Hadrian turned to look at the remaining women in the garden. "Hello, love." He said as he stepped past Arianne. "I have missed you."
He stood out with his arms wide. Daenerys grinned as she saw the man. Stepping forward, she stepped into his arms. Before they could close around her though she reached up. "Hello darling." She said as her hand moved up to his him into a false sense of security, she put her other hand on his chest.
"You have a lot of explaining to do." She muttered as she got closer.
"I... OW! Bloody hells woman!" Hadrian cried out as she pulled on his ear and dragged his head down.
"You have a lot of explaining to do. Then you will have to deal with Samira. She has been brooding since you left." Daenerys smirked as a fake smile. "I am sorry, but our bet will have to be placed on hold. Veltina, please see to it that everyone enjoys their time here. I must go see to matters."
They all watched as Daenerys pulled Hadrian out towards the lord chambers. "What the hell was that?!" Arianne questioned as she realized that she just lost a bet against the woman dragging the strongest lord in the world currently by the ear.
"That was Hadrian." Veltina laughed out as she watched the entire exchange. "Ladies, I believe this is currently done. Please excuse me, I believe I have a husband to see."
Arthura exchanged a look with Arianne as Veltina dismissed them and walked out towards the doors. "Do you think we can talk to them about what your father wants?" Arthura questioned.
"I just want to see what is underneath those clothes..." Arianne muttered as she thought of the muscles she felt when she was attempting to flirt with him.
"Arie!" Arthura cried out looking scandalous at her friend.
"You should have felt it," Arianne muttered as she felt the shiver go through her spine. "That man is dangerous... I want him."
"You are insane." Arthura said, shaking her head.
"You have some explaining to do!" Daenerys yelled as she pulled her husband into their room. "This was supposed to be a two week trip. Help your family, then make your way south and then speak with the Dorne families. Instead, you decide to get yourself imprisoned then fight for your life against a Man that is known to be able to crush people's skulls with his hands, cut horses in half, and has a torturous streak a mile wide."
"I had..." Hadrian tried to explain only to be cut off.
"Then, then you have the nerve to try to explain that it was out of your hands. You could have prevented all of this from happening. You gave us no warning, no note telling us you had a change of plans. A month! We had no information for a month. Then the first thing we hear from you is that you are sneaking half the seven kingdoms' families out of the capital!" Daenerys ranted as tears started to flow.
"Dany..." Hadrian tried to calm her.
"Don't you use my nickname with me, mister. Do you realize how scared we were when we heard you were fighting that man?" She questioned. "We get this news from Veltina after you are supposed to be back."
Hadrian walked up and engulfed her in a hug as she let her emotions out. "I am sorry. I had to make quick decisions. I had my bag taken from me. I wanted to let you know but I was in enemy territory."
"You stupid idiot..." Daenerys said through her tears as she held him. "What would happen to your people, this city, to us if you died?"
"I had everything under control." He tried to downplay the danger he was actually in. "Honest, I had escape plans. Granted the fight against the mountain was not planned but the fact that he is dead gave us more good graces than we had earlier."
"And why did it have to be you to kill him?" He heard a voice come from behind him. "It could have been an assassin after we got his confession. Instead you decided to fight the man.
"Danei..." He said putting on his best smile as a chill creeped up his spine. "I missed you."
He went in for the hug hoping beyond hope that she would just accept it. He was terribly wrong as he felt his shin kicked. "Gods damn it woman." Hadrian yelled out as he hopped onto one foot rubbing his shin. "Did you have to kick me so hard?"
"What was the one thing I asked you the last time you decided to do something incredibly dangerous?" Missandei's anger flared as the normally stoic and soft hearted woman scowled at him.
"But Andei I had too..." Hadrian said as he got smacked in his chest.
"You stupid fool. What would happen if you didn't come back... what happens if I could never see you again?" Missandei asked as she gripped him, putting her head on his chest.
"I said, I would come back and I always will. Not even death could stop me." Hadrian said as he felt another slam into his chest.
He heard his two women crying into his chest as he held them. 'I know I did something stupid, but it wasn't any different than normal.' Hadrian thought as he stood there holding his wives. 'Still, I have to make it up to them. Perhaps a date is in order.'
"I will make it up to both of you." Hadrian started to say. "How about the next couple of days it is just both of you and me. No one else. No politics, no duties. Just two days of us time."
Missandei looked and Daenerys gave her a look. "Make it a week." They both said together wearing a smug look on their faces.
"Fine a whole week." Hadrian conceded as he did not wish to have them madder than they already were.
"Good, now I expect your mission was successful at least." Missandei said, giving him a stern look."I met with the far northern tribes and what I found was very disturbing." Hadrian said remembering his ventures.
"Explain." Daenerys demanded as the look of concern grew on Hadrian's face.
"Well, you know that I had Samira drop me off..." Hadrian started his tale.
Flashback
Hadrian sat on the back of Samira flying over the glacier filled sea as he felt the chilled air hitting his face. They had been soaring for the last two days only stopping before they had reached the sea. It was peaceful as the dragon's heat kept him safe from the near death freeze that seemed to fight them. Still, they were close as he began to see the coastline in the distance.
After another hour, Hadrian finally saw the snowy tundra in all its glory as it spread out across in front of him. Hadrian thought back to Harry Potter's memories of times where he was with a red haired woman and children playing in the snow. Hadrian felt some sadness at the scene. He knew it was just a distant memory of a man who he wasn't, but it still affected him. 'Maybe I can bring the girls here when we are done with all this madness.' He thought as Samira growled out to alert him.
Down below, Hadrian spotted a group of locals dragging several people away. 'Well, this is interesting.' He thought as he motioned for Samira to dive down. In a rush of wind Samira dived down towards the land of snow.
"Stop struggling. We have already successfully stolen you." A man called out to a woman with blonde dark honey blonde hair worn in a golden braid across one shoulder of her shoulders.
Spitting at the man's foot, "You are just a pig. If I had my blade I would have gutted you." The woman stated as her pale grey eyes yelled out as she pulled on the rope.
"Yeah, yeah. All words and no talk." The dark and fierce man said as he pulled the rope. "I can not wait until I pull those clothes off of you and claim you completely."
"If it was not for that traitor." She spit at the man near her that she had trusted as a family guard. "I would have my dagger and I would kill you where you stand."
"Yes, and if he hadn't he would have joined the rising dead." The man said, pulling her close. "Do not think that this was done as a mercy."
"I do not need your mercy. You are a coward and spineless." The woman snapped at the man.
Before the man could respond, a giant shadow came over them. "Well, look at this. Just the people I was looking for." Hadrian said as he had Samira drop down in front of them.
"What do you want kneeler?" The man who had the rope pulled his club out pointing it at Hadrian. "Leave with your beast before I bash your skull in."
"Now, now. I come in peace. I have an offer for your leaders. I have come from across the sea." Hadrian said as he held his hands up.
"You speak your words and be gone. We have business." A man cried out drawing his bow pointing it at Samira.
"Put your bow down or else." Hadrian commanded as his magic started to flow in him.
"Oh yeah, or what?" The man asked, turning his bow towards Hadrian.
"Samira, take off." Hadrian said as he pulled out his dagger. "You see, I do not appreciate the threat."
Samira jumped to the sky with a mighty gust of wind as she roared. A blade flew through the air straight into the man's neck. Blood poured out as he went to grab his throat. The woman watched in shock as the man fell to the ground seconds later as a puddle started to form under him. "Now, are we to discuss or do there need to be more bloodshed?"
"KILL HIM!" The man holding the rope, dropped it rushing at Hadrian with his spike club.
"Fools." Hadrian stated as he pulled his blade out.
The crimson blade sang as Hadrian dodged the club and swung the blade at the man's neck. The shocked look on the man's face was seen by his five remaining men as Hadrian ran at them. Before they could react, Hadrian stabbed his blade in the closest man's chest as he was too slow to block with his own blade. "He is the death incarnate..." The woman whispered as she watched Hadrian rush towards the dead man to retrieve his dagger.
The blood was sucked up into his blade as he blocked the sword slash with the dagger. "sanguis VULNUS!" Hadrian said as he pulled his blade around him in a fluid moment.
"WHAT!" The people that were captured cried out as they saw multiple visible red lines appear cutting all the remaining men multiple places.
Multiple wounds appeared on the men as the remaining raiding party was cut down in a matter of seconds. "Impossible..." The woman said, looking Hadrian putting his blade away.
"Anyone else?" He asked as he held his dagger up.
"Please, do not hurt my people. I will be your captive, but spare my people." The woman stood up in front of Hadrian.
"Hmm, I did not wish to kill them. I just had a message to be delivered." Hadrian stated he pulled his dagger up.
The woman flinched as he brought his dagger down. 'If I can sacrifice myself...' She thought as she closed her eyes.
She had waited for death as she heard the blade moving. Until she felt her hands being freed. "There. I recommend freeing the rest of your people." Hadrian said as the woman opened her eyes.
She stared into his violet eyes in shock. "I have a message for your leaders. Are you able to deliver it?"
"Yes..." She muttered as she looked at the man who at one moment was dead and next moment calm and commanding.
"Good, I have a letter." Hadrian said, going into his bag. "Here."
Handing her the letter, Hadrian turned to the remaining bound people. Hadrian started to cut the ropes. He had received multiple thank yous as he finished cutting the remaining ropes. "Now, where can I escort you away from here?" Hadrian asked, looking at the dead bodies.
"We need to burn the bodies..." The woman who now stood tall as she grabbed her bone white dagger that matched her white leather clothing. "They will come back if we don't."
Hadrian looked around as the people started piling the bodies and stealing their gear. Sighing, Hadrian waited until the bodies were piled. "Step back" He commanded as he touched his blade. "Incendio!"
The freefolk all whispered as the bodies were set alight. The woman stood near Hadrian as she looked on at her capturers bodies burned. "I never imagined I would see the day when things like this would happen." She whispered as she moved closer towards Hadrian. "Do you think we have a chance?"
"With what?" Hadrian questioned as he looked at the woman.
"With the dead coming to attack us." She replied shivering as she stared at Hadrian's eyes. "The majority of the freefolk are converging on the wall to try to escape."
"Well, I will talk to my uncle when I leave this land. Perhaps he can help. If not, have someone send a letter to Avalon. I am willing to take your people in as long as they follow my rules." Hadrian stated as he did not let his people die on his watch.
"We do not kneel. We will not submit to a ruler." The woman said with anger.
"I do not have my people kneel. I protect them. I will not have senseless death in my lands. If your people can not accept killing my people then I will have to not allow them in." Hadrian said as he looked at the fire. "I do not allow murderers, rapists, or violence in my city."
"A city... is that your village name?" The woman questioned as she looked at the man curiously.
"It is bigger than a small village that you are used to. Currently my city has forty thousand people with my men being able to defend the city against the dothraki hordes. And Samira and Sirius." Hadrian explained hoping to show that this will change the woman's mind.
"Samira and Sirius? Who are they?" The woman asked.
Before Hadrian could respond, Samira roared and landed next to Hadrian terrifying the freefolk. The woman looked at the red dragon in fear as it started to nuzzle into Hadrian's chest. Laughing, Hadrian petting between Samira's eyes. "This is Samira. She is a big daddy's girl."
'Wait! That means he has two of these mighty beasts!' The woman thought as she stepped back from the man. "Come here and say hi to her." She heard Hadrian tell her as she stared at the dragon.
"Trust me, she will be fine." Hadrian said as he held out his hand. "Here, take my hand."
The woman trembled as she feared as the man seemed to be commanding her. 'What do I do?' She thought, staring at his hand. 'Will he kill me here? Will the flying beast kill me?' The woman thought as she raised her hand to submit to the man.
"Relax, she won't bite." Hadrian said, taking her hand. "Will you Samira?"
The woman shuddered as a puff of smoke came out of Samira's nose. Slowly she approached the dragon putting her hand firmly on Samira's snout. 'The warmth is amazing.' She thought as Hadrian slowly removed his hand allowing her to stay there as she moved her hand up and down on the snout.
"See, she is a big softy." Hadrian said, smiling as he heard a rumbling growl from Samira. "You know I love you."
"She is amazing..." The woman murmured in awe of how comforting the dragon was.
The rumble coming from Samira made the woman smile as she knew she made the dragon happy. "She likes you." Hadrian smirked as the woman smiled. "It is rare. She is normally very protective. She is my little girl."
"You must be a very proud father..." The woman replied, smiling at the clear affection he had towards the dragon.
"I am. Now, do you need anything? Or will you be fine on your own?" Hadrian asked.
"No, you have done so much for us. The freefolk will not forget this." The woman stated as she went to return to her people. "I did not get your name."
"Oh..." Hadrian said. "Hadrian Stark. Son of Benjen Stark."
"My name is Val. Daughter of Storn." Val said as she looked at Hadrian.
"It has been an interesting meeting Val." Hadrian said as he made Samira take off.
"Let us hope our paths shall cross again." Val said as she walked back to her people.
Flashback end
"Then I left to make sure I kept my word by having my uncle and father send out messages." Hadrian stated as he was sure to play down as much as possible. "Then the whole issue with King's Landing happened."
"So you managed to contact the so-called wildlings of the north. I am concerned about their customs and what you did." Missandei is concerned that what he did will cause ripples."I am more concerned about his talks with Dorne and High Garden." Daenerys complained as she knew they were not going to be good."Well..." Hadrian looked at his wives. "It seems that maybe more will be joining us soon..."
Flashback
Hadrian stepped out onto the port after the Highwind had finally reached the Sunspear. "It is good to finally be home. You must join me to see my brother." Oberyn said smiling as he saw the palace guards awaiting their arrival.
"The fact that the palace guards are here leads me to believe we do not have much of a choice." Olenna sighed out as she was glad to be on land. "Anywhere is better than on the water, I suppose. Come Willas, Margaery we have deals to make."
Willas stepped out onto the docks with his cane in hand and Sansa on the other. The week of travel had done her well as she smiled up at Willas. The two had talked for hours each day after their flight from King's Landing. It was so rare to see them without each other as Willas had started getting back into fighting form, and Sansa learning to use the knife to defend herself, much to Olenna's disagreement. Still she could not argue with the results as the two great houses, son and daughter were getting closer. "My lady, it seems that we must part for a short time." Willas said as he kissed Sansa's hand. "I will hopefully see you at dinner."
"Yes!" Sansa blurted out before realizing what she had said. "I mean to say as long as I am there. I hope to see you too."
"Excellent, I must be off. Lord Hadrian, I hope our talks shall bear fruit." Willas said as he shook Hadrian's hand.
"Hopefully it shall. My message should have arrived to my cousin and uncle by now. We shall have their response in a matter of days." Hadrian replied, shaking the man's hand.
"Bye my lord." Margaery curtsied. "It has been a most enjoyable time spent with you."
"It was for me as well." Hadrian said as he followed edict and kissed her hand.
"Enough of this rubbish." Olenna said as she allowed her grandchildren to say their farewells. "You and I still have unfinished business deals to work out."
"Of course, as Lord of Avalon, I will gladly sit down with you before my departure to discuss long term deals." Hadrian said.
"The talks shall include Margaery as well." Olenna said as she smiled cunningly. "Do not like I did not notice how you handled her nightmare just throughout the trip. I may be old but my eyes still work. Especially when she comes back into our room right before dawn."
"I assure you, my lady. Nothing was done between us." Hadrian stated as he saw the smirk on Margaery's face. "I have merrily allowed her to sleep in the captain's quarters as I handled business."
"And I assure you. That we will be discussing our mutual interests." Olenna paused as she tilted her head slightly. "Very carefully. Now, we shall be off."
"You really stepped into the thorn bush on that one." Daemon said to him as he stepped up to his friend. "It is almost like you look for trouble."
"Please, you and I both know trouble finds me." Hadrian said as he grumbled at the fact that Dany and Andy were going to kill him. "We both know that Olenna was the one that convinced the girl to try to get me to bed."
"Oh, I have no doubt." Daemon chuckled. "You did well holding off. If I had such a thing happening, I doubt I would have had such an iron will."
"And I would have been looking for a new best friend after Veltina killed you." Hadrian chuckled back.
"Too true." Daemon motioned as Arya had finally departed from the dock. "We have alliances to discuss."
Oberyn smiled as he put his arms over the shoulders of the two men. "We most certainly do have much to discuss. I believe my brother has already sent my niece and the young Arthura Dayne to Avalon to discuss trade deals with your home. However, with the debt of justice being upheld, I believe you and him will have a very interesting conversation."
"What is with you all and selling off your daughters... " Hadrian complained as he knew where this conversation was going to be going.
"It is a tradition as old as time. The noble daughters have always been sold to allow connections to be made." Oberyn explained as he pulled them to his carriage. "It solidifies bonds and alliances. I am sure you understand."
Seeing the smirk on Oberyn's face made Hadrian wish to just smack it off. 'I did not ask for all of this.' He thought as he looked around at what sounded like little girls laughing at him.
Daemon watched as his best friend put his head into his hands. "You aren't sleeping again are you?" He asked as he noticed the bags under his eyes.
"I have gotten an hour or two every night." Hadrian explained as he looked up to his friend. "I will talk to you about it later."
Daemon just nodded as the look of confusion dawned Oberyn's face. "How are you still standing?" He asked, staring directly at Hadrian.
"With sheer willpower." Hadrian muttered as he closed his eyes.
"If your willpower matches your sex drive, then my niece will be a very happy woman." Oberyn joked as he heard a groan from the man in front of him causing him to smile.
Three hours later
Prince Doran sat awaiting his guests. He knew the Tyrells from court at the time of the Targaryen rule. The "Hidden thorn" of Highgarden was known as the reason their kingdom had done so well. Doran knew that if he wished to pull his own plans, then he would need to enact the old ways of his people. It was one of the reasons his brother never married but his children were respected as the royalty of Dorne. 'I just hope Arianne forgives me.' He thought as the current intel he received from his daughter had told him that Hadrian Stark had two wives.
'We can offer more than a former slave and an exiled princess ever could.' He remembered reading his daughter's letter as she explained how important it was for them to ally with the city. 'It is strange that the city of Avalon has become such a big piece of the world in a short time. Almost like magic.'
Magic. That was not something muttered in many circles. Of course he was not naive to believe that such things do not exist. As his travels around Essos had proven. Still he did not truly believe such things that were whispered. Letters could be tampered with. Words could be misinterpreted. No, he would see for himself in a matter of minutes if this Hadrian truly had the power to reshape the world. If not, well he still had Arianne's betrothal to Viserys Targaryen. Though if the rumours are true it might be better for him to end that mistake now.
His thoughts were interrupted by the laughter of his brother coming through the hall. "You are such a crazy man. Who in their right mind would perform such a ritual when there are so many succulent fruits in the world just waiting to be plucked?" Oberyn said he shook his head at the two men he had his arms around. "Ah, brother it is good to see you in good health."
"It is good to see you as well. Do you care to introduce our guests?" Doran asked as he took a look at the group that had just walked in.
"My brother, this is Willas Tyrell as well as his grandmother Olenna and sister Margaery of Highgarden." Oberyn said before he shifted to his left. "These are the daughters of Lord Stark, Sansa and Arya Stark. Finally, we have Daemon returning with me as well as the man of the hour. Hadrian Stark, Lord of Avalon the Shadowlord."
"It is my pleasure to welcome you all after your long journey. Please, allow the girls to rest and refresh while we talk before dinner is ready." Doran said as he clapped having servants appear, taking the younger girls away. "Now, I have heard the rumours but we must discuss what happened in King's Landing."
An hour later
"Gods I hate wearing this." Arya complained as she stood having maids put her into a silk dress. "I feel like a doll."
"Oh quit complaining. I am sure your blacksmith friend would enjoy seeing you in that." Sansa said, earning blush from her sister.
"I am surprised they are allowing us this opportunity. Dorne is not known for their open doors." Margaery said as she was with them getting into a silk dress. "Your cousin must truly be amazing to open the doors so easily."
"He did take on the Mountain." Arya said as she wheezed, feeling the woman tighten the sash of the dress too tight. "I wonder if father will allow me to continue to train with him."
"Arya, father has too much on his plate as it is right now." Sansa said appalled by her sister's boyishness. "You heard Hadrian's reports. He is trying his best to stop war from happening."
"I know..." Arya said as the room became somber.
"So, I heard you both have been spending time with guys. Willas was very happy when he was talking to grandma about Sansa." Margaery changed the topic.
"Sir Willas is such a gentleman." Sansa replied blushing as she remembered the brief kiss they had hidden away. "He has been showing me telling me how he has raised falcons to be Highgarden's message carriers instead of ravens."
"I believe grandmother is going to try to get permission from your father for you to be together." Margaery openly admitted. "I would love to have you as a sister."
"It is still too early for that. But hopefully we could be." Sansa said with a smile.
"Please someone gag me." Arya said, pretending to puke at her sister and her friend.
"I also heard that you have been spending your time with one Gendry Waters." Margaery said sweetly as Arya stiffened.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Arya denied as she remembered how they had spent hours in the ship talking about weapons and armor he had helped create.
"Really, I remember him calling you his lady." Margaery teased as she saw a scowl.
"He calls me that because I am high born." Arya defended. "He is just being respectful."
"Oh really, it has nothing to do with the fact that you hid that you were a girl from him until we were nearly here." Sansa teased her sister.
"Of course not. Though it was funny when he finally figured it out that I was who I am." Arya muttered but they heard it all the same. "Besides he is going with Hadrian to Avalon and I will be going back to Winterfell."
"Well, I am sure we can convince Hadrian to send a message out telling them you will be coming to Avalon." Margaery offered as she wanted to make friends with the young Stark girl.
"Oh it is Hadrian now? When did that happen?" Sansa teased her sister with a grin.
"Well..." Margaery tried to respond, realizing her mistake.
"Perhaps you can discuss it with Hadrian. I am sure you can cozy on up to him and convince him." Arya said walking over to the other girl as she was finished. "When was the last time you slept in your grandmother's cabin again? You weren't mine and Sansa's room."
Blush seemed to be the only thing Margaery could do to the wolfish grins the girls were giving. "Anyway I am sure we can convince him." She tried to brush off the teasing as blush overtook her features.
"Especially if you bat your eyes at him." Sansa teased as she finished dressing.
"Well, hopefully we can see him soon. I much rather not have to endure mother's scolding me for skipping out on lady training again..." Arya said looking at the group. "Come on, we are expected for dinner in the prince's garden."
Meanwhile
"So, it was true. That bastard had fallen. We also have received multiple requests to have me join court in King's Landing since your departure." Doran said as he pulled out the letters. "It seems that they wish to have us close to prevent us from rebelling. It is unfortunate that Lord Stark has stayed to prevent war. The Lannisters are already preparing to fight."
"As much as it pains me to admit, my uncle is doing the right thing. If Robert is to die, the Lannisters would try to take over. Daenerys does not wish to return to this land." Hadrian said with a sigh. "Hell, I did not wish to come here. I came to help out my family, and it became an entire mess."
"Be that as it may. You have a choice to make now. An alliance through marriage is the most binding." Olenna said, giving Doran a look. "The House Tyrell will accept nothing less. We are too close to the Lannisters to truly accept anything less."
"House Martell wishes to have a marriage as well. This will allow your ships to safely travel along our borders as well as our loyalty." Doran stated his terms. "We will also allow us to repay our debts to you for delivering justice for my sister and her children."
Daemon laughed as Hadrian groaned. "Could it not be any other way?" He asked, looking at the faces of the sand viper and thorn of Highgarden.
"Not if you wish to have us be shamed." Olenna said as she frowned. "My granddaughter was attacked due to your interference with this land. Now, many would view it as unfortunate luck, we must ask for compensation for her chastity being questioned."
"Face it my friend, they have you by the balls." Oberyn said as he clapped Hadrian on the back. "Besides, be thankful my niece has become as beautiful as she has. Though she is very selfish."
Looking at the man, Hadrian cursed under his breath. "Fine, fine. I will agree on the condition that if the women reject my situation and ritual then it is called off but the alliance stands."
"Acceptable. Now, onto business. The lords of Dorne have heard what has happened. Unfortunately, they are still angered at your uncle from the last war." Doran explained, pulling a map up of the seven kingdoms. "We are currently divided as many view your exploits better, we have some grievances from House Dayne, Toland and Allyrion still hold out on total support of Avalon."
"Highgarden as well will have some grievances. Especially if Lord Stark allows me to court his daughter." Willas said, making his intentions known. "We have very little time to plan. We know the Lannisters are preparing as we speak."
"Do you know who will most likely raise a fuss?" Hadrian asked.
"As it stands now no. However, we are expecting some kind of minor inconvenience when it comes to light that two of my grandchildren are betrothed." Olenna said doing a quick calculation. "I expect someone to attempt a power play soon. We will deal with it when that time comes."
"Good, for now we will focus on Dorne then. I do not expect Allyrion to be happy as Daemon is my right hand man. I am assuming they have been trying to get Arianne's hand in marriage for some time." Hadrian asked, getting a nod in return. "Great, that makes this more complicated. I suspect they will attempt something once everything comes to light. House Toland, I am shocked about. Though from what I remember is they are cautious about outsiders. Perhaps, in good faith I send a ship of gifts with your men to them to iron out that issue."
"That would definitely help. Though it will not be so easy with House Dayne." Oberyn said, rubbing his chin. "It is not so much you but your family they have issues with."
"Is it because of Sir Arthur's death? They were on opposite sides of the war. My uncle did the honorable thing and brought them his sword and body back to allow them to bury him."
"It was not Lord Eddard, but your other uncle they have issues with." Doran spoke up as he waved for more tea.
"But uncle Brandon has been dead for years. He was executed by the mad king. Why would they be mad at House Stark for that?" Hadrian questioned.
"It is for that very reason." Doran explained as he took a sip of his tea. "Afterall, it was his wife that tried to convince him to stay with her in Dorne and not see the Mad King."
"His wife?" Hadrian questioned as he tried to put the puzzle pieces of the past together. "He didn't have a wife from what I heard."
"Ah, but he did. As she was pregnant at the time after their small ceremony and then the rebellion it never came to light. However, Ashara had to keep her name secret." Doran explained as he remembered how Ashara had come to him to hide her and the child for years after the war had ended.
"So, my uncle's child still lives and they are upset that the rightful heir of Winterfell is ignored." Hadrian finished the thought everyone was having.
"She does not know nor has her mother ever told her." Doran said, silencing all doubts. "Which is what will cause issues in the long run. We will reach out as Arthura is away from Starfall. We will attempt to find a solution that will unite most against the Lannisters should the worst happen."
"Please do. I believe the girls are on their way back. We should finish this to get ready for dinner. I believe some of us have letters to send out." Hadrian stated as he his ward pinged him that they were coming in his direction.
"Yes, we will be very busy soon. Let us hope we can defend ourselves against the greed of the lions." Doran said, holding his cup.
"Agreed." All around the table sounded out.
Flashback ended
"And then I had sent my letters and first light I boarded the Highwind and came here. Olenna and Willas departed with another of our ships to Oldtown. Sansa and Arya are currently staying in the castle, until I get a message from my uncle." Hadrian finished his story.
"Uuuuugggggghhhhhh... WHY?!" Daenerys complained as she had her head hit the bed.
"So, her and Arianne have been butting heads since she arrived." Missandei explained as she went to grab some alcohol. "It started off as a simple teasing from each other. Now, it has escalated to the point where they are constantly one upping each other. With this news Dany will have to share. Though I find it amusing that Arianne will have to suck up her pride and ask us to join."
"Wait, I didn't ask to join..." Daenerys said, looking up at the other woman.
"Yes, but I had approved of you. Do you think we didn't have eyes in the free cities? Your brother had caused quite the commotion over there." Missandei sighed out. "I do not think he realised how much the bride price Hadrian truly paid to have you from his clutches."
"Really?!" Daenerys perked up hearing that. "So, how long were you spying on me, love?"
"Don't..." Hadrian started before he got cut off.
"Roughly four months, thirteen days, and seventeen hours. Though he was having to deal with the khalasar during that time." Missandei answered, causing Hadrian to groan. "During that time, he visited you multiple times including having me help you out as a servant a couple of times to get my opinion of you."
"I must have left quite the impression on him then." Dany teased.
"Andei my reputation..." Hadrian pleaded.
"Is through the dirt as it is. Everyone knows how you are. You meet someone who needs help and can not help but to help them." Missandei said, smiling at him. "There is potentially another that will need your help with Arianne as it is stated she had a rough upbringing with bullying. As well as you have already helped both the Tyrell girl and this Val. We should expect something similar to happen with her and Arianne."
"So, what do you think we should do with our valiant hero?" Dany asked Missandei. "I believe he owes us a week of making up and I think we should start right now."
