Eddard Stark
Kings Landing, 300AC
When the words had fell from Barristan's lips, he could say with certainty he was unsure about the future. He knew the truth of the royal children, and he had someone whom he knew had the highest claim of all, and it was one he was going for. Before he had left Winterfell, Jon had been strongly against ever acting on his claim, so what had made him change his mind? Had it been Howland? Had it been someone else? Had it been Arthur? That was a name he never thought he would think of again. How had the man survived? He had cut him deep in the shoulder which should've had him bleeding to death. It wasn't a ceremonious way for him to die, but in that sheer moment he had simply saw someone preventing him from getting to his sister.
Gods Lyanna, what would she think of him? He had tried his best to raise him as his own, have him be one of the pack which he was- just not as directly as the others were. When he had walked in to see his sister with her stomach cut open and the screaming baby against her chest, there was a part of him that wanted the babe to disappear as it would be considerably easier. But the moment she handed the newborn over for him to cradle and he looked into those lilac-grey eyes, he knew he couldn't do it. As difficult as it was for him, he was raised that a child is not to be punished for the sins of their parents. His little sister hadn't sinned anyone other than spurn her betrothed and wed someone else secretly, and technically neither had Rhaegar considering the man was separated from Elia at the point they had met.
Even now, he didn't know the full details of their whirlwind romance. It was just so unlike his little sister to up and leave to chase after someone everyone believed to be wed. Something had to have happened in between then, and it must've happened in Winterfell as she had fled in the middle of the night disguised as a servant and rode hard for White Harbour. Ned had met many people who could ride fast, but his little sister may as well have been a centaur. No one could ever catch her, never once did she fall. Remembering the first time their father had lifted her onto a pony. Only two hours after this and she had been galloping in circles around their home, something neither he or Brandon had done for a couple of weeks.
He had a strong feeling Benjen knew what had occurred, but he never spoke about it. He hadn't sent any raven to him in a very long time, clearly furious he had not brought him in on the secret with Jon. Brandon supported her, Ned had loved her fiercely, but Benjen and Lyanna were two peas in the same pod. Much like Jon and Arya were. They always teamed up together to play pranks on their older siblings and their parents, alongside many occupants in Winterfell too. But what was done was done, there was no turning back from it now. Simply looking to the piece of parchment beside his bed which documented Robert's final wishes.
"I shall come down to the court room to begin the proceedings."
Barristan nodded before leaving the room, suddenly remembering the last time he had been in a room together with the man. When he had been sparring with Jon and apparently been so impressed that he had offered to squire the boy himself. Despite him not agreeing in the end, he knew if Bran had not fallen he would've done just that. He wanted out of Winterfell for a long time, hence why he had been talking for years about going to the Wall. But that all changed when he was told. Instead of going north, the boy was preparing to come south. And if he knew his own heir enough, there was no way he was not going to support his baby brother. There might only have been a week between the pair, but this didn't stop them almost acting like they were twins. Some people even spoke about how if Robb had inherited the Stark's black hair and grey eyes it would be difficult to tell the two apart.
Eddard took the parchment and fixed his clothing, knocking gently on his daughter's doors to alert them. He had tasked Yoren to get both of them out of here, spotting the man lurking in the shadows of the floor in question and nod towards him gently. There seemed to be a lot less soldiers than usual today, which was strange to him. Any other day he had spent in the Keep the place was crawling with Lannister soldiers alongside Gold Cloaks and Red Cloaks. Where were they all? He got his answer soon enough as he walked into the throne room intending to hand the piece of parchment over so he could make it look as though he was taking the mantle. But he was left stunned at what he saw.
All around him were guards. The doors quickly being closed behind him and numerous moving to block all exits from the room. Kingsguard all standing at the foot of the dais with their hands rested against their swords as if they were threatened- although he did take note Ser Jaime was not there. But then his eyes trailed to the top of the dais. There was the Queen, standing in all her finery as befitting her House, her hair done all elegantly to make it appear she had a crown atop her head and then her actual crown rested in front of it. But it was her son that caught his attention. Wearing equally as much finery as his mother, and seated on the Iron Throne. Wearing Robert's crown atop his head.
"I must say you work quickly your Grace, the King has been gone from this world for only a couple of hours."
He watched her intently, seeing her lips press into a thin line.
"We have a new King now."
Her tone bartered no argument. Voice sounding as melodic as a freshly tuned harp. But her face portrayed no emotion whatsoever. Steadily, he walked over and handed the parchment to Barristan who looked at him strangely before noticing the seal on it.
"This is King Robert's seal."
Now, Cersei's mask broke a little but the Knight had already opened it to read it aloud. By the time he had gotten to the end, the woman was nothing but calm fury. Walking over to him to take the parchment to read it for herself. Ned had expected for her to accept it, and to say he was shocked when she instead laughed before tearing it up and throwing the pieces to the ground would be an understatement. A few people were giving her looks now, wondering why she had done so. But he knew why. That was the one piece of documentation that was preventing her bastard from sitting atop the throne.
"Those were the King's words-"
"I am now King, Ser Barristan. My father is dead."
Ned's lips tightened now as worry began to seep in to him. It would be a miracle if he makes it out of this and much to his chagrin, political movements were not his speciality.
"I believe the laws of succession are you have to be sixteen to take the mantle, your Grace. I believe you are only fourteen."
Joffrey's face began to turn red now, clearly not liking being talked to like a child. Which he was. No one was going to look to someone so young to take on such a mantle. Even those who had ascended at a young age had regents until they reached said age and didn't kick up a fuss.
"That was how the Targaryen's saw things, Lord Eddard. And there are none left other than the girl across the sea wed to a Dothraki savage. My son is a Baratheon-"
"I thought your son was a Waters, your Grace. I must say, they certainly are dashing pure lions."
Dozens of gasps broke the silence at the stand off, some people stepping back in disgust as they turned to the Queen. It was only there for a split second, but he caught it. Her face falling and blanching for barely a second before regaining her composure. He wasn't even looking at Joffrey now, simply staring at the woman in front.
"I have no idea where you got such a consensus, my Lord-"
"I'm surprised no one has questioned it beforehand. There's never been a Baratheon who didn't have black hair and blue eyes. Yet suddenly three are born in quick succession with blonde hair and green eyes? Or how about that Jon Arryn and Stannis Baratheon know? A little odd that one of them was poisoned with Tears of Lys not long after isn't it and the other fled in the middle of the night?"
The murmuring grew more now and it was only now he chanced a glance at Joffrey. The child was as red as Catelyn's hair now, and he could see the few cuts that were aligning his palms as he was gripping the throne. It was said to have been built to be uncomfortable, something he knew himself considering he had to do so on occasion.
"Stannis is of no worry to me or to the King. He has no allies. Grand Maester Pycelle here attended to Lord Jon Arryn and he determined himself it to simply be a sickness of the belly and no traces of poison were found in his system."
Except Tears of Lys leaves no trace behind, but he didn't state this aloud.
"Point taken, your Grace. Then please explain why my son was thrown from a tower and a clump of curly blonde hair was found in said tower when the only person who remained behind at said time was yourself and your brother? You've always said yourself you came into the world together and belong together."
It took a few moments for his insinuation to come to focus, and when it did, the spark was lit.
"Take his head!"
Cersei grabbed her son's arm and squeezed it, the young boy standing up and promptly smacking her hard across the face in front of everyone in the room. That, he had not expected. A few people stepped forward and grabbed his arms to restrain him, cursing to himself that he had packed up Ice. He should've come prepared here. Whilst he was not Barristan Selmy or Arthur Dayne, he was a damned good sword, and he hadn't fought for a long time. The last time he had was a joke match between himself and Robb more than a year prior. The Queen was whispering furiously into her sons ear now, clearly trying to talk him out of it. If the way his face was getting redder was anything to go by, she was succeeding.
"Take Lord Eddard Stark to the Black Cells. And make sure his daughters do not leave the castle, put them in Maegor's Holdfast."
Fear gripped him now, hoping Yoren had managed to get the girls out as planned. He didn't dare say anything about that though, feeling ropes bind his arms behind his back as he was wrestled to the ground. The journey down to the dungeons was nothing but a blur, but he did catch the way Varys' eyes narrowed on him. Probably judging him for his actions. But he had done it now, and he had done so in front of the whole court. Soon, it would spread, and that would hopefully help Jon. As much as he didn't want to put his son in the frontlines as such, he was already going for it, so a little help would go a long way. He was thrown face first into a cell, and was quickly bound in chains to the wall so he could not leave as the entrance was closed behind him.
Robb Stark
Winterfell, 300AC
Nerves were finally beginning to get to him over everything. His head splitting more often than nought, so much so Maester Luwin had to give him some herbal paste he knew which dulled the pain of them. Even though it dulled the pain, it was still there. It made him wonder how people can scheme, plot, make moves, and run a Kingdom at the same time. Immense levels of respect coming to him over that. His mother's letter had arrived that morning, confirming Tyrion had walked free which immediately calmed him down somewhat. There was still a chance for the man's father to retaliate as no matter what it would be a slight, but it keeps the North out of it that was better than the alternative.
He felt bad for his mother, he truly did. Tied between her husband, nephew, and her sister. It was a position he hoped he would never have to experience himself. No matter what option is chosen, she will feel like a failure. And if there was one thing his mother despised it was feeling like a failure. She'd been gone for nearing two months now, although it only felt like a few days with the amount of things going on currently. Jon had sent a raven confirming he had spoken to the Martell's and they had sworn neutrality in the coming war. It was a massive blow to them, because they need men, and having Dorne at their back would've been a boon. There really only was one way to get them under their heel and that was through marriage.
The more time he spent trying to arrange marriages for himself and his siblings, the harder it was getting. As a first son himself, he is expected to marry an eldest daughter of a great House, and there weren't many options for him. Margaery Tyrell, Arianne Martell, or Myrcella Baratheon- or Myrcella Waters in truth. The final one would tie them to the Lannister's though which cannot happen considering they are planning to try and overthrow them. It was complicated enough with Sansa being betrothed to Joffrey, no more complications need to be added to the mix. The other two were a strong possibility, but they were also a strong possibility for Jaeron.
As a King, he will be expected to wed whoever will be the most advantageous. If he weds Arianne, they get Dorne under their belt. Two Principalities combined at either side of Westeros and effectively trapping the other Kingdom's apart from the Iron Islands whilst doing so. And if he weds Margaery, he gets the entirety of the Reach, arguably the richest Kingdom there is apart from the Westerland's. Money wasn't a big thing in the North, most people simply cared for survival, but the south was different, and money talks and convinces better than trade. The major flaw was that it wasn't yet out, and it was something that needed to be run by Jon himself first to see if he agreed. It will be a massive slight if a women of such high birth were wed to a bastard. He wanted to go to Greywater Watch and wait on his brother to come back from Sunspear to discuss everything in detail, but he could not leave Winterfell. There must always be a Stark in Winterfell. And the heir needs to remain unless summoned otherwise.
At least it would only be for a few more days, and then he could confide in someone else who knew. Robb had taken solace by speaking to Maester Luwin on the matter, but there was always a block between them considering the older was bound by oath to always remain neutral and to solely serve the family of the castle he was sent to. Thus leaving all of the planning to himself, and it was only a matter of time before he buckled under the pressure. Timing was everything, if they were even a day off it may be too late and everything will spiral out of control. That is what happened with Rhaegar and Lyanna, and it would be a massive shame if the same happened with their son. The following few days felt like he had only blinked his eyes, they had gone that quickly. And his nerves were beginning to worsen. If his calculations were correct, his mother would be about halfway between Kings Landing and White Harbour, she would be home soon. And if that was the case, it meant Jon was probably back in Greywater Watch by now. Meaning a raven was due to arrive any second.
He was correct with his assumption as the Maester gently knocked on the door of the Lord's solar with two thick pieces of parchment in his hands only a couple of hours later. Once again, his hand was cramping with how much he was currently writing and the underside was stained with blue-black ink. The elderly man sat down in front of him and slid the letter over to him, his eyes widening as he spotted the seal on one of them. A roaring three headed dragon in a deep red. In their numerous correspondences prior to now, Jon had only used said seal within the letter so it wasn't seen. The fact it was on show could only mean one thing. The other one was of a grey direwolf, relief washing over him that he had finally heard word from his father. Robb had felt bad about keeping him out of the loop. What one does he go for first? His fingers itching to open both at the same time but he knew he couldn't do that. Steadily, he broke the seal on the one from his father first, his stomach knotting painfully as he looked at the three headed dragon one.
Robb, I apologise I have not written to you in a while. Things have been strange in the capital as of late. I've never been someone who can keep a secret for long except on one occasion, but it's harder with the Spider knowing the truth. I have made arrangements to get both Arya and Sansa out of the capital soon, and both are fully aware of the dangers they will be in if they remain. Sansa is now aware of Joffrey's natural status and Arya was desperate to leave anyway, she hates it here.
I wish I was writing to you with good tidings, but I'm afraid I cannot do so. The King went on a hunting trip and he arrived back earlier today. During the trip, Robert challenged a boar, but the boar was the one to get the hit in. The people who were with him were able to draw much of the infection out, but the wound was from naval to nipple. It is with a heavy heart, I confirm that King Robert Baratheon has succumbed. He charged me to remain Joffrey's regent but as I know the truth, I will not stand as a regent to a Lannister bastard. I will stand behind my nephew Jaeron Targaryen. I shall be making the truth known soon my son.
Lord Renly fled the castle with Ser Loras Tyrell, and I made him aware the truth of the Prince's and Princess. I expected for him to support his brother but he made it abundantly clear he will not do so. I fear he is going to make a claim himself.
If he wasn't nervous before, he certainly was now. Gods, this was bad. Very bad. His hand moving to cover his mouth as he dropped the parchment, desperately trying to hide how scared he suddenly got.
"My Lord?"
It was only now he noticed he was standing upright, and he slowly lowered himself back into his seat. He was certain his face had turned a sickly pale colour upon reading this.
"King Robert is dead, he named my father regent. But he is refusing to be regent for a Waters-"
"So he's planning on telling people the truth."
Hearing it said aloud only had his gut tightening even more. With shaking hands, he reached over to take the second letter, only realising now neither seal had been broken. This was strange for the Maester, but he assumed he must've known their importance with the current tidings within the realm. It only took him a second to snap the seal in two, unravelling it to be met with Jon's messy handwriting.
Robb, it has been some time since I have last written to you. I apologise for not doing so beforehand but a lot has happened. As you'll know, I went to Starfall to speak to the Dayne's, but you'll probably be wondering why I went there. When Howland and I were travelling to Eastwatch, he made me aware of something no one knew but him and a few people at Starfall. Father did not slay Arthur Dayne, he was hiding in the Vale of all places waiting on the correct moment. He was there to greet me and he swore to me as the first member of my Kingsguard. He has been training me for months alongside Howland, and he confirmed a dozen people are in on it at Starfall. Father was unaware he survived- I will explain when we next see each other.
When we arrived, we were met with the current Lord of Starfall, Lord Edric Dayne- although they call him Ned for short for father. They have sworn to me, and Lord Edric has taken on a squireship as he is under the age to take over with Beric Dondarrion who is now betrothed to Allyria Dayne. Meaning I will have at least one House from the Stormland's on my side although I am working on figuring out ways to get others under my wing too. They were travelling to Kings Landing themselves and will likely be there by the time you receive this raven.
The decision for me to go to Sunspear was sudden. Even Ser Arthur was surprised when I brought it up to him. As you'll know from my previous letter, they have sworn neutrality, but I plan on potentially betrothing myself to Princess Arianne to get them on our side. She was not there and I heard people speaking of how she was visiting her mother in Norvos meaning if I do this, it will not be for a few more months considering it is in Essos. I am now back in Greywater Watch and I have met Aurane Waters who will be arriving within a few days of this letter being received by yourself. Remember, he is there on the guise of discussing trade deals and not as a swapped hostage with Theon.
When I left Greywater Watch two months ago, Rhaegon and Lyrax were both approximately double the size of a war horse. However this is not the case anymore. Rhaegon has doubled in size, Lyrax is a little smaller but not by much. I don't know if I can describe this but the second I was on the island, I felt this overwhelming need to be with them. And when they flew down into the clearing, it only amplified. A bit like nerves bubbling over but so much stronger than that. I always knew that the bond with Rhaegon was strong, but it's now fully formed. It is time.
King Jaeron Targaryen.
Despite knowing the time was coming, seeing it now in writing only made it more real. For a long time, he had simply ignored the truth but now he could not do that anymore. And the thought of it terrified him to no end. It was here, the war for the throne was going to be starting any moment now. Eyeing the Maester with trepidation before saying the fated words.
"Send ravens to the Lords of the North, Maester Luwin. Make it be known it is not a request for them to come here but an order."
The elderly man simply bowed his head before leaving the room, Robb's fingers trailing over his brother's words. Everything sinking in. He knew he had a Kingsguard member already, but Ser Arthur Dayne? The Sword of the Morning? How had his father never known he survived? Surely he would've checked just to make sure? Shaking his head as Jon confirmed he would explain when they next saw one another. He'd heard the story hundreds of times. Of how his father and six men confronted the three Kingsguard who were protecting the newborn King, and how he and Howland had managed to corner the legendary Knight and his father striking the killing blow. What else had Jon been hiding from him? At least he'd had the same thought process as him as far as betrothals go.
But now, there was no time to think on what ifs. The only thing he could think on was that the war was here, and they had to be ready.
Jaeron Targaryen
Greywater Watch, 300AC
When the words had left his mouth a few days before, he could say with certainty he did not feel nervous in the slightest. Yet, in the short time span from then to now, they were eating him up steadily inside. Trying to remember what it was like to not know who he was. If a little more than a year before he was shown where he would be now, he would've laughed and called it the biggest mummery around. But this was no mummery, this was real.
Robb would've received the raven by now to alert him so he had time to prepare, and in that time they had discussed how to rope him into it so he wouldn't be labelled as a deserter even though he never took his vows in the first place. All his life now is lie after lie after lie. The only truth there was in his life was who he was, and he was ready to make the claim. Ideas had been bounced back and forth between all parties until Arthur had come up with an idea. They had staged it as he was lost beyond the wall somewhere, but the wall was vast, and numerous people patrol. Some who are just curious and others who live there permanently.
Hence, a raven was sent to Jeor asking for him to draft a document confirming he had not taken his vows and had simply waited until the moon was out bright where only a few guards were situated. Making it out like he had simply wandered north of the Wall himself alongside his faithful direwolf in a vain attempt to find his uncle Benjen. To him giving up after a while and deciding to make his way to the coast where Arthur found him whilst trading off the coast of Skagos many months later. It needed refinement, but compared to all the others they had thought of, this one made the most sense. Many people in Winterfell knew him as a family person, and they would undoubtedly find it odd he never came back to Winterfell. Of course, they could play it as Lady Catelyn not wanting the 'bastard' around, but Robb would've welcomed his brother with open arms. And as Acting Lord, he held the cards over his mother in that.
Like he had expected, Aurane had left the following morning upon his arrival and Rhaegon bonding with him, Howland had all but dragged him into his solar and demanded answers. He had never seen the man angry, but it was clear he was with him. Jaeron knew he should've told him before doing what he had done, but the heartbreaking reason for his anger brought it into perspective. Howland spoke often of how much he had cared for his mother, and how he felt like he had failed her during it all, and he wanted to make up for that failure by protecting him at all costs. He had never seen the man cry in the many months he had spent in Greywater Watch, but he had cried to the point his eyes were puffy, and it made him feel incredibly guilty. That was when he made the decision to swear the same oath he had with Arthur. If either of them asked something directly, they had to be truthful. No more lies or secrets between them.
It was when they had come to this understanding that Howland asked if he wanted to bring the wargs in on it. Remembering the two he had used beforehand. He had thought long and hard on the idea before agreeing to bring them into it. That evening, all were gathered in a meeting room as he told them the truth and that he would like them to help in the coming war. It had them on edge, but they all knew him by now, and they knew he wasn't going to use them and throw them away like they were nothing. Those who had birds of any kind that they warged in to were asked to be the main spies, sending their various eyes to the main castles. One to Casterly Rock, one to Dragonstone, one to the Eyrie, one to Sunspear, one to Storm's End, one to Highgarden, and one to the Red Keep. Those who were confined to water were kept nearby due to there being a lack of rivers and lakes conjoined into one. And finally those who had eyes that were bound to land were to be given a house to remain in on the mainland and not one of the many islands within the Neck so they could spy that way.
It was on that night that Alysanne came running to him with information, her breathing haggard as she must've sprinted from wherever her chambers were within the castle. He had summoned her in to his room where she stated the others needed to be made aware too. Jyana had been annoyed about being awoken early, but the family were soon inside as was Arthur, standing vigilantly behind his King with his hand on Dawn's pommel prepared to strike.
"What did you see, Alysanne?"
Slowly, her breathing lessened and Howland reached over to take a flagon of ale for her to dampen her throat as it was clear she was struggling to talk. After taking a few sips, she looked at them all with icy blue eyes before speaking.
"Torghen is in the Red Keep."
Jaeron stepped back at this, frowning in confusion. now that he thought about it, he had not seen the man since he had stepped foot back in Greywater Watch after roaming Dorne. That was not like him, he could be heard from a mile away. He had sent him to Claw Isle to speak to the Celtigar's which meant one of two things. Either Lord Ardrian had turned him in, or he had been captured. Feeling sick to his stomach that he may have sent his friend into the pit of lions.
"I found it strange he had not yet returned nor sent any communication-"
She cut off Howland as the next words cut the brewing silence.
"He accepted a pardon from Joffrey for his exile."
The flagon he was about to drink out of promptly fell to the floor, glad he had yet to open it as that would've been a mess to clean up. A pardon? For what? A horrid feeling beginning to creep into his gut.
"Alysanne-"
"King Robert is dead, Joffrey has been pronounced King despite him not being of age yet."
The silence that followed was deafening. His ears beginning to ring like someone had just screamed directly into them with all force lungs could muster. Breathing beginning to quicken as his hands clasped the edge of the wood, fingers turning white at how tight his grip was.
"Alysanne, did you hear what the pardon was?"
His senses slowly came back to him now, remembering the thought he'd had on the way to Sunspear. Everyone plays against one another, and he had whittled it down to someone playing him in Greywater Watch. But not for one second did he think it would be Torghen of all people. This was bad, very bad. He knew, and if he knew there is a high chance that Joffrey now knows. His father and sisters were still in the capital.
"Lord Howland, draft a raven with urgency and send this to Lord Monford Velaryon. Make him aware he is to try and rescue my uncle and cousins with high importance. Lady Jyana, draft another for my cousin Robb. Ser Arthur, draft one for your sister and nephew-"
"Jaeron-"
"That was not a request, Ser. That was an order. See to it that this is done."
The Knight tightened his lips a little but nodded dutifully, his mind whirring over all the possibilities. Alysanne looked terrified now over this, noticeably gulping before nodding, confirming she did see what the pardon was about.
"To keep tabs on your aunt and uncle, just like Jorah Mormont. Except, he hasn't for a long time because he got a raven to come to you. There's apparently been a lot of correspondence between him and people in Lannisport. I will bring it up with Tomas to see if he has heard anything when he awakes."
His breathing was still haggard, the sheer shock of it all crashing into him the way waves crash against cliffs on the coast. Despite the conflicting emotions now spinning within, he kept his face as still as he could before giving her leave. Once she was out of the room, Arthur suddenly grabbed something on the table and threw it to the floor, letting out a low growl in annoyance.
"This is a major blow-"
"I'm aware of that, which is why we need to get this back into our hands. He knows about me, and he also knows about Rhaegon and Lyrax. The betrayal stings badly, but he's also not stupid. I can at least count on the fact he won't out me. At least, he won't do so yet."
Now that he was thinking on it all in detail, he realised something. Torghen was always going to other towns in the Neck, always said he was going to purchase new bows. But he had only ever seen the man with the same three meaning that must've been his excuse. Fuck, he knew their plans. Whilst Jaeron was confident he wasn't going to out him, he did know the truth of his parents. That he may spill, and he knows who is standing with who now too.