Chapter 14-A Bloody War Part 3

After he checked to see if the area was secure, Sub-Zero told the young man everything in front of him the truth about his birth, what happened afterwards, the means done to keep the boy safe from Robert, Tywin Lannister, and other enemies who would see his birth as an obstacle to be removed for their own ambitions. At first, the young Stark, and now Targaryen, didn't know what to feel, much less what to say about this. When he looked to his secret mother, walked up to him, held his hands while looking at her son in the eyes.

Eyes that always showed him love, caring, comfort, and understanding when he had been lost while seeking answers to the days questions. When the Grandmaster could not provide help due to his own schedule, Lyanna did, as she made it clear to him that he could always come to her no matter what. No matter the worry, no matter the problem, no matter the pain, she would be there for him whenever possible. Growing up in the North, he didn't know why she did this for him or what she gained from it aside from giving him so kind of family love.

But now he did know why. Lyanna Stark was his mother.

"I'm sorry you had to grow through life living the way you did, my son. I have tried multiple times for my brother, your uncle, to do more for you. But he can be stubborn as any Stark before him, but not in the best of ways when it comes to doing what is right. He felt the best way to protect you was to keep your value in this world as low as possible, never reaching your true potential because he feared what Robert would think, or possibly others with ambitious minds would do should they learn the truth. At one point, he even had the nerve to suggest the Wall of all places for when you were older, as if it was some great and high honor. I told him what I thought of that idea by punching him in the face in his solar and told him the day you left for the Night's Watch, I would ride all the way to King's Landing and kill Robert. And if I didn't succeed in my goal, Master Liang would do it in my place," said Lyanna while recalling the one time Ned actually had the nerve to suggest it to her in order to "protect" Aegon from harm.

Considering the state of the Wall, Lyanna knew her son would find nothing but cold suffering, freezing his ass off, never knowing what it was to be a husband or father. She shuddered to think what would have happened if the Gods took her that day when giving birth to Aegon. Knowing her brother, Ned would have tried to protect Robert's so called "right" to rule the Seven Kingdoms after taking the crown by force during his rebellion. Choosing his brother by choice over his nephew by blood, even telling false tales of the Wall being a noble calling for those with no other purpose in life.

Lyanna had actually called him out on it during the one time they discussed Aegon's future in the privacy of his solar after her son had the pox and Cat had accidently revealed she had prayed to her Gods for the boy's death. Ned had to restrain Lyanna that day, which led to the argument about telling a few more people the truth about her son. But Ned being Ned refused, even suggesting that Aegon's continued presence was causing issues with Cat, and it would only get worse over time despite his hopes of it getting better. She had given Ned a good punch for him even suggesting Aegon become a member of the Night's Watch when older in order to make the damn fish woman happy! The Tully woman who prayed to her damn Seven Gods for the death of a child, Lyanna's child, simply because of his supposed status, which wasn't even true.

In the end, Master Liang had stepped in since he didn't want Lyanna killing her stubborn brother, who at times when in Winterfell, made remarks about she should have done her duty in marrying Robert. She had in turn reminded Ned of Robert's drinking and whoring ways with no amount of attention from her being able to stop the man from doing either. Master Liang had also reminded Ned of the training Aegon would receive as a member of the Lin Kuei since it was a much better alternative than joining the Night's Watch where their vows basically made someone forsake all they had in life.

"I wondered about that. When I got better, I saw fa-uncle Ned with a black eye. It had faded for the most part, but there was a residual bruise around it. You are really my mother?" asked Aegon with his mother smiling further.

"Without question, you are my son. I brought you into the world. I nearly died doing it. If it wasn't for Master Liang, your uncle, and Prince Oberyn of all people helping, I would have met the Gods," said Lyanna with her son, her Aegon, hugging her close, and crying now despite it not considered proper for a man to cry.

But neither of them cared, she could feel the joy of her son, of him being able to put a face and name to the one he would call mother. A woman who he could actually call mother and not some hazy image or dream that was never real.

"You want me to take the Iron Throne," said Aegon after they broke apart and the tears stopped flowing from his eyes.

"It is your birthright," said Lyanna with Aegon looking uncertain since he could think of a few others who could make a claim for it.

"What about my half-sister Rhaenys? Or my Uncle Viserys? Or even Aunt Daenerys? Don't they have a claim?" asked Aegon with Lyanna smiling at her son for being so honest and true.

"Officially, your half-sister Rhaenys cannot make her claim. Her mother, Elia Martell, had to make it an official declaration in order for Robert to even let both mother and daughter leave after Tywin sacked the city, your grace," said Ser Barristan with Aegon feeling uncomfortable being called that by anyone.

"Something which you need to change once this false King is removed," remarked Ser Arthur, as he saw the act as an insult to the royal family.

"I also heard about how Viserys met his end some time ago after he had married his sister, your aunt Daenerys, off to Khal Drogo. He became drunk one day, filled with spite, hatred, and possibly madness to the point where he threatened her with his sword pointed toward her pregnant belly. He wanted Khal Drogo to march his horde to Westeros to claim the Iron Throne from Robert and threatened to kill Daenerys right there if he didn't agree to his terms. Khal Drogo didn't appreciate that and had him killed after making sure Daenerys was safe from the sword Viserys was holding. Unfortunately, he too met his own end, and Daenerys lost her child too as a result of a previous act of mercy resulted in a witch in Essos apparently using blood magic on them both under the disguise it would heal one and save the other," explained Ser Barristan while Sub-Zero nodded to confirm his own network had obtained the same information.

"But my aunt is still alive. We could find a way to bring her here, correct?" asked Aegon with Sub-Zero shaking his head.

"Not right now. She is too far into Essos at the moment to retrieve. There is also a rumor I would like to confirm before I consider the idea. An old…friend of mine from the Lin Kuei when I was in my own realm is apparently with her. Though the fact he is even here has me on edge," said Sub-Zero with everyone focusing on him now.

"In what way? If he is a member of the Lin Kuei from your realm, isn't this old friend still a friend?" asked Robb with Sub-Zero shaking his head.

"Until I know more, I have to sadly say no. The last time I saw my old friend, he was a Revenant. A being who was dead yet brought back to serve dark powers. While the description of him sounds like he is no longer that type of person, I have to be sure it is in fact true," said Sub-Zero knowing if Smoke was alive once again, in a possibly similar manner as to how he and Hanzo had been brought back to life, it would be good to have another ally from the past on his side.

"In the meantime, Aegon should make his claim for the Iron Throne. It is the only way to undo much of what the Usurper did during his time ruling and remove the Lannister sitting there," said Ser Arthur, as he saw Aegon was still uncertain.

"Aegon, my son, whatever you do from here on out, I will back you. Whether it's to be King of the Seven Kingdoms, a full member of the Lin Kuei, or even live a simple life of a farmer. I will support you with all my being. All I want is for you to be happy with your life," said Lyanna with her holding him close.

"What if I don't want the Iron Throne? What if I took it from the Lannisters and put Rhaenys or Daenerys on it? What if I felt they were better fit to rule over myself? Would you support it? Would all of you here support it?" asked Aegon with Lyanna nodding.

"With all my being," answered Lyanna.

"If that is your wish," answered Sub-Zero.

"If you don't want to be King is your choice Aegon. Even if you don't want to be a Targaryen, you are still family to me. You will always be a Stark to me," said Robb with a smile.

"If that is your wish your grace, I will accept it. But I will still guard you as a member of the Kingsguard until the day comes when you wish to relinquish the crown to one of your kin," said Ser Arthur while he saw Ser Barristan nodding.

"I will also accept such things if it is your wish, your grace. Though I believe the realms would suffer for it if you did," said Ser Barristan honestly since he knew the boy in front of him would not abuse the power of the station practically being thrust upon him.

"For the moment, I am undecided if I truly want the crown. I will, at the very least, remove it from the Lannisters who hold it falsely. I will let you know my decision once the end result has been obtained," said Aegon with everyone around him nodding.

(Essos-Astapor)

Daenerys was disgusted by the man who called himself a Master and trainer of the Unsullied. The man was no trainer. He was a slaver. A man who wore fancy robes, ate good food, the finest wine, and no doubt took quite a few women to his bed at night. Whether the women were willing or not, it did not matter to this man, as his arrogance was clear to see in her eyes. The man was of the belief anything his heart desired could be obtained with a snap of his fingers or simple worded command.

"Master Krantz is pleased you are considering the purchase of his latest stock of Unsullied. He can say, without question, they are among the finest ever produced in this generation," said Missandei, who was the translator for the man.

"I can see they are well disciplined. It is no wonder Master Krantz feels a sense of pride in them," said Daenerys while doing her best to hold back her disgust of the man.

"The woman is impressed, but clearly dislikes the sight of it," said Missandei to the Master in Valyrian to her owner.

"If such a thing causes the mewing whore discomfort, she should leave with her nice tits and ass to go somewhere else," said Master Krantz arrogantly.

"Surely, you do wish for me to say…," said Missandei before the man glanced back with a glare.

"Idiot woman! Do not repeat anything to her that would threaten a purchase," said Master Krantz while the man huffed waved his face in front of his face while the hot sun made him sweat.

"Master Krantz is pleased you are pleased Daenerys of House Targaryen," said Missandei while she gave a practiced smile at the potential client.

"Twenty gold dragons says that is a load of horse shit," whispered Smoke to Ser Jorah with the man from Bear Island smirking.

"Only a fool would take that bet," whispered Ser Jorah while knowing well enough that was the case here between Daenerys and the Master of Astapor.

"She's clearly giving us the honey sweet version of his words. Shame we can't kill this guy. His guards I can take out no problem, but these Unsullied? That is a whole other matter," said Smoke with Ser Jorah nodding knowing the guards could be handled, but the Unsullied were too many to strike down if they needed to escape.

"So long as the Master holds the whip, they obey him. Only him," said Ser Jorah with Smoke narrowing his eyes at the man he wanted to kill.

"And if I were to take the whip off his dead body?" asked Smoke with Ser Jorah thinking it over.

"In theory, the one who holds the whip, holds command of the Unsullied, literally, in their hands," said Ser Jorah while Smoke now had a smirk behind his mask.

"Tell Daenerys we need to talk later for a war council meeting. I'll get her all the Unsullied she wants from this place without having to pay a single coin. At the very least, we will put them in the hands of someone who won't treat them like yesterday's garbage," said Smoke while he vanished in a large puff of smoke.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that," muttered Ser Jorah before seeing Daenerys walk over to him and clearly wondering where their Lin Kuei ally had gone.

(Riverrun-Seat of House Tully)

"You killed my father! In his own castle! I will have your head for this!" exclaimed Edmure angrily, all the while being restrained by his uncle Bryden.

"You are welcome to try," said Sub-Zero with his arms crossed and not looking the least bit intimidated.

They had waited until Cat left with a well-armed escort to meet with Renly, who was gathering his own supporters in the Stormlands. As things stood, a dark cloud was lingering over House Tully, which was being felt by all. From the attack by the Lannisters on the Riverlands, Lysa detained along with her son of now questionable birth given her connection to Littlefinger, the position of House Tully itself had now become severely weakened.

It didn't help that Holster Tully had been recently killed by the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei, which if it got out, and it would get out, could cause a future divide in the Riverlands.

"Why? Why did you do it? Was it because my father locked up your prized student? It's bad enough the bastard was legitimized, but to be allowed to rise beyond his station is not going to be tolerated here," said Edmure angrily while glaring hatefully at Jon being flanked by the two most famous members of the Kingsguard.

"Will you shut your damn mouth. Stupid boy! You are talking to someone who could kill you and me in this very moment with a flick of his wrist. He came here with your nephew to help liberate your home and the Riverlands from the Lannisters. Now is not the time for this!" exclaimed Bryden angrily while giving his nephew a glare before glancing over at the Grandmaster.

"He killed my father. Your brother! If anything, you should have drawn your sword with me to kill him," said Edmure while Bryden scowled further.

"My brother was an idiot at times. You know perfectly well that he had no right or reason to lock up the boy, regardless of his status being a former bastard. In fact, you know perfectly well that it was because of said boy that your nieces are not the prisoners of the Lannisters right now," said Bryden while seeing Edmure was still pissed.

"My father was the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. He had every right and did not need a reason to lock that bastard away. It does not matter if he was legitimized or not. In my eyes and the eyes of my father, that thing will always be a bastard," said Edmure while glaring at Jon, though the boy was not the least bit intimidated.

"He is hardly a bastard Lord Edmure. He is the future King of Westeros. The rightful King until the Gods say otherwise," said Ser Barristan, who was using all of his willpower to not unsheathe his sword on the fool who insulted his King.

Ser Arthur would have swung Dawn at Edmure's head already if not for the quick glance from his King to stay his hand…for the moment anyway.

"I will never accept him as a King. Gods be damned! If he's not a Snow, he is a Blackfyre! Even if you say he is trueborn, even if he is the son of the dragon, he is still an abomination. Born from the inbred prince and whore of the North!" exclaimed Edmure while spitting at the feet of those in the room.

Now Ser Arthur drew Dawn with all the fury of Dorne once more in his eyes while Robb looked ready to draw his sword to gut the new Lord of House Tully.

"Care to repeat those words, Lord Edmure? I have no doubt they will be your last," said Sub-Zero while calmly looking at the Sword of the Morning.

"House Tully will never accept him as King. Not now. Not ever! My father marched for the stag. We will do so when Lord Stannis makes his claim," said Edmure with Sub-Zero shaking his head.

"Lord Stannis has already prepared his forces to declare for Aegon. Lord Stark made sure a message got to him before Robert Baratheon died. My spies have told me that he is waiting for Aegon to make the claim and will back him," said Sub-Zero while Edmure looked livid.

"Fine! If Stannis will not make the claim, his brother Renly will be the next King," countered Edmure with Bryden shaking his head.

"Renly will be seen as a Usurper to the throne. The rules of success are quite clear on that matter. Even if Stannis made his own claim for it, Renly would be second in line to claim the Iron Throne through the rules," said Robb while Edmure glared at him.

"And you think that matters now? How can you support this farce? After what your family lost at the hands of the dragons? Your grandfather and uncle died because of your sister fucking the mad prince! Have you no honor! No shame!" exclaimed Edmure with Robb was upon him and surprised the new Lord of House Tully by grabbing him by the throat before pinning him to the nearest wall.

"My grandfather and uncle died because your fucking sister gave my aunt's message meant for Brandon to your ambition cunt of a father, who used it to make sure the rebellion would happen. If anyone is to blame for their deaths, it is your father and your fucking House!" exclaimed Robb while Edmure let out multiple sputters before trying to glare back at the Lord of House Stark.

"Your sister should have done her duty and married Robert. It's not my House's fault that she chose to spread her legs for the inbred prince just because he had a nice singing voice," said Edmure before he was punched in the gut by Robb and thrown across the room.

"Rheagar may not have been perfect, but at least he didn't drown himself in wine and whores every chance while wearing a fucking crown!" exclaimed Lyanna while glaring down at Edmure.

"Robert was King. When a man becomes a Lord or King, he is was allowed to do whatever he wants with whoever he wants. That's the way of things," said Edmure spat before he was kicked in the face by the she-wolf of House Stark.

"Aerys thought the same way you idiot! Are you saying it was okay for him to burn people alive? To rape his sister and Queen? To laugh while doing both?!" asked Lyanna with fury and bloodlust in her eyes.

"Do some degree, yes," answered Edmure while Bryden sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"My nephew is a halfwit. The Old Gods and the New clearly hate my House," remarked Bryden while Lyanna snarled.

"Your nephew is about to join his idiot father. Ser Barristan, give me your sword! I will take this fool's head myself," said Lyanna while extending her hand to Ser Barristan who gave the woman his weapon before she moved to kill the new Lord of House Tully.

"Wait! Wait! You can't do this! I am the new Lord Paramount of the Trident!" protested Edmure while backing away from the angry woman.

"And I am the Dogwa Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Even if I held no authority here, my son does, and as you can see Lord Edmure, he clearly has no problem with me taking your fucking head off!" stated Lyanna while her son just watched as the man on the ground crawled away from the sword wielding woman.

"Stop her! Someone here do something and stop this mad woman!" protested Edmure while pleading with the people in the room.

"Rhaegar could not control Lyanna. Nor did he wish to try. I see no reason to make an attempt on my part," said Ser Arthur with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"My aunt follows the old ways of the North. He, or in this case, she who passes the sentence, swings the sword," said Robb coldly while having no sympathy for the man for his words and reasons for hating his cousin.

"If you strike me down, all of the Riverlands will turn against you. You will find no reprieve from loyal Tully bannermen and Lannister forces," warned Edmure while backing away from the angry woman.

"Not after they learn the truth of things. Of what your father did. Of what he set into motion. They will proudly fly dragon banners and proclaim Jon the next King of the Seven Kingdoms. Even if it just for a short time, should he wish one of his remaining siblings to take the throne," said Robb while seeing his cousin and, technically, King of the Seven Kingdoms glaring at Edmure now with fury in his eyes that were a mixture of wolf and dragon.

"And what of my uncle here? Are you going to kill him too?" challenged Edmure while Bryden glanced at the future King and his Kingsguard nervously.

"From what I know of Bryden Tully, he actually has a good head on his shoulders. I know his feelings on this when it comes to siding with me, even if I do take the Iron Throne as King will be difficult, especially after all of this. But I trust him all the same," said Aegon while Bryden let out a small sigh he was holding within his body.

"Thank you, your grace. But if I may speak, killing my nephew is not the best course of action here for you or my House. Though he clearly deserves it for his stupidity. Perhaps have him confined to his room and I can rule as regent?" offered Bryden while Lyanna clearly hated the idea, but the others could see it had merit.

"What? What kind of stupid idea is that uncle?" asked Edmure while Bryden glared at him.

"The kind that will keep you alive. Now shut up you stupid boy!" exclaimed Bryden knowing his nephew was being a true halfwit and wished Edmure's mother was still alive to knock some sense into him.

Gods know Holster didn't despite Bryden's multiple attempts to tell him to do it. His late brother saw his own children as a means of expanding his House's influence. Bryden himself never cared for politics. He was a soldier. A man who fought on the field and did what was told. Less complicated that way. The only problem was obeying orders from someone who didn't know his head from his ass. Sadly, Edmure was one such Lord now, who loved the benefits of being an heir to a High Lord, as well as being one, but was not ready for the responsibility that came with it. Holster probably thought he had more time to work with Edmure on that, but failed to take into fact, much less see, that his heir was a spoiled halfwit.

Better to see him confined to his room like the whiny man child he was acting over being a dead Lord who could be seen as a martyr to those who still supported the rebellion.

"As much as I would love to see him harmed mother, it is probably for the best we stay our hand. We can always send him to the Wall later on," said Aegon with Edmure snarling at him.

"I'd rather die," commented Edmure with Lyanna taking another step forward with sword in hand.

"That can still be arranged Lord Edmure. I'm not one of those dainty ladies of the South. I know how to wield a sword and I am not squeamish at the sight of blood. Much less spilling it or yours," said Lyanna while snarling at the fool on the ground in front of her.

"Northern whore!" exclaimed Edmure angrily, only to be knocked out by a quick moving Aegon, who moved around everyone and landed a mean kick to the man's face.

Had he hit the man any harder, it would have snapped Edmure neck.

"Consider this a downpayment to what House Tully owes mine Lord Bryden," said Aegon with Bryden sighing and nodding.

"Yes, your grace. I will make sure the rest of the castle knows about the change of things, so they don't get it in their heads to free Edmure from his room," said Bryden before leaving the room.

"Well, that went better than expected," remarked Ser Barristan and sheathed his sword once Lyanna had handed it back to him.

"With all due respect your grace, it would have been better if I killed him. His disrespect of you and your mother more than warrants it," said Ser Arthur with Aegon sighing.

"I would love nothing more than to see that man have his blood spilled Ser Arthur. But in doing so would cause internal problems for House Tully at a moment where it is not something we can just handle right now. When things quite down, Edmure will be sent to the Wall. He can be the Night's Watch's problem," said Aegon with Ser Arthur nodding.

"Are you feeling all right aunt?" asked Robb while seeing the woman calming down.

"Yes nephew. I am just…I had almost forgotten what true anger felt like when unleashing it on someone who had earned my displeasure. By the Gods that felt damn good!" exclaimed Lyanna before laughing while Ser Arthur smirked.

"Now you see one of the reasons why Rhaegar fell in love with her, Ser Barristan," remarked Ser Arthur with Ser Barristan letting out a chuckle.

"I can certainly see it, Ser Arthur," said Ser Barristan knowing Rhaegar was a man who while calm and collected most of the time, was drawn to things with fire.

Namely the women in his life with none having more fire in their blood to attract the dragon than Elia Martell and Lyanna Stark.

"What now?" asked Robb curiously.

"Now we send out the ravens. Now we let the Seven Kingdoms know the truth of things. Now we make sure no man can claim ignorance once we do," said Sub-Zero knowing it was time for the world to know about Aegon and the truth regarding the rebellion.

It was time for the dragon to come forth and claim what was his by right.

(King's Landing-Red Keep)

"They can't be serious?!" asked Cersei with anger and rage in her eyes.

"Judging from the message with the Targaryen and Stark seal, I would say they are, sweet sister," said Tyrion while reading it himself during the Small Council meeting.

To all of the Seven Kingdoms,

For too long has the dragon been kept silent. For too long have words that should have been spoken or written been silent due to the lingering enemies of the dragon. Not out of cowardice, but out of planning to ensure the return of the true heir to the Iron Throne. For too long, many believed it was the fat stag who had usurped the Iron Throne from House Targaryen. On some small part it is true, but the Usurper was not the power behind the throne he liked everyone to believe. He was easily influenced by wine and women to gain favor of ambitious, yet darker minds who provided it to him. Namely, the lions and the mockingbird who handled the crowns finances. They are the true enemy of House Targaryen and the Seven Kingdoms.

The lions seek the throne for it represent power and a sense of pride in sitting on it. The current King who sits on the Iron Throne is a false King. Another Usurper, who ironically enough, is not of the Usurper's blood, but the blood of two twin lions from House Lannister. Jamie and Cersei Lannister are the parents of the supposed "Royal Family" with none of Robert Baratheon's blood in their veins.

For those of you who do not believe it or wish to deny it, the following evidence as follows:

All of the children born from Cersei Lannister have blonde hair and green eyes. All Lannister traits. While that may seem normal, Robert Baratheon has slept with many women and sired bastard children throughout the Seven Kingdoms. All of them have dark hair or blue eyes or even both.

The only way these children could have such strong traits of their parents is if both parents both had blonde hair and green eyes. A Maester in any castle will tell you as much when it comes to the traits of one's family.

The book of ancient lineage, which all Lords have a copy of in their keeps, clearly shows all those of Baratheon blood to possess dark hair and blue eyes. Regardless of the man or woman marrying into the House, the Baratheon traits are the dominant ones that show above all others.

With this evidence alone, we say Joffrey Baratheon is far from a Baratheon as one can be and name him Waters. Let no man look upon this information and claim ignorance or deny the truth. A truth that the Lannister had killed Lord Stark for in order to keep the truth silent.

To that end, the dragon can no longer sit by and see the Seven Kingdoms fall to ruin. As such, Rhaegar's last remaining trueborn son, Aegon, born from Lyanna Stark, claims the right to rule as King. While the story of Lyanna Stark being kidnapped and raped is one told time and again, the story told is false. She was never raped but married under the Old Gods and New. The reason no one knew the truth of it was due to various forces seeking to start the rebellion, which led to the way things are now.

Those responsible for this treachery are either dead or imprisoned with the latter awaiting punishment for their crimes against the dragon. But the fact still remains, House Lannister now sit in a position of power they neither deserve nor have a right to call their own. Anyone who supports them, anyone who fights for them, and anyone who would challenge the dragon's return will be met with swift vengeance worthy of the Targaryens of old.

The time for the dragon to return has come. I will claim the Iron Throne and set things right. I will make this world a better place than when I was born into it. Let no man or woman claim ignorance.

Signed

Aegon Targaryen

The True King of the Seven Kingdoms

"This is outrageous! That boy my oaf of a husband legitimized is really Rhaegar's son? It is absurd. Its slander! He is a Usurper. Seeking my son's throne!" exclaimed Cersei, who sat where the King would have while making sure her son was elsewhere so he wouldn't be here for this small council meeting.

"A bit ironic all things considered. Robert is considered by many as a usurper by Targaryen loyalists and you label the boy as a usurper for trying to claim the Iron Throne from House Lannister," remarked a slightly amused Tyrion while ignoring the withering glare of his sister.

"Our father made it clear that only lions rule the Seven Kingdoms. Not dragons. Not stags. Not wolves. Lions! You would jape at this offense while I see it for what this is, an insult to our House!" exclaimed Cersei while Tyrion sighed.

"You think everything is an insult to our House. Any castle more ancient than Casterly Rock is an insult to our House. A woman walking by who has never met you with more money in her purse at the time is an insult to our House," remarked Tyrion while he saw his sister's eyes burn with rage at him.

"That's because everything and everyone not a Lannister is an insult to our House and must be brought into submission or killed!" stated Cersei while the signs of a cruel madness revealed themselves to both Tyrion and the other members of the Small Council.

It was clear where Joffrey got his cruel and mad tendencies from.

"The question we should be asking ourselves is who would support this dragon?" asked Varys while he already knew quite a few of them throughout the Seven Kingdoms.

"The Vale will not support them. Nor will the Stormlands," said Cersei knowing well enough those aside from the Westernlands would never bow to the dragon.

"Don't be too sure. While the Stormlands is questionable, the Vale might if the boy proves worthy of it," said Tyrion knowing the knights of the Vale would back this dragon over the lion because one being the lesser of the two evils.

Not that Tyrion considered Aegon to be evil. Far from it. From what he could tell, the boy did believe in honor, wishing to protect the realms from harm, and make sure the burdens of the smallfolk were far from oppressive.

He was certainly an improvement over Joffrey, who had shown he was shit for a Prince growing up, and even more so as the current King.

"It doesn't matter! We will crush this usurper all the same. I want them all dead. All of them! Including their families and homes. Leave none of what they have alive or standing. We burn down their castles and keeps as a reminder of those who cross me," said Joffrey while looking as angry as he was mad.

"And what of the lands being governed in those areas, your grace? Removal of families and Houses is one thing, but the castles are needed. If they are burned down, what Lord will rule there in your name to keep the King's Peace?" asked Varys while trying to hide the disgust he felt for this so called King.

"We don't need Lords to rule over territories. The people are sworn to their King. To me! We will make a royal army, trained to be the overall might of the crown. They will enforce the King's Peace. Any of the peasants get out of line, the royal army can put down such insolence however they see fit, provided the punishment is a harsh one," said Joffrey while liking the idea of the royal army marching in his name, beating peasants who so much as look (if he believes they are looking) at him or his House funny.

The idea of people under his rule being hurt simply for existing and breathing easily brought a joyous feeling to his sadistic heart.

"This idea will not go unchallenged even by those who support the crown, your grace. Many Lords in the West will see this as a betrayal if they are cast down from their position. Unless you plan to allow Lords in the West to be an exception in this idea of yours?" questioned Tyrion with Joffrey sneering at him.

"I am their King! They will obey me without question," said Joffrey, as if the title was enough to make people obey him regardless of their own rank when compared to his own.

"My son has spoken clearly on this matter. This meeting is over," said Cersei while giving her son's hand a loving squeeze before she escorted Joffrey out of the room.

"Is it me or does Cersei seem to be…close to her son? More than usual?" asked Varys with concern with Tyrion looking at the door where Cersei and Joffrey had left.

"If you are referring to that, I believe the Gods have played a trick on you this time Lord Varys. Cersei is many things, but I doubt she would go that far with Joffrey. She is just being overly protective of her son right now with the announcement of the dragons returning to the Seven Kingdoms. If anything, my dear sweet sister is sadly being plagued by fear, paranoia, and madness stemming from the belief she will be removed from her position," said Tyrion with Varys looking skeptical for a moment but decided to let it go for now.

"Perhaps I am reading too much into it my friend. Only time will tell. On another note, I believe it would be wise to consider the possibility of surrendering the city peacefully should the opportunity present itself," said Varys with Tyrion wincing since that did seem a possibility now more than ever given all the facts coming to light.

His father, the infamous and feared Tywin Lannister, was dead.

A possible secret ally for House Lannister in the ugly ambitious form of Walder Frey was dead.

His Uncle, Kevan Lannister, was captured after being defeated by the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei with a smaller army of Northmen with heavy losses for the lions.

Stannis was now mobilizing his forces to join the fight for the new King.

The Tyrells were doing the same.

All of Dorne was clearly at the ready and waiting for the dragon to ask for their aid.

The Vale would no doubt lean toward them due to the injustice done by Joffrey in his short time as King and the fact Aegon would clearly be a better choice.

The only two things standing in the way of the opposition being victorious was Renly Baratheon's claim to be King, which was completely foolish. With the second being the Iron Islands. They had been very quiet during this whole affair. Whether they knew what was going on was irrelevant. The fact remained they could strike during this time and cause more problems should they decide to enter this conflict to be the figurative wild card.

"I agree. Sadly, we must do so in a discreet manner. We both know Joffrey and Cersei would sooner put the city to the torch than let anyone else claim the Iron Throne," said Tyrion while Varys nodding since it wouldn't be the first time the realms had done that with a dynasty.

The Dance of the Dragons had proven that time and time again.

(Essos-Astapor)

Daenerys couldn't believe it. Nor did she know how to act when Smoke came to see her later on when having a secret meeting. When Smoke had left earlier after meeting with the Unsullied slave master, she had been concerned he was making a play to betray her in some fashion, but Ser Jorah felt there was a reason for the sudden departure.

If there was one thing the man from Bear Island knew about the Lin Kuei, is they did nothing without a damn good reason.

Hence why the whip that commanded the Unsullied was in her hands. Stained in the blood of the Master who once held it proudly like it was a precious jewel. It was clear the man did not wish to part with it and Smoke had not given him much choice on the matter. With this, she could command the Unsullied and have them obey her every command. Her word would be law. Her every wish of them would be granted in a heartbeat.

And yet, she wasn't one for slavery. She saw plenty of it and the sight of such things sickened her to no end. She had seen enough of it with Viserys when her once dear brother thought he owned Daenerys and selling the Targaryen woman off to the Dothraki to gain their army. She saw all of its cruelty here in Astapor and could only imagine the other forms of enslavement these so called "Free Cities" created behind their high walls.

"You have the whip now Khaleesi. The Unsullied will obey you now once in their presence tomorrow," said Ser Jorah with Daenerys holding the whip carefully.

"I did not come here for a slave army Ser Jorah. Just an army that would support me and my way home," said Daenerys with Ser Jorah nodding.

"I understand Khaleesi, but they are an army, nonetheless. Do you think they will be treated any better by someone else holding the whip? Will they be shown kindness? Compassion? You might own them my Queen, but it is far better for you to have such an army over someone else with less gentle hands on the whip," said Ser Jorah knowing this went against everything he was taught in the North.

"No, sadly you are correct Ser Jorah. I may hold the whip, but I will not use it on them like others would in my place," said Daenerys with Smoke making a noise, which indicated he was thinking.

"There might be a way we can keep the Unsullied loyal, yet not have them considered as slaves," said Smoke while walking up to the woman.

"How so?" asked Daenerys curiously.

"Once you take official control of them, they will obey you. Without question. So, give these soldiers the one true thing they never had before in life. Something every free man has, and every slave wishes for, if not prays for in life, before the end," replied Smoke.

"What is that?" asked Daenerys in confusion.

"Choice. The power to choose what to do next without fear of punishment. Give the Unsullied the power to choose their path, as free men," answered Smoke with Daenerys eyes widening.

"You mean free the Unsullied?" asked Ser Jorah with a frown.

"Exactly! Announce you free them from your control. Announce you proclaim them free men who no longer answer to the whip of the masters. That they can walk out of Astapor without risk or fear of being punished to choose their own destiny," said Smoke with Daenerys frowning now.

"If I do that, will the Unsullied not take it and leave?" asked Daenerys with Smoke nodding.

"They could. Most likely, they would. But at the same time, you offer them another choice as free men. To join you. To join you in a campaign throughout the Free Cities," said Smoke with Daenerys becoming more interested.

"And what would I do during this campaign?" asked Daenerys with Smoke smirking behind his mask.

"Freeing slaves, of course. What better purpose or destiny could a former slave have in life than freeing other slaves from their chains and living free of the whip? Offer it to the Unsullied, and I have no doubt they will take it," said Smoke with complete confidence.

"And what if some, most, or all of the Unsullied reject the Queen's offer?" asked Ser Jorah with Smoke shrugging.

"Let them go. You offered them a way out without punishment for their choice and you will stick with it no matter who leaves. If you don't, it makes you a liar and sets a precedent on your reputation as being a dishonorable bitch with whom no one will want to do any future business with," answered Smoke in a direct way.

"I do wish to return home to Westeros. But is Essos not my home as well? Doesn't the blood of Valeria run through Essos first and foremost here? My House only left Essos due to dreams of destruction when the Doom came and everything in the great city was consumed in fire and ash. I will stay here in Essos and rebuild what was destroyed here long ago," said Daenerys firmly with conviction.

"Khaleesi, do you mean to rebuild the Valerian Empire?" asked Ser Jorah curiously.

"I do, Ser Jorah. The dragon's true home is here in Essos. Right now, it is scattered. It is divided and filled with so called 'traditions' that spit on the true legacy of my people. They call themselves the 'Free Cities' but there is nothing free about them. Valeria was once a proud Empire but became corrupt by the evil practice of slavery. It bred arrogance, a belief that those who ruled could not be challenged. A belief they could not be beaten. We all know how that turned out," said Daenerys with Ser Jorah nodding.

"It is said everyone in Valeria laughed at House Targaryen for leaving it behind. Little did anyone know they would be among the last few Houses descended from that place to exist beyond the Doom," said Ser Jorah with Daenerys nodding.

"My House has been reduced to a trickle. It stands on the edge of extinction with other so called great Houses. I can practically see over the edge of the abyss, but I will not allow my House to fall over into it," said Daenerys with Smoke nodding in support.

"You intend to conqueror the Free Cities," said Smoke with Daenerys nodding.

"Aegon the Conqueror claimed the lands of Westeros to forge the Seven Kingdoms. That was, in many ways, a mistake on our House's part. When my ancestors left Valeria, they made the mistake of going West when they should have gone further East," said Daenerys while walking over to a map of Essos in front of her.

"Considering Westeros has those in it who are offended by magic, much less House Targaryen's previous practices to keep things 'pure', it is a distinct possibility," added Ser Jorah knowing the history her House had been filled with opposition on multiple fronts when forging the Seven Kingdoms.

"I will conqueror Essos as Aegon conquered the Seven Kingdoms. The only difference is the people will not be disgusted by me. They will not hate me for what I am. They will not try to murder me because of the magic flowing in my veins. They will embrace me as one of them for I am one of them. I will make this part of the world a better place when the time comes to leave this world than when I entered it," said Daenerys with conviction in her eyes.

"A noble goal Khaleesi, to be sure, but it will take time. Resources. Allies. You have the army here, but it is not enough. While large, it is but a speck compared to some other places with two if not three times as many as the Unsullied here," said Ser Jorah with Daenerys nodding.

"Which is why we are going to free other slaves from their chains Ser Jorah. From what you know of Essos, are there more slaves in it or slave owners?" asked Daenerys while Smoke smirked again, and Ser Jorah had a look of understanding.

"In most of the Free Cities, the slave ratio is 3:1 though the slaves are usually kept weakened to ensure they do not use their numbers against the slave owners," replied Ser Jorah with Daenerys smirking now.

"Break the chains of these slaves, give them food, water, and love? They will follow you to whatever end to see you achieve your goals," said Smoke since he had seen it before with people becoming fanatics to a cause when they had no purpose in life and someone gives it to them.

It was all about how they did things to make it happen.

(Stormlands-Sometime Later)

Catelyn Tully Stark couldn't believe she was here to negotiate for her son to propose an alliance against the Lannisters. She should be by her son's side to guide him. He was still young and had much to learn. But in true Stark fashion, with maybe a hint of Tully, Robb had been stubborn in his decision to send her away to deal with Renly over this issue on who would be King for the Iron Throne. While Catelyn knew it should be the hidden dragon that was once Jon Snow turned Stark, the Tully woman felt Stannis should be the next King since House Baratheon took the throne from the Targaryens. Robert's legitimate line to succeed him had been revealed to have no real legitimate heirs to his name with any who could make the claim being bastards and therefore was called into question.

What right did any of them have to take the throne?

Part of her wanted to go to Stannis, tell him of his right to it. Tell him to claim the Iron Throne before Aegon or Renly could try to claim it. She would promise support from House Tully, the Riverlands, and maybe even a marriage to one of her younger sons, Brandon or Rickon, to his daughter Shireen. Robb wouldn't be pleased with her, but the realm was forged on such dealings. Her eldest would understand if she did it. She still could do it.

Alas, her son had made it clear what she was to do and made sure the men with Cat knew this too so they wouldn't get any ideas of allowing the woman to divert course for Stannis's camp.

It also didn't help that Ser Rodrick was with Cat and keeping an eye on the woman, so she didn't try to act on such an impulse.

After requesting to seek an audience with King Renly, the group headed toward the encampment where men from the Stormlands were settled until ordered to move out. Though when walking through the encampment, it looked less like one for military purposes and one you would find when preparing for a tourney.

Which was exactly what was happening right now!

Renly was sitting on a throne with a crown with a stag on it. One worn by the Storm Kings of old, as if it was to further make his claim as King of the Stormlands all the more legitimate to the Houses here. The men here were hardly disciplined, as they were laughed, japing, drinking, and cheering for those who were fighting in this tourney Renly had formed.

With the way they were acting, you would think there wasn't a war on for the Iron Throne or the right to rule the Seven Kingdoms wasn't at stake.

Watching the melee taking place in front of her, Cat saw a well armored knight, covered in head to toe in armor, fighting another man with sword and shield in hand. Only it wasn't just any knight, it was Loras Tyrell from House Tyrell. To Cat, it didn't make any sense to her. She assumed the Tyrells would march for House Targaryen, to once more proclaim their loyalty to the dynasty that made them Wardens of the South.

So why would one of Lord Tyrell's sons be here? Were they playing both camps? Making sure the victor would reward them no matter who the victor was in this war?

Her thoughts on the matter ended when the larger knight, one nearly the size of Sandor Clegane himself of all people, had knocked Ser Loras off his feet, and had a sword posed at his neck. She knew Ser Loras well enough by reputation that he was quite skilled, a prodigy to be sure, yet to see him bested by this larger knight was difficult to see, much less comprehend.

"Impressive! I know Ser Loras has been bested a time or two, but never in such a fashion," commented Renly with an amused smile on his face.

"Come now your grace, there is no need to be mean. My brother did fight for you in this melee," said Margery Tyrell, who walked up the stairs of the makeshift steps leading to the spot where Renly was watching the melee.

"True enough Lady Margery. Still, I would like to know the face of the one who bested your brother," said Renly while watching Loras struggle to stand, trying to hide his embarrassment over losing to such a large individual.

"Would you remove your helmet Ser and reveal yourself to us?" asked Margery, as she was also curious about this person who bested Ser Loras.

Cat was sure she saw the knight hesitate for a moment before the helmet was finally removed, and like everyone else, she was shocked to see it was not a man underneath the helmet. But a woman! A large woman, possibly the largest she had ever seen, was the warrior who bested the Knight of the Flowers and standing here proud of her accomplishment.

"I am no Ser. I am Lady Brienne of House Tarth," said Brienne proudly while seeing the King and Lady Margery looking quite surprised by this.

The King more pleased as the surprise left him. Lady Margery was more along the lines of impressed.

Ser Loras was neither pleased nor impressed. He felt it shamed him to some extent that a woman had bested him in melee where men generally ruled over.

"I must say, your father did not exaggerate when he claimed your skill with a sword was worth my time when he recommended you to my service, Lady Tarth. You are indeed every bit as skilled as he claimed," said Renly while clearly happy with the fact Lord Tarth had been correct when stating his daughter could hold her own and fight even the strongest of men.

"Thank you, your grace. I am honored by the trust you have in my father and my skill," said Brienne with Renly nodding.

"Since your father has proven such a loyal Lord of the Stormlands by sending you here, I will grant you a boon of your choosing, if it is within my power," said Renly with a kind smile.

"I wish to be a member of your Kingsguard, your grace. To protect you from any and all enemies seeking to end your life," said Brienne before she kneeled and ignored the gasps, plus some whispered protests from the crowd watching.

"I see. That is quite an interesting request to be made by you, Lady Brienne. While being a member of the Kingsguard would usually be a position of honor, it is sadly not one these days. I prefer to have what I would call the Rainbow Guard to take their place in protecting me. Unlike with the Kingsguard, you do not need to be a man to be a part of it. Only skill with your weapon of choice in hand and being loyal to your vows as member are required," said Renly, as he had actually come up with that on the spot since such a warrior, regardless of Brienne being a woman, was far too rare a find to let go.

"I accept the position, your grace," replied Brienne humbly from her kneeled position.

"Arise Lady Brienne: Lady Commander and the first member of the Rainbow Guard!" exclaimed Renly with the people cheering at the news.

Though Cat suspected they did it only because their King was basically telling them too with his eyes and tone of voice. She had doubts if they would do it if the King wasn't there do it or as loudly.

"Lady Stark, a pleasure to see you here today. Welcome to my encampment! Know that House Lannister will pay for the injustice they have done to your House and your husband. I swear it to you this day for al to hear," said Renly with a confident smile with the people around him cheering.

"I have come to treat with you my Lord," said Catelyn while approaching Renly, only to be blocked by Brienne.

"You will refer to him as, your grace," said Brienne while she glared at the woman.

"Calm yourself Lady Tarth. I am sure it was just a slip of the tongue on Lady Stark's part. After all, I was only made King recently," said Renly since he knew why the woman was here.

An alliance between House Stark and House Baratheon. Like during Robert's time during the rebellion that one the latter the Iron Throne. And with Lord Stark's son now leading the Northern army, it would assure his side would come out on top against the Lannisters to help Renly claim the Iron Throne.

"Thank you, your grace. I need to speak with you about matters of grave importance," said Cat with the idea of addressing Renly as King seemed wrong.

While the young man could make his claim, as it was his right, the claim itself was weak when compared to Aegon or Renly's older brother Stannis. Both had claims to the Iron Throne at this point and each one was stronger than Renly's simply because Aegon was the son of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen while Stannis was younger brother of King Robert. Renly was the youngest of the three Baratheons and could not call himself King unless Aegon and Stannis died without a male heirs to their names.

The two walked among the encampment with Brienne right beside them, watching Lady Stark carefully like she was a threat to Renly if they got within striking distance. Margery Tyrell had taken her brother to see the Maester for his bruises suffered from the fighting with the Tarth woman. They saw Baratheon bannermen under Renly's banner nod and smile at him when he walked by, shaking his hand, smiling at their King, and stating they were ready to fight for him.

"You seemed surprised to see Lady Margery and Ser Loras here in my encampment," remarked Renly as they walked to his tent like it was a leisurely stroll.

"House Tyrell was always loyal to House Targaryen first and foremost, your grace," said Cat with Renly letting out a small chuckle.

"Was being the operative term Lady Stark. But now? Times have changed. Loras and I have known each other for quite some time and Lady Margery is a good friend too. My brother, Robert, the drunken oaf that he was, may have disliked them for being supporters of the dragon, even after they were gone, but it was smart of him to let them keep their positions as Wardens of the South. Robert knew they were vital to keep the supply of food flowing from the Seven Kingdoms after the rebellion ended. Even if he could install another House to replace the Tyrells, the realms wouldn't stand for it. Lord Arryn had to make that perfectly clear to him after ascending the Iron Throne and deciding how to deal with those who fought for House Targaryen," said Renly before entering his tent with Lady Stark right behind him and Lady Tarth standing guard.

"Have you received the most recent letter about Aegon Targaryen? The truth of him and who he was before all of this?" asked Cat curiously.

"I did. Though by the tone in your voice, you presume I haven't read it yet," remarked Renly while he poured himself a cup of wine.

"Considering who Aegon was before now, I expected your response to be more…upset," replied Cat with a hint of curiosity.

"I'm not my brother, Cat. I am more practical. Robert hated the Targaryens for what happened with his intended wife being taken away by the Bard Prince. Even after Rhaegar this died, I never heard the end of it. It was always 'Rhaegar this!' and 'Rhaegar that!' every other day. Even more so when Robert was drowning in his cups when mentioning your late husband's sister," said Renly calmly.

"With respect, your grace, you know Aegon is going to make a claim to the Iron Throne. Yet you still call yourself the King of the Seven Kingdoms," remarked Cat while Renly's smile lessened a bit.

"Ah yes, the rules of succession. Baratheons have never once liked playing by the rules. Even more so when it came to the power behind the Iron Throne. Stannis will follow the rule so long as Aegon makes his claim, but we both know neither one is meant for the Iron Throne. A boy far too green to rule and my brother being too strict a man to show even the smallest form of leniency when it could make things better. Neither of them know the people like I do my Lady. They would not stand by as another dragon takes the Iron Throne or my brother for his unyielding way of doing things," replied Renly while acting like this was nothing new to him.

"Respectfully, if this had happened 10 years ago when Robert still ruled and just put down the Greyjoy rebellion, you would be correct. But there are many who would support House Targaryen's return at this point," said Catelyn with Renly making a noise indicating she had a point.

"Quite true. A King who fights on the battlefield for his throne over simply sitting his pompous ass on it while every Lord and his bannermen bleed in his name does inspire people who were questionably loyal to become loyal. I take it this Aegon is the former," said Renly with a hint of bitterness.

"He is of the North," replied Catelyn with Renly nodding and his confident smirk became a bitter smile.

"Which means he won't simply sit by while others are fighting and dying for him. Adding the fact, he has already obtained growing support from various Houses and the people, the call to arms to fight for this Aegon Targaryen will be immense," said Renly with his mind already thinking things over in his mind.

"It will be unwise to challenge his claim Renly. Many will see you as a usurper to your brother by doing this. More so if you try to oppose Aegon for the Iron Throne. Your list of allies will not reach past the Stormlands," warned Cat while ignoring the glare from Brienne.

"Are you threatening his grace?" asked Brienne angrily.

"No, I am warning Renly of what he would face if he tried to move things further for his claim to the Iron Throne. The forces mustering to fight for Aegon range from the North, the Riverlands, the Reach, Dorne, and possibly even the Vale," said Cat while Renly sighed again.

"And what would you have me do? Surrender my crown? Bend the knee? The Storm Kings of old did not when Aegon the Conqueror came about, so why should I?" asked Renly with Cat shaking her head at his prideful stubbornness.

"It would be the wise thing to do. Your forces cannot win," said Cat warned with Renly smiling again.

"Perhaps, but I find the wisest choice is not always the best choice. My scouts report my brother is coming to parlay with me. Hoping to do the same as you, no doubt. Bend the knee or fall. How dreary and boring of him," said Renly while drinking some more wine.

"He is trying to prevent you from making more mistakes and not be seen for what people will say of you in regard to this," said Catelyn while Renly sighed.

"And to take Storm's End from me at the same time. Robert gave our ancestral seat to me after Stannis failed to capture the last of the remaining Targaryens at Dragonstone," said Renly while knowing what would happen should Aegon take the Iron Throne.

"Lord Stannis will no doubt be made Hand of the King. You can still rule Storm's End as regent until Lady Shireen comes of age to rule," said Catelyn while Renly scoffed.

"A Prince and Lord reduced to being a Regent. Not even a true Lord. How the mighty have fallen," said Renly with a tone that almost sounded like one of defeat.

"You can still be on the Small Council. You were the Master of Laws," offered Catelyn while Renly let out a bitter laugh.

"After all of this? I abandoned my post shortly after Robert died. You think that can be easily forgiven by Stannis? Or this dragon he has pledged our House too? No, I am on thin ice as it is with my brother over this. Do you think this new King will be so generous? I think not," said Renly in disbelief.

"And opposing the new King is better?" asked Catelyn while Renly gave a knowing smile.

"Better to oppose the dragon than serve by his side. Something I think Robert of all people would have approve of if he were here today," said Renly while Catelyn looked shocked by this.

"And all your bannermen? Are you willing to see them die for a cause that is unwinnable?" asked Cat while Renly shrugged.

"Martyrs to the cause. Stories and songs will say we challenged the dragon for the right that was our House earned through conquest," said Renly while Cat could not believe this.

What was this man thinking?

(Later that Night)

"You know being here in this encampment is foolish," said Catelyn while she was in Margery Tyrell's tent that had been set up for her.

"I am well aware of this Lady Stark. My grandmother sent me and Loras here to treat Lord Renly. To get him to unite against the Lannisters and drop this idea of being King when he doesn't have the right to it," said Margery while hiding the fact there was another reason she was here.

Loras and Renly were secret lovers. Of course, it was tolerated in the Reach, more so in Dorne, but if the faith found out, it would be bad for House Tyrell. No matter how much wealth or power they wielded. The truth was, Loras had been here before she arrived, the mission assigned to the young lady of House Tyrell was twofold. One, to bring Loras back to the Reach until it was time to attack the Lannister forces, and finally retake King's Landing in the name of the new King. Second, to get Renly to join the growing army aimed at taking down the Lannisters.

Unfortunately, Margery was not having much success. Loras was being his usual stubborn self when it came to Renly. She knew their Grandmother would have called him an oaf like their father, or maybe a halfwit. Perhaps both. Loras was refusing to leave Renly, stating the man was the true King and could put House Tyrell on the Iron Throne. Even going so far as to convince Margery to marry Renly and his child to further legitimize the claim. Saying they could call for a Grand Council and use their influence to get them to back Renly as the new King.

Margery had called him an idiot and told him Renly could not be King for multiple reasons, the Grand Council notwithstanding, which were known to the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. Only for Loras to say they could easily remove those reasons if they plan things accordingly.

She slapped Loras and told him to leave her tent. Shortly after, Catelyn Tully Stark entered to talk to her about this situation with Renly.

"I take it things have not turned out as you planned," surmised Catelyn with Margery nodding since it had not.

"Renly is very stubborn like his brothers. Less of a fighter, but no less stubborn in trying to get what he wants in life. Especially when he sees an opportunity for it," said Margery knowing how the Baratheon mind worked thanks to Loras and his "relationship" with Renly.

Stannis was the only one with a good head on his shoulders.

"His desire for the Iron Throne is folly. It is treasonous. Not to mention he is the younger brother among the three, which means Stannis would have a better claim. Anything else Renly does from here on out would make him a usurper to the crown," said Catelyn knowing such ugly words held weight to them, even if words were wind.

Yet, the wind can still cut things if sharp enough.

"Alas, I am finding no matter what I say to Lord Renly, he will not listen to reason," said Margery with Cat sighing and leaving the tent.

(Two Days Later)

When Cat rode her horse to join the two Baratheon brothers in the parlay, she had hoped the two of them would listen to reason. As loathe as she was to let Aegon take the Iron Throne, allowing someone like the Lannisters with their inbred bastard son of the Queen and her twin brother was unacceptable. Part of her whispered that she should speak to Stannis about pushing his claim but thought better of it due to the fact she was not here to do that, nor would her attempt be kept secret for long. Many, if not all of the North would see her as a traitor, not only betraying House Stark, but betraying her son fighting for a righteous cause, and for betraying the intended King with Stark blood in his veins who was meant to rule.

"Hello brother. It's a fine day today, isn't it? Well, a fine day by Stormlands standards," remarked Renly in an amused tone while Brienne was behind him on his right and Loras on his left.

"You have dishonored us Renly. This action of treason ends now," said Stannis in his usually strict tone while Melisandre and Ser Davos were on either side of him.

"Is that your banner. Interesting. Though I suppose it is for the best we have different versions of our House. It would get quite confusing if we had the same one when fighting," commented Renly while his smirk seemed to irritate Stannis more.

"He serves the Lord of Light's chosen Champion, Lord Renly. You would do your best to listen to reason," said Melisandre calmly.

"And who is this? A red priestess from Essos? I have heard about you my dear. I must say brother, if I didn't know you so well, I would say you cast you wife aside for someone far more pleasant to the eyes. Perhaps, you are more like Robert than I gave you credit," said Renly while making sure the implication was clear of what he thought of the woman and what she really was to his brother.

"You are both lucky I am not your mother. If you two were my sons, I would grab you both by the ears and drag you into a room to settle your difference while keeping it locked until your differences were set aside," said Catelyn at last while she saw Stannis glance at her.

"Lady Stark, my condolences on the loss of your husband. At the same time, I am curious why you would ride with Renly when it was made clear to all that Lord Stark made his intentions known on supporting his sister's son," said Stannis with narrow eyes glancing at her with suspicion.

"I am not here to support Renly. Nor is my son. We wish for justice Lord Stannis. I had hoped Lord Renly would cast aside his claim to be King and join the North and the other Houses against the Lannisters," said Cat with Stannis glancing from her to Renly.

"Then you have wasted your time, Lady Stark. I will not backdown for anyone. Not you, this dragon who wishes to be King, or my stick in the mud brother here," said Renly while Stannis finally looked like he was ready to lose his patience with him.

"Enough! This act of treason ends here and now Renly. In honor of the mother who brought us into the world, I offer you this chance to redeem yourself. Strike your banners, pledge your loyalty to the dragon, and be regent of Storm's End until Shireen comes of age to rule or until I have a son born to me through my wife," offered Stannis with Renly scoffing at him.

"You think I will allow this upstart dragon take this one chance away from me? Or you in his name? No. I reject his claim as King as I would yours if you tried for yourself. All of the Seven Kingdoms will soon be rejecting the dragon's return. From old ladies to the babies yet to be born from their mother's womb. We both know I have the numbers to challenge you right now Stannis. I would rather we not fight. You could join me with your forces. Be my Hand. I can negotiate with House Tyrell easily enough to get them on our side with a better offer over the Targaryens. Our combined might would make the dragons think twice before challenging us," said Renly with Stannis growling at him.

"You speak nonsense Renly. I will not hear of it. Strike your banners, swear fealty to House Targaryen, and bring our House's bannermen to his side to end the Lannisters. If you don't, I will crush you in his name," said Stannis while leaving no further room for talk.

"I will see you on the battlefield brother. Do try to remember, kinslaying is the ultimate offense to the Gods. When you seek to fight me, remember not to swing your sword too hard," said Renly before he left the battlefield.

"I'm sorry your brother wouldn't listen. You tried, my Lord," said Ser Davos while Stannis nodding.

"Aye, I did. Now, I must crush my brother and his ambition," said Stannis while wishing he didn't have to do this.

"Lord Stannis, could I have a moment of your time," said Catelyn while having her horse move over to him.

"You may Lady Stark," said Stannis while motioned his horse to turn around to head back to his camp.

"I'm sure you saw Loras Tyrell was with Renly. Lady Margery is also in Renly's camp," said Cat while she saw Stannis grit his teeth.

"To join with him? To betray his grace?" asked Stannis with Cat shaking her head.

"Not from what lady Margery has told me. Though whether her words are true or false, I am unsure. I did not see Tyrell bannermen in the camp aside from a sizeable escort. Nothing to indicate the full might of the Reach was there," said Cat while Stannis thought things over.

"The Tyrells have always been loyal to House Targaryen, my Lord. We know the full might of the Reach has marched, yet they are not in a position to join in the fighting just yet. They are nearby though from what the scouts reported," said Ser Davos with Stannis nodding.

"I'm inclined to agree with you Ser Davos. If two of Olenna's grandchildren are here, they could be trying to bring my brother into the fold," said Stannis knowing the old woman would only make back Renly if she didn't know of Aegon.

"Sadly, they have not succeeded," said Catelyn sadly from what Margery Tyrell had told her.

"We have no choice now," said Stannis knowing what was required of him.

"Surely there are still some way to resolve this without killing him, my Lord? Cleaner ways to resolve this without the loss of life on either side?" asked Ser Davos with Stannis sighing.

"If there were Ser Davos, I would gladly take such a way. Sadly, there are not, nor any I can think of that come to mind," said Stannis while Cat was deep in thought.

"My Lord, perhaps if you had a stronger army, the Houses supporting Lord Renly would be more open to reason in siding with the proper side," offered Cat with Stannis thinking it over in his mind.

"The Reach army is the closest one near here my Lord. A raven sent to House Tyrell might do the trick," said Ser Davos while Stannis considered his words.

"Prepare a raven when we get back to camp, Ser Davos. I'll write the letter myself. With any luck, House Tyrell's forces added to my own will make Renly's forces see reason and surrender without bloodshed," said Stannis while hoping the Queen of Thorns would come to his aid.

As insulting as it was, given the bad blood he had for them during the siege of Storm's End, Stannis was not one to let his pride take control of him. Robert did and it destroyed him slowly. Renly was doing it now and would lead to his downfall. Stannis knew his duty and his duty had no place for wounded pride from the past, especially during a time of war.

(Lannister Camp)

Jamie hid his fear well. He had to hide it. If the other Lords of the West saw his fear, they would see it as weakness and conspire to betray him. They all knew the truth. He saw it in their eyes. Jamie Lannister had killed his father, Tywin Lannister, and was a kinslayer. Cursed at the highest level. Added to all of the other rumors about himself and Cersei made this campaign all the more difficult. The Lords of the West would not risk following him much longer, nor would their bannermen. They were losing. Losing badly. The once mighty host of Lannister forces, the largest among the Seven Kingdoms, was being reduced in their numbers with each new loss.

And that was just against the North and Riverland forces. Jamie had heard reports of Dorne at the ready and the Reach marching in the name of King Aegon. To think Rhaegar had a second trueborn son and it was kept from the rest of the realms. Sadly, this was King that in another time, another place, Jamie would have guarded, protected, and swore to serve. To think he, just like everyone else, had written the boy off as a legitimized bastard from House Stark without asking any questions.

'And now I am marching against him over putting the boy on the Iron Throne. Am I so far gone that I am unable to do what is right? Aegon should be the one to sit on the Iron Throne. Not Joffrey. Joffrey has no claim to the Iron Throne. I know it. Cersei knows it, not that she cares. Even father knew the truth of it before his end. Yet I am trying to keep my now not so secret son on the Iron Throne while the rightful King marches to take back what should have been his since birth. What am I doing?' thought Jamie while wondering if he was truly lost or had simply lost his damn mind.

Maybe both at this point.

Looking over the map, Jamie knew he was fucked. A large portion of Lannister men were either dead or captured while moral was at an all-time low. The North marched, the Riverlands marched, the Reach had marched, and even Dorne of all places marched for the King. The only real problem aside from Jamie's army was Renly and his bannermen from the Stormlands seeking to name the idiot as the new King of the Seven Kingdoms.

Jamie was sure that issue would be handled soon enough given Renly was alone in that regard since he was usurping Rheagar's son and Stannis if the boy had never existed.

Looking over at the messages from King's Landing, Jamie sighed knowing each one and who they were written by with different words with feelings attached.

The first one was from his sister Cersei. If there was ever a woman who he could love and hate at the exact same time, it was her. He didn't want to hate his sister, his twin, but she was making things such a Gods damned pain in his ass. Even now, she was demanding him to return to King's Landing with his army behind him and showing the "Lannister might" their House was known for in the belief his forces at the capital would show their enemies they would not give things up without a fight.

His sister had no concept of military tactics. Even if Jamie did what she commanded, which he wouldn't, it would leave the Westernlands open to attack from Dorne, the Reach, the Riverlands, and the North. If they couldn't get to King's Landing due to the army there, who was to say they couldn't draw them out by attacking his boyhood home? Or the homes of his Lords and bannermen. They would abandon him at a moment's notice, and Jamie knew he couldn't get them to stay if that happened.

The second letter was from his brother, Tyrion, who basically told him to make peace with the opposing forces. To surrender and end this stupidity of a war before it got even worse. Jamie almost agreed with his brother since it was clearly the smarter move in this situation. Tyrion was always smarter than him or Cersei despite their father's position of his second son, even if it did soften sightly in the more recent time before Jamie ended the man.

The next letter was from Joffrey, who in his not so infinite wisdom, decided to send his no longer secret father a message, and demanded the man put down the "rebellion" against his crown. The boy's letter was clearly the writing of a raving mad man, or rather a whiny spoiled child. His eldest son had clearly become the Mad King reborn, had no idea what he was doing, and believed everything that was not his, was his to have by some false right.

Ned Stark may have been an honorable fool in Jamie's eyes, but it was better to deal with honorable fools over madness driven ones. Sadly, his son was the latter and not the former. Cersei's coddling the boy didn't help either.

And finally, there was a message from Robb Stark. A message indicating the young wolf was dead set on coming for him and the Western Lords who dared to follow him. The message was practically dripping with bloodlust, stating what Jamie was in life and more. He had named everything that was true about himself at this point from his infamous nickname Kingslayer to kinslayer, liar, adulterer, and even oath breaker. The newly made Lord of House Stark and Warden of the North made it clear that Jamie and the Westernlands would know no peace until their demands were met in their entirety.

Enemies all around, no means to fight them off, and any support gained in the past was thinning. Even the opportunity to use House Frey to his advantage was removed through Aune Genna when the late Walder Frey met his end within his own castle. The old cunt of a man would have squeezed every single drop of influence from House Stark and the North to cross his bridge and use his bannermen. Jamie felt they had more influence over that House than Stark did because House Frey respected strength, power, fear, and gold with House Lannister having that in abundance.

Only for it to be removed when Walder Frey met his end by the blade of Robb Stark. Jamie didn't think the young wolf had it in him, considering his upbringing being about honor and duty. But when you have a teacher in the form of the Lin Kuei Grandmaster, one can change considerably in the process. The idea of ending Walder Frey should he decide to be a cunt during the negotiations was clearly his doing and Robb had no problem listening to the Grandmaster about it.

"You are being foolish in this Jamie," said Sub-Zero, who appeared from the shadows behind Jamie.

"Have you come to take my head?" asked Jamie while wishing he had his sword on is person and cursing himself for having it too far away to grab.

"If I wanted you dead, it would have been much sooner. I came to talk. Consider it a gift from a teacher to his former student," said Sub-Zero with Jamie sighing in relief.

"Does your new student know you are here? Or the other Northern Lords?" asked Jamie curiously.

"What they do or do not know in this case is irrelevant. What is relevant is you stop this act of stupidity before it gets worse," said Sub-Zero with Jamie grimacing.

"And lose my head? I like it attached to my body thank you very much," said Jamie sarcastically to the man behind him.

"And how many more loyal Lannister bannermen have to die before that inevitability happens? One hundred? One thousand? Ten thousand? One hundred thousand?" asked Sub-Zero with each number feeling like a growing weight on Jamie's back.

"House Lannister is on the line. I cannot fail here. There is too much at stake for me to lose now," said Jamie with Sub-Zero shaking his head.

"You have risked everything for a cause that should have never happened in the first place. You were in the wrong Jamie. However, instead of admitting to your mistakes and owning up to them, you ran like a coward. You showed everyone you were guilty simply from the actions taken thus far in this war, even before it started," said Sub-Zero harshly while Jamie grimaced.

"Even if I did surrender, I cannot help my enemies against my sister or my son. I know they will die if I am not there to protect them. Tyrion won't protect those two. Tommen and Myrcella will be spared, but that is not enough," said Jamie with Sub-Zero glaring harder.

"Your point? The sister who you stupidly laid with constantly coddles your son. She encourages his cruel actions towards innocent lives. She believes House Lannister can do no wrong. That her son can do no wrong. Even more so now that he is sitting on the Iron Throne. It is only a matter of time before the people stop fearing Joffrey and rise up in rebellion against him within the city itself. It nearly brought down House Targaryen during the Dance when they had dragons. Do you wish it upon them when there are more of the people in the city over Lannister bannermen?" asked Sub-Zero with Jamie letting out another heavy sigh.

"What would you have me do?" asked Jamie with his eyes closed.

"Parlay with us within the next few weeks. We must seek an end to this farce war. You cannot win with so many Kingdoms marching for young Aegon," said Sub-Zero with Jamie nodding.

"I need a few weeks to prepare for it. I trust you will mediate this whole situation?" asked Jamie with Sub-Zero nodding.

"In a few weeks. My agent will supply you with the time and place. "Don't be late," said Sub-Zero before he vanished into the shadows."

"The things I do for love," whispered Jamie to himself knowing his days were numbered.

He would need to prepare for the worst, which the man knew was to come from all of this.

(Stormlands-Aftermath of battle)

Stannis grimaced at the sight before him. He was no stranger to violence or death. He had heard about it as a boy during the War of the Nine Penny Kings and had seen it during two rebellions. But the idea of so many men from the Stormlands dead put an ache in his heart. The combined might of his forces, added with the Tyrells, should have stopped Lords of various Houses who flocked to Renly's banner. It had for the most part, as Davos had been right when the suggestion of having House Tyrell's forces add to his own would give them pause. With them in the mix, he now had the numbers, the skill, the means of intimidating the opposition into submission without a fight. Quite a few Lords and their bannermen had left Renly's camp for his own, seeing the stupidity of fighting a losing battle and for the wrong side.

So why did so many of them still fight and die for Renly? Why did they fight for his younger brother in this conflict knowing he was in the wrong? Was the letters sent to them not clear enough? What did Renly have that Stannis did not possess that they would be so loyal?

Lady Melisandre had suggested the use of her shadow powers to kill Renly in the night. Without him, the Lords who followed him would leave to pledge to Stannis. All that was required would be for the Stag to lay with the Red Priestess and she would conceive for him a child in her womb. Not just any child either, but a son, however short lived such a shadow creature could live, and kill use said offspring to kill Renly.

For the briefest of moments, possibly the longest in his life, Stannis considered the option of having the Tyrells provide military aid to combat Renly. For a moment, the Lord of House Baratheon dared to think of the idea of going through with it. Dared to think of the idea of laying with another woman aside from his wife, break his vows of marriage, sire a bastard son, and all to commit kinslaying in order to gain the support of the Lords who followed his younger brother.

Only, for the cold hard reality to smack the man in the face, and the horror that he even considered the move was like dumping cold water from the North down his back. After this realization kicked in, Stannis rejected the offer the Red Priestess made, knowing he could never look his daughter, his wife, or any of his loyal bannermen in the face if such a deed were done.

Shireen would be fearful of him. If he could kill his own brother, what was to stop him from killing his daughter should he have a son in the future? His wife would be of the same mindset, only she would be fearful through the fact she had failed time and time again to give him a son. She would believe her own husband would kill her, remarry, and finally have a son and heir to his name after so many failures. As for his bannermen? They would never follow a kinslayer. Those under the banner of Jamie Lannister in this war only followed him out of fear.

Stannis knew his bannermen would sooner abandon him for the dragon's camp or sell him out to said dragon should such a deed be done. Stannis knew his men would rather follow their Lord into battle and die on the battlefield over following a kinslayer.

"It is strange that we would be fighting side by side in this," commented Randal Tarly after riding up beside him on his horse.

"This wasn't a fight, Lord Tarly. This was pointless butchery. All of which could have been avoided had my brother not done what he did. To think he would follow Robert's example in the worst way at the worst possible time," said Stannis grimly.

"You gave him a chance Lord Stannis. He refused to listen when listening would have saved lives. The blame is with him," said Randal calmly but still with a hint of coldness in it.

"It is easy for you to say such things, Lord Tarly. These weren't men loyal to your House. They followed the wrong Baratheon into battle and were killed for it. Those who weren't killed are going to be sent to the Wall," said Stannis before he rode away from the mess that was the aftermath of the battle until he made his way back to the camp.

Among those wounded and imprisoned by his forces were Brienne of Tarth and Ser Loras Tyrell, as they chose to fight by Renly's side. Lady Margery had returned to the Tyrell encampment when Stannis had sent them a raven proposing an alliance to deal with this situation. Garlan Tyrell was leading his House's bannermen and was not eager to face Renly while Loras was still in the opposing camp. Margery had been unable to convince Loras to leave or convince Renly to convince Loras to leave. The youngest of the three Baratheons was not only keeping Loras around for his own selfish purposes, but also because he believed it would keep House Tyrell from fighting him in this war.

Renly had been wrong. Very wrong. One of the first things Garlan wanted from Stannis for their Houses to work together was the assurance Loras would not be killed or badly wounded to the point where a limb or two had to amputated. Garlan wanted Loras to be caught and brought back home alive, where their grandmother would ensure the man wouldn't run off to do something stupid again.

"When can he be ready to move, Maester?" asked Stannis while Loras was being treated with a small head wound and a few cuts from the fighting.

"Within a day or two my Lord. The cuts I can easily treat without issue, but he took a rather hard hit to his head with his helmet preventing it from becoming much worse," said the Maester while patching up the Tyrell's head up.

"Let me know when he is ready to move. House Tyrells wants their wayward son back," ordered Stannis while he looked at Brienne for a moment.

"You betrayed your brother and King," spat Brienne with anger in her eyes.

"Renly was the betrayer here. He was the younger brother. He had no right to call himself King. Nor did he have the right to usurp the proper one," said Stannis while Brienne clenched her fist while ignoring the pain in her side when she took a spear to it.

"Is he even alive?" asked Brienne with worry in her voice.

"My brother is alive. If just barely. The Gods have not yet decided to take him from this world. Not yet," said Stannis though he wasn't sure if his brother would live through this.

The injuries suffered from the fighting were severe. He still had to talk to the fool to find out what his younger brother was thinking.

"Take me to him. I am a member of his Rainbowguard. It is my duty to be by his side," said Brienne with Stannis looking at her again and the state of her injury she was trying to keep in check under her own power.

"Very well, but I will have your word that you will not try to smuggle him out or fight anyone in some noble attempt to free him," said Stannis since he could respect duty and loyalty.

"You have it. On my honor as my father's heir of House Tarth," said Brienne while slowly rising from her position.

"Good. Your father was always a man of his word and is a good man. It is only fitting for you, his heir, carries on that tradition. Be mindful of when you see Renly, from what I was told, my brother's injuries are severe. Moving him would only make them worse and possibly kill him," said Stannis while they both walked to Renly's tent where another Maester was treating him.

When Brienne entered the tent, she could only grimace at the sight of the man she had called King. The battle had not been kind to him when in the thick of it. Renly was no Warrior reborn. Nor was he truly skilled with a sword. While she never believed the rumors, it was said Renly had fainted like a lady at the sight of someone bleeding heavily from the first melee duel he had ever seen. While Brienne didn't want to believe it, she knew the man well enough to know Renly wasn't one to pursue things like hunting or fighting.

When Tarly calvary had smashed through the left flank and made their way to Renly's position, the man had frozen up in shock and horror. When asked what his orders were, the Storm King had been silent, even when words tried to leave his mouth, they never came out. It wasn't long before the entire army under his command broke and routed beyond hope of recovery. By the time Renly could even begin to comprehend giving an order or raising his sword in defiance of the enemy, it was too late.

A lance had crashed into Renly's armored chest at full speed and sent him flying off his horse into the ground hard. Brienne had been by his side, fighting everyone who dared to get near the fallen King with Loras doing the same. When Renly finally was able to stand, the man was struggling to do so as if he had too much wine. He tried to draw his sword and fight, but his fighting was worse than his ability to stand. Unfortunately, numbers won the day with the three of them being defeated by both the Baratheon and Tyrell bannermen. With their injuries taken, it was soon easy for the opposition to take them away with Renly being the most injured.

"Brother," said Renly weakly while Stannis walked up to him with his usual glare.

"Renly," replied Stannis coldly before sitting down in a nearby chair.

"How are you feeling?" asked Brienne with concern.

"Me? Oh, I am just wonderful! I feel like I was trampled by a couple hundred horses. My memory is a bit blurry. I remember being hit. Nothing much after that," replied Renly with his sarcastic answer before it changed to being more serious.

"You are lucky to be alive. The Maester tells me had you hit the ground any harder, I would be burying you in the ground instead of talking to you now," said Stannis while Renly winced before trying to sit up.

"I didn't think you would do it. Marching against me and your fellow Stormlanders," said Renly with a pain filled grimace.

"You were a fool to call the banners for yourself and be called King," countered Stannis coldly while he stared at his younger brother.

"And you would have been better? As King?" challenged Renly with some bite in his voice.

"If Rhaegar's son were not alive? Perhaps. With Robert having no true heirs, only bastards to his name, and being the second son between three of us, I would be the next in line. Not you," replied Stannis with Renly scoffing.

"You would have been a shit King, brother. Robert was too lax when it came to ruling. You would have been too strict. Seven Hells, you took that smuggler's fingers for his past crimes for smuggling when it was that very skill which helped save our lives from starving to death," commented Renly with Stannis having no real argument to that truth.

"It's a good thing I have no intention of being King. I leave that responsibility up to the one with dragon and wolf's blood in their veins," said Stannis with Renly grimacing again.

"If only Robert could see us now. One brother bending the knee to the dragon. The other…? What is to become of me?" asked Renly with a hint of worry in his words.

"I will have to speak to his grace about that when the time comes. Perhaps, he will let it slide. If not, the Wall most likely," said Stannis while seeing his brother looking nervous about the whole thing.

I don't suppose a Trial by Combat would be out of the question with you as my champion?" asked Renly with Stannis shaking his head.

"Considering who is by the King's side should it be called, neither of us would walk away from such a trial alive," said Stannis with Renly sighing.

"You will speak to his grace and ask for mercy?" asked Renly with a hint of hope in his voice.

"You may be a fool Renly, but you are my brother. Right before mother died with father, she entrusted me with your safety. To help guide you as best as I could. Not Robert. She knew our brother well enough to know he did not care as much as I do when it comes to family. Robert would choose who he called family and we both know it was not Baratheon blood that our brother called people of his choosing," said Stannis with Renly groaning.

"I feel like Robert. I have been a shit for a brother to you. Just like he was before and after being made King of the Seven Kingdoms," commented Renly with a sigh.

"We still have time to start over Renly. The Gods saw fit to give us this second chance. It would be wrong to squander it," said Stannis with his tone being surprisingly gentle.

"The Gods work in mysterious ways, don't they brother?" asked Renly with Stannis smirking.

"They do. The most certainly do," said Stannis while glancing at Brienne still standing nearby by like a true Kingsguard would despite her injuries and the distraught look on her face.

"If Renly's Rainbowguard no longer exists, what will become of myself?" asked Brienne while she did not wish to go back home knowing her duty, the call to serve was being denied.

"I do not know. It is clear you do not wish to act like a normal lady of the Seven Kingdoms. You wish to wield a sword and wear armor," said Stannis while Renly smirked.

"She is a great fighter. She even bested Loras in a melee without anyone knowing she was a woman until after the fight was over," added Renly with Stannis thinking things over in his mind.

Ordinarily, women didn't fight beside men on the battlefield. Oh, there were exceptions. The women of Dorner were lethal in their own way. Prince Oberyn's daughter, the Sand Snakes, being chief among them. The North had House Mormont and the various Mountain Clans with women not afraid to fight and kill when required. Stannis has mixed feelings on that, namely because of his own daughter, but saw women had the skill to fight when called upon. But the downside of women being in the army was the lack of numbers they had to defend themselves from the larger male population of bannermen in the ranks. It posed a risk of the men in any encampment taking advantage of the women in it, regardless of the fact they could fight or not, and could brought its own set of problems.

"Several of my bannermen can vouch for her battle prowess considering how hard she fought to protect you during the fighting. Not to mention her loyalty to whoever she serves is without question. The King, if not the future Queen he marries, will need a competent member of the Kingsguard by their side," said Stannis while Brienne's back straightened and it was clear she did like the idea.

"Would his grace accept a woman as a member of the Kingsguard?" asked Brienne cautiously.

"The King was raised in the North. They do not have weak women among them. Lyanna Stark can attest to that," said Stannis with Brienne smiling since she knew Lyanna Stark well enough to idolize her to a certain extent of being a no nonsense woman.

"I would very much like to meet them, my Lord," said Brienne with Stannis nodding.

"I can arrange it when things are settled here," replied Stannis knowing the King wouldn't turn away the woman in front of him to serve in the crown.

(King's Landing-Red Keep)

Her spies had done well in Jamie's camp. They had reported to Cersei what Jamie's plan was after telling the Lords of the damn Lin Kuei Grandmaster visiting her brother. At first, the Queen Mother thought the assassin was there to kill her twin, an act Cersei would make Sub-Zero regret should he have done so and with the deed being a success. Fortunately, the man was not there to kill Jamie but to talk to him. It was one of those rare times she was glad the enemy cared more about honor than a decisive victory. It was a fool's move, but one Cersei would accept all the same if it meant Jamie didn't have his throat slit within his own tent.

But the outcome of the conversation between the two was most unsettling. Upsetting to be sure. The man had convinced her twin to surrender. Or at least parlay to discuss terms of surrender. Her twin and brother, surrendering? To the Northern savages and the damn dragon, they wish to name their King over her sweet pure lion for a son? Jamie's son? Her son? Never! The Iron Throne belonged to her son! To Cersei it's the Queen Mother! To House Lannister! To the lions they were in life!

She wouldn't allow it! She would burn all of King's Landing to the ground before letting anyone have this city and the Iron Throne. If the lion was to lose the right to sit on the Iron Throne, let them be the last House to sit on it.

But first, she needed to remove any thought of negotiations from happening. Cersei needed to have her enemies crushed and her brother to realize the way to peace was through the death of those not with a drop of Lannister blood in their veins.

"You are certain of this Lord Varys? It can be done?" asked Cersei while she irked the idea speaking to the Spider given his connections to the past Kings and the Grandmaster.

"It is your grace. Though I wish you would not consider this course of action," warned Varys while having two trusted Lannister men on either side with swords drawn.

The reason? They were to ensure he would give them a means to speak to the Faceless Men in Braavos for what needed to be done.

"Your wishes do not concern me, Spider. Only your obedience is required," replied Cersei coldly at the man in front of her and was a finger's twitch away from ordering Varys have his throat slit.

She should have done this sooner.

It was now clear to Cersei that Varys was an ally of the Lin Kuei. He had been since the Grandmaster first arrived in Westeros. She had been so busy trying to protect herself and Joffrey ever since her son took the Iron Throne. Afraid of every shadow, of every sound, and the possibility of a blade coming for them in the middle of the night. The level of fear got to the point where her fear turned to madness and anger with the clarity of both making the woman understand she needed to go after someone who needed further persuasion to get things done.

She paid Lord Varys a visit with her most trust men while leaving the Kingsguard to watch over her most precious lion among the three she gave birth to through Jamie. He had been surprised to see her, one of the few times in his life she was sure, and Cersei immediately explained what was to be done to combat the enemy coming for them. The Queen expected him to wave around the subject, try to persuade her to not take this course of action, and seek an alternative solution which didn't have the end result being further bloodshed.

She scoffed at his idea of an alternative solution, much less end things without further bloodshed. Who did he think she was? The Tyrells? The honorable Starks? She was a lioness! A Lannister! She would see half of Westeros's population die slow agonizing deaths if it meant keeping her position as Queen, her son as King, and House Lannister sitting uncontested on the Iron Throne. Nothing else mattered to her or Joffrey. All that mattered were they sat at the top and everyone else was stuck beneath them no matter how hard they tried to climb higher than their station demanded.

"I have no desire to disobey you, Queen Cersei. But you have to understand one thing about how the Faceless Men of Braavos operate. They are not so easily swayed by gold or how much you promise them when hiring one of their talents. They care little for titles, whether it be the client, or the one who they kill. They look beyond those things and the value of the target themselves. If you hire them for a target, they or their God refuses to kill for one reason or another, they will see you as a threat and therefore a target to be ended," warned Varys while the Queen scowled at him.

"You're telling me these assassins would sooner end my life and possibly that of my son, instead of the bastard Targaryen born of from a Stark whore?" asked Cersei while she found the whole situation to be insulting.

"It is their way of doing things, your Grace. I know you feel insulted by this and no doubt question if my words are truth or a lie. But would I lie about this? With swords at my throat? One of the many reasons I have been allowed to keep my position as Master of Whispers is due to not lying to those who sat on the Iron Throne. Even King Aerys, for all his madness, knew I would never lie to him, regardless of the information I provided regarding the state of the realms. I see no reason to break from that way of doing things in my current situation," said Varys with Cersei narrowing her eyes at him.

"All the same, I want the Faceless Men here to kill the Grandmaster and this false dragon claiming to be the King of the Seven Kingdoms. I will not have my son usurped by this bastard son of a whore. Anyone who tried to defy me on this will be killed," said Cersei coldly while not believing the Faceless Men were brave or arrogant enough to think they could come after her if they were displeased with the choice of the targets she wanted killed.

"I will do what you ask, my Queen. I merely wish to make sure you understand the situation and it might not go your way," warned Varys with Cersei's growling at him.

"I am a member of House Lannister and Queen above all things, Lord Varys. I always get my way when it comes to any situation," replied Cersei while Varys held back a sigh and made the arrangements in front of her.

This would not end well, of that, Varys was sure.

(Riverlands-Undisclosed Location)

It had been a tense meeting from the start. Even before they entered the little tavern chosen for this moment in time. Jamie arrived with a small escort of ten men while House Stark had brought their own while making sure scouts and watchers provided by House Reed were keeping an eye out for anything nefarious. House Stark had arrived first, days before the meeting, to prepare and make sure the lion did not try to lay a trap for them.

When Jamie arrived, he saw Robb Stark there, his scowl similar to his father, but with his mother's Tully colored hair, but with eyes worthy of any Northern Lord. He was clearly not in a mood for japes, jokes, or any pleasantries Jamie could offer to possibly lighten the mood. That was more Tyrion's area, as his brother could almost make even the most sternest of Lords (father and Lord Stannis aside, crack a small smile of amusement at his wit.

How Jamie wished Tryon was here right now. His little brother had a head for these things where Jamie did not. In many ways, Tyrion and Jamie were to halves of a greater whole. Even more so than Jamie was with Cersei. Tyrion's brain and wit mixed with Jamie's body and skills would have given their father the ideal heir he had so wanted for such a long time.

Jamie wondered what their father would be thinking now. Would he approve of this? Scowl at the idea of the lions being brought low? Would the man's pride resist the idea of a peaceful surrender involving heavy reparations being paid to the enemy instead of the other way around? Tywin Lannister always set high standards, impossible standards, for everyone around him, and considered failure to meet those high standards to be the result of the one who failed in the assigned task.

Jamie wasn't meant to lead others. Not truly. He was meant to follow others. Or maybe he was meant to do a combination of both. It was just a matter of who he followed and who he led when the time came to do both. Had Rhaegar won at the Trident over Robert during he rebellion, much would have been different following that day.

The Mad King would have been overthrown soon after. The Prince would ascend to be King. Baby Aegon from Elia Martell would be alive, growing up strong, and playing with his sister and half-brother born from the womb of Lyanna Stark. And through it all, Jamie would have guarded them, proud to do so, and watched the royal family grow up the way they were meant to when living in the Red Keep.

"Lord Stark," said Jamie while the younger man nodded.

"Lord Lannister," replied Robb coldly knowing if he called the man by his infamous title of "Kingslayer" or "Kinslayer" would only make this meeting pointless.

"Shall we?" asked Jamie with Robb nodding with both men entering the Tavern while glancing at the other carefully to ensure neither one was secretly reaching for a sword.

When they entered, Jamie saw the only other people in the room was the Grandmaster himself, Ser Barristan, Ser Arthur Dayne, and the future King of Westeros, Aegon Stark Targaryen. The boy was clearly showing he was highly mature for his age. The teachings and help from those seeking to place him on the Iron Throne helped mold him into one such maturity beyond the boy's years. Glancing at the two former brothers of the Kingsguard, Jamie saw neither of them were happy to see him, though not for the reason regarding his killing of the Mad King. The reason behind the deed they could forgive, if only to a certain extent, as Aerys was still the King, despite his actions when ruling. It was what Jamie did afterwards that they had disliked about the Lannister man and the results staining the white cloak of the Kingsguard with his sinful deeds.

"It's been a long time Lord Lannister," said Ser Arthur with Jamie nodding.

"It has Ser Arthur. You are looking well. I trust your skill with a blade has not rusted with time?" asked Jamie with Ser Arthur nodding.

"Given who I was and have been charged with protecting all these years, only a fool would let his skill with a blade go rusty and weak," said Ser Arthur with Jamie nodding.

"You are many things Ser Arthur. A fool is not one of them," said Jamie with a small smile.

"It is time to get things started. With any luck, peace can be made here today and the end to the fighting between the various Houses of the Seven Kingdoms," said Aegon while Jamie and Robb nodded.

The two Lords from opposing Houses sat down on opposite sides of the long table the tavern provided for larger guests or parties when such groups arrived. It was tense for a long moment with both men just staring at each other, neither one wishing to say anything that might come off as an insult, threat, or an overall stupid comment. One false move or hand gesture, one simple insult or words spoken out of turn could ruin everything.

Finally, Jamie decided to try his hand in this while praying the Seven that he didn't fuck this up.

"Your side has fought impressively during this war. You should be proud," said Jamie with Robb holding in his temper at the man.

"The North may not be numerous as the lands South of the neck, but what we lack in numbers we make up for in quality of our overall strength," said Robb while Jamie nodding.

"I know my actions have resulted in this situation between our two Houses. Granted, certain parties had provoked it, but the overall fault is mine all the same," said Jamie with Robb holding back the urge to make a fist and punch the Lannister in the face.

"Your sister and the son you had with her being complicit in some of it too. They tried to silence those who knew the truth of things or have them captured to keep certain Houses in line," added Robb with Jamie nodding since he couldn't deny the truth when so many knew of it.

Not anymore.

"I won't deny my family has much to answer for in this situation," replied Jamie while glancing at the Grandmaster watching impassively from the shadows of the room.

"Your sister and eldest son will have to answer for this. They must pay with their lives," said Robb while Jamie holding back a wince.

"What about the Silent Sisters for Cersei? Or the Wall for Joffrey?" offered Jamie with Robb's eyes now narrowed in anger.

"The idea of your sister joining the Silent Sisters is out of the question Lannister. I highly doubt the Seven Faith would even consider the idea of allowing her to join it for all the crimes she has committed. And as for Joffrey, there Is no guarantee he won't try to flee, desert his post, or try to do something nefarious to my family given how close the Wall is to Winterfell. I would be a fool to let him join the Wall knowing the threat of him coming for my family in the middle of the night or when I was away from my castle," said Robb knowing Joffrey was a cowardly little shit at heart but would still seek to try something if the opportunity presented itself.

"And what of Tommen? Myrcella? Neither of them are like Cersei nor Joffrey," said Jamie with Robb thinking it over.

"I see no reason for them to not return back to Casterly Rock. What they do in the future will be left to their guardian," said Robb since he only met the two when they were visiting Winterfell and saw nothing vile about them.

"I wish to appoint Tyrion as their guardian. He was always good with them, and he loves both children deeply," said Jamie with Robb nodding.

"Acceptable. Your brother has a good head on his shoulders and will be a responsible guardian to the both of them," said Robb knowing Tywin's youngest son was a good man overall.

Any further talk that could bring about peace was interrupted by the sudden sound of fighting outside with both Lords looking toward the sound of the fight before looking at each other accusingly. When neither man showed signs of being responsible, they rushed to the window to see both Lannister and Stark men fighting off a third party. The attacking party in question was much larger than either Stark or Lannister guards put together.

"This is not my doing," said Jamie instantly while Robb was clearly suspicious of him.

"If it weren't for the simple fact, they are fighting your own guards Lannister, I would call you a liar," said Robb while preparing for a fight with this new enemy.

When they left the Inn, they joined their respective sides to even the odds against this new enemy, and some of the enemy were moving to take on Robb, Aegon, his Kingsguard, and Sub-Zero. Even with their numbers being superior, it was not a wise move due to the skill from those supporting Aegon and Robb were able to thin the numbers of the opposition significantly.

When it was over, the opposition was reduced to five, all taken prisoner for questioning.

"Who sent you? I know it wasn't from Jamie Lannister's camp. They were being attacked as well," said Robb while the man currently on his knees in front of him spat at his feet with a bloody smile.

"Like I would tell a piece of shit for a Stark anything. I don't answer to you. Or this so called King," said the man before feeling a blade to his neck.

"Talk about that was about his grace again, and I will take your head. We don't need you alive to get answers. There are four others here who I am sure will be more open to telling us more when pressed," said Ser Arthur with Dawn drawing blood at the man's neck.

"Who sent you? Your accent is from the south. You sound as if you are from the North," said Aegon, as he had traveled with Sub-Zero on occasion through the North, hearing people talk, and met others from the South who traveled to the North to know the difference.

"Fuck you!" replied the man, only to cry out in pain when he was stabbed in the leg by Ser Arthur.

"That was a warning. The next time will be your head," replied Ser Arthur coldly.

"Was there anything on him? Or the others?" asked Robb to Ser Barristan who had something in his hand.

"Not him. But the apparent leader of the group we killed during the fighting. Fortunately, it wasn't damaged or stained in blood," said Ser Barristan before handing Robb a piece of rolled up parchment.

With the symbol of House Bolton on it.

"Roose is making a play against us. He sees an opportunity to kill nearly everyone here and take control of the North and possibly weaken the Lin Kuei without the Grandmaster to lead them," said Robb while he read the contents of the message.

"He wouldn't have done that on his own. He would need the backing of someone who would endorse his so called claim to the North and as its future Warden. The crown most likely," said Sub-Zero before he was given the parchment to read.

"My sister," said Jamie with a sigh knowing it was her idea.

"Ha! So, you finally understand you stupid cunts. House Stark is going to fall soon. The Red Kings will rise once more. Even the lions will have no choice but to make us a true power in the Seven Kingdoms," said the now clearly identified Bolton bannerman now laughing at them.

Only to lose his head moments later.

"How many Northern Lords and bannerman will join Roose in his pursuit?" asked Ser Barristan knowing this was the last thing they needed right now.

"Aside from Bolton bannermen? House Dustin and Whitehill. A few smaller Houses maybe through fear and intimidation. Against the other Northern House, it would not be enough, but I have no doubt Roose will try something to weaken the other Houses in a surprise attack so he can take control of the North," said Robb knowing Roose was an ambitious man and no doubt saw this as a chance to attack with his eyes focused on the Kingslayer.

It also didn't help that Roose never forgave House Stark for killing his bastard son Ramsey. Even if the bastard boy deserved it.

"Looks like our meeting for further talks of peace will have to wait Lord Lannister. I have to deal with a rogue element within my camp just as you have to deal with one in yours," said Robb before Sub-Zero handed Jamie the parchment to read.

"My sister has much to answer for with this. I truly am sorry. I do wish for peace. Even if I lose my head or get sent to the Wall. Everything just…spiraled out of control. My father kept telling us that Lannisters do not act like fools. And what did I do? What did Cersei do? We acted like fools," said Jamie while he ran a hand through his blonde hair.

"This can be discussed later at a much better time. For now, a temporary ceasefire should be put into effect on both sides until this can be sorted out. Agreed?" asked Aegon while both Lords agreed since it would give them time to deal with their own issues from their own camps.

And hopefully end this stupid war.

(A/N: YAY! I updated. Sorry it took so long. Been busy with this and that. Spent some free time playing PS4 and needing a semi-vacation from writing. I probably should have ended this chapter sooner, but I am trying to push it ahead so I can complete it. Once I complete this fic, I will work on the others which I know are LONG overdue for an update. So be patient with me as only you, my loving fans can be when it comes to waiting. Until next time…PEACE!)