Chapter 3
Robb
The North may appear grim to many, but to Robb Stark, it was his home. The river appeared still, yet she still flowed along the pastures. As the northern wind bit the ground, it bared the coldness of the wintry abode. With the leaves blowing, the trees' silvery-brown skins stood tall with a great deal of strength, representing the North's pride. It made Robb think how it would all belong to him one day.
Robb was the son of Eddard and Catelyn Stark, making him the heir of Winterfell. Should his father depart from this world, Robb would be the next Warden of the North. His ocean-strong eyes stared out in the open, and his thick, auburn hair appeared black unless the sun shone against it. Even though he resembled his mother's Tully heritage, he was a northerner through and through. Robb carried great dignity to ensure that his region was well-represented.
He eventually turned to his direwolf, Greywind, who stood beside him. His fur was a mixture of grays and blacks that clung to his frame like a windbreaker in the gale. With every step he took, Greywind's paws kissed the ground with lightness. The serenity in his gaze shone gold in the dead of the night, especially towards those who threatened his friend. Greywind was undoubtedly loyal to Robb. He treated him more like a companion than a pet.
When Robb's direwolf's ears perked up, he licked his snout and cocked his head to see a lean man with a cocky grin. "Thought you'd be out here, boy."
The heir of Winterfell narrowed his eyes at his father's ward, Theon Greyjoy. He hated it whenever men called him "boy." It meant that they never took him seriously, but Robb had every intention to make his men respect him before he took his father's place. He hoped to be fair and just like Lord Eddard Stark someday.
"Why are you here?" Robb pressed with a bitter tone.
"Your father's been wondering where you've run off to. The King'll be here soon."
Robb didn't know what to make of the new King. He hadn't heard of any pleasant stories, but then again, he hadn't heard of any horrible ones either. He was simply known to everyone as Robert Baratheon's heir. All Robb knew was that he was a year older than Niklas. The same, however, could not be said for the rest of his family as Robb heard countless tales about them, particularly with his younger brother, Joffrey
Joffrey Baratheon carried a reputation all over Westeros for being a right royal prick due to his outrageous and childish behavior. Even though Joffrey and his siblings carried Baratheon blood, they were all Lannisters. Nearly every member from House Lannister was dishonorable.
They committed horrible acts as their loyalties wavered when it benefited them. Initially, they pled their fealty to the Targaryens before turning over to Robert to help him usurp the throne and kill every last Targaryen with the exception of two of The Mad King's children, who fled across The Narrow Sea. Lord Tywin Lannister ordered his lapdog, Gregor Clegane, to murder Prince Rheagar Targaryen's children before raping and killing his first wife. It was a couple of the many reasons why northerners lacked respect for House Lannister. The most notable figures everyone knew though were the Imp and the Kingslayer.
Everyone in the whole Seven Kingdoms knew who they were. The Imp gained his name from his small stature. There was no denying that he was often insulted due to his height, but Robb couldn't take pity on anyone who carried Lannister blood. There were also rumors about dwarfs—how they were all bastards, but it wasn't clear if he was even though The Mad King raped Tywin's wife. However, the Imp was probably the least of his concerns. He wasn't really much of a threat. Robb was much more wary of his brother, The Kingslayer.
The Queen's twin brother was hardly tolerable after he murdered Aerys Targaryen. The Mad King may have been a tyrant after incinerating Robb's uncle, Brandon, and his grandfather, but The Kingslayer was part of the Kingsguard—sworn to protect him. He broke his oath when he slit his throat, and Lord Eddard Stark saw it with The Mad King's body lying on the floor and The Kingslayer's sword coated in his blood. He was the one Robb needed to be wary of since a man who turned against their king they swore fealty to meant that he would turn against anyone without a second thought.
"Best be on our way then," Robb told him before heading back to Winterfell with Greywind and Theon.
They headed to a large castle complex which spanned several acres and was surrounded by two massive stone walls to protect it. Courtyards filled inside with the northerners crafting, sparing, or practicing their bow arm. The inner castle contained towers and halls with a great hall for the Starks and their loyal men to dine with them. The Warden of the North often reminded Robb that if he wanted his men to respect him, then he needed to treat them like family by feasting with them. Should Robb ever take his father's place, he hoped to be as great as him and bring honor to his family's name.
There stood his family outside, patiently waiting for him. His younger brothers, including his bastard brother, turned to see him, and his younger sister glanced at him. When Robb looked down the line, he noticed someone else was missing. His youngest sister, Arya, was probably watching to see if the King had turned up by now.
The Starks all formed a line with their men behind them along with Lord Eddard Stark's bastard son, Jon Snow. Robb had no problem accepting him. Despite his illegitimacy, they were blood. However, Catelyn tended to resent Jon. Robb wished she would put her differences aside and welcome him, but he knew it was a lost cause. After all, Jon's existence was a constant reminder of the Warden of the North's affair when he left with Robert Baratheon to go to war against the Targaryens.
Robb stood between his father and his sister, waiting patiently by the gate. When a small figure hurried past the group wearing a helmet that nearly slipped off, his father caught wind of it. Realizing that it was his youngest daughter, he grabbed her shoulder and took off the helmet for her before he passed it off to one of his men behind him. He then told her to join the line, so she did by shoving her younger brother, Bran, out of the way and told him to move. Robb couldn't help but smirk when he saw her action. She was hardly anything like a lady, but she at least carried an adventurous spirit that it always made Robb proud.
Visitors soon poured through the castle gates in a river of gold and silver polished steel, three hundred strong prideful bannermen and knights of sworn swords and freeriders. Over their heads, a dozen golden banners whipped back and forth in the northern wind, emblazoned with the crowned stag of Baratheon. Even though Robb had never personally met any of the riders, he was aware of who they were based on the stories. There was the Kingslayer of course with his beaten gold hair, Prince Joffrey riding with arrogance on his horse, the Hound with his terribly burned face, and the King of the Seven Kingdoms riding a black stallion. Robb's sister, Sansa, gazed at King Niklas with such admiration that Robb's gaze hardened.
Not long after, a high double-decked, gilded carriage rolled onto the courtyard, and everyone straightened their postures when the Queen Regent stepped out. No man could ever deny her beauty, especially with the way she carried herself. Her strides were graceful, moving with little ease when she approached Lord Eddard Stark. She carried a smug expression when she extended her hand out for Robb's father to take and kiss, showing his respect to her authority when he addressed her as his Queen.
When King Niklas dismounted his horse, he sauntered over to the Starks with a polite smile on his face, but it didn't extend to his hollowed green eyes. Now that Robb got a good look at him, he resembled more of a Lannister than a Baratheon. He carried himself with pride like a true lion when he approached the Warden of the North and his family. Lord Stark then bowed to his King while addressing him as "Your Grace" before telling him that Winterfell was his. Robb then snuck a glance back at the wheelhouse to see the youngest prince and the princess stepping out with the handmaidens, and Robb's sight was set on the last handmaiden who came out.
Robb's breath grew still, and his eyes remained fixed on her. Her hair was styled just like all of the other southern ladies—two braids twisted and nestled over her shoulders, while the rest of her hair piled on her head. Robb would have preferred to see her sunlit waves falling over her shoulders and framing her delicate face by watching the starlight and wintry boughs swirling together in a lucid dream. She may also carry the signature Lannister eyes, but to Robb, they reminded him of the sunlit forest—full of life and wonder. The cape she wore over her pink dress highlighted her fair skin and elegant figure. At that moment, Robb speculated who she was, The Kingslayer's bastard.
Practically the entire Seven Kingdoms knew who she was. Her mother was Ayleen Kenning—second wife to Rhaegar Targaryen and a cousin to the Lannisters. The court at first believed that Ayleen's daughter was a Targaryen, but eventually, rumors circulated of how close she was to Jaime Lannister, and it soon became clear to everyone that her child belonged to the Kingslayer. Robb even heard how the late King, Robert Baratheon, wanted Ayleen's daughter dead since he didn't want to risk letting a Targaryen roam in this world. If it hadn't been for Lord Arryn and The Warden of the North to convince him that she wasn't a Targaryen, then Robb wouldn't have witnessed a defining beauty. If only he knew her name, then Robb wouldn't hesitate to use it.
"And who do we have here?" The heir to Winterfell turned back to King Niklas when he made his way down the line. "Lord Stark's heir, I presume? Robb, is that right?"
Instead of saying anything, Robb simply acknowledged it by nodding his head and shaking his hand with a firm grip before the King met the rest of the Stark children. When he reached Sansa, she smiled sweetly and introduced herself in a charming manner. Though, Robb saw her hesitantly as she tended to be bashful for addressing him, especially when he remarked how pretty she was. Robb heard that his sister was to be married to the King, so perhaps he did it as a term of courtesy, but then again, Sansa was a young girl, who will soon be a blossoming young woman. She would soon flower and bear her husband's children, fulfilling the legacy. The idea never thought to cross Robb's mind until now.
The King continued down the line for each of the Stark children to introduce themselves to him. Arya was a bit stiff when the King approached her, but it didn't seem to have an effect on him. Bran, on the other hand, took a more playful approach when the King asked him to show off his muscles and smirked by saying that he would grow to be one of his soldiers someday. As for Rickon, he turned to the ground, the King told him to not be afraid to look at him, forcing Rickon to meet his eyes. It made the King satisfied as he asked the youngest wolf if it was so hard, to which Rickon shook his head.
King Niklas made his way back to the Warden of the North and ordered him, "Lord Stark, take me to your crypts. I'd like to speak to you alone."
The Queen Regent grimaced at her son's words, and Robb knew why. Everyone throughout the whole Seven Kingdoms was well aware that Robb's dead aunt, Lyanna, was Robert Baratheon's betrothed before she was taken by the Targaryen prince. She must have not wanted her son to visit the place where the woman who his father loved was buried.
"We've been riding for a month, Your Grace. You should rest first," the Queen addressed her son.
"In due time, Mother. There's still work to be done. Lord Stark?"
The Warden of the North looked over at the Queen Regent before he turned his attention back over to the King. He then gestured for him to follow him by leading him away from the courtyard. Robb watched his father leave with the King until they were out of sight. It made Robb wonder what they were going to discuss. Perhaps the marriage between Sansa and the King, Robb wondered.
He then turned back to the Lannisters by watching them carefully. Robb certainly didn't want any mishaps to take place. He hoped that the Lannisters behaved themselves in his family's presence since they were in their territory now. Although, Robb couldn't say that he was entirely displeased seeing them since the Kingslayer's bastard was a true sight to behold, but he didn't think she would ever be interested considering their families' dislike for each other. If Robb were to be with anyone, it would be with the woman he loved and intended to marry, and he wasn't sure if she was the one he was meant to be with.
Eddard
The wintry stone steps were narrow when Lord Stark went first with the lanterns to guide him and the new King. Their faces brightened in the lantern's light until they stepped out into the darkness of the crypt. Their shadows moved and lurched when they proceeded through the crypts. Flickering light touched the stones underfoot and brushed against a long procession of granite pillars that marched ahead, two by two, into the dark. Between the pillars, the dead sat on their stone thrones against their mortal remains. It was unusual for King Niklas to come here to discuss business. If Robert were alive, he surely would want to pay his respects to Lyanna.
As they moved further into the crypt, King Niklas followed wordlessly, shivering in the subterranean chill. It was always cold down there. Their footsteps rang off the stones and echoed in the vault overhead as they walked among the dead of House Stark. The Lords of Winterfell watched them pass. Their likenesses were carved into the stones that sealed the tombs. In long rows, they sat with their blind eyes staring out into eternal darkness, while great stone direwolves curled round their feet. The shifting shadows made the stone figures stir as the living passed by.
Ned stopped at last and lifted the oil lantern. The crypt continued on into darkness ahead of them, but beyond this point the tombs were empty and unsealed: black holes waiting for their dead, waiting for him and his children. It was grim thinking indeed.
There were three tombs, side by side. Lord Rickard Stark, Ned's father, had a long stern face. The stonemason had known him well. He sat with quiet dignity, stone fingers holding tight to the sword across his lap, but in life, all swords failed him. In two smaller sepulchers on either side were his children.
Brandon had been twenty when he died, strangled by order of the Mad King Aerys Targaryean only a few short days before he was to wed Catelyn Tully only to be Ned's wife in the end. He was the eldest, the true heir to Winterfell, and his father had been forced to watch his own son die.
As for Lyanna, she had only been sixteen, a child-woman of surpassing loveliness. Ned had loved her with all his heart, but the late king, Robert, loved her even more. She was supposed to be his bride. If it hadn't been for Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and the damn war, she would still be alive.
"When I first heard the story, I couldn't help but wonder why Prince Rheagar took her in the first place," King Niklas began when he stared into Lyanna's stone-cold eyes. "To think, a war over one woman. My father even went through great lengths to root every Targaryen from their stems. Although, I can't say he managed to exterminate them all. Two of The Mad King's children are still alive and safe across The Narrow Sea."
At the mention of Aerys Targaryen's remaining children, Ned reminded the King, "As long as they remain on the other side, Your Grace, then they are no threat to you."
"That's only because they don't have an army behind their backs."
The way the King spoke—it sounded like he was reprimanding the Warden of the North. His tone was somewhat sharp by ridiculing Lord Stark. The irony of him scolding a man when he was a child himself. Lord Stark reminded himself though that his best friend's son stood before him, who was now The Protector of the Realm.
Lord Stark turned his attention back to King Niklas when he spoke again, "I do have to thank you though. You helped my father claim his throne, but now you must help me maintain his legacy. I'm sure if your sister was still alive, you and my father would have been brothers— bound by blood. Only this time, he sought to use me to pursue your daughter. Perhaps my father's right though. Should anything happen to me, then my heir needs to succeed to my throne."
The news still surprised Lord Stark when he received the message from King's Landing. He still couldn't believe that Robert wanted his son to marry his daughter. But perhaps he shouldn't be surprised though. After all, Robert loved Lyanna with all his heart, and if this was a way to unite their houses together, then by all means.
However, he wasn't sure if he should let his daughter go just yet. "Sansa is only thirteen, Your Grace."
"And I am only sixteen—both old enough for betrothal." The King must have sensed Lord Stark's hesitation, which must have been why he added, "If you are so concerned with her age, then the marriage will wait a couple of years, but she will be my Queen as promised. Get her ready as soon as you can. Have her bring her Septa and her younger sister if you'd like. Oh, and you'll also have your eldest son travel with us. A young man like that needs to be with brilliant fighters if he should succeed as your heir and take your place to help her walk down the Sept once we marry."
Not only would the King want two of Lord Stark's daughters to go with him to King's Landing, but he also sought after his eldest son and heir, Robb. He couldn't risk allowing that to happen. Robb needed to be here in Winterfell, learning from his father on how to be a lord and look after the well-being of his people. It was too much for Lord Stark to think about.
"Your Grace does me a great honor, but it'd be best if I go instead of Robb. His place is here."
The King's face reminded Ned of the Lannisters—too smug to show that he cared very little on other's opinions. "Do you not trust in your son's abilities then, Lord Stark?"
"I trust my son with my life."
With a satisfied grin, the King replied, "It's settled then. Your son will join our travels to King's Landing, and you will stay here, guarding the North."
For a moment, Ned was filled with a terrible sense of foreboding. If only Ned convinced him to go rather than his son. Winterfell was where his son should remain to take his place when he wasn't around as it would all one day be his. Ned glanced at the stone figures all around them, breathed deep in the chill silence of the crypt. He could feel the eyes of the dead. He knew they were all listening as he thought winter was coming.
Theon
The Great Hall of Winterfell was hazy with smoke and heavy with the smell of roasted meat and fresh-baked bread. Its gray stone walls were draped with banners. White, gold, crimson: the direwolf of Stark, Baratheon's crowned stag, the lion of Lannister. A singer was playing the high harp and reciting a ballad. The roaring fire could barely be heard at the end of the hall with the clangor of pewter plates and cups, and the low mutter of a hundred drunken conversations.
It was the fourth hour of the welcoming feast laid for the boy King. Lord Eddard Stark's children were all seated with the royal children, beneath the raised platform where Lord and Lady Stark hosted the King and the Queen mother. In honor of the occasion, Lord Stark permitted each child a glass of wine, but no more than that. Many of the handmaidens served the men their wine, including the Kingslayer's bastard.
She was unbelievably breathtaking, possibly more exquisite than the Queen if Theon was to bet. Theon thought many times to take her by sticking his sword between her sheets to get a good feel of her. Many men probably imagined all sorts of ways to tear her maidenhead, if she was a virgin that is. If it'd be her first though, then Theon would teach her what pleasures awaited her.
Although, Robb seemed quite taken with the Kingslayer's bastard when he couldn't stop staring at her, making Theon grin cheekily at him. "She's sleek as a mink, isn't she?"
Robb took a quick glance at him before taking a sip from his goblet. Theon knew well enough that the young wolf didn't like to be made fun of. Even when Theon paid for Ros to make Robb a man, he refused to bed her. He claimed it wouldn't be right if he ever fathered a bastard because he didn't want his wife to ever treat his bastard child horribly like what Lady Catelyn did with Lord Stark's bastard. Robb's honor always got the better of him—practically takes everything too seriously sometimes.
Robb soon glanced over at the King and whispered low so that there weren't any ears listening in, "What do you make of our new King?"
"He's probably stabbing many southern girls with his right royal prick."
Theon couldn't help but notice how the King gestured for one of the handmaidens to approach him. He then beckoned her to come closer to whisper something in her ear. She then left and approached both Robb and Theon by giving them a curtsy and informed Robb that the King wished to speak with him. Theon then looked over at the King and saw him smirking at the pair. Something seemed quite off, which was why Theon took it upon himself to follow Robb Stark to meet the King.
When they stood in front of him, the King's smirk grew, revealing his lion teeth as he mocked them in front of Lord and Lady Stark. "Oh, don't tell me you don't know how you should approach your King? The proper etiquette is to bow. It's quite easy if you were to try."
Robb glanced over at his parents, who held their tongues over how the King taunted them. Theon expected this much from the boy King since he was half Lannister. Such great disrespect towards the heir to Winterfell, but both Robb and Theon knew they couldn't talk back to him. It would be an insult if one spoke against the King. They would be remarked as a traitor to the Crown and be thrown in the cells, awaiting their execution.
Both men had no choice but to bow at the arrogant boy who carried a crown on his head. "There, now, you see? Any fool can learn."
Theon saw the same deceitful smile on the King's face as he did with countless other men. He may have been young, but Theon saw right through his facade. Robb needed to be wary of him. If the King got the best of Robb's northern pride, there was nothing The North could do if Robb spoke against the King.
The King then looked at Robb Stark from head to toe with a devilish grin as he commented, "Strong build. Won many fights, I assume."
"Sparring with my father's men, Your Grace."
"A fitting man like you should be part of the Kingsguard. What do you think of that?"
Theon already imagined Robb's expression. His posture turned stiff and rigid and his stare hardened. He even looked to his Lord father for help only to look down in disappointment. There was nothing Lord Stark could do to change the King's mind.
It seemed once his mind had been made up, then there was no convincing him, and it made the King even more dangerous, but Robb didn't seem to care what he thought by sternly informing him, "It's a great honor, Your Grace, but my place is The North. Should anything happen to my father, I need to stay here to take my rightful place as Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell."
For some reason, his answer amused the King—almost admiring how Robb challenged him. "Your devotion to your House and to your family is admirable, but your father and I agreed that you will accompany your sisters to King's Landing and serve under my reign. Hopefully, in time, you'll become a knight in the Kingsguard. However, if the gods drag your father to his death, then you will set that oath aside and take your rightful place as Lord of Winterfell, agreed?"
It was more of an order than an agreement, and Robb certainly knew it by acknowledging it. "Yes, Your Grace."
"Excellent." Theon thought it was over until the boy King set his sights on him and pointed in his direction. "You. You look vaguely familiar."
"That's Theon Greyjoy, my ward." Lord Stark spoke up as Theon took a few daunting steps towards the King.
"Greyjoy? Ah, Balon Greyjoy's son. I can already see the resemblance. A shame really. His only surviving son turned lackey." Theon was not amused by his comment, so he sneered at the boy King while he continued, "I remember learning about how my grandfather's fleet burned in Lannisport. If I recall, your uncles were responsible. Must have been a great victory for your House, but in the end, look how it all turned out."
Theon didn't appreciate how the King reminded him of what occurred in Lannisport. He clearly enjoyed the outcome of the Greyjoy Rebellion. Theon's father believed that Robert Baratheon's claim to the iron throne was weak. With Aerys Targaryen's death, Balon Greyjoy sought the opportunity for The Iron Islands to reclaim their independence and revive the Old Way. Since the iron fleet was seized by Stannis Baratheon and Robert and Lord Stark besieged the Greyjoy's stronghold, Pyle, Balon had no choice but to surrender.
"We were outnumbered ten to one," Theon scolded the King with disdain for the reminder of his family's defeat.
The King's eyes glinted with mischief as he agreed, "Yes, yes, I'm well aware of the lesson. Your father certainly knew how foolish the rebellion was from the moment your brothers died in battle. Now you're the enemy's squire. Although, I have to say you seem to be enjoying Lord Stark's hospitality."
Theon didn't bother smiling at the boy. How could he when his words held no respect? It was why Theon's lips tightened when he had no choice but to agree with him by acknowledging him as "Your Grace." If only he could tell off the royal prick, but Theon would wish he was dead if he insulted the King. It made the realm unbelievable since Theon could not make snide remarks to the boy talking down to him unless he wished to be beheaded. However, Theon was certain not to forget the King's words and the past that haunted him.
Tyrion
The night air was promising to say the least. Both the Starks, the Baratheons, and the Lannisters drank away 'till their heart's content. Tyrion held a flagon in his hand, tasting the sweet, burning sensation coursing through his tongue which soon filled his belly. He sat on a high step with his short, twisted legs hovering over the ground while he gave himself a toothy grin.
"I thought you'd be in there with a woman wrapped around your cock."
Tyrion's small neck turned to see his older brother approaching him. His armor had been taken off, and he wore a long, linen jacket with a leather belt and gauntlets. Jaime stood over him with a smug on his face.
"No. I've already had my fill of northern girls in the brothel this morning." Tyrion then lifted his flagon to the sky to make a toast. "Tonight, I'd thought to celebrate our newly appointed King uniting the Starks to the Seven Kingdoms."
Tyrion then bobbed his head to take a long drink. He then offered it to his elder brother. Jaime looked at it for a brief moment before taking it to have a taste before he handed it back to him.
"So, why are you here? Did Ser Barristan command you to patrol the perimeter?" Tyrion questioned.
"Unfortunately no. I didn't want to be alone with those people."
Jaime's smirk fell instantly when his brother teased him, "So you decided to leave my ward? And, here I thought you were getting along with her."
"She's not my responsibility."
"True. I may have claimed her as my ward sometime after our cousin died giving birth to her as our father constantly berates me for it, but you brought her into this world."
His elder brother may have appeared annoyed at the mention of Ayleen Kenning and his bastard daughter, but Tyrion caught a mixture of pain and anger in Jaime's green eyes. Jaime was the type of man who never showed his true emotions to anyone. That was left for his family to decipher, and Tyrion certainly could tell whatever was bothering his elder brother. One thing was for sure though, Eleana was certainly his daughter since she often hid her emotions as opposed to her mother.
Despite her striking resemblance to her mother, Tyrion actually saw more of his brother in Eleana. She may have carried a tender heart like her mother's, but she was also rather bold and tended to be impulsive. Tyrion could never forget when she jumped off a cliff back at Casterly Rock. It may have been fun for her, but Tyrion warned her of the dangers of it since she could have hit her head. At least Eleana wasn't quite adventurous as she used to be, but Tyrion held a suspicion that his ward may be acting on her own.
Tyrion admired his eldest niece's curiosity for the world, but sometimes, being inquisitive got the better of her, and Tyrion knew it was because of him. He wanted to keep her in the dark for a reason. If she found herself questioning a certain subject that must never be discussed about, then she may find herself in a great deal of trouble. It was precisely why Tyrion wanted her to depend on him to deal with those matters since only he could protect her. After all, he owed so much to Ayleen for introducing him to his passion for reading and for treating him like family.
If only Tyrion didn't have to worry about a certain issue as he brought up, "Your cock certainly has a tendency to get our family in trouble more than any other cock has a right to. I remember when Malcolm challenged you to combat, Ayleen advised him against it, not wanting to see her own brother and the father of her child getting hurt. If it hadn't been for her father commanding him to return back to Kayce, one of you would be dead."
"Hmph. Our fathers didn't want there to be bad blood between our Houses. No doubt Malcolm would do anything to watch me die."
"I think he would enjoy it more to see our House burn to the ground."
Malcolm Kenning never forgave House Lannister for his sister. First, Jaime impregnated her, even though she became Rhaegar Targaryen's second wife after Elia Martell couldn't give him anymore children, then Ayleen died by delivering Jaime's bastard daughter. Tyrion will never forget when Malcolm shoved Jaime against the wall by the scruff of his collar after the midwife announced her death. Malcolm's hands trembled over his beloved sister's death, and his nostrils flared in absolute fury. There was nothing Jaime could do, except challenging him by staring deadly into his cousin's eyes. Thankfully, neither men drew their swords at each other.
Tyrion was still a bit wary though over his cousin. Malcolm was an honorable man, but he grew much colder after Ayleen's death. It was already bad enough that he lost his youngest sister, his brother, and his mother, who happened to be Lord Tywin's twin, in the span of Ayleen being Prince Rhaegar's second wife and Robert's Rebellion, but with Ayleen, his character completely shifted. In fact, the only surviving members of House Kenning were Malcolm and his father, Lord Edmund Kenning. However, Tyrion heard that Malcolm was already married and fathered four children. At least, that was what Tyrion heard. No doubt though that Malcolm still wanted Eleana.
Ever since Tyrion claimed her as his ward, Malcolm found it insulting how the brother of the man who ruined his sister took his niece as his one of his own. However, Malcolm should know that Tyrion would never mistreat Eleana. She not only was his blood, but Tyrion was to ensure that she would grow to be a refined lady. It was what his lord father expected at least since he proclaimed that Eleana was Tyrion's responsibility alone. Tyrion, however, knew that the only reason why Tywin accepted her into the family was because she was a Lannister. Whenever Eleana married was when she would be recognized and then be fit to provide her husband children. The thought of Eleana leaving him to wed a lord, who may not be fit for her, forced Tyrion to take a longer sip from his flagon.
When Tyrion finally stopped drinking, he remembered something important. "Do me a favor. Watch over Eleana while I'm gone."
Of course Tyrion expected for his brother to turn to him at the announcement. "You're not coming with us to King's Landing?"
"The charms of the North seem to agree with me. I thought I might explore it more and head further north."
Understanding what he meant, Jaime crossed his arms and leaned against the wall next to him as he smirked at his little brother. "Tell me, you're not thinking of taking the Black?"
"And go celibate? The whores would be begging from Dorne to Casterly Rock. I just want to stand on top of the Wall and piss off on the edge of the world." They both grinned from ear to ear, but Jaime's smile barely contained an ounce of humor left when his brother continued, "So, you'll take care of Eleana while I'm gone?"
It was more of a statement rather than a question, but nevertheless, Tyrion knew that Jaime would look after her even when he questioned, "Why ask me?"
"Because Eleana's a lovely girl, and I know you'll break bones as you see fit if any man tries anything."
Tyrion knew Jaime cared so much about Eleana. Ever since he laid eyes on her for the first time, Tyrion saw how his brother grew still. No matter how hard Jaime refused to acknowledge her, Tyrion knew that he saw Ayleen in her. After all, his older brother wouldn't bed just anyone if he didn't care about her. True, Ayleen and Jaime often argued with each other, but Tyrion observed their interactions. They not only looked after each other, but their actions always came from a good place like how Ayleen tended Jaime's wound on his arm when he saved her and Tyrion from a bunch of thieves or how Jaime carried Ayleen back to The Red Keep when she suffered her second miscarriage.
"Your ward and I are more like strangers to each other," Jaime reminded him.
"Then it's a perfect opportunity for you both to build a relationship with one another."
Jaime was at a loss for words, almost considering the idea, but it was difficult to tell if he would ever acknowledge Eleana. Then again, Tyrion wouldn't know if Eleana would ever forgive Jaime. She was incredibly stubborn just like her father, but if Jaime put in more effort to get to know her, then he would witness himself that she was more like him than he knew. It was something Tyrion hoped for the past seventeen years-a long overdue.
Taking another swig of his drink, Tyrion hopped off the step he sat on and proceeded to leave. "Well, I'm going to relieve myself. Maybe I'll even have a northern girl to keep me company for tonight before I travel for tomorrow. I'm leaving my ward to you."
Tyrion didn't have to turn around to see Jaime staring at him. He knew he could never force his brother to include Eleana, but with Tyrion heading further north, there was no doubt in his mind that Jaime would take extra measures to protect Eleana. Perhaps by the time Tyrion came back to King's Landing, both Jaime and Eleana would build a stronger relationship, and then who knows? Tyrion may invite them both for supper one of these days where he could make jokes about how similar they were. Seeing them together as father and daughter was something Tyrion had always been looking forward to.
Here's the third chapter! We finally met Robb! I hope you all like the changes I made, and I have many more ideas in mind to keep the story going. What do you predict will happen? How do you think Eleana and Robb will officially meet? Please leave me a review to let me know what you think and what you expect? If you also have any idea to be implemented in, don't hesitate to message me. Stay tuned for more chapters heading your way!
