DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.
Chapter rating: T
Bvh: I'll give it my best!
Guest: Happy you like it! And no, he has not, as they were too small before they thought to do that for the babies who enjoyed the scent and feeling of flying on dragon-back. But you never know ? ﾟﾘﾉ
NicoleR85: glad you liked it!
Octavian743: Thanks, it gets really hard when I'm at a part I keep rewriting and I did that a handful of times last chapter, lol. But I can't wait to do that scene either, I have a few different ways to go but I hope ya'll enjoy it!
Shadow Wolf 15846: I hope to do his part justice and I've always believed he was a Blackfyre. I do not think Elia would have defended a baby so violently near the end of her life unless it was her child. But please enjoy!
NoemieMendez: I am glad you are enjoying, sometimes I feel like my mind goes (good idea, good story and oh wow that was written horribly once I was done or decided to reread it before finishing, lol. It happened with a Harry Potter series I had going some years back when I first started writing on ?.) Yeah I thought so too, but I also did it to keep the Dothraki in Essos. They don't belong in Westeros and Robb would not have gone east. That I know I would struggle to write out, they are both so different.
Chapter Forty-Five: XLV - The Falcon Joins the War
(Northern Army)
Rhaenyra flew carefully over the enemy who were setting up their campsite. One would look up as though he could hear the wind shifting because of Rhaella's wings. But her dragon quickly took cover in the clouds. It was the Mountain. Rhaenyra swallowed thickly as she pulled Rhaella to head in another direction. Going back to her own camp, Rhaenyra knew Robb was going to send Jaime to the Vale soon, having already sent Tyrion off with Shae, Bronn, and Tana.
Tyrion said they would receive a message that he had arrived, though none of them knew how. Sansa had wished Tana well and gave her a Faith of the Seven pendant to be protected. It would look odd on a Pentoshi girl. Though Tana knew how to hide it, promising to return it to Sansa. Baela had wished they could have taken the small group on dragon-back but Robb worried they'd be seen or the dragons would become too exhausted or strain themselves, across Blackwater Bay was one thing but all across the Essos sea, no, he wished for them to be bigger, stronger.
Rhaenyra sighed softly as she came to her other dragons who were flying around the small opening of the forest they had scorched, creating their own bedding grounds among the burned foliage. Rhaella landed near the opening of the camp so her rider did not have to walk so far with her growing belly. Men greeted the queen respectfully and would give her reports on what they saw, she would do the same, telling them what she witnessed and who they were to fight soon.
"The Mountain?" Robb asked, face calm and void of emotion.
"Aye. Hard to miss that large man, it was him," Rhaenyra said, nodding as Smalljon urged her to sit so she was not standing all during the meeting.
"How big?" Athelstan asked curiously.
"Bigger than them," The Hound said, head nodding to the father and son duo of the Umbers who looked curious at one another. "My brother is a hard man to kill, let alone hit at all. You're better using the dragons, can't run from torrents of dragon flame that is hotter than any other flame he could have ever been burned by," the Hound said as some eyed him curiously.
"Sounds like a challenge," Athelstan smiled.
"He killed my sister's two children and raped her with her babe's blood still on his hands," Oberyn said as he eyed the northern man who watched the talented prince.
"All I said was he sounded like a challenge, Your Highness. He will die. Whether it be by your hand or even dragon flame," the friendly northerner shrugged. "I will go and prepare my men going with you," he said, patting Oberyn's shoulder in friendliness.
"You are not taking your army?" Catelyn asked, worried as her daughters frowned as well.
"No. A smaller host can make a faster trek across the ground," Robb said as Rhaenyra agreed. "You are not going," Robb said as Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow.
"Could you excuse us, my lords?" Rhaenyra asked as she stood, Greatjon and Ser Barristan helping steady her as she stood. Robb stood as well, quickly coming to help her as she hissed at him in Valyrian, he responded back quickly.
"What do you mean I am staying here? You wanted me to stay with the army, I am going to help," Rhaenyra said. Originally, after the last attack with her being pregnant, made her want to go home.
"Rhaenyra. I need you to fly to the Vale. I believe you would be more of a force than either Jaime or Baela," Robb said as Rhaenyra frowned.
"I thought we agreed with Jaime going because of the rumor of Baelish being sent there now that he has come back to Westeros. I hear his party is heading there from the docks," Rhaenyra said.
"And who better to greet him, than Rhaenyra Targaryen, descendant of the conquerors who rode their dragons? Do what Visenya did, entertain my cousin," he smirked as Rhaenyra grinned.
"Hmm, that is devious, husband. Quite devious for a wolf or a fish," she teased as he laughed.
"Aye. But one has to out think his battle-growing wife," he claimed with a smile before kissing her as she nodded.
"Of course, my love," she smiled. "But I need you to keep Jaime and Baela with you, as I am only taking Rhaella," Rhaenyra said as Robb agreed.
"Of course," he said as he held her close.
"Then if I am to once more leave you. I am confiscating you for my pleasures only for the night," she beamed while Robb chuckled before turning her and pushing her to their tent. Her maids overheard and were going about to pack her things that at least kept them away from the queen and king's tent.
XLV
"I cannot believe you agreed so easily," Baela teased her cousin who growled softly.
"Because, I do see the benefits of myself going," she said while the other sighed.
"Do you think Rhaella will be able to carry all of them?" Baela asked.
"Ser Barristan thinks Rhaella will be able to carry myself, Dacey, and two ladies of mine," Rhaenyra said as her cousin nodded.
"Rhaenys and Alysanne carried our passengers with no problem, it just took a bit for them to readjust the new weight. And Rhaella is bigger, thicker, it would be no issue to her," Baela claimed with a proud smile. "And to be sure, having her fly around the camp a bit will help her grow used to the weight faster," Baela added as her cousin smiled.
"Look who's becoming the dragon expert," Rhaenyra teased her cousin who smiled shyly.
"Well, I originally decided to take after our ancestors who threw all their efforts into the dragon rearing because as a bastard, I figured I would not have much prospects," Baela shrugged.
"Bastard or not, Wolland likes you," Rhaenyra commented to her blushing cousin.
"Ah, yes. Him," Baela spoke. Rhaenyra frowned softly as she saw the difference in the girl's face.
"What's wrong? I thought you two got along?" Rhaenyra said with a small frown as they walked together, she could see Wolland working with Athelstan and Theon about something.
"It's not him, it's me. I still prefer girls over boys," she muttered irritably.
"Prince Oberyn and Ellaria did say you could grow to care for him. I believe Nymeria and Obara have offered ideas. Also, have you told him? So he does not assume it is himself?" Rhaenyra asked.
"Aye, he knows. He finds it quite interesting actually," Baela said.
"Is he accepting?" Rhaenyra asked.
"He is," Baela confirmed.
"There, go from there. And see where it leads, okay?" Rhaenyra offered as her kin nodded.
"What if-what if I cannot do it? Lay with him? Give him children?" Baela asked nervously.
"You can, Baela. Though, I am sure this is not helping. You are just making yourself more and more nervous. Talk to the Sand Snakes! Their father, their mother, Ellaria. I am sure they have all laid with the same gender. We know the Dornish are not against it," she smiled as Baela chuckled.
"I might ask Ellaria," Baela shrugged.
"Good, even though Oberyn could help too," Rhaenyra reassured her cousin, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as the blonde giggled. That was the only difference aside from the green hue in Baela's eyes. Their hair were just different shades, Rhaenyra's hair was white while her cousin's had a golden shade to it too. Robb and Jaime had both joked how the girls could mimic one another, the only giveaway now, were their dragons.
"I would rather ask a woman," she said as the young queen giggled.
"Alright, come on. Let us go see how Rhaella will despise me for making her take on more passengers," Rhaenyra claimed with her cousin howling with laughter.
XLV
Rhaenyra held a hand to her dragon's nose as she pet the female who trilled, crooning to her rider. "Sȳz riña," Rhaenyra praised as her dragon chattered. Carefully mounting her dragon's back into the saddle, she quickly stopped the confused dragon from getting up. Rhaella turned her head to stare at her mother, trying to understand before a sharp whistle echoed out from the Targaryen queen. "Embrot," Rhaenyra ordered as the dragon did so, lowering herself to lay down. Robb stood at her head, a hand resting on her nose, when she returned it to the ground. Ser Barristan helped Lynara climb up onto the dragon's back. Dacey carefully climbed up and sat behind Lynara as Valaena nodded urging the she-dragon to stand with the King's order. "Sōvēs!" Rhaenyra demanded as Rhaella shook her head and started a run before launching into the air. Lynara groaned as she held onto Dacey as the soldier held the queen's waist. The two women heard the young queen's laughter at their reactions. Rhaella with no hesitation flew around the camp, rolling and banking hard to almost knock the women off. But a snap of her rider's whip made her dive down and fly at her mother's command. The reins pulled or tugged to guide the she-dragon. Many cheered the young queen on as Robb smiled. He had no true desire to fly as he was content with the ground and the wolves he cared for. Robb was deciding on sending his sisters and mother home as Lady has become agitated lately, snarling when she would shift and not getting enough meat when hunting. It confused him when he saw her snap at Grey Wind who naturally ate with her. The male wolf had started to eat only with the dragons as Lady would gorge carcass after carcass. Robb had his suspicions when he saw Grey Wind sit so expantly by her side one morning.
"Your Grace," a man approached before the Hound stopped him. Taking the letter, Ser Barristan gave it to the King after examining it.
"Tyrells, Your Grace," Ser Barristan spoke as Robb opened the letter to read it. Sansa and Arya came closer to read as well despite their mother's order to allow Robb to read it only.
"Call my wife down," Robb ordered the knight who frowned before Gendry, who had created an odd-looking horn, came forward and blew it. It sounded like a low roar of a dragon or a bellow of a whale, from Theon's words when he remembered the handful of times he saw the large water-creatures as a child. Rhaella, recognizing the horn, immediately used that as a call to land. Rhaenyra frowned as the women climbed off with Dacey helping the queen steady herself.
"His Grace requests to meet you in the war tent," Ser Barristan spoke quickly as she nodded.
"Very well," Rhaenyra agreed as she walked to the tent where her husband paced, his mother yelling.
"You will not subject my nephew to this!" She yelled.
"Robb does not even have control of the Vale. That is still apart of the Southern Kingdoms," Arya commented before being ordered to be quiet for a moment, she smiled as Sansa gently held her hand a moment, sharing the smile between them.
"Lady Margaery is a sweet woman and would adore Robin. I think it would be a good idea," Sansa defended as Rhaenyra frowned, suddenly confused.
"I do believe I am behind on the news. What are we discussing?" The young Queen questioned.
"I have a letter from Lady Olenna and King Renly," he said, showing her the parchment. "Lady Margaery swears before the Gods that she is still a maid and from the rumors I have heard of her husband and brother both, I can surmise they are true. So, she is offering to be a marriage offer for the young lord of the Vale, my cousin," he said as Rhaenyra looked up.
"The boy is no older than Rickon!" Catelyn defended.
"But he must still marry, who is better than a highly respected lady from a well-known family. She will be a good lady and helper to rule the Vale. Your sister has ruled a long time as regent of the Vale, she should rest now," Rhaenyra spoke as Catelyn looked offended before seeing her uncle agree.
"If your dragon will allow me to accompany you ladies, I will join and urge my niece to agree to this," the Blackfish spoke, Rhaenyra nodded.
"You better gather your wits then, Uncle Brendyn. For she will test your stomach's strength and your ability to move with her," Rhaenyra said as the two women nodded.
"That she does," Dacey confirmed.
"Very well. When should we depart?" the Blackfish asked.
"In a week. We need to get there before Petyr Baelish," Rhaenyra said as her husband's great uncle nodded. With that, Rhaenyra dismissed the small council as she and her husband spent time with their twins and together. Rhaenyra would be taking her children with her to feed them, she had snapped at the wetnurse who had attempted to continue to feed the children. Robb knew she would struggle and tried to impose a wetnurse once their third child comes, as the twins will be too young to be weaned off the breast. Rhaenyra was adament, being stubborn, a former maid of hers fed multiple babies when she was younger after having her own, so Rhaenyra knew she could feed all three of her children, so long as she kept her body in the process of creating milk.
"I wish to go with you, Rhaenyra," Arya requested. Jogging alongside her as she went to see Rhaella once more.
"Arya," Rhaenyra stopped her good sister who skidded to a halt along with her friends and the guards who chuckled with the ladies-in-waiting. The Manderly sisters adored Arya and had offered to accompany them all back to Winterfell when Robb announced it that morning. Rhaenyra felt comforted at the knowledge women she trusts and knows will be her eyes and ears back home. And the fact that Shireen would need extra women to care and be raised like a lady and not wild like Rickon, from whom the young girl apparently was bonding and spending more and more time with playing in the woods rather than joining in on Septa Unai's teachings. Maester Luwin and the septa both send their queen word and worry about the young princess who now misses her lessons multiple times to play with Rickon. It was a reason Robb wished his mother and sisters to return.
"Sansa can teach Shireen better than I can, even your ladies can teach her better!" Arya defended herself, she hated to be left behind just because she was a girl. Baela and Rhaenyra were fighting, even the Queen's ladies were accompanying either their Queen, or like Roslin and Valaena were staying with the King.
"Because it is dangerous!" Rhaenyra ordered. "You and your sister are next in line after Bran and Rickon-"
"Bran is gone! So only Rickon remains," Arya stopped her.
"Which is why you need to return home, if something, pray nothing, happens to Rickon. You and Sansa are all Catelyn has," she said as Arya frowned.
"You act as though all of you will die," Arya said softly.
"I am not promising things that might not come to pass," Rhaenyra said as she carefully pulled Arya so both knelt on the ground, many backing up to give them privacy though Rhaenyra did not care. "I am a mother, Arya. I know what your mother went through when you were gone from her side. I helped raise you, I am a second mother to you because of it, I want you safe just as I wish my babies to be safe, but I feel like they are safer with me. I am also nursing them still and I do not trust wetnurses, never have aside from Valaena who nursed me," Rhaenyra smiled as Arya grinned sadly.
"I do not want to be a lady like Sansa, I want to go with you! I want to fight with you like Visenya and Rhaenys did together," Arya spoke sadly. Rhaenyra's heart tugged as she felt tears gather in her eyes, biting her lips she brought her forehead to Arya's as both sat there, the soft murmurs of the babies as Wylla swayed with Daenaera while Wynafryd bounced Eddard who smiled.
"I doubt he will change his mind. But I can ask," Rhaenyra offered as Arya looked surprised before smiling.
"Your Grace," Dacey started before stopping at Rhaenyra's sharp look.
"I doubt it will add much weight to her as Dreamfyre carried her bonded rider and four friends when she was still young. And three little bodies can make that fourth person adding to you, Lynara and the Blackfish's weight on Rhaella," Rhaenyra said. She was helped up instantly by Wolland and Smalljon.
"You should test that theory first," Wolland urged, bowing his head. "Your Grace," he remembered, many of his people were still remembering their mannerisms around the Queen and King.
"I will. Roslin, please go request my husband to meet in the fields the dragons have taken to nesting in," Rhaenyra requested of her lady-in-waiting who nodded and raced off with a guard. "Come along," Rhaenyra encouraged as Arya held her hand, happy she might be able to get Robb to say yes to her going. Rhaella had perked up at seeing her mother before noticing more people and glowered sourly at realizing what her rider would attempt once more. "You will accept them, Rhaella," she urged her dragon while Arya was pulled by her great-uncle to stand behind the queen so as not to upset the irritable she-dragon while Rhaenys and Alysanne were driven off by the knights and ladies who were used to them. Wylla held Daenaera carefully as Eddard cooed when Rhaenys came closer, she truly loved children it seemed. Always going closer to them when she saw them. The red she-dragon huffed once more before lowering herself completely.
Rhaenyra smirked knowing her dragon would listen eventually and once they fed them, the dragons would listen better. Mounting her dragon she ordered everyone else to follow as Arya grinned and clambered up quickly, making sure not to step wrong on Rhaella's spikes. The she-dragon watched them all cautiously before trilling and launching into the air as her passengers all held on.
XLV
Time soon came for Rhaenyra to leave. Robb had been stoney-face about her taking Arya with her but relented, knowing that Arya would listen to his wife better than their mother who was more on her daughter acting like a lady. And Catelyn had been completely against Arya going. Sansa said goodbye to her sister and hoped she learned from her flight.
Robb embraced his wife and said goodbye to his children once more, something Rhaenyra wished would stop happening, but she knew this was better. If the dragons were protecting them, they would be a bit safer, hopefully. Robb knew from the history of the Targaryens about the Dance that dragons were not invincible. And they could not protect their riders against everything. Rhaenyra had started to read old history books she carried about the dragons, the fights and the ones that even took dragon life, to tell her children that they were not unkillable. From what Daenerys had told her many years ago was that the only reason the dragons died was because of people overpowering them. No, it was because her ancestors failed the dragons by allowing them to dwindle and die once the pit had become overrun. Rhaenyra refused to ever build one and would instill that into her children, if they had any more hatched, they would remain free and eat to their content so long as they left livestock alone. Rhaenyra knew her dragons have not attacked cattle or sheep owned by farmers and her biggest test would be going to the Eyrie, sheep overran the mountains from what the Blackfish has told her. He even joked that sheep were the dragons' favorite from history accounts so they might help dwindle the population down for the Vale citizens. Rhaenyra had smiled at the joke while others agreed.
Rhaella had adapted to the new weight quickly, the Blackfish sat in the back as most weight would be shifted on her front. Arya behind Rhaenyra with Lynara and Dacey between her and the Blackfish, the two women holding the twins protectively against the winds. Robb watched as his wife left with her two dragons also watching, shrieking to their sister and growling softly in an unhappy way at being separated from each other. This confirmed Robb and Oberyn's theory that dragons were like herding animals or pack animals, if bred/hatched together the dragons seemed to migrate together, finding easy hunting possibly in multiple numbers to overcome prey, despite the fire-breathing positive of their offense.
Rhaenyra truly enjoyed flying, knowing she would be a queen who flies around her kingdom to keep an eye and ensure no fighting ensued when rebellions saw her dragon. Aegon the Conqueror did know what he meant when he brought a larger retinue to also protect himself when he did not take the dragons. But Rhaenyra would take her dragons when this would happen, knowing people would not try to attack her group, she hoped.
Rhaenyra guided the reins as she guided Rhaella through the clouds, occasionally dipping down to see where she was but Rhaenyra felt more comfortable higher in cover but would eventually dive down once she reached a certain point to where she would not be seen by enemy forces. The Blackfish had warned her archers might attempt stupidity if she flew too low, to which Rhaenyra swore would not end well if they attempted it. Flying past the Blue Fork, Rhaenyra memorized the riverways to fly here, having a better time with them than attempting to memorize mountains or cities. But once they reached the High Road, it was when she flew low enough to spy the Bloody Gate. Having been flown for days aside from sleeping when they landed long enough.
"your Grace! It will be dangerous if you land outside the keep," Dacey shouted.
"I am not landing outside the keep," Rhaenyra said as Rhaella flew them up and over the gate. The men shouted and fell when the she-dragon pivoted off the stone. One took off to warn Lysa that a dragon had arrived. And before Peter Baelish did.
XLV
Lysa desperately, lady-like, jogged up the stairs to the outter alcove, a dreaded feeling in her heart settling as a history lesson ran through her mind.
"One day, Queen Sharra entered the outer courtyard to find her young son sitting on the knee of Visenya Targaryen and ogling her dragon, Vhagar, beside her." Her septa's stories read as she once read the conqueror's history to her charges. Catelyn and Edmure had wanted to hear the story that day and now Lysa was happy to remember it.
Lysa felt her heart stop as blood-red wings filled the opening as soldiers fearfully held spears out, the she-dragon, insulted bore her giant teeth at the men. And just like their ancestor's, there sat Robin on Rhaenyra's lap, staring at her dragon as he asked her question after question. But stopped when the young queen's eyes met his mother's.
"Mother, look who decided to join us?" Robin smiled as his mother chuckled softly while biting back fearful tears.
"Your Grace," Lysa Tully knelt gracefully, keeping an eye on her son who Rhaenyra had a good grip on to keep on her lap while not alarming the boy.
"Lady Arryn," Rhaenyra greeted cooly while her guard and maid eyed the woman and guards. Ser Bryden approached.
"The Queen brings word and a decision for the Vale," he said. His niece eyed him confused and looked back at her son who resumed his gaze on the dragon.
"A decision, uncle?" Lysa asked as her uncle frowned softly.
"Aye, choose your side. And pick a wife for your son, so he can start his rule and to further the line once he reaches the age of majority," the Blackfish said as Rhaenyra held the boy closely with Arya standing beside her.
"May I go flying on your dragon?" Robin asked as Rhaenyra smiled.
"Just as he asked for another cake at dinner, little King Ronnel asked his mother if he could ride on the nice lady's dragon. Visenya smiled at Sharra. Sharra imagined, so did Vhagar." Lysa fearfully watched as the queen's face watched her own, mirroring her ancestor's actions and face. Her purple dragon eyes pierced her Tully blue ones.
"Of course, Robin," she responded. His mother became alarmed.
"Surely it is not safe for a child," she urged as Rhaenyra gave a cold smile.
"As a mother I would never harm a child," Rhaenyra said as her lady and guards looked at her curiously. "Go inside with her," Rhaenyra ordered as her group did as ordered. Only Ser Barristan remained outside to ensure both were seated properly and would watch over them as Rhaella flew them around. Robin cheered as Rhaella flew all around the Eyrie, twisting and turning as the boy happily called out.
"How can you do this, Uncle?" Lysa asked angrily.
"She is my queen, and Robin is my great-nephew. He should be betrothed as his cousins are," the Blackfish said while some lords nodded.
"We agree. There are many nobles from the few houses within the Eyrie we could choose-"
"Her Grace is going to suggest some outer Vale blood. To further bind the alliances of her Kingdom," Lynarra said. "As well as familial ties," she added when some wondered why Rhaenyra was interested in marrying off her husband's younger cousin.
"My Lords, My Ladies. Lord Baelish is approaching," an Eyrie guard spoke as he came in and flinched when a shriek came out from above them with a small tremble as Rhaella landed.
XLV
(Essos)
Tyrion groaned as he got off the boat with Shae smiling.
"You cannot handle one little boat ride?" she teased as the dwarf glared playfully.
"One boat ride across the Essos sea. Not an easy feat as some die," he emphasized while she shrugged.
"Only the weak," she emphasized with Tana smiling at her friend.
"Ah! Lord Tyrion Lannister!" a voice shouted which Bronn frowned.
"Large man with a braided beard coming at us," he warned as Tana bowed her head.
"Illyrio Mopatis," Tyrion greeted as the man smiled.
"Welcome to Pentos," he urged as Bronn encouraged the girls to follow Tyrion. "You are my welcomed guests until you decide to leave," Illyrio claimed as Tyrion nodded with a smile. Pleased with his greeting. They entered as Tana fell into the servant role easily while looking around, seeing what she could from her position.
XLV
(The Vale)
Robin giggled as Rhaella flew over the towers once more before landing on the alcove opening again. Rhaenyra smiled as she hoped this is how it felt flying with her twins when they first started remembering it themselves.
"Can we go again?" he asked as she laughed softly before allowing her guard to help her down.
"Aye, we can. But first, we must discuss some things first," she requested as she sat, Robin quickly sat to look at her. "A man is coming and he is going to ask you to go against your cousins, your family," she started as Robin frowned. "Now as you are an Arryn, you are a Tully too. Family, Duty, Honor. Those are words your aunt has taught me since I was a babe along with her children. Family comes above all else when you are this far north, when winter truly comes, Sweet Robin, we will need all the help from the Riverlands, from the northernlands, and from the Vale as well. We are family, should we not be bound to one another even in kingdoms?" She asked as Robin listened, enamoured by her voice and how she held him close like she would Rickon.
"I think so," he spoke softly.
"And, as Rickon, who is only a year younger than you, already has a betrothed. I believe you should think of someone, I have someone in mind, she's very sweet and truly caring. And she loves animals," Rhaneyar spoke as Robin smiled, nodding as he listened with Ser Barristan watching over them. Smiling softly as he watched her learn how to play the game further to make sure she covered as much as possible.
XLV
Petyr stood amongst the crowd as Rhaenyra came in with Robin escorting her. Her hand resting on her growing stomach. The brothel owner frowned as the smile on the young Queen's face as she eyed him. He had seen the dragon and assumed she would be here.
"Lord Robin," the man called, the young boy looked at him with a frown. "I trust you have come to a proper decision. Will you back the usurper or the ally that the Vale has always sided with?" Baelish asked with an all-knowing smirk that he shared with Lysa Tully who agreed to allow her son to speak himself. Assuming he would follow her advice to side with the throne.
"I have," the seven-year-old said. "The Baratheons originally were the usurpers that took the dragon's throne from them. So in turn Joffrey is the usurper," Robin said as some murmured to each other at the boy's message as his mother and her lover frowned in alarm. "And the Vale has always defended the throne. From the original Rhaenyra Targaryen to my cousin's wife now, and her sister is to sit the Iron Throne once she lands in Westeros," Robin continues. "I am siding with, as well as recognizing our new sovereign as Robb Stark and Rhaenyra Targaryen, King and Queen of the North," the young boy announced to his mother's horror. Many cheered him on at his words, bowing their heads at Rhaenyra respectfully. Lord Royce of all respectfully addressed her as his queen and sneered at Baelish who froze.
"I also have an announcement of my betrothal. It has come to my understanding that as my cousins each have future husbands or wives, I will do the same, to help keep alliances," Robin said, speaking carefully as he remembered the words his Maester helped him memorize.
"And who is she, My Lord?" Lord Royce asked.
"Lady Margaery Tyrell," he claimed.
"But she is already married," Baelish spoke, a smile on his face as he chuckled weakly.
"Lady Olenna has already sent for an Archmaester to annul her marriage and perform an examination on her to ensure she is a maid, which I trust her word when she says she is," Rhaenyra spoke as she leveled the greedy man with a glare. "I would never attempt to bring shame or harm to my husband's family, which is my family," Rhaenyra reminded him. "Now, as this is a piece of my kingdom, you are here under Joffrey Baratheon's order, now leave. Before I have you beheaded or burned by my dragon for trespassing in my kingdom," Rhaenyra demanded as Robin grinned, a giggle leaving his lips.
"Burn him! Oh, throw him through the moon door to your dragon," he urged as Rhaenyra smiled, soothing the boy's mind like she would Rickon. Running a hand over his head as the Vale knights urged Baelish to leave.
"Of course, Your Grace," he bowed as his men did the same. Rhaenyra smiled as she stood beside Robin as he sat with a bright smile. Many of the lords smiled as well and nodded while congratulating Robin on his agreement of the betrothal.
"Can we go on another dragon ride now?" Robin asked as she nodded with a smile.
"Of course, Robin," she agreed, keeping her promise as the boy was now on their side.
XLV
Lynarra wrote to her King and friends to tell them what Rhaenyra had chosen to do, Robb had not been prepared for his wife to take the Vale as another region, his mother raged when she learned of this.
"She had no right to do this Robb!" Catelyn yelled while Robb sighed as he read the message once more, Baela and Jaime nearby as well.
"It is a good choice, Your Grace," Jaime said. "My father sent Baelish there to try and sway your aunt because of her infatuation with Baelish. My father knew this and used it, so your wife must have done the same with your cousin about something he likes, I overheard she convinced him to side with her," Jaime said as Robb smiled at that.
"Then she has done what I asked her," Robb confirmed as his men all nodded.
"You are now King of the North, the Riverlands, and the Vale," Roose Bolton said as many murmured curiously. "How will Her Grace's sister take the loss of her own rule?" he asked.
"She still has four of the seven kingdoms, direct lines to her seat of power. The Riverlands and the Vale are lines to my family and both chose to side with my wife and I," Robb said as Catelyn huffed.
"She will not be happy," Catelyn spoke softly.
"If she is unhappy then she can discuss this with her sister," Robb shrugged.
"Besides the betrothals Rhaenyra set up will still bind the Kingdoms together, no matter what," Baela said as Catelyn frowned with worry.
"Come, let us worry about marching on the Reach as Tywin's host is approaching Cider Hall," he urged.
"The Mountain's host is here, we will meet up within a sennight," Jaime confirmed, pointing to a spot on the map that a few days ride from Goldengrove as Oberyn hummed, already having dispatched Lannister scouts with true viscous intent, getting all information from the men before killing them.
"Good, and once we kill The Mountain, his master is soon to follow," Oberyn said as he eyed Jaime.
"I just hope we get there in time," Robb hoped as they all agreed while continuing with their planning while Catelyn finished her own preparations in leaving back to Winterfell with Sansa. She had halted leaving for a good week and a half not wanting to leave Robb before he all but ordered her to go home.
XLV
End of the chapter! Please tell me what you think~
I was struggling with the Eyrie scene and yes, I basically time-skipped through it. Lysa, I dislike her and I figured Margaery would be a good person to help raise Robin better and eventually have kids, she's basically the same age as Rhaenyra and Robb, around twenty.
And yes, the fight between Robb and the Mountain will be happening in the next chapter. And Maester Luwin sends word about a warning he received about their prisoner.
~Rusty14~