Jaeron Targaryen

On route from Sunspear to Greywater Watch, 300AC

The ship back to Greywater Watch felt like it was taking months on end. When in reality, it would only take about a week at most. The ship they had been provided at Starfall was one of the fastest they had, and this was made obvious as they passed the nearby peninsula beside Sunspear within a couple of hours. He had only been in the castle that had stood for who knows how long for about the same amount of time, but that felt quick in comparison. However, when they passed the eastern shore of the Stormland's, it had seemed like days had passed.

They had mostly avoided the Stepstones which was probably a good thing considering their reputation. Numerous pirates fought there, and multiple people style themselves rulers of the isles in question. Where if the Northern tales were true, the Children had broken the arm of Dorne to stop the First Men coming through as his ancestors waged their bloody war against the ancient creature now long extinct. Along the way, they passed places he'd only ever read about, and he would be lying if he said he didn't feel like a giddy child.

Tarth- nicknamed the sapphire isle due to the blue of its waters. A statement that was proven true as at times Jaeron could've sworn he could see the bottom of the sea. Multiple creatures underneath he had only ever seen drawings of in books. Numerous fish, sea snakes (or eels as Arthur called them, stating on the side they apparently tasted good), starfish, jellyfish. The list went on and on and he felt like a little child being told he could have as many sweets as he liked. Around the coast until they were at the Crownland's, Blackwater Bay opening far and wide. It stunned him that the capital lay there, as did the famous Red Keep and the even more notorious Iron Throne. Despite wanting nothing to do with a crown, he couldn't deny he was beginning to get angsty about it.

But it was when they passed two large isles that he was left awed. A part of him had wanted to ask the captain to dock so he could walk around Driftmark and Dragonstone, but he had managed to bite his tongue. He was only meant to go to Starfall, and he knew he was going to be in for an earful from Howland for going off to Sunspear to broker talks with the Martell's. Something he was not looking forward to. Howland was calm in nature, but he had found out the hard way those who were terrifyingly calm were a lot scarier than someone who was yelling at oneself. Eddard was much the same as him, and he understood why they had become such firm friends at Harrenhal, but the man he called father did have a bite when he was angry. Wolf blood does run strong in the Stark's, but it was rare to see it from some of them.

However, the captain did grant him one boon. By sailing around his ancestral Seat so he could see the castle in full view. Just thinking that Stannis Baratheon was currently residing within those walls made him angry. But he couldn't hold much resentment for the man, remembering his aunt's words to him when she had come down to Greywater Watch to speak to him. Family before duty, and duty before honour. Stannis had a duty to his brother who was the Lord Paramount of the Stormland's, and this duty compelled him to support the campaign. He wondered where the man's allegiance would lay when he found out the duty he had lost men to protect, had almost starved doing so during a siege led by the Tyrell's, was nothing but a lie? He shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts before taking in the architecture.

The Valyrian's of the Freehold were famous for their use of dragon flame. Hotter than regular flame to the point it melted stone, and they had used this well. Fusing numerous blocks together to create one single large slab of the material which they built the castle from. The stone turning a midnight shade upon being scorched, standing a couple of hundred feet tall with its many towers. Dozens of gargoyles of interesting creatures guarding the walls. Two massive carvings of dragon heads at the entrance. Seeing this made him excited to see his own again alongside Ghost. He hadn't felt like himself since leaving them, and he wondered how much they had grown. The last time he had seen them, the dragons had been larger than horses and Ghost came to his elbows.

Along the way, they also passed Claw Isle, Gulltown, Runestone, the Fingers. Each one of them igniting a portion of his brain to yearn for more. Wondering what it would be like to go riding through the nearby towns, speak to the people, get to know their ways of life. By the time they reached the Three Sisters, it truly felt like a month had gone by. Every day he would wake up to watch the sunrise, they would break their fast on freshly caught fish from the waters they were sailing on, discuss tactics for an hour or so, and then train. Until his body ached so badly he felt like he could collapse any second. Despite this, Arthur pushed him on and on, and signs were beginning to show with it.

Where he had previously been using his left hand more as a scapegoat in case he got caught off guard with his dominant hand, he was now using it almost to the same extent. Swings still coming off a little underpowered but all in the correct placements. According to his Kingsguard, it should only take a few more weeks to hone in on his strength with that side. Then every night, he would watch the sun set below the horizon. When the mainland came into his sight again, he had been glad. Despite being on ships a few times in the last few weeks, Jaeron had decided he hated being on them. It took him nearly three days to find his sea legs every time and he wondered how people could do this frequently. Remembering Theon constantly talking about how he was on a ship from the moment he could walk. Well, until his father had rebelled against the other Kingdom's and lost all his other sons in the process.

By now, Theon would be well on his way to Driftmark, but he knew he was not going to be happy about it. Hopefully Robb was able to play off the ruse well. He'd never been the best liar, and the heir of the Iron Islands was close to him when they were children. The younger always having a wary feeling about him but Robb always brushed him off on it.

"We will be docking at Drasea within the hour. You had best get ready, Marlon and Leron."

It was weird hearing that name again. And he had been annoyed about smearing that brown paste through his hair once more, but they need to remain on the low. Arthur Dayne was a very well known face, a face everyone apart from a select few believed to have fallen seventeen years prior. There weren't many belongings which he was glad about, checking on their horses below deck to make sure they weren't spooked or anything. Despite not being on deck, he could feel the ship docking and it momentarily caused him to lose his balance. Quickly untying both animals and leading them up so they could step onto the land. The moment his foot touched the grass, his head felt like it was spinning.

"How far away are we, Ser?"

Arthur fixed the reigns on his own mount before they both climbed on, looking to the young man beside him he had sworn to be his King.

"An hour I'd say. Drasea is one of the main trading towns of the Neck. It's where Torghen gets his bows from. Wouldn't surprise me if we bump into him actually."

He smiled a little at this, oddly excited to see the man again. He wouldn't go as far as to say they were friends, but they got along well and he did offer sound advice. Plus, he was a formidable opponent when it came to sparring. Something he loved. There is no way to improve if oneself is constantly kept to doing the same task. All a person does then is hone in on one particular skill and nothing else. A few people turned to look at them, some waving at Arthur as they recognised him. Both had stopped at a nearby stream to rinse the brown paste from their hair which he was happy about because it stank. If they were going to allude to having different hair colours they may as well just dye it. It wasn't uncommon to do so, remembering Wylla Manderly and her bright green hair.

Like Arthur had said, they had soon reached one of the piers where a boat was waiting, knowing Jojen had probably warged in to his animal to be on the lookout for them. Someone came up to take their mounts before making the short trip to the island the castle was situated on. A feeling of home sinking in for him. Winterfell would always be his home, but Greywater Watch was beginning to feel like one too after spending so many months here. Howland and Jyana were awaiting them on the shores, the Lord giving him a stern glare but he refused to break in front of him. Keeping his face completely blank like he had taught him. From the tiny smile on the others face, he knew he was glad he had mastered that part. It took him weeks to train him to be able to do so. Stepping on to the island in question and a feeling overcame him, almost causing him to topple over. Almost feeling like there was a wave surging through him. Arthur gave him a weird look at this but before he could think he was running.

Howland simply shook his head in amusement at him, probably knowing what it was already with his green sight. He could hear Arthur mumbling curses underneath his breath as he tried to keep up with him. It was probably an amusing sight. One of the most recognisable Knight's chasing after someone only seventeen name-days. Quickly allowing the drawbridge to come down to connect to the opposite island and making his way over there. That feeling came back in full force again but this time he felt like his entire body was tingling. What was this? He soon got his answer as he made his way to the large clearing behind the abandoned storehouse where they had remained when they were still hatchlings. Feeling air beating down on him from above. His gaze turning towards the sky and being shocked over just how large they had gotten. They'd been much larger than horses the last time he had seen them which was two months ago now. But they had seemingly doubled in size.

Bright silver came into his line of vision first, the sunlight from above hitting off them and lighting up the trees surrounding him. Deep blue following not long after. When they landed, the ground shook slightly as he took them both in. Their horns had fully grown in now, and there were spikes aligning their spines that had only been stubs coming out of the skin when he had left. Claws being almost a foot in length and he could see just how sharp they were. Jaeron didn't turn to look at Arthur once, being too entranced by the view in front of him as he steadily reached a hand out. Rhaegon moved his large head over to it, he could feel the heat coming from him. Fire made flesh, something his ancestors had always referred to them as. Only now spotting swirls of black on his face too which he was sure had not been there before. And when his hand finally touched the dragons snout, he felt the pieces click into place. That feeling growing stronger until he felt like he was floating himself. It didn't last for long though as both leaped into the sky again to go wherever they were before. Looking to the ground, then to his hand, and finally turning back to face Arthur, seeing the Reed family there as well. All had wide eyes over what they had just witnessed.

"Did-"

"He just bonded with me."

He cut off the Knight who now looked as though his eyes were about to burst out of their sockets. The weight of his words didn't sink in straight away but when they did, he paused in his step. Breath beginning to come fast and sharp as fear gripped him in a way it never had before.

"Come, a raven arrived from your aunt this morning. We haven't opened it yet as we knew you were due to arrive in a couple of hours."

His eyebrows creased slightly before wiping his face of emotion and following the family up. Jojen was once again just staring at him. How did he go so long without needing to blink? It was both impressive and terrifying at the same time. Meera on the other hand was practically skipping in her step over what she had just witnessed. Soon, they were in Howland's quarters, him asking a maid to send for Aurane, only remembering now the man was here. Nerves beginning to enter him at this. The parchment was slid over to him and like Howland said, the seal had not been broken. Catelyn's personal seal on it which was rarely used and confirmed it was definitely her, seeing it had come from the Eyrie. What was she doing in the Eyrie? She should be back in Winterfell by now. He cracked it open to read it, some of his nerves leaving him as he read. The others were waiting with baited breath over what it contained.

"She heard from Varys what her sister done, and she made him aware of what we know about this boy posing as a Blackfyre but not much else on it. Upon hearing that she got off at Maidenpool and rode hard for the Eyrie to get there before her father's men did. Both she and Ser Brynden managed to talk Lady Lysa into allowing a trial and Tyrion has walked away cleared of all charges."

Arthur let out a small sigh of relief at this. This was something that had been playing on their minds for a long time. Neither had much time to think on this though as the door opened and an older man walked in, and anyone would be able to tell who he was. White-silver hair coming to his elbows with a couple parts of it braided to keep it from his face, sharp but delicate facial features, looked much younger than he really was, and with piercing purple eyes. Much alike his own and being a couple of shades lighter than Arthur's. Their eyes connected and he could see the recognition in Aurane's face. He had known his father, had grown up with him since they were young boys. People had told him multiple times by now that he looked a lot like his sire in the face, and from his reaction he knew that was definitely the case.

"It is wonderful to meet you, your Grace."

He bowed his head lowly in respect, ignoring the way his gut recoiled at the use of the title. Jaeron knew Howland was about to chew him out but he had to remain ahead of him currently.

"Dorne have agreed to stay out of any wars. I didn't expect anything better than this truthfully, but its less armies for the Lannister's to recruit which will help massively. My cousin has already sworn to me as has my aunt, combined that's a force nearing thirty thousand. Combining this with Ser Arthur's House's armies, it's a formidable force. Not the largest, but I have the biggest wildcard of all. Two dragons, one of which has just bonded with me a matter of minutes ago and is possibly large enough to mount now."

Nobody spoke a word after this, knowing what this meant. Ever since they had hatched and he had decided to go for it, he said he wouldn't do so until they were large enough to ride. He placed his hands against the wood and stood as still as he could before saying the fated words.

"It's time we get the truth out with fire and blood."

Eddard Stark

Kings Landing, 300AC

When the raven arrived from the Eyrie, a huge wave of relief overcame him. Anxiety had been working its way into his bones, something that was only amplified as the Queen had been giving him glares the entire time he was here. Had even gone to the extent of trying to have him removed from the small council. At least, until Lord Renly had stated that as Robert's Hand, he had the same amount of power as the King just without the title. Eddard doubted he had ever seen such a level of calm fury before in his life on a person as he did on Cersei Lannister at the remark.

There had still been little to no communication from anyone in his family, and he was getting wary. Something big must be happening for them to be remaining so tight lipped. Robb was never someone who kept things from him, Catelyn even less so other than when they had first wed considering they had met for the first time when they were speaking their vows in the Sept at Riverrun. But today, good news had come. A scout on the walls confirmed that the King's party was arriving back which he was glad about. Ruling was not his forte, and he wondered why anyone would want to be in such a position of power. Power is such a small word but one that can corrupt even the best person if not treaded lightly enough.

Now, he understood why Robert had turned out the way he was now. His height had always been impressive but his bulging muscles had since withered away and replaced with numerous layers of fat. There always being a slight stink coming from him too from places that probably couldn't be cleaned properly. And a miracle if he went longer than a couple of hours without drinking like he had not a care in the world. This was the man he had brought his armies south for to put on the throne, and he was getting more disgusted with his choices as each day went. Especially because he knew it was built on a lie. But the lie had not been uncovered yet, and a part of him didn't want it to be uncovered.

But it was only a matter of time, especially because Varys knew about Jon.

He had tossed and turned most nights with the knowledge he had recently pieced together. That the Prince's and Princess were not Robert's meaning he had no heirs. Stannis' silence now making sense, and he knew he had to get Renly in on it. But that was going to be difficult for him to do so considering he was always surrounded by people. The day prior, he had finally managed to do so by asking for him to be sent to the Tower of the Hand, under the guise of amending laws. Something that no one batted an eye over considering Renly was Master of Laws. It made him wonder at times though, who was holding Storm's End in the brother's absence? Probably Edric, Robert's bastard son, the first of two he openly acknowledged although he did know of others. Remembering the babe named Barra and a certain blacksmith's apprentice.

When the young Lord had entered, Ned had offered him some wine and opened some of the books which contained some of the laws to keep up the ruse. Making sure the shutters were closed and locking the door behind him which confused the younger slightly but he didn't say anything on it.

"I know why your brother is refusing to visit, Lord Renly."

He simply hummed as he picked up a peach, biting into the flesh and juices flowing freely down his handsome face, blue eyes sparkling against his pale complexion.

"That's not difficult to figure out, Lord Hand. Analysing a rock is easier than that. It's about Storm's End-"

"Nay, it is not. It's something a lot more serious, my Lord."

Now, his attention was peaked, clearly noticing the way his voice had dipped and the slight waver in his tone. Looking around for any nooks and crannies for one of the many Lannister spies crawling around the castle like a lion sneaking up on its prey. Renly poured himself a glass of Arbor Gold and crossed his legs, leaning back almost bored.

"It's about the Prince's and Princess."

He scoffed a little at this.

"My Lord, I am fully aware my nephew is rather spoiled but-"

"He's not your nephew. Neither is Tommen, and Myrcella is not your niece."

He paused at this, letting this information sink in. But when it did, he began choking a little on his wine. When he gained his breath once more, wide eyes turned to him, locking with dark grey that was characteristic of the Stark's.

"That's a bold claim, my Lord. What proof do you have?"

Over the next twenty minutes, Eddard told him everything. The younger getting paler and paler as time went on. Once he had finished, he almost thought he was dead he was that pale. But slowly, colour came back onto his face, taking on its usual amused expression. But within those ocean blue eyes, he could see something dancing within. A want, a need, and he had no idea what of.

"I plan on telling Robert when he comes back from his hunt. I will convince him to take Cersei and Jaime if he can get him and get a confession out of them. But this will anger Tywin beyond belief, even more so than when Aerys rejected the betrothal to Rhaegar and spat in his eye by wedding him to Elia. This makes Stannis heir to the throne, and he will need the backing of his home Kingdom to beat off the Lannister's-"

"I highly doubt people will want Stannis on the throne, Lord Eddard. This is the same man who tried for weeks to have brothels become illegal."

He bit his tongue at this, the sheer audacity to just push aside a better claimant making his blood momentarily boil. Stannis wasn't well liked at all, many people were aware of that. But he was fair, and he was stern in what he felt was right. He shook his head as the memory from the day prior left his mind. Looking around the room in surprise. He'd made sure Sansa and Arya had started packing, his eldest daughter throwing a massive tantrum over it because she didn't want to leave. She loved court, and loved the constant celebrations. She was not going to leave without a fight, and a part of him wanted to tell them what he had found out. Arya had cried a little too as she didn't want to leave Syrio, hence why he had offered Syrio a contract to come to Winterfell too which he had accepted. Stating that he saw her like family now after spending every day with her for so many months now. He was making his way towards the council room to await Robert coming back but this was stalled as he spotted Renly running through the courtyard with a shocked expression. He had barely stopped before saying;

"Ned, it's Robert. A boar-"

He was running back soon after at this, a horrific knotting forming its way into his gut. A boar? For it to have such a strong reaction it must be bad. This was only amplified by the healers running across to where Robert must've entered the castle, Ser Barristan making his way over to confirm what was happening.

"A boar has ripped him open with its tusks. We've managed to draw much of the infection out but I don't think his Grace is going to survive."

Fuck. There goes his plans then.

"Take me to him."

The elderly Knight nodded lightly out of duty before leading him to the royal quarters. The room they entered was decorated almost to a sickening amount, with gold, red, yellow, and black everywhere. Not even in a pattern, just seemingly scattered throughout. Robert was lying in the bed, Maester Pycelle wrapping a long string of cloth over the open wound. Even from where they were stood, he could smell the rot from it. Gods, how bad was it? He'd experienced his fair share of festering wounds but this was a contender for the worst. The Queen was seated by his side, the Prince on his other side almost with a bored expression on his face. Robert nodded to his wife and she left the room, and telling Joffrey and Pycelle to leave as well. Probably not wanting the young boy to see this. Southerners were different to northerners. His people took their children to executions from a young age so that when they came of age they could hold their breakfast in at gruesome sights. Whereas many in the south have never seen a lethal wound until they had been in a battle themselves.

"Ned, come here."

He walked over and took the chair that was previously occupied by the Queen. The stench was so putrid now that he was desperately trying to keep his face still, but from the way Robert's cracked open in a smile he knew he had failed.

"It stinks, I know. I've had to put up with it for days. Bloody pig."

A tiny snort left him at these words, leave it to Robert Baratheon to mellow down the seriousness of something. Slowly, he reached out to pull the cloth back so he could see it for himself, grimacing as it came into view. The tusk had ripped him from naval to nipple, and it was deep. He could see his muscles and some of his ribs underneath the skin.

"Who would've thought eh? The Demon of the Trident taken down by a fucking pig of all things-"

"You're not dead yet-"

Robert simply lowered an eyebrow at this before hissing in pain as Eddard placed the cloth over the wound again, not wanting to look at it any more than he absolutely needed to.

"You of all people know when a wound is fatal. It'll really be a gift from the Seven if I live until tomorrow."

It went quiet between the old friends after these words, neither knowing what to say but both having a lot they needed to say. Does he tell him? He could, but that would be cruel to tell his dying friend that the children he believed were his own were not and his hated younger brother was his heir. Neither of the Baratheon siblings got along. Robert got everything, Stannis hated him because he gave Renly Storm's End and not him despite being older, and Renly hated them both because he felt like he had been pushed aside considering he was the only one of the three who didn't remember their parents as he was so young. The Stormland's were due for collapse soon, and he hoped it wasn't as catastrophic as he felt it was going to be.

"Ned, get some parchment. I want to write my will out."

Without question, he done just that. An order was an order, and Robert was still his King currently.

"In the name of Robert of the House Baratheon. First of his name, Lord Protector of the realm, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. I hereby command Eddard of House Stark, Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell, to serve as Lord Regent and protector of the realm upon my death. To rule in my stead until my son Joffrey comes of age."

His eye twitched a little at the last part, his gut now beginning to feel like he was being eaten alive from the inside over what he was keeping from him. Ned hated lying, but he knew he was good at it. Hence why he has been able to hide the truth of Jon for so long. What was he doing now? Last he'd heard he had been in Greywater Watch but he hadn't heard from Howland for a long time. When it came to writing out the last section, he stumbled for a moment before writing 'the rightful heir' instead of 'my son Joffrey'. No one would question that, because it technically was what Robert had asked of him.

"Ned, I know you hate being in the south, but I trust you to be someone who can hold the Kingdom's for a little more than a year until he comes of age. Send him to Dragonstone to foster under Stannis. If anyone can beat humility into that boy it is him."

He chewed on his tongue a little at that, but managing to keep his face still over what was currently happening. He would not be staying here, he would go to the harbour today to find someone to take them to White Harbour early in the morning. Stannis was of an age to rule already.

But Stannis isn't next in line.

Those words entered his subconscious, his fingers tightening momentarily over the quill. Jon was too young, and would be seen as the epitome of rebellion. He could be argued as being the cause of the last eighteen years of trouble. War was already imminent, it now even more so.

"Send for Pycelle to bring some milk of the poppy. And leave me to die in piece."

Eddard nodded before leaving the room, seeing the Maester still waiting outside with a small vial of the liquid which would put the King into a deep sleep.

"Where is Lord Renly, Grand Maester?"

The old man paused for a second and coughed a few times into his hand.

"He was seen a few minutes ago riding out of the castle alongside Ser Loras Tyrell, Lord Hand. Said he was heading for the docks to make his way to Stannis to tell him the news of his Grace."

Fear ebbed deep within now. Renly had all but made it obvious he didn't want to be anywhere near his other brother yesterday, so why was he heading there now? And with a Tyrell at that? He almost never saw the Tyrell in the capital. So what was he doing? It hit him like a brick and his eyes widened for a moment before making his way to the Tower of the Hand to get his daughters. They needed to be ready to leave at a seconds notice now. Even the tiniest delay would end in all their heads on spikes decorating the walls of Kings Landing. Arya was spinning in her room with her Needle in hand, making a few jabs at invisible enemies as she went. The wild black cat sitting on her bed and giving her an intense glare as she done so. It was a miracle this cat was even still alive. It had to be nearing nineteen by now. When she spotted him, she stopped immediately, seeing the look on his face and understanding something was happening.

"Pack up everything now. I will send someone to collect you and your sister in a few hours."

"What's happening father?"

Her innocence was obvious, and it hurt him massively that it would probably be a matter of days before that innocence was ripped from her root and stem.

"King Robert is dying, Lord Stannis is preparing to make a claim for the throne as we speak. I will not have you here when he is a little more than a day away by ship."

Arya opened her mouth to ask questions but he had already crossed to Sansa's room, seeing her sitting cross legged on her bed with a wooden ring holding fabric, sewing something. He looked around the room and was left shocked that she had packed very little, clearly not understanding the seriousness of everything.

"Get packing Sansa. We will be leaving in a few hours. The King is dying as we speak and when the news reaches Stannis he will sail here."

He watched as tears filled her eyes and was about to retort but he gave her a sharp glare which got her to shut up. Glancing around the room and grabbing a piece of parchment and a quill to write down what he had found out. He handed it over to her and he watched as her eyes widened in shock before he took it from her and threw it into her fire to destroy the evidence.

"Stannis knows, as does Renly. War is going to happen soon and I will do everything in my power to make sure you and your sister are safe-"

"What about you? Father I-"

"I will be leaving with the two of you. But we cannot do so until it is officially confirmed Robert is dead. Now start packing little wolf."

Sansa was clearly still shocked over what he had found out. Trying to figure out if there was truth to it. If only she knew it was her words that made it click into place for him. He's a golden lion like his mother, and his father too. He watched as she placed her sewing down and pull out one of her suitcases, beginning to fill it up. He made his way into his own room now, noting how bare it was. He had already made preparations a few days ago, had planned to resign and head back to Winterfell, but that was not the case anymore. Hours had passed by now and he knew if there was a time to search for Varys, it was now. If anyone could smuggle them out of the city, it was the spider. It was a risky move to make, but it was one that was necessary.

It didn't take him long to find the man. His lavender robes and powdered face being obvious in amongst the large group of people in the throne room. The throne itself standing there ominously, nothing short of a monstrosity. He'd had to sit on it a few times when holding court when Robert was away and he knew how uncomfortable it was. Built to deliberately be so by the person who'd ordered it forged under the fiery breath of his monstrous dragon. When the spider spotted him, he signalled him down a corridor and into a room, lifting up a small latch to reveal a staircase to an underground location. It was dark in here, and it appeared either side had been caved in.

"This was the tunnel that Queen Rhaella used to escape with Prince Viserys. She had the few men who were with her dislodge some of the rocks above to seal it off so no one could come after her. A mother's love is a strong thing indeed."

That much Ned knew.

"You know, it was wonderful to speak to your wife a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure she came to visit you as well."

Ned stopped at these words, looking to the man in shock.

"My wife is in Winterfell-"

"Is she? Last I heard she was in the Eyrie convincing her sister to let Tyrion Lannister free."

He pursed his lips now, he had gotten him there. But Kings Landing? Why was Catelyn in Kings Landing of all places? And why had she not sent him a raven or come to see him or the girls? It must've been a quick thing.

"I'd imagine you were kept out of the loop of what is occurring so I shall fill you in. I know about your secret, Lord Eddard. I must commend you, not many people would take in their nephew when the King is desperate to have all Targaryen's killed-"

"He was a babe, just born when I found him minutes before. Us Stark's protect our pack, and Jon is pack-"

"Except his name isn't Jon, is it? It's Jaeron, correct?"

He bit his lip now, wondering where he was going.

"Tell me why my wife was in the capital, my Lord."

Varys smiled at his words before sitting down on a large stone, not even the tiniest bit scared over what he was currently doing. This man is a master manipulator, and his network of spies was one of the best there was. He doubted there was a network quite as vast as his own.

"Your wife came here after she found out I knew about your nephew. How she found out I am unaware, but she did. Came to speak to me directly on your heirs orders to talk me into not taking a side."

Eddard closed his eyes at this, that did sound like something Catelyn would do. But it was that she had done it without giving him a heads up. He hated being left out of the loop.

"Although, I received a rather insightful report, my Lord. Something I believe very few know about. Your nephew went to Starfall, with a specific Knight at his back. I was under the impression you slew Ser Arthur Dayne in single combat?"

Where was he going with this? Remembering the fight in question as he was desperately trying to get to his sister. His men all taken down until it was only the Knight, him, and Howland remaining. To the Crannogman thrusting a knife into his back and Eddard striking a blow which left him bleeding out on the ground unable to move.

"I did, my Lord. Even to this day I am unsure how I managed to do so-"

"You didn't, that's the thing. Ser Arthur is alive according to my little birds. All are singing the same tune. A young boy around eighteen name-days with the Sword of the Morning travelling from the Neck to Starfall."

The knowledge hadn't even sunk in yet before Varys dealt him the final blow.

"Your nephew has gotten the entirety of men he can get from the Dayne's behind him, and it won't be long until he has the Dondarrion's behind him either as Allyria has become betrothed to Lord Beric a few days ago as you are aware. Last I heard, he was in Sunspear meeting with the Martell's."

Fuck, he was going for it. Deep down he knew he was, but hearing all these intricate and borderline reckless moves confirmed it was. With Stannis preparing to make a claim, and he now knew there was a chance of Renly also doing so, this puts three heirs against one another. All whilst fending off the rage of the old Lion. This was bad. Very bed.

"I will be confronting the Queen about the truth regarding her children and my intention to back the rightful heir."

With these words, he waited for only a second before climbing the stairs and heading to his room again. The weight of the knowledge just bestowed upon him crushing him almost. This was too much, and it was way too soon. It felt like hours had passed before there was a knock on the door, Ser Barristan stood there vigilant and as stiff as a board, the dreaded words falling from his lips.

"The King has passed, my Lord."