(Grand Maester Pycelle's Rooms, Grand Maester's Tower, Red Keep, King's Landing, Blackwater Bay, The Crownlands, Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, Westeros, Planetos)
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(Lord Eddard ''Ned'' Stark POV)
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The Grand Maester placed a large and heavy tome down on the desk before him.
''The lineages and histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.'' The Grand Maester read aloud. ''With descriptions of many highborn lords, and noble ladies and their children.'' The Grand Maester added as he sat down. Opening the book carefully, Ned quickly identified a familiar enough name from the histories of House Umber. The Greatjon often talked of his forefathers, and this was the son of one of his favorite ones.
''Harkon Umber, first of his name. Born to Lord Hothor Umber, and Lady Amarylis Umber. Born in the 138th year after Aegon's Landing. Born at Last Hearth, blue of eye, brown of hair, fair complected. He died in his fourteenth year of a wound, sustained in a bear hunt.'' Says Ned.
''As I said my Lord, a ponderous tome to read.'' Says Pycelle.
''Did Jon Arryn say what he wanted with it?'' Ned asked.
''He did not my Lord, and I did not presume to ask. Though Lord Stannis and Crown Prince Lyonel were especially interested in the book before Lord Arryn, perhaps they could shed more light.'' Says the Grand Maester.
Ned files that bit of information away for later, before asking a question that's been on his mind.
''And Jon's death…'' He began.
''Such a tragedy.'' The Grand Maester quickly said.
''...did he day anything to you in his final hours?'' Ned asked.
''Nothing of import my Lord. He kept speaking of Robert, though whether or not he meant the king or his son, I couldn't say. Though. He did keep repeating one line, and seemed quite insistent upon it. He said; 'The Seed is strong.' Though what he meant by this I couldn't say.''
''The Seed is Strong?'' Ned asked, slightly confused. That could be taken a number of ways. A seed of doubt for instance. ''What does that mean?''
''Hard to say my Lord. But the dying mind is often elsewhere, particularly of a strong fever is present. As it was the case for Lord Arryn.''
''And you're quite certain that he died of a natural illness?'' Ned asked.
''Oh. whatever do you mean my lord? What else could it have been?'' He didn't know whether or not the Maester was acting senile, or was genuinely senile.
''Poison. For one, possibility.'' Says Ned. And the Grand Maester looks pensive. Hesitant even.
''A disturbing thought.'' Says the Grand Maester. ''But I don't think it likely. Lord Arryn showed no symptoms and all the common poisons were eliminated. No, I don't think it likely, and besides the man was loved by all, and those who didn't love him, they at least respected him. Besides, what sort of man would dare stoop to poison.'' The Maester said, and Ned noted that he didn't mention the rarer poisons.
''I've often heard it said that poison is a woman's weapon.'' He pressed.
The Grand Maester looked thoughtful.
''Yes… women, cravens, and… eunuchs. Did you know my Lord… that Lord Varys is a Eunuch?'' Pycelle asked, and he almost felt insulted by the question.
''Everybody knows that.'' He responds gruffly.
''Yes, yes of course. I only bring it up, because Lord Varys spent an extensive part of his youth in the Free Cities. He would undoubtedly be more familiar than I with the rarer poisons. Dare I say it, he would even be more knowledgeable in some aspects than my colleague Archmaester Ebrose whose Ring, Rod, Key, and Mask is of healing.'' Says Pycelle.
''I thank you for your time Grand Maester.'' Ned Says closing the book.
''It's not trouble, Lord Stark. As Lord Varys said previously, we serve at your and King Robert's call.'' Pycelle said and as he went to take back the book. Ned took it himself. Before leaving.
He needed to study this book more.
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(POV Shift: Crown Prince Lyonel Baratheon)
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His agents reported that Sansa had been given a lion's pendant by Joffrey. His hidden ones weren't his only spies, they merely acted as his secret agents and intermediaries. Doing tasks he could not afford to be traced to him. The servants, the beggars, and many of the prostitutes provided him with information. His web had quickly spread to much of the Westerlands, Stormlands, Crownlands, Reach, and various parts of Dorne, the North, Riverlands, and a few parts of the Vale and Iron Islands.
What he had done however was plant rumors across Dorne, the Stormlands, and the North that Renly was in need of a wife, which had led to him selecting the most acceptable match. Sylva Santagar. She'd eventually marry Renly's uncle, but less likely now. This also meant that it was likely that Margaery would stick with him. Loras would probably still join the man, something that seemed more likely as Father kept on procrastinating and not giving Loras the cloak. Finally, he'd forced Father to agree to give Loras the Cloak when Uncle Renly was married off.
Honestly, the gods of fate had a very warped sense of humor. Loras had been invested with the right of Kingsguard, but not the induction. So if he suddenly decided to become Lord-Commander of a Usurper's Kingsguard, he would not be found guilty of oathbreaking as a Kingsguard. Which of course would work in his favor nevertheless. If Loras did side with Renly, then when Renly was brought to heel he could demand anything of the Tyrells in exchange for Loras's life. He ordinarily wouldn't forgive treason, but he was in this for the long game. And an indebted Tyrell was a Tyrell he could more easily use. Besides, it wouldn't be a bad idea to spare the uncle of his future children.
Speaking of children, he should also look into strategically tying his realm together. He had a list of names in his head already for marriages. Desmera Redwyne to Robb Stark. Marrying Arbor Sea Power with Northern Military Might and providing another source for Northern exports. Myrcella to Trystane, to secure Dorne as a passing ally, as much as he was hesitant to knowingly send Myrcella to Dorne with the possibility that she'd be used against him when Daenerys Targaryen arrived. To counter that, he'd need to also see to arranging a suitable bride for Harold Hardyng. If his suspicions about Robert Arryn were correct… then Harold Hardyng would need to relinquish his last name and adopt the Arryn Name, elswise an Arryn of Gulltown would have to step in. He didn't need a succession battle, which meant he had deal with Lysa sooner than later. The fact she wasn't already in the city was getting on his nerves. There was no reason for such a delay, which brought him to Ser Arys Oakheart.
''My Prince?'' Ser Arys asked.
''I grow tired of waiting for Lysa Tully's arrival. Take five hundred of my men, and Ser Brynden Tully. Ride out and retrieve her. No more waiting around. Tell Lord Yohn my patience is at it's end, and that had he brought her as instructed, this would have gone a lot more smoothly for everyone. If she refuses to come, inform Lysa Petyr that Baelish will be executed. That should get her here quickly.'' Says Lyonel.
''My prince, pardon my questioning, but that's a little drastic.'' He appreciated Ser Arys more than the knight perhaps realized.
''Hand this letter to Lord Yohn, and tell him that it came from me directly. You will not hand it to anyone but Bronze Yohn.'' He instructed, before motioning him to follow him. ''Do not repeat this to anyone. Lysa Tully is madly in love with Lord Baelish, we have strong suspicions he is the true father of Lord Robin Arryn. We know that Baelish was drunk and feverish following his loss to Brandon Stark before the rebellion, and drunkenly took her maidenhead and impregnated her. Hoster Tully aborted the child and that likely damaged her mentally. You will not tell Ser Blackfish this, but you will inform him that if Lysa Tully is not here by the start of the next moon, I won't be sending people to retrieve her next time. I'll be martialing the entire Antlers and Claws Regiment, and they will set the riverlands on fire. My patience has its limits, and Lysa Tully has reached it.'' He instructs.
''She always seemed a little off, but to do that? To deny her husband a true heir? Would she be that foolish?'' Asks Ser Arys.
''We'll certainly find out. Go quickly, Ser Arys, my men await you at the River Gate.'' He orders, and the knight thumps his breastplate and departs swiftly.
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Lyonel had returned to his estate and was pleasantly surprised by the guest he had.
''What can I do for you, my Lady?'' He asked the beautiful exotic woman before him. He felt a certain tightening of his breaches, and uncrossed his legs, letting her see.
''It's more what I can do for you, my prince.'' She said, a sensual lilt to her tone.
''Oh, and what would that be… Lady Taena?'' He asked the veritable milf before him.
''Oh… I think you know that already, my prince. I've seen the way you look at me… and the effect I have on you.'' She says shrugging her cloak off revealing her nakedness.
''I should send you away.'' He says, his voice straining. ''But show me more…'' He instructs and she sends him a seductive smile.
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''You're a beast.'' Taena panted. He'd mounted her… more than a dozen times. He was way too pent-up from not having Daeneria by his side. Taena was very kinky as well, so he'd enjoyed himself.
''Only with you.'' Says Lyonel as he pulls her close, not minding the stickiness around her breasts pressed into his side or the one between her legs.
''I should return to my husband.'' His grip on her arse tightened, and Taena meweled.
''Let me make something abundantly clear Lady Taena. I will be keeping you very close. Your body…'' He trails off as he rolls on top of her and pins her. On hand on her beautiful nd bountiful breasts, he uses the other hand to help him impale her with his cock. ''Belongs to me.'' Taena moaned out. ''I will do my duty by my wife, but when I call on you - and I will - you will come to me, and you will serve my needs.'' He commands her.
Taena's body twitches several times.
''... Y-yes, m-my p-p-prince.'' She stutters out.
He really shouldn't, but a part of himself decides to say fuck it. He will likely live to regret this.
''I'm going to breed you one day.'' He grunts as he starts to fuck her.
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(POV Shift: Jaehaerys Harrow)
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The winds of intrigue had shifted. This new guild had been quite the disruption, but every disruption was its own Opportunity. Already they were setting themselves up in his native Stormlands.
And already… they were making both nuisances of themselves and securing themselves a good reputation. On the odd occasion one was captured, the entirety of the local force would recover their lost member. But he had a title from the heavy questioning he'd done to one.
Mentor.
That was their leader. And he was in King's Landing.
He'd eventually need to either destroy this guild or subvert its cause to his own. But for now he would gather information, he'd best send his whisperers to King's Landing as well, the more information he had in this Mentor, the better.
Still, he should probably inform Victaria, Regenard, and Ronnin. Victaria was the troop aspect of the Stormlands Four, Regenard the Trade, and he the Information aspect. Ronnin, was technically their leader, and had indeed brought them together, but it was more the fact that Lord Ronnin Dragāo was a master of skilled and loyal armies, had extensive connections and trade partners, and had a vast information network to his name despite his relatively lowborn Stature. The man had been a well-reputed Knight and Mercenary once, having fought in Robert's Rebellion as a freerider, before knighted for great valor during the Battle of Stag's Mount by Jon Arryn's right hand, Yohn Royce. In the years following, Dragāo built many connections, until eventually Jon Arryn saw fit to make him the Lord of the Lands that belonged to the now extinct Main branch of the House of Chernoff.
That house wouldn't be missed. They'd sided with Aerys, but they had an exceedingly poor reputation before that. The cadet branch still survived, but they wouldn't dare make a move now.
Despite his youth, nobility wise, Ronnin Dragāo… was a good lord who was adored by his people. He inspired loyalty Jaehaerys had only seen in one other man.
King Robert Baratheon.
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(POV Shift: Crown Prince Lyonel Baratheon)
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After coming down from the high of bedding Lady Taena, Lyonel felt far more relaxed, and that was probably for the best.
When father was wound up a little too tight, it fell to mother to unwind the king.
They weren't quiet.
Which is why Lionel had repurposed the Dragonpit and built a residence there. They found a number of interesting artifacts during the repairs.
A handful of Dragon Eggs, but the true prizes were the trio of Valyrian Steel Weapons found. He knew more or less how one was there, but the other two were a mystery and they were really not a good one. One of the blades he could deal with easily enough, but the other two? Oh fuck him sideways, that was fucking can of worms that mdae absolutely no sense, his Uncle Jaime being the Night King made more sense than the other two blades. Because of the two one of them he wouldn't let see the light of day until his father was dead.
This entire version of Westeros was off its Rocker.
Now he didn't know for sure, but here was the thing, what othe Great Sword was there with a literal solid Golden lions head pommel in the history of Westeros. He'd like to find the god who sent him to westeros and kick him in the balls. Because that shit wasn't funny at all. Gerion Lannister went to fucking Valyria to find the fucking blade and it's in King's Landing? Of all the, how fuck is he supposed to explain that? And that's not even getting into the other one.
Fucking Blackfyre.
He actually spent most of the afternoon the blades were recovered cursing, just actually nonstop cursing for several hours. Because he had to have the poor sods who'd recovered the blades killed. How could he not? That was the Lannister and Targaryen blades? Oh, that's one fucking headache he wasn't looking forward to eventually solving.
The third blade was actually the least problematic, because it belonged to House Royce. He intended to return it to Yohn Royce, or rather to Robar Royce. With Brynden having declined the White Cloak, Lyonel intended to offer it to Robar Royce. Giving him Lamentation, in front of his father, with the promise of returning the Blade to Runestone, when Robar dies.
Honestly the amount of shit he's already got to deal with? he almost wishes his father would get gored by the boar earlier than canon, just so he can find more permanent for solutions.
Almost…
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(POV Shift: Lord Varys)
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Who did he serve?
It was a question he'd asked himself every day since the day the Mad King hired him.
The answer was simple.
The Realm.
He served whomsoever had the best interests of the realm at heart. Robert was a significant step up from Aerys, not the best replacement all things considered, but certainly an improvement. Whoever improved the lot of the common people. The Crown Prince, while lustful like his father, was able to separate his lusts far better than his father.
It remained to be seen if he'd be a good or great king. But Lyonel Baratheon would certainly be a better King than Viserys Targaryen, but he had promised Prince Rhaegar to protect his family if the worst happened, he'd failed in that regard to protect Elia, Rhaenys, and Aegon. He wouldn't fail with Viserys or Daenerys.
But if it came down to it.
He'd happily pick Daenerys over Viserys or Lyonel or Tommen if she proved more capable and better for the people than any of them. He wasn't going to consider Joffrey. The boy was as mad as Aerys, he just hid it better and frankly probably wasn't aware he was a lunatic.
Still, the decision of who to betray, that was a decision that always weighed heavily.
But it was a burden he'd carried for nearly fifteen years.
He was more or less used to it at this point, but that didn't make it any less hard to bear.
But such was life.
And the Game of Thrones was unforgiving to the unprepared and unwilling. Something Lady Stark would discover shortly.
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(POV Shift: Catelyn Stark)
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To say she was outraged and indignant at being led to a brothel? Was like saying she couldn't stand the fact Ned had fathered a Bastard. It was a monumental understatement. But Petyr would find that out soon enough, and he had better have reliable news for her regarding who sent the assassin's after Rickon….
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(Author's Note:)
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This chapter took a little longer than I'd have liked, but it's done. As for Blackfyre and Brightroar? I figured it would make an eventual encounter with the Gods all the more ammusing. Especially if Lyonel has the presence of mind to actually kick one of them in the balls. I wonder how that will go down. Anyways, next chapter we'll see a couple things, notably more of Sansa, we'll see more of Margaery, and we'll also see the last of the build up to the Hands Tourney. I have to also refamilliarise myself with books and show, so since I have a day off tomorrow, it's as good a time as any to do just that. See you lot in the next couple of chapters…
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