Hey everyone, sorry it's been so long. I'm getting ready to move and I've been packing up the house and I've just been so busy. Thank you so much for your comments, I really liked reading them. Please enjoy the chapter and as a treat, it's a triple post. That's right, three chapters including this one. I hope you enjoy :)
- Davina
Chapter Twenty-One: Middle of 299 AC – Riverrun
Arrivals, Betrayal's and Setback's
They were breaking their fast when the Unsullied century and Grey Worm burst into her tent. Visenya was in company with Shireen, Daario, Ser Arthur, Ser Oswell, Ser Gerald and Ser Barristan, to say a wheelhouse and a group of soldiers was approaching baring the Martell banner, alongside the Tyrell rose and the banner of Lord Blackwood of Raventree Hall. It was her daughter Sarella and the men who had been sent as an escort, including Loras Tyrell.
Visenya had instantly risen to her feet as relief rushed through her, "Ser Oswell ride hard for Riverrun and tell Robb he needs to summon his lords immediately to gather in the courtyard and then go into the Reach camp and tell Lord Tyrell to do the same. Ser Gerald go to Jace's tent, tell him that he and Roslin need to join us, dressed appropriately as quickly as possible and Ser Barristan wake Daeny and tell her to prepare herself. Daario, I need you to get some of the Dothraki to prepare the horses and I want a contingency of fifty unsullied ready to take over guard duty on the wheelhouse once they reach the camp," she ordered as she bundled Shireen into a warm cloak and pulled hers on, Arthur placing her crown upon her head before she could exit the tent.
This was it, the moment they had been waiting for. The last piece of the puzzle before Visenya would bring the final pieces of her plan together.
The men immediately followed her orders, Ser Arthur following after his Queen as she rushed Shireen out of her tent, where soldiers were already gathering, having seen the Queensguard depart with haste. The little girl, who looked like she could be Visenya's daughter, held the dragon queen's hand and looked around wide eyed at the commotion going through the camp as word traveled through the Targaryen encampment that Sarella had returned victorious. Visenya could see Ser Oswell on a horse riding hard to the keep and she could see many of the men collecting their weapons and forming an isle through the camp as the party of people approached, banners flapping in the wind.
Sarella, dressed in dornish leather armor, her long hair pulled back in a braid, rode at the head of the party. Two dothraki men on either side of her, one of which was Rakharo, and five dozen men, northerner's, unsullied, dothraki and a few men she didn't know, surrounded the wheelhouse on every side. The carriage was a reinforced prison wagon from Essos, the had been lined with metal formed by dragon fire, making it look like a large box. It had been made unbreakable and it had been lined through the whole thing, making it impossible for the prisoners to escape without the door being opened from the outside.
Jace, Roslin, Daeny, Ser Gerald and Daario joined them waiting outside Visenya's tent, each dressed to impress as it became clear something important was happening. Valyrian had heard the commotion, and his huge head was now visible over top of the tent as he watched what was going on curiously, the other dragons following his lead. Men closed in behind the carriage after it entered the camp, Visenya was pleased to see every single one had a weapon of some kind. The minute Jace saw Sarella, pride swelled in his chest for his cousin, and he grinned to his naneth, when she caught his eye.
Sarella journeyed triumphantly through the camp, the unsullied stamping their spears on the ground as she passed and others followed, banging on their shields as cheers went up among the Targaryen army. There were exclamations coming from the other three encampments, shouts of surprise as Valyrian roared with satisfaction. Visenya stood silently and beamed with pride even as Shireen cheered for Sarella, having grown close to the Sand Snake as they journeyed from Dragonstone to Westeros.
When they reached where the Queen Regent stood, silence fell across the camp as Sarella dismounted her horse and knelt before her mother, Ser Loras joining her side as well as Heir Tyro Blackwood, bowing their heads. Just behind her on a horse of her own, surrounded by five warriors, was a disguised Arya Stark who was sharing her horse with an older boy with the dark hair and blue all Baratheon's shared, identical to every Baratheon Visenya had ever met.
Visenya knew instantly that the boy was a bastard, probably one of Robert's get.
"Please rise," Visenya ordered, allowing the three to come to their feet. She smiled gently at them, "Welcome back Sarella, I see our endeavor was successful," she said. Sarella grinned back, "Some sleeping powder in their food, a riot formed by the littlest Stark and we were able to smuggle them out of the castle with no problems. The big guy woke halfway to Raventree Hall, and the old one woke earlier this afternoon," she explained as Arya and the boy dismounted, having been gestured forward by Ser Loras.
Sarella stepped aside and placed a hand on the little girls shoulder as Arya took the Sand Snakes place in front of the Queen, who she stared at with awe in her eyes. Arya Stark had heard a lot of stories about Visenya Targaryen, formerly known as Princess Daella, over the course of her life. When she was a child, Old Nan had told stories upon stories of her and even her father had spoken of her exploits when they were young. Arya had wanted to be just like Visenya II, a warrior under the command of no man. To now stand before the warrior princess, it was like all her dreams were coming true.
She tried to curtsy but just gave up and bowed her head, "Queen Visenya," she greeted excitedly.
Visenya smiled slightly, Robb and she had spoke over the excitement of the younger girl and how she aspired to be just like the two Visenya's of legend. The boy next to Arya bowed his head hesitantly, "Gendry Strom, your grace," he said as his greeting. Visenya looked him over, top to bottom, "You're Robert's bastard?" she asked, her eyes daring him to lie to her, though her smile was kind. Gendry gulped but nodded, "Aye, my mother was a wench from one of the alehouses in King's Landing," he explained softly, hoping he would keep his head.
Visenya softened slightly, "Unlike those of King's Landing, children shall never be punished for the crimes of their parents. They will never know the horror my niece and nephew did under my families rule. This is your cousin, Shireen Baratheon," she said introducing him to the little girl beside her. Gendry had never had any other family that he knew, to learn he had a cousin... he felt happiness fill him and accepted the little ones hand as her purple eyes stared up at him happily. He bowed over it, "Greetings Shireen," he murmured softly.
The little girl gave her a huge smile, "Greetings cousin," she whispered back, and pulled Gendry to stand at her side, mind racing. After what her mother and father had tried to do, Shireen had disowned them as her parents but kept the name Baratheon and the heir of Storm's End. She had had no doubts about following Visenya back to Westeros and away from Dragonstone. The woman had saved her life and cured her of greyscale. Now she was giving her another family member, one who could be legitimized and take over Storms End for her. She already knew what she wanted to do with her life. Once she had flowered, she wanted to marry and stay with Visenya, the woman she was coming to see as a mother. She didn't care where they ended up, whether at Summerhall or in Dorne, as long as they were together, it didn't matter.
With that in mind the newly united cousins turned back to Visenya as her eyes turned to the hulking man that had been standing behind Gendry and Arya. The scar across his face instantly gave his identity away and Visenya met his eyes with a calm expression, "Sandor Clegane," she murmured, making the Westerosi nobles present shift uncomfortably. Everyone knew that Gregor Clegane had been responsible for the death of Elia Martell and her son, Aegon. This was the Mountain that Rides, younger brother. He had been the sworn shield to Joffrey, before the Battle of the Blackwater and then he had vanished, and no one knew what happened to him.
For him to stand before Visenya and Jacaerys, with their dragons, was incredibly brave.
Before Visenya could say anything, Arya spoke, "He saved my life," she announced loudly, feeling protective of the odd man that had protected her over the last few weeks as they traveled North.
Visenya looked at the little girl before looking at the knight, "Is this true?" she demanded, voice stern and violet eyes flashing.
The big man nodded, "Aye," he grunted, hand purposely held away from the sword handle at his side.
"Why?"
Sandor looked at Arya and then at the Dragon Queen, whose whole presence seemed to cloak the area around her. He could remember the engagement tourney at Kings Landing for Prince Rhaegar and Elia Martell. He had only been ten years old. But he could remember Visenya during the tourney, remember when she was named the Princess of Summerhall and how proud Aerys Targaryen had been of his daughter. Arya reminded Sandor of that Princess all those years ago, who had defied tradition and joined a tourney despite their disapproval. Arya was much like the then Princess, now Queen. Sandor, who remembered the girl who had tended to his cheek after his brother had split it open after the celebration feast, had witnessed the abuse Lyra and Sansa Stark had been through due to Joffrey and then found Arya in the wilds of the Riverlands, remembered a silent promise.
"You made the Kingslayer swear to guard the Stark's," he grunted aloud, silence reigning as the words penetrated everyone's mind, "He didn't. So, I swore I would. Lyra and Sansa were safe as they could be in Kings Landing, had I taken them and run, we never would have made it to the Northern encampment, the Lannister men would have caught us. But then word came that the little Stark was sighted in the Riverlands, and I knew time was up. I knew someone would return for the two elder Stark girls, but Arya had no one."
Visenya's eyes softened and Arya's eyes widened, "What?" the little girl demanded, looking between the Queen and knight.
Visenya smiled softly, "You will be rewarded for your service to the crown Sandor Clegane," she said softly and then straightened, all eyes on her as she gave him an imperial look, "I, Queen Regent, Visenya of the House Targaryen, Third of Her Name, Princess of Summerhall, The Unburnt, The Great Mother Khaleesi, Queen Regent of the of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Breaker of Chains, Mother of Dragons, Mother of the Sand Snakes, Dāria to the Unsullied and Rider of Valyrian, The King of Dragons, hereby pardon Sandor Clegane of all crimes he's been accused of and for leaving his post in the Bastard King's Kingsguard. Ser Gerald Hightower, Lord Commander of the Queensguard, do you accept this man?" she swore before her loyalists.
Sandor's mouth dropped as a man of legend, in his White Cloak, stepped forward his hand on the pommel of his Valyrian steel sword to stand at the Dragon Queen's side. Sandor remembered the Tourney of Harrenhal, when the White Bull had put the White Cloak around Jaime Lannister's shoulders and remembered the envy in his gut. He had never wanted to be a knight, he just wanted to fight better than his brother to avenge his father and sister. But his fighting had won him the attention of Robert Baratheon and he had found himself bound in servitude to the Bastard cub of Cersei Lannister, against his will. He had been part of a Kingsguard, where only one man among all, had honor.
Ser Barristan was standing behind Visenya and for the first time, the old mans eyes were glinting in pride for the Hound, the youngest Clegane, who for so long had accepted his title of 'dog' and never fought to change anyone's perception of him. But looking at these legendary figured, ones he had worshipped in his youth before he understood all high nobles were corrupt and would never help him, or stop his monster of a brother, his heart lurched.
His eyes looked from Ser Gerald Hightower to Ser Oswell Whent, to Ser Barristan, to Ser Arthur Dayne, to the Crown Prince Jacaerys, before resting on Visenya, all of their eyes soft with welcome. His heart firmed and he drew his sword, stabbing the blade into the ground and knelt, one hand going over his heart, "I, Sandor Clegane, of Clegane Keep, swear to ward the Queen with all my strength and give my blood for hers. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall guard her secrets, obey her commands, ride at her side, and defend her name and honor. I swear it by the Old Gods and the New!" it was the most serious and Momentive oath he had ever given, and he meant every word of it.
Ser Gerald swelled with pride as he could hear the sincerity in the Oath and he accepted the White Cloak Arthur held out to him, stepping forward to drape it around the young lads shoulders, "I, Lord Commander of Queen Regent Visenya's Queensguard, accept your vow and welcome you among our sworn brotherhood," he promised, pulling the boy up and into a bear hug, which Sandor returned, because, for just those few moments; Ser Gerald reminded him of his father.
When they separated, it was to a beaming crowd and Visenya smiled at him, "Come forward and be welcomed," she said, gesturing the boy towards her. Sandor stepped forward and was met by each of the Queensguard, that gave him some form of affection before he stopped before Ser Barristan. This man had witnessed Sandor's greatest shames, how he had treated Lyra and Sansa in Kings Landing but now, looking at him with pride in his blue eyes as he cupped the scarred side of Sandors face, "Well done boy, I always knew there was honor and determination to do the right thing inside of you. Come and be welcome," he said, pulling away and clamping his hand on Sandor's shoulder, to escort him to the Queensguard's tent, so the boy could get a couple of hours of rest before his duty began once more.
Visenya then turned eyes to Arya, "Your family is probably waiting for you," she said softly as Sarella wrapped an arm around her shoulders, both woman slightly emotional after seeing the pure bafflement in Sandor's eyes as the boy was accepted as he was. After Sandor had been accepted into the Queensguard, Arya had turned towards Riverrun, where her brother, two sisters and her mother were waiting for her. She had never thought she would make it this close to home and now she was only minutes away from being reunited with her family. "Are they angry with me? For running away from King's Landing?" she asked softly grey eyes weary.
Visenya could only imagen what Arya had had to do to survive after leaving the capital. The shadows in her eyes spoke of horrors known only to her and Visenya knew the girl would have a hard time leaving them behind. She expected the girl would suffer from nightmares and she knew she would need to speak with Robb about finding a way to help her beat out her issues. She also knew that Catelyn was going to deny anything they said but Visenya was determined that if she had to, she would pull rank on the woman and she knew Robb would probably back her as he also suffered from nightmares of the life he had been forced to live. If they could make it easier on Arya, than they would.
The older woman shook her head, "No. They just wanted you home and now you are here. Are you ready?" Visenya asked. It was a loaded question if Arya had ever heard one. Was she ready to face her mother, brother and sisters after everything she had done? Visenya said they weren't angry, but should Arya believe her? She was so used to being suspicious of everyone and constantly fighting for her life, that she wasn't sure how to handle this kindness being offered to her. But the longing to finally see her mother, after two years, won and she nodded her head.
Visenya nodded her understanding before turning away and barking orders in valyrian, "Mele sōvegon gūrogon aōha vali se jiōragon mirri rest, emā ȳdra daor sȳrī. Turgon Nudha, ao se aōha vali gūrogon pōja places se prepare naejot escort se carriage ezīmagon riverrun. Jacaerys nyke jorrāelagon ao se roslin naejot accompany nyke, dany jaelan ao naejot umbagon lēda shireen se se lanta hen kesā find mirri havor syt Gēndrī se jiōragon zirȳla iā tent naejot ēdrugon isse." The moment she was finished there was a flurry of movement as men retired to their tent and new ones took their place, guarding the wheelhouse.
Translation: Visenya- Red Fly take your men and get some rest, you have done well. Grey Worm, you and your men take their places and prepare to escort the carriage into Riverrun. Jacaerys, I need you and Roslin to accompany me, Daeny I want you to stay with Shireen and the two of you will find some food for Gendry and get him a tent to sleep in.
Jace mounted his horse and pulled Roslin up in front of him without farther prompt, Ser Gerald, Ser Oswell, Ser Barristan, and Ser Loras all following their lead. Daeny took Shireen's hand and led her away with Gendry following after them after he bowed his head goodbye to the Targaryen royal family. Arya moved over to Sarella who was already mounted and allowed the woman to pull her up onto the horse behind her, already knowing the woman and more comfortable with her than anyone else. Arthur mounted before offering his hand to Visenya, who was dressed in armor instead of a gown and it made it easier for her to slide into the saddle behind him.
Once situated, Visenya whistled, and the party began to move at a fast trot up to the Riverrun keep, the wheelhouse squeaking loudly behind them. No one said anything, the only sound, beside the wheelhouse, was the horses hooves and the flickering of the banners in the air. Even though the dragon banner now hung over Riverrun with the Stark and Tully banners, Visenya's men still carried them when they marched. Daario met them at the bridge and escorted them into the courtyard, which was filled with the northern, Riverland and reach lords, all looking tired due to the early hour, as the sun was just no streaking the sky with light. Robb, Talisa, Catelyn, Lyra, Sansa, Edmure, the Blackfish, Greatjon, Smalljon, Mace, Olenna, Willas, Margaery, Randyll and Talla were all gathered in the center group, awaiting the Targaryen convoy to enter and dismount their horses.
Robb had his lips pressed into a thin line as his eyes flashed with annoyance at being summoned so early in the morning, after having such a good night, as his wife had allowed him into her bed for the first time in days. However, he wasn't given a chance to say anything before there was a blur of movement from behind Visenya and a loud cry of 'mother' echoed as small girl with short hair dropped from a horse, controlled by Sarella Sand and rushed into Catelyn Stark's arms, which closed around her automatically, before Catelyn understood just who was in her arms. Everyone was stunned and no one said anything until with a loud sob, the queen mother wrapped her arms around her youngest daughters shoulders, "Arya." And the two collapsed on the ground, sobbing their hearts out, Lyra and Sansa quick to join their mother in hugging their younger sister.
Robb spun to face Visenya as shock coursed through him. He knew Arya had been found by Sarella in Harrenhal but until he had physically laid eyes on her, Robb had not truly believed his sister was alive and well.
"When?" he demanded, unable to force his mouth to form any other words.
Visenya smiled at him, "A few minutes ago," she said as a wheelhouse came into the courtyard, squeaking loudly.
The sounds drew all attention and silenced everyone as they turned to face it and Mace stepped forward curiously, "What is this?" he asked eyeing the wheelhouse which was outfitted in mental.
Visenya and Jace shared a smirk, "Oh, that's just Gregor Clegane and Tywin Lannister," she said deceptively casual.
Mace's mouth dropped in shock, others following as they realized who was now caught in the metal crate standing in the middle of Riverrun and he looked so surprised at this turn of events, having not been aware of Visenya, Jacaerys and Robb underhanded plot that had been brewing behind the scenes, that Loras snickered as he dismounted his horse and moved to stand beside Sarella, who was also hiding a smirk.
Robb stepped forward, even though he was watching his mother clutch at Arya out of the corner of his eye, "It was successful?" he asked his cousin quietly.
Before anything Jacaerys could say anything, the sounds of shouting and swearing could be heard inside the wagon as someone started to struggle. Everyone took a startled step back except for Visenya, who was glaring at the carriage with burning hatred in her dark eyes. She tilted her head and Greyworm, who had been standing by the carriage door, moved closer and unlocked the door, making the occupants go quiet.
Everyone in the courtyard put their hands on their weapons and Jace moved so he was stood protectively in front of his pregnant wife as the door was pushed open. Two men pushed their way out, one was so large they had to wonder how he even got out, not helped by the fact he was wrapped in chains. One was around his throat, leading down to cuffs on his wrists, before locking around his waist and then finishing around his ankles, with weights dragging behind him. The moment he was out, he fell flat on his face, and Sandor could help but snicker as the Mountain roared against the mud his face was pressed down into. The other man was a tall, slender, broad-shouldered older man in his fifties. He had a shaved head but bushy golden side-whiskers, and had green eyes flecked with gold, eyes that immediately swept the courtyard and showed slight fear when he saw the flashing set of purple eyes focused on him.
After all the years of mourning and being forced into exile, Visenya laid her eyes on the man who betrayed her family and had three members of it he had ordered murdered. Jace, who was standing beside her and in front of Roslin, could feel the hatred, distaste and fury rolling off his naneth as she glared at the two men who had exited the carriage. He had to hide his shiver as he felt Moonfyre grow agitated, and everyone could hear Valyrian growling as he too felt his mothers anger.
"Visenya," came the voice of the older one, breaking the stifled and tense silence. Tywin Lannister, he who ordered the death of his stepmother and siblings, and Jacaerys understood what his naneth had meant when she said Tywin Lannister was a monster, his eyes were cold.
A vicious snarl pulled at her lips, "You look good wrapped in chains Tywin," she hissed back. The fury that filled her and she could feel her connection to the dragons heating, and she heard Valyrian roar, vibrating the very earth under their feet.
Tywin scowled, "You should have stayed in exile. Even wrapped in chains, I will win this war," he growled arrogantly.
Visenya threw her head back and chuckled, "My army stands right at this moment, eighty-four thousand strong with another thirty thousand soldiers on their way. I have the allegiance of sixteen dragons. I have allied with the North, who has been routing your army for the last two years. The only reason you are still alive, the reason I have to gutted you and sent you piece by piece back to your children, is because the Targaryen's owe a debt to Dorne and Elia Martell, her daughter Rhaenys and son Aegon, deserve justice," she snarled at him. Each word spoken made horror reflect on the Lannister's face and Visenya took great pleasure putting that look in his eyes. The man now knew that his days were numbered.
Jace stepped forward and the grin on his face, was wicked and sharp, however, Tywin instantly knew he was looking at the son of Rhaegar Targaryen. At first, he had not believed the claimant that had gone out about there being another Targaryen heir. He just thought Visenya did that to scare Robert. Now looking into purple/grey eyes, he knew that they were not lying.
For the first time in many years, he felt a shiver of fear run through him as he remembered Aerys.
"We're going to gift wrap you and send you to Dorne," Jace hissed in victory before spinning around and planting a kiss on his wife, thankful that things were progressing the way they needed them too. Robb stepped forward to stand beside Visenya and Tywin knew he had lost as he realized that the Dragon's and Wolves had joined in alliance. He looked past Robb, to see two of his people standing side by side and a snide voice whispered in his head, if I am going down, they are coming with me.
"Go a head, my plans are already in place. You shouldn't trust strangers so quickly King Robb or those who have more experience than you," he hissed mockingly as he glared at the northern Queen and the Lord at her side.
Visenya instantly put the pieces together, as she read between the lines of what he was saying and as spun on her heel, she saw Talisa stood ready to thrust a dagger into Catelyn Stark and Lord Bolton standing ready to do the same to Lyra Stark, his hand reaching out to grab the girls shoulder.
"Seize them!" She shouted as she rushed towards the Stark's.
Greatjon and Smalljon who were right behind Bolton and Talisa, were the first to respond. As Lord Bolton reached for Lyra, Greatjon grasped hold of his arm and flung him away from the young Stark Princess and into the waiting arms of the unsullied. Smalljon seized Talisa by her wrist and hauled her away from the Queen Mother and into his arms, even as she screamed and struggled against him, Grey Wind prowling around them snarling. Arya Stark pulled her mother out of the way in time to miss the dagger and Mace and Randyll shoved the two Stark woman away from the struggle to stand protectively in front of them. The two subdued, everyone turned to face Robb who was spitting mad as he glared at one of his northern lords and his wife.
"Who are you?" he roared at the woman who had obviously tricked him.
Talisa scowled at Tywin, who was watching everything happen with great pleasure, before looking into the deep blue eyes of Robb Stark. The man she had married for the sake of war and the one who had taken her maidenhood from her because of Lord Lannister's orders. She refused to answer him, glaring mulishly at the ground as everyone gathered in a large circle around Lord Bolton, Talisa, Lord Lannister and the Mountain and the two royals of Westeros.
In the silence, Visenya answered for her.
"Her name is Jayne Westerling, the daughter of one of the Western bannerman. The real Talisa is back in Volantis with her mother," she said glaring at the woman. She had never liked her and now she knew why. It had taken a while, but Visenya had finally realized why it bothered her so much. She had met Talisa Maegar once right after they had returned from Valyria. The two-woman shared slightly the same looks only Talisa had a kindness around her, that drew many of the children in the city to her as a true healer at heart.
"How do you know?" Robb demanded, his mind spinning as the news settled that his wife was a traitor.
Visenya's eyes softened before she gestured to her side, where a man was stalking towards them from the encampments, "Robb, this is Basile Maegyr," she gestured to the man with dark hair, dark eyes and slightly golden complexion as though he was kissed by the sun. "Talisa is his sister."
Basile bowed to the King in the North and then scowled at the woman pretending to be his sister, "I say true and with the blessings of the Lord of Light, this woman is not my sister Talisa, nor is she related to my family in any way," he said, accent curling curiously around the Westerosi common tongue.
The boy looked at the man, clearly a good few years older than himself, "Why are you here?" he asked, wondering why Visenya had a Maegyr in her party. If he wasn't here, they would have no proof. Not to mention, why had the woman, Jayne, pretended to be from Volantis? His mind was spinning, and nausea was swelling in his guts.
Visenya answered, "Basile is here on behalf of his father, to see our alliance through. When Jacaerys claims the Iron Throne, we will honor out agreement with the Maegyr family. Basile will be granted a title, keep and land here in Westeros. He will wed a Westerosi bride, to bind the bloodline to his new home and thus become a vassal of the Iron Throne," she explained softly.
Robb nodded and rubbed a hand through the growing beard on his face before he turned to look at the woman he loved and felt nothing but burning betrayal and heartbreak. He had silently yelled at himself over being attracted to Daenerys Targaryen since their introduction, but now he felt no shame. It was hard for him to feel shame as he looked between the two traitors and saw the look they exchanged and watched their body language towards each other.
A sick feeling in his gut, he swallowed against the lump in his throat, "Whose child do you carry?" he demanded hoarsely. Talisa flinched, his voice a growl the like she had never heard before, at the thought of the life in her womb before stiffening her spine and narrowing her eyes at Robb, "I would never carry your child. After every time we were together, I drank moon tea. My child is his child," she said with a look to Lord Bolton, who looked furious at being found out and at the knowledge that she had dared to get pregnant with his child.
Robb shook with rage at her words, tears trying to gather in his eyes, before Visenya's hand landed on his shoulder and squeezed softly. He stepped back, Jacaerys and Theon taking her place at either shoulder, and allowed her to talk as he tried to calm down. "I, Visenya of Houses Targaryen and Umber, Second of my name, Princess of Summerhall, The Unburnt, The Great Mother Khaleesi, Queen Regent of the of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Breaker of Chains, Mother of Dragons, Mother of the Sand Snakes, Dāria to the Unsullied, Queen of Dragons and Rider of Valyrian, The King of Dragons, hereby renounce the marriage between Robb Stark, the King in the North, Protector of the Trident, and Lady Jayne Westerling and declare her a traitor to the crown. I place her under arrest immediately on the charges of adultery and attempted line theft against her husband Robb of House Stark. Upon the birth of her child, the babe shall be declared a bastard and given to a Targaryen loyal family to raise far from the North and Jayne shall be put to death, does anyone second this?" she declared.
Lord Karstark stepped forward eyes burning with rage, "I second it. It is better than she deserves for betraying the King in the North," he said bowing to Visenya, shocked and proud of how she has settled this shocking reveal.
Lord Tyrell stepped forward as well, "I second it as well. If it pleases the crown, the child shall be accepted into my family and we shall raise it to be loyal to the Targaryen crown," he said without looking at his family. Olenna humped but knew it was the right thing to do. The only other family that could take the babe and raise it to be loyal to the Crown would be the Martell's. As Sarella was the only one at Riverrun and was not an envoy from her uncle or father, she could not declare for the Bolton Bastard, leaving it to them.
Visenya looked at Robb, whose eyes were bright with unshed tears, and he nodded his agreement, his shoulder slumping as he realized that Talisa had just destroyed the future he was looking forward too. A wife he loved and a child to share their joy. "So be it. Lord Bolton is under arrest for treason against the crown and attempted line theft. He is declared guilty in the eyes of the Old Gods shall lose his headfirst thing in the morning. Take him down to the cells, lock him up tight and take her to a room, feed her and lock it with guards at the doors and under the windows. We wouldn't want her getting any ideas," she commanded, arms crossed over her chest. Men were instantly doing what she wanted, most having noticed the shock getting to Robb.
Visenya nodded to Greyworm, who instantly had two of his men knock out the Mountain with the hilts of their swords and men grabbed the chained Tywin, and hustled them back into the carriage, locking the door tightly behind them. She than turned to Jace who was watching everything, his eyes glinting with fury, even as he comforted his cousin. Visenya moved over to him and placed her hand on his arm, their eyes met, and she nudged him to a lost looking Robb, "Take him inside, get him drunk, let him talk out what he's feeling with you, let him grieve. Roslin will stay with Daeny tonight. I think your cousin needs you," she said softly, Roslin looking to Robb concerned nodded in agreement.
Jace looked between the two most important people of his life and nodded his head, kissing Roslin one last time before wrapping his arm around his cousin, holding most of his weight, and escorted Robb back into Riverrun with Theon at his side. The Stark woman watched them go, each one watching with concern and Visenya's heart ached for the young man. Greatjon and Smalljon nodded to her before, turning to escort Talisa into the keep, speaking of guard rotation on the room and cells.
Catelyn herded all three of her daughters into the keep, everyone could hear Arya complaining the whole time as Catelyn urged them to return to their bed. The lords disbanded, heading back to their camps or into the keep to their rooms, ready to start their day as war didn't pause because hearts got broken. Visenya nodded for Grey Worm to escort the carriage back to their camp. With this betrayal out in the open and Robb reeling from the unexpected, she knew their plans would have to change otherwise, they would lose the war.
Ser Arthur stepped up next to her and watched as everyone moved out of the courtyard and they were the only two left, "What are you thinking Visenya?" he asked softly. He could feel the rage, hatred, sadness and grief that was rolling off of her. What happened had shaken them all. She turned to face her closest friend, "I am thinking that plans are going to have to change. Robb is now in no position to lead this war without taking major loss of life, his mind will not be on the battle. It's time for me to go to Dorne. We'll have to push the attack on Casterly Rock back a few more moons and allow him to grieve over the loss of his wife," she explained softly.
Arthur looked thoughtful, "What about Lewyn and Lord Dayne? They should both reach here soon," he asked as she began heading over to their horse.
She stroked the horses face before turning to face him again, "Not all of us can go to Dorne, not with the fact the war is going on around us. Jace will stay here and command all the men, Ser Gerald, Ser Oswell and Ser Barristan will stay as advisers. You, Sarella, Ser Sandor, Daeny, Ser Jorah, Grey Worm, Daario, Lillian, Shireen and I shall go to Dorne with an escort of a thousand men. If I know Doran and Oberyn, when we leave Dorne the rest of their men will follow us. Jacaerys will have to handle Lewyn and Lord Dayne," she said as he mounted the horse and pulled her up behind him.
~!~
The next morning many people were still reeling from what happened the day before and rumors had sprung up around what happened to Roose Bolton and Queen Talisa. Domeric had been under heavy questioning but had been doing everything he could to make things easier, answering whatever question Visenya asked. He was loyal to the Stark's. He had served as a page for his aunt, Barbrey Dustin for fours years before becoming a squire to Lord Horton Redfort, both people who had great respect for the Stark's. He had never learned to hate them the way his father did, and he had great respect for Ned Stark.
He had continually been screaming in his mind, 'Father, what have you done?' as the Bolton camp was searched the day before by Targaryen unsullied in order to uncover the plan between Lord Lannister, Lord Bolton and Lady Jayne.
When his father was led out of the dungeons in chains, he willingly stood by as Robb Stark spoke the words and condemned his father to die. Domeric didn't even flinch when Roose's head was taken from his shoulders, alongside four of their bannermen that had been part of the conspiracy. It was poetic justice, Domeric supposed. Ned Stark had been beheaded although he was innocent, and his father had lost his head for being the traitor Ned had been accused of being. When they asked what he wanted to do with the body, he just looked at them before saying to put it in the woods for the wolves.
That alone proved his loyalty.
It also made a beautiful red-haired Stark noticed him as more than just one of her brothers bannermen. It wasn't everyday that someone watched their father die. Not to mention, he was quite handsome, she giggle to Lyra as they entered Riverrun.
Above them, Valyrian's roar signaled that justice had been served.