Catelyn Tully Stark

The Northern Camp near Riverrun, 300AC

There was an odd feeling currently surrounding them. It was one she had experienced on a few occasions, and it set her on edge. Then again, it was to be expected with what was about to happen today. The night prior, Jaeron had come to the tent that she was occupying with his loyal shadow behind him to ask her for any pointers on speaking to her father. Whilst she had given as many as she could, a small pit of hopelessness was eating her up alive.

The last time Catelyn had seen her father was the day she had left for Winterfell all those years ago, and it had been the same amount of time since she had saw her little brother. They'd remained in regular contact throughout the years and they had expressed in their many ravens that they would like to meet up, but it never came to be. Something always got in the way of it. But now, nothing could get in the way, this was needed. Whilst she believed Hoster would raise the banners in favour of her nephew, there was no telling if anything had changed his mind drastically in recent times.

By now, ripples would be spreading throughout all the Kingdom's that a war was about to break out. People would be gathering and deciding who they were going to rally against. For what seemed like a while, time was their best port of call. Now though, she knew that was not the case anymore. With Renly rallying the entirety of the Reach and much of the Stormland's due to his position and his wife being Margaery, Ned finding out that the royal children were all bastards by the Queen's twin brother, and with her nephew already experiencing a massive betrayal. Everything was now set in motion, and they needed to strike hard and they needed to strike fast to ensure maximum calamity.

Catelyn had never been in a war council, her Septa, Septon, and Maester stating many a time that war councils were solely for men and not for Ladies. She wished she had fought back on this now because if there was one thing she hated, it was being seen as useless. Her father and uncle trained her to have a mind for politics, but politics had little to no use on the battlefield. All courtesies were nought but words in the wind. Whilst on the battlefield, the only thing that went through people's minds was to survive to see the next sunrise. A long sigh left her as she finally left her tent and searching for Robb to prepare him for what is going to happen. It didn't take her long to spot him, dark auburn curls leaning against a tree as he stared down at her childhood home.

"Does it feel strange to be back?"

"A little. I grew up here, would swim in the rivers frequently, play hide and seek in amongst the trees when people weren't looking with my siblings. But oddly, it doesn't feel like home anymore."

Robb was silent as these words echoed in the otherwise silent morning. The sun was just rising above the horizon, knowing her father always had to be awake at the crack of dawn. Edmure on the other hand would rather sleep until the middle of the day, but he knew it was not a good thing to anger Hoster.

"Where's Jaeron anyway? I haven't-"

She was cut off as a bright flash of silver caught her attention far above. The sun just hitting against the reflective scales before disappearing once again.

"According to Arthur, scouting the grounds from above. Searching for any other Lannister armies which could potentially infiltrate."

They talked for what seemed like forever after this, but with the position of the sun she knew it hadn't been long at all. Arthur and Jaeron walking over and the older confirming Howland was preparing the horses for them to ride down. Why was she so nervous? Even when she had ridden south to speak to Varys to have him take a step back to ensure nothing was revealed yet. That was something else that was bugging her, trying to piece together what Arya had heard. Why would there be a boy pretending to be a Blackfyre to get the Golden Company? It was known said sellsword company was created by Aegor Bittersteel to aid his half-brother Daemon in trying to seize the throne from King Daeron as they believed he wasn't King Aegon's son and was in fact his brother Aemon's to their sister Queen Naerys. Whether it was true or not, no one alive could confirm or deny said rumours. Much like it was believed that Laenor Velaryon did not sire Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon.

But why pretend to be a Blackfyre? Said House had a sour taste for many, hardly anyone would willingly want to be associated with them. There was a reason the females who had survived were in permanent exile in Essos and were likely all dead by now given how much time had passed. Everything else she had overheard was inconsequential in comparison to this. What was Varys doing? It was something she would need to look into more, taking a note to have Jaeron possibly set one of the spies onto the case to find more information out.

"Are you ready, mother?"

She snapped out of her thoughts as she eyed her son and nephew atop their horses, Arthur stood nearby too. Whilst she'd made it clear it would only be herself and the younger two riding down to her childhood home, she couldn't deny she was glad he had put his foot down in the matter. This was not going to go well, and a Kingsguard should always be with his King. Whilst he hadn't officially made the claim yet, the Lord's respected Robb and they respected Eddard even more. Catelyn knew deep in her bones that the Northerner's would fall into line solely due to this fact. Many wouldn't like it, but they would respect it, and respect is something Northerner's hold in high regard.

A long breath left her once she was seated atop the horse, patting its neck gently as it seemed to sense her agitation and was on the brink of spooking. No other words needed to be spoken before they began the short ride. It felt like only a second had passed before they were outside the drawbridge and were being asked who they were, the moment her name fell from her lips, they were let in with no hesitation. She recognised one of the guards, him smiling brightly at her in response before going back to his duty. Once the drawbridge was up and they were in the courtyard she spotted her father was stood with a cane in his left hand, the Maester steadying him on the other side. Remembering the man with bright red hair and a stern face, now he wore an expression that screamed he was done with everything and his hair now grey much like her uncles. Edmure on the other hand looked a lot like she remembered but the gangly limbs he'd had as a boy had filled out into toned muscle.

"A part of me didn't believe it when I received your raven, daughter. Ragnar, kindly have them all escorted to my solar so we can discuss in private."

Even his voice was a giveaway to how much had changed over the years. Barely above a whisper and crackling. Now that she thought about it, she shouldn't have expected anything less as he was in the later stage of life. But this didn't make her stop hoping that he wouldn't ever die. She barely remembered her mother, only being only a few name-days when she passed. Riverrun was exactly as she remembered, but Robb and Jaeron were looking around in wonder. Whilst they'd seen many a castle, Northern castles were built for function, Southern ones were built mostly out of a materialistic ideology. Trying her best to keep her face still which she had mastered but keeping it so in front of family was something she struggled with greatly as a child. The door was closed not long after and all were offered bread and salt as custom dictated, doing so without hesitation.

"You must be Robb. I've heard a lot about you. You look just like your father."

Her son simply nodded lightly, being of a height with Edmure currently and looking down on them all. It was impressive how well he could command a room considering how young he was. Not many are thrust into a position as such at the age he had been, he was coping well given everything.

"And who might these two be?"

Nerves hit her like a brick at this question, knowing neither were going to react well to this. They needed her father's men, and this was the only opportunity they were going to have in getting them. With that, she bit her lip and spoke;

"This is Leron Palloxan, he's a trader between the Free Cities and the eastern port cities in Westeros. He is here under watch after seizing my husband's bastard."

It was silent for a few moments but it soon blew over. Edmure's face taking on a similar shade to their hair and blue eyes flashing brighter than winter roses.

"You dare bring a stain on our family into our home?!"

Her father had a guarded expression on his face, looking back and forth between them all to try and decipher what was going on. Catelyn wasn't stupid, her father likely saw through her lie about Arthur immediately but he didn't openly speak about this.

"Like I said Edmure, he seized the boy and refuses to let him out of his sight. Robb has been keeping an eye on him and since Robb is the one rallying armies together, it meant he had to come here too."

Out the corner of her eye, she spotted Jaeron twitch ever so slightly, likely remembering the numerous times she had treated him as nothing more than shit on her shoe. Whilst she was trying to make up for it now and had fully accepted everything, it wasn't going to erase sixteen years of horrid treatment at her hand.

"I don't care about that. Guards!"

"Edmure, that's enough! I'm sure your sister has a further reason."

And there it was, the proof he had saw right through her lie. It was a massive boon to have been trained from such a young age but lying to the person who trained oneself was nigh impossible. Only the most accomplished liars would be able to do so. Even then it would be a struggle.

"Father, what I am about to tell you cannot leave this room until the time is ready. That goes for you too Edmure."

Her voice had lowered now, the threat being clear in her tone which surprised her younger brother. He was still seething and was glaring hard at Jaeron, a glare that would either immediately turn to pleading or be downright murderous when this was confirmed. Robb nodded to the younger who reached into his pocket where he was storing the documents which proved the claim. He hadn't wanted to bring them, but Catelyn was stern that these needed to be presented. Carefully unfolding them and sliding them over on the table.

"Grandfather, what you are about to read changes history as we know it. We are all in full support of backing the rightful claimant, but we need as much men as we can get."

Hoster's eyes scanned the words on the yellowed parchment before widening marginally before reading it again, each word beginning to sink in before looking to the younger in shock. Pale skin blanching to a sickly shade before beginning to turn red much like his sons.

"What is this?"

It was clear her father was angry, his fists curled into tight fists before sliding it over to Edmure to read too.

"It's proof that Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark were married father. One of many documents which confirm this."

"Are you asking us to pledge our men to Dragonspawn?!"

Edmure's reaction she had expected considering he had only ever survived through bad rulers much like she had. Remembering when she had been told by Ned the night before he himself had been told.

"Nay, I'm not asking you to pledge your men in favour of Dragonspawn uncle. I'm asking you to pledge your men to Jaeron Targaryen. I already swore to follow him and many steps have already been taken. I will be claiming him as my King in the next few days but prior to doing so I need to know how many men I will have so we can plan the battles accurately."

"You dare-"

"Robb, Jaeron, Leron, please leave. I will discuss this."

All turned to her in shock at this. She knew now that her father and brother only saw red. Tully's were famous for their red hair and red hot tempers that could rival a Baratheon's. Her father's lips were tightened but he accepted, calling for a guard to take them to an empty room.

Robb Stark

Riverrun, 300AC

Hours had passed, that much he knew with certainty. There was nothing to do other than talk with one another. The room they were taken to had no windows and was just larger than the room Jaeron had occupied in Winterfell before he had left. But neither were talking, all choosing silence whilst they waited on his mother to reappear. Robb hoped her assessment was correct on her family supporting Jaeron through her. It was a tenuous bridge, but it was a bridge, and they had to take as many opportunities as they could given the situation. The more people supporting the claim initially meant there were less to convert as it went on.

They could hear footsteps outside often, all sitting up straight as if the Lady was about to walk in. Alas, it seemed to just be residents of Riverrun itself. He'd heard his mother talk often about her childhood home, but seeing it was something else. With the grey stones to the turrets to the banner of House Tully adorning the tops of the towers. He'd thought New Castle was incredible to look upon, but Riverrun made it look like child's play.

Thud, thud, thud.

That was the only noise that was breaking the silence, this and their breathing as they awaited a response. Whilst it would be possible to succeed without the Riverland's, it would be incredibly difficult. The lesser amount of casualties there are, the better. Whilst many of his own men would take pride in taking down as many as they could, it didn't sit right with Robb. He now knew what it was like to watch as someone realised they were dead. He knew what it was like to see severed limbs scattering a battlefield and numerous horses running wild without a rider. To the metallic scent of blood mixed with death and shit and sweat. He jumped as did the others when the door was finally opened, the guard who had escorted them here signalling them to follow back to the solar they had been in previously. His mother had a calm expression on her face but he couldn't see if it was a façade or not. His uncle and grandfather looking to Jaeron warily. Eventually Hoster sighed and stated.

"We will pledge half of our forces to join your own. Once you have proven yourself worthy, we will pledge our remaining men."

Robb bit his tongue at this, wanting to retort but knowing he couldn't do so. To him, it was an insult. Through family he should feel obligated to pledge all of his forces. But like he had thought earlier and they had discussed at length, they need as many people as they can get.

"How many is half, my Lord?"

"Seven thousand."

His eyebrows perked up a little at this, that being higher than anticipated. Their forces were currently at eighteen thousand, this would bring their numbers to twenty five thousand. Whilst not guaranteed a winning force, it was a considerable one. The ride back to their camp was mostly uneventful. They would need to spend a couple of weeks whilst the Riverland's bannermen were called. A few days passed since then and not much had been happening. Awaiting for any kind of movement from other armies. Jaeron's spies confirmed Tywin had taken up residence in Harrenhal which angered his mother but he understood why. Lady Shella Whent was her aunt, and it probably felt like a punch to the gut she had surrendered her Seat to the Lannister's.

That morning he had woken to an odd phenomena. People had been talking loudly and pointing to the sky and whispering frantically amongst themselves. He had walked out of his tent and it took him a second to realise why everyone was reacting like this. A comet. But not just a regular comet. This one was larger than usual and was coloured the brightest shade of red he had ever seen. Looking like blood travelling through the sky. Wracking through his numerous lessons on such a thing but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't think of any record of this happening before now. His face was broken as a man walked over carrying a raven to hand to him. Seeing the two seals that were on it and eyes widening momentarily. A yellow stag and a green rose.

Why would Renly and Margaery be sending him a raven? Quickly walking back into his tent and breaking the seals to see the contents. He brushed his fingers through his hair a few times before letting out a ragged breath. Whilst he already know that Renly was proclaiming himself King, seeing it on yellowed parchment made it all the more real. What was he thinking? He read the letter repeatedly, hoping somehow the words would change. But no, they were clear. Renly Baratheon had gone into open rebellion with his older brother Stannis. This was not how it was supposed to go. When word came out of Cersei's treachery, they expected it to just be two people to worry about- Tywin Lannister and Stannis Baratheon. Then he was going to talk Jaeron into negotiating with Stannis once the truth came out. Now, they couldn't do that. Gods, what an idiot. What made the young Baratheon think he even has a claim? The only claim he has is that his grandmother was Rhaelle, nothing else.

"What does it say, Robb?"

He huffed loudly before handing the parchment over to Catelyn to read. Her own eyes widened a fraction before giving him an incredulous look as well. Her clearly thinking the same as her. Now, the Stormlands will well and truly go into rebellion, a civil war likely between the remaining Baratheon brothers. Carefully, they thought everything through before nodding quietly. After the talk with Lord Hoster, Jon had regularly disappeared with Arthur alongside Lord Howland. Probably discussing every move they have made in the year they have spent together. It hurt him a little to see this because brothers should tell one another everything. But the Knight's words from a few nights prior were circling in his head. Jon Snow is his brother, Jaeron Targaryen is his cousin.

"I think it's time to confirm everything, Robb."

The younger nodded at his mother's words before they made their way to his own tent, seeing Howland walking back too from wherever they had been to the tent beside his own. The other Lords were incensed that a lesser Lord got a tent directly next to the Lord of Winterfell, but they trusted him the most. He's proven to be the most loyal person in their company considering what he had kept secret for the past eighteen years.

"My Lord, it's time."

The shorter man quirked an eyebrow up but it was clear he understood the meaning of those words. Once the entrance was closed off, they discussed what to do. Unlike Catelyn and Robb, he wasn't surprised by the letter's contents, simply stating he'd had a vision of two stags charging at one another in an open field that morning which now made sense. Neither were used to the man's strange gift, but there was no denying it was useful. It took a lot of interpretation, but if they even had a hint of what was to come, this meant something.

"You both saw the red comet, didn't you? That's a sign of dragons. It is time. Where is Jaeron anyway?"

Howland simply looked up and he got his answer. It was pitch black currently, meaning there would be no sign of either Rhaegon or Lyrax for a few more hours. Even then, they would go back to their cave in the woods where they had been hiding. A spot only they knew about in case anyone wandered and got a nasty shock.

"We expect he will be back soon. When he does, speak to him, and see if he consents to the truth being released now. I will let the other Lords know about the newest development and make them aware we will be holding court at midnight."

Both Catelyn and Howland nodded before Robb left. He invited all the Lords to his own tent, Jon deciding now to have his own in case any of his items were found. It wouldn't do good for anyone to stumble upon a sword such as Dark Sister. Most were surprised, and some even snorted before alerting the young Lord they would be there. Once this was done, he made his way towards the cave where the dragons stayed so he could speak to Jon as soon as he got back. Luckily, he wasn't waiting long before two large shadows that could only be Rhaegon and Lyrax descended. The silver and sapphire dragons landing gracefully as always. His brother slipped off the back of the silver one and patted them both on the nose as they scrambled back into the cave.

"What's the new development, brother?"

Robb sighed heavily before confirming what the message contained.

"Seriously? I mean, we can play this to our advantage but we will need a complete other strategy. I suppose it's a good thing in that the Stormlands will be in disarray meaning they will be easy to take. But the political side of everything?"

"We're forming a council soon, but we think it's time."

For a few moments, Jon was silent. But then he nodded before walking with Robb towards his tent so they could gather all the evidence. There was too much of it to deny the claim. They had letters, they had citadel records, they had items which would be too difficult to explain otherwise. Three separate forms of documentation to prove Robert's rebellion was built on a lie. Meaning the Baratheon's and most certainly the Lannister's should not have the Iron Throne. Both quickly taking something to eat before making their way towards the clearing they were meeting. Catelyn to Robb's right, and Jon to his left. Some were looking to the younger oddly that he was positioned where he was considering to them he was just a bastard, but none spoke out against it. Robb's clear threat against people who would go against him was enough to subdue them.

"My Lord's and Ladies, today we received communication via raven that Renly Baratheon has gone into rebellion with Stannis for the throne. We are here to discuss our next actions."

This was met with multiple murmurs, it being difficult for him to pinpoint exactly what was being said. But he was sure he heard someone say, 'cursed these southerners and their way', and if the quirk of his mothers eyebrow meant anything, meant she had caught on it too.

"We have three options. We travel to Kings Landing as we are, we ally with Stannis to get more men and help out, or we ally with Renly and get the Reach behind us."

He wasn't going to voice the final option yet, wanting to get their views on the war first and moves that were being made to secure each side. Eventually, it was Jon Umber who stood up and spoke.

"The proper course is clear, pledge fealty to Renly and move south to join our forces with his."

Almost all Lords snorted at the statement. Whist Robb knew they had the largest wildcard and he was stood beside him currently, they didn't. If he hadn't known about Jaeron, he would've gone with this option too as it was the most logical to end the war quickly due to the sheer size of the Reach's army. The only thing lacking was that Renly was green, had never fought in a battle to his knowledge. He had only been a few name-days old when he was named Lord of Storm's End and Lord Paramount of the Stormland's. He might've had some say in the Greyjoy rebellion, but his father had confirmed he had not been on any of the frontlines. He had been in two battles in the last week himself, everything green surrounding him stripped away. But rallying to someone who had no experience would be incredibly risky. Due to this, the following words left his lips.

"Renly is not the King."

They broke the silence and soon gentle murmuring was heard once more. Most apart from Greatjon agreeing with those words. He didn't take it kindly though as he gave an insulted look towards Robb. Likely taking offense that someone decades younger had the gall to throw his suggestion in the muck. However, he knew his place.

"You cannot mean to hold to Joffrey, my Lord. He put your father in chains in the black cells."

"That doesn't make Renly King. He's Robert's youngest brother. If Bran can't be Lord of Winterfell before me, Renly can't be King before Stannis- "

"Do you mean to declare us for Stannis?"

The way he puffed his chest out made him look like a proud rooster, and it was a very amusing sight. He clearly thought he'd gotten Robb into a corner. Robb allowed himself to smirk a little as they have the biggest advantage to shake Westeros up. They've already got Dorne remaining neutral and play it right they will have the North and the Riverlands. Hoster already knew and he had declared for Jaeron, but it was confirmed it would be confirmed at this meeting. Edmure looking to the people on either side of him and deciding if he would be the one to break the news. With the Stormlands in civil war now, this meant they held half of the Kingdoms.

"The rules of succession are clear. The eldest takes over unless they have relinquished the claim. Meaning Renly does not have a bigger claim than Stannis. He's an idiot for declaring war on his brother over his own fantasies. From what I hear, Renly is a green boy, never been in a battle. Hell, even I have seen more battles than him!"

What was previously murmuring now turned into a shouting match, everyone trying to be heard and get their opinion across. He squeezed Jon's hand lightly, being able to feel how nervous he was. Nineteen years ago, the North's banners were called to aid Robert Baratheon, and now they would be told they had been called on a false claim. A claim which someone told Brandon Stark about which caused him to go to the Red Keep, something which led to Rickard trying to free him and both being executed. A claim which Robert Baratheon spread. No one knew yet who it was who told Brandon, but they would find out one day. Suddenly, Jon Umber let out a yell, immediately causing everyone to quieten. The giant of a man stood up and walked towards Robb with a look that was almost admiration, but it was difficult to tell in the darkness.

"Here is what I say to these two Kings, fuck the pair of them. Renly Baratheon is nothing to me. Stannis isn't either. Why should they rule over us from some flowery seat from the south? What do they know of the Wall or the Wolfswood? Even their gods are wrong! Why shouldn't we rule ourselves again? It was dragons we bowed to, and now the dragons are dead! There sits the only King I mean to bend my knee too!"

Robb froze in shock at this as he removed his sword, making a show of bending to one knee. Just before he touched the ground though, he found his voice.

"No, I will not be named King."

The older man paused in surprise at this, but Robb carefully stood up and nodded towards Howland Reed to bring over the large chest that contained everything. They'd had the smaller one swapped some time when Jon was in Greywater Watch. In the meantime he looked around to see what everyone was thinking about this possibility that had now been put ahead. Wyman Manderly was glaring at Lord Umber now, remembering that technically he wasn't a Northerner. The Manderly's had been exiled from the Reach hundreds of years prior and had been granted sanctuary in the North. They were seen as the most southern House in his own Kingdom and openly worshipped the Seven and not the Old Gods like all other Northerner's did.

"Why shouldn't we rule ourselves again, boy?"

"I never said we shouldn't rule ourselves again, I said I will not be named King. However, there is one other option."

Confusion surrounded everyone at this but Robb simply turned to Jon with a small smile. At the gesture, the younger lifted his head to stare at them, taking care to not make direct eye contact until now if he could help it. Bright purple being clear as day now.

"Then who should we declare King, then? You've refused it yourself, none of us want to rally to Stannis, we're against rallying to Renly, and the hells would freeze over before we proclaimed for the Lannister bastard."

His words had a bite to them, that much was obvious. To the other Lord's there was no other answer than Robb. Whilst it did make sense, it would make it considerably harder for Jon, and he wasn't going to do so. The last time there was a family divide had led to numerous wars. Whether it be the Stark's themselves having to end the Greystark branch, or the Green's versus the Black's, neither were good in the long run. This is the last thing they need to be repeated.

"I refuse to be named King because there is someone here who has a claim that is even higher than that of the squabbling Baratheon brothers. Someone no one knew existed other than a handful of people. Someone that if the truth got out, he would've been assassinated in his crib. Lord Umber, what was it you said about bending the knee?"

He gave him a confused look, wondering where the young Lord was going.

"The North bent the knee to the Targaryen's; they were the only people we bent our knee to- "

"But the Mad King murdered Brandon and Rickard and demanded Eddard's head! And you're forgetting their damned crowned Prince kidnapped and raped the Lady Lyanna- "

"The Lady was not kidnapped."

Howland's soft voice broke the brewing argument. All turned to him in shock now, confused to what was going on. What did he mean by she was not kidnapped? Everyone knew she was. There were witnesses that she had been taken by one of the Kingsguard. He walked to the centre of the clearing now, eyeing them all. Glares they were giving him in response. Robb was silently watching it all happen. Howland knew a large portion, and Arthur knew the entirety of Rhaegar's side.

"What everyone has known of the last nineteen years was a lie. A lie an unknown source and Robert Baratheon spread. The truth is Robert's claim was invalid- "

"The hell do you mean, frog eater- "

"That's enough, my Lord. I will not tolerate slander on mine own bannermen."

At his words, he seethed in anger before sitting down again.

"As I was saying, Robert's rebellion was based on the claim that the Lady was kidnapped by Prince Rhaegar, this leading to the brutal executions of Brandon and Rickard, then an order for Eddard's head, but the claim was a lie. She left willingly with Rhaegar as she didn't want to marry Robert Baratheon. Everything that happened between them was consensual. I was with Lord Eddard when we found the Lady Lyanna. She was already dead when I got there, but he was beside himself. The truth clearly shocking and disgusting him greatly. He never forgave Robert for it."

"This doesn't answer the question, Lord Reed. Who should we name King if we are to go independent again?"

Jon bit his lip, and Robb could feel how nervous he was as he was gripping his hand so tight his fingers were numb. Unlacing his fingers and stepping forward to join the Lord in the middle, Arthur doing so too from the side but he wasn't recognisable with the brown paste smeared through his hair. Most were sneering at him, wondering why he was stepping above his station currently. All glanced to Robb to see he had a large smirk on his face, clearly enjoying the show. A look that was shared by Lady Catelyn.

"Lord Eddard heard that his sister was being kept in the Tower of Joy in Dorne whilst he was lifting the siege at Storm's End. When he heard this, he gathered his most loyal bannermen and rode there. As we all know, he returned with his sister's body, Lord Reed, a woman named Wylla, and me."

More silence ensued now, and he could feel both Rhaegon and Lyrax were nearby. Waiting on the signal to appear should the need arise.

"Rhaegar Targaryen did not kidnap Lyanna Stark. As Lord Reed stated, she left willingly with him. What Lord Eddard didn't mention was that he returned with a chest of items and letters that confirmed it was all based on a lie. On whose lie we do not know. Perhaps it was Robert, perhaps someone else told it and then told Robert. But what is certain is that she was not going to marry a man who on the first day she met him properly he was bragging about fucking two whores. In fact, there's a letter she left where she calls him a pig-nosed whorefucker."

Lady Maege snorted at this, that very much sounding like a Lyanna thing to say. She was close with her, them being so similar in personality it was almost scary.

"No one knew about this other than those involved, but at the time that tourney happened, Rhaegar Targaryen was an unmarried man. He and Elia had agreed to annul their marriage out of fears for safety, something Doran and Oberyn were aware of, even Queen Rhaella knew. We all know why that tourney was arranged, to build support for Rhaegar to overthrow Aerys. Put accusations aside, who would be more fit to rule? Aerys or Rhaegar?"

Quietly, everyone mumbled the Prince's name.

"I thought so. We've obtained copies of the certifications of the annulment and we will pass it all around soon. But there's a lot more to the story than meets the eye. The truth is, over the tourney, Lyanna grew very fond of the dragon Prince, and he of her as well. She was told the truth, and she got along with Elia too. The pair striking up a friendship over their shared love of riding. They kept in regular contact. Then when Lord Rickard confirmed they would be leaving for Riverrun alongside Brandon for the double marriage, she disappeared a few days later. She boarded a ship at White Harbour which took her down to the border of the North, Vale, and Riverlands. From here she met Ser Arthur and Ser Oswell and rode for the Isle of Faces near Harrenhal. They eloped together. They sent communications but somehow they never reached the recipients. Then war broke out and they had to hide Lyanna so Robert couldn't get to her- "

"You can't be."

Lady Maege spoke with astonishment. The other Lords and Ladies were getting more and more confused as the story went on. Steadily, she got to her feet and walked towards Jon, taking in all his features. How in seven hells did she not notice beforehand? Now she was looking at him, he was a copy of Lyanna and Rhaegar.

"She wasn't murdered, was she?"

Robb watched as he looked to the ground momentarily before shaking his head to confirm her thoughts.

"Forgive me, my Lord. If she wasn't murdered, how did she die? She was a fit and healthy young woman?"

"Childbirth."

Robb had now come over to stand beside him to give him silent support. That single word from Howland had an effect that silence was deafening. It took a few minutes for realisation to click in everyone's minds. Once the penny dropped, Greatjon walked over to stare at him too.

"You're not Ned's son. You're Lyanna's son."

"Aye. My uncle took me in and claimed me as his so I wouldn't be butchered on Tywin's orders."

Just like that, everyone began arguing loud, some claiming false and others defending everything. Robb gave Jon a look out the corner of his eye, this clearly not going well.

"Enough! All of you!"

The boys spun around on their feet to eye Catelyn now, surprised she would raise her voice like that.

"What are you all? Squabbling siblings or Lords and Ladies? The truth is that the last nineteen years was a lie. Lyanna was not kidnapped. An unnamed source and Robert Baratheon claimed this. The previous King taking it as a massive insult that she didn't want to marry him. He saw her as property, and pray tell me, who here can see the she-wolf liking being with someone who only saw her as that?"

She walked over and stood between the boys, nodding to Howland to open the chest and start handing out the documents to prove everything.

"From my husband, she swore him to do whatever he could to keep her son safe. But she did have him promise her he would tell him on his sixteenth name-day, which he did. Me, Robb, Sansa, Arya, and Bran knew, alongside Howland as he was there with Ned when they found Lyanna. She knew what Tywin did to Rhaenys and Aegon, she knew he would do the same to her boy, and she didn't want him to go into exile with Daenerys and Viserys. In this chest is all the proof needed to confirm what we are saying is the truth.

"The Baratheon claim was built on a lie, meaning the Lannister's claim is also built on a lie. Meaning the children are not only illegitimate, but not rightful heirs. Neither is Stannis, and most certainly not Renly. The whole war was based on a lie, a lie that if it weren't told, Brandon wouldn't have gone to the Red Keep. Meaning he would be alive, meaning Rickard would be alive. Rhaegar did not rape Lyanna, he loved her. Deeply at that, so much so he married her under her gods alone. Ned kept his promise to his sister, took him on as a stain on his honour when he was doing his most honourable act. Something that would have continued to be unknown if he hadn't told us all on Jon's sixteenth name-day. Jon Snow is not a bastard, it's not even his name. His true name is Jaeron Targaryen. If the chest contents aren't enough proof, perhaps a physical proof would be enough."

Robb knew immediately what she was insinuating. Patting him on the back hard before he asked them all to clear a large space so they could land. Once this was done, he let out a piercing whistle. Their companions giving one another astonished looks at hearing it all. But then a deafening roar echoed, all reaching for their swords but with a stern word from the Lord of Winterfell, they put them all away. Then they dropped down on either side of Jaeron. Now, the looks they were getting were full of both fear and awe. He petted them lovingly before sending them off again.

"When I found out the truth, I made a trip to the Wall. I did this because the Maester there is my thrice great uncle Aemon. Brother to Aegon the Unlikely, uncle to Queen Shaera and King Jaehaerys. He gave me two dragons eggs and I brought them back to Winterfell with me. They hatched when the cutthroat was sent after my little brother who was still in a coma at the time. When they hatched, something changed in me, and I knew I couldn't stay in Winterfell any longer. So, we sent communication to Lord Reed who agreed to take me in and disguise it as fostering, whilst also making it look as though I'd taken the black to the south so they wouldn't think anything about me.

"I'll be honest, I would rather see that damned Iron Throne be melted down so no one could squabble over it anymore. There's been too much bloodshed on the thing that it more signifies death than unity like it did when it was forged. However, if we make it through this, I'm aware there's a high chance I will be reinstated. I was born a Prince, raised as a bastard who didn't know the truth. I have blood of the North in me, alongside the blood of Valyria. I am the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. I have two dragons that I named after my parents. My mount is Rhaegon- the silver one, Lyrax remains without a rider currently, but who knows what the future holds.

"But we cannot let the Lannister's take over. We already have Jaime Lannister as a hostage, and he has already been made aware of my identity. Something that literally caused him to shit himself in realisation. I say we get him to write and sign a message and send it to Tywin. I think we would all rejoice to see his face when he realises he married his daughter into the throne based on a false claim."

Greatjon Umber walked over towards him now with a stern look on his face. Where the words or confidence was coming from he knew nought, but he was glad they did.

"We bowed to the dragons three hundred years ago. A decision that was laughed off at the time but we all know it did the North good. We grew rich, gained a reputation, and were finally respected. Now, we have someone who is blood of the dragon and blood of the direwolf in our midst. Someone who wants vengeance, and someone who has stated they do not want the throne. It's clear now, we cannot declare for Stannis, nor will we declare for Renly for reasons spoken earlier and now this. The Young Wolf is refusing to be named as King, which leaves only one option."

By now, he was sure his heart was going to jump out of his ribcage with how nervous he was. The huge man did nothing for a few minutes, eyeing him up and down alongside his aunt, cousin, and Lord Reed. Then, he unsheathed his greatsword and promptly got down on his knee. Robb watched as his brother let out a long sigh, clearly feeling a massive weight escape him. It took a few moments, but soon others began to kneel, pressing the tips of their swords into the ground. To think they had tried to name him terrified him. Had he really made such an impression on them? Not that anything would come from it, as by now everyone had proclaimed fealty.

"Ser, you'll be glad to hear you can remove that paste from your hair for good."

Right now probably wasn't the time for japes, but Robb let a small snort escape him at said words. Arthur glaring lightly at the younger before beginning to remove it with the water he had in his waterskin. His reveal only causing people to look at them with more awe than before.

It was time for the hidden dragon to dance.