Chapter 8. King's Landing.
"I could have written a story about a well-adjusted family. Ned Stark comes down to King's Landing and takes over and solves all their problems. Would that have been as exciting?"
--George R R Martin
11th Month. Winterfell.
Lyarra hugged Robb tightly, sniffling a bit.
"Hey now, no tears or you'll make me tear up like a girl too."
Robb smirked and Lyarra playfully hit his shoulder as he chuckled before smiling softly.
"I'll miss you sister."
Lyarra frowned sadly.
"Me too…"
"Promise to write?"
"What else would I be doing?"
Robb smiled, hugging her again.
"I wanna hug her too!"
Arya huffed.
"Me too! Move over Robb!"
Bran frowned at his brother who rolled his eyes.
"Alright brats. Have at her."
He stepped back and Arya and Bran jumped into Lyarra and she staggered slightly.
Rickon toddled over, wrapping his arms at her from her side and Lyarra grinned at her siblings.
"Alright you three. You promise to be on your best behaviors?"
She looked sternly at Arya and Bran. Bran nodded as grimly as he could while Arya shrugged.
"It all depends on things happening."
Robb and Lyarra exchanged amused grins before she crouched in front of Rickon who looked a bit confused but knew that his beloved sister who always got him sweets would be leaving and never returning, in his opinion.
"Do you have to go?"
The four, almost 5 year old boy asked quietly and Lyarra patted his head as big fat tears rolled down his face and she hugged him.
"I have to. But don't worry, I'll come visit as soon as I can. Or… when you grow fast enough, you can come join me there, hm?"
He sniffled, cleaning his eyes with his slightly chubby fists and nodding.
Lyarra smiled, placing a kiss on his forehead and standing back up.
She exchanged a wink with Arya who beamed.
She'd informed the girl about the little present the blacksmith was commissioning on her behalf for her little sister. Robb would be getting it for her and had been blackmailed into teaching Arya whenever he could.
He hadn't been too happy, but he didn't really have a chance anyways.
A bit further behind, Theon watched her and she threw him a small smile and nod which he reciprocated, then she turned to her Lord Father who stood next to a stiff faced Lady Stark. Sansa stood next to her mother, looking anywhere but at Lyarra.
She had asked on behalf of the girl but the Queen had told her she was too young to even consider. Also, Lord Stark would never accept.
"Lyarra. Take care of yourself over at King's Landing."
"Yes, Lord Father."
She curtseyed, repeating it with Lady Stark who gave a stiff nod back.
Lyarra looked at Sansa one last time but the girl still wouldn't look her way.
With a small sigh, she approached a dark brown horse Lord Stark had gifted her for her journey, immediately mounting it as the royal retinue greeted the Stark family and thanked them for hosting wonderfully.
One last look at Winterfell, her home… and her family, she rocked the horse, and rode away from the keep… a melancholic feeling settling in her.
After all, who knew when next she'd see the North again.
She had no idea her face was set in a grim look until a horse trotted over to hers and she looked to see the prince on a white horse.
Lyarra almost snorted.
How quaint.
"You look like you're riding towards your doom, my lady."
Lyarra turned to him.
"Are we back to being formal then, my prince?"
Perhaps it was because she was feeling rather gloom at leaving her home behind, but she sounded rather prickly.
The prince grinned.
"Not that I know of. But, you are a lady now. You do know that when you get to King's Landing, no one would call you by your name except perhaps your close friends."
A bag sitting by the side of her saddle shifted a bit as Ghost moved slightly and Lyarra shrugged.
"Well, I'm not in the South yet. I'm safe, for now."
Aegon smiled, amused.
"Of course. Apologies then, Lyarra."
Lyarra wasn't sure what to say. She still found it odd that the prince talked to her almost on a regular. It was… alarming in a way.
"You know… my mother would appreciate your company. You don't need to ride with us."
Lyarra's eyes narrowed slightly.
"I can ride. Besides, I never had the chance to really travel outside of Wintertown all my life. It was very rare. I would like to have some memories of my home, at least before I leave it."
Aegon hummed.
"Indeed. The North… is a very strange place. My father says if the people of the South ever saw the Wall, they'd be struck by it's ancient beauty and the fact that such a beautiful landmark lay here. They'd probably become interested in it."
Lyarra perked up at the mention of the wall and she turned to the prince who was staring at her curiously.
"If I may… what does the wall look like?"
Aegon hummed, tilting his head slightly as if in thought.
"First of all, it was cold."
He exchanged a wry grin with Lyarra.
"But, it was beautiful… it almost seemed like the end of the world in my opinion. I have seen beautiful structures. Traveled even to Essos a couple of times and marveled at the beauty that side of the world also has to offer, but the beauty the North brought… when I stared at that wall of ice… it held some unknown power. It sang even to the fires of my Targaryen and Dornish blood. It was very eye opening."
He nodded mostly to himself and Lyarra watched the prince as he seemed to see something no one else could see. For a moment, she almost asked if he saw the wildlings and if they fought off any, but that just sounded as bad as Arya to her, so she kept quiet.
"Also, it was very cold. Have I mentioned that?"
Lyarra tried to hide her smile.
"You have, my prince."
Aegon immediately let out an almost mournful groan.
"What will it take you to get used to calling me Aegon, I wonder? Should I get a royal decree from my father, perhaps?"
He joked to himself but Lyarra took him literally as her head snapped over to him, an almost horrified look on her face and Aegon laughed, some men at arms turning towards them for a second before looking away.
"It is quite alright, Lyarra. I only jest with you."
Lyarra frowned.
"I could not tell. You are sometimes hard to read."
Aegon smiled.
"I am a prince. Sometimes, I cannot show how I really feel."
"Does that worry you sometimes?"
"Worry me? Not at all. I would rather not be easy to get through. The life of members of the royal family is a guarded one. We rarely even have what is called a true friend. I believe Gendry may be one of the only ones I have."
Lyarra nodded absentmindedly. It sounded almost… sad, for someone like him… he was the crown prince, and yet his life was quite jaded.
She then gave him a look.
"Is that why you approached me then? Do I look trustworthy?"
It was something she was still curious about. The prince's curiosity.
He grinned, staring ahead.
"Well, I heard Northerners cannot lie to save themselves and can be rather poor when dealing with politicking."
Lyarra didn't know whether to be offended or not, but she settled for something she'd heard her Lord Father say before.
"That is because the politics of you southron people is filled with floweriness and too much pretense, or do I lie?"
He chuckled.
"Of course not. It's what makes the South run."
"So that is why you have tried to befriend me? Because I am… incapable of lying?"
Lyarra couldn't quite hide the disappointment she felt at such a simple answer.
"Also… you are practically my mother's godchild. In a way, Ashara Dayne was her sister by choice, as my uncle Oberyn once said… and my mother's stories have made me very interested in the woman who is your mother. Like I've said before, I'd like to get to know the daughter. Perhaps a friendship long lasting will develop from there."
Lyarra smiled at the mention of her mother. She still found it weird whenever she remembered that her mother had been the queen's closest friend and Lady in waiting.
Perhaps she could try to foster a just as great friendship with the prince, and maybe even his sister, the Princess Rhaenys.
"Well, I can't say it's not a mistake on your path to befriend someone like me, but I would be honored to welcome your friendship."
She smiled slightly with a nod and he grinned.
"It is no mistake, Lyarra. Perhaps it is what my father would call, fate."
Lyarra looked at him, slightly surprised.
"I had thought you didn't believe in things like fate or the will of gods."
Aegon just shrugged.
"Perhaps my journey into the heart of the North changed some perspectives I had."
"That must have been quite the travel then."
"It was."
Aegon still saw shiny blue eyes whenever he slept. Perhaps once he was out of the North, that would change.
The Riverlands.
Lyarra watched the open fields in awe.
She'd never seen anything like this.
Perhaps when she was younger and her visit to Storms End had happened, but she had no recollection of that.
Everywhere was… green. Different from the snow of the North. The mountains were spread across in spades. The skies were a warm grey, no sun in sight. Perhaps that was another things she was excited to see. But the cold of the Riverlands was absolutely nothing to compare to that of the North.
But the scenery… it was amazing.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Lyarra turned back to the queen who had a platter of blood oranges in front of her, a smile on her beautiful face.
Another thing Lyarra had welcomed as they arrived in the Riverlands.
While the royal family wanted to arrive at King's Landing faster, they decided not to bother visiting or staying at castles on the duration of their travels. But the queen had wanted blood oranges, so she'd sent some men at arms and servants ahead of them to a small town around their present destination for it.
Lyarra found that she quite liked the fruit. A delicacy from Dorne, apparently.
"Yes, it is beautiful your grace. I've never seen anything like it."
Elia smiled.
"You should be prepared for the heat of the South then. While not as bad as Dorne, where some who visit for the first time occasionally have heat strokes, it is quite a difference from the North you have known your whole life. Is it not?"
Lyarra nodded, looking around once more.
They were under a small shade created for the queen, and Lyarra had been invited to join her as a 'Lady in waiting' for some light refreshments and conversation.
A bit further away, a large tent had been set for the king who had some matters he needed to take care of and the prince was with him.
"How is Dorne, your grace?"
"Dorne?... Dorne is… amazing."
Elia sighed with a wistful smile.
"An exotic kingdom, I should say. Different from the others. Perhaps it is because we are a mix of the Rhoynar. We are a very open people too, with different bloods running through our veins. Is it the blood of the Andals, Rhoynar and First Men? Is it the blood that runs through the Stony Dornish or the Salty Dornish? The religion of the seven, the religion of mother Rhoyne, the old gods, even some followers of Rhllor somewhere there? We have it all. We are known for our hot-bloodedness across the seven kingdoms, and perhaps it is because of that… and jealousy, that we Dornish are looked down upon with mistrust and some rivalry."
Lyarra listened closely as the queen talked. She was a good speaker, in the girl's opinion.
"We did not immediately bow to the dragons when they came. We fought, and then we came to terms after. Others see us, and immediately think of sexual licentiousness. They believe we are so obsessed with anything that has to do with sexual nature. As a Dornish woman, I can tell you, we really are."
She winked playfully and Lyarra's cheeks immediately turned red.
"Oh."
If there was one thing she didn't really know much about? It was that. She didn't have a mother figure to take her by the hand and guide her on her sexuality and what it meant. Old Nan perhaps tried her best, but then again, old Nan was ancient.
"Yes, oh."
Elia watched her in amusement.
"I won't lie to you and say we Dornish do not enjoy the activities of the flesh. We are hot-blooded for a reason. But, we are not so obsessive that it is all we think of. We are just… confident in who we are. We do not pretend like the other Westerosi who always hide behind brothels or going behind their significant others' back. We have brothels, yes but we do not hide. It is also why paramours are quite famous in Dorne. Both sexes are welcome to having paramours, even in their marriage. BUT, only if their significant other is in agreement. Some marriages, especially those arranged, don't end up with an happy ending most of the time, and in order to keep it in the family, as some would say, paramours are invited into the marriage, sometimes to even spice things up between an husband or wife, if they're interested in sharing that is."
Elia blinked, startled, at the rapidly red face of Lyarra and burst out into joyful laughter, and some who passed the canopy by were in awe of seeing their queen this happy, especially in public.
"Oh my, Lyarra… you look ready to bury yourself in the ground."
"F-forgive me, your grace."
Lyarra squeaked out, only focusing on her laps.
"It's just… I've never… I didn't have—"
"You've never had someone to talk to about things involving the opposite sex, am I right?"
Lyarra slowly looked up, an embarrassed look on her face as she shyly nodded while the Queen tutted.
"No matter. You will learn in King's Landing. My ladies in waiting are not as young as you. The youngest one is 22, and a newly wed, while the rest are in their mid 30s or late 20s. It should be a learning experience."
She playfully winked and Lyarra silently wondered just what she was in for at King's Landing.
"What are my duties as a Lady in waiting, might I ask?"
Elia grabbed an already peeled blood orange, daintily bringing it to her mouth and savoring the taste before speaking up.
"A lady in waiting is usually most of the time unwedded, at least for princesses or a newly married royal, mostly because families would send their daughters to us in the hopes of gaining good marriages for them. They are of course free to leave service whenever they want, but most stay more than a year at most. The last time I had to appoint a new Lady was 2 years ago. They are my version of court, much like the King has his Small Council, if you will. I have the right to choose who I want as well. In fact, I have to say you are the youngest lady in waiting I have had in years."
"Really?"
"Hm. I choose ladies who are around my age, and I try not to choose girls just entering their womanhood, I enjoy great conversations that do not involve looking at handsome young knights or some such nonsense."
She waved airily, and Lyarra nodded in agreement.
"My ladies are my eyes and ears, if you will. They are the ones that inform me of the things I usually wouldn't hear about. King's Landing secrets are more or less brought to me through them."
She winked playfully and Lyarra smiled, internally amused.
"So like your… spies?"
Elia chuckled.
"Not particularly. Just… my ears. But we do much more than that. We discuss the affairs of the kingdom, they help me in the running of the Queen affairs, we discuss leisurely too. Dancing, music, culinary arts, we do it all. Charity works, they're there for me, as well as in the event I can't make it, they are usually my stand in if my daughter cannot make it. Whenever I have important meetings to appear at, they are with me. My ladies are the ones through which other… lickspittles, if you will, try to gain my attention. My ladies are also protected under the crown of the queen. But they are to adhere to the rules and regulations that govern the kingdom. Any of them caught in compromising situations of any sorts will be removed immediately."
As Elia said this things, the nervousness and worry of Lyarra built up.
How could she do these things?!
She was basically going to be a reflection for the queen! Any untoward thing she did would show the queen badly.
This was almost suffocating for the Northern girl.
"But…"
Elia looked at her.
"My ladies are more than court. When they earn my trust, for you have to, to be able to be one, they are treated as friends. And I will protect them personally, from others who would wish them harm. Never forget that, Lyarra."
12th Month.
King's Landing.
Lyarra's jaw had taken a while for it to settle back once they got in proximity to the home of the Royal family.
There was nothing she could use to describe it. It was so foreign, so beautiful.
Things and buildings she had not seen before.
Most of the roads were well paved and the paths they passed were large and open compared to the usually muddy ones of Wintertown.
The Sept itself was a thing of visual beauty. It glowed and stood so tall and majestic on Visenya's Hill and Lyarra wanted to take a step into it.
She was a bastard no more. The seven would not turn her away now.
And there was the people.
Shouting, celebrating, crying tears of joy at the sight of their rulers back from the cold and dreary place that was the North.
Flowers were thrown on the ground as the horses and the queen's coach passed.
People cried out with joy as the King and the Prince smiled and waved at them.
Lyarra even thought she saw a girl her age faint when the prince waved in her direction. It was all so strange and different from the North.
And then, there was the Red Keep itself. Lyarra had never seen a red building… that is if she could even call it a building.
It was large. Beautiful. It shined in the scorching sun of the South and stood mighty. A fortress. The home of the Targaryens and future Targaryens to come, standing atop Aegon's Hill.
As the retinue rode into the great courtyard of the Red Keep, quite a large number of people stood waiting for them.
At the front, was a group of men of all ages and size, a group Lyarra suspected to be the Small Council, and a bit further to a side was a group of women, dressed in beautiful silks and tulle of magnificence, looking amazing and smiling with demure.
The Queen's Ladies in waiting, perhaps?
To the side, the rest of the Kingsguard stood at attention, their white cloaks fanning behind them almost dramatically as they held the hilt of their swords which lay at their waists. Their helmets over their head.
Lyarra opted to stay further behind this time as she wasn't exactly sure where to be at.
Her Lord Father had sent a Stark retinue of 6 men at arms who were to ensure her protection to King's Landing before going back. She rode with them.
As soon as the king dismounted, they all went to their knees.
Lyarra watched curiously as he walked over to a man with fiery red hair and beard though there seemed to be a light spatter of grey on his beard.
"It is good to have you back, your grace."
The man said as the King told them all to rise and he clasped his hands with him.
"Good to be back, Jon."
Ah, so this was Jon Connington. The Hand of the King.
Noticing others dismounting, Lyarra did the same as well, a nervous feeling overtaking her as she looked around at the very unfamiliar faces.
There was one person she recognized though.
The man was huge and large. A huge smile on his face and his stomach just as large as the man himself.
Wyman Manderly, Lord of White Harbor and one of her Lord Father's bannermen.
Lyarra wanted to feel some relief at having another Northerner there, but it just wasn't the same as home. In fact, it was probably beginning to stick in that this was where she would stay for quite a long time.
As the Queen was helped down, she smiled demurely as she walked over to the Small council, everyone bowing/curtseying for their queen.
"Your grace. It is good to see you well."
Jon Connington nodded with a polite smile on his face and Elia nodded almost airily at the man.
"You as well, Jon. I'm glad to see the kingdom has been well since we left for our journey."
It was an almost open secret in the Red Keep, that Jon Connington and the Queen rarely ever saw eye to eye, and an even smaller few knew the reason why.
Elia nodded politely at the other men before Rhaegar turned to her.
"I'll be joining the Council for a meeting, Elia."
"Immediately? Could it not wait a while?"
Rhaegar smiled softly.
"It will not take long."
Elia sighed before nodding.
"Very well. I do have matters to take care of as well."
She turned towards where Lyarra stood and smiled, motioning for the girl to come join her as she moved towards her Ladies.
The Small Council watched the girl curiously for a moment, and while some found nothing too special about her except perhaps for her looks, there were others who watched her very closely and how she associated with the queen.
A certain eunuch, for instance, even as the king directed them away.
"Lyarra, come. I would love for you to meet my ladies."
Lyarra walked behind the Queen as they moved towards a company of 7 ladies.
"Your grace, it's so good to have you back."
One of the ladies greeted as they all curtseyed and Elia smiled softly.
"It is good to see you all again. I have someone I'd like to introduce."
She turned towards Lyarra who clasped her hands behind her back, standing stiffly as she moved to stand by Elia, subconsciously adopting a soldier's stance.
"Ladies, this is Lyarra Dayne. She is to be my Lady in waiting. I expect you all to treat her well."
The women all turn to Lyarra with scrutiny in their eyes and the younger girl had the sudden urge to shift nervously. But she was of the North. She wouldn't back down.
"You must be Ashara Dayne's daughter. You look like her."
One of the women smiled. She had the golden skin of the Dornish and looked to be the queen's age or a little younger.
Lyarra smiled, curtseying.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"Wonderful to have a new Lady amongst us. It will certainly be great getting to know you."
Another said in an almost predatory way and Lyarra gulped internally.
So this was the South.
She wasn't sure she liked it much.
Elia chuckled slightly.
"Then let us meet a week from now, ladies. I would like to settle in first before we meet up."
"Of course, your grace."
Another lady curtseyed, and after that, Elia made eye contact with a maid servant standing further behind. The woman immediately went for Lyarra as Elia walked off, two Kingsguard members moving to guard her back and the Ladies in waiting dispersed.
"My Lady, My name is Sarah, your assigned servant for your stay here at the Red Keep. I'll be showing you to your apartment."
She bowed as she spoke and Lyarra opened and closed her mouth for a minute while looking around.
The council had left, same as the ladies, the king and queen, even the prince had vanished. The retinue were already leaving one by one, except servants assigned to offload, some of which were holding her things.
Her father's men had gone off somewhere as well, leaving her a bit confused.
"I uh, thank you, Sarah."
She stuttered out slightly and the older lady, probably in her mid 20s curtseyed.
"This way, my lady."
The Red Keep was enormous and beautiful. While she passed the passage ways and walked through courtyards, she saw beautiful paintings and expensive looking rugs, chandeliers and sculpted works that probably cost hundreds or maybe even thousands of dragons.
She walked past people, Ghost toddling next to her and people watching the growing pup with curiosity, having never seen such a strange colored 'dog'.
They soon walked past a passage and out into a decent sized courtyard that was closed up in a semi-circle of sorts with a keep.
The keep was 2 stories tall and quite majestic.
"This is the Ladies' Keep, my lady. For when the Queen's ladies stay at court."
Lyarra spotted 4 guards around the keep, even as another maid walked past.
"Are the other ladies staying here at the moment?"
She asked as they walked through the dark oak doors.
"Just some of them, my lady. Sometimes when they come with their Lord husbands or family, they prefer renting a manse outside the Red Keep. I only know of two staying here at the moment."
"Oh…"
"Here we are."
Sarah opened the large well decorated dark wooded door into Lyarra's apartment, and when the silver haired girl walked in, her jaw dropped.
This was huge… and… beautiful!
The first room was a solar of sorts, with two comfy chairs faced towards a fireplace. The room was scarcely decorated, seeing as Lyarra was just moving in. Some lamps were lit as it was getting a bit darker compared to outside. A beautiful red rug sat on the floor and a table at the end of a wall where a slightly large window was.
On the room to her left was a bedchamber. Larger than the one she stayed at in Winterfell. A nice non-creaky bed with soft blankets and quite the number of pillows in her opinion. A fireplace was also there. Another door leading to her right was a bath, and privy room, and with a small door just outside her apartment for her designated maid, Sarah.
"Wow… this is… amazing."
Lyarra breathed out, even as the maid directed the men who brought her things in.
She was here. She was actually here… in the Red Keep. King's Landing!
She stifled a surprised chuckle… it was still hard to believe! She was actually here!
She rushed into her room to see Ghost already making his home on a circular rug by the fireplace, a pleased look on his face when he saw her.
She grinned, walking over and crouching by the fire as she patted his head.
"We're really here, Ghost. It's just you and me now… we have to look after each other, okay?"
Ghost licked her hand and she laughed softly, breathing in and out rather heavily.
She was here.
"A-are you sure, my lady?"
Sarah asked, a concerned look on her face as she stared at the steaming bath water and Lyarra smiled softly, wrapped in a fur robe she'd brought from Winterfell.
It generated heat, but it was the only thing she had at the moment. In fact, majority of her outfits just wasn't cut out for the South.
"It's fine, Sarah. This is how I like my bathing water to be. I will not burn."
Sarah glanced down at the water. She'd hardly cooled it, and even when she dipped her finger into the tub, she'd had to yank it out because of the pain she'd felt.
But Lady Dayne kept reassuring her that all was good. What would she do if her charge ended up getting burnt?! It would be her fault! She would be beheaded!
Lyarra must have seen the look of fear in her eyes as she moved closer to her.
"Please, Sarah. Perhaps it is because I am of the North, and the cold situation there has made me this way. Trust me, I will not burn."
Sarah curtseyed.
"As you wish, my lady."
With another bow, she walked out of the bath room, and Lyarra loosened her robe, dropping it on a stool and with an eager look, she dipped her toes into the steaming water, slowly settling into it and as she sat down, her body cocooned by the warmth and hotness of the bathing water, she let out a sigh of approval, her hair falling past her breasts and into the water, and the room becoming slightly misty.
Today was a new day.
While the Queen had asked her ladies to appear before her in a week, Lyarra herself had a few things to do.
Apart from acclimatizing to the Red Keep, she wanted to get to know where she could and couldn't go.
She wanted to see the sparring yard and be sure that she was welcomed there.
She wanted to go out and see King's Landing itself. Everything it entailed. How the Southerners differed from the Northerners.
She wanted to see it all.
She was excited. A new beginning for her.
She scrubbed at her skin till they became slightly pink. Compared to the Southerners who usually had the sun staring down at them, the North only had winter, and so compared to others she had seen, she was so pale she stood out. The only ones who were as pale as her were the King and his son. Owing to their very obvious Valyrian heritage.
She rinsed her hair, washed and then cleaned herself off, wrapping herself back up and walking into her bedchamber where Ghost rolled around on her bed, her dress wrinkled to a side.
She huffed, walking over and grabbing it.
"Really, Ghost. I'm wearing this today. You don't want me looking like some ruffian out there, do you?"
Ghost only stared, tongue rolled out and looking adorable and Lyarra shook her head, quickly dressing up in the grey gown, her hair let down and ready for her first day.
She gushed as she walked around, walking past servants who bowed or curtseyed whenever they saw her, or the occasional guards.
It was oh so different from Winterfell. And when she reached an high tower, she looked out, staring at the city, as well as the shining sun. It was just so beautiful and different, compared to the cold beauty of the North.
With a small sigh, she continued her exploration of the Red Keep.
At some point, she found herself in the throne room and marveled at just how big and large it was. It could fit thousands of people in it, from what she could see. And so far away was the famed Iron Throne.
It was imposing to look at. Sharp, deadly… dark. It was also mighty looking. Anyone who sat there would look imposing. The throne was enough to gather the respect of the people.
She left after a while, just about stumbling about when she saw the familiar white cloaks of the Kingsguards and she beamed when she saw her uncle walking with the famed commander of the Kingsguard. She would not miss such a glorious opportunity to be introduced to him.
"Uncle!"
She called out, holding her dress and rushing towards the two men who stopped and turned.
As soon as Ser Barristan faced the supposed daughter of Ashara Dayne, he paled slightly, his eyes widening for a second, as he stared at the girl who carried the face of Ashara Dayne.
There were differences of course. Her skin was paler, her hair was a silvery white, her purple eyes were lighter, like a mix of purple and grey. She had a long face, giving her an almost fae-like appearance, and where Ashara almost always wore a rather alluring smile, her daughter had an almost childlike happiness when she spotted her beloved uncle.
He felt his hands shake for a second, seeing what could be termed remnants of the past. This was Ashara's daughter. The girl she died to birth.
Her mother's daughter through and through.
"Lyarra. I haven't seen you since yesterday. How are you? Your apartment? Is it to your satisfaction? And eating? Have you eaten?"
Lyarra sighed.
"You're acting like a father, uncle. Do keep calm, I am okay."
Her eyes slid over to Ser Barristan who stared at her like she was a ghost, and she gave Arthur a look which made him smirk as he cleared his throat.
"Barristan, I believe you haven't met my dearest niece, Lyarra of house Dayne. Lyarra, this is the famed Ser Barristan Selmy. Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and a good friend."
Lyarra curtseyed.
"It's an honor, Ser Barristan. I've heard stories of your prowess and I hope to reach your abilities someday."
Arthur grinned, turning to a still quiet Barristan.
"She is an aspiring warrior. Speaking of…"
He turned back to her.
"Will I see you at the sparring yard sometime soon?"
Lyarra beamed.
"I was worried I wouldn't be allowed. Winterfell is certainly different from this place… I don't want to disrespect anybody."
Before Arthur could say anything, Barristan spoke up.
"It will be no issue."
He spoke firmly.
"I will see to it that you are allowed to spar. You have my word."
Lyarra's eyes sparkled with joy and Barristan Selmy's face softened, even as she bowed almost ridiculously.
"Thank you Ser! Thank you!"
"You're never this happy to see me, niece. Am I not good enough?"
Lyarra chuckled, shaking her head.
"You are my Uncle. That is a difference. He is Ser Barristan Selmy. A legend I hope to run into in the sparring yard someday."
She turned to him with a firm nod, her Northern accent more pronounced and Barristan stiff straight, acknowledging her request with his own nod.
"I look forward to that day then."
Lyarra beamed up at him, and both Arthur and Barristan saw how much she resembled her mother.
"Well, we should be heading off now."
Arthur cleared his throat, looking at Lyarra.
"We have somewhere to be. Do be careful niece. The Red Keep is safe, but there are numerous people in it, most that you don't know of."
The younger girl nodded, and Ser Barristan bowed.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Dayne."
"Please, call me Lyarra Ser."
He gave her a small smile.
"If you insist."
The library of the Red Keep was enormous. Filled with thousands of books that made Lyarra almost grab at her head, confused.
There was just so much! If the Red Keep had this much, then what would the Citadel look like?! Overflowing with so much knowledge.
Lyarra knew she wasn't a huge lover of books, but she did like to find out information whenever she could. Maester Luwin had once said that if women were allowed at the Citadel, he probably would have spoken to her Lord Father about her going there.
Lyarra wasn't so sure she wouldn't have run off after a while. The life of a Maester just wasn't suitable for someone with her temperament.
She left the library after a while, the skies already darkening into a late afternoon.
Her stomach grumbled slightly as she walked around, for the life of her, wondering exactly where she was.
She should have known she'd end up lost. This was her first day after all. And the last maid servant she'd seen had just waved at a general direction, an accent making it difficult for Lyarra to really get what she was saying.
She stumbled into another passage and she stifled a groan.
Who built this place?
They didn't even have the common decency to make it easy.
"My Lady, do you need any help?"
Lyarra jumped back in alarm, her hand subconsciously moving towards a sword which she didn't have.
She watched as a plump and bald figure walked closer, hands clasped in front of their stomach and a soft smile on their face.
"Ah, it would seem I scared you. Pardon me, Lady Dayne. I am Varys. The king's Master of Whisperers. At your service."
Lyarra stared at the rather effeminate looking man. He was dressed in rich purple silk, a powdered face and smelling so much like concentrated lavenders that it pricked Lyarra's nose to the point of almost scrunching them up and distancing herself from him. But it would look disrespectful, so she curtseyed.
"Lord Varys. An honor to make your acquaintance."
The man smiled and Lyarra just felt on edge almost immediately.
"Please, I should say the honor is all mine. The daughter of Ashara Dayne. I knew her, you know?"
Lyarra perked up.
Of course, he had been around the time her mother was at court.
"A beautiful and strong-willed lady, she was. The world lost someone important that day."
Varys looked almost wistful and Lyarra forced a smile on her face.
"Pardon me, my Lord, but I need to find the Ladies' Keep, so… If you would excuse me.."
Varys clapped once.
"Ah! My Lady, the keep is not too far from here. This way, I shall escort you."
He grinned disarmingly, and yet Lyarra just couldn't find herself at ease.
"Really, there is no need."
He opened his arms rather magnanimously.
"Ah, but Lady Dayne I heard you've been wondering about the past 10 minutes or so, not sure of your destination."
A frown grew across the younger girl's face.
"You heard, My Lord?"
Varys shrugged.
"My little birds told me. Come, my lady, I will show you the way, as a servant of the realm."
He walked past her, his perfume pricking her nose once more and Lyarra watched the man move so quietly without turning back.
Perhaps her father truly was right. The capital was filled with strange people. Like this Master of Whisperers.
She walked behind him, not sure what to say.
"And how are you liking King's Landing?"
He called out merrily and Lyarra shrugged.
"I haven't had the time to explore, My Lord."
"Hm… perhaps I can name some of the best streets in town. In fact, some have some Northerners who migrated here to start a new life."
Lyarra perked up at that, forgetting her mistrust of the eunuch as she moved to walk next to him, not noticing the amused smile that spread on his face.
"Northerners? There are Northerners in King's Landing?"
Varys tittered.
"Of course, my dear. Lord Manderly isn't the only Northman brave enough to wonder into the cesspool that is King's Landing. Some are fishermen, store owners and even the odd trader here and there. King's Landing is a place known for catering to many citizens of Westeros and even some from Essos. Exotic streets exist just past the Red Keep where foreigners all the way from Yi Ti trade."
Lyarra's eyes brightened at the thought of visiting such places. She had lived a slightly jaded life in her opinion, and the opportunity to see things even her siblings had never… oh the need to!
"Here we are!"
Lyarra found herself in the familiar courtyard of the Ladies' Keep and turned to Varys with a small curtsey.
"My thanks, Lord Varys."
Varys waved her off.
"Please, dear girl. It was nothing. Welcome to the Red Keep, and do be careful. It is not always safe."
Lyarra watched him leave rather puzzled, till he turned another corner.
He was odd, that was for sure.
She paused as she suddenly realized she'd just met the king's Master of Whisperers. The known spider who could acquire any information at anytime with the help of his so-called little birds.
She shivered slightly, walking towards the keep. Best not to draw too much attention to herself around here.
For now, lunch was what she looked forward to. And perhaps writing a letter to her siblings and telling them of her first day in such a strange place. That would put them at ease and let them know she hadn't forgotten them.
Lyarra walked next to Sarah as she took her out of the Red Keep.
Her eyes going everywhere, even as they walked past guards as well as some common people.
Just the previous night, a letter had arrived for her from Lord Wyman Manderly who asked for an audience at a Manse he was currently renting while at King's Landing.
The streets outside the Keep were obviously well made, with cobblestone paths and shops and homes that were definitely envied. Understandable, as these places were the more expensive parts of King's Landing, going miles along before the more middle classed areas came into sight.
Aegon's Hill seemed to be surrounded by the more beautiful streets and riches.
Horses dragging coaches as well as goods passed her by, the occasional goldcloaks could be seen on the streets too.
They didn't have to walk for too long when they entered a nice and slightly quiet street mostly filled with manses separated by tall fences or open lands.
"Most of the Manses here are rented by visiting lords, my lady."
Sarah spoke up as Lyarra admired everything she saw.
"Most?"
"Yes, my Lady. Some are family owned of course, but some are usually rented off, either by the crown, or families looking to earn money this way."
Lyarra hummed.
"Here we are."
The Manse was two story tall, a creamy gold color, with lots of plants and greeneries, and vines growing on parts of the wall.
They were soon let in by a guard wearing Manderly coat of arms.
She was obviously expected as she and Sarah were directed immediately into the Manse, where a slightly older man told her to follow him as Lord Manderly waited in his solar.
The man stood in front of dark oak wood double doors and knocked.
"Enter!"
An almost jovial voice sounded behind the doors and the man opened the door for Lyarra to walk in.
The solar was obviously much more modern than her Lord Father's in Winterfell and showed hints of wealth here and there. And on the side, a large square shaped window looking outside into open green fields.
Lord Manderly sat behind his desk, almost dwarfing it and yet not. A smile on his face. A very fat man. The fattest she'd ever seen in fact. He had four chins from what she could see though a friendly face.
She immediately curtseyed.
"Lord Manderly, an honor to be here."
"Please, no need for all that. We of the North do like to get straight to business, is it not true?"
Wyman Manderly smiled broadly, waving for her to seat which she quickly did.
"Now, you must be wondering why I asked to see you. Your Lord Father sent a letter to me weeks back of your impending arrival to King's Landing."
Lyarra raised an eyebrow at that. Now that was news.
"Indeed. King's Landing is different from Winterfell, my Lady. Of course he is worried about his daughter. I assured him I would help you however I can whenever I am here. It matters not, as a Stark, you shall have my help."
Lyarra blushed slightly.
"Forgive me, my Lord. But I am a Dayne now."
The fat man bellowed out a laugh.
"You have the blood of Stark running through your veins. Your father is THE Stark of Winterfell. You are a Stark always."
Lyarra couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as he said that and she sat upright, shoulders high.
"Thank you, Lord Manderly."
"Anytime my dear. Tell me, how have you been fearing? Are your accommodations up to your satisfaction?"
Lyarra nodded with a small smile.
"Yes, my Lord. The queen was ever so gracious with me. I'm staying at the Ladies' Keep. I also have an assigned maid all to myself. It certainly is very different here."
Lord Manderly nodded.
"Indeed. The South has very different customs and traditions the North doesn't. I'm quite lucky as my family keep to some of the Southron traditions, and so when I was appointed Master of Coin, it hadn't been too much of an issue integrating myself around here."
He hummed in thought for a second, before speaking up.
"Perhaps I shall ask one of my granddaughters to come visit me. Keep you company for a while as well."
Lyarra's eyes widened.
"There's no need for that, My Lord."
"Nonsense! We Northerners are few around here. And you will like Wylla. A brave girl she is. 14 name days old but I believe you both shall be great friends. She has been asking for a chance to visit too. Perhaps when I'm returning."
Lyarra frowned.
"Returning?"
"Ah, I usually go home around this time of celebrations, but with the King and his procession up North, it was delayed. I'll be heading home after the End of year celebrations. I'll only spend a moon obviously, but I should be back by the 3rd month."
Lyarra blinked at that.
Well, that went the whole Northerners stick together thing. But then again, he was going to spend some time with his family. And he was still the Lord of White Harbor, so of course he had to visit his seat.
"Of course, Lord Manderly. I look forward to meeting your granddaughter."
He puffed up and Lyarra was amused by how much the man looked slightly comical where he sat.
A knock on the door and he waved.
Enter!"
Three servants walked in carrying silver trays of food and Lord Manderly perked up.
"Ah, yes. The snacks have arrive. Care to join, Lady Dayne? Some of my favorites."
Boiled eggs, capons, eels, lampreys, pork pies, porridge, and sausages sat assorted, with a jug of wine.
Lyarra stared… snacks?
"Um, thank you but I've already eaten."
The man scoffed playfully.
"Well have some more! There's nothing wrong with eating whenever you can. You're practically bones where you sit! Have some boiled eggs."
Lyarra slowly grabbed one, taking a bite, even as the fat lord told her stories of his granddaughters.
It was obvious the man loved them. Lyarra smiled as he told stories of their mischief and drama. Lyarra had met them before but never had reasons to approach either of them.
Perhaps she'd find a friend in the younger one this time around.
A week and half later.
Roseroad.
"Grandmother, I can see King's Landing. So close yet so far."
Margaery Tyrell remarked as she looked out the wheelhouse where she sat with her Grandmother.
Olenna Tyrell sat holding a goblet of arbor gold, a slightly blank look on her face even as she grunted.
"Finally. I was beginning to think your father led the way wrong."
"Grandmama!"
Margaery softly admonished, even though a small smile played on her lips.
Another wheelhouse followed behind them, where Willas Tyrell sat with his soon to be betrothed and his Lady Mother.
"Oh pish posh. You of all people know how your father is."
Margaery shook her head with a smile.
"He is your son still."
Olenna huffed.
"Pah! Let the fat lump ride ahead. At least Garlan rides with him. We can't have King's Landing looking down on the Reach."
She then smirked at her granddaughter.
"Not when we plan to place you on the throne."
Margaery chuckled rather deviously.
"Grandmother, if I ever marry the prince, he would be the one sitting on the throne, not I."
"But you shall be the one to lead him. A queen's job in fact. It is what Elia Martell does and while I used to think her weak a long time ago, she has definitely surprised a lot of us. The Dornish came prepared at the end of the day."
Margaery frowned slightly.
"The Prince is a hard young man though, according to the princess. Friendly enough but rarely entertains people for too long."
Olenna waved off her granddaughter's concern.
"But he is a man still. All you need to do is show him a little bit of skin."
"Grandmama!"
The two chuckle for a second and the old woman continued.
"And besides, you have no one to be wary of. The king might want a Valyrian bride for his son, and I have no idea why, but there are none around."
Margaery shook her head slightly.
"You forget the Daynes."
Olenna sighed, sipping her wine.
"Ah yes. Allyria Dayne and the stray the Queen recently took under her wings, the newly legitimized niece, Lyarra Dayne."
"And that one is in King's Landing too."
Olenna dismissed her worry.
"And nothing to worry about. She is a bastard still, no matter who she was legitimized by. The realm would never allow a legitimized bastard marry the crown prince. It would be seen as madness. And I can guarantee the King wants no madness tied to his line anymore. Only an act of the gods would make everyone accept such a thing, and I don't think the gods have time for us lowly beings."
Margaery grinned, amused as her grandmother twirled her cup slightly, the capital closer now.
"It's all up to you, Margaery. It might be madness, going after the Targaryen prince and princess, but we are Tyrells, sweetheart. Growing strong."
Margaery grinned.
"Growing strong."
And besides, being the queen of Westeros.
An ambitious goal, and one she liked.
Side Notes.
Small Council.
-Master of Ships. Monford Velaryon.
-Lord Commander of the kingsguard. Barristan Selmy.
-Master of Whisperers. Varys.
-Master of Laws. Stannis Baratheon.
-Grand Maester. Pycelle.
-Master of Coin. Wyman Manderly.
-Hand of the king. Jon Connington.
Kingsguard.
Kingsguard.
Barristan Selmy. Lord Commander.
Arthur Dayne.
Jaime Lannister.
Prince Lewyn Martell.
Oswell Whent
Gendry Baratheon.
Jonothor Darry.
Ladies in waiting.
-Lady Elena Dalt of Lemonwood, Dorne.
-Lady Falyse Stokeworth. Heir to Stokeworth, Crownlands.
-Lady Sylvia Fowler. Lady of Skyreach Dorne.
-Lady Carina Chelsted of the Crownlands.
-Lady Lydia Gargalen of Salt Shore, Dorne.
-Lady Calypso Celtigar of Claw isle, Crownlands.
-Lady Sarah Lonmouth. Wife of the Knight of skulls and kisses, Stormlands.
The retinue is now in King's Landing, where all the drama will definitely be spicing up quickly enough.
Next chapter-The Tyrells arrive, introductions are made as well as a small run-in with the prince and Lyarra. Also, Varys scheming as usual, because why not?