WILOW-Ch.349: We Both Knew This Day Would Come
Northern Army Camp, Near the Twins
POV of Domeric Bolton
"You said the North is one of the regions you're considering making a new Kingdom, Lord Bolton. Where exactly are the other regions?"
Robb's voice was harsher than usual.
"I see you defending your cousin's lands, Robb. There's no doubt your kingdoms will forge close ties in the future," Domeric said, teasing Robb.
And it was Robb who blushed this time.
"Outside of the North, the places I'm considering for kingship are Dorne and the Iron Islands. These two regions, along with the North, have religions or cultures different from those of the rest of Westeros. And frankly, the Iron Throne hasn't had good control over these regions for a long time. Making them separate kingdoms would allow the Iron Throne to increase its dominance over the rest of the Five Kingdoms."
"So, the five kingdoms, the Vale, Riverlands, Westerlands, Reach, and Stormlands, along with the Crownlands, will remain bound to the Iron Throne. I don't know what the effects of that will be. But will the lords of Westeros accept it?" Robb asked.
"Lord Bolton is right about this. It was Aegon the Conqueror who united the Seven Kingdoms. And he did it with his dragons. Since the dragons disappeared, the Iron Throne's influence on distant lands has significantly diminished. Reducing its dominion could indeed allow it to use its resources more efficiently and strengthen its rule." Lord Stark said.
"Yes. We're slowly beginning to meet at the same point, Lord Stark," he said.
"But is it sensible for us to divide Westeros and create different kingdoms now, as the Long Night approaches? Convincing multiple kingdoms and kings would be far more difficult than convincing one. Moreover, it's uncertain whether there will be conflict and war between these newly created kingdoms. If things go wrong, we may find ourselves in the midst of more wars." Lord Stark said.
"Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't make much sense. But you're forgetting my real plan, Lord Stark," he said.
"Yes. Your plan to build an empire. I must say, Lord Bolton, you have great ambition. You want all the kings of the kingdoms you would create to kneel before you. Does that mean you no longer want to be under the Starks' rule?" said Lord Stark.
"We both knew this would happen the day my engagement to Sansa was broken, Lord Stark. But I have come to you with a solution that does not require bloodshed."
Domeric paused for a moment after saying this. Remembering Sansa's situation wasn't easy for the Stark men. Then he continued.
"When my Empire is established, Bolton lands will be the Imperial Capital. The rest of the North will be a Kingdom under the rule of the Royal House of Stark. You already knelt before the Iron Throne as Warden of the North. Now, even if you must kneel before an Emperor, you will do so as a King. I believe this is a mutually beneficial solution. Is it really preferable for you to kneel before a Southerner than a Northerner?"
"I see... Your proposals and plans are indeed appealing, Lord Bolton, but the Southerners don't know you as I do. To them, your achievements are nothing more than a bard's tale. I don't think this imperial ambition of yours will be easily accepted by them," said Lord Stark.
"Of course, I know that. That's why I don't intend to put this plan into action right now. First, I need to earn my war merits and show all of Westeros the power of House Bolton. For now, we'll observe the course of the war. If there is a truly worthy candidate for the throne, I might even support him. But if no such candidate emerges, considering the Long Night, we will reveal the plan we've discussed to the other lords, Lord Stark, at a suitable opportunity. What do you say?" he said.
Lord Stark, after much thought, said, "If a truly suitable candidate for the throne does not emerge, we can reconsider this plan, Lord Bolton. But now, while Catelyn and Sansa are in my enemies' hands, I cannot make such a claim."
"I am fully aware of this, and the reason I am discussing this claim only with you instead of the other lords is that I, too, am concerned about Lady Stark and Sansa's situation. I have no intention of making a fanciful claim unless the circumstances truly appear to be in our favor," he said.
"Lord Bolton, if this plan doesn't work out—that is, your Imperial plan—what do you intend to do after the war?" Lord Stark asked, apprehensive about the answer he would receive.
"As I said, I have no intention of kneeling before anyone again, Lord Stark. But I also have no intention of shedding blood unnecessarily, if that is what you are asking. In that case, I would most likely declare the independence of Bolton Lands and turn it into a Free City like the cities of Essos." He explained.
Lord Stark let out a deep breath. The answer seemed more reassuring than he'd expected. Then he asked, "I see... may I speak with you privately, Lord Bolton? Just the two of us. It's a little... personal matter."
"Of course," said Domeric, then turning to Ygritte, "Why don't you go to the tent ahead, my love? I'll join you right after my discussion with Lord Stark."
"Okay. I'll be waiting for you in the tent, Dom," Ygritte said after standing up. But before heading towards the tent exit, she leaned down and gently kissed him on the lips. "Don't keep me waiting too long," she said before walking out of the tent.
Domeric knew Ygritte had done this entirely on purpose, and frankly, Robb and Jon's current faces were priceless.
Lord Stark, as always, wore his unreadable expression.
Then Lord Stark turned to Robb and Jon and said, "Robb, Jon, please give us a moment."
"Yes, Father."
"Yes... Uncle."
Robb and Jon said, recovering from their earlier shock. Then they left the tent.
Domeric turned to Lord Stark and waited for him to speak. He had no idea what he wanted to talk about personally. Then something occurred to him, and he began to chuckle.
"What is it, Lord Bolton?" Lord Stark asked.
"It's nothing important. It just came to mind when we first met, sitting together on your solar at Winterfell. It's really hard to believe more than a decade has passed." He said.
Lord Stark, too, seemed to remember that time, for a slight smile crossed his face, and he said, "It's truly hard to believe."
"What was the topic you wanted to discuss, Lord Stark?" Domeric asked.
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Next Chapters' Name:
Ch.350: A Private Matter
Ch.351: Building a War Bridge
Ch.352: Domeric's Target