sanya of House Sarsfield, who, in nine short months, gave him another son, Gerold Lannister, who was currently back at the Rock with them, and then a daughter, Lenora, two years later.
Lenora grew to be a stunning fair-skinned, emerald-eyed young lady with lustrous flowing golden hair she always kept in elegant braids, embodying all the qualities of a noblewoman. She is reserved, well-mannered, and only speaks when spoken to, and is always mindful of her status as Tywin Lannister's daughter. She never engages in scandalous behavior, is cautious in her actions and appearance, and remains loyal to her family. As the oldest of Cassana's ladies at age eight-and-ten, she takes responsibility for them and ensures they follow her lead as if she were their mother.
The second oldest, a couple of months younger than Lenora, is the brown-curled-hair and-eyed Ceryse Marbrand, granddaughter of Lord Damon Marbrand of Ashmark. She is considered to be the bright and clever one of the group, often found in the library, with her nose in books and scrolls, with a knowledge that spans a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, history, and High Valyrian, which she speaks fluently. Resourcefulness is another trait that Ceryse possesses, although it is better described as cunning. She has a talent for finding solutions to problems, whether covering up for others or getting away with something she isn't supposed to do.
The six-and-ten-year-old Ema Swyft, a granddaughter of Ser Harys Swyft of Cornfield, is considered to be the fairest of Cassana's ladies. Her pale blue eyes and straight light blonde hair, which she always keeps loose, give her a gentle beauty that is hard to resist. She is considered one of the great beauties of the realm, alongside Cassana and Cersei, and draws many suitors. However, her kind and generous heart are what truly sets her apart. Ema is always polite, never giving insults, and her gentle grace wins the hearts of those around her, although she can be kind to a fault.
Jocelyn Sarsfield is the youngest of the ladies of Cassana Baratheon at the tender age of four-and-ten. She is born to Lord Emmett Sarsfield of their seat Sarsfield and is a first cousin to Lenora and her brother Gerold Lannister by their mother's side. Jocelyn stands shorter than her companions; her hazel eyes and soft black hair add to her charm. Being the gentlest and most innocent out of them all, there is a slight naivety to her. As she tries to find her place in the realm, she finds solace in spending time with her friends, including her cousin, Lenora, who is fiercely protective of her.
"Well, there is no stopping Tyrion from getting to his women," Ceryse remarked.
While glancing out the window to see the lands of the North, Ema said, "Regardless, we're here now, and the North seems so… Quiet."
"I think the word you're looking for is dreary," Jocelyn corrected, knowing Ema was always too kind, to be honest, as the lands in the South were bright and cheerful. At the same time, the North seemed so barren compared to the vast wilderness, rising moorlands, and pine-covered hills.
"It's not dreary," Cassana insisted as she went to the window of her room, "It's…peaceful. I mean, look at all this land. Much more peaceful than the noise in King's Landing."
"The forest and trees make the air smell a lot better," Lenora admitted as the city stench of King's Landing was almost unbearable while the Northern air was filled with pine.
"That would make sense with the Wolfswood right next to us," seeing the great forest so close by, Cassana then had an idea, "Why don't we go and explore," her ladies then looked at her with wide eyes, "We never been this far up before and might never will again, so why not?"
"Because, Cass, it's too dangerous," Lenora said, "There might be wolves, bears, and who knows what else?"
"It is called the Wolfswood for a reason," Ceryse agreed.
"But we do have my cousin to protect us," Cass guessed as she went to open the door to her cousin, who was guarding the entrance.
"Jarred. We want to go explore the Wolfswood," Cass told him, "So, we're hoping you might come with us for protection."
Jarred Longwaters is a tall and athletic young man with black hair tied back, reaching his shoulders and striking blue eyes. He is a first cousin to Cass through his mother's side, Lady Hellen Baratheon, the younger sister of Robert Baratheon and wife of Lord Jonathor Longwaters, the head of House Longwaters of their seat Dawn Isle off of Massey's Hook, nearly bordering the Crownlands and Stormlands. Jarred is their eldest son, while they had another son two years after him, named Steffon, after Hellen's late father, Steffon Baratheon. Jarred was the more warrior-like of the two brothers, while Steffon was more brains than brawns, which made some believe he would do well if taken the lordship of Dawn Isle, to which Jarred agrees as he takes more interest in being a knight of the Kingsguard..
"You want to venture off into the Wolfswood," Jarred asks with surprise.
"Just for a few minutes," Cass told him, "And as my sworn shield, you're obligated to protect us."
Jarred crossed his arms, "And you're not worried about the dangers there?"
"Oh, come on," Cass dismissed, "We're not going hunting; we're just going to appreciate the beauty of the forest."
"I doubt your mother would be happy about that," Jarred told her, "Considering that there's more than likely wolves there."
"I've told her, but she doesn't seem to care," Ceryse told him.
"I just don't see any harm in it," Cass urges, "And if we do see wolves, would it be so terrible?"
"Considering wolves are hunters, and they might see us as their dinner," Ceryse said, "and who knows what else is in those woods?"
"There might be white walkers there," Jocelyn suddenly says from the bed.
Ema chuckles while wrapping her arm around her, "Jocelyn, white walkers don't exist. Just old tales we heard as children."
"That's what they said about direwolves," Jocelyn argues, "But I heard a month ago, the Stark children found a whole little of pups in the woods."
"And they have grown large since then," Ceryse concurs.
"Regardless," Lenora sternly interrupts, "We don't know anything about those woods. What if we get lost?"
"Then it would be beneficial if some of the Stark men come with us," Cass turns to her cousin, who raised his brow, "No offense Jarred, but more is better."
"I doubt they would let us do that," Lenora insisted.
"Only one way to find out," Cass puts on her stag fur coat before leaving the room, "Come on."
The other girls begin to put on their coats as they realize their friend will not change her mind. Despite being a princess, Cassana is known to be the boldest one in the group. She was a girl who loved life, such as feasts, tourneys, dancing, drinking, hunting, hawking, riding horses, and exploring. She rarely feels afraid of anything and always gets her way. While her mother criticizes her for not behaving like a princess, her father finds it amusing, attributing it to the Baratheon blood running in her veins. As Ema, Ceryse, and Jocelyn quickly follow her, Lenora stays behind with Jarred, annoyed by Cass's nature.
"You're not going to tell her it's dangerous and foolish," Lenora asked Jarred.
"Knowing Cass," Jarred rolls his eyes, "would that make a difference?"
Lenora reluctantly shook her head, knowing Cass's stubborn willfulness would not change. Cass was the most confident and headstrong person Lenora knew, which sometimes intimidated her. Since it is easier to give in then fight, Lenora grabs her fur coat and tries to catch up with her friends. Still having his sword at his waist, Jarred follows them as they all make their way through Winterfell, passing by servants and guards. Eventually, they arrive at the training grounds and see Robb Stark and two other young men. While one of them is unfamiliar, they recognize the other as Jon Snow, the supposed bastard son of Ned Stark. Cass finds it strange that the honorable Ned Stark would have a bastard but decides that he must have been young and changed since then.
The three men were practicing their sword fight with one another until they spotted the princess and her companions before bowing their heads, "Princess." Robb and the young men bowed their heads as soon as they saw the princess.
"I hope we didn't interrupt anything," Cass greeted with a warm smile.
"No, princess," Robb stated respectfully, "We were practicing our sword fighting."
"Oh, well, I hope you don't mind me asking who's winning," Cass cheekily asked.
"Cass," Lenora urged her not to be so childish.
"Well, Jon and I were close to knocking him on his ass," The young man with brown hair and some facial features commented.
"I don't think so, Theon," Robb argued with an annoyed tone, not wanting to look foolish in front of the princess, "And be more respectful to the princess and her ladies."
"I assure you," Cass laughed it off, "my father has spoken much worse."
Robb smiles at her, "I assume you've come to watch us practice."
"The princess had something else in mind," Ema stated, "Something more adventurous."
"Adventurous," Robb questioned.
Cass then begins to say, "We were thinking,"
"You were thinking," Ceryse corrected.
"That we would go explore the Wolfswood forest," Cass finished after glaring at Ceryse.
Robb raises his brows in surprise, "Explore the Wolfswood on your own."
"We were thinking you and the other two men would join us," Cass explained further, "Considering you know more about it than we do."
"Yes, we do," Robb confirms, "But it is a dangerous place for southern girls."
"I'm afraid that only encourages the Princess," Jarred tells him.
"And I thought it would be a good thing you have direwolves to protect us," Cass said with a smile, "Along with my sworn shield, Ser Jarred."
Jon Snow argues against this, "I don't see it wise to bring the princess and her ladies in the Wolfswood."
"Oh, come on, Jon," Theon encourages, "If these beautiful ladies want to see the North, we should show them."
Robb is still reluctant to have the princess go to such a dangerous place until Cass says, "It's not my first time in a forest. My father and I would always come to the Kingswood to hunt."
Still trying to figure this out, Robb was impressed by the princess's boldness. A short while would be good. He turns to Theon, who agrees, and then to Jon, who is still against this, "If Ser Jarred sees no problem with it."
"Of course not," Cass smiled before Jarred could say anything as she, her ladies, and the young men started to make their way back inside Winterfell to ready for the journey.
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In the Free City of Pentos, a nine-and-ten-year-old man with pale skin, short silver-gold hair, and deep amethyst eyes was helping his older brother prepare for the day. After dressing him, the boy tied his brother's hair to keep his silver hair strands from his lilac eyes. He accidentally pulled a strand of hair too tightly, causing his brother to cry in pain.
"Careful," the older brother exclaims angrily, "Do you want to pull my hair out!"
"I'm sorry, Viserys," the boy said softly, terrified of what would happen next.
"You're sorry," Viserys repeats before getting up to face his younger brother to slap him in the face hard enough for the boy to stumble, "If you're not competent enough to be a suitable squire, then how are you going to be a functional heir to my throne, Areon."
"I'll be more careful," the boy promised, covering his right cheek that was hit.
Viserys stares at Areon hard before collecting himself, "I hope so. Now let's go see Dany," He takes a dress fabric from a nearby servant as the two brothers walk out of the room to see their sister. It has been six years since Areon had been Viserys's squire since he was three and ten. Areon thought he was now too old to be a squire, but Viserys said he still had much to learn, although the nine-and-ten-year-old wasn't sure what that was. Now it just seems Viserys was using this as an excuse to keep him as a slave than a squire, telling him to do this and get that. Sometimes, when Areon does something that angers him or doesn't approve what he does, Viserys would purposefully make a mess and order Areon clean it up. Areon wanted it all to stop but was too afraid. Every time Viserys feels any defiance from him, real or imaginative, Areon gets slapped in the face or thrown to the floor to get beaten, so he stays quiet and doesn't speak unless allowed to. After some walking, Viserys and Areon came to their sister's bathing chamber as she was looking out on the balcony.
"Daenerys," Viserys called out as a seven-and-ten-year-old Daenerys turned and saw her brothers who presented the fabric, "Look. A gift from Illyrio. Touch it. Go on, feel the fabric," He encourages her as she reluctantly traces her hand on it. "Isn't he a generous host?"
She then looks up to Viserys, "We've been his guests for over a year, and he never asked us for anything."
"Illyrio's no fool," Viserys tells her, "He knows I won't forget my friends when I come into my throne." He then looks at Daenerys's bad posture before handing the fabric to a servant drawing her bath. "You still slouch," he unties her dress laces, allowing her dress to fall to the floor, "Let them see," he then eyes her naked body as if he was trying to find any flaw in it, "You have a woman's body now," He then caresses her body as she stands still, emotionless. Areon tried to look away as he hated how Viserys treated her as if she was some prize. "I need you to be perfect today. Can you do that for me?" Daenerys looks up at her brother, terrified of what to say, "You don't want to wake the dragon, do you."
Daenerys shakes her head, "No."
Viserys then walks away from Daenerys, still naked, frozen in her place, as she and Areon watch him leave. Before he made his way out, Viserys turned to them, "When they write the history of my reign, my dear siblings, they will say it began today," He then left as Areon and Daenerys stayed where they were, uncomfortable with Viserys's demeanor.
Areon looks to his sister with an apologetic look, "Dany…."
"Areon, come," Viserys shouted.
Not wanting to wake the dragon, Areon slowly turns to follow him before giving one last apologetic look to his sister.
After getting themselves ready, Viserys, Areon, and Daenerys stood in Illyrio's manse with servants and attendants waiting. Daenerys wore a white lavender gown with Targaryen brooches on her shoulders, Viserys wore a dark green attire, and Areon wore black and red. There were also magisters and other important figures with them, waiting for their guests to arrive.
Impatiently, Viserys complained, "Where is he?"
"The Dothraki are not known for their punctuality," Illyrio told him.
After a few minutes, the sound of galloping horses was getting closer and closer as several Dothraki men rode in on their horses. They only wore leather pants, copper-tone skin, and long braided hair with bells tied in them.
Magister Illyrio greeted the Dothraki in their native tongue, "Atchomar chomakkan, khal vezhyen. May I present my honored guests? Viserys of House Targaryen, Third of His Name, the Rightful King of the Andals and the First Men. And his younger brother, Areon of House Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone, and their sister, Daenerys of House Targaryen."
Illyrio walks down the steps to the Dothraki guests as Areon looks to Daenerys, seeing the fear in her eyes of the large Dothraki Khal, who will be her husband. Viserys grabs Dany close, whispering, "Do you see how long his hair is? When Dothraki are defeated in combat, they cut off their braids so the world can see their shame. Khal Drogo has never been defeated. He's a savage, of course, but one of the finest killers alive. And you will be his queen."
Areon, listening to what Viserys was saying, disagreed with this. Viserys and Illyrio made a deal with Khal Drogo to give their sister as a bride for him and, in exchange, provide them with an army so they could take back the Seven Kingdoms that exiled them. But Areon sees it happening differently than Viserys sees it. Over the years, Viserys has been lusting after their father's throne and winning back the Seven Kingdoms to the point where he was willing to do anything. And if Areon tries to give his opinion, Viserys silences him by beating him.
"Come forward, my dear," Illyrio gestures to Dany to come forward.
Dany fearfully walked over to the great Khal, still on his horse. Her brothers stayed where they were as they watched her come to her husband-to-be, who only stared at her. As Daenerys was now in front of him, Khal Drogo stared intently at her while she held her breath, unsure what would happen. After a few minutes of stony silence, the great khal turned his horse and rode off with his fellow riders without saying a word, confusing the exiled Targaryens as Viserys ran down to Illyrio, "Where's he going?"
"The ceremony is over," Illyrio explains.
"But he didn't say anything," Viserys observed, "Did he like her?"
"Trust me, Your Grace, if he didn't like her, we'd know," Illyrio answered cryptically as Areon wondered what he meant by that. Regardless, it was done, meaning Dany was officially Khal Drogo's bride. The Magister and Targaryen sibling went back into the manse in the gardens with Viserys looking out to the sea where Westeros was waiting for him as Illyrio tells him, "It won't be long now. Soon you will cross the Narrow Sea and take back your father's throne. The people drink secret toasts to your health. They cry out for their true king."
Areon and Dany listen to their host's words but need help to believe them. Areon did not know much about politics, but he felt that Illyrio was not saying this to be true but to feed Viserys's ego. The young boy has serious doubts that the people of Westeros long for their true kin since it has been over a decade since they had been living in banishment. If they truly wanted them, they would have sent someone by now.
"When will they be married," Viserys asked as he and Illyrio started walking through the garden with Areon and Dany following them.
"Soon," Illyrio answered, "The Dothraki never stay still for long."
Viserys asks, "Do they lie with their horses true?"
"I wouldn't ask Khal Drogo," Illyrio advised him.
Viserys looks at him threateningly, "Do you take me for a fool?"
"I take you for a king," Illyrio explains, "Kings lack the caution of common men. My apologies if I've given offense."
"I know how to play a man like Drogo," Viserys waved off, "I give him a queen, and he gives me an army."
"I don't want to be his queen," Dany softly begs as the three men look at her, "I want to go home."
"So do I," Viserys walks closer to her, "As does Areon. We all wanted to go home, but they took it from us. So, tell me, sweet sister, how do we go home?"
Dany looks around, trying to come up with an answer. Then mumbled softly, "I don't know."
"We go home with an army," Viserys answered while cradling her cheek, "With Khal Drogo's army. I would let his whole tribe fuck you. All forty thousand men and their horses, too, if that's what it took." Viserys then gives a light kiss on Dany's forehead and then leaves with Illyrio while Areon and Dany look at him in shock. He was actually willing to leave Dany to the mercy of forty thousand Dothraki riders to get what he wanted.
Areon believes he and Viserys should protect Dany, not give her to savages just for a crown. Honestly, Areon was curious if he wanted to go to Westeros as he had no memory of it. He was only two when Robert's Rebellion happened, so everything he remembers about it was hazy. Before Daenerys was born, Viserys and Areon lived in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros in the Red Keep as true Targaryens. The family of Old Valyria conquered the continent with dragons and ruled for almost three hundred years before the dragons went extinct.
According to Viserys, their older brother Rhaegar was seduced by Lyanna Stark, who took her even though she was already betrothed to Robert Baratheon. Afterward, Lyanna's older brother, Brandon, came to the capital shouting for Rhaegar to come out and die, leading him to be thrown in prison by their father, King Aerys II. There were stories that Areon heard that their father was a mad tyrannical king who enjoyed burning people alive for his amusement. Viserys always said it was lies from their enemies, the Baratheons, Starks, and Arryns, to create a rebellion to overthrow him. Areon barely remembers his father, but that's because he was so young then, so he can't say what's true and what's not. All he could remember was his mother, Queen Rhaella, but even those memories were still hazy.
He can still remember her kind smile when picking him up and singing a lullaby that he sings to himself when stressed or having trouble sleeping. He also recalled an old man named Willem Darry telling him that his mother died when Daenerys was born. Viserys always blamed her for that, but Areon never did, although he does wish their mother was still with him. He doesn't remember Westeros or the holdfast they were in, Dragonstone, but he knows his father sent his, Viserys, and their mother there before she gave birth for their safety during the Rebellion. After their mother died, the next thing he knew was being on a ship, sailing for Braavos. There he remembers well when he and his sibling played well together. Playing in a garden with a lemon tree in a home with a red door was his happiest memory, which helped him endure Viserys. Willem Darry was like a father to him when his true father died. He was stabbed in the back by his own Kingsguard, from what Areon has been told. Willem made him feel safe, but that all changed when he died. When that happened, the servants kicked Areon and his sibling out of the streets, having only scraps to survive and always going from people to people who used them for their ends, only to lose interest quickly and send them to the streets again. It was when Illyrio Mopatis took them in. But Areon doesn't believe Illyrio is helping them and simply using them for his own purposes.
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In Westeros, Cassana and her ladies rode horses through the Wolfswood with Robb Stark, Theon Greyjoy, and Jon Snow. As they rode their horses through the Wolfswood, Cassana, and her companions were greeted by the stunning sights of the vast forest. The towering oak trees, evergreens, and black briers seemed to stretch on endlessly while the sweet scent of freshly bloomed flowers filled the air. The ladies led the group, with Theon and Jon following closely behind. Cassana and Robb brought up the rear, taking in the breathtaking view of the forest as they rode.
"These woods are beautiful," Ema observed, the trees towering around her.
"Yes, one could get lost in them," Theon says as he was close to her, most likely because she was beautiful, "A month ago, we found a litter of direwolf pups before we took them in."
"Oh, they must have been adorable," Ema exclaimed.
"Yes, although there was one with red eyes and pure white fur," Theon said as he leered at Jon, "I guess that's why we said it was yours. Huh, Snow."
Jon gives him a hard look as Theon chuckles before flirting more with Ema.
"I take it he's insufferable," Jarred assumes to Jon on his horse.
"Most times, yes," Jon admits.
"I remember he was a small thing during the Greyjoy Rebellion," Jarred reminisces.
Jon looks to Jarred, "You were at the rebellion."
"My father was commanding the Longwater fleet to fight off the Greyjoy fleet," Jarred explains, "I was two-and-ten at the time as a squire to my uncle, the King."
"Must have been a great honor," Jon tells him, wishing he had such honor.
"Not really," Jarred admits, "He spent most of his time drinking, hunting, and whoring before and after the rebellion. It's as if my uncle doesn't see any meaning in life if he's not fighting in any battle. After witnessing that, my father decided it would be better if I were a squire to his Kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy, instead. And my uncle agreed."
Jon nodded and then had a question popped into his head as Jarred mentioned his father, "Is it true that your father defended his seat Dawn Isle from a horde of pirates at the age of four-and-ten?"
"Yes," Jarred answered, "He even kept some of their belongings as his trophies."
Jon takes in the information as he thinks more about Jonathor Longwaters.
House Longwaters is a young family in comparison to other noble houses in the realm, founded by Jaren Longwaters, the son of Jon Waters, who was the illegitimate child of Princess Elaena Targaryen, daughter of King Aegon III, and Lord Alyn Oakenfist Velaryon, from a little over a century ago. The Longwaters initially resided in the capital for a few years until Jovarn Longwaters fought bravely during the Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion under the reign of Aegon V. As a reward, Jovarn Longwaters received a tract of land on Massey's Hook, where a thriving harbor town known to be Seaside Harbor grew over the decades, along with a small island where they built their seat known as Dawn Isle.
Since then, Dawn Isle has been governed by various Longwater Lords, who have benefited greatly from its proximity to key trading routes with the Free Cities of Essos. However, under the leadership of Lord Jonathor Longwaters, the island's wealth reached new heights. He was a skilled warrior who defended the island against pirates, a veteran of the War of the Ninepenny Kings and a great mind as he established numerous trade agreements with other merchants. Some merchants even chose to settle in Seaside Harbor on the mainland despite the Longwaters' holdfast being situated on a small island. He also used his wealth to create a great fleet of over two hundred ships known as the Longwater Fleet, where he would defend his home from invaders, which earned him the moniker, The Sea Dragon, mostly due to their family's sigil, a white sea dragon on a black field, which spoke to their heritage from the Targaryen and Velaryon line.
As Jon and Jarred kept riding, the other girls rode ahead with Theon while Robb and Cass were behind them.
"It seems your friend has taken a liking to one of my ladies," Cass chuckled, seeing Theon flirting with Ema Swyft, who seemed to flirt back.
"Theon always like beautiful young ladies," Robb joins her, "Although it seems she is reciprocating."
Cass looks at Ema before telling Robb, "Ema was always too kind to others, but I assure you, what Theon is expecting is not happening." Most men were always drawn to Ema due to her fair beauty. Cass always thought she was too kind to them, but she was smart enough to know when they expected to bed her. Robb laughs at Cass's words as they travel through the forest. Robb tells her all about it.
"Do you hunt a lot in this forest," Cass asked.
Robb answers, "Yes. There are many animals around these woods. You'd find wolves, bears, deer, foxes, rabbits, and even treecats. We even have some men accomplishing ice-fishing."
"Oh, my father would love to hunt here," Cass said, looking around the trees.
"Is it anything like the Kingswood back at the capital," Robb asks her.
Cass shakes her head, "No like this. Just an ordinary forest filled with deer, bears, and stags."
"There are some boars around to hunt," Robb tells her.
"Well, hopefully, we might find one," Cass smiles.
Robbs gives a surprised look to her. He never thought this would be how the princess of the Seven Kingdoms would act. He thought she would be one of those stuffy ladies who enjoy staying indoors and needlework, but Cassana seems to be the type that thrives on excitement and adventure. Then again, she was Robert Baratheon's daughter.
After exploring the woods, they all returned to Winterfell for the great welcoming feast. There was laughter and music throughout the great hall of Winterfell as everyone talked, joked, and drank their cups dry, only to ask for a refill. Queen Cersei was at the high table with Catelyn Stark, while their husbands were with the people at the guest tables. Ned was off somewhere, while Robert laughed heartily while having a busty serving lady on his lap as she entertained him.
Cass looks at her father's behavior, not approving of it. She looks back to her mother, seeing her stone face, considering that no one cares if a husband is cheating with women, even in front of their wife. That was the main reason why Cass dreaded marriage. Her parents had a political wedding after the Rebellion since the Lannisters brought the final victory for Robert, but since then, their marriage has been strained. They got together enough to produce children, but other than that, they avoided each other at all costs. Not wanting to suffer the same fate, Cass always finds ways to avoid marriage proposals or intentionally ruin them by scaring off potential suitors.
Robb seemed a kind young lord, and there was a talk of marriage between Houses Baratheon and Stark, so she figured why not Robb, but she was still reluctant to the idea. She sat next to him along with her ladies and Theon Greyjoy. Jon Snow was absent, considering he was a bastard, but Cass didn't get into it. Instead, she just enjoyed the festivities as she drank her mug of ale in one swing as Robb looked at her with surprise.
"What," Cass chuckles at Robb, "Never saw a southern princess drink ale before."
"Not in that way, no," Robb laughs off.
Cass laugh with him, "Then this would be a first for you," she turns to a servant with her mug in the air, asking for a refill, which the servant obliged. She looks as saw her mother giving a stern look due to her behavior, but Cass decides not to pay attention and have fun.
"Seems your mother doesn't approve," Lenora tells her from the other side of the table.
"And why should I care," Cass shrugs before drinking her ale as Lenora rolls her eyes at her.
Cass's sworn protector Jarred stood close to the wall and watched her closely while she enjoyed being around people at the nearby table. Unlike Cass, Jarred preferred solitude or spending time with a small group, including Cass and his brother. Even as a child, he found socializing tiring, which was challenging, considering he was expected to inherit his father's seat as the heir to Dawn Isle. Instead, he pursued his passion for fighting and joining the Kingsguard when the opportunity to fill a vacant position arose. Fortunately, his parents were content with his younger brother, Steffon, taking his place as the heir.
"I thought you might be joining the festivities," Ned Stark came up to him.
"I always preferred to be on my own," Jarred admits.
Ned chuckles, "You haven't changed much since you were a boy." To which Jarred shrugs.
Ned then asks, "How is your mother down at the capital and your brother?"
"My mother is doing well," Jarred answered, "and Steffon is doing quite well from what I heard. He was sent to Qarth with some relatives to learn about the trade agreements."
"Ah," Ned said, "Considering he will be the new lord of Dawn Isle, I can see why your father would do that. How is your father? The King said he hasn't left Dawn Isle for years now."
"My father is well," Jarred answers him, "He's just enjoying his time resting in the comforts of home."
Ned nods his head, deciding not to pursue it anymore. It has been years since he saw Lord Jonathor Longwaters since the fighting at the Greyjoy Rebellion. And according to Robert, there had been rumors at court that The Sea Dragon hadn't left Dawn Isle for years because he was ill and slowly dying, but the Northern lord did not wish to believe such rumors.
"I heard that you, the princess, and her ladies had an adventure in the Wolfswood with my sons and Theon," Ned changes the subject.
Jarred looks at him, "It was Cass's idea. If we didn't go with her, she would have gone by herself."
Ned chuckles at this, "A Baratheon through and through."
"Indeed," Jarred agrees as Ned pats his shoulders before walking off.
Cass and her ladies continued to enjoy the festivities as they soon saw Arya Stark, Robb's little sister, fling some food at her older sister Sansa, who went into a fit while others laughed it off. Robb laughed until his mother gave him a stern look, urging him to take her to bed.
"She reminds me a lot of you," Lenora tells Cass, "I remember you did the same thing to me when we were younger."
The princess laughs at the memory, "It was funny, and you know it."
Lenora chuckled a bit as she did admit that it was funny now, but she did remember how angry she was from the prank years ago. "It seems you and Robb Stark are getting along well."
"Well, he is our guest," Cass tells her, "And our fathers are old friends."
"And they are discussing marriage between your houses," Lenora suggests.
Cass shakes her head, "Oh no. Robb is kind, but I have no intention to marry."
"We'll see," Lenora challenges with a smile, "He is cute, is he not."
Cass thought about it for a moment, "Maybe."
Lenora arches her brow at Cass, who, wanting to avoid the discussion on marriage, turns to see Ema in deep conversation with Theon, who whispers something in her ear, causing her to give him a warm smile, only to slap him across the face hard enough for him to fall on the floor. She then grabbed his mug of ale and poured it all over him before storming off with an annoyed look as everyone laughed at what they saw. Whatever Theon said, Cass knew it was something Ema didn't take lightly, but one thing is certain. This was the most fun she had ever had at a feast.
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As the morning was passing in Pentos, a Dothraki wedding feast commenced. Khal Drogo and his new bride, Daenerys, were sitting in front of everyone as their guest enjoyed the festivities in their way. Areon and Viserys sat beside the married couple while Illyrio was on their right, with guards protecting them since a Dothraki wedding can get intense. The Targaryen siblings watch as they see the Dothraki men and women dancing to the beat of the drums while others are feasting on the food, which was more raw meat from horses, which Illyrio said they preferred to eat. There were some fruits and wine the Targaryens could take, but it wasn't that much. They continued to watch the feast as some other guests of Pentos came to give their gifts to the new husband and wife. Some gifts were new chalices and weapons, while others were dead animals or live snakes. Areon watched as his sister was visibly uncomfortable by the wedding as they saw the Dothraki men and women dancing together provocatively as if they didn't care they were in public. Still, Areon knew it was their culture and spoke none of it.
"When do I meet with the Khal," Viserys asked Illyrio, "We need to begin planning the invasion."
"If Khal Drogo has promised you a crown, you shall have it," Illyrio assures him.
Viserys looks at him impatiently, "When?"
"When their omens favor war," Illyrio tells him.
"I piss on Dothraki omens," Viserys said with disdain, "I've waited seventeen years to get my throne back."
"Exactly what type of omens do they wait for," Areon asks, curious about what it means.
Illyrio tells him, "Whenever they are threatened, or they see some sign that relates to warfare."
Areon nods until he sees Viserys glaring at him for speaking out of turn.
Areon tries to avoid the glare by looking at the ceremony, where they see two Dothraki men fighting over a woman while everyone cheers them on. After some punching, the swords were drawn as the two warriors clashed each other until one of the warriors used his blade to slash his opponent's stomach and slice him open, causing his intestines to fall out of his body. The fallen warrior falls to his knees while the victor cuts off his braid as the guests cheer for his victory.
Areon and Viserys look to Illyrio, hoping to get some explanation of what happened.
The magister tells them, "A Dothraki wedding without at least three deaths is considered a dull affair."
Viserys chuckles at the site of it, while Areon feels uneasy from what he just saw.
The ceremony continued as a fair-skinned man with blonde hair, who did not look too old, presented his gift to the newlyweds, which seemed to be a set of books.
"Jadi, zhey Jorah andahli!" Khal Drogo greets his guest.
"Khal vezhven," the man bowed his head. "A small gift for the new Khaleesi," he then gives his gift to Daenerys, "songs and histories from the Seven Kingdoms."
"Thank you, Ser," Daenerys accepts the gift, "Are you from my country?"
"Ser Jorah Mormont of Bear Island," the man said. "I served your father for many years," he glances at Viserys, "Gods are good; I hope always to serve the rightful king."
Ser Jorah bows before joining the other guests. Illyrio then gestures for his two servants to come over with a case to present his own gift. They lifted the lid to reveal three eggs as Viserys, Areon, and Daenerys widened their eyes at what are seeing. Each egg was a different color, green, bronze, and black, as Daenerys picked one up in her hands.
"Dragon's eggs, Daenerys, from the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai," Illyrio told her. "The ages turned them to stone, but they will always be beautiful."
"Thank you, Magister," Daenerys thanked while eyeing the egg.
Areon looks at the eggs with awe. He always heard stories about dragons and how his family used them to conquer Westeros, but they all died off over a hundred years ago. So, seeing dragon eggs up close was wonderful for him. Suddenly Khal Drogo stood up, stopping the festivities as Daenerys set down the dragon egg and got up from her seat. Without saying a word, Drogo walks off as Daenerys slowly follows him as the guests get closer to them, where the great Khal had two horses waiting for them. One was brown, while the other was white. Khal Drogo gives her the reins of the white horse, showing that it is a gift to his bride.
"She's beautiful," Daenerys said as she petted the horse while Drogo stared at her.
Daenerys turned, facing Ser Jorah, "Ser Jorah, I don't know how to say thank you in Dothraki."
"There is no word for thank you in Dothraki," Ser Jorah said.
Khal Drogo approaches her before taking her by the waist, lifting her onto the horse before going up on his own. Viserys comes to her and grabs her leg tightly, "Make him happy."
Looking at her brothers, Daenerys took a deep breath before she and her husband rode to where they will consummate their marriage. Viserys see her riding off with a smile that all is going as planned, while Areon looks sad, terrified of what the savage Khal will do to his little sister.
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It was night as Areon was helping Viserys get ready for bed. He finished putting his clothes away and helped him get into his night clothes as Viserys said, "Soon, we'll be able to get to Westeros and take back my throne. Then we will be living like Kings."
Areon asked, "Viserys, are you sure we should do this?"
"Do what," Viserys asked.
"Marry Dany to," Areon tries to find the right words, "To a Dothraki warlord."
"Why shouldn't we," Viserys faces his brother, "He has a horde of forty thousand strong. Enough men to get an army to take back my throne."
"But I don't think this would be the right way to do it," Areon reluctantly said.
Viserys walks a couple of steps closer to him, "Are you questioning me?"
"No," Areon softly said, "I was just suggesting that,"
Suddenly Viserys grabs him by the hair so tightly it causes Areon to fall to the floor. Viserys kept his grip on the hair tight, saying, "I am the rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms, so I decide how we take my throne back. All you are is the heir until I have no further use of you. So, know your place, brother, or I will show it to you. Understood."
"Yes," Areon cried in pain as Viserys let go of his hair before shoving him to the floor and walking away while Areon put his hand on his head as the pain still pounded from the hair grab.
Later Areon went to his bedroom, staring at a small mirror as he still had a bruise on his right cheek when Viserys slapped him the other day. It was getting better, but it was nothing compared to the other injuries he receives from Viserys's cruelties. Viserys was always violent, cruel, and abusive to him and Dany, but mainly to him. Even though Viserys made him his heir for years, Areon has been treated more like a slave. Always picking up after Viserys, doing whatever he tells him to do and when he defies him, Viserys beats him severely until Areon submits to him. Areon hated every minute of it. Sometimes, he wanted to leave but couldn't leave Dany alone with him. He could take her with him, but now it was too late. Even if he could, where would they go? How were they going to live? He doesn't know what to do. All he wanted to do now was go to sleep. But as he went to his bed, he couldn't. Just staring at the ceiling of his room. He then started to sing the lullaby he remembered his mother singing to him. "Firebreather, winged leader, but two heads, to a third sing, from my voice: The fires have spoken, and the price has been paid, with blood magic, with words of flame, with clear eyes, to bind the three, to you I sing, as one we gather, and with three heads, we shall fly as we were destined, beautifully, freely."
It wasn't until he finished the lullaby, did Areon fell asleep, beginning to dream. In this dream, he finds himself on the ground with Viserys beating him. He tried to run away, but Viserys grabbed him by the hair and threw him back to the ground. He put himself on top of Areon and smacked his face repeatedly while screaming, "You woke the dragon! You woke the dragon!" Areon cried in pain with his eyes closed, begging for it to end. Suddenly, a leathery flap sounded like a clap of thunder, causing Areon to open his eyes. Viserys was no longer there. Areon got up before hearing a low growl behind him. He slowly turned and saw a mighty dragon staring at him, smelling the smoke of the dragon's breath on him. The dragon was black, with its horns and spinal plates blood red, and his eyes were smoldering red pits as it stared at him. Then there was a whisper, "Wake the dragon. Wake the dragon." Then the great dragon breathed fire all around Areon just before he woke up, painting and shaking with sweat. He looked out the window near his bed and saw that it was still night. Unlike anything he had dreamt before, Areon did not know what it was or why he dreamt of something like that.
I hope you all enjoyed the first chapter of this. As you can see, many original characters and more are to come. And if anyone wonders, House Longwaters is an actual house in the Song of Ice and Fire franchise, but GRRM barely uses them. Only mentions one member of that house and nothing more, so why not use them? Anyways, if anyone is interested in my other fanfiction story on House of the Dragon, called A Tale of Dragons, go to my profile, and you will see it. Follow, favorite, and leave your thoughts in the comments.