I don't own Game of Thrones.

Chapter 2

Chaos.

That was all Jon Arryn had thought in his mind. The Lannister family no, all the people of the court stood up and argued among themselves over the king's decision.

No, he announced his marriage to the whole kingdom.

"Robert, what do you mean?" Jon questioned his former ward.

"It is as I have announced. I have married Lady Contessa Lannister in the eyes of the Sevens and Septon had made it so."

Discord.

Among the Lannisters is discord. Not only was Lord Tywin expecting Cersei to be queen which Jon Arryn wholeheartedly approved is now thrash.

Tywin said nothing but he remained silent. Thou, his green eyes seemed to gleam as if he was making new plans to make use of this situation.

Cersei looked humiliated. She stared blankly as if she had received the death penalty. Lady Cersei Lannister silently shed tears and her face is red. She turned and ran away from this sight. Genna Frey and Jaime Lannister ran to follow her.

Contessa looked lovely and gave a ghost smile to all.

'Yes, I had anticipated this.' Her green eyes watched the whole room as she observed who would be her allies or foes. 'Hah, I wished to laugh at the sight of these people, but mother always said: A proper lady must laugh within her heart, not like a common woman.'

But she can't help it. So, she bowed her head down a little to hide her glee.

Yet, as Contessa looked at Jon Arryn who doesn't seem pleased by this. What is he complaining about? Her King is marrying a Lannister girl and is wealthy enough to give the kingdom.

'Or,' Contessa narrowed her eyes a little. 'Is it possible he feared that I could easily control the will of the King?'

She won't lie. She marries Robert to not only save Princess Rhaenys, but she knows she can be in a better position…

'I need power to protect myself. I need to write our history to not let Lannister become monsters in our legacy.'

Contessa looked at her father with a straight face. Tywin looked from his position to his daughter.

They both know.

They will have to fight to keep themselves in better positions.

Tywin Lannister may rule in fear, but it will be Contessa who will change that ruling into service to the people.

Private meeting with Robert Baratheon and Jon Arryn.

"Robert, do you realize what you have done?!" Jon Arryn angrily lectured him. He just couldn't believe it. Robert had thrown everything he had planned over the wrong Lannister girl.

Robert had sent his wife and future queen to return to the madienvault to see the former princess of Targaryen.

"It is my choice as king," Robert said. "Besides the people are more than likely to support Contessa over Cersei any day. Seven hells, even the people who served as septas and septons over Baelor's temple wanted her as their queen. How is this not a good idea?" He sighed as he wanted to drink something as if his wife knew what he wanted.

Knock, knock.

A door was sounded as Ser Barristan called to Robert, "My King, a lady Selyse your good sister wished to see you."

Ah, right his brother's wife.

He could use a distraction right now.

"Enter!"

The door opens as his good sister enters with a maid behind her carrying a jug and cup for him. Selyse Florent is not a particularly attractive woman. She is as tall as her husband, thin, and has the Florent trait of too-large ears. Selyse has pale eyes, and a sharp nose, and suffers from hair growth on her upper lip.

"My king." Her voice is stern. She curtsied before her good brother and waved to the maid to pour him the wine.

"My lady, your wife Contessa believes you need wine." Selyse wasn't sure about the new wife of Robert, but she could tell there was a reason why she summoned her to Kingslanding.

"Ah, there! You see, Jon. This is what kind of woman every man dreamed of marrying." Robert took the cup that was filled by the maid after Selyse waved the maid to do her job.

Lady Selyse does not know why, Lady Contessa asked her to deliver wine to the king. However, Stannis said to her, "Remember, my brother impulsively married the Westlander girl. Not just any girl. She is Tywin Lannister's eldest daughter. She is not someone to be trifle with. Don't you dare embarrass me, Selyse?"

She felt sullen. It felt like everything was wrong the moment she tried to be a good wife. But everything she tried to do to please her husband seemed to make him hate her more.

Robert took a big gulp and let out a sigh to let everyone know he needed it. "Gods, already they made me a perfect wife."

"Robert," Jon chastised him.

Robert ignored him in favor of Selyse.

"I can see why you volunteered to serve this wine in defense of my brother Stannis."

Lady Selyse tensed her shoulders. Oh no! Is what she thought? Was this Contessa planned all along? To get rid of any competition for optional heirs?

All these doubts remain uncalled for. For you see, Robert had a change of heart about Stannis's status.

"However, you did not need to worry about any changes for him being Lord of Paramount of the Stormlands. He will still be ruling Storm's End until any heirs of his born. If not, my son can rule, and Stannis can be his advisor."

Selyse felt her heart burst with joy. 'So, this was her plan.' She had heard rumors of Contessa being a calculated schemer, who promoted the interests of her family over that of the kingdom. But Selyse found those rumors to be untrue.

Contessa wished to heal the kingdom from years of fearing the greatness or madness of Targaryen kings who tore their kingdom apart for years.

And what better way to show her gratitude is by making sure that Robert's family is still united and strong?

"Since my wife requires ladies-in-waiting might as well give you to her. And my brother Stannis will have his seat as Master of Ships, and you will remain in Kingslandings to be Contessa as her lady in waiting. Tis, an order from your king. Sister Selyse." Robert smiled at Selyse. In a way, it was his way to make amends for many slights he had done to them in the past.

Oh, how she wished to cry with joy. Now she knows that Lady Contessa will be the only woman she will gladly serve. She curtsies before the king and says, "It will be my greatest honor to serve our queen."

It was that day that Lady Selyse remained loyal to her queen and became her Head lady-in-waiting for the rest of their days. In history, they said that they were close enough to be blooded sisters and remain favored in Queen Contessa Baratheon with grace and kindness.

"And as for Renly. Well, he can remain living with you in Stormlands and Kingslanding since I will make him master of the laws. But I will see if there are any seats for him to rule in my name." Robert added his thoughts to himself. 'I will ask Contessa which seat will be good for Renly.'

Jon Arryn looked helplessly at Robert. Already, deciding to make the council.

The following morning…

Contessa had dressed and presented herself before the lords. Robert asked her to come to the small council meeting regarding Princess Rhaeny's status, Dorne itself, and Dragonstones which the rest of the royal families are residing in.

Her family is quiet, which seems unsettled for her taste.

Her father is planning something.

She knows it.

'Tywin Lannister always planned something within his family.' The newly named lady Baratheon thought to herself.

She also noticed Jaime was farther away.

But it shouldn't surprise her.

Jaime always takes Cersei's side.

Always.

Knock, knock.

"Come in," Contessa ordered as she dressed Rhaenys for their meeting. Today, her little princess Rhaenys very own blood. Her uncles, the princes of Dorne will come to Kingslandings to present themselves to them. But also, to find a neutral ground to protect her.

Entering is Ser Barristan also known as Barristan the Bold.

He was always kind and gentle. Even when he served the Mad King and the foolish prince as everyone is calling Prince Rhaegar Targaryen now.

"Oh, look Rhaenys. It is Ser Barristan." Contessa looked at the former princess and then at the Kingsguard.

"Hi!" Rhaenys all but ran to hug his leg as he was her favorite knight. Ser Barristan is escorting them to the Small council.

"Hello, my ladies. I am here to escort you both to the councils. They are waiting for you."

Contessa gently nodded as she said, "Well, let's not keep them waiting." As they walk to the halls. Contessa would make sure that the princess remained by her side. Already whispers about Contessa which she has no doubt they had hoped to gain favor from Cersei or least of all Tywin Lannister.

'But they are fools," Contessa thought as she walked to the halls. She knows her family too well. Once you served their purpose. They simply make them disappear.

Jaime Lannister is guarding the door.

She recalls that they will need to bring in more kings guard. Looking at her brother, he looked as if he refused to say a word.

If he were a smart man, he would know when to remain silent. Sadly, her brother Jaime is not a smart man.

"Ah, the queen is here. Should I inform others about your entrance?" Jaime's mocking voice. A few snickers and giggles from courtiers as they witness this, but Contessa is not like any woman.

"My dear, brother. It seems like you left your manners behind at Casterly Rock. Even forgot the proper etiquette in one's greetings after becoming a king's guard for Aerys Targaryen. It is a good thing; I will be queen with my husband the king himself for I need to reeducate you firmly this time." Contessa charming smiled as her criticism hit the mark on Jaime. She will have to remind everyone whose daughter she came from.

Jaime's smug look was wiped clean. His face turned pale as he stared at his older sister.

Ser Barristan could tell that Ser Jaime is scared of his older sister about re-educating him again.

Ser Barristan just realized later; that it is better not to know what happened between them.

'Good, he remembers that I am 'nice' when it was earned.' Contessa sharpens her eyes like a cat patting her prey with one paw.

When they were children a few years back. Contessa tried to educate her brother patiently and gently at that time, but when he refused, influenced by Cersei no doubt. Contessa would get her maids to bring him back to his lesson until they were done for the day. It was then Contessa had to be way stricter and firmer than any tutors. And she would be the one to give his punishment if he didn't do his lesson properly.

Let's just say that Jaime couldn't feel his bottom for a while.

Their lord's father said nothing meaning he approved her methods for making Jaime learn his lesson.

After all, Jaime was going to be his heir anyway.

Sadly, that had dashed his hopes when Jaime became a Kingsguard instead.

Contessa did the same to Tyrion. However, there was no need for that method for him. Tyrion loved to read and was a very good pupil. Contessa favored him as he was younger and easier for her to take his lesson seriously. That is why she would always feed him cakes when he does a good job.

"Now, Ser Jaime, I believe the King and his council are waiting for us?" Contessa primly told her brother. Jaime quickly obeyed and knocked on the door at a fast pace.

The door opened for them.

"Thank you, Ser." She enters with Rhaenys and Ser Barristan.

The door closed behind Ser Jaime. Jaime let out a sigh as if he was spared from a public execution. He shivers as if waiting for Contessa to come out any minute to scold him.

The courtiers turned silent as they saw now, she was not the woman they should trifle with. They murmur to each other and witness what they see.

There is one thing in their mind: What kind of queen did the king just married to?

Small Council

Contessa enters with a gentle curtsy and Rhaenys follows her example.

"My King," Contessa smiled as Robert beamed at her appearance.

Poor Robert.

Already tired of consistent arguing in the council. She noticed that the Master of Whisper, Varys, was still there. No doubt he wanted to be in service even though he was the reason why the Targaryen lost their throne. Contessa wonders if Varys even knew about this kidnapping stage of Lyanna Stark or Princess Rhaegar's plans. For now, she must remain cautious.

Ugh, there is Grand Maester Pycelle. Her father's arse kisser and perverted old man. Pycelle was the Grand Maester for multiple kings, but his true loyalties lay with House Lannister. Also, he is the reason why the rebels enter the red's keep.

Jon Arryn is there. She is no doubt still persistent in casting her aside and marrying her sister Cersei. Let him try. That is what she believed. After all, this court is Kingslanding, and honor is besmirched too long to intend as justified.

Surprisingly, there is Eddard Stark. Her husband's best friend and the brother of Lyanna Stark. She recalled that Ashara Dayne was fond of Lord Stark. He is not the most handsome man, but he seemed kind enough. He just came back bringing his sister's corpse and his baseborn son, Jon Snow.

There is also Lord Hoster Tully the pretended Tywin Lannister as people secretly mocked him. His ambition has no bounds. He went as far as to demand a wedding for his two eldest daughters, Catelyn to Eddard Stark and Lysa to Jon Arryn.

It is a pity that only Jon Arryn realized his nephew and heir Elbert Arryn was still alive too late. He would have married Lysa Tully instead of his uncle.

Contessa looked to her good brother Lord Stannis Baratheon and next to him his lady wife, Selyse Florent. She gave a nod to her acknowledging his presence. Stannis seemed to follow his protocol as a lord to greet her as well.

However, there is someone she wishes to greet.

Doran Martell is in the small council. She recalled that he suffered from gout for years. And his brother Oberyn Martell the Red Viper. Yes, there was a time when Oberyn and Elia visited her family at Casterly Rock.

Contessa curtsies before the lords and her husband. "My lords."

Princess Rhaenys shyly covered her face with the length of Lady Contessa's dress. She peeked around slightly. She did perk up a little when she saw Doran and Oberyn. Her mother's brothers are from Dorne.

"Come," Robert calls out to her as Contessa stands up and brings Rhaenys with her. Rhaenys was determined to stay by Lady Contessa's side.

Contessa charmingly smiled at Robert, and he returned that favor. Robert turned to the others and said, "Be seated."

Every lord did as Contessa decided to lift Rhaenys and place her on her lap. Making every lord concerned and confused like why Robert is not bothered at Rhaegar Targaryen's daughter here.

However, it was answered when Robert greeted the girl with a pat on the head.

"Now," Robert started it off. "We need to start rebuilding our country for now." Few nodded. "Also, the fact that we must begin our coronation as soon as possible since we made a vow before the gods both old and new."

Contessa input as she said, "A wise decision, my lord. We need to make up for the fact, we didn't give the seven kingdoms a wedding to celebrate. No doubt they are upset that they didn't get a wedding see it. If the people wished it, we all can enjoy a feast and tourneys."

"Feast!" Rhaenys Targaryen agreed happily. "Knights!"

Robert laughed at the little princess's words. "Aye, we cannot celebrate the coronation without the biggest feast. And we could use a good tourney to enjoy."

Vary's smooth words, "I agree with Lady Contessa. We should make the Coronation worthy enough to be a wedding to make amends for every person."

Stannis nodded. but was called out by Robert. "Now, also, my new queen will be needing ladies in waiting. Stannis, what say you?"

They all turned to Stannis as he stood. "It will be a great honor to allow my lady wife, Selyse to be our sister's lady-in-waiting."

Contessa gently smiled and nodded to both Stannis and Selyse.

"But my lords," A frail old voice started it which made her smile go away almost instantly. Thou, she gave a small smile to hide her irritation. "Shouldn't we discuss the Dowager Queen Rhaella Targaryen and her son Viserys who are still living in Dragonstone?"

'That old fucker!' Contessa thought about him. No doubt to hope to end the Targaryen and make sure any grandson of his takes the crown with Lannister blood.

"Granma?" Rhaenys curiously tilted her head when she recalled her grandmother. Contessa tensed her shoulders a little, but she made sure no one noticed.

Queen Rhaella was a good woman. She endures the wrath of her husband and even holds her breath when he burns someone alive. Contessa had wished that her former lady was to be smart. Maybe she can help herself with the trouble and negotiate with her son and possibly the second child to live another day.

Luckily for her Lord Stark speaks his mind. "You can't mean we 'ended' them?" Ned turned to Robert. "Robert, blood has already spilled enough innocence. Surely that is enough suffering for both sides. And what of Princess Rhaenys? She will be the only living child left of her family." Rhaenys looked scared and people were arguing. She turned around to press her face onto her chest to hide away. Contessa rubbed the child calmly.

Oberyn said, "Are you saying my niece should pay for what the Targaryen did? My sister, Elia was scorned, humiliated, and even a prisoner here during the reign of the mad king."

Doran raised his hand to stop Oberyn from ranting.

"What my brother and Lord Stark are saying. We already ended the people who caused this war in the first place. Rhaegar is dead. The Mad king is dead. Are we going to be like the Mad King would have done to all of our families as we are blood-related traitors?"

Doran gave his input.

The small council muttered and wondered themselves. Contessa looked down then the Prince of Dorne then Lord Stark. She looked down at Rhaenys with teary eyes. She gently rubbed them off.

'Forgive me Rhaenys. I want you to be free and happy. Like your mother wished with all her heart.'

Contessa took a deep breath as she prayed that this was the right decision.

"My husband, may I speak?" Contessa looked at Robert which he paused for a moment. He waved to her with his permission of course.

Contessa looked at Lord Stark.

"Lord Stark, did your lady wife give birth recently?"

That question threw Ned off, but he wasn't sure if this was her intention. However, he will answer her.

"Yes. My lady. We have a son now. Catelyn named him after your namesake. Robb Stark."

"Then I propose if Prince Doran would agree. I say we married your son and heir, Robb Stark to Princess Rhaenys."

The room got quiet as you could hear a pin drop. Oberyn angrily stood up. "WHAT!?"

Contessa had a feeling this would happen.

"Prince Oberyn as you can see. Princess Rhaenys Targaryen is still a princess of the seven kingdoms. I have seen this role many times over in history. Ambition lords will always try to grab their chance for the crown. I fear this will fuse up their fire to try and convince them that any son she bears will inherit the throne with the husband's power." Contessa throws a sad look at Robert. "My lord husband, I would be more peaceful to know Rhaenys will raised with loving and caring. And who better to see that she will be more well taken care of than Lord Stark and his family in the North? Also, she will know her future husband. She could foster in Winterfell as she will be growing up with him and be his wife someday. She will not be seen nor share the same fate as Princess Elia."

Robert hummed to himself and thought about the proposal. A girl Rhaenys maybe. But his wife made sense that there were still ambitious men who would use and abuse the girl to have a boy steal his crown. Plus, he could see it as a way for Targaryen and Stark to make a marriage a statement that the North holds favor to Robert.

Judging by Contessa, it hurt her to know that she has to send Rhaenys far away from the cruelty of men.

Away from the vipers of this court.

Away from her.

Robert knew this would hurt both of them. Like a mother who has already sent her child into a world without seeing them for a while.

"I agree with my wife's proposal," Robert tells the council. He looked at Ned and Doran. "If we propose a marriage contract then. Both the North and Dorne will have to have out the details on your dowery and trading for anything."

Doran thinks back. Perhaps, he makes no mistakes in trusting the decision. If Rhaenys marries the heir of Winterfell, then perhaps they can be powerful allies.

"I agree. For the sake and love our sister was bare for her only living daughter."

Ned thinks back. He knew he could not disobey his new king and friend. He had hoped that his newborn son would find his love someday, but he must ensure Rhaenys is well taken care of. He will have to write to Catelyn about this arrangement.

"Princess Rhaenys will be welcomed as our daughter and future lady of Winterfell." Ned bowed his head. Contessa sighs with relief.

She knew that she had made the right choice in choosing a trusting lord to take care of Rhaenys.

"Speaking of Targaryen's," Robert started. "I will send a raven with my offer and my brother Stannis to receive my decision on what will happen to their family."

Contessa nodded. She can only pray that it is a good offer.

"No harm is to come to the Targayen's. That is an order!" Robert made a final statement. The men in the council bowed their heads.

Contessa and Robert proved that they would not be used for their petty ambitions. They must remain strong and put their trust only in each other as husband and wife. After all, the game is never over.

You win.

You die.

And Contessa is not going to lose.

Never again will she lose anyone she holds dear.

She will show them that her teeth and claws are as long and sharp as her Lannister sigil.

Coronation day

Contessa is getting ready for her coronation. Selyse Baratheon is helping her dress for the coronation. Contessa had to wear her red dress with a golden lioness pattern.

'This will be my last day of ever wearing Lannister color and sigil.' Contessa needs to be full Baratheon. After all, she belongs to her husband and his family now.

Her hair is a bun with a spiraled ponytail around it and a braid around the head from ear to ear. Her maids are helping her get ready. Her father will be waiting for her to be escorted to the coronation.

Contessa had not said one word to her father or any family members. In fact, trying to keep her distance from him would do her no good.

Her father would expect the court to be filled with Lannisters. Contessa will have to make a neutral ground.

Invited every possible courtier from every kingdom to fill this court with possibilities of ships, family names, knights, and good financial gain.

She will have few Lannisters here, but they will have to remind themselves who are they loyal to.

Her lord father or Contessa the queen.

She will leave them to decide.

"Your grace," Lady Selyse called out to her. Contessa turned and saw her good sister. "It is time."

Contessa walked out being escorted by Lady Selyse and her maids behind them. She saw a group there.

Her 'beloved' family.

Tywin, Kevan, Genna, Tygett, Cersei.

But the joy did spark a little when she saw her favorites. Uncle Gerion and Tyrion are there.

Contessa walked towards them.

Tywin looked at his eldest daughter.

She is indeed lovely.

Tywin orders the rest of the family to go to the throne room. Cersei wished to protest but was dragged by Aunt Genna.

Tywin stood as they both faced the big door leading them to the Iron Throne. It was quiet for both of them.

Neither wished to speak or it was a battle of wills. Between a lion leader of the pride or the lioness who laid with a mighty Stag.

Contessa will never know if her father orders the death of Princess Elia Martell and her children by the Mountain and Amory Lorch.

But she will not let them live for a while longer.

"It seemed you are more ambitious than I am." Tywin started to speak, but Contessa remained quiet. "You take the young Targaryen princess and hide without anyone knowing where you are. You had the common folk support, the Faiths in the palm of your hand and you married a king who would be bending your wish."

"You are many things, Lord Father." Contessa cut him off. "But you are wrong. I have my ambition, but it is not the same as yours. I have accepted my fate. We are family, father, but we are certainly not allies."

Bang, bang!

"Come forth, lady Contessa of the house of Lannister!" Contessa steps subtly in front of her father to present herself. Tywin Lannister did not show his displeasure but followed behind her.

Contessa presented herself before the entire court and kingdom.

She walks up to the Septon for his blessings as she kneels before the faiths and her husband. Robert wearing his crown as he sat on his throne with the Warhammer in his hand. He looks majestic as a king, but Robert will always be a warrior first.

Septon anointed her forehead, and hands as he muttered his blessings to her. For Contessa will be vowed to obey the will of the King, the Lords, and all the realm as a mother of the people.

"With this crown," Septon presented the newly made crown of a queen. crowned with a Golden circlet that overtly incorporates using the doe's head attached to the Stag head antlers of House of Baratheon twice in the front. "I anointed Contessa of House Lannister, queen consort to King Robert I of House Baratheon."

The same Septon gently smiled at her as she was raised. She walked up the stairs to a smaller seat by the Iron Throne. Her consort throne is made of gold steel with a red cushion attached to roses and vines. Contessa looked at Robert. He smiled at her, and Contessa smiled in return. She was presented with the robes and orb in one hand and the specter on her right.

"I present to you, Contessa of House of Baratheon. Queen of the Seven Kingdoms!"

All applause cheered louder from the common folks while the few allied nobles applauded in manner.

Contessa looked at the kingdom. Now she must ensure that this newly royal household is strong.

Reviews are welcome.

Next Chapter, a pregnancy after nine months, royal birth, and court is changing.