Chapter 12: Games at Dinner
Summary:
Joanna and Elia host private dinners to push their plans forward.
Notes:
Another Friday, and another chapter. The dinners some of you have likely been anticipating for a few weeks now finally arrive, and we hope you enjoy them.
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Chapter Text
Joanna II
Lannister Camp, Private Dinner with the Lannisters of Casterly Rock
She made her way to her daughter's tent, opening the flap to find Cersei standing before her mirror getting ready. Cersei wore a beautiful red dress with gold accents bearing the lion from their banners in a few tasteful locations. The dress was cut as low as it could be for propriety's sake, and it was one of the finest dresses Cersei owned. Joanna smirked inwardly, as she could see that Cersei appeared somewhat nervous if her reflection in the mirror was any indication: that boded well for Joanna's plan. She stepped up behind her daughter, the mirror showing Joanna in her own dress, similar enough to Cersei's but not so… enticing. "You look beautiful Cersei; I'm so proud of the woman you're becoming."
Cersei startled when Joanna stepped up behind her, blushing at the compliment and gazing downward. It was a few moments before Cersei composed herself, turning to face Joanna. "Mother, why did you invite Ned to dine with us?" her daughter asked. Joanna knew precisely why she'd invited Ned to dine with them: she wanted to give he and Cersei a chance to spend time together and learn more about one another, in the hopes that the both of them would favor the match she and Tywin wanted. Still, she couldn't tell her daughter that, at least not yet. She thought about the answer she should give, her eyes on her daughter's as she smiled. "Lord Stark seemed like a fine young man, and I felt we owed him a debt for preserving your dignity this afternoon." Cersei blushed at that, and it had put her off balance just as Joanna had known it would.
Joanna was mildly surprised when Cersei composed herself, squaring her shoulders and narrowing her eyes. "You can't put me off that easily, mother. Yes, everyone knows we pay our debts, but you wouldn't normally go so far in doing so. Ned is only a second son, and I can't fathom a reason you would seem to think so highly of him. You've got something planned involving Ned, and I have a right to know what it is — especially when your plan puts him in close proximity to father. Ned will be lucky to escape with his skin intact." It seemed Joanna had underestimated her daughter, but Cersei's defense of Ned only made Joanna more proud of her. Joanna smiled down at her daughter, resisting the urge to caress Cersei's cheeks the way she did when Cersei was a child.
"Oh, my sweet daughter, you truly are growing into a woman any mother couldn't help but take pride in. I promise you that your father and I only have your best interests at heart, and that nothing I've considered would risk Lord Stark in any way. Does that satisfy you?" Cersei couldn't hold back a radiant smile at Joanna's praise, but she quickly put the noble mask back on her beautiful face. "I trust you mother, but you know how father is. Father always promised me I would be queen, so I've been afraid of what he might do to achieve that end after Rhaegar's marriage to the princess." Cersei looked apprehensive as she gazed down at her feet for a moment, before raising her eyes to Joanna's again. "Mother, we need to talk about the crown prince."
Joanna raised a perfectly-groomed brow, making her way over to a padded bench and waiting for her daughter to join her. Cersei hesitated for a moment, before following Joanna over and taking her seat. Joanna said nothing, giving Cersei all the time she needed to organize her thoughts. "I was in the market earlier today, and I saw the crown prince and his family. Princess Rhaenys was asking Crown Prince Rhaegar to play with her, but he was too busy studying what were apparently prophecies to pay her any attention. It was as if he didn't experience emotions the way human beings are supposed to; the crying Princess Rhaenys and angry Princess Elia didn't seem to affect him at all. He wasn't cruel… it was as if he couldn't fathom that he was doing anything wrong." Cersei exhaled deeply, squaring her shoulders. "I don't want to marry the crown prince, mother. Seeing him with his family has made me glad father's plan to match me to him didn't work out. I want you to convince father that I don't want to marry him, as I'm afraid he will try to arrange for that outcome if you don't convince him otherwise."
Joanna pondered Cersei's revelation in silence. She was not surprised that the crown prince ignored his family in favor of his prophecies: his obsession with prophecies was the reason Tywin started looking elsewhere for a husband for Cersei in the first place. She was however surprised that he seemed to lack emotions and empathy. The absence of those in a ruler could and likely would spell disaster for the realm. That was very concerning, and she needed to discuss the matter with Tywin later. Still, Cersei was the more pressing matter. "I promise you Cersei, you will not have to marry the crown prince. Put your mind at ease on that front. You also do your father a disservice. He's a hard man, but he loves his family very much, and he's not the sort of villain you're implying he might be to plot what you feared."
Cersei looked abashed, but nodded. "Thank you, and I'm sorry mother." Cersei seemed to be more at ease through Joanna's assurances, so she stood with a smile. "Come, we don't want to be late for dinner. I'm depending on you to carry the conversation with Lord Eddard, Cersei." Her daughter nodded resolutely, but said nothing more. The two of them walked to the large tent they had been dining in, and she found most of her immediate family had already arrived. Tywin was seated at the head of the table looking over a scroll. Tyrion was seated to the left of her customary seat across from Tywin's, across from him, reading a thick tome. She couldn't hold back a smile; he was such a smart boy. They looked up to meet her and Tyrion smiled with happiness, saying, "Mama!" She made her way over to him, kissing his cheek gently as she ran her fingers through his hair. "Hello sweetling, you know you'll have to put your book away before dinner," she said, gently picking up his book and handing it to a servant to take back to Tyrion's tent. "I know mama," he said, preening as she petted him.
Tywin stood from his chair, approaching her with twinkling eyes as he looked from her to Cersei and back. "The both of you look beautiful," he said. "Where is Jaime?" she asked. "I sent him to greet and escort Lord Stark. It's my hope that the two of them might become friends," he replied. Cersei's eyes widened, obviously surprised by her father expressing such sentiments. It was then that they heard the tent flap rustle, turning to find Jaime and Lord Stark entering the tent. Tywin stepped forward, Joanna at his side. "Greetings, Lord Eddard. We're honored to have you dine with us this evening," her husband said. "The honor is mine, Lord Tywin, Lady Joanna." It was then that Cersei stepped up to greet Lord Stark. "Lord Eddard," she said, offering her hand. Lord Stark bowed to take it, placing a kiss upon the backs of her knuckles, before offering his arm and escorting her to her designated seat, the one to the left of Tywin's.
Cersei's mask cracked ever so slightly at Ned's touches, and Joanna evidently wasn't the only one to have noticed, as Jaime raised his eyebrows, his usual smirk widening into a smug grin. "Please, Lord Eddard, have a seat across from Cersei in the place of honor; you're our guest, after all," Joanna said, trying to interject before Jaime could let his mischievous nature get the better of his courtesies. Tywin and Lord Eddard pulled out her and Cersei's respective chairs, pushing them in when they'd taken their seats. The rest of her family seated themselves, Lord Eddard to Tywin's right across from Cersei, and Jaime to Joanna's right across from Tyrion. Joanna smiled, looking around at her family — including her desired son by law —and felt warmth rise in her chest at the thought of her family growing. Tywin seemed pleased as well as he surveyed the table, motioning the servants to bring forth the courses.
Joanna gave her daughter a pointed look. "So Lord Eddard, how are you enjoying the tourney thus far?" Cersei asked, trying to get the conversation started as Joanna had prompted. Lord Eddard seemed somewhat discomfited — likely due to Cersei calling him by his proper title rather than the nickname he'd given her permission to use — but he'd fortunately been taught better than to insist on such impropriety at such a formal occasion. "It's been both surprising and enjoyable, my lady. I've had some unexpected encounters, and many surprises, but I can honestly say this has been one of the most enjoyable days of my life, and dining with your family is an excellent way to end it." Joanna noticed Cersei trying not to get flustered at Ned's response, no doubt thinking he was alluding to his rather unfortunate encounter with her as part of his response. Joanna hid a smile behind her cup as she sipped her wine.
They ate, but she noticed that Tyrion was struggling to cut his venison. Before she could help him, Lord Eddard had already leaned over, gently coaxing the knife and fork from Tyrion's hands and cutting it neatly for him. Tyrion smiled gratefully, and Lord Eddard smiled in return, before returning to his own meal. The sight of Ned jumping to her most-misunderstood child's aid warmed Joanna's heart, and seeing Ned being gallant again had pleased Cersei greatly if the sincere smile she wore on her beautiful face was any indicator. To Joanna's surprise, it was Tyrion who carried the conversation forward. "I've heard that Winterfell has one of the oldest and largest libraries in Westeros, is this true?"
Ned smiled at Tyrion, seemingly happy for any opportunity to talk about his home. "Aye, it's true. Some of the texts are incredibly old, but some of those are likely copies of copies, the originals more ancient still. Do you like to read, my lord?" Tyrion nodded eagerly, babbling like the excitable child he should always be, but could only be around his family — and seemingly Lord Eddard now, which brought a smile to Joanna's face, hoping he'd be joining her family soon. "I love to read my lord. Father says a mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone. I have a particular fondness for dragons, because even I could be tall on dragonback." Lord Eddard seemed amused, continuing to smile charmingly at her son. "Mayhaps when you grow up you could visit the North? You could explore the Winterfell library, and even stand atop the Wall to look down on the whole world. My brother Benjen is here at the tourney, perhaps I could introduce you to him? I feel the two of you could be good friends."
Tyrion seemed delighted by the prospect, turning to her. "Can I, mother?" he asked eagerly, and the earnestness of his request warmed Joanna's heart and made her more grateful to Lord Eddard than she'd already been. "It's ultimately up to your father, but if you do well in your studies I'm confident he would allow a trip to the North. As for meeting Benjen, of course you can sweetling, it's past time you made some friends." Tywin's face was his usual stoic mask, his feelings unreadable to anyone save Joanna, but she could tell he was amenable to the prospect. Tyrion settled down and returned to his meal, and Joanna smiled gratefully at Lord Eddard, who nodded kindly.
"Will you be competing in the tourney, Lord Eddard?" Cersei asked. Ned chewed and swallowed, taking a sip of wine. "Aye, my lady. Ordinarily I wouldn't, but there are extenuating circumstances. I will be competing in both the melee and the joust." Joanna raised a perfectly-groomed brow. "Extenuating circumstances?" she pressed. Lord Eddard sighed, "I caught some squires bullying one of my father's bannermen, Howland Reed. In lieu of causing a scene, I've decided to enter the melee and the joust. I plan to challenge their knightly masters, and when I win order them to teach their squires honor." Lord Eddard seemed vaguely embarrassed, but Joanna couldn't fathom why. Joanna had noticed that Tywin raised a brow in surprise when Lord Eddard mentioned the name Howland Reed, so he evidently knew something she didn't; that was something for her to enquire about later.
"Jaime will be competing in the joust as well, Lord Eddard. Please go easy on him should you encounter one another in the lists," she said. "Mother!" Jaime exclaimed in embarrassment, and Joanna couldn't help giggling, turning to him with a smile. "It's a mother's prerogative to tease her children sweetling." Jaime huffed and returned to his meal, his cheeks a little flushed. "In all seriousness, Lord Eddard, mayhaps you and Jaime could spar, or practice with one another? I think you could be good friends just as Tyrion could with Lord Benjen." Ned smiled, looking from her to Jaime. "Aye, I don't mind. Jaime was good enough company on the way through your camp." Jaime smiled and nodded in turn, and Joanna could see a genuine smile on Tywin's face. She fought back the urge to react, but she definitely needed to interrogate Tywin later; it was evident he was keeping some cards close to his vest.
They finished the main courses, and Joanna smiled as Cersei and Ned both reached for the plate of lemon cakes at the same time. Their hands touched before they pulled them back, both of them seemingly abashed. "I'm sorry my lady, by all means, you have the first choice," Lord Eddard said. Cersei blushed slightly, shaking her head. "You are our guest Lord Eddard, it's only right that you should have the first choice," her daughter retorted. Joanna couldn't hold back a laugh, and the both of them looked at her, slightly embarrassed that they'd become a spectacle. "I'm glad to meet someone who might love lemon cakes as well as my daughter, Lord Eddard," Joanna said. "Mother!" Cersei hissed in horror, her cheeks flushing. Lord Eddard only smiled, picking up a lemon cake and tearing it in half, offering one half to Cersei and keeping the other for himself. "A compromise then. Aye, my lady, lemon cakes are my favorite. I'm always fighting Lyanna for them."
Joanna watched with a smile as the two started to eat their lemon cake halves at the same time, unable to resist teasing them further. "The both of you may feel free to have all you like. There are plenty to go around, and we can have more made if it proves necessary." This only made the both of them blush further, but neither seemed too embarrassed to reach for another lemon cake after finishing their half. Neither of them could hold back a smile, looking at one another as they mutually enjoyed their favorite sugary confection. Joanna smiled to herself, inwardly congratulating herself. There was nothing quite so satisfying as a plan coming together.
Rickard III
Stark Camp, Private Dinner with Princess Elia
"Ah, there you are," Rickard gently placed a hand on his wife's waist and looked down at the princess who was laying on their bed, cuddled into a cloak while the black kitten rested peacefully next to her. "I walked with her through our camp and told her stories," his wife whispered back as she leaned back into his touch, her shoulders resting against his chest. "A few lords and ladies came and instantly fell in love with her; she really is a Little Sun," she said. With a gentle smile Rickard leaned down and placed a kiss on his wife's cheek. "We came back and I went to get her some juice; when I got back she was lying on the ground with Ned's cloak wrapped around her," she said, and Rickard couldn't hold back a low chuckle. "It seems like the two of you had a great day, but where is Lady Ashara? Shouldn't she be watching the princess?" Rickard hadn't seen the princess's handmaiden anywhere, something that surprised him. "I told her and Ned that they should go and enjoy some time off, and that I would take care of the little princess," for a second Rickard held his breath, but then smiled — they were talking about Ned: unlike Brandon, he would bring no shame to House Stark.
"I wouldn't have sent Brandon away with a lady," his wife added after a moment with an amused tone, clearly having noticed that he was worried for a second. "We can be really proud of Ned, Rickard," Lyarra slowly turned around and looked up into his eyes, waiting till he'd wrapped his arms around her again. "He excels in all his lessons with Jon, according to the teachers you sent he is also really talented, and the people of the Vale seem to love him. Sometimes I feel as if he's been blessed by the old gods," Lyarra said with a smile before she placed a gentle kiss on Rickard's lips. "And yet, he's still so humble," she mumbled with an amused tone. A smile was also on Rickard's lips: if Lyarra only knew how right she was, that it really seemed as if Ned was blessed by the old gods and destined to do greater things than he ever had, but he couldn't tell her; he knew that Lyarra wouldn't like to keep it a secret from Ned, and if she found out that Ned was already betrothed… Rickard didn't even want to think about what would await him if she found out he'd betrothed Ned without consulting her.
So he kept silent, just wrapping his arms tighter around his wife to enjoy the moment together with her. "We should get prepared for our dinner," Lyarra whispered after a moment. "I'm sure Ned will soon return with Ashara — he was invited to dinner with the Lannisters after all — and we really shouldn't keep the princess waiting," Rickard had to admit that his wife was right; if the princess invited them for dinner they shouldn't make her wait. He pressed Lyarra once more against him, his lips meeting hers for a gentle kiss before he let go of her and went over to his chest of clothes. "I already put out what you should wear," he heard Lyarra say and shook his head, after all these years she still decided what he should wear for important events. Normally Lyarra would keep everything in the colors of their house, but not this time. She had put out a light yellow tunic embroidered with the Stark crest, black breeches and the cloak she'd made for him herself, the huge head of a direwolf dominating the back. "Rhaenys said her mother would like this tunic; she likes light colors," surprised Rickard turned around and looked into his wife's eyes. "What? I seem to remember you quite enjoying watching me change my clothes, so I wanted to give it a try too," Rickard bit his tongue to keep from laughing, a smirk appearing on his face as he leaned forward and kissed her. "I love you, my beautiful and perfect wife," he whispered against her lips. "I love you too, but now you need to go out and check if Ned and Ashara are back," she said, but before his wife let him leave she placed another kiss on his lips, "I enjoyed watching," she whispered before she disappeared to change her own clothes.
Rickard didn't immediately leave the tent: the risk that his ears were still red from his wife's final words was too high. Lyarra simply knew what cards to play. When he was sure it was safe to leave the tent he went outside and looked around for Ned and Ashara, noticing the young woman at the entrance of Ned's tent with her head inside. "Ah, there you are Lady Ashara," Rickard said with a happy tone before walking towards the girl who abruptly pulled her head out of the tent entrance and seemed to have slightly reddened cheeks. "Was Ned worried about being late? He forgets that not everyone walks as fast as him," he gave a low laugh after speaking the words. As the young woman seemed to be at a loss for words he raised a brow. "Oh! Are you wondering how I know?" the smirk was back on his lips again. "When I came back I found the little princess cuddled into one of Ned's cloaks on our bed. My wife then told me that she decided you and Ned should enjoy some spare time together while she took care of the princess," he said. Finally, a smile came onto the lips of his friend's daughter and Rickard nodded towards a pair of chairs. "Yes, your wife said it would be okay. We had a nice walk and were talking, the heels actually make walking a bit more exhausting than flat shoes or boots," the girl told him and Rickard gave a wave of his hand. "Lyarra prefers flat shoes and boots too," he admitted with a smile.
"I do," his wife's voice suddenly came from behind Rickard, and he turned around only to forget what he wanted to say. Lyarra was wearing a dress in the same yellow as his tunic. He saw some details embroidered in orange and grey while also noticing how tightly it fit around her waist. Rickard had never before seen this dress, and seeing it now didn't make it any easier for him at all; his wife looked stunningly beautiful — the dress showing off her still perfect figure — while her curly brown hair gave a perfect contrast. "Princess Rhaenys saw it and told me I should wear it," Lyarra said, and Rickard just wanted to hug and kiss the little girl; he really would have to get her a nice northern present for making his wife finally wear this stunning dress. "Should I change?" Lyarra's voice sounded a bit worried, but Rickard shook his head. "Forgive me, I was speechless," he answered, which brought a smile onto Lyarra's face. "You like it?" she asked, and spun around, letting him see the back for a moment too, and Rickard could only nod. "You're still as beautiful as when I first saw you," he mumbled as he stepped forward and placed a kiss on her cheek. "You really look beautiful in that dress, Lady Stark," Ashara said from behind him, and Lyarra laughed. "You can call me Lyarra, it's fine Ashara," the twinkle in his wife's eyes when she said that confused Rickard a lot.
"Where is the princess?" Ashara suddenly asked, and Rickard looked at his wife, still smiling. "She's still asleep, and completely wrapped up into Ned's cloak; I didn't want to wake her up," his wife was suddenly looking at him and he understood. "I'll get her," with these words Rickard was on his way back inside his tent, smiling when he stood at the bed and saw how the princess had wrapped herself up in his son's cloak. He gently eased his hands under her and lifted her up, holding her safely against him as he went back outside, and Balerion walked next to him. He noticed that his wife was waiting for him alone, the smile on her face getting bigger when she saw him coming out with the bundled up princess in his arms. "Where is Lady Ashara?" Rickard asked her in a gentle tone to not wake up the princess. "She will be with us in a moment, don't worry my love," Lyarra whispered back as the wheelhouse came into view again, this time accompanied by Stark guards only. Rickard had just helped his wife in and handed the princess over to her when Ashara appeared next to him, and again her cheeks were red. After a moment of thought he decided not to comment, and helped her inside the wheelhouse before closing the door. "You go ahead, I will catch up in a moment," he said. The guard at the head nodded and the escort started moving with the wheelhouse.
"When you're ready, m'lord," another guard had appeared next to him, sitting already atop a northern destrier while holding the reins of Rickard's in his other hand. "Shouldn't wait too long," Rickard said as he mounted his destrier and took the reins, he enjoyed being able to ride a bit faster, finally feeling a bit of colder air hitting his face again as they caught up with the wheelhouse, and he was soon taking his position at the front.
The way to the keep wasn't long, and Rickard was surprised to see a single Kingsguard waiting for them — somehow he had expected a few more guards to await them. Still, he had no time to give this much thought now; it would have to wait til he was back in his tent and could think without being disturbed. He dismounted his destrier and walked to the wheelhouse. He opened the door and helped Ashara out of the wheelhouse before taking little Rhaenys from his wife, this way he could hand the princess to Ashara before he helped Lyarra out. Rickard moved in front of both ladies and walked towards the Kingsguard. "I'm Rickard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. My wife, Lyarra Stark, and I were invited to dine with Princess Elia Targaryen. With us is Lady Ashara Dayne, who's escorting Princess Rhaenys Targaryen with us," somehow Rickard had the feeling that this introduction wasn't needed — the guard looked a little amused — it was then that Rickard noticed the hilt of the Kingsguard's sword. "I know this sword," he said as he looked into the younger man's purple eyes — purple: how could he have only now noticed that? "Uther wielded it during the war," his head turned and he looked to Ashara, then back to the young man. "He must be proud that one of his sons followed in his footsteps as Sword of the Morning," a smile was still on his lips while the Kingsguard looked at him as if he'd seen a ghost.
"I was just as surprised as you Arthur," Ashara suddenly spoke up. "Lord Stark and father served together, and I assume they became friends during that time," the young lady now looked at Rickard, just like her brother. "Yes," was his simple answer. At first he'd been confused why they didn't know, but if he was honest, he didn't tell a lot of people about the war either. "You should bring Lord and Lady Stark to Elia now; she is surely waiting for her guests, and would not appreciate it if they're late because of you brother," it was easy to notice the playful and teasing tone in Ashara's voice, but still her brother seemed to get over the shock and nodded. "If you would follow me," Arthur turned in a swift movement and walked in front of them. Ashara had at some point said her goodbye and walked into a chamber with Rhaenys, who was still asleep and clutching his son's cloak with her tiny hands.
"Lord Stark," Rickard turned his head to Arthur who had fallen in step with him, "would it be okay if I visit you in your camp one of these days?" The question surprised Rickard, but still he gave a nod. "Sure, every child of Uther will always be a welcome guest of House Stark," and Rickard meant every word: he would always protect Uther and his family, it is the least he could do after all. "Thank you Lord Stark," Arthur Dayne said with a small smile on his face again. The Kingsguard soon took the lead again, and Lyarra gently intertwined their arms. Rickard looked at her and saw the raised brow, giving a shrug as answer — how should he know why Uther's son wished to visit him? They made another turn and then Arthur stopped, raising his hand and banging at a door before slowly opening it. "Lord Rickard Stark and his wife Lady Lyarra Stark have arrived," he announced before stepping to the side so that they could enter the room before the door was closed right behind them.
If Rickard was honest he'd expected to see a well furnished room with a huge dinner table, a lot of chairs placed around the table, and an amount of food that would be enough for twenty or thirty people: he'd expected a show of wealth and power. Instead there was a small table with four chairs, a decent amount of food that would get everyone well fed without leaving too much to be thrown away — Rickard also directly noticed the smell of northern food, but also something more spicy in the air and exotic fruits that were cut open and placed on small plates. It was not a show of wealth; this was a dinner as you would have with friends: warm and welcoming, wanting to enjoy the evening while also having a serious discussion in privacy. Suddenly a door opened within the room, and a Kingsguard stepped inside. Rickard's eyes got wide. "It can't be!" the words escaped his lips rather loudly, and the Kingsguard looked at him. "Oh no! This must be a joke," the man in the white cloak replied, both men were walking towards each other and laughing. "The gods have an odd sense of humor," they said in the same moment and wrapped their arms around each other. "First Uther's children, and now you," Rickard said clearly amused. "It's crazy isn't it? This tourney brings us back together," with that both men laughed before they finally ended the hug, having their hands on each other's shoulders. "It really has been too long Lewyn," Rickard said. "It has been, but I see that your wife kept you in good shape and healthy," a soft cough could be heard, and they finally did let go of each other, looking at Lyarra who was looking towards the door that was now closed.
Lewyn turned around and got wide eyes, attempting a bow but the young woman stopped him. "It's fine uncle, I haven't seen you so happy in a long time," two pairs of heels could be heard clicking on the ground as the princess stopped opposite Rickard and Lyarra stopped next to him. "Princess Elia," Rickard said and gave a bow. "Lord Rickard," the princess replied with a small curtsy, and then she turned to Lyarra. "Princess Elia," Lyarra directly greeted her with a curtsy. "Lady Lyarra," the princess returned the curtsy, "I must say that you look wonderful in that dress." A light laugh escaped his wife at these words, "Your daughter actually told me to wear it, Princess," she answered honestly. For a mere instant Rickard saw surprise on the princess' face when Lyarra said Rhaenys had picked the dress, but the young woman quickly hid it again. "I think we should start eating before everything gets cold," with these words the princess led them to the table. Rickard pulled the chair out for Lyarra and Lewyn did the same for Elia. When the three of them were seated, Lewyn turned around to take his position but Elia stopped him. "Sit down and eat with us uncle," she nodded to the place next to her, and the man smiled as he took his seat.
The dinner started out pretty normally, with Rickard and Lewyn talking the most while Elia and Lyarra listened to the stories of war and friendship from the both of them. The food was delicious, even the northern dishes perfectly done as Rickard noted. "You said earlier that my daughter selected your dress Lady Lyarra," Elia at some point said after Rickard and Lewyn had been quiet for a few moments and enjoyed the food. "Yes, she was very sure you would like it," Lyarra answered in an amused tone, and the princess smiled. "I would have thought that Ashara would help you choose a dress," Elia admitted with a smile, and Rickard noticed how his wife looked down for a moment. "I told Lady Ashara that I would take care of princess Rhaenys, that she and my son Eddard should go and enjoy some time together," his wife then admitted in a gentle tone, while the smile on Elia's lips just grew bigger.
"Lord Eddard," the princess said with a smile still on her lips. "I had the pleasure of meeting him earlier in the market; Rhaenys and Balerion seemed to be quite taken with him," Rickard heard a laugh slip from Lyarra's lips next to him.
"And our Eddard seems to be quite taken with the both of them," his wife answered before Rickard could even think about an answer. "It was so sweet to see them together," Lyarra continued. "It actually made me hope that grandchildren might be in our close future," at these words Rickard turned to his wife and looked at her with surprised eyes while she only took his hand into hers and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"I think for Eddard to sire children, you will need to find a wife for him first," the gentle laugh that accompanied the words of princess Elia pulled Rickard's attention back to her."Oh no,"Rickard thought then, his eyes looking into the princess's brown eyes."Please don't let her proposal be what I think it is,"he sent a silent prayer to the old gods.
"That brings me to the reason for my invitation," the young princess said, and Rickard bit his tongue to hold back a sigh that nearly left his lips.
"Why can't it be easy for once?"At this moment he already knew that a sleepless night awaited him.
"I noticed a chemistry between Lady Ashara and your son," Elia continued, and Rickard felt how Lyarra gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "When Ashara came into my service, her mother requested of me to find her a suitable match," somehow it felt as if his wife got more excited with every word the princess said. "And I think that your son, Lord Eddard, would be a very suitable husband for Ashara," the princess looked at him and then his wife.
"I agree," the excitement in Lyarra's voice was more than clear, and Rickard raised his hand.
"Princess Elia, it honors me and House Stark that you think my son a suitable husband," Rickard started, and the princess looked at him again. "But I have to think about our people too; a marriage must make sense for the North, and not just me and my wife," for a moment Rickard was silent. "I know Lord Dayne personally, we have been friends," he said, then continued in a gentle tone. "And sadly that is also why I know that Starfall can't offer anything that would help the North during our harsh winters," a sad sigh followed his words."I hope she believes that,"Rickard thought at the same moment.
"Oh Lord Stark, I completely understand your concern. Actually it makes me happy to see that you don't only care about your family, but also about your people," a smile was still on the princess's lips. "Dorne is not as different to the North as you may think; that is why I actually prepared myself for this answer," the smile on the princess's lips combined with her words got Rickard worried, but at the same time intrigued.
"It can't hurt to listen to the offer the princess has prepared, it probably still won't help the North,"he thought, and just stayed silent, giving only a small nod to show that he would listen to the offer.
"With the marriage of Lord Eddard and Ashara you will not just gain the support of House Dayne and Starfall; it will also bring you the support of my family, and with that all of Dorne," it was clear the princess only made a pause to wait for another small nod from him, so far it was nothing that would really help the North. "Besides that, it will gain you my support, and with that the support of House Targaryen, which includes the Crownlands," this was something Rickard hadn't expected.
"The Targaryens actually would be valuable in the winter, they could get other houses to send food while also sending some themselves,"he had to admit that this made the offer a lot more interesting."But Ned is already betrothed, and the marriage to Cersei will gain us a lot more; we would finally be free from tyranny and fear,"with that on his mind, he wanted to answer the princess, but the princess raised her hand to stop him.
"But that is not all. I will promise you now that the firstborn son of Lord Eddard and Ashara will marry my daughter Rhaenys," as soon as the princess had said that it felt as if Lyarra was going to break his hand.
"It would set the alliance in stone, secure it for more than a single generation,"never had Rickard expected that the princess would offer this, but her next words surprised him even more.
"This means that your grandson, the son of Lord Eddard and Ashara, will become the husband of the future queen," Lyarra was still squeezing his hand as if she wanted to break it while Elia had an even bigger smile on her lips.
"This… I never expected to get such an offer. What did Ned do to Ashara and the little princess that the princess would put such an offer on the table? But… the princess could still get a son, then the biggest part of the deal would fall away,"his own thoughts didn't help Rickard at that moment."And Ned is already betrothed, even though nobody can know that,"he scolded himself within his mind.
"Oh, I should add that it's guaranteed that my husband and I won't have future children," the smile on Elia's lips turned into a smirk.
"Fuck,"was all Rickard could think then as he looked at Elia."Ned is betrothed, but if I tell her that I will have to tell them to whom,"Rickard was silent then as his brain worked."As soon as someone knows that Ned and Cersei are betrothed it would spread like wildfire, and it would get people suspicious. It just isn't something Tywin Lannister would typically do,"it was hard not to sigh because of the situation he was in right now."Nobody can know about the betrothal with Cersei, and that again would make people suspicious if I declined this offer. Only a madman would not want his grandchild to be betrothed to the future queen,"finally he looked at Lyarra and then the princess again.
"This is a very generous offer, Princess Elia, but I would request that you grant me and my wife time to talk about all this," Rickard started and gently squeezed Lyarra's hand. "I promise you will have an answer tomorrow evening at the latest," it should not be surprising that he was overwhelmed by the offer and requested a night to sleep on it.
"That sounds reasonable to me Lord Rickard," the princess stood up with these words and so did Rickard, Lyarra and Lewyn. "I can understand that you're overwhelmed and need a night to think about this," the princess walked towards them, standing right next to him. "It's not every day that the sun and wolf could finally claim what should have been theirs for a long time," she whispered so that only he could hear it before she led him and his wife to the door. "I will await an answer by tomorrow evening, don't make me wait," she said so that Lyarra could hear it too, before Lewyn opened the door and stepped outside. "I wish you both a good night, and I hope we'll have another dinner together soon," she finished. With the formal courtesies adhered to, they said goodnight before they left.
This time it was Lewyn who led them back to their horses and carriage, not saying anything until it was time for a goodbye as they parted ways with the promise to meet again.
"This has been an eventful day, I will have to send out a message so that the council can meet in the morning,"Rickard thought as he mounted his horse and took his position at the head of the group that moved back toward their camp."I can only hope we can find a solution to this in the council, because right now I feel as if there is no right decision,"finally he allowed a sigh to slip from his lips while shaking his head.