Any notable prospective wives? We're a fair bit into the game, so hard to say who's available still.
The Little Cub (Game of Thrones AAR)
- Thread starter Aidun
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Good point. It's funny how you can follow Hitler's footsteps in creating the master race by marrying a person with unique traits in CK2. Seems like there's not another woman with both Quick and Attractice traits available so the chances of getting a male heir with those traits will be more unlikely if I dump Marge.
I'd argue it still makes sense, roleplaying-wise, to divorce Margery (not to say in the slightest that you have to, of course 
). Are there any other good candidates out there, politically?
). Are there any other good candidates out there, politically?
The daughters of the Lord Paramounts are still young and I don't feel like waiting all that long. But there's one woman, about the same age as Tommen, who also appears in the books..
Myrcella? But of course you should marry her! Keep up the royal tradition!
But, um... Arya, maybe? I can't think of any other women around Tommen's age that are of a high house. Maybe I'm limiting it a bit much in restricting it to high houses, though...
But, um... Arya, maybe? I can't think of any other women around Tommen's age that are of a high house. Maybe I'm limiting it a bit much in restricting it to high houses, though...
Myrcella's married to Trystane. Oh the pity!
Arya's still missing, but fArya was married to some Ryswell after Ramsay's death. The woman I mean is from a high house that rules a region. You'll know who she is once I release the next part.
Arya's still missing, but fArya was married to some Ryswell after Ramsay's death. The woman I mean is from a high house that rules a region. You'll know who she is once I release the next part.
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Well, greatly looking forward to finding out whom it is! Maybe Arianne, though she's a fair bit older...?
My first thogh has also been Arianne. Or maybe one of the "sand snakes"? Thoagh that would be kind of inappropiate for a king... And I assume you are not meaning Ahsa Greyjoy either. (By the way, what have happened with the iron isles in this time line? I can't remember them being retaken...)
Anyway, grat AAR! Its one of my favorites so far, both for the setting, the depth given to the main character, and last but not least the incredible consistency and steadyness of the updates! Great work!
Anyway, grat AAR! Its one of my favorites so far, both for the setting, the depth given to the main character, and last but not least the incredible consistency and steadyness of the updates! Great work!
The Iron Islands are currently ruled by Asha Greyjoy. She was in King's Landing at one point, but Crow's Eye was overthrown by a faction that wanted Asha as their leader. She's married to Pate Harlaw yet they have no children. Euron's currently the heir which is ironic considering she took the islands from him.
The reason why I haven't moved to take the Iron Islands is this. They have been in several civil wars during the years, the current one being to instate elective succession to the Iron Islands. I can not take the whole Iron Islands with the Royal Claim -war option I have if all the counties are not attached to it.
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Shirei Frey ended up having pretty nice stats so I definitely considered her. But I thought I'd lose what few readers I have if I went further to the dark side As if playing inbred ruler from the house most people dislike isn't enough.
Besides, House Frey may control the Twins and Riverrun, but their ruler is not the Lord Paramount of Riverlands. Like I said, Tommen's next wife will be a canon character from a house which holds a region. That much I can tell.
As if playing inbred ruler from the house most people dislike isn't enough.Besides, House Frey may control the Twins and Riverrun, but their ruler is not the Lord Paramount of Riverlands. Like I said, Tommen's next wife will be a canon character from a house which holds a region. That much I can tell.
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Shirei Frey ended up having pretty nice stats so I definitely considered her. But I thought I'd lose what few readers I have if I went further to the dark side
Besides, House Frey may control the Twins and Riverrun, but their ruler is not the Lord Paramount of Riverlands. Like I said, Tommen's next wife will be from a canon character from a house which holds a region. That much I can tell.
1. No mention of a Bolton in the North, plus Sansa is married to Harrold Aryn = Neither North or Vale.
2. Lyssa Baelish isn't canon = Not Riverlands
3. Tommen holds the Stormlands = Not Stormlands
4. Asha is the only female Greyjoy = Not Iron Islands
5. You gave the Westerlands to the Lannisport Lannisters = possibility
6. Tyrells are many and powerful = possibility
7. Dorne has some Martell girls around, mostly Sand Snakes, but still = possibility
Janei Lannister, Joy Hill, Cerenna Lannister, Myrielle Lannister, Rosamund Lannister
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Megga Tyrell, Leona Tyrell, Alla Tyrell, Elinor Tyrell
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Obara Sand, Nymeria Sand, Tyrene Sand, Sarella Sand, Ellaria Sand, Elia Sand, Obella Sand, Dorea Sand, Loreza Sand
18 possibilities right there. I might be missing a couple more.
Rosamund seems a distinct possibility, though she's kin to Tommen. I doubt it'll be another Tyrell, but... who knows?
The Little Cub
Part 18 - Heart's Desire
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Margaery was proven innocent by the Gods and I had no other option but to let her walk free. Ser Robert - revealed to have actually been Gregor Clegane - had died fighting against Lord Garlan Tyrell. I was not sure which disturbed me the most; that my silent giant had actually been killed or the fact that he wasn't alive in the first place. I did not remember the Mountain from the old days, yet I had heard stories about his past deeds and crimes. How was he allowed to become a Kingsguard?, I soon asked myself. When I confronted Lord Commander Jaime about the matter, he only said he wasn't at the capital when it happened and that Qyburn had been behind his appointment. The former Master of Whisperers had been imprisoned after sending letters about my origin, and according to Jaime he had died some three years later in the dungeons. Apparently Qyburn had done something to Gregor Clegane to keep him alive despite the poisoning by Oberyn Martell, and the fact that he hadn't died was kept a secret. How Qyburn had managed to do that, I'd most likely never get to know. I couldn't help but to think whether my mother was aware of who or what Ser Robert was when Jaime told me she had backed Qyburn's suggestion to make Ser Robert a Kingsguard.
Though Margaery got to keep her life, her time as the queen was over. I approached the High Septon, asking for his blessings for a divorce. I was friends with the man more or less, considering he'd both knighted and crowned me. The High Septon understood the situation and though the Seven had decided to spare Margaery's life in the trial, it was clear the realm would fare better with a new queen. Once it was decided, Margaery left the capital along with his father and brother, Garlan. Ser Loras was bound by the Kingsguard vows and had to remain in King's Landing despite everything that had gone down between me and his family. I tried to speak about the matter with him, yet the Knight of Flowers told me Kingsguard was his family now. I understood his reluctance to talk and took his word, not questioning his loyalty despite the recent events.
Grand Maester Medwick, a Tyrell as well, was dead. The word about it had reached Oldtown and now they replied, telling that the Conclave of the Citadel had gathered and selected a new Grand Maester from among their ranks. The man had aboarded a ship from Oldtown and would no doubt soon arrive to the capital. The Small Council was full of new members and I only hoped they would know what they were doing. I had acted without hesitation when I was sick, yet now I came to regret some of the decision I made back then. Mace Tyrell was an important ally and deserved to be treated better. Though I had destroyed the relations between the Iron Throne and House Tyrell, not all of Reach despised me for that. I could only hope Lord Mace couldn't gather all his lord behind him, knowing he would not be satisfied until I had paid for my insolence. He's a proud man from a house that wants to grow stronger still.
The new Grand Master arrived not long after and I invited him to my chambers to make acquaintance with him. Robert, the man's name was. Though traditionally maesters didn't go by their family names, I asked Robert where he was from and learned that he was a Frey from the Twins. His house had grown bold during the reign of Late Lord Walder who was infamous for having murdered Robb Stark and most of the Young Wolf's loyalists under his roof. Though the Red Wedding had ended a war to my favor, I couldn't help but to despise House Frey for its past actions. The singers had made a sad song about the demise of the Young Wolf and the dead Starks had gained sympathy even from those they initially rode south to fight against.
Robert was young, still in his twenties and it surprised me that a man of that age had been chosen to take the position which traditionally belonged to the most able of the maesters in Citadel. The first impression I got of him was not pleasant; the man lacked all the manners. At first I pondered if the Archmaesters were joking on me, but later I came to realize that Grand Maester Robert was actually talented at his work despite the flaws he had in social skills. Whatever had gone down in the Twins during War of the Five Kings had nothing to do with Robert who had been in Oldtown at the time and so my skeptic opinion about Robert slowly began to crumble. Besides, the man was a Maester now and bound to serve the realm.
I was young during the War of the Five Kings and only afterwards was old enough to understand the things that happened back then. The men beside me remembered, however, so I did my best to understand better the circumstances. After all diplomacy was a game of relations, and relations were highly affected by the past. Grand Maester Robert had been in Oldtown during the Red Wedding, but my courtier Roslin Frey had been there personally so I confronted her about the matter. Edmure Tully's wife and the mother of my ward was a true beauty despite the fact that she was already in her late twenties. She told me about what had happened at the Twins, saying she knew beforehand what was going to happen but was unable to make a difference. Once the bedding was announced, she'd started crying. The memory clearly disturbed her, and I did my best to soothe her. One thing led to another, and I soon found myself from a bed with her on top of me.
I acted without thinking that evening, a thing which I later came to regret. I was no longer married yet she was. Roslin was the mother of my ward, and if we had been caught, it could've meant an end to my plans for the boy's future and a huge blow to my reputation. But as mentioned, I didn't care at that moment and only followed my instincts. Though what we did was very inappropriate, the thought of it being wrong and risky only made the moment more enjoyable. For whole my life I'd done exactly as was required from me and never had had the chance to actually be a child and break the rules. Perhaps there was a bit of foolishness of youth in the air, as old people tend to say. Though at first I presumed it'd be only one exceptional evening, it later became a custom and I found myself from next to Roslin on other nights as well.
I had not forgotten the promise I made myself back in Harrenhal. Everything that happened had gotten me to forget the fact that I was actually a bastard and not related to King Robert Baratheon despite sharing his name. Now that things were cooling down, I had to make the decision. I have forgiven Jaime and accepted the truth. But is the world ready to hear it? Or does it even need to know it? Living in a lie wasn't something I aspired for, yet if I revealed the truth and abdicated the throne, what would happen? Stannis had taken the black and Lord Commander Jon Snow had bestowed the Eastwatch-by-the-Sea to him. The only other living Baratheon besides him was King Robert's bastard Edric Storm, who according to my spymaster Mathin currently resided in Lys.
The next night was long. After Roslin had fallen asleep, I laid awake and didn't get sleep. As the sun rose and let out it's first lights, I still hadn't slept. Stannis Baratheon had started a war over the throne only because it was his by right. I wanted to consider myself a just ruler, yet I was ruling over lands that were mine unjustly and bedding a woman that wasn't mine. I wasn't Stannis, though. His campaign had cost thousands of lives and even still it had been to no avail. If I did what was just, it'd send the realm back into chaos and more lives would be lost. No. The world doesn't need to know the truth. I had never expected to sit on the throne. I always imagined Joffrey would be the king, but fate proved otherwise.
Even if I am not a king or a prince, I'm still a grandson of Tywin Lannister and the rightful heir to the Westerlands. But that seat also was lost, granted away to Melwyn Lannister of Lannisport. I didn't feel regret for that decision, though. I was a bastard, so my claim was questionable anyhow. I am in my position unjustly, put here by others when I was too young to understand who I actually was or what kingship meant. But now that I am the king, I can make sure justice is served to everyone else. I had already taken the first step towards that by appointing Ryan Tully as my ward. The next step was across the Narrow Sea. I grabbed a quill and ink and found myself writing a letter to alleged half-brother. First the Riverlands, second the Stormlands.
Damon Arryn, the heir of Lord Paramount Harrold Arryn arrived to the capital on a ship from Gulltown, escorted by twoscore guards from the Vale. My other ward Ryan was a few years older than Damon, but the heir of Vale was already better at swordsplay. According to what I had heard, he'd inherited that from his father. The boy was cautious at first and it took me time to win him over. He was but a child, sent away from home to an unknown place where he didn't know anyone. I sympathised him and did my best to make him feel welcome. I also made sure he'd share a room with Ryan Tully, hoping they would grow close like brothers. What union would be formed between them now would last a lifetime, I knew.
Deciding who should take late Ser Robert's place in the Kingsguard was a difficult matter. There seemed to be no proper highborn men with needed skills for the position, so I ended up offering the white cloak to a lowborn man from the Shield Islands. Omer, a boy from Ashford had volunteered to march against the Ironborn invaders several years ago when Crow's Eye still ruled the Iron Islands. This Omer had gained glory in battle despite his young age and after the Ironborn were driven away, he'd stayed in Oakenshield. I did not know the man personally, but word about his virtues and talent in swordsplay were enough for me.
It wasn't the first time I had given a chance for a lowborn to rise high. Lord Morgan Rundell of Chyttering Brook had initially been a lowborn as well, but I had given him a lordship due to his talents in diplomacy. Now that Margaery Tyrell had left the capital, the seat of Master of Laws was empty. I decided to send a word to Chyttering Brook and soon Lord Morgan joined the council as a replacement.
With Margaery put aside, I was in need of a new wife. Though my affair with Lady Roslin had carried on for quite a while, I didn't love her and had known all the time that at one point I'd have to stop our game of pleasure. There were not many notable ladies-in-waiting in the capital, so I had to turn to my councillors for advice on the matter. Margaery had been a great match, and it seemed I could not broker as great marriage; Lord Harrold's, Lord Roose's and Lord Melwyn's daughters were far too young for me. Lady Lyssa Baelish would've been an ideal match, yet I already had plans for her and the Riverlands. If possible, I would marry her to my ward Ryan and restore House Tully to its rightful seat as the Lords of the Riverlands. Arianne Martell was older than I was with six children already, some of them rumoured to be baseborn. Even if they would've been of age, I doubt she would've let me marry one of them, knowing the hate the Martells had for me and my family.
I did not even consider House Tyrell, assuming it was out of question after our fall out. When my councillors suggested trying to repair the relations between the Reach and the Crown with another marriage, I couldn't help but to chuckle at the thought. Lord Mace had gotten another daughter, Arysa, with his wife, though her origin was in question due to Lady Joy Hill's affair with Lucas Tyrell. Still, the girl was but one year old whereas I had seen eighteen namedays. However my spymaster Mathin pointed out that Alla Tyrell, a distant relative of Mace Tyrell had lost her husband and had not remarried yet.
At first I wasn't sure where I'd heard that name before, but then I realized we'd met years ago. She'd been but a shy young girl, a lady-in-waiting and Margaery's escort to the capital. Not long after my wedding to Margaery, she'd returned to the Reach to marry some son of a lord. I didn't remember anything else so Mathin filled in the rest of the details. Her husband had been Ser Josua Willum, the heir of Smallwood, a small county north-west of Highgarden. She had a four years old son Dickon and a two years old daughter Leonette, after whose birth Josua had soon fallen sick and died untimely at the age of 27. Mathin assured me Alla had grown into a true beauty and was still young enough to bear more children. So she's pretty and fertile.
I decided to send a message to Highgarden, asking Lord Mace if our families could be reunited with marriage. Alla wasn't a close relative of his, yet she still had the same family name. The rest of Westeros will not care even though she's Lord Mace's second cousin's granddaughter as long as I have a Tyrell beside me. The marriage wouldn't fix my relations with Lord Mace and I did not expect to get him on my side after everything that had happened, but it didn't stop me from trying. I was positively surprised when Lord Mace replied that he accepted the proposal.
The next few weeks passed as the Red Keep was prepared for the royal wedding. Lords from all around Westeros were invited to pay witness to the event which was going to be as lavish as my brother once had. My first wedding had been only modest and even then it had taken years before my marriage with Margaery had been consummated. I was a child back then, yet the time had molded a man out of me. That, and Ser Balon. I had led men victoriously into war, yet winning all battles didn't end the war to one's favor. Robb Stark had proven that right and I meant to learn from his mistakes. Marrying Alla was not a solution to all my problems, yet it was the best option I had in taking a step towards a more solid kingdom.
When she finally arrived, escorted by Lord Mace Tyrell and his retinue, I was taken aback. The shy maiden I remembered from my childhood had grown into a woman who was a delight to any man's eyes. I welcomed them both warmly, but though Lord Mace acted courteously, there was coldness in his eyes every time he looked at me. He despises me for what I did, yet knows what holding grudges openly will do no good to anyone. He had not brought Margaery with him, but when I asked from her father how she was, he shortly replied ''She's well.''
Other guests arrived as well. Lord Melwyn Lannister and my ward Damon's father Harrold Arryn were among the many nobles that came to the capital. The reunion between the Arryns was a touching thing to see. When the boy asked where his mother was, Harrold told him she'd stayed in the Vale to look after Damon's other siblings. I didn't blame her, knowing she had bad memories from the capital. There were numerous people alive back from the old days when she was but a traitor's child and a hostage. Yet what was past was past and I would've wanted to say it to Lady Sansa by myself. She has no reason to fear me as long as the Vale doesn't march again into a war to press her claim.
Once the day was upon us, guests gathered in the throne room for the wedding. I awaited by the steps of the Iron Throne, dressed in clothes of fine black silk with golden ornaments while Ser Leo Tyrell walked his daughter down the aisle. Lady Alla wore a blue gown which afterwards was the subject of several comments and compliments. She had been beautiful when we met upon her arrival, but now, dressed in her best and all eyes of the room upon her and a shy look on her face, she was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. I could feel my heart beat once she finally stopped beside me. The High Septon began his speech, yet I could only look into the eyes of the woman in front of me and forget everything else for a moment. We exchanged our vows and I draped a black cloak with a golden stag on her shoulders, bringing her officially into my protection and into my house. My eyes turned to Lord Commander Jaime for a short moment which felt like eternity.
The whole Red Keep seemed to have come to life. The throne room could only hold a few hundred people, yet the highborn guests had brought other people with them. Servants, guardsmen, family members.. The wedding feast didn't take place only in the throne room, but fires burned all around the Red Keep and wine flowed all day long. I wasn't there to see it, yet that was how it was planned. I sat beside Lady Alla most of the feast, exchanging words with her in attempt to get to know to her better. She was a quiet person who only spoke when she had something to say and even then shied about how I reacted. She's the opposite of ever-flattering and quick-witted Lady Margaery, I came to realise. It created an aura of mysteriousness around her whilst her beauty captivated me. I did my best to make her feel comfortable and welcome to the capital, acknowledging this was the woman I had to live with possibly for the rest of my days.
Once the feast had been going on for some time, I offered to take my wife to dance. She looked at me for a moment in silence, unsure if she wanted to, but finally my smile melted her uncertainity and she took my hand. Together we had the first dance and soon others joined in. After three dances, Ser Loras came to request if he could be given the honor of having the next dance with my wife. I agreed and thought it was a good idea that Ser Loras got a moment with her, considering he was a kin of her and would be staying in the capital as well. I moved away from them and asked Lord Melwyn Lannister if I could borrow her wife for the next dance. Alysanne Lefford, Lady of the Golden Tooth was close to fourties and almost ten years older than Lord Melwyn - and pregnant besides. Still, we shared a dance and chatted for a while. I took other highborn women to dance as well and though forming relationships with distant nobles what I had in my mind, I nevertheless had a good time and I think everyone else enjoyed the feast as well.
Once the celebration had been going on for a while and the guests were more or less in their cups, Lord Arryn - who was more drunk than most - began to shout for a bedding. Other guests took up the cries and banged their cups against the tables, and I let them shout for a moment and just grinned at the sight. Then, finally I emptied my cup and hit it on the table in front of me and the people took it as a sign of approval, making noise twice as loud as before. Some guests got up to their feet and made their way to my and Lady Alla's table. I turned to the woman sitting beside me and jokingly wished her good luck. She chuckled and then the guests grabbed us both.
As the tradition was, women took care of the husband and men took care of the wife. I was slightly drunk, but sober enough to worry if Lord Harrold would remember not to get too friendly. The Lord of Vale was known to drink and fuck around a lot, and Lady Sansa was not here to look after him. The man was already in a bad shape, and I tried to spy the men carrying her to no avail. The crowd around me was too numerous, and the women seized the moment now that they had a king to strip naked. They made jokes and I tried to reply to them as any young man would after having taken a few cups of wine. I recognised the faces of Tyene Sand(wife of my Master of Coin lord Ormund of Farring Cross), Lylos Slynt(Jonos Slynt's unwed daughter), Lady Jocelyn(Ronald Bolling's wife), Lady Amerei Frey(Lord Lancel Lannister's widow) and Lady Jonquil Chyttering among the skirtfolk who were escorting me. Of course without forgetting Lady Roslin, who winked at me with a smug grin on her face when our eyes met.
The women carried me out of the throne room and I could hear cheering all around me. The drunken revellers of low birth had gathered outside and roared at the sight. Thankfully the women hadn't been all too quick, and I still had my trousers on although my shirt had been torn off somewhere along the way. For now I'd been carried by highborn women, but now the number of my escort tripled as the common girls joined the fun. Someone offered me wine, and I had a passionate kiss with the bottleneck. After the long swig I took, the wine was robbed from my hands and to my surprise I could see the women pass it on to one another. It was not everyday that you saw a highborn woman drink straight from a bottle, and I chuckled at the sight. My laugh ended abruptly when I felt something below. I turned my gaze down there, noticing that Lady Roslin had slipped a hand into my trousers to the other women's amusement. I pulled her hand out of there and with a teasingly voice said to Roslin: ''Apologies, my lady, but my cock has duties elsewhere.''
Despite that I lost my trousers once we reached the gates of the Holdfast. I spotted my master-at-arms Brienne of Tarth, standing by the portcullis, towering over the other women as usual. The look on her face was priceless once she noticed I wasn't wearing anything. Once we finally reached the chamber that had been prepared, Lady Alla already awaited in bed, hiding under the covers. Most women had stayed outside, and what few men still remained from Alla's escort were already dispersing from the room. The women let me down beside the bed, and I thanked them courteously for the ride and gestures at the door. Lady Roslin gave me a grin and closed the door after everyone else had left. We'd stopped our affair once my marriage with Alla had been decided, and she respected my request to remain quiet about the whole matter. I didn't mind the gazes she took or the grins she gave me, allowing her that much at least. I belong to someone else now and she knows it.
I turned around and joined Alla in the bed.
Part 18 - Heart's Desire
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Margaery was proven innocent by the Gods and I had no other option but to let her walk free. Ser Robert - revealed to have actually been Gregor Clegane - had died fighting against Lord Garlan Tyrell. I was not sure which disturbed me the most; that my silent giant had actually been killed or the fact that he wasn't alive in the first place. I did not remember the Mountain from the old days, yet I had heard stories about his past deeds and crimes. How was he allowed to become a Kingsguard?, I soon asked myself. When I confronted Lord Commander Jaime about the matter, he only said he wasn't at the capital when it happened and that Qyburn had been behind his appointment. The former Master of Whisperers had been imprisoned after sending letters about my origin, and according to Jaime he had died some three years later in the dungeons. Apparently Qyburn had done something to Gregor Clegane to keep him alive despite the poisoning by Oberyn Martell, and the fact that he hadn't died was kept a secret. How Qyburn had managed to do that, I'd most likely never get to know. I couldn't help but to think whether my mother was aware of who or what Ser Robert was when Jaime told me she had backed Qyburn's suggestion to make Ser Robert a Kingsguard.
Though Margaery got to keep her life, her time as the queen was over. I approached the High Septon, asking for his blessings for a divorce. I was friends with the man more or less, considering he'd both knighted and crowned me. The High Septon understood the situation and though the Seven had decided to spare Margaery's life in the trial, it was clear the realm would fare better with a new queen. Once it was decided, Margaery left the capital along with his father and brother, Garlan. Ser Loras was bound by the Kingsguard vows and had to remain in King's Landing despite everything that had gone down between me and his family. I tried to speak about the matter with him, yet the Knight of Flowers told me Kingsguard was his family now. I understood his reluctance to talk and took his word, not questioning his loyalty despite the recent events.
Grand Maester Medwick, a Tyrell as well, was dead. The word about it had reached Oldtown and now they replied, telling that the Conclave of the Citadel had gathered and selected a new Grand Maester from among their ranks. The man had aboarded a ship from Oldtown and would no doubt soon arrive to the capital. The Small Council was full of new members and I only hoped they would know what they were doing. I had acted without hesitation when I was sick, yet now I came to regret some of the decision I made back then. Mace Tyrell was an important ally and deserved to be treated better. Though I had destroyed the relations between the Iron Throne and House Tyrell, not all of Reach despised me for that. I could only hope Lord Mace couldn't gather all his lord behind him, knowing he would not be satisfied until I had paid for my insolence. He's a proud man from a house that wants to grow stronger still.
The new Grand Master arrived not long after and I invited him to my chambers to make acquaintance with him. Robert, the man's name was. Though traditionally maesters didn't go by their family names, I asked Robert where he was from and learned that he was a Frey from the Twins. His house had grown bold during the reign of Late Lord Walder who was infamous for having murdered Robb Stark and most of the Young Wolf's loyalists under his roof. Though the Red Wedding had ended a war to my favor, I couldn't help but to despise House Frey for its past actions. The singers had made a sad song about the demise of the Young Wolf and the dead Starks had gained sympathy even from those they initially rode south to fight against.
Robert was young, still in his twenties and it surprised me that a man of that age had been chosen to take the position which traditionally belonged to the most able of the maesters in Citadel. The first impression I got of him was not pleasant; the man lacked all the manners. At first I pondered if the Archmaesters were joking on me, but later I came to realize that Grand Maester Robert was actually talented at his work despite the flaws he had in social skills. Whatever had gone down in the Twins during War of the Five Kings had nothing to do with Robert who had been in Oldtown at the time and so my skeptic opinion about Robert slowly began to crumble. Besides, the man was a Maester now and bound to serve the realm.
I was young during the War of the Five Kings and only afterwards was old enough to understand the things that happened back then. The men beside me remembered, however, so I did my best to understand better the circumstances. After all diplomacy was a game of relations, and relations were highly affected by the past. Grand Maester Robert had been in Oldtown during the Red Wedding, but my courtier Roslin Frey had been there personally so I confronted her about the matter. Edmure Tully's wife and the mother of my ward was a true beauty despite the fact that she was already in her late twenties. She told me about what had happened at the Twins, saying she knew beforehand what was going to happen but was unable to make a difference. Once the bedding was announced, she'd started crying. The memory clearly disturbed her, and I did my best to soothe her. One thing led to another, and I soon found myself from a bed with her on top of me.
I acted without thinking that evening, a thing which I later came to regret. I was no longer married yet she was. Roslin was the mother of my ward, and if we had been caught, it could've meant an end to my plans for the boy's future and a huge blow to my reputation. But as mentioned, I didn't care at that moment and only followed my instincts. Though what we did was very inappropriate, the thought of it being wrong and risky only made the moment more enjoyable. For whole my life I'd done exactly as was required from me and never had had the chance to actually be a child and break the rules. Perhaps there was a bit of foolishness of youth in the air, as old people tend to say. Though at first I presumed it'd be only one exceptional evening, it later became a custom and I found myself from next to Roslin on other nights as well.
I had not forgotten the promise I made myself back in Harrenhal. Everything that happened had gotten me to forget the fact that I was actually a bastard and not related to King Robert Baratheon despite sharing his name. Now that things were cooling down, I had to make the decision. I have forgiven Jaime and accepted the truth. But is the world ready to hear it? Or does it even need to know it? Living in a lie wasn't something I aspired for, yet if I revealed the truth and abdicated the throne, what would happen? Stannis had taken the black and Lord Commander Jon Snow had bestowed the Eastwatch-by-the-Sea to him. The only other living Baratheon besides him was King Robert's bastard Edric Storm, who according to my spymaster Mathin currently resided in Lys.
The next night was long. After Roslin had fallen asleep, I laid awake and didn't get sleep. As the sun rose and let out it's first lights, I still hadn't slept. Stannis Baratheon had started a war over the throne only because it was his by right. I wanted to consider myself a just ruler, yet I was ruling over lands that were mine unjustly and bedding a woman that wasn't mine. I wasn't Stannis, though. His campaign had cost thousands of lives and even still it had been to no avail. If I did what was just, it'd send the realm back into chaos and more lives would be lost. No. The world doesn't need to know the truth. I had never expected to sit on the throne. I always imagined Joffrey would be the king, but fate proved otherwise.
Even if I am not a king or a prince, I'm still a grandson of Tywin Lannister and the rightful heir to the Westerlands. But that seat also was lost, granted away to Melwyn Lannister of Lannisport. I didn't feel regret for that decision, though. I was a bastard, so my claim was questionable anyhow. I am in my position unjustly, put here by others when I was too young to understand who I actually was or what kingship meant. But now that I am the king, I can make sure justice is served to everyone else. I had already taken the first step towards that by appointing Ryan Tully as my ward. The next step was across the Narrow Sea. I grabbed a quill and ink and found myself writing a letter to alleged half-brother. First the Riverlands, second the Stormlands.
Damon Arryn, the heir of Lord Paramount Harrold Arryn arrived to the capital on a ship from Gulltown, escorted by twoscore guards from the Vale. My other ward Ryan was a few years older than Damon, but the heir of Vale was already better at swordsplay. According to what I had heard, he'd inherited that from his father. The boy was cautious at first and it took me time to win him over. He was but a child, sent away from home to an unknown place where he didn't know anyone. I sympathised him and did my best to make him feel welcome. I also made sure he'd share a room with Ryan Tully, hoping they would grow close like brothers. What union would be formed between them now would last a lifetime, I knew.
Deciding who should take late Ser Robert's place in the Kingsguard was a difficult matter. There seemed to be no proper highborn men with needed skills for the position, so I ended up offering the white cloak to a lowborn man from the Shield Islands. Omer, a boy from Ashford had volunteered to march against the Ironborn invaders several years ago when Crow's Eye still ruled the Iron Islands. This Omer had gained glory in battle despite his young age and after the Ironborn were driven away, he'd stayed in Oakenshield. I did not know the man personally, but word about his virtues and talent in swordsplay were enough for me.
It wasn't the first time I had given a chance for a lowborn to rise high. Lord Morgan Rundell of Chyttering Brook had initially been a lowborn as well, but I had given him a lordship due to his talents in diplomacy. Now that Margaery Tyrell had left the capital, the seat of Master of Laws was empty. I decided to send a word to Chyttering Brook and soon Lord Morgan joined the council as a replacement.
With Margaery put aside, I was in need of a new wife. Though my affair with Lady Roslin had carried on for quite a while, I didn't love her and had known all the time that at one point I'd have to stop our game of pleasure. There were not many notable ladies-in-waiting in the capital, so I had to turn to my councillors for advice on the matter. Margaery had been a great match, and it seemed I could not broker as great marriage; Lord Harrold's, Lord Roose's and Lord Melwyn's daughters were far too young for me. Lady Lyssa Baelish would've been an ideal match, yet I already had plans for her and the Riverlands. If possible, I would marry her to my ward Ryan and restore House Tully to its rightful seat as the Lords of the Riverlands. Arianne Martell was older than I was with six children already, some of them rumoured to be baseborn. Even if they would've been of age, I doubt she would've let me marry one of them, knowing the hate the Martells had for me and my family.
I did not even consider House Tyrell, assuming it was out of question after our fall out. When my councillors suggested trying to repair the relations between the Reach and the Crown with another marriage, I couldn't help but to chuckle at the thought. Lord Mace had gotten another daughter, Arysa, with his wife, though her origin was in question due to Lady Joy Hill's affair with Lucas Tyrell. Still, the girl was but one year old whereas I had seen eighteen namedays. However my spymaster Mathin pointed out that Alla Tyrell, a distant relative of Mace Tyrell had lost her husband and had not remarried yet.
At first I wasn't sure where I'd heard that name before, but then I realized we'd met years ago. She'd been but a shy young girl, a lady-in-waiting and Margaery's escort to the capital. Not long after my wedding to Margaery, she'd returned to the Reach to marry some son of a lord. I didn't remember anything else so Mathin filled in the rest of the details. Her husband had been Ser Josua Willum, the heir of Smallwood, a small county north-west of Highgarden. She had a four years old son Dickon and a two years old daughter Leonette, after whose birth Josua had soon fallen sick and died untimely at the age of 27. Mathin assured me Alla had grown into a true beauty and was still young enough to bear more children. So she's pretty and fertile.
I decided to send a message to Highgarden, asking Lord Mace if our families could be reunited with marriage. Alla wasn't a close relative of his, yet she still had the same family name. The rest of Westeros will not care even though she's Lord Mace's second cousin's granddaughter as long as I have a Tyrell beside me. The marriage wouldn't fix my relations with Lord Mace and I did not expect to get him on my side after everything that had happened, but it didn't stop me from trying. I was positively surprised when Lord Mace replied that he accepted the proposal.
The next few weeks passed as the Red Keep was prepared for the royal wedding. Lords from all around Westeros were invited to pay witness to the event which was going to be as lavish as my brother once had. My first wedding had been only modest and even then it had taken years before my marriage with Margaery had been consummated. I was a child back then, yet the time had molded a man out of me. That, and Ser Balon. I had led men victoriously into war, yet winning all battles didn't end the war to one's favor. Robb Stark had proven that right and I meant to learn from his mistakes. Marrying Alla was not a solution to all my problems, yet it was the best option I had in taking a step towards a more solid kingdom.
When she finally arrived, escorted by Lord Mace Tyrell and his retinue, I was taken aback. The shy maiden I remembered from my childhood had grown into a woman who was a delight to any man's eyes. I welcomed them both warmly, but though Lord Mace acted courteously, there was coldness in his eyes every time he looked at me. He despises me for what I did, yet knows what holding grudges openly will do no good to anyone. He had not brought Margaery with him, but when I asked from her father how she was, he shortly replied ''She's well.''
Other guests arrived as well. Lord Melwyn Lannister and my ward Damon's father Harrold Arryn were among the many nobles that came to the capital. The reunion between the Arryns was a touching thing to see. When the boy asked where his mother was, Harrold told him she'd stayed in the Vale to look after Damon's other siblings. I didn't blame her, knowing she had bad memories from the capital. There were numerous people alive back from the old days when she was but a traitor's child and a hostage. Yet what was past was past and I would've wanted to say it to Lady Sansa by myself. She has no reason to fear me as long as the Vale doesn't march again into a war to press her claim.
Once the day was upon us, guests gathered in the throne room for the wedding. I awaited by the steps of the Iron Throne, dressed in clothes of fine black silk with golden ornaments while Ser Leo Tyrell walked his daughter down the aisle. Lady Alla wore a blue gown which afterwards was the subject of several comments and compliments. She had been beautiful when we met upon her arrival, but now, dressed in her best and all eyes of the room upon her and a shy look on her face, she was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. I could feel my heart beat once she finally stopped beside me. The High Septon began his speech, yet I could only look into the eyes of the woman in front of me and forget everything else for a moment. We exchanged our vows and I draped a black cloak with a golden stag on her shoulders, bringing her officially into my protection and into my house. My eyes turned to Lord Commander Jaime for a short moment which felt like eternity.
The whole Red Keep seemed to have come to life. The throne room could only hold a few hundred people, yet the highborn guests had brought other people with them. Servants, guardsmen, family members.. The wedding feast didn't take place only in the throne room, but fires burned all around the Red Keep and wine flowed all day long. I wasn't there to see it, yet that was how it was planned. I sat beside Lady Alla most of the feast, exchanging words with her in attempt to get to know to her better. She was a quiet person who only spoke when she had something to say and even then shied about how I reacted. She's the opposite of ever-flattering and quick-witted Lady Margaery, I came to realise. It created an aura of mysteriousness around her whilst her beauty captivated me. I did my best to make her feel comfortable and welcome to the capital, acknowledging this was the woman I had to live with possibly for the rest of my days.
Once the feast had been going on for some time, I offered to take my wife to dance. She looked at me for a moment in silence, unsure if she wanted to, but finally my smile melted her uncertainity and she took my hand. Together we had the first dance and soon others joined in. After three dances, Ser Loras came to request if he could be given the honor of having the next dance with my wife. I agreed and thought it was a good idea that Ser Loras got a moment with her, considering he was a kin of her and would be staying in the capital as well. I moved away from them and asked Lord Melwyn Lannister if I could borrow her wife for the next dance. Alysanne Lefford, Lady of the Golden Tooth was close to fourties and almost ten years older than Lord Melwyn - and pregnant besides. Still, we shared a dance and chatted for a while. I took other highborn women to dance as well and though forming relationships with distant nobles what I had in my mind, I nevertheless had a good time and I think everyone else enjoyed the feast as well.
Once the celebration had been going on for a while and the guests were more or less in their cups, Lord Arryn - who was more drunk than most - began to shout for a bedding. Other guests took up the cries and banged their cups against the tables, and I let them shout for a moment and just grinned at the sight. Then, finally I emptied my cup and hit it on the table in front of me and the people took it as a sign of approval, making noise twice as loud as before. Some guests got up to their feet and made their way to my and Lady Alla's table. I turned to the woman sitting beside me and jokingly wished her good luck. She chuckled and then the guests grabbed us both.
As the tradition was, women took care of the husband and men took care of the wife. I was slightly drunk, but sober enough to worry if Lord Harrold would remember not to get too friendly. The Lord of Vale was known to drink and fuck around a lot, and Lady Sansa was not here to look after him. The man was already in a bad shape, and I tried to spy the men carrying her to no avail. The crowd around me was too numerous, and the women seized the moment now that they had a king to strip naked. They made jokes and I tried to reply to them as any young man would after having taken a few cups of wine. I recognised the faces of Tyene Sand(wife of my Master of Coin lord Ormund of Farring Cross), Lylos Slynt(Jonos Slynt's unwed daughter), Lady Jocelyn(Ronald Bolling's wife), Lady Amerei Frey(Lord Lancel Lannister's widow) and Lady Jonquil Chyttering among the skirtfolk who were escorting me. Of course without forgetting Lady Roslin, who winked at me with a smug grin on her face when our eyes met.
The women carried me out of the throne room and I could hear cheering all around me. The drunken revellers of low birth had gathered outside and roared at the sight. Thankfully the women hadn't been all too quick, and I still had my trousers on although my shirt had been torn off somewhere along the way. For now I'd been carried by highborn women, but now the number of my escort tripled as the common girls joined the fun. Someone offered me wine, and I had a passionate kiss with the bottleneck. After the long swig I took, the wine was robbed from my hands and to my surprise I could see the women pass it on to one another. It was not everyday that you saw a highborn woman drink straight from a bottle, and I chuckled at the sight. My laugh ended abruptly when I felt something below. I turned my gaze down there, noticing that Lady Roslin had slipped a hand into my trousers to the other women's amusement. I pulled her hand out of there and with a teasingly voice said to Roslin: ''Apologies, my lady, but my cock has duties elsewhere.''
Despite that I lost my trousers once we reached the gates of the Holdfast. I spotted my master-at-arms Brienne of Tarth, standing by the portcullis, towering over the other women as usual. The look on her face was priceless once she noticed I wasn't wearing anything. Once we finally reached the chamber that had been prepared, Lady Alla already awaited in bed, hiding under the covers. Most women had stayed outside, and what few men still remained from Alla's escort were already dispersing from the room. The women let me down beside the bed, and I thanked them courteously for the ride and gestures at the door. Lady Roslin gave me a grin and closed the door after everyone else had left. We'd stopped our affair once my marriage with Alla had been decided, and she respected my request to remain quiet about the whole matter. I didn't mind the gazes she took or the grins she gave me, allowing her that much at least. I belong to someone else now and she knows it.
I turned around and joined Alla in the bed.
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Now that was some party, got to love those beddings.
So it seems Edric Storm may have a bright future on the horizono
Now the only question is what crisis will beset the realm next?
So it seems Edric Storm may have a bright future on the horizon
oNow the only question is what crisis will beset the realm next?
The second chapter will come to an end in two releases so expect some cool things to happen before that. I have material ready for a couple new posts, and so far there's happened quite a lot of amazing stuff. I won't spoil you with any details, but I've updated the names of the upcoming releases to the original post. (Hint hint!)
e: The first page had a major update. Hope you like it!
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The Little Cub
Part 19 - A White Shadow
--
When I woke up the morning after the wedding and the bedding, Alla was there beside me. I couldn't help but to smile at the sight of her quietly sleeping, her hair all messed up from last night's tumbling. I usually behaved as a man of my stature should and didn't drink, but last night's feast had been an exception. A slight hangover was the price I had to pay for my sins, yet overall it felt worth it. Thinking back at the old days when we'd first met, myself a boy of eight namedays and her a two years older shy little girl, left me with a strange feeling. Although we both were still young, we'd lost the innocence we had back then. She proved that last night. Margaery had been a woman when I was still a boy, and though I admired her when I was younger, I never felt there was actual connection between us. When we were together, no matter how much she smiled, laying with her had felt like duty.
Being with Roslin had taught me that it can also be different. She had not been the right person for that, though. As I laid there next to my newly wed wife, I began to wonder if she might be. I moved my hand across her neck to her cheek and noticed her twitch a bit. When my hand reached her curly auburn hair, she woke up and blinked. Once Alla turned to me and remembered where she was, a smile spread on her lips and she closed her eyes for a moment. Her perfection left me wordless. Once she opened her eyes again and looked at me, all I could do was to stare back at her. She's mine and I am hers.. until the death will set us apart. Margaery had taught me what it meant to be a man, Roslin had helped me understand the pleasures that came with it yet Alla showed me how meaningless it all was. She was pure, and with only her presence she made me feel ashamed about the things I had done with Roslin. One doesn't become happy from women or wine. They're but distractions, a way to forget oneself only for a moment.
For the next few days I showed her around when I wasn't busy with other matters. She'd been in the Red Keep before, but it had been years, whereas I had spent almost my whole life inside those walls and knew more than a few things about the place. I did what I could to make her feel welcome to the capital, but was careful not to approach her too much. She was a quiet person, yet knew her position well enough to not let anyone toss her around. I enjoyed the time I spent with her and I think the feeling was mutual. As the days went by, I suddenly realised how attached I had grown of her. I wasn't sure if it was the love bards often sing about for I had never before had a true romance with anyone, but my feelings didn't fade away and she made me happier than in a long time.
Though Margaery was gone, our daughter Anora remained in the capital. Alla and Margaery were distant relatives and had known each other from all the way from childhood, being friends despite what had happened between me and her. She told me Margaery had married Gilbert Blount, the heir of Greensward - a county just south of King's Landing. Lord Mace had married her in silence to a lesser noble, and there in Woodsward she'd given birth to a bastard. The baby however hadn't survived, but according to Alla she'd found happiness from her new husband with whom she was now in love with.
I was thankful to Alla for her honesty. My relation with Margaery was complicated, but nevertheless I wished for her to be happy and healthy. I'd found my own happiness from beside Alla, who in time learned to love my child, though she never treated Anora like her own. Still, my daughter of four years of age was a relative of hers and Alla cared for her much, even though she didn't want to take Margaery's rightful place as her mother. Her own two children remained in the Reach at the holding of their father's family. Alla told me about them and I saw how she deeply she missed them. Soon she got other things to think of as the Gods blessed us with a child. My wife Alla was pregnant... But so was Lady Roslin.
The Queen was with a child and the court rejoiced. I had not been blessed with a boy and the kingdom was in need of an heir, so the waiting was as intense as when Margaery had been pregnant for the first time. I couldn't erase the thought of Roslin also being pregnant from my mind, and a certain suspect took control of my thoughts. When I asked Lady Roslin if the child she bore inside of her was mine, she only replied that I need not worry about it. She refused to say anything more about the matter to my despair, and I was left with a feeling of uncertainity shadowing the happy marriage I was in.
At the age of five-and-fourty, Lord Commander Jaime Lannister passed from this world to the afterlife. Though he'd been fighting throughout his life, he was granted a quiet death in his bed. One evening he went to sleep and the next morning he never woke up. I had already once lost a father, but only afterwards I'd learned the truth. Once the news reached me aboutJaime's fate, I quickly walked to the White Sword Tower and found that his body had not yet been moved. Most of the Kingsguards had gathered in his room, but I ordered it to be cleared and myself being left alone. As I stood beside his pale body, I could only hope he'd found the peace he didn't have in life after my mother's passing.
King Robert had never been much of a father to me. Jaime couldn't take his place, but he did more to me than anyone else. And not only because he was a kingsguard, but as it was the best way to look after me. He didn't raise me by himself as it would draw too much attention, letting his comrade Ser Balon do that instead. And though he could never publicly acted like a father would, he was always there for me. Though Ser Jaime had stained his white cloak in the blood of his king, he'd paid the price for his actions. I whispered a quiet prayer in his memory and for the salvation of his soul, then leaving the room.
I ordered his remains to be returned to Casterly Rock where he would rest beside his sister. My father and my mother, unified by birth and reunited by death. There was no question who'd succeed Ser Jaime as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. My guardian and the most able of the Kingsguards, Ser Balon Swann was appointed as the new Lord Commander. Ser Loras would've been an excellent choice as well, but I deemed it wise not to grant too much power to the Tyrells. Ser Balon's loyalty couldn't be questioned, and I shared a strong bond with the man. He was my mentor after all.
With Ser Jaime dead, another addition was needed to the Kingsguard. I decided to ask if Ser Godry Farring wanted to take the white cloak, and he accepted the offer. Ser Godry had ridden to war on Stannis' side, and in battle against the Wildlings he'd earned the nickname Giantslayer. That title had faded away in time, as people down here south doubted if such creatures even existed, yet there was no question about the man's abilities to me. Though Ser Godry had decided to keep Stannis' firegod as his own, after his liege's fall he'd sworn loyalty to me and fought on my side against the rebellions against the Targaryen pretender's claim on the Iron Throne. Ser Godry had been the one to slay Aegon of Essos too, I remembered, putting an end to the uprisings.
Lord Commander Jaime's death was not only thing that darkened the mood. News from the North told us that Lord Roose Bolton had been murdered. His retinue had been ambushed on the road from Winterfell to Dreadfort, and all his men had been killed. It was said that Lord Roose had died to a stab in the heart, and that some animal had feasted upon the corpses before they had been found. Wolves, most likely. The murderers were tracked with dogs, yet the hounds were unusually reluctant to follow the trail. In the end nothing or none had been found, and Lord Roose's murder and culprits behind it remained a mystery.
After Lord Roose's demise, his three years old son Benjen became the Lord Paramount of the North. He had a ten years old sister Harra, six years old sister Eddara and a little brother Jorah - a baby still at breast. The Boltons are all but children, alone and without allies. The North followed Roose because he was cold and ruthless, yet his way of actions hadn't provide him with any friends. It was only a matter of time when the people would rise up against Lord Benjen.
After the death of my father I wanted to spend time outside the capital. As a man and a king I wasn't one to weep, but I mourned his passing in my own way. Time spent on the road helped me to think and clear my thoughts. With both my wards as my squires, I travelled around the countryside, partaking in small tourneys and enjoying of feasts that were held in my honor. The winter was coming and I did my best to enjoy the last warm days this summer had to offer, unsure when I'd get to do so again. Last winter had been five years long, and the summer that now was ending had lasted six years. This time there wasn't a civil war going on, though, so I hoped the smallfolk wouldn't die like flies as last winter.
Lord Buckler's tourney was the last one I meant to take part in before returning back to the capital. The contests had been going on for a while when suddenly the local septon came shouting, saying how an expensive statue of the Smith had been stolen from the sept. When asked who could've done such a thing, the septon said to have seen a shady man in black clothes and brown hat earlier sneaking around. I saddled up my horse and did my best to find the thief, yet despite all the hours spent riding through forests I saw no trace of the man. When I returned empty-handed, the Septon apologised and said he'd but forgot it was only being cleaned. I felt exhausted and angry for having ridden around for nothing, but patiently remained calm and took a night's rest before the competitions continued the next day. I was placed second in the tourney, losing to a hedge knight called Ser Monford.
After Lord Buckler's tourney I returned to the capital. I wanted to be present when Alla would give birth to a child, knowing it would not take long anymore. Life in King's Landing was quiet and people were preparing for the upcoming winter. The air had grown colder and leaves were falling from the trees. Life went on as usual until a strange figure appeared in my court. Pyat, a Warlock from Qarth requested if he could be accomodated in the Red Keep. I had heard stories of what was across the Narrow Sea but I had not personally been there. I knew there to be countless religions, and though I wasn't exceptionally religious, I decided to stay far away from this mystic, knowing that the Seven were my Gods. Stannis had adopted the eastern firegod, yet even so he'd lost the war. King Aerys the Mad had supported the pyromancers, who were a mysterious group known for using magic to create wildfire. Despite that he'd died just like most of his family. So I decided not to put too much hope in this new man at my court, knowing that a few magic tricks couldn't change the course of my kingdom to any better.
Though my wife's due date wasn't yet, she gave birth to a child. A girl. She was small and weak, and Grand Maester Robert doubted that she'd survive for long. I stayed by Alla's side and despite the bad omen we were given, together we decided to name her. Princess Arende Baratheon had been born. Lady Roslin also delivered a child to this world, a girl named Helya. For now I'd been fearing that it was actually mine, but upon it's birth she announced that the child was not mine nor Lord Edmure's. My master-at-arms Brienne had become the lady of Tarth after her father's passing, and though she had taken a vow of celibacy, she still was married even if it was only a formal arrangement. Her spouse, Ser Lucas, seemingly wasn't satisfied with that, and had seeked solace from Lady Roslin's arms. The man acknowledged the child as his to Lord Edmure's dismay. I was relieved that I wouldn't have to explain to Alla why there was a bastard of mine running around, but at the same time felt pity for Lord Edmure.
Unlike I had expected, Lord Benjen Bolton wasn't overthrown by the other Northerner lords. Instead he - or to be specific his regent, Lord Donnel Draupaud of Arrendell - had called the banners and marched to war. The Twins had passed to Walda Frey, daughter of Edwyn Frey, the great-grandson of Late Lord Walder. Interestingly enough, Lord Benjen's war was to instate another Walda Frey as the Lady of the Crossing - his own mother. I knew that a common cause unites people, so Lord Donnel had done a wise move when marching to war instead of waiting for others to stand up against his liege. Not that I will tolerate this War of Two Walda's. Letters were sent to the North, telling that Lord Benjen's men were to return back to the North immediately.
Lord Donnel replied, stating that I had no right to command such. So I proceeded to do the same as when Lord Robert Arryn had defied my orders; declaring Lord Benjen a traitor and sending men to arrest him. Everything didn't go as planned, though; the envoy I sent was disarmed and imprisoned. I didn't feel like marching to war, knowing that the cold winds were rising and the North would suffer most of it. The conditions in there would be far worse than down in the capital, and many men would die simply because of the cold. Yet I had no choice. The winter is coming.. for the Boltons.
Part 19 - A White Shadow
--
When I woke up the morning after the wedding and the bedding, Alla was there beside me. I couldn't help but to smile at the sight of her quietly sleeping, her hair all messed up from last night's tumbling. I usually behaved as a man of my stature should and didn't drink, but last night's feast had been an exception. A slight hangover was the price I had to pay for my sins, yet overall it felt worth it. Thinking back at the old days when we'd first met, myself a boy of eight namedays and her a two years older shy little girl, left me with a strange feeling. Although we both were still young, we'd lost the innocence we had back then. She proved that last night. Margaery had been a woman when I was still a boy, and though I admired her when I was younger, I never felt there was actual connection between us. When we were together, no matter how much she smiled, laying with her had felt like duty.
Being with Roslin had taught me that it can also be different. She had not been the right person for that, though. As I laid there next to my newly wed wife, I began to wonder if she might be. I moved my hand across her neck to her cheek and noticed her twitch a bit. When my hand reached her curly auburn hair, she woke up and blinked. Once Alla turned to me and remembered where she was, a smile spread on her lips and she closed her eyes for a moment. Her perfection left me wordless. Once she opened her eyes again and looked at me, all I could do was to stare back at her. She's mine and I am hers.. until the death will set us apart. Margaery had taught me what it meant to be a man, Roslin had helped me understand the pleasures that came with it yet Alla showed me how meaningless it all was. She was pure, and with only her presence she made me feel ashamed about the things I had done with Roslin. One doesn't become happy from women or wine. They're but distractions, a way to forget oneself only for a moment.
For the next few days I showed her around when I wasn't busy with other matters. She'd been in the Red Keep before, but it had been years, whereas I had spent almost my whole life inside those walls and knew more than a few things about the place. I did what I could to make her feel welcome to the capital, but was careful not to approach her too much. She was a quiet person, yet knew her position well enough to not let anyone toss her around. I enjoyed the time I spent with her and I think the feeling was mutual. As the days went by, I suddenly realised how attached I had grown of her. I wasn't sure if it was the love bards often sing about for I had never before had a true romance with anyone, but my feelings didn't fade away and she made me happier than in a long time.
Though Margaery was gone, our daughter Anora remained in the capital. Alla and Margaery were distant relatives and had known each other from all the way from childhood, being friends despite what had happened between me and her. She told me Margaery had married Gilbert Blount, the heir of Greensward - a county just south of King's Landing. Lord Mace had married her in silence to a lesser noble, and there in Woodsward she'd given birth to a bastard. The baby however hadn't survived, but according to Alla she'd found happiness from her new husband with whom she was now in love with.
I was thankful to Alla for her honesty. My relation with Margaery was complicated, but nevertheless I wished for her to be happy and healthy. I'd found my own happiness from beside Alla, who in time learned to love my child, though she never treated Anora like her own. Still, my daughter of four years of age was a relative of hers and Alla cared for her much, even though she didn't want to take Margaery's rightful place as her mother. Her own two children remained in the Reach at the holding of their father's family. Alla told me about them and I saw how she deeply she missed them. Soon she got other things to think of as the Gods blessed us with a child. My wife Alla was pregnant... But so was Lady Roslin.
The Queen was with a child and the court rejoiced. I had not been blessed with a boy and the kingdom was in need of an heir, so the waiting was as intense as when Margaery had been pregnant for the first time. I couldn't erase the thought of Roslin also being pregnant from my mind, and a certain suspect took control of my thoughts. When I asked Lady Roslin if the child she bore inside of her was mine, she only replied that I need not worry about it. She refused to say anything more about the matter to my despair, and I was left with a feeling of uncertainity shadowing the happy marriage I was in.
At the age of five-and-fourty, Lord Commander Jaime Lannister passed from this world to the afterlife. Though he'd been fighting throughout his life, he was granted a quiet death in his bed. One evening he went to sleep and the next morning he never woke up. I had already once lost a father, but only afterwards I'd learned the truth. Once the news reached me aboutJaime's fate, I quickly walked to the White Sword Tower and found that his body had not yet been moved. Most of the Kingsguards had gathered in his room, but I ordered it to be cleared and myself being left alone. As I stood beside his pale body, I could only hope he'd found the peace he didn't have in life after my mother's passing.
King Robert had never been much of a father to me. Jaime couldn't take his place, but he did more to me than anyone else. And not only because he was a kingsguard, but as it was the best way to look after me. He didn't raise me by himself as it would draw too much attention, letting his comrade Ser Balon do that instead. And though he could never publicly acted like a father would, he was always there for me. Though Ser Jaime had stained his white cloak in the blood of his king, he'd paid the price for his actions. I whispered a quiet prayer in his memory and for the salvation of his soul, then leaving the room.
I ordered his remains to be returned to Casterly Rock where he would rest beside his sister. My father and my mother, unified by birth and reunited by death. There was no question who'd succeed Ser Jaime as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. My guardian and the most able of the Kingsguards, Ser Balon Swann was appointed as the new Lord Commander. Ser Loras would've been an excellent choice as well, but I deemed it wise not to grant too much power to the Tyrells. Ser Balon's loyalty couldn't be questioned, and I shared a strong bond with the man. He was my mentor after all.
With Ser Jaime dead, another addition was needed to the Kingsguard. I decided to ask if Ser Godry Farring wanted to take the white cloak, and he accepted the offer. Ser Godry had ridden to war on Stannis' side, and in battle against the Wildlings he'd earned the nickname Giantslayer. That title had faded away in time, as people down here south doubted if such creatures even existed, yet there was no question about the man's abilities to me. Though Ser Godry had decided to keep Stannis' firegod as his own, after his liege's fall he'd sworn loyalty to me and fought on my side against the rebellions against the Targaryen pretender's claim on the Iron Throne. Ser Godry had been the one to slay Aegon of Essos too, I remembered, putting an end to the uprisings.
Lord Commander Jaime's death was not only thing that darkened the mood. News from the North told us that Lord Roose Bolton had been murdered. His retinue had been ambushed on the road from Winterfell to Dreadfort, and all his men had been killed. It was said that Lord Roose had died to a stab in the heart, and that some animal had feasted upon the corpses before they had been found. Wolves, most likely. The murderers were tracked with dogs, yet the hounds were unusually reluctant to follow the trail. In the end nothing or none had been found, and Lord Roose's murder and culprits behind it remained a mystery.
After Lord Roose's demise, his three years old son Benjen became the Lord Paramount of the North. He had a ten years old sister Harra, six years old sister Eddara and a little brother Jorah - a baby still at breast. The Boltons are all but children, alone and without allies. The North followed Roose because he was cold and ruthless, yet his way of actions hadn't provide him with any friends. It was only a matter of time when the people would rise up against Lord Benjen.
After the death of my father I wanted to spend time outside the capital. As a man and a king I wasn't one to weep, but I mourned his passing in my own way. Time spent on the road helped me to think and clear my thoughts. With both my wards as my squires, I travelled around the countryside, partaking in small tourneys and enjoying of feasts that were held in my honor. The winter was coming and I did my best to enjoy the last warm days this summer had to offer, unsure when I'd get to do so again. Last winter had been five years long, and the summer that now was ending had lasted six years. This time there wasn't a civil war going on, though, so I hoped the smallfolk wouldn't die like flies as last winter.
Lord Buckler's tourney was the last one I meant to take part in before returning back to the capital. The contests had been going on for a while when suddenly the local septon came shouting, saying how an expensive statue of the Smith had been stolen from the sept. When asked who could've done such a thing, the septon said to have seen a shady man in black clothes and brown hat earlier sneaking around. I saddled up my horse and did my best to find the thief, yet despite all the hours spent riding through forests I saw no trace of the man. When I returned empty-handed, the Septon apologised and said he'd but forgot it was only being cleaned. I felt exhausted and angry for having ridden around for nothing, but patiently remained calm and took a night's rest before the competitions continued the next day. I was placed second in the tourney, losing to a hedge knight called Ser Monford.
After Lord Buckler's tourney I returned to the capital. I wanted to be present when Alla would give birth to a child, knowing it would not take long anymore. Life in King's Landing was quiet and people were preparing for the upcoming winter. The air had grown colder and leaves were falling from the trees. Life went on as usual until a strange figure appeared in my court. Pyat, a Warlock from Qarth requested if he could be accomodated in the Red Keep. I had heard stories of what was across the Narrow Sea but I had not personally been there. I knew there to be countless religions, and though I wasn't exceptionally religious, I decided to stay far away from this mystic, knowing that the Seven were my Gods. Stannis had adopted the eastern firegod, yet even so he'd lost the war. King Aerys the Mad had supported the pyromancers, who were a mysterious group known for using magic to create wildfire. Despite that he'd died just like most of his family. So I decided not to put too much hope in this new man at my court, knowing that a few magic tricks couldn't change the course of my kingdom to any better.
Though my wife's due date wasn't yet, she gave birth to a child. A girl. She was small and weak, and Grand Maester Robert doubted that she'd survive for long. I stayed by Alla's side and despite the bad omen we were given, together we decided to name her. Princess Arende Baratheon had been born. Lady Roslin also delivered a child to this world, a girl named Helya. For now I'd been fearing that it was actually mine, but upon it's birth she announced that the child was not mine nor Lord Edmure's. My master-at-arms Brienne had become the lady of Tarth after her father's passing, and though she had taken a vow of celibacy, she still was married even if it was only a formal arrangement. Her spouse, Ser Lucas, seemingly wasn't satisfied with that, and had seeked solace from Lady Roslin's arms. The man acknowledged the child as his to Lord Edmure's dismay. I was relieved that I wouldn't have to explain to Alla why there was a bastard of mine running around, but at the same time felt pity for Lord Edmure.
Unlike I had expected, Lord Benjen Bolton wasn't overthrown by the other Northerner lords. Instead he - or to be specific his regent, Lord Donnel Draupaud of Arrendell - had called the banners and marched to war. The Twins had passed to Walda Frey, daughter of Edwyn Frey, the great-grandson of Late Lord Walder. Interestingly enough, Lord Benjen's war was to instate another Walda Frey as the Lady of the Crossing - his own mother. I knew that a common cause unites people, so Lord Donnel had done a wise move when marching to war instead of waiting for others to stand up against his liege. Not that I will tolerate this War of Two Walda's. Letters were sent to the North, telling that Lord Benjen's men were to return back to the North immediately.
Lord Donnel replied, stating that I had no right to command such. So I proceeded to do the same as when Lord Robert Arryn had defied my orders; declaring Lord Benjen a traitor and sending men to arrest him. Everything didn't go as planned, though; the envoy I sent was disarmed and imprisoned. I didn't feel like marching to war, knowing that the cold winds were rising and the North would suffer most of it. The conditions in there would be far worse than down in the capital, and many men would die simply because of the cold. Yet I had no choice. The winter is coming.. for the Boltons.
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You know I always thought Dany spent too much time in Warth.:happy:
Looks like the Boltons days of ruling the North might be over... good.
Looks like the Boltons days of ruling the North might be over... good.