Chapter Ten
They finally reached Kings Landing two days later. Kailyah rode proudly next to her brother, noting smugly how many more people cheered for their Prince rather than their King. She paused briefly, accepting a red and white rose flower crown from a subject, before her exasperated Uncle steered her back toward the Keep. Jasper played his part well, a kind smile on his face and his head held high, pausing occasionally to wave at some children. They arrived without incident, and Kailyah and Jasper handed off their horses to a couple stableboys, eager to return to their rooms and relax, only for another servant to approach them.
"My Prince, Princess, welcome home. I'm sorry to disturb you, but Grand Maester Pycelle has called a meeting of the small council."
"Thank you, Evans." Jasper nodded.
"Do we have time to wash up?" Kailyah asked. The squire hesitated.
"I informed Lord Stark and offered him time to clean up, he insisted on going immediately."
"Of course he did." Kailyah sighed tiredly.
"I can inform the council to wait-"
"Thank you Evans, that won't be necessary." Kailyah smiled at him and took her brother's arm, making their way to the Small Council room.
"Any idea what I'm walking into?" Jasper asked, glancing down at her.
"Something about a tourney, I believe? Not that important." Kailyah yawned behind her hand.
"I can attend by myself, sister. You should rest." Jasper urged.
"It's alright, if I remember correctly, it won't take long. Besides, you should show Lord Stark you're capable and involved in the realm. He's going to find out soon enough how much Father has changed, you will reassure him."
"Very well." Jasper sighed, nodding at the knights guarding the door before making their way inside, hearing Lord Stark's voice.
"Begin without the King?"
"Winter may be coming, but I'm afraid the same cannot be said for my brother." Renly responded with a smirk.
"Luckily we have our Prince to guide us." Kailyah smiled teasingly at her brother, who rolled his eyes as the lords stood quickly to bow. "Pycelle, please, rest." She ordered with false warmth at the aged man struggling to stand.
"More like a Prince to do whatever his sister orders." Jasper huffed, releasing her arm to embrace his uncle. "Uncle Renly." He greeted his favorite Uncle warmly.
"Jas, Kailee, how was the road?" Renly asked, turning to embrace his niece before pecking her on the cheek, pausing at the sight of the lightly faded bruise. "Eventful?"
"Fathers temper got the best of him." Kailyahs lips quirked up and she kissed his cheek, letting Jasper help her into her chair and nodding at the rest of the council. "My lords." She greeted as Jasper took the seat next to her, and the lords all followed. "Our Father does not often attend these meetings, Lord Stark, I'm afraid you will have to settle for us."
"The King has many duties Lord Stark, he entrusts some small matters to us, that we might lighten the load." Lord Varys agreed.
"We are the lords of small matters here." Baelish agreed with a weasel-like smirk. Lord Stark took his seat and Renly passed him a scroll.
"My brother instructs us to stage a tournament in honor of Lord Stark's appointment as Hand of the King."
"Mmm, how much?" Lord Baelish sighed.
"40,000 gold dragons to the champion, 20,000 to the runner up, 20,000 to the winning archer."
"Can the treasury bear such an expense?" Pycelle asked.
"I'll have to borrow it. The Lannisters will accommodate, I expect. We already owe Lord Tywin 2,000,000 gold, what's another 80,000?"
"We will try to talk father down, see if he will pledge less." Jasper sighed.
"We can likely get it down to 60,000, maybe 50,000. The smallfolk will enjoy the tourney, any leftover food or drink should go to them, and we should make sure to buy as much as we can locally, to support them." Kailyah agreed.
"Are you telling me the crown is two million in debt?" Lord Stark demanded, shocked.
"I'm telling you the crown is five million in debt." Baelish drawled.
"How could you let this happen?" Stark demanded.
"The master of coin finds the money, the King, and the Hand, spend it."
"I will not believe Jon Arryn allowed Robert to bankrupt the realm."
"Lord Arryn gave wise and prudent advice, but I'm afraid his grace doesn't always listen."
"Counting coppers, he calls it." Renly snarked, leaning back in his chair.
"We have taken measures to remedy this, Lord Stark." Kailyah assured.
"Yes, with the Princess' and Princes' assistance, we've managed to pay back a million in the last year, and have plans to resolve the rest. It's just a matter of being frugal until then, if we can get the King to agree." Lord Varys assured.
"I'll speak to him tomorrow." Ned sighed. "This tournament is an extravagance we cannot afford."
"As you will, but still, we'd best make our plans."
"There will be no plans, until I speak to Robert." Lord Stark snapped, silencing Baelish. He sighed heavily, sitting back in his chair. "Forgive me my Lords, I've had a long ride."
"You are the King's Hand, Lord Stark. We serve at your pleasure." Lord Varys murmured, eyes intent.
"It has been a long ride." Jasper agreed, standing. "Let's reconvene tomorrow." Goodbyes were said and Jasper and Kailyah left, making their way towards their chambers. "That was a complete waste of time."
"You say that like half of the other ones weren't." Kailyah chuckled. "It's just politics and talking in circles."
"Two things I hate." Jasper sighed, glancing down at her. "Should I choose to abandon the crown and sail away, I'm leaving you in charge."
"Make sure you put it in writing." Kailyah laughed, patting his arm. "It won't be so bad. Once you take the throne we can sell some of the dragon skeletons to the bank, which will take care of most of it. If we manage our taxes closely and stop allowing Baelish to invest the Crown's money in his brothels, the rest of our debt should be paid off within a few years."
"Assuming there's no wars to fight."
"If we're careful, there won't be."
TLR
Robb,
We've arrived safely in the capitol , your siblings seem to be adjusting well, despite our troubles on the road. Again, I am so sorry about the trouble with the direwolves. I assure you, Joff has been properly disciplined, and I will see to it myself that he apologizes to Arya. She seems to be doing well, despite everything, and has been chasing poor Tommen's cats around the Keep. He hasn't done much to stop her, too occupied with a new litter of kittens. Bran has already started his climbing, and has given several people heart attacks. Your Father may return to you with far more gray hairs. Jasper is considering squireing Bran, just to keep him off the castle walls. Bran has been begging your father to let him squire, I expect Jasper will ask him soon. Sansa is doing well, she has made several friends at court, and she and Marcella have become quite close.
Jasper is to participate in the tourney. I do not expect he will win the joust, but he may well be the champion of the melee. He managed to come in third at last year's tourney. Joff is considering entering the archery contest, and Bran, Arya, and Tommen are begging me to enter as well. I don't think I will, as I wish Joffrey to win. I will tell you all about it when I write next. My father and yours are getting on well, still, though they've been arguing more since your father began his duties as Hand. I am doing well, although I am already missing the cool air of Winterfell. And you. Your family already despises the heat here, I dread to see how they manage when summer truly hits. Your Father may have to stop wearing the furs and dark leather he favors so much.
How are you doing? I imagine it's quite a change, running Winterfell, though I'm sure you're doing well. How is Jon adjusting to the Wall? Uncle Tyrion says it is brilliant, that he's never seen anything so impressive. Is it quiet without your siblings, or is Rickon making up for it? I miss the wild little wolf. I know your siblings do as well. Arya has confided in me many times already. I'm considering asking her father if I could find her a sword master, if only to take her mind off of things. Do you think he'd be open to it?
~Kailyah Baratheon
TLR
Kailyah,
Arya may try to marry you herself if you convince Father to find her a sword master. I think that if it would make her happy and keep her out of trouble, he would happily agree to it. Jon forged a sword for her before she left Winterfell, I'm sure Father would wish for her to learn properly. I'm glad my family is settled in well, though I do miss them greatly. Running Winterfell keeps me busy, and Rickon has made his displeasure of losing his 'fun' siblings clear, though the wolves usually keep him happy.
As for the Direwolves, the whole situation was unfortunate, and I know you did everything you could. Thank you for convincing your Father to send them home instead of taking their lives.
Bran would love to squire, especially for the future King. He wishes to be a part of the Kingsguard someday. Sansa has always dreamed of the south, so I'm not surprised she is doing so well. Thank you for looking after the three of them, I worry far less knowing you are watching over them. Jon is doing well enough on the wall, his skill with a sword is far more advanced than the other recruits, and they are not happy about it. He says he is handling it well though. I hope to go North and visit him soon.
I am eager to hear about the Tourney, as I've never been able to see one. I wish your brothers well, though I would love to see you win the archery contest. The look on the southern lords' faces would be one I'd treasure forever. Perhaps I'll see one should I come visit. As for missing the North, you'll have to return soon and perhaps stay. I would very much like to see you again soon.
Thinking of you always,
Robb Stark
TLR
"Ow!"
"Please, it's nearly healed." Cersei scoffed, and Kailyah coughed to hide a laugh. She was sitting with her mother and Joffrey in her solar, sipping her wine and watching her mother apply ointment and rewrap Joffs arm. Kailyah had spent her days since returning to the Capitol bouncing between siblings and Starks, keeping everyone happy. She attended small council meetings with her brother, won Lord Stark's respect bit by bit (by the gods, that man was difficult to impress. The surest way she'd found thus far was by being kind to his children.). She wrote to her friends, and those who believed they were friends, and spent far too much time with Sansa and Marcella and the ladies of court embroidering, or at tea with her mother and the ladies they couldn't stand. It wasn't very different than it was before Jon Arynn died, though the Starks kept her busy.
"It's ugly." Joff sighed, staring at it.
"A Prince should have scars. You fought off a direwolf, you're a warrior, like your Father." Cersei murmured, wrapping his arm.
"I'm not like him."
"Thank the gods for that." Kailyah drawled, shrugging when her mother sent her a look.
"It bit me and all I did was scream. And the two Stark girls saw it, both of them."
"There's not much you can do, when you pick a fight with a wolf. Choose your battles better, little brother." Joffery glared at her and she sighed. "They're not going to tell anyone Joff. Sansa is too in love with you and Aryas too upset about losing her wolf to talk about it."
"Do I have to marry the Stark girl?" Joff asked quietly, glancing between his sister and his Mother.
"Yes." Cersei answered, meeting Kailyahs eyes before turning back to her son. "She's very beautiful, and young. And if you don't like her, you only have to see her on formal occasions, and when the time comes to make little lords and ladies."
"Why do I have to do it?"
"Because Father wants to join our house with the Starks, and you know he won't take no for an answer."
"So you do it!" Joffrey snapped at her. "You saw how the Stark boy panted after you, why can't you marry him?"
"If your sister marries Robb Stark, she will have to live in the North." Cersei answered, reaching over and taking Kailyahs hand, gripping it tightly.
"Make him come down here!"
"He is Lord Stark's eldest son, Joff, he will be the next Lord of Winterfell. The Northerners aren't like us, they rule in the North and they stay there."
"Your father hasn't seen Ned in almost ten years, since the last war they fought together. We probably wouldn't see your sister for longer, ten years, maybe even twenty. Do you want that?"
"No." Joff looked away and Cersei took his hand.
"Do something nice for the Stark girl."
"I don't want to."
"No, but you will. The occasional kindness will spare you all sorts of trouble down the road." Joffrey stood abruptly, pacing before turning to meet their gaze.
"We allow the North too much power. They consider themselves our equals!"
"How would you handle them?" Kailyah asked.
"I'd double their taxes. And command them to supply ten thousand men to the royal army."
"The royal army?" Their mother questioned.
"Why should every Lord command his own army, it's primitive! No better than the hill tribes, we should have a- a standing army of men loyal to the crown! Trained by experienced soldiers instead of a mob of peasants who've never held pikes in their lives."
"And if the Northerners rebel?"
"I'd crush them. Seize Winterfell and install someone loyal to the crown, as Warden of the North. Uncle Kevin, maybe."
"And these ten thousand northern troops, would they fight for their King or their Lord?"
"For their King!"
"But their King just invaded their homeland, asked them to kill their brothers." Kailyah argued.
"Kings don't ask."
"The North cannot be held, not by an outsider, it's too big and too wild. And when the Winter comes the seven Gods together couldn't save you or the royal army. Should something happen to your brother, you will rule. A good king knows when to save his strength, and when to destroy his enemies." Cersei urged, resting her hands on his shoulders.
"So you agree. The Starks are enemies."
"Anyone who isn't us, is an enemy."
TLR
"Just because you'd rather run around like a heathen than act like a proper lady
doesn't mean I will." Sansa scoffed, glaring down at her sister. "Someone has to make Mother proud."
"Why don't you go back to the stables, where you belong, Horse face-"
"Horse face?" Kailyah drawled, striding into the sunlit gardens, her teal skirt with painted gold details swirling around her feet. Sansa's smug little smirk disappeared as she met Kailyah's cool emerald eyes, and the two ladies next to her paled.
"Kailyah." Aryas hunched shoulders loosened as the Princess came to stand at her side, an arm wrapping around the younger girl's shoulders. Her spine straightened proudly, unconsciously imitating Kailyah as she lifted her chin defiantly.
"Lady Mariela, Lady…" she trailed off as her eyes fell on the one that had spat the insult at Arya, head tilting to the side as if she couldn't quite remember her name. As if she wasn't important enough to be remembered, even after spending the last three years at court, even as one of Margerys, Kailyahs closest friends, cousins. "Olennya." Kailyah smiled apologetically, leaving the girl blushing with embarrassment. "Do your fathers know you're insulting a Lord Paramounts daughter? Or your Grandparents?" Olennya's gaze dropped immediately, and Kailyah sighed. "I'd bet not. Mariela, Lord Slynt is to meet with Lord Stark today. I'd hate for Lord Stark to feel insulted on behalf of his daughter and take offense. And Olennya, I'm sure the Lady Olenna will not be happy to clean up yet another of your messes, nor would your sister, Lady Alana. Margery said she's still not happy over the upset you caused at her wedding."
"We didn't mean to offend, Princess-" Mariela tried, and Kailyah smiled.
"You didn't? I'm not sure how else calling someone horseface could be taken."
"They've been saying it all morning." Arya tattled, leaning slightly against Kailyah's side. "Telling Sansa how much prettier she is. How I look like my Father."
"Have they?" Kailyah stared down each of the girls til they dropped their gaze to the ground, before turning to Arya with a kind smile, gently tilting her chin up the meet the Princess' eyes. "Hmm. You know, it's always surprised me how one sibling can look so different from her others. I'm a lot like you, Arya. My siblings favor my Mother, just like yours do. I look like my Father. You however…" Kailyah tilted her head to the side. "You look like your Aunt Lyanna." Arya beamed up at her.
"Father says that sometimes!"
"I'm not surprised. You look just alike. And your Aunt Lyanna was said to be one of the most beautiful women in the Seven Kingdoms. You will be just as lovely, if not more. And twice as fierce." Arya giggled and Kailyah smiled indulgently, before straightening, turning cold eyes to Sansa and her friends.
"Leave us. I need to speak to Lady Sansa, alone." The girls abandoned Sansa to her fate without a backwards glance. The eldest Stark girl watched them go with wide eyes, before turning back to the Princess nervously as she ushered Arya over to Marcella's side, who greeted her with a kind smile, beginning to introduce her to the circle of young girls around her.
"What are you doing, Sansa?" The auburn haired girl didn't respond, keeping her eyes lowered to the ground. "You understand that this is not the North, don't you?"
"Yes." Sansa practically whispered.
"Didn't your parents prepare you to come South?"
"They did!"
"Clearly not enough. King's Landing is a snake pit, Sansa. Everyone here is fighting and clawing to get to the top, and those girls? They'd rip you apart to do it. They'd do the same to me if they thought it would help them." Sansa pursed her lips, obviously fighting back an argument. "Kings Landing is dangerous, to everyone in it, noble or not. Trusting the wrong people can cost you dearly. Some days, the only people you can truly depend on is your family."
TLR
The tournament did happen, despite Lord Stark's best efforts. Jasper managed to talk their Father down to twenty thousand for the winner, and fifteen thousand dragons for the runner up and champion archer. Lord Stark clearly was unhappy, but the tourney went on as planned. Joffrey did manage to win the archery tournament, and was showered with praise from his Mother and siblings. He lit up when Jasper stood from his seat, cheering louder than anyone else when Joffs arrow struck true. Father ruined it quickly, grumbling about Joffery needing to learn to wield a 'man's weapon.'
"And when was the last time you even held a weapon, Father?" Jasper drawled, glaring up at his oaf of a father. He ignored the King's furious yells, turning back to reassure his younger brother, but the damage had already been done. Joff's smile was lost, and his previously proud shoulders were now hunched in slightly, even as Kailyah wrapped an arm around him. Mother's jaw was clenched tightly, and her eyes murderous. Kailyah expected to see a new bruise on her mother on the 'morrow, she knew very well that Cersei wouldn't let this go.
Sansa was still mooning over Kailyah's little brother, though Joff wasn't interested at all. The poor thing was staring at her brother on the first day of the tourney, and Joff sat next to Jasper, trying to avoid her gaze. She wasn't so lovesick when the Mountain rode against Jon Arynn's newly knighted squire, impaling him on his pike. He bled out on the field. Marcella was sitting next to her, and Kailyah managed to turn her away, hugging her gently and imploring the little princess not to look. Little Tommen wasn't so lucky, and soon wandered over to settle against Kailyah's other side, clutching her hand tightly and looking slightly nauseous.
Kailyah glanced around as she comforted her youngest siblings, bored already. Her eyes focused on the Stark girls, eyes narrowing when she found Petyr Baelish hovering over little Sansa Stark, eyes intent. She knew very well his obsession with Lady Catelynn, she shouldn't have been surprised that his focus turned onto Sansa. She looked so much like her mother, after all, and Lord Stark wasn't present to ward him off.
Apparently their Father had decided to prove his son wrong, as Lord Stark had to convince him not to fight in the melee the second day. Their cousin, Lancel, told her he was too fat for his armor. Kailyah and Jasper pitied him, they all knew how much their father enjoyed torturing the boy. The only reason he had his position was because their Mother wore him down.
Jasper made it to the second day of the tourney before he was knocked off his horse by Loras Tyrell. Loras leaped off of his horse to help the crown prince to his feet, and Jasper accepted his hand with an exasperated smile as the crowd roared around them. Kailyah was on her feet, cheering with them, and Marcella stood next to her, clapping excitedly and blushing when her brother approached, catching a rose that was thrown towards him and presenting it to her with a lavish bow. The ten year old flushed prettily but accepted it with a perfect curtsy
"Not a bad show, brother." Kailyah complemented, rolling her eyes as her twin climbed into the royal box to steal her wine.
"It would have been better if I'd won." Jasper chuckled, dropping his helmet onto a giggling Tommen's head before finishing the wine in her goblet and pouring more. "I'll do better in the melee."
"I would rather you didn't, my son." Cersei implored, smiling lightly when he bent to press a kiss to her cheek, ignoring his drunk Father entirely. "Anything could happen."
"Then I'd best fight well, shouldn't I?" He teased with an impish smile, before stepping out of the box. "Brandon!" He called, and his new squire came running with an eager little grin. "Why don't you come help me with my armor, then I'll return you to your Father until the melee."
"Yes, sir." Bran agreed quickly, and Jasper rewarded him with a small smile and a hand on his shoulder, leading him towards their tent. Bran had started his squireship a mere two weeks ago, jumping eagerly at the opportunity when Jasper asked. He was doing well enough, according to Jas. The weapons Master in Winterfell taught them the basics of armor and sword sharpening, and Bran was enjoying the training Jasper put him through, even though he left exhausted every day.
Kailyah had approached Lord Stark about a swords master for Arya as well, and the man agreed easily, asking if she had any suggestions. Arya seemed quite taken with her 'dancing master', and got in far fewer fights with her siblings, since Syrio kept her quite busy. He'd apparently told Arya who helped him, as the girl had leaped on Kailyah the day after her first lesson, hugging her tightly and thanking her nearly a hundred times. She found Kailyah every day to tell her of her progress, and the princess showered her in the praise she craved, happy to get close to the Starks in any way she could. She needed as many of them on her side as possible, should Lord Stark choose to investigate her siblings again. Sansa was still doing well, befriending many ladies that Kailyah introduced her too. She was too naive though, too honest. The court would eat her alive, given the chance.
She was a beauty though, blushing prettily when Loras gave her a red rose before the final ride. Sir Loras paused in front of the King's box, bowing gallentally to the royal family before approaching.
"Princess Kailyah." He bowed over her offered hand, kissing her knuckles and smirking playfully up at her. They'd had a lot of fun over the years, starting rumors about their 'epic romance', and Margery enjoyed singing the songs the Bards wrote about their 'truest love'. It was all in good fun of course, Kailyah was well aware his interest lied elsewhere, and Loras knew the grudge her Father held against his family would keep him from ever offering a betrothal between them. It kept Loras' father off his back, and kept Kailyah entertained. "Could I be so bold as to ask for your favor?"
"I would be honored Sir Loras, so long as you hold it close to your heart." Kailyah teased as the ladies of court tittered and Marcella blushed and Jas rolled his eyes at the both of them. She pulled the crimson ribbon from her hair, letting her onyx curls fall theatrically around her, and handed it to him. He pressed a kiss to the ribbon, keeping his eyes on her, before riding to his post and tying it around his wrist for all to see.
"Ha, of course you'd fall for a pretty boy like that, Kailyah. Put him on a dress and you'd mistake him for his sister." The King scoffed, deep in his cups already.
"I think he's handsome, Kailee." Marcella said, squeezing her hand.
"Thank you, 'Cella." She smiled down at her, taking a sip of her wine, turning to watch as the final run began. Her eyes narrowed, and she leant over to whisper to Jasper. "That's not his usual horse, is it?"
"No. I expect Loras has a truck up his sleeve." Jasper rolled his eyes. The horns blew, and off the knights went, riding towards each other with their lances ready. Marcella squeezed her hand nervously, and Kailyah wrapped an arm around her shoulder, eyes watching intently. They collided, Clegane's horse stumbled, and the Mountain fell. Clegane rose, furious, and roared for his sword as Loras did a victory lap.
"Don't look." Kailyah ordered, pulling Marcella close and pressing her head into her shoulder as Cleganes' squire ran forward, struggling not to drop his heavy sword. "Jas!"
"I got it." Jasper grabbed Tommen, turning him away just in time as Clegane snatched his sword, turning and decapitating his poor horse in one powerful stroke. Marcella tensed in her arms as the crowd screamed, and Kailyah stood, pushing Marcella behind her as Gregor went after Loras. Loras blocked his first attack with his shield, but fell from his horse, and Kailyah quickly lost sight of him as Goldcloaks closed in, surrounding the Kings box, and Sandor leaped over the lot of them, rushing forward to engage his brother. Gregor stepped back a moment, eyeing his brother, before attacking him viscously. Sandor met him blow for blow, and Kailyah stepped back, pulling Marcella with her as they grew closer to their box.
"Stop this madness in the name of your king!" Her father roared, leaping to his feet. Sandor knelt immediately, but his brother snarled furiously, stepping away and throwing his sword to the ground and storming away. "Let him go!" Her father ordered, and the Goldcloaks stepped out of his way, clearing a path for him to leave the tourney grounds. Sandor rose to his feet as Loras approached.
"I owe you my life, sir." Loras breathed.
"I'm no sir." Sandor answered gruffly. Despite this, Loras grabbed his hand, raising it in the air victoriously. The crowd leaped to their feet, roaring with applause, and Sandor quickly stalked away, uncomfortable with the attention. Loras was given the crown, all red roses and white Queen Ann's lace, and climbed aboard his horse once more, riding towards the royal box and placing the crown upon Kailyah's head with a dramatic bow. Kailyah laughed at his dramatics as the crowd cheered, curtsying before retaking her seat, plucking a blossom from the crown and offering it to her sister. She ignored her Fathers distant gaze, knowing very well he was remembering another girl, and a winter blue crown.
TLR
"Princess." Loras bowed deeply. And Kaillyah smiled, rising to her feet as he took her hand, brushing his lips across her knuckles.
"Loras." She greeted as the ladies she'd invited to tea twittered and gossiped behind her. "How are you? That was quite an ending to the tourney today."
"I am well, Kailee. A knight must always be ready for anything. If I may, would you care to join me for a walk in the gardens?"
"Of course." Kailyah took his arm, walking farther into the gardens as her guards fell into place several places behind them, trailing after them. "You did well, Loras. Your family will be proud. As will Renly, I'm sure." Her voice lowered at the end, and Loras smiled, the slightest blush crawling across his cheekbones.
"I hope so. I- that's actually what I needed to talk to you about." Kailyah's eyebrows furrowed, concerned.
"Alright?"
"Father's getting impatient. He sent your Father an offer for a betrothal between us, and the King rejected him again, rather brutally. He sent me here to plead my case, if that doesn't work, he wanted me to- to ruin you."
"Seven hells."
"I know. Obviously I told him I'd never do that to someone I 'love', but I'm concerned he's beginning to look for other options, like Sansa Stark or Arianne Martell."
"Your father hates the Martell's, he blames them for Willas' injury."
"There isn't exactly an abundance of eligible ladies from great houses, and Arianne is a princess as well, though she holds no power over the rest of Westeros."
"Well, Lord Stark has no inclination to marry Sansa off anytime soon, and Mother's pushing for an engagement between her and Joffrey, not that it can be announced before Jaspers, and I do not believe the Martells are going to marry their daughter off to anyone outside of Dorne. You can tell your father that I'm pleading your case, like we always do-"
"There are rumors of your impending engagement to Robbert Stark." Kailyah went quiet for a moment, and Loras arched an eyebrow. "You like him."
"It doesn't matter who I like, you know that." Kailyah sighed. "There are rumors of my engagement with you, and the other day I heard I was apparently being married off to Oberyn Martell to bridge the gap between them and the crown. They change every day."
"That's not going to convince my father."
"I will send you back with him with a gift, or if you'd like I can write to him myself and request that you extend your stay in the capitol. That should convince him to wait."
"For how long? He's received several offers for my hand already, and the King is making it clear he doesn't want any of his children engaged to ours."
"He won't be King for long, and you know Jasper will grant you a place in the Kingsguard once he takes the throne."
"I'm afraid my Father won't wait that long, Kailyah. I don't- I don't want to marry. I don't want to leave Renly." Kailyah's eyes softened, and she squeezed his arm slightly.
She really was close with the youngest Tyrell siblings, as was Jasper. It was by design, she knew very well that Loras and Margery were told to befriend the crown prince and princess upon their first trip to Highgarden, and she had told Jasper that it was important that the Tyrells trusted them before they arrived. Their relationships grew genuine over time, though they all had their own secrets. Jasper was close with all three brothers, though he favored Willas and Garlan, just as Kailyah grew fond of Margery and Loras. They really were the only true friends she had in court, though she kept secrets, knowing that if it bettered her house, Ollena would turn against her.
"I won't let that happen, Loras. I promise."
"I just- I need a plan. I'm not you, I'm not Margery, I'm not my Grandmother. I can't sort through a thousand maybe's, I need some kind of battle plan, an outline."
"Alright, here's the plan. We're going to outlast my Father and your's until my brother takes the throne. Once he does, your Father will turn his attention to Jasper and Margery, and Jasper will be able to offer you a place in the Kingsguard. I will write to your Father tonight to ask him to extend your stay, and hint that we have much to discuss, which should beat him back for a while. And- if all else fails, you and I can marry. We'll live in court, have a few children, and be free to take lovers as we wish. Not a bad outcome, either way. Alright?"
"Alright."
TLR
Robb,
The tourney was rather interesting, this time 'round. Joff won the archers competition, this was his first year competing. I was surprised his head fit through the doors after, it seemed to grow so much, though Father did his very best to beat it down. Jasper had to convince Joff not to joust after. It was easy to convince him after a knight took a bad fall. The Mountain killed a man during the tourney, his lance went through the man's shield and armor. Poor Bran was rather worried for Jasper after it happened, luckily Jas fell to Ser Loras, on the second day of the tourney. Ser Loras ended up the champion, beating even Gregor Clegane. The Mountain was furious, and attacked Ser Loras. Luckily his brother, Sandor, Joffrey's sword shield, interfered until Father demanded they stop. Ser Loras crowned me and Jasper won the melee, though Mother wasn't happy he entered.
Bran seems to be doing well, Jasper says his training is making great progress. He managed to disarm Father's squire, Lancel, in the training yard. He climbed a nearby wall and attacked from above. Jas was very impressed, once he finished laughing. I'm sure Bran will tell you all about it in her next letter.
Arya tells me she adores her new teacher, did your Father tell you of him? Syrio Forel, the first sword of Bravos. Jasper was curious, so he challenged him to a spar, and Syrio won. There are very few men who can disarm my brother in a fair fight, and none so easily. I may have to join Arya in her lessons. He had her chasing cats again yesterday, I believe she discovered some tunnels underneath the castle.
I worry that Marcella may adopt Sansa soon, not a day goes by that they are not together. I almost feel replaced, though Arya's always kind enough to entertain me. I'm becoming quite fond of her as well, I may not give her back. She luckily missed the events at the tourney, busy at her dancing lessons, but I'm afraid Sansa was frightened. Your Father took care of her, he's managing quite well as Hand, he and Jasper are working together often.
I did enter a tourney on our fourteenth nameday under a false name and won. I wore a cloak with the hood up and didn't reveal myself til the end. The crowd went utterly silent, but I was the talk of the courts for months. The look on my Septa's face is something I shall treasure forever. I think you would enjoy the tourney far more than your Father, he skipped the first day. Perhaps you could come south for our name day, I would very much like to see you again.
~Kailyah Baratheon
TLR
"-and then he said 'can you drop part of your arm?' and he called me a boy and a sword and I told him my sword was called 'needle' and we started to spar but he called it a dance and-"
"Shh!" The septa hissed, stopping abruptly and looking away when Kailyah turned to glare at her. They were embroidering with the ladies of court and their sisters, but Arya had been making a mess of her cloth and whispering excitedly about her first 'dancing lesson'. Confident the batty old woman wouldn't interrupt them again, the princess turned back to the youngest Stark.
"So you're enjoying your dancing lessons?" Kailyah asked, smirking when Arya nodded eagerly. Kailyah had put in a lot of work to track down Syrio Forel, the first sword of Bravos. It took time to convince him, and far more coin, but it ended with Arya having a sword master and practically tackling Kailyah, hugging her tightly around the waist and thanking her profusely, while her father watched, amused. "I'm glad. You will become a fierce little warrior, Arya Stark." Kailyah teased, frowning when Arya lost her smile.
"Father says I can't be a warrior. He says I have to be a lady."
"And what's wrong with being a lady?"
"That's not me. I don't want to rule a household and bear sons who can be warriors. I want to be a warrior. I want to be powerful, and strong, and free."
"There's nothing wrong with that, Arya. And you are not the only one who wants that. Many of us want to be more than we are."
"Really?"
"Really. Everyone wants power over themselves and their future. Everyone wants to live their life the way they wish to."
"But we can't."
"I wouldn't say that. The world has made it far more difficult for us, but women can be powerful too."
"They can?"
"Visenya Targaryen conquered the Vale without a single drop of bloodshed. Meria Martell ruled Dorne for 60 years and outsmarted the Targeryens at every turn. She told Rhaenys 'Dorne has no king' knowing there was a dragon just outside and lived to tell the tale. Ollena Tyrell rules Highgarden while allowing her son to believe he does. My Mother has done more ruling in the last twenty years than my Father ever will. I even hear of a high lady who cast aside her dresses for armor and is hoping to become a knight." She tilted Aryas chin up to meet her eyes. "Men's greatest weakness will always be underestimating women. Men can fight their little wars and throw their swords around as much as they want. They can have their armies and their lands and their lords. A single woman can destroy it all, and rule over the ashes they leave behind."
"I don't want to rule anything. I just-" Arya hesitated.
"I know. You don't quite fit into the role the gods cast you in."
"If I were a boy, it wouldn't matter!"
"Boy or girl, it shouldn't matter. What's stopping you from roaming the country as a knight or sailing to Essos to explore, except your own fear?"
"My family."
"If your family truly loves you, they will accept you either way. Highborn lady or the little wild thing you are, or a little bit of both."
"They'll be disappointed."
"You can be disappointed in someone's choices and love them anyway."
"Would you?" Kailyah thought back to her visions- her uncle shoving a ten year old out the window, her brother demanding Lord Stark's head in front of his daughter, her mother blowing up the sept and everyone in it.
"Yes."
"No matter what?"
"No matter what."
TLR
Kailyah,
I would love to see Kings Landing, but there must always be a Stark in Winterfell, especially with the state of things now. We discovered an assassin after Rickon. He seemed a common thug, but he had rather expensive equipment to do the job. He found very quickly that Starks are not to be underestimated, even the young ones. The direwolves got to him before we could question him.
Your Uncle passed through Winterfell, on his way back from the wall. He is riding south with a commander of the Night's Watch toward the capitol.
-Robb Stark
TLR
Robb,
Is Rickon alright, is he injured at all?! Why would someone want to hurt him? Did you see a welders mark on any weapons? If it was expensive, perhaps its maker remembers who they sold it to. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help, and tell Rickon I am glad he's protected. My thoughts and prayers are with you as well as your family.
~Kailyah Baratheon
TLR
Kailyah quickly scanned Robb's letter, before groaning and rubbing her hands over her face. She quickly penned out a response, sending it out with a servant before making her way to her brother's solar. She smiled at Jaime, opening the door and making sure no one was inside before closing it.
"Littlefinger is becoming a problem." Jasper swore, jumping slightly and holding the book he was reading like a shield.
"Why don't the guards ever announce you?" He demanded, glaring at her.
"It's Jaime."
"No, it's Lyonal!"
"Jas, shift change was an hour ago." Kailyah sighed, flopping onto his bed next to him and snatching the book out of his hand.
"Oh." Jasper blinked, glancing out the window to see the sun was setting, before turning to his sister with a sheepish grin. "Oops?"
"Someday, an army is going to storm the castle, and they will walk right up to your door and you won't notice because you're reading-" she glanced at the title. "Dance of the Dragons again?"
"It's a good story!" Jasper argued, snatching it away from her and holding it protectively to his chest.
"Don't you have it memorized by now?"
"Not all of it." Kailyah rolled her eyes and passed him Robb's letter.
"Littlefinger. Problem. Help."
"How do you know it was Baelish- never mind." He shook his head at her raised eyebrows. "He sent someone after Rickon? Why?"
"He wants a war. Last time he sent someone after Bran, and blamed it on the Lannisters."
"And he succeeded." Kailyah hummed, settling into his soft mattress, and her brother arched an eyebrow at her. "What are you going to do about it?"
"I have a few ideas."
"And they are?" Kailyah didn't answer and he sighed. "You're going to kill him."
"He orchestrated Joffrey's death, and nearly had Uncle Tyrion executed, just so he could get the Stark girl to himself. Just so he could get the throne. He's not going to stop." Jasper breathed in slowly. Her brother was kind, and gentle, and everything good in the world, but one thing he and Kailyah had in common was their love for their family.
"How can I help?"
"Perhaps make sure he is at the right place at the right time?"
"I believe I can manage that."
"We can't yet, not until your king."
"Not long then."
"No. Not long."