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I hope you like this chapter.
Tywin sat behind his desk. His cold eyes locked the image of both of his Joanna. He was making plans for her. His eyes went to the edict as a knock sounded on the door. The door quickly opened. Tywin eyes locked on the face of his younger brother Tygett. His tall imposing frame filled most of the doorway. His golden curls were cut in near his skull. He was dressed in his Lannister armor. The golden lion was in the center of his large chest.
"You wanted to see me, brother," Ser Tygett spoke in a cold gravelly voice.
"I want to take half of Lannister's army and meet Princess Joanna at Riverrun. She needs more protection now than ever," Tywin stated.
"What has happened," Tygett asked taking the seat across from his brother.
Tywin eyes met his brother's hunter-green eyes. There were times he reminded him of their mother. She had the same hunter-green eyes. He passed the edict to Tygett. Tygett quickly read the letter with each passing word the meaning sank into his mind.
"Our future Queen will be protected like no other. May I suggest we send Lady Jeyne Westerling and Joy Hill to be part of our future queen ladies," Tygett suggested.
"The Westerling family has always been loyal to us. I see no reason not to place Lady Jeyne in her ladies. As for our brother bastard daughter," Tywin growled the last part.
"Joy is of Lannister blood baseborn or not. And Joy is Joanna's first cousin one removed. She is her family. I understand you do not want a bastard near her but from reports, she already has one if rumors are true two of them. Both of Lord Stark bastards one as her new guard because Robert declared Ser Aeron Dayne to be the new Lord of Harrenhal and betrothed of our future Queen. The other now named Lady Stark serves our future queen as a lady in waiting. Who better to serve our queen than her family," Tygett stated sliding the letter back to him.
Tywin and Tygett regarded each other for a long time. They did not speak another word. Tygett rose from his seat bowing to his older brother. Tywin's eyes went to a painting of Joanna Baratheon then traveled back to Tygett. Their eyes met for a moment with a slight nod from Tywin was Tygett's answer.
Ned with the rest of the Small Council sat discussing issues. King Robert was out on a hunt. To Ned's knowledge, the royal edict that made Princess Joanna Baratheon into Crown Princess Joanna Baratheon the sole heir to the Iron Throne still rested in Robert's office. Ned looked at all the men in the room. The heat of the summer sun made the small council chambers unbearably hot.
"Now if there is nothing else my lords," Ned stated concluding the meeting for the day.
The men slowly filed out of the room. Grand Maester Pycelle was the last and slowest to leave the room. The only other person in the room was Ned himself. He was thinking of Lord Varys' words to him.
"Oh, this heat on days like this I envy you Northern, and your summer snow. Until tomorrow my lord," Grand Maester Pycelle stated as he nearly exited the room.
"I've been hoping to talk to you about Jon Arryn" Ned stated.
"Lord Arryn? Oh, his death was a great sadness to all of us. I took personal charge of his care, but I could not save him." Grand Maester Pycelle started. He paused as if thinking of Lord Arryn. Ned came around the table and over to Grand Maester Pycelle. "His sickness stuck him very hard and very fast. I saw him in my chambers just the night before he passed. Lord Jon often came to me for counsel," Pycelle revealed.
"Why," Ned asked.
"I have been Grand Maester for many years. Kings and Hands have come to me for advice since…" Grand Maester Pycelle started to rant.
"What did Jon want? The night before he died," Ned broke Pycelle's rant.
"Oh, he came inquiring after a book," Pycelle like it was nothing.
"A book? What book?" Ned asked.
"Oh, I fear it would be of little interest to you, My Lord. A ponderous tome," Pycelle told him.
"No. I'd like to read it," Ned told him.
Pycelle looked at Ned and nodded his head. They started to slowly make their way to his chambers.
Bryndon Tully sat in the main hall of Riverrun. He was waiting on his older brother, Hoster. Hoster Tully, Lord of Riverrun Lord Paramount of the Riverland walked into the room with a cane supporting a great deal of his weight. He had been losing weight quickly for the last eleven moons. His shoulder-length once red hair was now white and curled around his shoulder. His once bright blue eyes were now dulled in pain. His once stocky strong body was now nearly skeleton-like. Maester Vyman followed behind his brother. They were talking about the princess's visit.
"Six large rooms have been ready for Princess Joanna and her party, right?" Hoster asked.
"Seven large rooms in total, My Lord with Lord Jason Mallister's daughter now among her ladies as Maester Arin wrote," Maester Vyman explained.
Bryndon's eyebrow rose at that news. Hoster looked over to his brother and then back to Maester Vyman. Maids came into the room with a goblet of wine bringing over to Bryndon. He thanked her and took the drink drinking down it.
"Maester Vyman see that cooks ready a feast for her and have the maids prepare baths for them if they want ones," Hoster ordered.
"At once My Lord," Maester Vyman replied.
Maester Vyman hurried away to oversee the preparations. Bryndon held the goblet to his lips as he eyed his brother. Hoster was leaning heavily on his cane. Normally he was bedridden dopped up on milk of poppy. The overseeing of the running of Riverrun was seen to by Brydon and at times Edmure. His brother was nothing but a suborn man. He was damn well determined to greet Princess Joanna even if he was near the stranger's embrace. Hoster panted from the effort to stand let alone walk.
"You know brother I can greet and welcome them," Bryndon suggested.
"I know that." Hoster snapped looking over at Bryndon. He slowly moved to sit next to his brother. Hoster sank into the chair. They eyed each other for a long moment. "But her raven letter said she had something to tell me. And besides maybe if Edmure was here I may have taken your offer," Hoster told him.
"He off trying to find a bride with Bracken girls isn't he," Bryndon laughed.
"Yes," Hoster said gravely.
"Which one do you hope he picks?" Bryndon asked.
"There five of them as long if he picks one and settles down at this point; I care not. I need him to stop his youthful ignorance. He has to grow up to be the lord I raised him to be," Hoster stated as he eyed his brother.
"You could always choose a bride for him," Bryndon suggested.
"And who would suggest I betrothed my son to," Hoster asked aggravatedly.
"I would suggest Princess Joanna Baratheon. If she is off the table then maybe Lord Mace Tyrell's daughter Margaery Tyrell. Or maybe even Lord Ned Stark's daughter Sansa Stark or Lyarra. Yes, I know that is his niece. Seven Hells, even Lady Lyarra Stark as she is known now would be a fine bride for him. If none of those ladies are good enough Lord Jason's daughter Piper Mallister would be a fine match for Edmure," Bryndon snapped.
Hoster bowed his head at his brother's suggestion. Each of them made perfect sense. He would never admit it. A knight ran into the room. He looked frantic. It made Brydon raise his eyebrow. Hoster coughed as he turned to look at his knight.
"Mi Lord," The knight said coming to a halt at the sight of his lord.
"What is it?" Hoster asked.
"Westerling banner approach party of least forty strong," the knight told them.
"I'll deal with this," Bryndon stated moving around the table.
Bryndon made his way to the courtyard. He stood as the large group of men baring the Westerling banner rode into the courtyard over the drawbridge. That was down because it would be any time before Princess Joanna and her party would arrive. In the center of the group was Lord Gawen's eldest daughter Jeyne. She wore a golden gown with a seashell necklace. She had soft-looking curly chestnut brown hair. Her russet brown eyes sat perfectly on her heart-shaped face. She was a very slim young woman. The leader of the party came toward with a letter in his hand. Bryndon took the letter, breaking the seal. He read it quickly. He turned to the knight near his side.
"Inform Maester Vyman to prepare another chamber for the newest of Princess Joanna Baratheon, one Lady Jeyne Westerling. The barracks has enough rooms for your men. Lady Westerling if you will follow me," Bryndon said.
Lady Joy Hill was in her chambers in Casterly Rock. She was reading a book about the seven gods. Her long straight golden blonde hair fell around her waist. Her skinny frame was encased in Lannister red and gold. Her forest green eyes scan the page of the book as her Septa. Septa Nyla stood by overseeing her lessons. A loud pounding sounded at the door. Before, Ser Tygett entered with a large group of maids. In all her fourteen years Joy had never seen anything like this. Septa Nyla looked at Tygett.
"Ser Tygett what is going on?" Septa Nyla asked.
"Lady Joy Lannister has a new job and new place she needed," Ser Tygett said handing Septa Nyla the letter from Tywin.
Septa Nyla skimmed the letter. She bowed her head before leaving the room. Joy placed her book down. She moved over to her uncle. There was confusion on her face.
"But Uncle I am a Hill, not a Lannister," Joy stated knowing her place.
"Yes, sweet child you are." Tygett started. He kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him with confusion still on her face. Joy looked around the room as the maids started to pack all of her things. "But in time you will be a Lannister. You are coming with me to serve our future queen," Tygett explained.
"Queen, Joffrey is to marry," Joy asked confused.
"No, Joanna will be queen. It is the King's will," Tygett stated.
Joy sank back down on her bed. The meaning was clear to see what would come from this. Tygett looked at his niece for a long moment. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. She knew what Cersei was like and Joffrey was just as bad.
"So civil war will follow," Joy stated.
"If war will come you, we will be on the winning side. Think about it. Do you think Joffrey won any love in the North? I can tell you, sweet girl, that Joanna has. With any luck, she'll have the Riverlands eating out her hands as well. Tywin will back Joanna that much is a given. He sees her as his wife come again. Do you ready think the Stormlands will back Joffrey when Joanna looks like Robert? Seven Hells Dorne will back her. She is the eldest child. Dorne will see it as getting politics on the Iron Throne. Dorne is like that girl or boy whichever the firstborn inherits the seat. Tell me Joy who think will win this war; Joanna the true born daughter of Cersei Lannister and King Robert Baratheon or Joffrey the bastard child of Cersei Lannister," Tygett asked.
"Joffrey is King Robert's son just as Myrcella and Tommen are," Joy insisted.
"Are they?" Tygett asked kissing the top of her head again.
Joy looked in the mirror with a wide wide-eyed look as Tygett's meaning sank into her mind. Could Joffrey really not be Robert's son?
Joanna rode beside Aegon as they rode through the gates of Riverrun. She instantly knew something was up. She had no clue as to what was up, but her instincts told her so. Tyrion rode through and instantly noticed Westerling soldiers there. His eyes went to Joanna. She nodded, seeing the same thing that Tyrion did. She took a deep breath, making sure her mask was up. Hoster Tully, Bryndon Tully, and Maester Vyman all bowed at the sight of Joanna and her party.
Bryndon quickly figured out which of the ladies was Joanna. The beautiful blonde and silver-haired maidens were likely Lady Marleina Frey and Lady Lyarra Stark. The dark-haired beauty that rode near Lyarra and Marleina had to be Piper. They all looked at the extremely beautiful woman who rode near a man who looked eerily like Rhaegar Targaryen. That had to be Lord Aeron Dayne. Bryndon saw past Joanna's mask. This was not just a simple honor us visit. This was a political move. A move to get allies was the only explanation that warranted the forty Westerling soldiers that were now here.
"Riverrun is yours, Your Grace. We are deeply honored that you have gone out of your way to honor us with a visit," Hoster Tully said on his knees.
"Raise all of you," Joanna said.
"You new lady maid Lady Jeyne is resting from her journey here she will be joining you at the feast tonight," Hoster told her.
Joanna's eyes went wide for a second. They shifted to Tyrion and Aegon before coming back to Hoster Tully's eyes. Bryndon caught that look. He knew in an instant that Lady Jeyne being here and the soldiers were likely a surprise to her.
"Good, I hope her journey was not a hard one. Come we have much to talk about," Joanna said.
"Would you want to bathe or rest," Bryndon asked.
"My Ladies are welcome to do so as are my guards. But I what have to discuss with your brother and likely you is of great importance," Joanna said as her eyes cut him.
"Of course, Princess come we will talk in my study," Hoster Tully suggested.
Ned and Grand Maester Pycelle made their way to his tower. Pycelle produced the book Ned asked about. He placed the book on his desk as he sank into his chair.
"The lineages and histories of the Great Houses of Seven Kingdoms with Descriptions of many high lords and noble ladies and their children," Pycelle told him.
Ned walked over, opening the book. It opened to house Umber.
"Harkon Umber first of his name. Born to Hother Umber and Lady Amaryllis Umber 183 years after Aegon Landing, at Last Hearth. Blue of eye, brown of hair, and fair complected. Died in 14th year of a wound sustained in a bear hunt." Ned read.
"As u said, my lord, a ponderous read," Pycelle told him as Ned shut the book.
"Did Jon Arryn tell you what he wanted with it," Ned asked.
"He did not my Lord and I did not presume to ask," Pycelle answered.
"Jon's Death" Ned started.
"Such a tragedy," Pycelle commented.
"Did he say anything to you during his final hours?" Ned asked.
"Nothing of import My Lord. Oh… There was one phase. He kept repeating. "The Seed is strong," I think it was," Pycelle told him.
"The Seed is strong," Ned commented.
"mmm," Pycelle replied.
"What does that mean?" Ned asked.
"Oh, the dying mind is demented mind, Lord Stark. For all the weight they're given last words are usually as significant as first words," Pycelle told him.
"And you're quite certain he died of natural illness?" Ned asked.
"What else could it be?" Pycelle asked intrigued.
"Poison" Ned suggested.
"A disturbing thought. No, No, NO I don't think it's likely. The hand was loved by all. What sort of man would dare…" Pycelle started.
" I've heard it said that poison is a woman's weapon," Ned stated.
"Yes, women, cravens, and eunuchs. Did you know Lord Varys is a eunuch?" Pycelle said trying to take the heat off of Cersei. He very well knew the truth.
"Everybody knows that," Ned told him.
"Yes, yes of course. How that sort of person found himself on the King's Council I never know," Pycelle commented.
"I've taken enough of your time," Ned told him.
"No trouble at all my Lord. It's a great honor," Pycelle said going to rise to see him out.
"Thank you, I'll find my own way out," Ned said taking the book with him.
Joanna and Aegon made their way out of Hoster's study in Riverrun. They were met by Ser Barristan. Aegon had his arm around Joanna's middle. Bryndon and Hoster Tully came out of the room as Joanna and Aegon started to head down the hallway.
"Princess," Hoster called out. Joanna turned back to look at him. She had a serene look on her face. The love between Aegon and Joanna was clear as day. "Riverrun and the Riverlands stand with both of you," Hoster finished.
Joanna's face busted out into a full smile. It made her look even more beautiful. She bowed her head to them. She turned back to head down the hallway to their chambers. Bryndon looked at Hoster for a long moment before he turned back to look at Aegon walking with Joanna.
"I want you to commission crowns for them. One to look like Aegon the Conquer's crown the other to look like Jaehaerys Targaryen's crown with the three-headed dragon in center with stag on one side and lion on the other side," Hoster told Bryndon.
"It will be done," Bryndon started. He looked back at his brother. There was something that lingered in the air. Hoster turned back to look at him. They stared at each other for a moment. It had become clear to Bryndon in their meeting. He now wondered if the same thing had entered his brother's mind. "Brother you realize they are dragons. Both of them have the blood of the dragon," Bryndon asked.
Hoster turned back to head into his study. Not saying anything. Bryndon followed him. The only noise was clicking on his cane on the stone floor. Hoster sank into his chair near the fireplace in the room. Bryndon followed him. He looked at the flames behind his brother's face.
"They will return the Iron Throne to the house of the dragon. Do you think she'll ever tell Robert the truth," Hoster asked.
"No, she will wait until he passes. At her coronation, she will announce her marriage to Prince Rhaegar's son Aegon VI Targaryen. And with that, she will untie all of the Seven Kingdoms for those that call Robert usurper will have Aegon. But the ones that believed Robert to be the rightful king will have Joanna. It is the smartest move anyone could make," Bryndon told him.
Robert was on a hunt in the Kingswood. He was sitting in one of the tents. Lancel was supplying him with wine. Robert had a pensive look on his face. The wine was doing nothing to dull the pain. In the back of his mind, he was a Kinslayer. Rhaegar was his second cousin. And at the end of the day killing him did not get him the love of his life, Lyanna. He questioned in his mind if he did the right thing.
Joanna sat in chambers in Riverrun. She was dressed in a blood-red off-the-shoulder gown with long tight sleeves. The gown hugged her every curve. The gown bodice had golden stags and lions as closers with ropes down the center of the bodice. Her hair was braided into a multilayer crown on top of her head with a long curling braid down the center of her back. The braid had ruby hair pins in it. Her large ruby ring was prominent on her finger. Aegon came into the room dressed in all black. His eyes fell on her as she was twisting her hands together.
"Issa Jorrāelagon (My Love) what has happened?" Aegon asked taking her hands in his own.
"Aeg, I know something has happened but I have no clue what. I am afraid," Joanna confessed.
Aegon sat down next to her. He pulled her close to him. He kissed her softly. She allowed herself to melt into his embrace for a time. He kissed the top of her head.
"We will face it together," Aegon told her.
"I know my love," Joanna said.
Joanna cuddled closer to him for a time. He allowed her to take comfort from him. He could understand what she was feeling the unknown was scary. Joanna pulled away her hand resting on his chin. He looked at her. Their eyes lock. Her blue-green eyes met his amethyst eyes.
"I know what they told you about my father. But do you know why my father is always hunting in the Kingswood," Joanna asked.
"I assumed that he just loved to hunt," Aegon confessed.
"To the rest of the world that is the real reason. But he admitted to me when I was lying in limbo, the truth. When he thought he lost his wild doe that reminded him of Lyanna Stark so much. I don't think he even knows that I heard every word. Have you ever heard the legend of the white hart?" Joanna asked with tears in her eyes.
"No," Aegon answered.
"Before, dragons were ever here. The white hart was the symbol of kings. He was snow snow-white stag. After he killed your father and the death of Lyanna Stark. He hunted for the white hart to cement that he was the rightful king. That he did the right thing. He does it even now. Part of me wants him to find it. But even I know he is not the best king," Joanna confessed.
Meanwhile, at the hunting camp. A knight came into the main tent. His eyes landed on Robert. He was mid-drink as the knight came up to him. Their eyes meet.
"Your Grace, they have been sighting of the White Hart," the Knight told him.
"Good hopefully we can find the beast," Robert said throwing the goblet down taking up his weapon and storming out of the tent.
Ned sat in his office later that night. The catspaw dagger sat on top of the book he got from Pycelle. So many thoughts raced through his mind. The seed is strong; echoed in his mind. He moved the dagger off the book. He opened the book. He flipped through the book stopping on Targaryen for a moment, then Umber before coming to House Baratheon. He slowly started to read the book.
"Lord Orys Baratheon black hair. Axel Baratheon has black hair. Lyonnel Baratheon black hair. Steffon Baratheon black hair. Robert Baratheon black hair. Joanna Baratheon black hair. Joffrey Baratheon golden-haired," Ned read.
Suddenly what Jon Arryn was trying to tell Maester Pycelle made complete sense. Ned sat back straight shutting the book. It was clear that Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen were not Robert's children. The only legitimate child Robert had was Joanna. The woman would sit on the Iron Throne. Seven Hells he should have told Robert to sign that edict. He had to tell Robert.
Joanna and Aegon danced in the center of Riverrun Great Hall. She was dressed in blood blood-red gown and he in pure black. They laughed as he lifted her up. Their joy was very clear. Jon danced with his twin sister Lyarra. Lady Jeyne danced with Lannister Knight. Tyrion looked on with a smile on his face. Edmure Tully arrived during the feast. He was up with Hoster and Bryndon at the high table. Hoster looked over at his son who was watching the crowd. His eyes locked on Lady Piper. She was dressed in a royal blue gown she was dancing with a knight from Riverrun. Her dark brown hair flowed down her back. She was laughing as he lifted her up in the dance.
"How did it go with the Bracken?" Hoster asked.
"Well, Tell me who is that lovely maiden dancing with Ser Harry?" Edmure asked, pointing to Piper.
"That is Lady Piper Mallister, Lady in waiting to Princess Joanna Baratheon," Hoster answered.
"That is Petrek's sister last time I saw her. She was a knobby-kneed girl with a gap in her teeth," Edmure commented.
"She would make a fine Lady of Riverrun," Bryndon commented. Edmure looked at him. He nodded his head for a moment. He looked unsure how to proceed. "Ask her to dance boy," Bryndon told him.
Hoster smiled at the sight of Lady Piper talking to Edmure. It was clear there was a spark between them.
An: I have one quick question. At the end of the story would like a cast list like who I see playing each of the characters?