Catelyn Tully Stark
Kings Landing, 300AC
The capital was exactly as she had remembered it. When she stepped off the ship in the harbour with the towering red form of the Red Keep above her, the air stinking of stale piss and shit and perfume from people walking around to disguise their noses from the stench. Catelyn made sure that her auburn hair was covered with her black scarf, tying it tightly underneath her neck so none would escape, the rest of it braided and tied in a neat bun at the nape of her neck. It had been a very long time since she had last set foot in King's Landing, but nothing had changed other than how incredibly busy it was.
To think three hundred years ago all there was to this place was a singular fortress made of wood and brick. That fortress had been Aegon I base alongside Dragonstone as he planned his conquest across the remaining Kingdom's. Now, where that stood was a giant castle he had commissioned but did not live to see completed, the work being finished by his second son Maegor to Visenya. There were so many secrets to the seat, and no one alive knew about them. The third King of all the Kingdom's killing everyone who had worked on the castle so its secrets would remain hidden. Yet her little girl had found one of its many secrets, and a small pit of pride entered her at this.
Arya had always been an inquisitive child. Wild, but definitely inquisitive. Both her and Bran knew Winterfell inside out. For all she knows, they had found a way to enter the collapsed parts of the crypts below the castle. Her girls and husband were literally a few metres from her currently, but she couldn't see them right now. She is here solely to seek out Varys and to find out his intentions. Nerves were eating her up inside, bringing all her political knowledge to the forefront. This was going to be nothing shy of difficult. If she speaks a single word wrong she may potentially be the catalyst for everything.
She kept her hood down as she walked, already knowing that the man would know she was here. Nothing went past him, ever. Well, apart from one time, but he knew about that now. It was borderline hilarious that Eddard had managed to fool the Spider with the truth. And would've continued to do so had Jon not blurted it out at Castle Black where a brother spent a night with a whore in Mole's Town who happened to be one of his birds. No word had been sent from Robb in regards to it, but he didn't have much say in that matter as much as it bothered her. The brother's fate was now solely up to Jeor Mormont and whoever else ran the shots there. Knowing their vows, he was probably executed. Although she doubted Jon thought about that part yet.
Aye, it was true he was learning quickly and was proving to be a capable player. But a capable player isn't going to win the game. Catelyn stopped at some stalls along the way to get some food into her, not wanting to chance getting some in an inn considering she was very recognisable. Tully colouring was rare outside of her family, and there was no doubting she would stick out like a sore thumb. With this thought, she pulled her scarf around her head more, using it both as a disguise and as a way to ward off the beating sun above her. Heat was nothing new to her considering the Riverland's usually had decent weather, but it was nothing in comparison to the Crownland's. Right now, Jon would be heading towards Starfall, probably well on his way to Lannisport by now. At least he'd be getting a couple of thousand men behind him there considering there were people there who were in on it.
This angered her slightly, that Ned had made them aware of the truth more than a decade before she had been told. But perhaps they already did as they were involved in it all. Ashara being one of Elia's Ladies in Waiting and Arthur being a part of the Kingsguard her own cousin was the Lord Commander of. Well, technically Oswell had been her mother's cousin, but she still considered him as such. He'd taken the position when she was still a little girl and didn't remember him much. But the few memories she held of him were pleasant. It ate away at her that it may have been Ned who struck the killing blow on him. If it were a simple fight then there was no doubt he would have stepped aside and let someone else take him down as their marriage did make him related to the Knight, but it wasn't a simple fight.
It was a fight to the death, seven against three, where only three walked away alongside a baby that had been born minutes beforehand. A baby that was the epitome of rebellion. His parents being the ones who caused it all, and now said baby nearing his seventeenth name-day preparing to make his claim. Ned didn't speak much about what had happened that fateful day, but she knew enough of it to piece it together to gain an understanding. They were desperate, and when someone is desperate values get lost. But what's done is done, it was nearly two decades ago now. A time where the realm had relatively been at peace other than Balon Greyjoy deciding to pull a Harren Hoare. Well, if that ever happened again there was no doubting her nephew would pull an Aegon the conqueror on him. When she had received the raven confirming Rhaegon and Lyrax were a little larger than horses that was what she expected when he took her to see them on her second day in Greywater Watch. But what he had really meant was their bodies were that size. Taking in their long necks and tails, they were considerably larger.
Perhaps within the year.
That was what he had said to her when she had asked him about the timing aspect of everything, and it was now into the year 301AC. It would be poetic if he came out victorious considering it would mark exactly three hundred years since the Targaryen's sailed from Dragonstone to settle on a patch of land that would eventually rise into the huge city she was currently in. Thoughts were whisked from her brain as she bit into her mutton pie which was spiced with paprika, parsley, cumin, and something else she couldn't put her finger on. A few people turned to her but she refused to look at them in fear of them recognising her. The only person who should be recognising her would be Varys. The Keep was nearby now and she allowed her face to be shown for a few seconds before looking to the ground again, knowing one of the man's little birds would be nearby. The city is crawling with them, as is most of the continent as a whole. It wouldn't be a surprise if there were some beyond the Wall that was how extensive the network was.
Just like she suspected, she spotted a little boy 'drop' his bucket of apples before leaning down to pick them up and run down an alleyway. Clever, make it look like he was walking away in defeat of losing his precious fruit. Now, it was only a matter of time before he sent someone to summon her. Catelyn sat down on a bench just beside one of the walls surrounding the city, with the red castle towering ominously high above her. By now, she had finished her pie, quickly wiping away any juices that were sitting on her lips and took in everything around her. It was so boxed in, almost feeling like it were a cell. One with an open top with plenty of things to do, but a cell nonetheless. Something all the southern cities had in common. Even Lannisport had walls on the western border but that could possibly be as a defence mechanism against the Ironborn. The same could be said for Oldtown to an extent although they rarely went so far south.
But even Gulltown was the same. Yes, it had a population only a little higher than White Harbour did, but due to its proximity to Essos it's commonly seen as one of the main port cities in Westeros. What did they need walls to defend from? From those fighting over the disputed lands between Myr, Tyrosh, and Lys? Possible, but not likely. She had been lost in her thoughts for a while and when she looked to her clasped hands she spotted a delicately folded piece of parchment that had not been there before. Carefully, she opened it, taking note of there being no sigil on the seal other than a simple circle, and read over it. A small smile tugging at the corner of her cherry red lips that it had worked. Now, she had to wait for people to be distracted before heading in the directions that were scribbled on it.
Catelyn did not know the capital well, but the diagram seemed simple enough to follow. The moment the woman sitting at the bench in front of her turned away to speak to someone walking by, she seized her chance. Tugging the scarf around her head and tucking a piece of auburn hair that had fallen from her bun inside to keep on the low. It was obvious the area she was being directed to was that inhabited by the very wealthy of the city, possibly those who had high positions in the castle or were some of the most ludicrous traders. Buildings spanning four floors high with balconies overlooking everything down below. Doors inlaid with gold and too many gemstones for her to name or count. The finer things in life were not new to her, her House probably had more gold than the whole street combined, but it set dread a little in her.
The scribbled directions detailed to look for a house that had a small Sept attached to it, a stable to the side which housed the finest horse breeds from Vaes Dothrak when whoever owned the place had traded there. Dothraki did not agree with money, but instead with gifts. And the only thing they could gift in bountiful amounts were horses and gold. She'd been walking for perhaps ten minutes when she noticed the bright white of the Sept with seven columns surrounding it. Only standing around fifty feet but clearly being modelled off the Great Sept that had been built atop Visenya's hill at the opposite side of the city. There was a small alleyway and she quickly turned down it, making sure nobody was watching her. From here she was told there would be an old door where there was an abandoned room that had apparently been used to hide stowaways during the numerous civil wars that had occurred throughout the years.
Once she had found it, she walked inside and closed it behind her. Inside, it looked and felt more like a cell than the city itself. A staircase to the side which had torches aligning it, confirming this was where she was to go. Nerves were eating her up inside as she done so, thinking this was a trap of some kind, silently cursing herself for agreeing to this. But it had to be her, anyone else would've been far too obvious. There was an abrupt turn at the end which took her off guard but the room she walked into almost caused her jaw to drop. Surrounding her, were dozens of dragon skulls. And there standing in the centre of them all, was the Spider. Wearing his characteristic robes made from Myrish silk, this time in a pale lavender colour. His hands and face powdered to a point he looked like a corpse. His hair shaved completely like usual, and with pink silken shoes that made no sound whatsoever when he moved.
"Magnificent, aren't they? They're King Robert's most prized possession. Ironic isn't it?"
She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of agreeing with said statement. But it couldn't be denied. It was ironic that the one thing that made the Targaryen's great were the prized possession of the man who was at the forefront of said family's downfall. Catelyn did not trust him in the slightest, him making her feel like she had gnats crawling all over her. That was a feeling she knew well, the Riverland's were crawling with the creatures. It was rare to go out for a walk for longer than ten minutes without feeling like one was being eaten alive by them.
"And your nephew has two, I believe? Rhaegon and Lyrax, correct?"
By now, she was stood beside him, staring at them with terrified wonder coating her features. She'd thought Jon's were large, but they were babies in comparison with some of these.
"Not much of a talker are we, Catelyn Tully Stark?"
Her lips tightened at this, understanding he was trying to get a reaction out of her. Nose wrinkling a little at the sickly sweet scent coating the man beside her, very much like she had stuck her head into a vat filled with freshly made caramel.
"What do you plan to do with the information, my Lord?"
"Ah, there's that sharp Tully tongue I know. It all depends on this conversation. We are a few minutes away from the castle if you know where to go, I'm sure the Queen would take massive delight in taking you hostage so her father can get here from Casterly Rock."
She always knew this man was a master at subtleties, and the fact his threat was not veiled there confirmed he was trying to tell her something. His words span in her head for a little before figuring out he did not mention the King.
"And King Robert wouldn't?"
"I'm afraid the king has gone on a hunting trip and has left your husband to stand in as an unofficial regent until he returns. The Queen was furious by this, even more so because in her eyes it insults her family. She is her father's daughter after all."
At these words, her eyes closed as she let out a frustrated sigh. That she was unaware of, and she knew Ned would be struggling. He was able to handle the North well but handling the entirety of Westeros?
"Alas, it won't be long before the King returns, I suspect it will be within the month. It takes a few days to ride to the Kingswood anyway, even more so for him as his horse can barely handle him. If track records go, he will not call an end to the hunt until he had gotten at least ten bucks, twice as many boar, and three times as many pheasants. He'll use the game for his next grand feast that will be held to honour his daughter's tenth name-day no doubt."
This calmed her down somewhat, but it did little to answer her question. He was dancing around it like a dancer avoiding a floor covered with sharpened knives stood upright. And an idea came to her mind, tell a part of the truth.
"Rhaegon and Lyrax are roughly twice the size of war horses, they were barely the size of newborn kittens when they hatched. I knew there was a chance for them to do so, but I didn't expect for it to happen, nor did Jon."
It had the desired effect as she spotted the single moment of alarm in his eyes. Clearly shocked they were already as large as they were. Probably expecting them to be much smaller. However, it was only there for a split second before returning to cold and emotionless like before. Be clever Cat, she did not spend so much time with her uncle before his infamous fight with his father for nothing.
"You know, they say every time a Targaryen is born- "
"The Gods toss a coin and see if it lands on madness or greatness. I am aware of the saying, my Lord."
A tiny laugh left the man at this, clearly amused by something. But what she couldn't say.
"Why did you not tell the King and Queen? Considering you found out the truth months ago?"
"I do not serve any King or Queen, my Lady. I serve the realm, the people, and those trodden on by the High Lords for their own selfish needs. If I told them then the crown proclaims war on the North. Through your marriage the Riverland's will stand with the North and proclaim war right back. As an accomplice would say, chaos is a ladder."
At these words, she felt a chill run through her like no other. And it wasn't the words that did it, it was the truth of the words that did it. If there is so much going on, focus is lost on numerous things, anyone can take said mantles onto their own shoulders. Eventually getting to a point where to an extent they are considered a High Lord themselves. Then on and on the cycle goes.
"Also, with what your sister has recently done and with Stannis fleeing the city, I'd imagine things will happen soon that will be unprecedented."
Confusion wracked through her at this, what had her sister done? She hadn't heard anything about her since that letter arrived pinning Tywin Lannister buying Tears of Lys.
"I'm guessing you haven't heard yet? I would've been surprised if you had honestly. Your sister sent ravens to all the Lord Paramount's alongside the Crown stating that she was getting justice for her husbands murder. The imp decided to travel to the Vale for some reason I'm unaware of and she sent men to seize him. As we speak, he is being held in one of the famous sky cells of the Eyrie."
Now, she took a few steps back, horror written all over her face. Not even attempting to hide her emotions currently. What in seven hells were you doing Lysa? Her sister had always been impulsive and did what she wanted without thinking of the consequences. Remembering a time her father had brought rock candy from one of his trips once. There wasn't much of it, enough for a handful each as it wasn't a common sweet, and Lysa had taken hers. Being eleven name-days herself at the time, she had stomped into her sisters room and demanded she give it back. And instead of owning up to it she had gone running to her father claiming that she had stolen hers and not the other way around which led to her getting a bruise across her backside. She hadn't spoken to her for days afterwards. When Hoster had overheard Lysa talking about it to herself, he'd taken numerous things off her which had her shrieking so loud she could hear it from the opposite end of the corridor. The next time her father had gotten some of the treat, he had made sure to not give any to her younger sister which only angered her more.
"Your father is expected to make a response soon in relation to the allegation, but it has not been sent yet. If I were you, Lady Stark, I'd get on the fastest ship possible to Gulltown and ride fast for the Eyrie."
With these words, he turned around to the bend which led to the room above. She followed close behind him, not wanting to get lost in these tunnels as she doubted she would find a way out. Her dress was covered in dust at the bottom, but right now she did not care about that. Her heart was beating so hard in her chest it felt like it was going to burst out of her skin any moment now. If letters had been sent to all the Lord Paramount's, it probably meant that Robb was considering calling the banners, something he could not do just now. It was far too early. Once they were out in the open, words came to her mind and before she could stop herself, she spoke.
"Fires burn red, that is true. However, they also burn black. Red can be black, and black can be red."
She wasn't going to show her satisfaction at seeing the incredibly uncomfortable look on the Eunuch's face at these words, clearly understanding what she meant. This meant that Ned had not cornered him yet with the knowledge, which gives them wiggle room. He knew she was supporting her nephew taking the throne, and he now knew that they knew he was hiding a boy as a Blackfyre. Or perhaps he was a Blackfyre descendent, not a theory that could be ruled out as it was only the male line that was exterminated. Hopefully Jon does well in Dorne and Howland was able to bring over the Velaryon's. The latter was the most likely considering their shared kinship, but not a definite. It wouldn't surprise her if Monford suggested a betrothal between Monterys and Arya. They were of a similar age after all.
Catelyn had wanted to see Ned during her visit, but with what she had just been told she knew she had to move quickly. The pieces were moving, and she was not going to let herself be an unforgettable pawn. She is a Tully by birth and a Stark by marriage. The docks soon came into view and she paid her fare to get on to the one headed for Seaguard via Gulltown. A smaller ship, one that could easily wind through the river from the eastern city to the western Seat of the Mallister's. She could get off halfway and ride west where if her calculations were correct, she would be met with her father's men on the road to the Eyrie.
Jaeron Targaryen
Starfall, 300AC
Dorne was both everything and nothing like he had imagined it would be. He'd grown up hearing of their culture and how they were incredibly similar to the North in this aspect. Of how all had olive coloured skin and dark eyes and dark hair. How they were fiercely proud of their roots and incredibly loyal. With hundreds of buildings built up from sandstone that had been delicately carved hundreds and possibly thousands of years before. It was common knowledge that Dorne really came onto the map when Queen Nymeria of the Rhoyne settled here with her ten thousand people escaping from the Valyrian's of old.
Jaeron was proud to call himself part-Valyrian, but there were some aspects of it that left little to desire. Slavery for one- something he completely disagreed with. Of how forty families decided they wanted all the wealth for themselves and decided how it was only them who could bond with a dragon and no one else. That they decided to be selfish about it by practising incest for thousands of years. Plus, they were a violent lot of what is written in history is to be believed. But they had taken over a huge portion of Essos and even Dragonstone so far west. If the Doom hadn't occurred, there was a very high chance that Westeros would've been added to the empire of the Freehold.
Alas, the mages eventually lost control over the fourteen flames which started the cataclysmic event which ended the dynasty. Where only a handful of families made it out alive. Some had tried to go back assuming they could rebuild but were never seen again. Some disappeared to Sothoryos. Now, there were only three families left that were known to have been descended from them. Aye, there were people who had Valyrian blood but from escaped slaves or lesser Houses, then there were the tens of thousands of bastards that had been produced throughout their reign of conquest. He doesn't want to be like that, doesn't want to be a conqueror. Hell, he doesn't even want to be a ruler, but that is the path he's heading for and he has to accept it sooner rather than later.
He had been here for a few days now, trying to think of a way to stop the shitstorm that is coming whilst also remaining under the radar. Deep down, he knew he was going to need to come forward soon, but the timing did not seem right just now. Especially because he only has two Kingdom's to his back and one lesser House. It's certainly doable with what is happening, but not a certainty either. Moving so quickly was odd to him, having remained idle for what felt like years. And to think in a measly six weeks it will mark exactly a year since he was told the truth. It did not seem like that at all, feeling like it had both been yesterday and a lifetime ago. He's fully accepted it now, but doubt was always going to cloud his mind no matter what.
At least he didn't need to hide it here. A dozen people in Starfall had been entrusted with the information. Allyria was lovely, her nature very much reminding him of Sansa, however she had the tongue of Arya. He missed them, massively so. And to think they were only a fortnight away from them by ship only increased this. Apparently from Eddard's letters, Sansa was beginning to open up to him, but had not switched yet like the others had. He knew Catelyn was supporting him, and Robb had all but bent the knee to him already. Something he was startled with at first as at the time, he was still coming to terms with everything. Yet seemingly as soon as he had done so, it had all kicked off.
First, there was the pact which completely and irrevocably rips the continent in half- literally. The north is the same size as the other Kingdom's combined. Then there was Varys knowing about him, Arya unintentionally snooping and finding out there was someone pretending to be a Blackfyre and had recruited the Golden Company through this. Then there was his aunt roaming through the Dothraki Sea somewhere. Then there was the news of the Prince's and Princess. And to top it off with a cherry Lysa had taken Tyrion. Catelyn had been uncertain about getting the Vale through her, but this single act made it blatantly obvious he was not getting the Arryn's on his side. There is a possibility for the Royce's considering they do have a weak kinship from a marriage long ago, and they did originate from the First Men much like he did. Out of all the southern Houses, the Royce's and Blackwood's were always said to be the most northern. The same as the Manderly's were always seen as southerners despite having lived in the North for hundreds of years.
"Your Grace?"
Jaeron snapped his head up at this to be met with Edric. The Lord of Starfall was very young and technically had to have a regent for a further three years before he took over as the official Lord. Despite this, over the last few days he had proven to be rather intelligent. Those two words didn't seem right to him, but Arthur had began to drum it into him that if he's going to go for it then he needs to act like it and not like an indecisive little boy. The honourifics was only ever used amongst those who were in on it, but it didn't ease his hesitance over the title.
"Yes, my Lord?"
The young boy looked to the ground for a split second before looking him directly in the eye. Purple meeting purple. It had been explained to him that it was through Dyanna's parents which solidified the gene with them. The Dayne's hadn't always had purple eyes, but when those two had wed, it carried on. Two sides of the family having the characteristic. It was interesting getting to know their history, even more so as Dyanna had been Aemon's mother. They were kin to one another. Granted, it was six generations back, but kin nonetheless.
"My uncle has requested to speak to you, as has my aunt. They've got a suggestion for the agreement with the Velaryon's."
His eyebrows raised marginally at this, only noticeable if someone had been looking for it, before nodding gently. Giving him permission to allow them inside. It was a little amusing to him, to see a boy of thirteen boss around the Sword of the Morning like he were the disobedient child, and he knew he was going to use this to jape with him in the future to ease the tension that comes with planning a war. Soon, both walked inside and sat down in front of him. Allyria had arranged a room which had a study attached to it so he could be left to his own devices.
"We have a suggestion for the hostage swap. Aurane has agreed to it on our end, but one for them to solidify it is still needed."
It was Allyria who spoke, her words clipped and straight to the point. Despite how soft her voice was, her nature was the opposite. A fierce woman indeed. Jaeron nodded at her, giving her silent permission to speak on her suggestion. They'd been discussing it for weeks and had yet to come up with one that was plausible, and he couldn't deny he was a little relieved that they had figured someone out.
"Theon Greyjoy."
Just like that, he leaned back in surprise and his lips tightened at the name. The heir of the Iron Islands a hostage with the Velaryon's? What benefit would that give? His confusion must've been obvious as Arthur snorted a little his way. At this, he made sure to wipe his face clean of emotion as he looked at them both expectantly.
"Theon is already a hostage to the Stark's. Passing around hostages is a common technique to gain allies. If you send him there, this will force Balon to at the least remain neutral- best case to join with us. Unlikely, but still the possibility is there. This would then keep one Kingdom at bay which then leaves you with the other eight. Two of which are immediately going to follow you, which leaves six. By sending him to Driftmark where said House that resides there has an excellent fleet, it works both ways. He could get some information on them to help with his own House, you solidify the terms of the pact, and technically you wouldn't be going against Robert Baratheon's orders."
His words span around in his head for a few minutes, understanding dawning on him. This made a lot of sense, but it then meant they'll need to bring him into it somewhat. And due to their proximity to the capital, that could be catastrophic.
"If we did then we would need to at least bring him in to a part of it. Can I really trust a hostage being passed around who is such a prized possession to his own House? He's the only male heir of the Greyjoy line. All his brothers were killed in his father's stupid rebellion."
"You don't need to tell him anything. White lies come in handy from time to time, this being one of them."
He turned to Allyria once more, the calm expression on her face immediately calming him down. Jaeron knew he was getting worked up but it was difficult to contain it. Something he was still working on. He placed his elbows on the desk and leaned forward just slightly to show his interest.
"You're bringing the Velaryon's into it on a 'trade agreement' officially. When such agreements go ahead, someone is always sent to oversee it. Sending him to do so makes it look as though Robb trusts him enough, which will further placate his father. It would also placate him as it would make him think he's better than a hostage. Plus, you did say in passing a couple of days prior the man is good with his numbers. This would help massively with the logistical side of the agreement. He'd be a swapped hostage without ever knowing it."
Jaeron could've kissed her at that, but he wasn't going to do so. Arthur had stated that even though the Dornish usually kept out of the politics of the other Kingdom's, they were a knowledgeable bunch. And this just proved it. And they were correct with it not looking suspicious to Robert Baratheon as there was nothing in the agreement that he would be a hostage only for the Stark's. Someone that valuable could be used.
"I shall mull it over and send a raven to my cousin by nightfall. Thank you for your suggestion. Ser, could you stay behind please?"
Allyria understood the dismissal and left the room, leaving them alone.
"Did she think of that herself?"
"Mostly. A lot of people look down on her due to us being a smaller House and especially her being female. Not to mention her being the youngest out of us all. Being an underdog has its benefits. Now, what would you like to discuss?"
Jaeron allowed a small nod of appreciation to overcome him, making sure to remember that. It was true, there was no denying that. He's potentially the biggest underdog in the game currently, and that's only with a couple of dozen in on it. His siblings, Catelyn, Eddard, Maester Luwin, the Reed's, the Velaryon's, those in the Night's Watch, the Dayne's, and then Varys. So far it's knowledge, but contained knowledge. It's when the canister finally opens that it will be a shitstorm.
"I've been thinking hard on the repercussions of Lysa taking Tyrion and what this means for us in a political manner."
Arthur sat back at this, his eyebrows furrowing ever so slightly as a small gesture to continue. Clearly wanting to challenge him.
"If I do go ahead with trying to bring them into it, this openly shows support for the North alongside the Vale with the other Kingdom's. The Westerland's especially. Aye, said Kingdom is blocked off by the Riverland's, but there are ports between all as they are coastal. We cannot risk going into rebellion right now, it's way too soon. However, if we don't join in, it looks bad because she is kin to us through my aunt and uncle's marriage. This gives us the option of neutrality as our best bet, which may make it harder down the line when I do make the claim. It will look like I used it to my advantage and possibly look like it was staged for me to gain an upper hand. I cannot risk something like that when Tywin Lannister is alive. Winterfell cannot be a repeat of Castamere."
The younger took a deep breath before glancing to his notes for a split second before continuing.
"The ravens arrived a fortnight ago, so I'd imagine people are aware of what she has done. Aye, Tyrion is a dwarf, but he is a Lannister. That name commands a lot of fear and respect. It will show the royal family is weak which puts the Crownland's and Westerland's against the Vale, possibly the Stormland's too due to Cersei and Robert's marriage. We need to find a way for her to release Tyrion, but this will prove tricky. She's done it because she's convinced his family killed her husband. That's why my uncle accepted the Hand position, so he could find more out. It's clear the man died because he found out about the Prince's and Princess, but it isn't clear on who done it exactly. As far as I'm aware, the only evidence there is to the accusation is that Tywin was spotted buying Tears of Lys- "
"That's a load of bullshit. That man is callous but he's anything but careless. He gets other people to do his dirty work for him."
Deep down, a part of him had thought this for a long time too. He just never voiced it openly. It seemed suspicious, too suspicious.
"We need to know what evidence she has. The one piece that's been released just does not add up. However, I've possibly figured something else out. I told you about how I'd saw a hand when Bran fell from that tower, didn't I?"
The older nodded, silently asking for a further explanation.
"When my aunt went to investigate the scene, she found a clump of curly blonde hair. No one in Winterfell has that type of hair which logically meant it was someone in the King's party. But most of them went off on the hunt or were whoring and drinking in Wintertown. But there was one person I know for certain did not do either of these and hadn't been seen. Queen Cersei, and Ser Jaime hadn't been seen either."
The evidence was strictly circumstantial at the moment, but it fit too perfectly into the timeline. Neither of the pair had been seen, and both had curly blonde hair unlike their younger brother. Then an assassin sent after Bran... He must've saw them coupling. The thought almost made him vomit on the spot, but he managed to contain it. He has no right to complain about said pairings considering a lot of his ancestors were brother-sister marriages.
"You think he saw them together, then tried to kill him to silence him, and when it failed sent an assassin after him."
The stunned tone in Arthur's voice was enough to put it into perspective for him.
"Aye, I do. I've no proof of it of course, but it fits too well. I'm not going to go around screaming it from the rooftops or anything. This combined with everything else going on means I need to do something else. Make a big move."
A glint appeared in the Knight's eyes at this as he leaned forward intently. Jaeron licked his lips before leaning forward as well, trying his best to hide his hammering heart over what he was about to say.
"How long does it take to get to Sunspear by ship from Starfall, Ser?"