WILOW-Ch.348: New Order
Northern Army Camp, Near the Twins
POV of Domeric Bolton
"I understand that King Robert Baratheon is like a brother to you, and that you therefore support him and stand by his side against a common enemy. But you do not need to show the same commitment to the other Baratheons, Lord Stark, for they are neither your brothers nor the true heirs to the Crown. It is time for Westeros to establish a new order." Domeric said with a mischievous grin.
"A new order? What do you mean, Lord Bolton?" Lord Stark asked, seeming to be beginning to understand that he had other ideas for the current situation.
"You must have begun to understand, Lord Stark, that I do not like to bow down or submit to others. And my house and army have now become an unstoppable force in Westeros, so I intend to use this civil war to raise my own status."
Suddenly, the blood drained from Lord Stark, Robb, and Jon's faces, and they turned deathly pale.
"Lord Bolton... are you considering rebelling against the North? At a time like this?" Lord Stark asked, his eyes scanning the surroundings and the entrance to the tent. He was most likely worried that Domeric's men might burst in at any moment and take them prisoner or, worse, kill them.
"Rebel against the North? Why would I do such a thing? My sights are set higher, Lord Stark," he said.
Lord Stark looked visibly relieved, but Domeric's ambitious plans, which he still didn't know, still worried him.
"Does this mean you intend to seize the Iron Throne, Lord Bolton? But you have no legitimate claim to the throne. The Lords of Westeros will not accept someone who has no legitimate right to it." Robb said while also looking at Jon.
If Domeric were to enter this game for the Iron Throne, his claims would clash with Jon's, and Robb was likely wondering why Domeric revealed Jon's true identity if he had such a claim.
"Of course not. I have no interest in the Iron Throne. As I've said from the beginning, I intend to put my friend Jon in that position," he said.
"Lord Bolton, I do not wish..."
"Yes, yes. You don't want to ascend the throne, Jon. I know. But you must know that sometimes life imposes things on us that we don't want. And whether we like it or not, we have to shoulder certain burdens. If not for ourselves, then to protect those we love."
Domeric paused, looked Jon in the eyes, and continued.
"Sometimes Fate makes choices for us, Jon. The only choice left to us is whether we can honorably bear the responsibility that falls upon us. You should think about that a little."
Without further digression, Lord Stark, eager to get an answer to his concern, asked Domeric, "What exactly are you planning to do, Lord Bolton?"
"As I said, Lord Stark, I intend to bring a new order to Westeros. I intend to establish an Empire encompassing all of Westeros and to rule Westeros as Emperor." He said.
"Empire? Emperor? What do those mean? And isn't it becoming the ruler of Westeros the same as sitting on the Iron Throne?" Lord Stark asked, becoming increasingly confused.
"Iron Throne only rules the Seven Kingdoms. When I say Westeros, I mean the lands beyond the Wall as well. As for what an Empire is, it's a form of government that rules over multiple Kingdoms, Principalities, and Free Cities. And you can think of the Emperor as the King of Kings." He explained.
There was a moment of silence inside the tent, and Robb was the first to gather his thoughts and ask him another question. "So, this means that after placing Jon on the Iron Throne, you plan to establish yourselves as a power above all kings, ruling the Seven Kingdoms and the lands beyond the Wall as absolute power?"
"You're starting to understand now, Robb. It's close enough, but there are a few more details," he said.
"But isn't this the same as the Iron Throne and the Wardens and Lord Paramounts submit to it? Wouldn't it be easier to sit on the Iron Throne, conquer the lands beyond the Wall, and then appoint a Lord Paramount or Warden there?" Jon asked.
"You're already starting to think like a King, Jon. Keep it up," Domeric said teasingly. And Jon's cheeks flushed at the compliment.
Domeric then continued, "What you're saying is true, but the new order in my mind is a little different. A Warden or Lord Paramount would have extensive powers within their territories, but in many ways, they would have to be bound to the King. A Warden cannot make their own laws, but a King can. And as long as they abide by the Empire's rules, there will be no problem. Therefore, in an order where many Kingdoms are bound to one Empire, Kings would have more authority and consequently greater responsibilities."
Then Lord Stark, his eyes wide with understanding, asked him, "Lord Bolton, you're not talking about breaking up the Seven Kingdoms, are you?"
"You finally understand, Lord Stark. I have no intention of breaking up all the Kingdoms, but I do intend to separate some regions from the Seven Kingdoms and make them separate Kingdoms."
Domeric paused for a moment and, looking mischievously at Lord Stark, said, "The North is one of these regions. I plan for the North to declare its independence in this war and create a Kingdom. And you, Lord Stark, will take the title of King of the North."
Domeric paused for a moment, thought for a while, and then said. "At least until I come up with a new name for the new kingdom. After all, it would be a bit strange to call it the North when there's going to be another kingdom to its north."
Rob, Jon, and Lord Stark's eyes widened in disbelief at Domeric's words.
"Lord Bolton, do you realize what you're saying? Do you want the North to rebel against the Crown?" Lord Stark asked.
"Why not? The North was once a separate kingdom. I see no reason why it shouldn't reclaim its former title. Frankly, I would prefer to have Robb on the throne as King of the North, but I know Robb wouldn't accept that position while you're still alive. That's why he'll have to be content with the title of Crown Prince for now." He said.
"But won't the Crown see this as a rebellion and retaliate?" Lord Stark murmured, but Domeric knew he was considering the possibility.
"How exactly do you think the Crown might retaliate, Lord Stark? It's not even clear who the throne belongs to right now. Do you think whoever sits on the throne after this civil war will start a new war against the North? With which soldiers? Frankly, I'd prefer they start a campaign and a war against the North. It would be fun to watch their attempts to cross Moat Cailin." He said.
Lord Stark then fell into deep thought.
Instead, Robb asked a new question.
"You said the North is one of the regions you're considering making a new Kingdom, Lord Bolton. Where exactly are the other regions?"
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Next Chapters' Name:
Ch.349: We Both Knew This Day Would Come
Ch.350: A Private Matter
Ch.351: Building a War Bridge