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Chapter Text

- Far North - 

More than a thousand years ago, one of the Old Gods sealed their fate by merging themselves with the body of a Child of the Forest. After depleting the magical essence in the Child of the Forest, the Old God, who would later be known as the Three Eyed Raven, left the then lifeless husk of their first host and wandered the world as a spirit, unable to return to their home, the Endless Void, with their remaining siblings and only living parent, until their spirit chose a new host to merge into. 

The first human that the Three Eyed Raven's spirit had merged with is that of a young woman from the far eastern side of the world with shining silver blonde hair and vibrant purple eyes. Daenys Targeryan became the first ever human host of the forgotten Old God. 

Due to her prediction of the “Doom of Valyria”, Daenys became known as the Daenys the Dreamer. Others believed her to be gifted with foresight, but only Daenys (The Three Eyed Raven) knows that it was due to her connection to Death that she had a glimpse of his oncoming outburst. And it was due to this that the Targeryans survived the fall of Old Valyria while the rest was reduced to ashes. 

When the Three Eyed Raven had once again depleted the magical essence in their host, this one lasting far shorter than their first one, they left the decaying husk of Daenys Targeryan and wandered the world, looking for a new host to merge with. After centuries of searching, they finally found a man from the North. Cregan Stark, the current Lord of Winterfell during the first Dance of Dragons became the third host of the Three Eyed Raven. 

Despite having even less magical essence than their second host, the Three Eyed Raven was able to make great progress in their plans as Cregan Stark of Winterfell. Not only were they able to ensure the survival of the magical bloodlines, they were also able to implant the thought of the first step in their plan. 

The plan to create a union of Ice and Fire. 

It was only after several centuries of aimlessly wandering the world did the Three Eyed Raven notice that there were only two bloodlines in the world that had ounces of natural magical essence in their veins, essence that their human bodies had unknowingly absorbed, despite its miniscule amount, from the residue of the Divine Being's powers spread throughout the world. 

These magical bloodlines belonged to two of the Great Houses of Westeros, House Targeryan and House Stark, and maybe House Baratheon although their blood is too diluted to even be considered. And it was from the union of these bloodlines that the Three Eyed Raven knew would come the savior of humanity which will in turn earn their retribution from the remaining Great Creator of the World, Death, who also happens to be their only existing parent. 

Due to their third host’s smaller magical essence, the Three Eyed Raven was surprised when Cregan Stark’s life lasted more than twice that of Daenys Targeryan's did. In fact, Cregan lived for more than a century, earning him the title “Old Man of the North”, in which the Three Eyed Raven used the time to enhance their plans to make their fourth host’s life run far smoother. 

When Cregan Stark’s life finally came to an end, the Three Eyed Raven once again left the decaying husk of their host to wander the world in search for another. After years of keenly scouring the world, they finally found the perfect host that they were sure would bring their plans into fulfillment. 

Brynden Rivers, the bastard son of a Targeryan King, became the perfect host for the Three Eyed Raven. Not only did he have an astounding amount of magical essence, one that could rival a Child of the Forest, but was in a political position in which the Three Eyed Raven could move about with his plans, freely and without much repurcussions. 

After living a long and fulfilling life, Brynden Rivers ( The Three Eyed Raven) journeyed to the Far North and attached himself to one of the oldest and most magical Weirwood Tree to preserve his life and enhance his power so that he can influence the events of history in the direction that would most benefit the Three Eyed Raven and their plans. 

Unknown to anyone but the Divine Gods of the world, it was Brynden that influenced the birth of the Promised Prince; he had sent  visions after visions to the Dragon Prince, Rhaegar Targeryan. Visions that made said Dragon Prince forgo his sense of reason just to fulfill the Prophecy that has filled his head for years. The Prophecy of the birth of a child whose song is that of Fire and Ice. 

Since the day Brynden (The Three Eyed Raven)  fused himself with the Weirwood Tree in the Far North, he would receive glimpses of visions that their sibling, the Old Gods, would see. A year before the birth of the Promised Prince, he was pleased to see his plans coming into fruition without much problem. But a decade later, he saw something that shouldn't have happened for another decade. The Night King had awakened from his deep slumber a decade earlier than the Three Eyed Raven and the Divine Beings of the world all had anticipated. 

The Three Eyed Raven didn't know how this anomaly came to be, and it was definitely baffling their mind. But in their mind, it was to the utmost important that they find the source of this anomaly, and eliminate it sooner rather than later. 

With a new, and rather urgent, mission in mind, the Three Eyed Raven got to work and scourged the world through the eyes of many creatures he could manage to influence. 

( 21st Day of the 12th Month of 291 A.C.) 

( Afternoon )

- Red Keep -

Gathered around the Courtyard of the Red Keep is the Royal Family. The young Prince Joffrey can be seen clinging to his older brother's waist with tears falling freely from his eyes. A tear or two can also be seen in  Queen Cersei's eyes while despite having no tears King Robert's eyes were filled with sorrow at his son's departure while he dearly held Princess Myrcella into his arms. 

The Kingsguards and several members of the Small Council kept their distance as they watched the Royal Family bid the Crown Prince farewell in silence. 

Ser Jaime Lannister gets lost in his thoughts as his eyes are trained on the scene unfolding before him. Even though Lyonel has been avoiding Jaime like the plague since his return from the Kingswood, it was still hard for Jaime to see Lyonel leave.

Jaime had been wrecked with guilt at what his actions had reduced his nephew to. He had simply wanted to love his sister as he had always done, yet by doing so he had hurt the person he promised to himself he would protect from all harm. 

" Don't go, Lyon! Please don't go!! " Jaime watches as Joffrey begs Lyonel to stay. A small smile graces his dashing face when he sees Lyonel kneel to whisper something in Joffrey's ear, before handing the boy his brown spotted dog, Spot. Jaime didn't know what Lyonel said, but whatever it was it made Joffrey's frown turn into a large grin. 

Seeing his sister sending him a glare, Jaime chooses to divert his attention from the Royal Family. Cersei had made it explicitly clear that she blames him for her son's mistrust of them and the boy's decision to go on Tour with Lord Baratheon and his baby brother, Tyrion.

" Your unquenchable lust is to blame for this predicament Jaime!! " his sister haughtily blamed him, but he only smirked at her and rebuked that it was HER that seduced him into her chambers that afternoon. 

While his sister was busy reminding his nephew to stay away from danger, Jaime approached Lord Baratheon, who like him was also watching the Royal Family in the distance.

" Kingslayer.. " Stannis Baratheon addresses Jaime as he approaches.

" Stannis.. " Jaime replies with a smirk when he heard the man scoff, he didn't know why but it always made him feel good to rile up the stoic man. " I believe it prudent to instruct you on our nephew's bedtime routine.. Seeing as I would not be there to do so..  " 

Stannis scoffs at him. " And whose fault do you think it is Kingslayer? " Stannis says with much hostility, Jaime's eyes narrowing at what the stoic man was implying. 

Surely Stannis didn't know? Right? 

Jaime chooses to ignore his gut, he knows that despite the hostility in Stannis' words he got the man's attention, if the expectant look was anything to go by. 

The stoic man may not show it, but Jaime knows Stannis loves their nephew as much or even more than he does. It is for this reason that Jaime could worry less for Lyonel's well being with both Stannis and Tyrion looking after the boy.

" Lyonel would need a cup of warm milk before you tuck him in, lest you want him to suffer from nightmares in the middle of the night. '' Jaime starts off, his eyes observing Stannis.  " Do check up on him during the night. Lyonel is a restless sleeper, he likes to roll around the bed and kick his blankets off. Then he will start shivering at night and wake up from a nightmare soon after. " He was starting to mumble at this point. " I always make sure to check on him during the time of the ghost for this is when he starts having nightmares and.. " he would have continued his mumbling if he weren't cut off by Stannis' stern voice.

" I know how to care for my nephew" Jaime chuckles when he hears the defensive tone of Stannis. 

" I never said you didn't Stannis, I am simply instructing you on his nightly routines for I do not trust Ser Buckler to do it well in my stead.. " Jaime rebuffs but all he receives is a scoff.

" You cannot command me like a mere soldier, Kingslayer. It matters not who your father is, you pompous ingrate." Jaime was taken back by the malicious tone in the usually reserved Lord's voice. " Do not cross me Kingslayer, my nephew is the only reason you still draw breath. " 

Jaime grows confused by the Storm Lord's words before he realizes what it truly means. " You know? " his voice barely comes out as a whisper, but Stannis heard it nonetheless.

" That you are the most dishonorable man in existence? " Jaime cringes when he hears Stannis' nonchalant reply.  Then his eyes widen at what the Baratheon is insinuating right in the middle of the Royal Courtyard. 

Jaime immediately takes a step back as if expecting Stannis to gut him right where he stands. " I… I.. " he stutters as he makes a quick survey of his surroundings to see if anyone was listening in on their conversation, before turning his attention back to the stoic man.

Jaime heard Stannis scoff at him for what seems to be the third time that day " I care not for any refute your simple mind can think of Kingslayer, get out of my sight lest I disappoint my nephew and have you killed by the King along with your floozy sister " 

Jaime wasn't as smart as his sister and baby brother, but he was smart enough to know when it was time to make a hasty retreat. And after hearing the Storm Lord's threat he was all but sure that Stannis might make do with his words. 

Fear fills Jaime's heart as he makes his retreat. He decides to confront his brother as to how Stannis knows the truth.

But despite the Storm Lord's threat, Jaime hopes his message was well received. 

( 25th Day of the 12th Month of 291 A.C.) 

- Kingswood -

Selyse Baratheon, previously of House Florent, is a Lady. And like any Lady her intelligence is often overlooked by men. But it is what it is and she had grown used to it. This is why she had long since learned to keep her silence and simply observe. 

Selyse had kept her silence as she observed the small but ever present change in her Lord Husband. She did not understand how a stoic man like Stannis Baratheon could be so well liked by the bubbly Crown Prince. They were such polar opposites, yet somehow they get along splendidly. 

It was with Prince Lyonel that Selyse first saw the caring side of her Lord Husband, his piercing blue eyes softening ever so slightly in the Prince's presence. 

Despite being the Crown Prince's only direct Aunt, albeit one through marriage, Selyse is ashamed to say that she knows little about her eldest nephew. Yet it seems the Gods have given her the perfect opportunity to integrate herself into Prince Lyonel's life.

One night, during the hour of the ghost, Selyse finds herself pacing their encampment trying to tire herself out as she couldn’t find her sleep, constantly bothered by the distant rustles and howls that surround the forest. While mumbling to herself about how a Lady such as herself should not be trekking the forest, she suddenly hears a loud cry from the Crown Prince’s tent quickly followed by the distressed roar of the Crown Prince’s loyal companion. Before she could make a run towards Prince Lyonel’s tent, she sees a brown blur pass by her. It was only a second later did she realize that the blur was Stannis Baratheon.  

By the time Selyse entered the tent, Prince Lyonel’s cries had turned into tears. Her nephew was sitting on Lord Stannis’ lap, his face nuzzled into the crook of her husband’s neck. She was entranced by the soft look on her usually stoic husband’s face, his hand gently gliding across Prince Lyonel’s back. 

Selsye suddenly felt out of place, it was as if she was an intruder witnessing something she wasn’t supposed to. She was about to give them their privacy, but stopped when Lord Stannis gave her a look that told her to stay. He then gestured for her to fetch the blanket that had fallen off of the Prince’s bed, in which she did in silence, the hairs on the back of her neck rising as she felt the lioness’ stare on her person. 

Once Prince Lyonel has calmed down, Selyse watches as Lord Stannis carefully settles the young Prince back to his bed, the lioness immediately settling down beside her master. She absentmindedly handed over the blanket to her husband, too entranced by the intimate scene she was witnessing. 

“ Thank you Uncle Stannis.. “ Prince Lyonel thanks her husband with a beaming smile, a soft smile appearing on Selyse’s face as she once again witnessed her husband’s eyes softening ever so slightly. 

“Thank you Aunt Selsye” She was surprised when she saw Prince Lyonel turn to her with the same beaming smile on his adorable face. 

“ I… I… I-It was my pleasure My Prince.. “ Selsye stutters, slightly startled as this was the first time she was acknowledged by her nephew. Not that the Prince was snobbish or anything, it was because the Queen frequently prevented the Prince from interacting with anyone that she didn’t approve of. 

“ You don’t need to call me My Prince, Aunt Selyse! You’re family! You can call me Lyon, or Lyonel like Uncle Stannis does!” Selyse’s nephew tells her, the beaming smile on his face never leaving. 

“ Very well My Pr-.. I mean Lyonel” Selyse manages to catch herself when she saw the frown on her nephew’s face at her slip. She then hovers by the foot of the bed as Lord Stannis proceeds to tuck her nephew in. 

“ Sleep well Lyonel… '' Selyse's eyes softened when she heard the genuinity in her husband’s words before he lays a kiss on Prince Lyonel’s head as he does to their children. It was this tender side of her husband that entices her to him. Especially when she knows that she was one of the very few people privileged to witness it. 

“ Thank you.. “ Selyse stops her daydreaming when she hears him speak. 

“ For what My Lord? “ Selyse asked with a confused look. 

“ For coming to Lyonel’s aid….. For someone so young, Lyonel has been through a lot, nightmares often plague his sleep. I greatly appreciate you caring for him. '' Selyse is startled by how much her husband is saying. 

Aside from the curt words one would expect a dutiful husband would say to his wife, Stannis Baratheon had not said much to her through all their years of marriage. Yet here he was telling Selyse how much he appreciates her for showing care to a boy that is not his own. “ He is my nephew My Lord, I am only doing my duty as his aunt..” 

Lord Stannis gives her a nod. “ ….. Nonetheless, I appreciate it.” he says before grabbing her hand and gently lifting it up to his lips, laying a kiss on the back.  “ I bid you goodnight then, My Lady. “ He says without his usual sternness and walks out of the tent leaving behind a flustered Selyse, who is clutching her hand that Stannis had just kissed to her heart, a single thought occupying her mind. 

She was looking forward to knowing her nephew,especially now that his lioness of a mother isn't sinking her claws on him and the changes Lyonel brings with him. 

( 2nd Day of the 1st Month of 292 A.C. ) 

- Bronze Gate -

Lord Ralph Buckler stood tall as he and his sons, and the rest of his household waits for the Crown Prince and his royal procession to arrive. 

Like the many Lords of Westeros, Lord Buckler was surprised to suddenly receive an order from the King to be gracious hosts to the Crown Prince upon his Grand Tour. It wasn't entirely uncalled for that a young noble would foster in another Kingdom, but what made it unique is that the Crown Prince is said to tour every House in Westeros. Which means that even a Minor House like his would have the opportunity to assimilate themselves into the Future King's good graces. An opportunity that every Lord would most likely grab onto. 

With his youngest son as the Crown Prince's Sworn Shield all his family needs to do is give an excellent first impression.

A few moments later the first of the royal procession arrived. First came in a pair of flag bearers holding the sigils of House Baratheon and House Lannister, their heads held high with pride. Behind them rode several unknown individuals, likely the Prince's servants that he brought for his journey, although Lord Buckler easily recognized one of them as the King's bastard son, if the boy's looks was anything to go by. 

He still couldn't fathom why a Bastard is even allowed to join the Crown Prince's party. 

A beastly roar and the crowd's startled gasps are what snapped Lord Buckler from his thoughts, to his right his two eldest sons can be seen with alarmed looks on their faces.

" By the Seven! " Lord Buckler hears his second son, Brus, gasp. 

" It seems there is some truth to those ridiculous rumors.. " Lord Buckler's eldest son and heir, Cedrik, proclaims. 

Ralph Buckler's eyes widen when he sees the large lioness riding between Lord Stannis Baratheon and what he can only assume to be the Crown Prince, Lyonel Baratheon. The creature's intelligent eyes scour the crowd before settling back to its master. 

Lord Buckler hesitantly diverts his eyes from the beast to the Crown Prince, greeting him and offering him their home as was common courtesy. " Welcome to our humble abode My Prince, Bronze Gate is yours.. " 

" Greetings Lord Buckler.. '' Lord Buckler grows confused by Prince Lyonel's somewhat somber greeting. 

From what he had heard, the young Prince was said to be warm and friendly? Yet what he sees before him is eerily similar to his Liege Lord, who was currently watching their exchange with his usually stoic look. 

" Hey look at Little Crissy, you became a knight afterall! Guess he ain't as useless as we all thought, ain't he Ced?! " While his wife is busy embracing their youngest son, Lord Buckler quickly sends a glare to his two eldest sons, who quickly returned to teasing his youngest soon after greeting him, hoping to end their shenanigans before they could embarrass him any further. 

" Ser Chris isn't useless!!! He's a really great knight and an even better friend! " The Bucklers of Bronze Gate were startled by the Crown Prince's sudden outburst, especially when you consider the loud and threatening roar that accompanied it, courtesy of his large beastly companion.  

Well shit.. There goes giving a great first impression….

Chapter Text

( 18th Day of the 1st Month of 292 A.C. ) 

( Hour of the Bat )

- Stormsend -

One peaceful night, a rather heavy atmosphere surrounds the dining halls of the ancestral home of House Baratheon. Tyrion Lannister sits beside an unusually silent Lyonel as he suppers with his Little Nephew and the Baratheons of Stormsend. 

" Lyonel.. " Tyrion looks up when he hears Lord Stannis address his Little Nephew, who has yet to cease his stabbing of the venison that is on his plate. 

" Lyonel.. '' Lord Stannis calls for Tyrion's Little Nephew for the second time, still gaining no reaction from the now obviously angry boy. 

Tyrion watches in silence as Lord Stannis stands from his chair and walks towards his direction, stopping right beside Lyonel's seat. 

" Enough. '' Tyrion hears his Little Nephew's heavy breathing as Lord Stannis puts a stop to Lyonel's aggressive assault of his supper. This of course only made Lyonel look up at the man with furious eyes, which Stannis simply ignored. " Now that I have put a halt on your incessant stabbing, I am informing you that you are to help Theon Greyjoy scrape the manure off the stables in the morrow. " 

" Why do I have to do it?! " Tyrion frowns as he hears Lyonel lash out, something his Little Nephew had been prone to do since they left King's Landing.

" It serves as your punishment.. " Lord Stannis calmly replied. 

" Why am I being punished?!?! Theon hurt my brother! He called Gendry a Bastard! " Lyonel angrily retorted.

" Which is why he is serving punishment alongside you.. " Tyrion glances at Lady Selyse, thankful for the woman's intuition of prohibiting Meraxes from joining their supper, considering what happened last time his Little Nephew lost his temper. With the way this conversation is likely going, Tyion knows it was bound to happen yet again.

" I AM A PRINCE! I CAN DO AS I LIKE!! " Lyonel furiously shouts as he stands while slamming his hands on the table, causing Tyrion to cringe as his poor ears were bombarded by his Little Nephew's ear piercing shriek.

" The Mad King did as he liked, has the Kingslayer ever told you what happened to him? " Tyrion can certainly give Lord Stannis credit for remaining calm despite their nephew's petulance. If it were him, he would have already slapped the boy silly, which would probably make the situation worse. 

" Come now nephew.. We have talked about this.. It is unbefitting for you to beat the boy bloody in the middle of the training yard of Bronze Gate for everyone to see.." Tyrion says choosing to diffuse the situation instead.

And he quickly learns that it was a terrible mistake for Lyonel's anger was then directed at him.

" You're supposed to be on my side Little Uncle!! " Tyrion's eyes widen at Lyonel's words. 

What was the boy saying?

" Of course I'm on your side Little Nephew, you know I will always be on your side. And so does Lord Stannis.. " Tyrion stands up and moves towards his nephew, who was slowly backing away from them, tears forming in the boy's eyes.

" No you aren't!! You're not supposed to be punishing me! I did nothing wrong! You're both traitors! Just like Mama, Papa and Uncle Jaime!!! " Lyonel shouts, his tears now falling freely. " I HATE YOU!!! " He yells one final time before rushing out of the dining hall quickly followed by Ser Christian Buckler and Ser Barristan Selmy.

Tyrion could only deflate back to his seat at what just happened. He knew his Little Nephew didn't mean it, but it still hurt to be hated by one of the two people that sees him for himself and not a lowly dwarf. 

" It's best we give him time to calm himself before we try again.. " Lord Stannis says, and Tyrion couldn't agree more. 

- Lyonel's Bedchamber -

Kneeling on top of his four poster bed is Lyonel Baratheon. The obviously angry Prince is currently in the process of murdering his poor pillows, plucking the feather stuffings out of them in his rage.

" I hate them.. " Lyonel grumbles to no one in particular as he grabs a fistful of feather stuffings. " No good liars.. " he grumbles yet again while tossing the feathers into the air, going back to grabbing another fistful as the feathers fly off throughout the chamber. 

" Liars! Traitors! " Lyonel tosses his massacred pillow into the ground as his voice rises. " I hate them! " He shouts as he punches his last unplucked pillow. " I hate them all!!! "  

*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*

" My Prince! " Lyonel stops his process of ripping his pillow open upon hearing the voice of Ser Barristan Selmy's voice from the other side of the door. He turns his head towards it to address the intruder." I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!!! " 

" But Brother! It's me, Gendry! " Came a childish voice that is oh so familiar to Lyonel. 

" Gendry? " Lyonel clarifies as his anger momentarily dissipates at the prospect of seeing his brother again, especially since he was forbidden from seeing Gendry and even Lexa and Lena since that fateful event in Bronze Gate.

" Uh-huh, It's Gendry! Oh! Lexa is with me too!! " Lyonel hurries off his bed and runs towards his door, excited to see his brother and best friend again after days of not seeing them. 

" Let them in! Let them in! " Lyonel shouts as he giddily waits for the door to open and reveals the only two people he didn't hate at the moment. 

" GENDRY!! LEXA!! " A large smile appears on his face for the first time in days as he tackles two of his favorite people into a tight embrace.

" Why didn't you greet me like that Little King?? " Lyonel lets go of his brother and friend and drags them into his chambers away from prying and untrustworthy grown ups.

*SLAM*

" Why'd you slam the door on Ser Chris, brother? " Lyonel turns to his brother, whose head was cocked to the side in a very familiar manner. 

" Cause Ser Chris is a grown up! " Lyonel answers. But when he sees Gendry and Lexa exchanging confused looks he gives them a brief explanation. " And all grown ups are traitors!  "

" But I thought you liked Ser Chris? " Lyonel frowns while his eyebrows furrow at his brother's inquiry. 

" It doesn't matter!  All grown ups are liars and selfish people, all they do is lie and hurt other people! " Lyonel answers while crossing his arms over his chest. When the confused look doesn't leave their faces, he chooses to change the subject instead. " Enough about stupid grown ups! I wanna play! " he declares as he grabs each of their hands and guides them all on top of his bed. 

With the three of them now situated on top of his bed, all facing each other Lyonel's smile returns to his face. " What are you doing here? How did you get here? Why did Ser Chris and Ser Barristan let you through? " he asks continuously, but pouts when he sees the two were busy assessing the mess around them 

"GENDRY! LEXA! " Lyonel impatiently calls for their attention, two heads quickly turning to him with fear in their eyes. His shoulders deflate in guilt at seeing the fearful look they have. " I'm sorry.. I don't mean to shout.. " 

Gendry and Lexa shared a look before turning to Lyonel. " We're sorry too, brother.. So.. What you wanna play? " 

Lyonel's smile grows even wider as he hops off his bed and runs towards his toy chest, pulling out two wooden swords. " Let's play knights!! " he declares as he hands Gendry a sword. " You wanna be a princess Lexa? Or you wanna be a knight with us? " He asks, turning to his silent friend. When he saw her outstretched hand, he quickly knew the answer to his inquiry. He hands her the other sword and runs back to his chest to grab his own swords with the beaming smile never leaving his face.

After expending all their energy with their game of knights, the children are now laying on top of the bed breathing heavily but with large smiles on their young faces.

" I.. I… I don't think.. " Lyonel turns to his panting best friend. 

" Wait! Lexa can speak?! " Lyonel hears his brother exclaim beside him.

" Of course she can speak! She ain't mute! " Lyonel turns to Gendry before turning back to Lexa.

" I don't think all grown ups are traitors.. " Lyonel frowns as he hears Lexa disagree with his statement. 

Lyonel immediately begins shaking his head. " No!! You're wrong! They're all traitors! " he snarls at her in anger. He could see Lexa's brows furrow while a deep frown appeared on her face. 

" No they're not! My sister isn't a traitor! " Lyonel grows surprised at Lexa disagreeing with him. She had always gone along with everything he wanted.

Was Lexa betraying him too? 

No.. Not Lexa.. She and Gendry were the only ones he can trust right now, they can't betray him too.. He'll.. He'll have no one.. 

" Lena has taken care of me since our parents died! She worked hard as a midwife so we could eat , she even offered herself to the bad man to protect me! " Lyonel was too lost in his thoughts that he failed to notice Lexa had already gone to a long winded defense of her sister, which was something highly unusual of someone that has spoken so little for the past few years. " My sister isn't a traitor! She's my hero! " Lexa passionately defends, standing on top of the bed for emphasis.

" It doesn't matter what she did! Mama, Papa and Uncle Jaime took care of me and protected me too but they still betrayed me! " Lyonel fires back, standing on the bed angrily facing Lexa. 

“ Please don’t fight.. “ Lyonel ignores Gendry's meek pleas as he stares angrily at Lexa. 

" I don't care what you say! Lena will never betray me! " Lyonel could fear tears forming in his eyes, he doesn't know why. Maybe it was from anger? From exhaustion? 

" Lena may show you she loves you now,  but she's gonna betray you too!! Just like they betrayed me! " Lyonel angrily snarls back, desperately trying to stop the tears from falling. '' Just like you're doing now…" he looks down, his shoulders trembling, finding it hard to hold the tears any longer.

This was it.. He was losing them.. He was alone.. 

" Brother? " Lyonel could hear the worry in his brother's voice. When he feels someone grab his shoulders he looks up and is met with his brother's bright piercing blue eyes. 

It was at that moment that the dam holding all of Lyonel's tears, his anger, his sorrows, fears and frustration finally broke. He bursts into tears, letting out loud wails that alerts the guards by his door, who bursts into the chamber with raised swords.

But all Ser Barristan and Ser Chris saw is their wailing charge being comforted by two children. Seeing no danger, the two guards leave the chamber. Ser Chris shot a worried glance at his Little King before shutting the door and solemnly returning to his post. 

When Helena was ordered by Lord Stannis Baratheon to tend to the Crown Prince, she had immediately abandoned her task of cleaning up the Great Hall and headed toward her young master’s chambers in great haste.  She had been worried sick for her Little King this past several weeks. 

Ever since they left King’s Landing, Prince Lyonel has not been himself. At first he was still the bright and bubbly little boy he has always been, but over time he started to become closed off. He was also prone to anger and would lash out at anyone that aggravates him in the smallest ways. 

Soon enough their bubbly and kind little King has turned into a cranky and boorish little brat. The bright smile that could easily brighten someone’s day has now turned into a deep scowl. Helena had also noticed that Prince Lyonel lost some weight in the past week, considering that Prince Lyonel was already small for his age as it is, his loss of weight was disconcerting. Also his eyes seem to be swollen and his cheeks have hollowed out due to the weight he lost. 

This is why Helena made sure to pass by the kitchens and grab some freshly squeezed apple juice and baked custard pie, Prince Lyonel’s favorites, before making her way to her master’s chambers. After passing several dimly lit corridors, she finally arrives by his door and waits for Ser Chris to announce her presence, praying that this time her Little King would allow her entry. 

“ Let her in! '' Helena sighed in relief. She sends Ser Chris a thankful smile as he opens the door for her, but her smile immediately falters when she sees the state of Prince Lyonel’s bed chamber. 

Helena blinks as she assesses her surroundings. It was a chaotic mess. Torn up pillows were lying on the floor, feathers flying everywhere. Toys were scattered around the bedchambers while the table and chairs were knocked down and turned upside down with a blanket draped over them making what seems to be a makeshift tent.

“ Lena!! “ Something small collides with Helena, prompting her to hold on tight to the tray that holds Prince Lyonel’s favorite snacks. She looks down and smiles at her sister’s beaming smile. 

“ Alexa? What are you doing here? “ Helena asks her sister, confused.

“ Lord Stannis and Lord Tyrion sent me and Gendry here… They told us to cheer up Lyon! “ Helena turns from her sister to the makeshift tent where Prince Lyonel was sitting under with Gendry beside him. She looks over the Prince’s form with her calculating eyes and cringe when she sees him flinch. 

“ I brought you your favorite, Prince Lyon.. I heard you did not finish your supper.. “ Helena gently offers, lowering herself to the children’s eyes to show the contents of the tray she was holding. 

Helena sees Prince Lyonel turn to Gendry and Alexa before turning back to her, his eyes full of uncertainty. “ C-Custard pie? “ 

“ Yes.. I brought a large slice, freshly baked by the cooks in the kitchen, I also bought some fresh apple juice to wash the pie down.. “ Helena says with a gentle smile as she extends the tray towards Prince Lyonel, who merely looked at it skeptically before turning to Gendry. 

Helena grows curious when she sees Prince Lyonel lean into Gendry’s ear, supposedly whispering something to the baseborn boy. Her eyes follow Gendry as he leaves the makeshift tent and approaches her. “ Brother said to get the tray from you.. “ was all he said before she gave him the tray and watched as he delivered it to his trueborn brother.   

“ Lena… “ Helena looks down at her sister when she feels her tugging at the skirt of Helena’s dress. She bends down further until her sister’s lips are leaning close to her ear. “ You’re not a traitor, right Lena? “ Her eyes widened at her sister’s inquiry, especially when she heard the tinge of fear in Alexa’s voice. 

“ Where.. Where is this coming from Alexa? Why would you t-think of me as a t-traitor? “ Helena stutters, confused at what led to her sister’s thinking. 

“ Because all grown ups are traitors!! “ Helena’s head quickly turns to Prince Lyonel at his proclamation. “ Grown ups are liars and selfish people! All you care about is yourselves! “ 

Helena’s anger, one she keeps deep within her, rises at Prince Lyonel’s statement. 

No! This has gone long enough! How dare this spoiled little brat, a far cry from the kind hearted boy that saved their lives, claim that she doesn’t care for her sister?!?! She who had endured hardships to make sure she and her sister lived? She who had willingly offered herself to the Ironborn scum just to protect her sister?!

“ No! '' Helena shouts, standing up with her hands on her waist. “ I do not know what happened to you to make you like this, but you have crossed a line, My Prince! “ She ignores the panicked look on Gendry and her sister’s face and the angry look on Prince Lyonel’s face as she continues on. “ I don’t care if you break things like an elephant on a rampage or lash out at everyone you lay your eyes on, but don’t you ever, EVER, say I don’t care about my sister! '' her breathing turns heavy as she finishes. 

Soon after Helena’s anger passes, guilt and panic overwhelms her as she sees the state she has reduced Prince Lyonel to. She immediately bends down to pick him up in her arms, but he quickly tries to push her away so she has to hold on tight. 

“ Shh.. It’s alright.. It’s alright.. I’m here.. I'm here.. “ Helena shushes the young Prince in her arms while soothingly rubbing his back for comfort. 

“ NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! “ Lyonel angrily spats out as he wiggles out of her tight  embrace. “ No! Let me go!! You’ll hurt me! You’ll hurt me! “ 

Helena lets go of the embrace but holds on tightly to Prince Lyonel’s shoulders to prevent him from retreating. “ No.. I will never hurt you.. I care for you too much to hurt you, Prince Lyon.. '' She says with a warm smile as she looks at his eyes. 

Helena watches as the anger and hurt in Prince Lyonel’s eyes slowly disappear and be replaced by one of uncertainty and a tinge of hope. He then lunges into her chest and softly cries into the crook of her neck. 

“ Please… P-Please don’t hurt me too, Lena.. '' Helena caresses Prince Lyonel’s soft but messy black hair as he murmurs into her neck. 

“ I would do my best to earn your trust and be worthy of it, my Little King.. “ Helena promises as she lands a kiss on top of his head. 

( Hour of the Eel )

- Stannis' Bedchamber -

Stannis Baratheon sighs as he read over the contents of the letter that Ser Davos Seaworth has just brought to him. He stands from the chair of his desk and walks towards the fireplace, dismissively throwing the piece of parchment to the burning fire. 

" Who was that from, Lord Stannis? " Stannis turns to his wife sitting on the chair in front of the fireplace, his two namesday old son sitting on her lap babbling to his three namesday old daughter sitting on the floor. 

" The Queen " Stannis stoically replies as he lifts his daughter from the floor and puts her on his lap as he takes a seat on the chair adjacent to his wife's. 

" Uh.... Should you be burning the Queen's letters like that, Mi' Lord? " Stannis turns to Ser Davos with a passive face, all the while bouncing his daughter on his lap earning giggles from the babe. 

" I take orders from the King, Ser Davos, not the Queen. " Stannis answered, with a relatively harsh tone. " I care not for her opinions on how I should be dealing with my nephew's untowards behavior. " 

" I think the Queen is simply worried for her son.. '' Stannis turns to his wife. " If Shireen or Edric were to be involved in a squabble, I too would be extremely worried.. " she defends.

" The Queen is not only voicing her worry in her letters, Selyse. " Stannis reputes. " She is making demands which she has no concerns about.. So unless she has the King's backing, I would continue to toss her colorful worded letters in the flames … " he says with a tone that ends the conversation. 

*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*

The three adults all look up at the distinct knocks on the hard wood door while the two children continue to babble amongst themselves, seemingly lost in their own world.

" See who it is, Ser Davos.. " Stannis orders his most loyal supporter, in which the landed knight does as he was told.

" Oh! Greetings, Yer' Grace '' Stannis shares a look with his wife, both surprised by Lyonel's sudden appearance. 

" Greetings, Ser Davos! " Stannis raises an eyebrow, intrigued by his nephew's rather cheerful tone. 

Did it work?

" Shireen! Edric! " Lyonel greets his children with a smile as the boy enters the chamber, the young babes squealing at the sight of their cousin. Stannis watches his nephew in silence and with a keen eye as the boy interacts with his children, pulling faces at them earning feats of giggles from the babes and even Ser Davos and Selyse. 

" It is past your bedtime, Lyonel.. '' Stannis reminds his nephew, not that he was not relieved that Lyonel was in a better mood than earlier. 

Stannis' eyes are trained on his nephew as Lyonel turns to him, hesitant and unsure. " I.. Umm.. I wanted to apologize, Uncle Stannis.. " 

" Hmm.. '' Stannis humms in acknowledgement. He was pleased to know that his nephew had finally seen the error of his ways, yet he would not show any signs in case the boy takes it the wrong way. " I hope you understand why you are to receive punishments for your actions? "

Stannis sees his nephew give a silent nod. But then he realizes that his nephew was not likely to learn the error of his ways on his own.

" Did someone tell you to apologize? " Stannis asks, raising an eyebrow at his nephew. 

" Uh-huh.. Lena.. Lena told me that it is wrong to hurt others just cause I'm hurting --  " Lyonel meekly answers.

" You're hurt?! " Stannis sighs as he hears his wife start to panic. 

Ever since that night in the Kingswoods, Selyse has taken his nephew under her care. So it doesn't come as a surprise that her motherly instincts immediately kick in when she hears his nephew has been hurt, although he and his wife have two different perceptions of how his nephew has been hurt. 

" Where are you hurt? Who hurt you? Was it the Greyjoy boy? " Stannis watches in silence as Selyse gives their son to Ser Davos and proceed to inspect Lyonel from head to toe while incessantly asking his nephew. 

" I…. I… I.. " Lyonel stutters before turning into a tearful mess, lunging towards Selyse making her lose her balance. 

While Selyse comforts their nephew, Ser Davos had moved towards Stannis and leaned down to his ear. " Did someone hurt the poor boy, Mi' Lord? " The knight whispers with concern in his voice. 

" It is none of your concern, both of you. " Stannis answers sternly.

While Selyse had turned silent in favor of comforting Lyonel, who was nuzzling his face on her neck, Ser Davos tried to offer a refute but was quickly silenced by Stannis' glare. " Do you believe I would let any harm come to my nephew without giving retributions to the one that caused it, Ser Davos? " he asks with a little venom making the knight wince.  " The matter has been handled, that is all you may know. " 

Stannis then watches as Ser Davos approaches Lyonel, with a squealing Edric in his arms. The knight bends down until he is eye level with Lyonel. " You know what I do when I get hurt, Yer' Grace? " Ser Davos speaks with a gentle yet firm voice successfully getting Lyonel's attention, the boy lifting his head from Selyse's neck. 

" W-What do you do, Ser Davos? "

" I try not to think too much about it.. " Ser Davos shrugs while a grin is plastered on his face.

Stannis watches as a conflicted look appears on his nephew's face. " What if you remember it all of a sudden? " 

" Then I distract myself by doing something I like " Ser Davos answers, standing up with Edric in his arms. 

" Like what? " 

" Spending time with my boys is my favorite distraction from pain. Playing with Dale, Allard and Matthos usually makes the pain go away. " Ser Davos with adoration as he rocks Edric in his arms, the babe letting out a yawn before nuzzling his head to the knight's chest. 

" Might I say that I agree with Ser Davos.. " Stannis looks up from daughter, who is now sleeping on his lap, when he hears his wife speak up. " When my feet hurt from standing too much during my pregnancy I do my needle work to distract myself from the pain. "

" How about you, Yer' Grace? What do you like to do most? " Ser Davos asks as he hands a now sleeping Edric to Selyse, Lyonel leaving his Aunt's lap when he sees the knight hand over his cousin.

" I.. I like to read.. But it doesn't stop the pain.. "

" Hmm.. What else? " 

" Uh.. Playing? But.. But the pain returned after I stopped playing.. " 

" How about your tricks? " Stannis feels three sets of eyes turn to him at his suggestion, his nephew's head cocked to the side while the other too had pale faces.

" My tricks? " 

" Don't you enjoy playing pranks on servants, Lyonel? " Stannis inquires, ignoring the shaking head of Selyse and Ser Davos.

" You're right!! " Stannis glares at his nephew for the outburst, the boy quickly apologizing. 

" I do love playing pranks! They're fun! And funny too! " Lyonel says with enthusiasm, as he moves towards Stannis' seat. " Thank you Uncle Stannis! I'm going to ask Little Uncle to help me! " he says as he hugs Stannis then Selyse and Ser Davos before rushing out the chambers.

" Oh no.. " Selyse utters with dread. " What have you done?"

" Aye. You just gave the boy the right to make our lives a living Seven Hells now, Mi' Lord.. " Ser Davos says with equal dread. 

" Hmm.. As long as Lyonel doesn't bring harm to himself and others as well as bring shame to House Baratheon then he may do as he likes. It would be good practice for when I start his lessons in strategy. “ Stannis says as he stands up and grabs his son from Selyse, proceeding to walk out of the chamber to tuck his children in to their own bed leaving a pale faced Selyse and Ser Davos behind.

" Eh. Guess everyone should start sleeping with their eyes open now, don't ya think, Mi' Lady? " Ser Davos says, turning to Selyse who could only nod as she thinks of ways to get to her nephew's good side to avoid being a target to his horrendous pranks. 

" May the Seven have mercy on us all.. " 

Chapter Text

( 16th Day of the 8th Month of 292 A.C. )

- Marches - 

“ Are you excited to return to Stormsend to celebrate your namesday with your cousins, Little Nephew? '' Tyrion Lannister, the imp of Casterly Rock, asks as he pulls up beside his nephew. The Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms has a large smile plastered on his face as he rides his black steed, Shadow, while his loyal animal companion, Meraxes, rides between the two. 

“ I’m surprised you are riding with us, Lannister.. '' Stannis Baratheon comments as he rides beside Lyonel’s other side. “ I do remember you complaining about it during most of our journey… “ 

“ Well as much as I hate riding, I hate having nothing to do. If I had known I would run out of reading material so soon into our Tour I would have asked for my father to send my entire collection from Casterly Rock sooner. “ Tyrion answers with a shrug. " Or brought a woman to keep me company.. " he murmurs to himself in a low voice, which only Stannis heard.

“ How many books do you have in your collection, Lord Tyrion? '' Gendry who was riding Chestnut, a brown steed gifted to him by his brother during his namesday, curiously asks the dwarf. 

“ Little Uncle has over a hundred books! He showed it to me when we were in Casterly Rock! '' Lyonel answers his brother’s inquiry. “ And yes, Little Uncle. I am excited to spend my namesday with my cousins! “ he says turning to Tyrion. 

Stannis looks over his shoulders when he hears his ward, Theon Greyjoy, grumbling under his breath. “ Do you have something you wish to add, Greyjoy? “ 

“ N-Nothing, My Lord.. “ Theon respectfully answers. 

Lyonel frowns as he looks over his shoulders at the Greyjoy. He had tried his best to reconcile with Theon, not that they were friends before the incident in Bronze Gate, during their tour of the Stormlands,but to his dismay Theon had remained stubborn. 

“ Thank you for hosting a feast for me, Uncle Stannis! “ Lyonel turns to his Baratheon Uncle, taking his Uncle's attention away from Theon. “ I know you don’t like hosting feasts but you'll do it for me anyways. “ 

Stannis nods. “ I couldn’t let Lord Penrose host a feast for your namesday, it would not have looked good for House Baratheon. '' Lyonel smiles bright, for he knew that despite his Uncle’s words the stoic man actually cared for him. 

“ Add in the fact that you would most likely receive a sudden influx of letters with veiled threats courtesy of my dearest sister serves as a great motivation, don’t you think so, Lord Stannis?  '' Tyrion adds with a smirk, earning a grunt from Stannis, a roar from Meraxes and amused laughter from Lyonel and Gendry while Theon continues to grumble silently to himself.  

- Endless Void - 

Death sighs as the vision of the boy fades before him. He gives a satisfied nod to where the vision was before making his way to the meeting place of the Divine Gods of the world with his children leading the way.

Death had greatly worried, not that he would confirm it to anyone that asked, when he saw the boy slowly spiral into darkness. He had been sure that he would lose the boy for good. But to his relief, the boy has bounced back from the darkness and risen stronger than ever before. 

" Nice of you to join us, Stranger.. " The Warrior sarcastically greets Death as he takes his place while his children do the same, the being of darkness' red eyes scanning the Gods before him until landing on the seemingly erratic behavior of the Drowned God. 

"What's wrong with him? " Death asks, his eyes not leaving the murmuring Drowned God.

" Oh don't mind him, Stranger. The Drowned God is simply sulking about his depleted powers.. " The Maiden answers, smirking. 

" Tch. His powers were insignificant even before he lost most of his followers. " R'hllor comments.

" Hmmm… " Death hums quietly to himself, a sinking feeling suddenly appearing within his very being. 

" Well then, where were we? " The Father spoke, changing the subject. "  Ah yes, we -- " Death then tunes out the voices of the Divine Gods for the rest of the meeting as he keeps an eye on the silently fuming Drowned God, the sinking feeling deep within him never leaving. 

( 28th Day of the 8th Month of 292 A.C. )

- Stormsend  -

Theon knows that if Yara could see him now, she'd call him a miserable looking little fuck. His sister had always been brutally honest like that, it was one of the things that Theon misses about her.And she wasn't wrong. Even though on the outside he looks better than fine, he knows that on the inside he feels horrible.

Eight months have passed and Theon can still feel the phantom pain from the punches the Crown Prince unleashed in great fury. He had a sore face and a bruised ego for weeks because of the incident. Regrettably, he had learned his lesson then. 

Stay the fuck away from the spoiled brat less he suffers an early death.

Theon had tried his very best to stay as far away from Prince Lyonel, yet had proved to be a difficult task considering he was a ward of the boy's uncle. And the fact that Prince Lyonel had somehow gotten it to his own head that Theon would forgive him if he just kept apologizing. 

The spoiled brat was downright irritating!!! 

Theon was very close to snapping the boy's neck, as his older brothers had taught him to do before their untimely deaths. To make matters worse, he keeps hearing this voice in his head. " Kill the boy! Kill the boy! Kill the boy! " Repeating it like a mantra, over and over again.Theon didn't know WHO the boy the voice was referring to, that is until he happened to be near Prince Lyonel when the voice would start chanting. " KILL THE BOY! KILL THE BOY! KILL THE BOY! " The voice in his head chanted louder and clearer, giving Theon an almost unbearable headache. 

Theon groans when another headache ensues. He was making his way towards the kitchen to fetch the Crown Prince as he was ordered to by his Liege Lord. He had initially tried the boy's solar but was only met by the Crown Prince's personal servant who quickly redirected him to the kitchens. 

" What would you like more, Yer' Grace? A brother or a sister? " Theon hears one of the kitchen help speak as he stops by the entrance, Ser Barristan raising an eyebrow at his presence.

" I'm here to fetch the Prince by orders of Lord Stannis.. " He informs the old knight in which he only received a nod of acknowledgement. Without further delay he entered the kitchen and was once again accosted by the booming voice in his head as his eyes landed on Prince Lyonel. 

KILL THE BOY! KILL THE BOY! KILL THE BOY!

Theon shakes his head and rubs his temple as he tries to silence the voice in his head, the incessant chatter sounded distant compared to the booming voice.

" I want another sister cause I already have two brothers and only one sister! I want Mama to name her Cassana after my grandmother! Grand Uncle Eldon told me all about her during our time in Greenstone! '' Theon groans as the voice grows louder upon hearing Prince Lyonel speak. Apparently the little boy just learned of the Queen's pregnancy and was once again telling anyone he encounters. '' Uncle Eldon said she was very pretty and had a beautiful voice! He also showed me all the beautiful paintings grandmother made! '' In the midst of his pain, he notices how the servants hang on to Prince Lyonel's every word, it was as if the boy was saying the words of the Gods.

Theon doesn't get it. How can someone who pranks the seven hells out of the servants be so well loved by them? While he who works everyday with them be treated with cold shoulders?!?!

" Theon, are you okay? " Theon pulls away from his thoughts when Prince Lyonel addresses him, the voice seemingly quieting as he receives the Crown Prince's attention.  " You look really pale, Theon.. Are you hungry? Gendry turns pale when he's hungry! " the little boy rambles.

" I'm fine.. My Prince.  " Theon answers through gritted teeth almost forgetting to address Prince Lyonel by his proper title, not that the boy ever minded being addressed informally but Theon didn't want to take any chances.

Prince Lyonel looks at him skeptically, as if the little boy knew he was lying. " Do you want some pie? " Theon looks at the custard pie being offered to him. 

" Uhh.. " 

" Nesta, can you please give Theon his own slice of pie? Pretty please?? " Prince Lyonel asks one of the cooks, a middle aged woman with wide hips. 

" Anything for you, Little Prince.. " There it was again, such affection shown to someone that torments them on an almost daily basis. It completely baffles Theon's mind.

" Oh! Walter, can you please give Theon some pomegranate juice that you just squished? " Prince asks one of the kitchen staff, a man with a sunken face and short grey hair. 

" Sure thing, Yer' Grace! " The man enthusiastically answers as he steps over the giant lioness' tail, who was far too busy gnawing on a piece of steak. Apparently the servants have gotten used to the beast's presence, seeing as they weren't too bothered by her.

Theon was far too entranced by the openness of the Crown Prince with the servants that he had almost forgotten his task. " No!! " he shouts, a little too loudly gaining the attention of everyone in the kitchen, even Meraxes who had looked up from her steak for a moment before returning to it. '' Uhh.. " he mumbles an apology, slightly embarrassed for losing his composure in front of the servants. " I don't want to eat pie or drink juice.. Lord Stannis sent me to fetch you, Prince Lyonel...  Now.. " 

" Oh.. " Prince Lyonel says while putting down his plate on the table he was sitting on, his feet dangling on the edge. " Why? Is something wrong? Did something happen? Is it bad? Does it have to do with Shireen? Or Edric? Or Aunt Selyse? Or maybe it's -- " 

" It's something to do with your namesday feast. '' Theon cuts Prince Lyonel's incessant rambling before the little boy loses the air in his lungs.  " And no, Lord Stannis did not give me any details. He simply ordered me to fetch you " he adds before the little boy could ask any further question. 

" Well.. You've had your fair share of snacks for the day, Little King.. I think it's time to take our leave now.. " Theon hears Ser Chris speak before the knight grabs Prince Lyonel from the kitchen table and gently puts the little boy down to the ground. The knight then extended a hand out to Prince Lyonel, which the little boy immediately grabs with a smile. 

" Oh..  Okay.. Imma gonna go see what Uncle Stannis wants now.... " Theon sighs, relieved that Prince Lyonel gave no protest at the summons. " Thank you for the pie and juice and for listening to my stories ,Nesta, Walter, and Lucia  " Theon was slightly impressed at how Prince Lyonel seemed to know the names of each of the servants that was in the kitchens with them.

" Come back anytime, Little Prince! " " I had fun listening to ya', Yer' Grace! " " Thank ya' for taking the time to talk to little old us, Prince Lyon! " The servants simultaneously wave them goodbye as they leave, with one of the two women affectionately pinching the little boy's cheek, the other giving him a small peck on his other cheek while the man ruffles the little boy's usually messy hair. 

Theon rolls his eyes at the servants, still baffled at their strangeness, before following behind the Crown Prince, his Sworn Shield and lioness, who was carrying her unfinished steak in her massive jaw. 

At least the voice was gone…. for now… 

( 5th Day of the 9th Month of 292 A.C. )

- Banquet Hall of Stormsend - 

Lady Brienne, only child of Lord Selwyn Tarth of Evenfall Hall, is holding back the tears in her eyes as she holds the single rose in her hands close to her chest. Her father had paid good money to have a dress perfectly made for her stature to make a good impression on her betrothed yet it was all for nothing as Ser Ronnet Connington, her supposed betrothed, had called her a freak before leaving her with a rose saying it was the first and last gift she was to receive from him. So here she was desperately trying to hold her tears back as she tried to think of a way to tell her father that her betrothed had broken off their engagement and once again she was a disappointment to him. 

" Lady Brienne, Is something the matter? " Brienne looks up when she hears a soft feminine voice and sees Crown Prince Lyonel Baratheon and a beautiful young girl with silky pale blonde hair approaching her. 

Brienne quickly wipes away the nonexistent tears in her face before composing herself. " My Prince, My Lady.. " she greets the two noble children. 

" Did someone make you cry, Brienne? " Prince Lyonel asks her, his head tilted to the side. 

" No.. My Prince.. " Brienne answers awkwardly, despite having the Crown Prince stay in her home for two weeks she still did not know how to approach the young royal. " I'm fine.. Really… " she insists. 

" That is a beautiful dress you have on, Lady Brienne.. " Lady Shyra Errol, Brienne finally recognized her as the daughter and heiress of Lord Sigmund Errol of Haystack Hall, changes the subject by complimenting Brienne's dress, making her blush.

" Yeah! And it matches your pretty blue eyes! " Prince Lyonel adds with a bright smile making Brienne blush harder. " Would you like to join our table, Brienne? I'm sorry for not getting to know you better during my time in Evenfall Hall.. I thought you were a grown up cause you're really tall.. And I don't like grown ups much cause a lot of them are mean.. But I like you cause you're really nice and tall like my Aunt Selyse! " 

Brienne blinks, unsure on how to address his mumblings. " Umm.. T-Thank you, My Prince.. And.. And yes..  I would like to join you, if you'll have me… " she answers with a shy smile. 

" Oh! I'm so relieved that you would be joining us, Lady Brienne.." Lady Shyra says as she hooks her arm with Brienne's, Prince Lyonel guiding them to a table full of children around their age. Most of them are familiar faces to Brienne, probably sons and daughters of the other Storm Lords. " As you see we girls are heavily outnumbered by idiots boys.. " 

" Prince Lyon! Come on! We're having a competition to see who can stuff the most slices of pigeon pie in their mouths!! " Jasper Wylde, son and heir of Lord Casper Wylde of Rain House, shouts out to Prince Lyonel, making him run towards their table leaving Shyra and Brienne to walk at a leisure pace. 

" I'm sorry for what Ser Ronnet said to you.. '' Brienne's eyes widened when she heard Lady Shyra murmur silently, a sad smile on the young girl's face. " What he did was wrong… You're beautiful just the way you are, Lady Brienne.. That's what my mother would always say to me before she died.. " the two girls stare at each other's eyes giving each other silent comfort with their gazes. 

" T-That's what my mother told me as well… B-Before she died too… " Brienne admits. 

" See.. That means it's true.. Don't let some idiot boy tell you otherwise! " Lady Shyra says as she returns to pulling Brienne towards the table of rowdy children, with four boys including Prince Lyonel stuffing their faces with pies. The entire hall watched them with amused looks and joyous laughs. " We girls need to stick together and keep these idiot boys out of trouble.. " she adds as she rolls her eyes at three of the boys choking on the pies heavily stuffed in their mouths while Prince Lyonel jumps in victory. 

Lord Eldon Estermont approaches his nephew with a serene smile on his  wrinkled face. He was one of the very few Stormlords that was pleased when King Robert reinstated Stannis as Lord of Stormsend. 

Stannis had always been his favorite among Cassana's sons.

Eldon knew that his sister's favorite was Robert since he was her eldest, while Steffon's favorite was probably Renly for being most like him. 

But Stannis was and always will be Eldon's favorite. 

Even at a young age, Stannis had always been a calm boy with a good head on his shoulders, Eldon had always thought that it was a pity that Robert was born first. 

Everyone saw Stannis for his unrelenting sense of duty and propriety, but Eldon had always seen his nephew's true colors. He knew his nephew loved dearly and would do everything for his loved ones. He was sure of this for he and his nephew are alike. So it didn't come as a surprise to him, unlike the other Lords, that his nephew had hosted a grand feast, something the man is unlikely to do, for the Crown Prince. 

" Parenthood is becoming of you, nephew " Stannis turns to him with an alarmed look before it is quickly replaced by the man's usually stern look, the baby boy in his nephew's arms giggling at his arrival. 

" Lord Estermont.. " Eldon smirks when Stannis greets him stiffly, he knew that his nephew was embarrassed at being caught with such a rare look on his face but would never admit it. 

" May I? " Eldon asks, gesturing to the babe. After a moment of hesitation, Stannis finally relents and hands him his grand nephew. " Hello there, little one.. " he coos at the babe, receiving a feat of giggle. " Edric looks more like Robert as a babe… " he observes, wincing when the boy suddenly tugs on his hair. " Aye, act like him too.. " he adds, dryly.

Stannis immediately retrieves Edric from him and apologizes profoundly for the boy's behavior. " Aye.. No need to apologize, nephew.. " he says putting a reassuring hand on his nephew's shoulder. 

" I see Prince Lyonel had kidnapped your daughter for a dance.. " he says, turning his head to look at Prince Lyonel joyfully dancing in the middle of the hall with Shireen, the little girl wearing an adorable dress. 

" It seems he has.. " Eldon sighs when Stannis answers him with a rather dry tone. 

There's a long pause.

He had been trying for years to make his nephew lighten up.  The man was too stiff for his own good. He was glad that someone had finally succeeded where he failed. Even if that someone was a nine namesday old little boy 

" Lyonel is a good lad.. I am sure that my sister, Cassana, would have adored him dearly, the same with your children.. " Eldon says, striking up a conversation with his nephew.

" Lyon! Lyon!" Edric squeals while clapping, eliciting a chuckle from him. 

" It seems your daughter is not the only one enamored with Prince Lyonel.. " 

" I agree, Uncle.. " Eldon quickly turns to Stannis when he hears his nephew refer to him  informally.. " Lyonel is a good lad, he has a kind heart.. Which is why I want to prepare him.. The world is cruel to those with kind hearts.. " Eldon frowns, he couldn't help but agree with his nephew. 

Kind hearted people usually don't live long lives.. It is cruel but oh so true.. 

Kindness is often perceived as a blessing to a woman but a curse of foolishness to a man, more so to the Future King. And Lyonel Baratheon is cursed to be born with Cassana's kind heart. 

" Lord Baratheon! " Lord Tarth approaches , halting in front of them with a startled expression. " Apologies, Lord Baratheon, Lord Estermont. I hope I am not interrupting? " 

" No worries Lord Tarth.. " Eldon assures the Lord of Evenfall Hall. " Stannis and I were simply discussing how Prince Lyonel reminds me so much of my dearest departed sister.. " he says with a smile on his wrinkled face.

" Ah.. I also wish to discuss Prince Lyonel, My Lords.. That is if you do not mind.. " Lord Tarth says with a purpose in mind. 

" Is something the matter, Lord Tarth? " Eldon watches as Stannis asks the Lord with a raised eyebrow. " Has my nephew done something to offend you? "

" Oh no! " Lord Tarth hastily shakes his head. " It's quite the opposite, in fact.. Why don't you see for yourself.. " he says, his hand gesturing towards the middle of the hall where his daughter is laughing as she and a few other children take turns petting the Crown Prince's pet lioness. " Ever since my wife died giving birth to our stillborn son, my daughter has not smiled .. It was why I would often indulge her whims of learning combat even though it is entirely against the norms of women.. But now, seeing her smile like that.. It brings great joy to my heart.. " 

Eldon smiles at the scene that Lord Tarth had gestured at. It was what he imagines a King holding court with his people would look like, merily laughing, simply enjoying each other's presence as they discuss important matters. 

" I apologize if I have not immediately pledged fealty to you upon your reinstatement, Lord Baratheon… '' Eldon turns to see Lord Tarth's head bowed before his nephew, who was still holding a now squirming Edric. '' So here I am,  telling you that my House stands proudly with yours, My Lord.. I am delighted to serve the man that is raising the Future King in such a splendid manner.. " 

A smile appears on Eldon's face as he sees his nephew earn another of his Lords' respect, just as his nephew deserves. He then turns around when he feels the presence of others approaching. 

" Aye! Looks like Lord Tarth has beat us to it, My Lords!! " Came the booming voice of Lord Wylde, Eldon's eyes widened as several Stormlord gathered before them. 

" What is the meaning of this? " Eldon asks, perplexed at seeing Lord Wylde, Lord Staedmon, Lord Selmy, Lord Dondarrion and Lord Buckler standing in front of them with large smiles on their faces.

" Oh, no need to worry, Lord Estermont. We're simply here to pledge our fealty to Lord Stannis, just as we were initially supposed to .. " Lord Staedmon answers his inquiry. " You see our children have grown rather fond of the Prince, who had only talked such good things about his Uncle Stannis mind you -- " the man adds with a teasing grin. 

Eldon has an astonished look as he watches his nephew be praised by the Stormlords for Prince Lyonel's actions. Unlike them, he was aware that the credit does not all go to his nephew but to the genuinely kind hearted Crown Prince. 

Maybe kindness isn't such a curse, after all… 

Chapter Text

( 19th Day of the 12th Month of 292 A.C. )

- Stormsend -

The Baratheons of Stormsend are all gathered at the harbor of their ancestral home, bidding farewell to the Crown Prince and his entourage. 

" Lyon no go!! Lyon no go!! Lyon no go!! “ Lyon giggles as he watches his little cousins circle around him while chanting, both hoping that if they do it over and over again they might succeed in preventing him from leaving. Meraxes stands to the side, her head turning as she watches the two children circle her master. 

" It seems your children are more bothered by our nephew's departure than yours, Lord Stannis.. " Lyonel looks up to see his Uncle Stannis, Aunt Selsye and Little Uncle approaching, a bemused smile on the latter’s face. His Uncle Stannis ignores his Little Uncle’s jest and bends down to pick up both of his cousins, the young children immediately squirming in their father’s arms. 

“ Lyonel.. “ His Aunt Selyse calls for him, making him turn to see her bend down to his height. “ I am proud to say that I was able to finish these before your departure.. “ he tilts his head, curious at the package his Aunt Selyse was handing him. He lets Meraxes take a sniff of it before unwrapping it to reveal three folded green cloaks. He looks up to see his Aunt Selyse giving him a smile before handing two of the cloaks to his Little Uncle and unfolding the last one. 

Lyonel gasps as he immediately recognizes the symbol sewn on the back of the forest green cloak. 

A large silver shield with two black swords crossed behind it. 

“ It’s the sigil that me, Gendry and Lexa made up…” He mutters in astonishment. 

“ Gendry, Lexa and I.. “ Lyonel ignores his Little Uncle's words, correcting him in his grammar, as several thoughts enter his mind. 

She listened.. His Aunt Selyse truly listened to him… Just like his Uncle Stannis and Little Uncle… 

“ Y-You made all these, Aunt Selyse? “ Lyonel looks up to his Aunt with tears forming in his eyes. 

“ Y-Yes.. I apologize that it took so long.. And of course I did... You asked me to, didn’t you? “ Lyonel hears his Aunt Selyse stutter. “ D-Did I do it wrong? “ She asked, sounding so unsure. 

Lyonel then recognizes the look on his Aunt’s face, it was the same look he would have when he thinks he is in trouble. So he does the same thing his Mama does to assure him that he was not in trouble. He hugs her tightly. “ Oh! Did you like it then?” 

“ I love it, Aunt Selyse! “ Lyonel answers as he lets go of the embrace. “ Thank you so much, Aunt Selyse!! You’re the best Aunt in the whole world!! “ he says as his Aunt Selyse wraps the cloak around him. “ It has a hood!! It has a hood!!! Just like I told you!! “ he squeals when he realizes that the cloak indeed has a hood, the adults watching him laughing at his reaction. 

“ I’m glad you love it then, Lyonel… “ His Aunt Selyse says. “ And you are the best nephew too, Lyonel.. “ she coos at him while affectionately caressing his messy dark hair.  

“ I can’t wait to show it to Gendry and Lexa! “ Lyonel exclaims as he grabs the cloaks from his Little Uncle, hugging them tightly to himself. 

With the three of them wearing the same cloak, people will know that Gendry and Lexa are his to protect!

Lyonel bounces in place with the cloaks on hand, giddy energy uncontainable. He quickly asks permission from both his uncles and Aunt Selyse to leave, as he was taught to do, before rushing to look for his brother and best friend, his guards and lioness following behind him.

( 23rd Day of the 12th Month of 292 A.C. )

( Noon )

- Fury -

Standing atop the deck of  Stannis Baratheon's own formidable ship, The Fury, are three young children wearing matching flowing green cloaks. Their eyes greedily feasting on the sight presented before them. 

" Woah! " Lyonel and Gendry shout while Lexa's eyes widen as they see a group of flying fishes jump out of the water before diving back in. 

" Alan told me about them!! " Gendry giddily shouts as he jumps in joy. " He said they're called flying fish cause they jump really high like they're actually flying!! " 

" They can't really fly? " Lyonel curiously asks with his head tilted to the side. " But why do their fins look like wings? " 

" I dunno why.. Alan never told me.. '' Gendry answers, shrugging his shoulders before looking back down to the water, hoping to see the fish fly again. 

" Do you know why, Lexa? " Lyonel asks, slightly bothered at having no answer. 

Lexa simply shakes her head before looking back at the water, leaving Lyonel to his pouting. 

" It says here that they use it to glide over water, Little Nephew.. '' Tyrion approaches them, looking up from the large opened book in his hands.  

Lyonel momentarily leaves his brother and best friend to their sight seeing as he runs to his Little Uncle. " Do you think we'll see all the fishes in your book, Little Uncle? " he giddily asks. 

" Seeing as there are more than a hundred species in here, I don't believe so.. " Tyrion grins at his Little Nephew's pouting face. " But.. Maybe we can name all the fish we see? " he offers as a compromise to the inquisitive boy. 

" Yay! " Lyonel squeals before pulling his Little Uncle to the rails between Gendry and Lexa, laying the book atop a keg beside them. 

Behind them, Ser Christian Buckler and Ser Barristan Selmy can be seen with bemused looks on their faces. The two knights can't help but chuckle at their Prince and his friends' childlike wonder. They continued watching until they saw Ser Davos Seaworth approaching them. 

Apparently Lord Baratheon calls for them to discuss a delicate matter regarding the Prince, both hesitate to leave their post but was convinced by Ser Davos that the young Prince would remain safe as he had nowhere else to go without anyone's prior knowledge. After a few more prompting, the two finally relents and follows after the anointed knight towards the Cabin where Stannis Baratheon is situated. 

( Afternoon )

Working below the deck of the ship, on the other hand,  is a very exhausted looking Theon Greyjoy. The once healthy boy is now frail looking, with deep and dark bags under his eyes. The voice in his head has been growing louder and clearer, often giving him a massive headache and preventing him from getting any sleep. 

*GROWL*

Theon looks up to see the Crown Prince's lioness growling in discomfort, a nauseous look on its face. 

Guess lions don't do well on ships..   

" What are you waiting for, boy?! " One of Lord Baratheon's men shouts at Theon, successfully startling him. " Carry that sack up to the deck and hurry down to fetch the others! " 

Theon groans as he tosses a small sack on his shoulders and makes his way up the stairs heading to the deck. Manual labor was one of the things he had to suffer from as the Baratheon Lord's ward. 

As if he was a mere servant for them to command.. 

Then again, Theon prefers this work for the Crown Prince would be nowhere in sight. He has started dreading the days he has to be near the Prince as the voice in his head grows stronger and is often accompanied by a lurking presence, a heavy feeling overcoming him as if it wishes to take over.

" Lexa! Gendry! Come on! Let's play hide and seek!! '' Came Prince Lyonel's voice making the voice in Theon's head enrupt. 

KILL THE BOY!! KILL THE BOY!! KILL THE BOY!! 

Great.. Of course the Prince was above deck playing with his bastard brother and the lowborn girl. 

" Fine! But you're it, brother!! " Came the bastard's reply before he runs off with the mute girl. 

KILL THE BOY!! KILL THE BOY!! KILL THE BOY!! 

Theon didn't know where the voice was coming from, and at this point he didn't really care. He just wishes to be rid of it, to give his mind some peace. But whatever he does, the voice won't disappear. And he grows weary with each passing day. 

Theon tosses the sack to where several others were piled up on the edge and sluggishly turns around.

Maybe.. Just maybe he should let go.. 

Theon's mind starts to drift off, as if he was floating. His body moving of its own accord, approaching the Prince at the edge of the ship, the little boy's back turned to him. 

" Two... Three… Four… " The little boy's counting felt hypnotic to Theon as his mind slowly shut down, the last thing he saw before he was engulfed in complete darkness was his hand landing on the Prince's back.

- Endless Void -

Death knew the Drowned God was up to no good. Especially when he suddenly noticed the frail God's eyes rise to the back of its head, an indication of a spiritual possession. 

While the other Gods seemed oblivious to the Drowned God's machinations, Death summoned a vision of the boy as he felt a sudden sense of foreboding overcome him. And much to his dread, he sees the Kraken child in the process of pushing the boy off the ship and into the deep cold sea. He looks up from the Kraken child's hazy eyes to the Drowned God and realizes what was happening. 

In his anger, Death slams his hand down to the stone table in front of him, startling the other Gods at his action, before stomping his way towards the Drowned God. He then grabs the wretched God by the throat,cutting the Drowned God's connection to its devotee's body.

" What is the meaning of this, Stranger?!?! " The Warrior was quick to reprimand him, as his hand grips the Drowned God's throat tighter. 

" You fools have been so engrossed in needless affairs that you have failed to notice this one's actions!! " Death growls menacingly at them. 

" ACK! ACK!! " The Drowned God desperately struggles against Death's hold.

" Release him, Stranger! " The Father orders him, making him scoff at the New God's audacity. " Release him now or be met with force! " he ignores the command as he tightens the hold once again, feeling the Drowned God's divine presence slowly slipping away. 

" This is your last warning, Stranger! RELEASE HIM NOW!! " The Father belows, releasing his power for emphasis. 

Death relents, not because he was intimidated but because he had other things to worry about than to get rid of the Drowned God. He tosses the wretched God towards the others before leaving to his own space to save the boy from drowning. 

He will deal with the fools once he has secured the boy's safety.

Stannis Baratheon was having a rather lengthy discussion with the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and his nephew's Sworn Shield when he noticed something highly peculiar outside the window of his cabin. 

" That is why I believe it to be beneficial for both the young Gendry and Alexa to learn combat skills with Prince Lyonel, My Lord.. '' Stannis turns back to Ser Barristan as the knight finishes. 

" Be as it may, Ser Barristan… Gendry is a bastard and Alexa is both a commoner and a girl, it is unbecoming for them to learn alongside the Crown Prince " Stannis says as he casts another glance outside his window. 

" And I understand, My Lord.. But Gendry is strong for his age, and Alexa is surprisingly a fast study. They would be great assets to the Prince in the future. '' Ser Barristan reasons.

" This is true, My Lord.. And the three get along exceptionally well, it would be beneficial for Prince Lyonel to have people that will always have his back. And having those people be able to fight back may prove to be useful in more ways than one…   " Ser Buckler adds in, but both knights quickly turn silent when they see the Lord abruptly raise his hand.

" Tell me.. Are you both seeing what I am seeing? " Lord Baratheon asks the two, his eyes trained outside his window. 

Ser Chris and Ser Barristan exchange confused looks before looking out the window to see what Lord Baratheon was speaking of. Their eyes widened when they saw a large group of birds flying in a circle near their ship, and as silence had fallen over the cabin they could finally hear the loud cawing of the birds.

Stannis abruptly gets up from his chair, startling the two knights, before hastily leaving his cabin, his eyes trained on the group of birds flocking near their ship.  A familiar sense of foreboding sinking deep within him. 

Seeing one of his men looking through a telescope, Stannis snatches it, ignoring the man's look of surprise, before looking through it, pointing it towards the sea where the birds were circling. 

Stannis' eyes widen when he sees a small body floating below the flock of birds, immediately recognizing the green cloak his wife had sewn. He looks up from the telescope to search the deck and turns pale when he sees the bastard and the little girl in the middle of the ship with seemingly confused looks on their young faces.

" THE PRINCE HAS GONE OVERBOARD!!! " Stannis shouts at the top of his lungs, alerting all his crew. After taking a moment for the words to sink in, the men all scatter to rescue the Prince, some bravely jumping overboard to swim after their Prince. 

- Death's Realm -

Death sighs in relief as his message was finally received. With that taken care of he can finally focus on eliminating all the deadly sharks and other sea creatures that want to feast on the drowning boy's flesh. Off to the side he sees the boy's soul forming before him in a flash of bright light. 

But with a swing of his hand Death sends the boy off to the dragon child, having no time to entertain the boy for he was keeping the Drowned God's beast from devouring said boy.

Death curses his momentary distraction as he sees a large squid entangling one of its tentacles around the boy's leg, gripping tightly as it pulls the boy towards it. He immediately uses his power to eliminate the beast, freeing the boy from its confines. He then continually eliminates any shark or sea beast that dares to come near the boy as he anxiously waits for the boy's rescue. 

What was taking these humans so long?!?! 

Theon regains consciousness a few moments later, feeling like the heavy weight that has been on his shoulders for weeks was finally lifted. His mind was so clear that he felt like he was dreaming, of course the mass hysteria happening around him quickly breaks him from this thought. 

Theon walks up to the deck with a very confused look, completely clueless as to what was going on. His eyes widen when he suddenly sees a few men tying ropes around their waists before jumping off the ship like total maniacs. 

" W-What's going on?! " Theon asks the Prince's personal servant, Lera or something. 

“ Prince Lyon has somehow gone overboard… “ Theon recognizes the look of dread on the woman’s face, it was the face he had when he saw his father’s crushed corpse. “ T-The current… I-It’s too strong for the men.. He’s gonna.. It might be too late.. “ he scoffs when he sees the woman bend down to embrace the crying little girl beside her.

“ Brother.. “ the bastard cries beside them. 

Theon scoffs, internally celebrating  that the Drowned God had finally served the spoiled little brat what he truly deserves. But suddenly, a memory of his hand making contact with Prince Lyonel’s back invades his mind, turning pale as he hazily remembers the sounds of the Prince’s struggling. The feeling of losing control of his body and almost forgetting about it makes him turn paler. 

Theon yelps when he feels a hand land on his shoulders, he turns to see Lord Tyrion staring at him with calculating eyes. “ What’s wrong with you boy?!” he grows nervous as he feels the dwarf’s eyes searching him. 

“ N-Nothing, My Lord..”  Theon answers, sounding so unsure of himself. 

Was he imagining it? Surely he would remember pushing the Crown Prince off the ship? 

Theon looks at surroundings to see if anyone was onto him, his eyes landing on an unfamiliar frail man, wearing mottled robes of green, grey, and blue. The knowing look and crooked grin on the man's face taunting him. 

FUCK! Who the fucking hell is that man? Did the man see him do it?! 

FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!

Theon panics as his eyes turn to his Liege Lord, the usually stoic man now shaking in fury. He takes a large gulp when he sees Lord Stannis smash his fist down onto the keg beside him. Theon momentarily imagines his head being squashed and fear overwhelms his senses. 

“ CAN’T ANYONE OF YOU SWIM IN THIS DAMN CURRENT?!?!” Theon jumps startled by Lord Baratheon’s booming voice, having never seen his Liege Lord that furious. “ Greyjoy!?! “ He unconsciously squeaks when the furious Lord turns to him, his hand apparently raised. 

“ Y-Yes, My Lord… I used to swim in the deep and strong currents of Pike w-with my brothers and sister, My Lord.. “ He meekly answers, fear filling his heart. He takes a glance at the grinning man from before and sees the amused look on the man's face, as if he was enjoying watching Theon squirm. 

“ Can you swim your way to Lyonel, Greyjoy? Do it and I shall reward you myself, Greyjoy! “ Theon’s head hastily turns to Lord Baratheon at that proclamation, his heart leaping at the prospect of an award. 

“ Y-Yes, My Lord! “ he answers, straightening his back as he does so. Then his mind starts wandering off as Lord Baratheon orders the men to prepare him, removing all his heavy articles of clothing and tying a very long rope around his waist. And before he knew it, he had climbed on the ledge of the ship to take a dive into the deep and very cold waters below them. One thought going through his mind as he swims towards the Prince. 

Don’t fucking screw this up! 

- Endless Void -

Seeing the Kraken child successfully pull the boy into the surface and into safety with the help of several men made Death sigh in relief, he then returns to Gods' meeting place, prepared to confront the Drowned God. His blood red eyes shining with pure rage, darkness dangerously oozing out of him.

" DID I NOT TELL YOU TO CALM YOURSELF, STRANGER?!" The Father greets him with a blast of light yet Death brushes it off as he charges towards the Drowned God, intending to finish what he had started. 

" DRAIN THE WATER FROM THE BOY'S BODY! " Death growls menacingly at the Drowned God, his hand tightly gripping the God's throat. '' DO IT NOW OR I'LL DRAIN THE LAST OF YOUR ESSENCE FROM YOU!! " He threatens. 

" What has gotten to you, Brother?! Is this because of the boy you are obsessing over?! Must we remind you that we are not to intervene in human affairs?! " Death scoffs at the mother's words, his grip slightly loosening as he turns his head to glare at the New God. 

" I am not your brother!! " Death belows, the Mother gasping in shock at his outburst. " You dare remind me of this stupid vow when this one had already broken it and you were all too blind to see!! " he growls, turning his blood red eyes back to the Drowned God, who was desperately struggling ro get out of his hold. 

" And what proof do you have of this?! " The Smith asks with a raised eyebrow.

" He possessed his devotee's body to push the boy off the ship!  " Death says, turning to the Smith. " He intends to drown the boy! "

" From what little I've seen of the boy, he is very prone to accidents.. Maybe he simply slipped and fell off the ship.. " The Crone reasons, fuelling Death's fury. 

Fortunately, before Death could burst, the Many Faced God chooses to intervene. " I agree with the Stranger. I too have seen the Drowned God's eyes rise to the back of his head, which I recall is an indication of spiritual possession… " the usually silent God recalls. " So if you would please let him go, Stranger, so that we may all decide his fate? " 

Death turns to the Many Faced God and sees a look that promises justice. Satisfied, he turns back to the struggling Drowned God and releases his hold, hearing a loud gasp as he does so. " Before we begin our judgement, he must drain the water from the boy's body! " he demands, glaring down at the heavily breathing Drowned God. 

The Father sighs before gesturing for the Drowned God to obey, which the frail God did with an audible harrumph. Knowing the boy would now be safe, Death returns to his place with the darkness retreating to his form without a need for command while everyone finally relaxes.

" This is going to be a long discussion… " Death hears the Smith whine as they all settle down to their places. And for once, he couldn't help but agree.

Chapter Text

( 23rd Day of the 12th Month of 292 A.C. )

( Sunset )

- Fury - 

Pale

Cold

Lifeless

Lyonel is so pale, lying so still. Tyrion's dynamic little nephew, normally so full of life, looked like a shell of the little boy he dearly loves. 

How could he have let this happen? 

This shouldn't have happened. Ser Barristan and Ser Chris have entrusted his nephew's safety to him. He was meant to keep the boy from harm, something he should have done easily for there were no enemies in sight. .. Yet he failed. . He greatly failed. He had been too lenient, just because they were in the seas, and now his nephew's life is once again in danger.

Tyrion couldn't think, couldn't move. Certainly couldn't stand up to leave the scene, no matter if he knew his heart wouldn't be able to bear seeing his nephew's untimely demise. With all his strength he could manage, he slowly crawled to Lyonel's side and took his nephew's cold hand into his own, trying not to get in the way of Helena, who had been breathing air into Lyonel's mouth and pushing her palms on his nephew’s chest in a steady rhythm for the past several minutes.  

" Please be alive. Please be alive. Please be alive. " Tyrion repeated on a loop, not knowing to whom he was begging or if his pleas would be answered. 

" This shouldn't be happening. He was supposed to be playing.. I left him for a few minutes.. Gods why did I leave him? " He whispered to himself, pulling his nephew's hand to his lips, laying a tender kiss at the back of his palm. " Please.. Please be alive.. " he chanted helplessly. 

Tyrion then releases the breath he didn't know he was holding when he hears his little nephew gurgle before vomiting a large amount of water, men jumping out of the way of the small puddle that formed. He leans down and cups his nephew’s cheek just as Lyonel’s eyes open with a hazy look for a few seconds before closing once again. 

With a heavy breath Tyrion turns from his nephew to Helena. “ H-He'll be alright now, right?"  he asks with worry clear in his voice. 

" We need to keep him warm, My Lords. But I believe Prince Lyonel will be fine with rest and proper care" Helena answers.

" Rest and proper care he will have.. " Tyrion nods along with Stannis' words as the Storm Lord lifts up their nephew in his arms and carries Lyonel towards the cabin to rest, a pair of guilt-filled knights and worried children following closely behind them.

When Stannis, who was carrying their nephew down to the cabin, finally left his sight, Tyrion turns to Helena and grasps her hands into his. " Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." He says over and over again. 

" There is no need to thank me, My Lord.. I would do anything for my Little King - I mean my Prince  '' Having the fear of losing his nephew finally pass over, Tyrion laughter rings out at the woman's slip up. 

" Very well.. I should be taking my leave.. I ought to check on our 'Little King' " Tyrions says in a teasing manner, leaving a red faced Helena and several snickering crew mates behind. 

- Above Deck of a Braavosi Ship - 

Lyonel's silver like form lies on the deck of a ship, a little girl with shoulder length silver blonde hair and vibrant purple eyes sitting beside him with her knees raised in front of her, her arms holding them firmly to her chest. Every time he squirms, the girl gasps, gaining curious glances from the crews of the ship. 

Then, after a few more moments Lyonel wakes up with a start, gasping for much needed air. " Lyon? " He jolts, startled by the voice beside him. He turns to her with a terrified look, but softens when he recognizes his friend.

" Dany? " Lyonel receives a nod making him smile, but a second later the smile turns to a scowl as his eyes narrow in suspicion. " Did you push me? " 

" Push you? Why would I push you? " Lyonel's suspicion doesn't falter, until he heard her next words. " I can't even touch you!! " she exclaims with hint of frustration in her voice. 

Lyonel blinks, remembering the first time they tried to embrace and was only reduced to tears. " Oh.. Yeah… I.. I forgot.. " he says with an apologetic look.

Soon enough, Dany's angry glare softens as a small smile appears on her face. " It's fine, Lyon.. You forgot, so I wouldn't hold it against you.. " Lyonel smiles at her yet his eyes look fearful, which Dany seemed to notice. " Is something wrong, Lyon?? " He takes a look around and becomes more fearful when he sees several pairs of eyes on them.

" W-Why is e-everyone looking a-at us? " Lyonel manages to stutter through his fear. " D-Did I do something wrong? Is that why someone pushed me? " he asks, sounding frantic.

" They're looking at me, Lyon.. " He turned to Dany, who was trying to calm him down with a smile. " People look at me weird whenever I talk to you, cause they can't see you the way I do! " 

" O-Oh.. " Lyonel slightly calms down, his eyes trained on his friend. " I thought.. I.. "

" What's wrong Lyon? Why would you think someone pushed you? "

Lyonel frantically shakes his head. " I don't know.. All I.. All I remember.. " he says, trying to recall his latest memories. "  All I remember is the feeling of a hand landing on my back and the feeling of being pushed off the ship. "

Dany's eyes widened as he continued."  I.. I don't know how to swim.. My uncles wouldn't let me near the seas during our travels, they feared that I would drown.. " he explains. " But I did.. I drowned.. " he says with a sinking feeling. "  I .. I think I remember struggling, trying to swim up the surface, but something was tugging me down.. And then I couldn't breathe.. I couldn't breathe.. " 

" Then what happened? " His usually bright green eyes look dead as he stares into her vibrant purple eyes.

" Then I woke up here.. With you.. "

“ Oh.. “ Dany said, not knowing what else to say at his revelation. Silence falling over them until Dany breaks it with a question. 

“ Lyon.. I’ve been wanting to ask.. What are you? “ 

Lyonel tilts his head, a tell-tale sign of his confusion. 

“ What do you mean? “

“ Well.. It’s just.. Only I can see you.. And I can’t touch you either.. “ Lyonel looks at her weirdly, as if what she was saying was completely baffling. “ I thought you were just my imagination.. But you don’t appear when I want you to.. “

“ I.. I don’t know.. “ Lyonel says, sounding so lost. 

Before Dany could try to comfort him, they both hear a voice behind them. “ Qilōni issi ao talking naejot, mandia? (Who are you talking to, sister? )“ Lyonel immediately recognized Vis upon seeing him, but did not recognize what the older boy was saying. 

“ Īlen talking naejot ñuha raqiros, Vis! (I was talking to my friend, Vis! ) “ Lyonel watches with wonder as he hears the foreign words leave their mouths. 

“ Raqiros? skoros raqiros? emā daor raqiros! (Friend? What friend? You have no friend! ) “ Lyonel frowns when he heard Vis’ voice rise. “ Issi ao jāre ribazmoqitta, dany?!  (Are you going mad, Dany?!) “ Even though he doesn’t understand a word the siblings are saying he knows that whatever Vis was saying was probably bad, simply based on the way it was hissed out. 

“ Daor, iksan daor.  Se gaoman emagon raqirossa! Lyon iksis ñuha raqiros! sīr issi se sailors isse bisa lōgor! (No, I am not! And I do have friends! Lyon is my friend! So are the sailors in this ship! ) “ Lyonel hears Vis gasp incredulously at whatever Dany said. 

“ Ao dare ȳdragon arlī naejot nyke?! gaomagon jaelā naejot wake se zaldrīzes?! (You dare talk back to me?! Do you want to wake the Dragon?!)“ Lyonel is instantly on high alert when he sees Vis’ hand raised in a striking manner, he tries to tackle the older boy but his smoke-like body simply passes through Vis. 

“ Ao - gaomagon - daor - ȳdragon - arlī - naejot - nyke!! (You - do - not - talk - back - to - me! ) “ Vis ennancuates each word with every strike he gives Dany, his body towering over the small frightened little girl. “   iksan se zaldrīzes ( I am THE dragon! ) “ 

Not knowing how else to help his friend, who was once again being beaten up by her brother for no apparent reason, Lyonel shouts as loud as he can, seemingly gaining the attention of several birds. “ STOP HURTING MY FRIEND!!!! “ The sailors all look in wonder as several birds suddenly gather in a flock and swoop down to the young silver blonde haired teen, each taking turns to peck his head with their beaks. 

“ WHAT THE FUCK?!?!! “ Lyon quickly sits beside Dany, offering her support despite not being physically able to, as Vis tries to swat the birds away from him. “ GET AWAY FROM ME! “ The birds all chased after Vis even as he retreated below the deck in great haste leaving behind laughing children.

After getting over the hilarious sight of Vis getting chased by a flock of birds that came out of nowhere, Lyonel turns to Dany with a worried look. “ Are you okay, Dany? “ 

“ Uh-huh. I’m fine now.. “ She answers him as she brushes off the wrinkles that formed on her dress. 

“ What did Vis say to you? Why did he get so mad? What language were you using? I’ve never heard it before.. “ Lyonel asks with both worry and great curiosity. 

“ He said I shouldn’t talk back to him cause he’s THE dragon.. “ She answered with a frown before it was quickly replaced with a smile. “ And it’s High Valyrian.. Vis taught it to me when I was really young! He said it’s our mother tongue! “ 

“ High Valyrian? I think I’ve heard my little uncle mention it before.. He said it’s really hard to learn.. “ Lyonel says, his head tilted to the side. 

“ No it’s not! “ Dany shakes her head, disagreeing. “ It’s really easy! In fact, I can teach it to you right now! “ she says, sounding determined. 

“ Really!?! “ Lyonel’s eyes shines with excitement. 

“ Yeah! “ Dany shouts, gaining weird looks from the sailors which she once again ignores as she sits down to settle in a comfortable position, Lyonel doing the same beside her. “ Okay, since you taught me to count last time.. I’m gonna teach you how to count in High Valyrian -- “ 

Lyonel listens intently to his friend, hanging onto every word she says as she teaches him her mother tongue. And once again, the two oldest friends get lost in their own world. Without a care to others that kept giving them weird looks as they cherish each other’s company. 

- Endless Void -

By the time Death leaves the meeting, he is fuming. His anger is reflected by the darkness that oozes out of him in leaps, leaving a trail of it wherever he goes. 

" You shouldn't have stopped me!! " Death hisses out at his children, who were all guiding him back to "his corner" of their home. " I could have destroyed the Drowned God where he smugly stood! "  

" Just because you could do it, doesn't mean you should. " Death turns to one of his children in anger, not believing the audacity of them. 

" How dare you!! " Death growls as stands tall in front of his child, a menacing look on his face. 

This one child of Death stands tall as they meet his glare while his other children cower behind this one. " That is what you taught us, of what little you've taught us over the thousand of years you have been our parent! " The Old God answers back, the others gaining bits of courage by watching their sibling " You keep on calling out on our mistakes yet you turn a blind eye to yours! "

" Yeah! " Another of Death's children agreed to their sibling. " We're in this predicament because of you! " 

Death's eyes widened when his children began to gang up on him, finally having the courage to call him out for his mistakes.

" The last time you let your emotions take over your mind you created a being whose sole mission is to destroy humanity!! " A third one chimes in.

" What would you have done after you erased the Drowned God's existence?! " another one asks, genuinely. " Would you have helped us in our fight against the Great Other? Just as you should since it was your problem to begin with? " 

Death scoffs while glaring. " Why should I? I have no concern for humans.. " 

" Yet you've grown obsessed over a boy! A HUMAN boy!! " The sixth one lashes out at him. " You are such a hypocrite " they spat out in disgust.

" We love you because you are our parent. Our only living parent. And we respect all your decisions even though we don't agree with most of them because that is what Life taught before she disappeared.. " The last one confesses with a solemn look. " But if you want to destroy the Gods that lead our world, then step up and lead. Just as you were always meant to! Because whether you like it or not, you're the only Supreme Being left in the world! " 

Death finds himself unable to offer a refute, his children's words sinking into the deepest and darkest part of him. He sinks down in his place as his children give him varying looks of pity, disappointment and disgust, before they all leave to go back to the meeting of the Gods. 

After a few moments, Death shakes the feeling off. 

Tch! It doesn't matter what they say. That bastard will have its due. He is Death, and only he gets to choose who lives and who dies..  

Death promises to no one but himself as he opens a portal to retrieve the boy's soul.

( Hour of Eel ) 

- Lyonel’s Cabin - 

Despite needing to attend to his brother's every need, Gendry Waters considers himself blessed to have Lyonel Baratheon as his brother. 

How could he not when Lyonel reminds Gendry so much of Alan?

Lyonel is both kind and wise like Alan was, he was also very caring to his younger siblings like Alan was to Gendry.

Even after learning that he is the King's bastard, Gendry was astonished with how the Crown Prince treats him. Aside from allowing Gendry to call him brother, Lyonel had also defended him from Theon Greyjoy, who had called him out for being a bastard. 

With his low upbringing and the fact that he is a bastard, the Queen had made sure that Gendry would remember his place, below his True Born siblings. But this didn't affect how Lyonel saw him. His brother would always treat him the same way his brother would treat Prince Joffrey and Princess Myrcella, with absolute adoration. 

His brother even had Lady Baratheon make a cloak for him! One that had the symbol that Gendry made up with his brother and their friend!

Gendry loved Alan greatly, his brother who had cared for him and protected him since the day he was born, but now he had grown to love Lyonel just as much as he loved Alan. So it had downright terrified him to have seen his brother looking so pale and blue, Lena pumping Lyonel’s chest over and over again, occasionally breathing into his brother’s mouth. 

Gendry shakes his head, trying to rid his mind of the horrendous memories, as he holds his brother’s hand, looking up to see Lord Tyrion holding the other. His brother’s “little uncle” offered him a reassuring smile before turning back to look at his unconscious brother. 

A few minutes have passed when Ser Chris opened the door to reveal Lena and Lexa, both sisters carrying various medicinal supplies. Gendry watches as Lena maneuvers towards his side and examines his brother’s condition, Lexa handing her everything she requires. “ Isn’t it time for you to go to bed, Gendry? “ Lena asks him as she works. 

“ L-Lord Stannis and Lord Tyrion said I could stay.. “ He says, the thought of leaving his brother brings him to the brink of tears. “ I.. I don’t want to leave my brother…. He.. He might need me.. “ 

“ I want to stay too, Lena.. “ Gendry sees Lord Tyrion’s eyes widen when Lexa speaks. 

Lena’s eyes dart between him and Lexa before sighing in defeat. “ Fine.. As long as Lord Tyrion does not mind.. “ 

Gendry and Lexa turn to the still shocked Lord, awaiting for his answer. “ Oh! Uh.. Y-yes, of course I don’t mind.. I’m sure my little nephew would appreciate having you stay by his side.. “ Lord Tyrion answers as he composes himself. 

With a smile on his face, Gendry leaves his chair to drag another chair right beside his own. He then returns to his seat and turns to Lexa while patting the seat next to his. As Lexa sits down, they all hear Lyonel groan. 

“ Dany, ra-qi-ros” They all hear him mumble in his sleep. 

“ What is brother saying? “  Gendry asks with worry. 

“ It doesn’t seem to be the common tongue.. “ Lord Tyrion answers. “ I think it’s High Valyrian.. But I don’t know what it means.. “ 

“ It means friend.. “ Gendry turns to Lexa with shock while from the corner of his eyes he sees Lord Tyrion looking at her with suspicion. 

“ And how do you know this, young Lexa? “ 

“ Because I taught it to her.. “ Lena answers the little Lord as she tucks in brother’s blanket. “ Our parents used to teach me Valyrian words when I was young.. And when they died, I thought I should honor them by teaching Lexa all they taught me..  “

“ I see… “ Lord Tyrion trails off as he stands. “ You’re done examining my nephew, are you not, Lena? “ 

“ Yes, My Lord.. “ Gendry cocks his head to the side when he sees Lena tense. 

“ Very well, I hope you don't mind that we have a little chat with Lord Baratheon now would you? “ Gendry turns to Lexa and sees her to be just as confused as him.

“ Of course not, My Lord.. “ 

“ Very well… Children '' Gendry and Lexa sit up straight when they hear Lord Tyrion’s tone, it was what grown ups use to make children like them obey. '' Kindly look after my little nephew on my behalf.. Ser Chris and Meraxes would be staying inside with you.. ” he says gesturing to Ser Chris who was standing to the side and Meraxes who was curled up on the ground with a green look on her face. “ Ser Barristan and the other guards are on the other side of the door if you would require anything.. Lena and I here would be joining Lord Stannis for a little chat.. “

A few seconds later, they hear the door close as Lord Tyrion and Lena leave.  Gendry wraps his cloak closely to his body as he returns his stare at his unconscious brother. His kind and loving brother who he wished would wake up soon, for Gendry wouldn’t know what to do if he lost Lyonel too. 

( 26th Day of the 12th Month of 292 A.C. )

( Hour of the Wolf )

- Below Deck of a  Braavosi Ship -

" Brōzio ñuha iksis Lyon (My name is Lyon)" Dany pronounces clearly, Lyonel's eyes trained on her mouth as each word comes out. He looks up into her eyes when his mouth lifts up to a smile, he sees the encouraging look in them so he decides to give it a try.

" Brō-zio ñu-ha ik-si Lyon (My name we are Lyon ) " Lyon repeated, doing his best to pronounce each word as he had heard them. He smiles proudly as he succeeds, but deflates when he sees Dany shaking her head.

" No.. Not iksi.. iksis.. " Dany corrects him.

" What's the difference? " Lyonel asks, confused. He thought he had pronounced it right, but apparently not. 

" Iksis means 'is', Lyon.. While iksi means 'we are'.. " Dany explains, his mouth forming into a circle at this. " Try again " she says, which he does.

" Brō-zio ñu-ha ik-sis Lyon (My name is Lyon) " Lyon carefully repeated, this time he was rewarded with a beaming smile courtesy of Dany. 

" That's right! You said it right! " Dany proudly says, before she lets out a yawn. 

" Ao ē-dru-gī, Dany? (You tired, Dany?) " he asks her with worry, carefully selecting through the words he was taught earlier.

" Daor, jaelan naejot umbagon bē lēda ao (No, I want to stay up with you) " Lyonel cocks his head to the side, the words that came out of her mouth being completely lost to him.

" Uh.. I only understood 'Daor', Dany.. " He admits sheepishly. " It means 'no' , right? " 

Dany giggles at him as she nods, making him chuckle in embarrassment. " I said.. I want to stay up with you " She repeats her statement, this time using the common tongue. 

" I'm not going anywhere, Dany.. We should get some rest" Lyonel offers her a reassuring smile, but knows that he failed when he saw her frown. " What's wrong? "

" You always go.. You always leave me to go with that big and scary monster.. " Lyonel blinks. 

Monster?

" Oh! You mean, Beasty? " Lyonel says, realizing who she was talking about. " Beasty isn't a monster! " he giggles. " He's my friend! He always pats my head softly and he gives really great hugs! " 

" Is that so?" Both children shriek, startled by the low voice that seemed to come out of nowhere. Their eyes dart all around their very dark surroundings until Lyonel nudges Dany, pointing towards a hazy silhouette. 

" Beasty?!? " Lyonel gasps loudly as he approaches.

" We meet again, Boy.. " Lyonel smiles brightly before slamming onto Beasty, burrowing his face on the creature's cowled robe.

" You're here to fetch him again, aren't you? " Lyon looked up when he heard the sorrow in his friend's voice. 

" Indeed.. It is time for us to go, child.. " Lyonel petulantly shakes his head, refusing to leave his friend again. Especially when her brother keeps hurting her like he did earlier. 

" No!! I'm not leaving Dany! She's my friend and she needs me! " 

" What about your family, Boy? Are you willing to leave them behind for her? " Beasty asks him with a raised brow, making Lyonel hesitate.

" It's alright, Lyon.. You can go.. I'll be fine.. " Lyon frowns when he sees the sorrow in Dany's eyes despite the smile on her face. 

" It is time to go, Boy.. " Lyonel resists the tug on his right hand, his left hand reaching out to his friend.

" Raqiros, Dany! " He shouts out to her while Beasty raises his bony hand into the air. " Don't be afraid, Dany! I'll always be your friend! No matter what! " He promises as Beasty tugs him into the portal, the last thing he sees is the tearful face of his dearest friend. 

Chapter Text

( 5th Day of the 1st Month of 293 A.C. )

( Sunrise )

As the sun rises over the Vale of Arryn, the Crown Prince and his entourage trek its tortuous mountain path. A week has passed since Lyonel's drowning incident and Stannis had done his best at managing the aftermath. 

While they waited for Lyonel to wake up, Stannis had immediately called for a gathering of his men. He called each and every one of his crew into his cabin for a thorough interrogation, asking them of their whereabouts during the incident and what they were doing or if they happened to see anything suspicious. 

And despite his hours of careful investigation, Stannis had nothing. So he was left no choice but to classify it as an accident, which his nephew confirmed later on as the boy had no recollection of what happened.

Yet that does not mean Stannis would not be cautious. In fact, he had been far too cautious with his nephew to the point that it might pass off as paranoia.

" Uncle Stannis? " Lyonel's voice cuts Stannis off his thoughts.  He looks down at his nephew, who is riding in front of his saddle, his left hand wrapped around the boy's waist while his right is holding the reins. " Do I really have to ride like this? "

" Our journey to the Eyre is a very steep and long climb, Lyonel. Lord Nestor Royce here can attest to it.. " He answers his nephew, turning to the High Steward of the Vale riding beside them.

Plus he was not taking any chances for another accident to happen to his nephew…

" Lord Baratheon speaks true, My Prince.. " Lord Royce, a barrel chested man, confirms his statement. " That is why I am training young Mya here as a guide. She may be young but she is a really smart girl! " Stannis turns to the girl the Lord was talking about. He quickly recognizes her as Robert's eldest bastard, Mya Stone. 

" You know.. I believe this is the first time I've heard you complain about riding with your Uncle Stannis, Little Nephew.. " Stannis turns to Tyrion as the dwarf's thoughts are voiced. " I do hope this has nothing to do with our lovely companion here.. " the dwarf teases, gesturing to Mya Stone. 

" Little Uncle!! '' Stannis' eyes narrow at the dwarf as Lyonel's embarrassed shout rings out, which Tyriom promptly ignores. 

" Oh young Mya, may I kindly know your age on behalf of my nephew? " Stannis looks ahead as he listens into their conversation in silence.

" Didn't anyone tell you that it's rude to ask a girl's age, dwarf? " 

The girl surely inherited Robert's brashness, alright.

Stannis looked down for a moment when he heard his nephew giggle before turning his sight back to the road ahead. 

" Mya! That is no way to speak to a Lord! " Stannis hears Lord Royce chastise the bastard girl. " Forgive her, My Lord." 

" Ah, no worries, Lord Royce! " The dwarf exclaims. " There is nothing to forgive, I simply wish to know if Mya here fits my nephew's type.. "

" Brother's type? '' Young Gendry asks, until now the bastard had been silent throughout the journey.

" Type? What type? " Lyonel follows his brother's inquiry.

" You know.. Your type.. What you like in a girl. Cause I for one believe young Mya here would fit right in.. " 

" What does my age have to do with it?  " Stannis' brows furrow as he notices a similarity between the three siblings' personalities. 

" Well, you see.. My nephew here seems to like older girls... " Stannis feels Lyonel squirm, he looks down for a moment to see the boy turning red. " First he had a short crush on his head maid, Helena… Who is thirteen namesday older than him, by the way.. Although it was maybe a simple infatuation that quickly faded in time.. Now he just sees her as an older sister figure or something"

" Little Uncle.. " Stannis hears Lyonel quietly plead, but falls on deaf's ear as the dwarf continues on. 

" Then there were the daughters of Lord Errol and Lord Tarth.. I believe Lady Shyra was two namesday older while Lady Brienne was three namesday older than him.. He still keeps in touch with both, I tell you. " the dwarf chuckles, oblivious to their nephew's embarrassment. " My little nephew here is nine namesday old, if you were wondering..  " 

" LITTLE UNCLE!! " Lyonel's sudden outburst halts their slow procession, all eyes turning to the blushing Prince. 

Silence surrounds them as they didn't know how to address it. That is until Mya Stone breaks it with a single sentence. 

" Yer' three years too young for me, Yer' Grace.. " 

Stannis looks down to see his nephew imitate a fish, the boy's eyes and mouth are wide open as his face turns completely red. Soon enough, Tyrion Lannister cracks making everyone join in on the laughter.

Stannis sighs, as his nephew had unknowingly reminded him to stop being so paranoid. 

After all, what should matter most is that Lyonel is alive and well. 

( 14th Day of the 1st Month of 293 A.C. )

- The Eyrie - 

Considering Prince Lyonel is young and the roads of the Vale are extremely dangerous, the Lords of the Vale instead gathered in the Eyrie to get to know the Crown Prince and try to gain influence with the Future King. 

The Lords of the Vale are proud and numerous. As with any large group, their views vary. That is the case with their opinions of the Crown Prince. 

Many view Prince Lyonel as a kind boy that shares Lord Jon Arryn's ideals, this of course made the Prince endearing in their eyes. A few saw him as a weak and whiny Prince, who could be easily reduced to tears at a moment's notice.While others view him as nothing but a spoiled Lannister child, who would receive everything he asks at a whim. 

Admittedly, Lord Nestor Royce was one of the latter. But this opinion of his changed when he saw the Crown Prince carrying a pail of water through the halls one afternoon.

" My Prince.. W-What are you doing? " Lord Royce asks, somewhat bewildered. Never had he seen a noble do something that is usually reserved for servants.

The young Prince looks up to him, the boy's head cocked to the side. " I'm fetching water, Lord Royce! " he says with a smile, as if it was normally a task a Prince would do. " I'm giving Mera here a bath! " he says, turning the lioness beside him, the handle of another pail full of water locked between its jaws. 

" Don't you have servants for that? " He asks before looking up to the boy's guards. " Or mayhaps have Ser Chris or Ser Barristan here to assist you. "

" I usually help Gendry with this, but since he's not feeling well today, I have Mera here helping me instead cause it's her bath!! " The young Prince says. " And I don't want Ser Chris and Ser Barristan to help me cause I'm a big boy and I don't need help! " he babbles. " Although Uncle Stannis told me to let them help me if my arms hurt but my arms don't hurt yet so I don't need their help! " he exclaims proudly. 

Lord Royce stares at the odd Prince in silence. " Don't you have other servants? There are many servants within the castle, or maybe your other personal servants. I thought you have two more aside from your bastard brother? " he questions.

" Don't call Gendry a bastard! " Lord Royce gets startled by the sudden hostility in the Prince's voice but then it disappears as quickly as it came. " Lena and Lexa are both busy so I don't wanna bother them. " 

Then they both heard the lioness chuff loudly making Lord Royce turn nervous when he saw the beast's eyes trained on him, a seemingly annoyed look on its face. 

" We have to go now, Lord Royce.. Mera gets grumpy when she doesn't take her bath in time before supper because Little Uncle won't give her a steak if she's dirty.. " The young Prince says, giving a small yet respectful nod before leaving to return to his task. 

Lord Royce stood in the middle of the hall with a baffled look for a few short minutes before he too returned to his own task. 

If it weren't for the boy's green eyes, he would not think that the boy he just saw is a Lannister at all. Gods forbid the Lannister would ever willingly do the work of servants or even defend a bastard for no ulterior motive.

( 4th Day of the 3rd Month of 293 A.C. )

- The Eyrie -

Jon Arryn leaves the meeting of the Lords of the Vale with a heavy sigh. After the rather lengthy discussion they just had, all he wanted to do was get some much needed rest and spend time with his children. 

Jon had been forced to temporarily leave his position as Hand of the King and return to the Eyre when his wife had died of childbirth. His wife may have been young and healthy, but complications occurred during the birth of their son and she has lost her life in exchange for Robin’s. So after weeks of travel, he had finally buried his third wife beside his first two while he held his children. Sharra, his beautiful little girl, has not stopped crying since the passing of his wife. The once calm babe had now turned somber, it was as if she was aware that her mother was gone forever.

Jon had made it a point to regularly check on his children, not wanting to fail them as he had their mother. He had just come from his son’s chamber, the newborn babe sleeping so soundly without a care in the world, and is on his way to his daughter’s, who he expects to have cried herself to sleep as she had been doing for the past several weeks.

“ Where is my daughter, Septa? “ Jon’s eyes searched his daughter’s empty chambers before landing on the Septa, who was meekly standing beside his daughter’s wetnurse. 

“ Lord Royce took the crying babe to the gardens, My Lord. He said it was upon orders of Prince Lyonel.. “ The woman says with a respectful bow. 

Upon the mention of the boy’s name, Jon’s mind turns to the Crown Prince. He didn’t know what occurred between the boy and his parents, but whatever it was had caused Prince Lyonel to be distant to the King and even the Queen, the latter had shocked Jon for he knew of the strong bond the boy had with his mother. 

Truth be told, when he had proposed the idea of Prince Lyonel touring the realm, he had expected it to be rejected outright. But to his surprise, a few weeks after Prince Lyonel returned from his self isolation in the Kingswoods, Robert announced that his son was to go on a grand tour and he had ordered for every Lord of Westeros to be gracious hosts to his son lest they suffer his wrath. 

Never had Jon thought Robert’s mind could be changed, but then again if anyone was capable of doing so it would be the stubborn man’s own son. 

“ Mama! Mama! Mama! “ Jon stops by the entrance of the gardens upon hearing his daughter’s cries, the young babe was sitting on the Prince’s lap being held with ever so gentle arms. 

Jon had been somewhat troubled when he had heard of the trouble Prince Lyonel had gotten into with the Greyjoy boy; he had thought the boy might have inherited Tywin Lannister’s gruesome cruelty. The past year that Prince Lyonel was gone, he had personally seen that same cruelty from Prince Joffrey, for a boy so young to be capable of such cruelty to one’s own family was baffling and fearsome to him. And if the future King were to be the same, he knew the realm would not survive another coming of the Mad King. 

“ Shhh.. Don’t cry, Sharra.. I’m right here.. “ Seeing the young Prince whisper such gentle words to his daughter destroys any thoughts of cruelty from Jon’s mind. Surely it was a mistake, he had known the boy for many years and never had he seen cruelty in the boy’s behavior.

Prince Lyonel would have not attacked anyone for no good reason. 

Just as Jon decides to approach, he hears the Prince start humming. The bastard and peasant girl copying the Prince, the three children produce a steady rhythm that enchants everyone in the garden. Soon enough, he sees his daughter fall asleep, leaning on the Prince’s chest with a smile on her face. A single tear fell from Jon’s eye at the sight. 

How could he ever think that someone who is capable of showing compassion to someone who is not their blood would be as cruel as Tywin Lannister? 

“ My Lord.. '' Lord Royce greeted Jon with a bow upon sight, Prince Lyonel’s head hastily turning to him. 

“ Oh. Hello Lord Arryn.. “ Jon chuckles as he sees the sheepish look on the young Prince’s face. “ I’m sorry for taking Sharra without your permission.. But Lord Royce mentioned that she hadn’t stopped crying since you came home.. So I aske-” 

“ There is no need to apologize, My Prince “ Jon cuts the boy off before the young Prince starts babbling endlessly, a trait he knows the boy tends to have. “ You have done me a great favor, My Prince.. “ he says as he puts a gentle hand on top of the boy’s messy hair. “ You have been nothing but kind to my children since we had arrived home, I heard you have been meaning to talk to me? “ 

Prince Lyonel shakes his head. “ It’s okay, Lord Arryn. Uncle Stannis and Little Uncle said you were busy and told me to not bother you.. “ 

Jon chuckles, bending down to be eye level with the sitting boy. 

“ Well I am now done with my duties for the day, and seeing as my children are taking their naps” Jon eyes his daughter as he speaks. “ I’m sure I can make time for you.. Tell me what you and your dear friends here have been up to since your journey began.. “ he sees Prince Lyonel share a look with the children beside him before turning back to him. 

For the past several hours, Jon spent his free time conversing with three insightful young children that were not his own. His mind often wandered to the times he had fostered Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark, how impressionable the two were just as the three children before him are. 

With Prince Lyonel now away from his parent’s influence, Jon believes the Crown Prince is growing into someone worthy of the title he is set to inherit. And he makes a promise to himself that aside from being there for his children more, he would also do all he can to help Prince Lyonel to grow into a competent King, one that the realm deserves. 

( 18th Day of the 3rd Month of 293 A.C. )

- Gulltown - 

Ser Barristan Selmy had served in the Kingsguard for three decades, he had seen many tragedies happen before his eyes. But he had never seen someone so tragedy prone than the Prince he is currently assigned to protect. 

Ser Barristan had thought he had somehow angered his King for him to be sent away from the capital, as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard it is a given that his place is with his King. But it was only after seeing Prince Lyonel drown did he understand that King Robert only wants the best to protect his tragedy prone son. Ever since that incident in the Kingswood when the Prince was only three namesday old, he had thought the boy seeked trouble. But apparently he was wrong.

It was not the boy who seeked trouble, it was trouble that seeked the boy. It was as if the Stranger himself had made it his mission to take the boy’s life at every opportunity. 

Ser Barristan vowed to himself to not fail this Prince as he had failed the previous, a silver haired Prince coming to his mind at this thought. 

Prince Lyonel reminds Ser Barristan of Prince Rhaegar in some ways. They were both compassionate people, both were charming in their own ways. Yet unlike Prince Rhaegar, Prince Lyonel was extremely sociable. Prince Lyonel likes to interact with people in a much more intimate way, taking time out of his busy schedule to actually listen to anyone he is speaking with, whether they be a highborn Lord or a lowborn servant. It’s probably why Prince Lyonel is so popular with the servants, despite the Prince's knack for pulling pranks on them. Prince Lyonel was quite popular with the peasants too.  

“ Prince Lyon!! “ Ser Barristan is brought out of his thoughts when he hears the town's baker greet the Prince upon seeing their group. “ And I see only young Lexa is with you today.. “ 

“ Hi Walter! '' Ser Barristan smiles as Prince Lyonel greets the town’s baker as if they were long time friends. '' Uncle Stannis said he had matters to attend to in the Street of Steel and Gendry went with him cause my baby brother loves watching the smiths work so it’s just me and Lexa! " Ser Barristan can never get over the fact that Prince Lyonel can ramble for a long time, sometimes without drawing breath."  I tried to get Mya to come, but she doesn't seem to like me, even though Lord Arryn told her that I'm her brother.. “ the young Prince says with a frown before it quickly disappears. '' Anyways.. How’s your children doing, Walter? “

“ They’re doing well, My Prince.. Mi’ boys are actually making some deliveries to the local inn..  “ The baker answers as he grabs a whole pie from the display. The man then makes two slices and puts them on wooden plates, before serving them to Prince Lyonel and Alexa, who are now sitting on a bench situated beside the shop. 

As Prince Lyonel intently listens to the baker, Ser Barristan notices young Alexa quickly take a bite of the Prince's pie, a wary look on the young girl’s face. He was aware how highly cautious Lord Baratheon had been since Prince Lyonel’s drowning, to the point that the Storm Lord had trained both Gendry and Alexa to taste Prince Lyonel’s food first. 

“ Lexa! Why did you take a bite of my pie again? You have your own..  “ Prince Lyonel whines, while Alexa simply shrugs, making the young Prince pout. Ser Barristan chuckles when he heard Prince Lyonel grumble before eating the pie, he had to hand it to the sneaky girl, doing her duty in a subtle way. Or as subtle as a child could manage, at least. 

Even if Prince Lyonel is very tragedy prone, Ser Barristan knows that everyone if not most in the Prince’s entourage will do everything they can to make sure that their kind hearted Prince lives long enough to be the great King they all believe he would become. Most have already given their loyalty to the Prince, Ser Barristan knows that Gendry, Alexa, Helena and Ser Chris are some of them and he feels that it won’t be long before he joins them himself. 

Chapter Text

( 7th Day of the 4th Month of 293 A.C. )

- The Eyrie -

Stannis releases a heavy sigh upon reading over the contents of the letter in his hand for the tenth time. He was quite torn with the news he had received.

His wife was with child.

Of course having another child is a blessing he did not see coming, yet on the other hand his duties prevent him from being there for his wife and unborn child. It didn’t take long for news of Lyonel’s drowning incident to reach the ears of those in the capital, no matter how much he tried to prevent it. And it was only Lyonel’s inborn power of persuasion that had managed to stop Robert from marching into the Vale just to strangle him alive. 

Speaking of Lyonel’s power of persuasion, he too had become one of its recent victims. Half a decade ago this wouldn’t have affected Stannis, but each year that he spends with his nephew, his resolve to be noone but a man of duty and justice weakens. So for now he would play the role of a dutiful brother, but if there ever comes a time that he must choose between Robert and Lyonel, he knows he would forgo his fanatic sense of duty and choose his nephew. 

*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*

“ Uncle Stannis? “ Hearing his nephew’s voice from the other side of the door of his bedchamber brings Stannis out of his thoughts.

“ Enter ” 

Lyonel enters with a wary look on his face.

Good. At least his nephew is aware of what he had done. 

“ Have you calmed down? “ Stannis asks with a raised brow, his nephew replying with a meek nod. “ Good. The next time you talk to me like that again I shall see fit to have you punished for your insolence, is that understood? “

“ Yes, Uncle Stannis.. I’m sorry.. I’m just worried about Aunt Selyse.. I don’t - '' Stannis raises his hand effectively cutting off Lyonel’s rambling, if he hadn’t done it his nephew would have rambled for minutes wasting his time further. 

“ I know you are worried for her, Lyonel. I am aware of how close you have gotten with not only my children but also my own wife. “ Lyonel’s eyes stare into his own with a look of sorrow, one that unnerves Stannis for reasons he did not know. “ Which is why I have taken your words into consideration. “ 

There is a long pause as Stannis wisely chooses his words. 

“ After talking it over with Lord Arryn and your Uncle Tyrion, I had decided to return to Stormsend for the remainder of Selyse’s pregnancy and return near the end of your Tour here in the Vale.. '' Stannis then sees the sorrow leave his nephew’s eyes and be replaced with the usual bright cheerful glint. “ That is as long as you give me your word that you would follow the rules that I will enforce on you, or I’ll have no choice but to punish you. “ He finishes in a tone that leaves no argument. 

After another long pause, Stannis goes on to list off his ‘rules’ to his nephew.

“ First of all you must always, ALWAYS, have either Ser Barristan, Ser Chris or Meraxes with you at all times. Next you must never venture into Gulltown without permission from both Lord Arryn AND your Uncle Tyrion, and if they assign you several other guards you are not to argue. I know you wish to bring your baseborn sister into your party, I will not stop you from doing so. But as the Crown Prince of Westeros your safety should be everyone’s priority, even yours, no matter how much you hate the fact. “ Stannis reminds his nephew, who looks to be close to arguing with him. 

“ Now regarding your lessons, your Uncle Tyrion had agreed to take over with Lord Arryn and even Lord Royce had volunteered to take over from time to time. You are to listen to them and not get into any trouble, which means you are not to orchestrate any pranks while I am gone. Is that understood? “ 

“ Yes, Uncle Stannis, I promise to behave. “ 

Stannis stares at his nephew with critical eyes, narrowing in on his nephew’s arms hidden behind the boy’s back. 

“ You better not be crossing your fingers behind your back, Lyonel. “ His nephew jolts at his accusation, adopting a sheepish look afterwards.

“ Relax, Uncle Stannis. “ He lets out a grunt making his nephew grin in the same crooked way Tyrion Lannister does. “  I’m gonna be fine! I’m a big boy now! Plus I have Little Uncle and Lord Arryn to look after me, along with the many Lords of the Vale! And just like you said, I’ll always have Ser Chris, Ser Barristan and Mera here to protect me! Isn’t that right Mera?” 

Stannis scoffs when he hears the large beast growl, as if affirming his nephew’s words. 

“ I promise to behave, Uncle Stannis! Cross my heart! “ Lyonel promises, crossing his finger over his left chest, where his heart is supposed to be.

Stannis sighs, rubbing his temple as he feels a headache coming. 

Here’s hoping he won’t come to regret his decision… 

( 13th Day of the 5th Month of 293 A.C. )

( Noon )

- Gulltown -

Mya dislikes nobles. Yes, she was respectful towards them, but only because she had no other choice. She sees them as nothing but a bunch of stuck up, judgemental fuckers.  They were all manipulative and selfish, only caring about themselves and how they can use others to better themselves. 

Even the so called honorable knights and Lord of the Vale were not an exception to this, many times has she been looked down upon for being a bastard or simply being lowborn. But the joke's on them, she wasn't just any lowborn bastard but the King's own royal bastard. 

No wonder the Crown Prince kept nagging her to join his party, she had initially thought he had a childish crush on her. But apparently he wanted to adopt her in his care because she was family, which leads her to think that the Crown Prince may be the only contradiction to her ideal. 

Lyonel Baratheon was not like the other nobles, for a boy born in royalty, he was a really humble person. Never had Mya heard him boast about owning something expensive or being better than someone, instead she often hears him complimenting someone from doing something so simple. 

Lyonel seems to be a special case amongst nobles. He was genuinely caring and compassionate, always willing to help those in need. Every week, Mya would find him buying fruits from the local merchants and handing them to the orphaned children that would often loiter the street during the day. 

So yes, Mya dislikes nobles. But maybe she can give the annoying little brat a chance, who knows, she might benefit from it in the long run. 

- Mountains of the Vale -

( Afternoon )

The Crown Prince and his party, which includes his siblings, friends and the many guards assigned to him, are making their way through the treacherous mountain paths of the Vale. Knowing that he is in capable hands, his faithful animal companion had momentarily wandered off to the forest to hunt for her supper and would rejoin them before they reached their destination.

While riding his horse, Lyonel happily chats with Gendry, Lexa and Lena who were both riding to his right -- well he was chatting with Gendry and Lena while Lexa was simply listening. 

" I think I'd like to join ya', Princess.. " Lyonel turns to his left when he hears his sister suddenly mutter, a bright smile appears as he realizes what his sister's words mean. 

" Really?!? You're gonna join us?! " He asks with excitement in his voice. 

" Ya'.. . Turns out, yer' not like the rest of em, Princess.. " Mya replies with a shrug. Lyonel starts bouncing on his saddle in his excitement, making Shadow whine under him. 

" Oops.. Sorry, Shadow.." Lyonel apologizes to his horse, gently brushing his hand on the horse's mane. With his excitement having now dwindled, he then turns to his sister with a confused look. " Why did you call me princess, Mya?

" Cause it's fun seeing some of your guards turn as red as their armor.. " He turns to look at the guards his sister was pointing to, the Lannister guards his Little Uncle had assigned to protect him have indeed turned as red as their bright red armor. " Plus.. You're small and have a squeaky voice " 

Lyonel is now the one that turns red when he hears Gendry, Lexa, Lena and Ser Chris chuckle at Mya's statement. 

" Uncle Stannis said my voice will sound deeper when I'm older.. " He says in a hurrump, despite his embarrassed state he can't stop his smile from growing brighter.

His sister finally agreed to go with them! He won't have to lose her like he lost Alan cause he'll be able to protect her! Maybe he can ask Uncle Stannis and Little Uncle to let her learn combat with Gendry and Lexa?

" Guess I'll have to keep calling you princess till then..  " 

Lyonel quickly tries to think of something to tease the older girl back, but as he does so he feels Shadow grow anxious below him. 

" Shadow! Stop!! " He commands his horse, pulling onto the reins tightly to reel the horse in. 

" My Prince! " 

Lyonel looked up to see Ser Barristan and Ser Chris suddenly in front of their group while the rest of his guards had formed a circle around him. 

" What's going on? " 

" Pretty sure we are being ambushed by the Hill Tribes of the Vale, Princess.. " 

Lyonel then gets flashbacks of one dreadful night, his mind quickly realizing what's going on. Then his eyes widened as he remembered something more recent. 

Oh no.. He promised his Uncle Stannis he wouldn't get in trouble… 

( Hour of Eel )

- The Eyrie -

Tyrion Lannister stops right in front of his nephew's chamber door, leaning his ear onto its hard wooden surface. He sends a glare at  the guards posted by the doors as he tries to listen in on the conversation happening within the chamber. 

" Who did you idiots allow to enter my nephew's chamber? " He asks the two Lannister. " Especially when I told you that no one besides me and Lord Arryn is allowed! " he reminds them.

" Prince Lyonel's friends and bastard siblings, My Lord.. The little Prince promised to tell the King on us if we didn't let them in... " 

Tyrion groans, wishing his hands weren't currently occupied from holding the tray so that he could massage his temple as he feels an oncoming headache. 

Maybe he shouldn't have promised to Lord Stannis that he can handle their nephew.

Who was he kidding?! 

He loves the boy to death, but there is absolutely no one that can truly handle his little nephew! 

" I'll let this go off with a warning, but next time what I say goes. " He says, shaking his head, before gesturing for one of them to open the door. " Because I promise you, you will be long gone before the King could even get a hand on you.. " he adds with a threat of his own. 

As he sets foot into the chamber, he sees the mixed group of individuals scamper off the bed as if they were thieves that were caught red handed. 

" Tell me, Little Nephew, have I not banned you from seeing your friends and siblings for an entire week? " Tyrion asks his nephew, who was smiling at him with a mischievous glint in those bright forest green eyes. He turns to the mentioned individuals gesturing for them to leave with a sway of his head before turning back to his nephew,  discarding the tray on the nightstand beside the table. 

" You did " He raises an eyebrow at his nephew's short reply, something his nephew was never known for. A cheeky smile adoring the boy's face. 

What is the boy up to?

" Then why were they in your chamber? Especially knowing it is nearing your bedtime? " 

" You said, I am banned from seeing them for a week and leaving the castle for the rest of our stay starting in the morning. " Lyonel reminds him, as if he had already forgotten.  " It's not morning yet,  Little Uncle!  " His nephew exclaims with an impish grin that reflects his own. 

Tyrion blinks, a gobsmacked look on his face. 

He can't believe that a nine namesday old boy outsmarted him! 

Tyrion shakes off his surprise as he grabs the glass of milk off the tray he just brought. 

It seems the boy has some understanding for word play.

Maybe he should introduce his nephew to a certain game. Even if he is not an expert,  he did have some knowledge he could impart with, It would also make the boy less maleable to trusting strangers.  

" Very well, you got me there, Little Nephew.. " He chuckles,  handing the boy the glass, watching closely as its content slowly disappears. " Despite that tricky maneuver you did with my decision, I am glad that you are at least taking my words seriously. " 

" Of course, I do!  " Lyonel exclaims.  " You're my Little Uncle! I always  listen to you like you do with me!  " 

Tyrion smiles as he takes the empty glass from his nephew, before tucking the boy safely underneath the blanket. A heavily bandaged Meraxes,  instinctively cuddling closer to his nephew. 

" Why am I being punished again, Little Uncle? " Tyrion sighs,  he knows that the boy was aware of why but he guesses Lyonel just wants the words to come from his own mouth.  

" Because you once again put your life in danger, Little Nephew.. If it weren't for your guards and Meraxes immediately returning to your side..  "

" But it wasn't my fault! ! " His nephew quickly retorts, before nuzzling back into his pillow after hearing the lioness let out a disgruntled groan. " Sorry, Mera..  " Lyonel apologizes, bringing a hand on top of the lioness' fur.  

" You might not have been at fault for the Hill Tribes ambushing you,  Little Nephew..  But you are at fault for constantly putting your life in danger.  " When he saw the familiar head tilt of his nephew,  Tyrion is prompted to explain further. " Lord Stannis had warned you of how dangerous venturing through the mountain path was before he left.  But instead of listening,  you have turned your weekly trips into every other day,  even going as far as tricking Lord Royce! How you managed that is still beyond me! " He says with his voice growing louder in frustration. " You're lucky Lord Arryn and I had the right mind to assign guards to constantly follow you wherever you go, cause I'm sure no matter how good of a knight Ser Chris and Ser Barristan are, they wouldn't have been able to defend you from two dozen Stone Crows on their own!!!!! " 

By the time Tyrion is done,  his breathing has turned heavy while his nephew's eyes have turned teary.  And before he knew it,  he had reduced his nephew into a tearful mess. Meraxes immediately wakes up and rubs her head on Lyonel's chest, upon hearing her master's distress.

" I'm..  I'm sorry.... I.. I didn't mean to..  I t-thought.. " Tyrion smiles sadly as he listens to his nephew mumbles. 

" I know...  " He says gently,  cupping his nephew's cheeks to raise the boy's head. " I know you only meant to bring your sister under your care,  especially after you learned of the hardships she'd endured...  " he wipes the tears streaming down his nephew's cheeks. " It's what makes you my precious little nephew..  " he lays kisses on the boy's wet cheeks, stopping the tears from continuously flowing.  

" But you're not a little kid anymore,  you said so yourself didn't you?  " Lyonel gives a timid nod at his question. " The world is a nasty place, Little Nephew... We can't always be with you… If you aren't cautious you might end up losing your life... " He says, tears now also forming in his eyes at the thought of losing his nephew. " And that is something I would never want to happen..  " He said seriously, staring straight into his nephew's eyes. 

After several seconds, which felt like years, of staring he averts his gaze and steps away to compose himself. " At least not until your hair is as gray as Lord Arryn's.. " He adds jokingly, earning giggles from his nephew. 

" Now! Why don't you get some rest while I write a letter to both your parents and Lord Stannis.  " He chuckled when he heard his nephew groan. 

" Can't you do it tomorrow, just so that I can write one with you? I don't want Papa and Mama to put a halt on this tour and for Uncle Stannis to return before the baby is born just cause I encountered a small problem on my trip..  " 

Tyrion takes a moment to think about it before relenting

" Very well..  I guess there's no harm in delaying the news for the night" he says,  winking at his nephew.  " I'll just have to inform Lord Arryn of this. " He says, but before his nephew could celebrate he adds. " As long as you promise to write that I have succeeded in ensuring your safety. " 

He didn't like using his nephew like this, but if it would help wade both Robert and Cersei's wrath from him, then surely a little manipulation is harmless.. 

Tyrion chuckles as Lyonel enthusiastically nods before a yawn puts a halt to his nephew's movement. He tucks his nephew snugly under the covers, again, before laying a tender kiss on the boy's forehead. Meraxes once again, tiredly nuzzles her head on his nephew's side. 

" Sleep well, Little Nephew.. " Tyrion walks out of his nephew's chamber, telling Ser Chris to return to guarding his nephew inside the chamber, a safety precaution that Lord Stannis insisted after the boy's near drowning. And after the boy's encounter with the notorious Stone Crows, one of the many Hill Tribes of the Vale, he can't help but completely agree , before heading back to his own chamber.

( 5th Day of the 6th Month of 293 A.C. ) 

- Outskirts of Gulltown -

At a very young age, Alexa, or Lexa as she is now called, had been exposed to the realities of the world by her older sister. Helena, or Lena as her sister is also now called, had taught her many things but one that she remembers the most is to never speak unless spoken to,  which is probably why people assumed she was mute. Lena was quick to encourage her not to correct them and only speak to those they both trust. 

Which is also why she had not bothered to answer any of Mya Stone's inquiries despite the older girl's nagging. 

" Would someone remind me why we're doing something so dangerous again?  " Lexa rolls her eyes as she hears Mya whine for the hundredth time. 

For someone who kept complaining about how Lyon is so annoying, Mya is ironically similar. 

" Brother is banned from leaving the castle for the rest of our stay, so we're here to keep his promise. " Lexa nods at Gendry's explanation, her friend did not bother to look up from what he was drawing to answer his sister.  

" Do you guys always do as he says?  " 

Lexa glares at Mya when she recognizes the older girl's accusing tone, yet her glare was simply left unnoticed. 

Lexa doesn't remember her parents, for as long as she was aware it had only been her and Lena. It was only on her fourth namesday did she learn that Lena wasn't her mother, but was actually her sister. Apparently their parents died of a plague when she was only two, and that Lena had been raising her on her own since then.  

Which is why Lexa is so grateful to Lyon, the only person that had heard her cries for help during dreadful night. Just when she had lost all hope, Lyon came running towards them as if he was sent by the Gods to aid them. Even after the tragedy was over, Lyon had taken them in and kept them under his protection. 

So yes, she did not trust or even like anyone that is anything but nice to her hero. 

" You didn't have to come if you didn't want to, you know?  " Lexa grins as she hears Gendry's retort. She was glad her friend was finally growing some confidence. 

For the past three weeks, their 'group', excluding Lyon, have been undergoing a certain project. At the end of every week, their 'group' goes to Gulltown, in the pretense of purchasing Lyon's weekly supplies that Lyon insisted could only be found in town, and purchases food and puts them into wooden boxes. 

Then once they're done, they venture to the outskirts of town and leave the boxes beside the trees, carefully hidden by leaves. Lyon also instructed Gendry to draw the symbol they made on all of the wooden boxes for recognition. 

After Lyon gave them the reason for this project, their group quickly agreed to do this without problem, but of course Mya whined about it. It was only after Lyon promised to grant his sister anything she desires before they left for the North did the older girl concede. 

" I didn't have anything to do..  " Mya answers as she leans back on top of the wagon she was sitting on. " Plus Princess said he would have a sword made for me to use for training. " 

" Well you could help us carry these boxes down instead of lazing around!  " Lexa turns her head as her sister berates the irritating girl. 

" Ya' just said I don't have to so I won't!  " 

" You know, for someone who hates the privileged you sure are acting as one..  " Lexa laughs at her sister's proclamation alongside Gendry as Mya's cheeks turn red. 

" What? I'm just trying to take something good out of a very terrible idea.. " 

Mya's lame excuse did little to stop their laughter, making the older girl's cheeks turn brighter until she almost resembled a tomato making them all guffaw loudly. 

Just as their laughter dies down, they hear the distinct sounds of swords being unsheathed. The children quickly hide behind Lena, while Ser Chris and the other Baratheon guards, sent by Lyon to protect them, stand in front. 

Lexa's head perks up when her ears catch the sounds of several footsteps, making sure to tune out Mya's mumbles of "Told you this is a terrible idea" as she sharpens her senses as her sister has been teaching her to. Then, a few nerve-wracking  moments later, a large and scruffy man, who looks familiar, enters their line of sight. 

" Halt! Who goes there?! " Ser Chris asks demandingly. 

" Dolf, son of Eron! Leader of the Stone Crows! " The large man answers with a deep voice, putting his put forward at slow and cautious intervals. 

" What do you want?! Ser Chris asks, gesturing for those behind him to step back with the man's every step. 

" Ya' lot with the Little Lord? " 

Lexa notices Chris and her sister share a brief look before Chris turns back to Dolf.

" What of it?  "

Everyone is on high alert as the man studies them in silence, making them feel like prey to the large man's gaze. Lexa feels both Gendry and Mya take each of her hands and squeeze tightly as the tension rises. 

Fortunately with a grunt, Dolf raises his hand gesturing for his men in the trees to stand down. 

" I want to talk with yer' Little Lord..  " Dolf demands, standing straight to make himself seem imposing. 

" If you mean Prince Lyonel, then he is not here.. He has been banned from leaving the castle as punishment for tricking his assigned mentor to venture into town.. " Ser Chris replies in a civil manner. 

" Ha! I told ya' all that I saw something in the Little Lord!  " Dolf shouts behind him, his men nodding along with his proclamation. " The Little Lord may have a small body, but his spirit is strong!  " The large man says, turning back to them. " I saw it with mi' own eyes! " 

Lexa turns to Gendry and Mya if the two understand what the large man was saying, but both siblings give her a shrug of their shoulders. 

" Aye!  Would ya' lot lower your weapons already!  We ain't gonna attack ya' all!! "

Ser Chris and the other guards turn to each other, before turning back to Dolf. 

" We can't really take our chances considering your reputation... Especially since Prince Lyonel's guards, myself included, killed alot of your men during our skirmish in the mountains... " Ser Chris says dryly. 

" That's the problem with ya' nobles. Always holding grudges. What happened was weeks ago, the dead are gone and the living are hungry. " Dolf says with a shrug before walking towards the pile, he bends down and inspects the contents of one of the boxes, he then turns to his men and gestures to pick it up.

" Ya know, when the Little Lord said that he would make up for the people that we've lost by making sure we don't lose more to starvation, I didn't believe him. I even spat on his feet, the Little Lord had to calm his beast down when I did it." Dolf says, turning back to them with a grin.

" What changed then? " Lena asks curiously. 

The hair on Lexa's arms rises when she sees the large man turn to his sister. 

" What makes ya' think something changed lass? " 

" You're standing in front of us and you're acting civil, which I didn't know you were actually capable of..  "

Lexa cringes as the Dolf and his men's booming laughter echo throughout the area, birds scampering off to escape the loud noise. 

" Ya' people may think of us as nothing but savages, but we are smart enough to know not to harm the hands that feed us!! " Dolf says as his laughter dies down. " The Little Lord promised us that boxes of food would be left hidden near the outskirts of the forest for us. He showed me a symbol that he said would be drawn on the boxes for us to identify them. " The man says with a seemingly far off look. " I really didn't want to believe it, but when I stared into the boy's eyes, I felt something urging me to believe the boy. That maybe he is different " 

" So I did! My gut had never failed me yet so I thought, why not? " Dolf says, shaking out of his trance. " And it turned out to be the best decision of my life, cause two days after that encounter, I saw ye' lot hiding a bunch of wooden boxes here on the outskirts.. " Dolf then points to Gendry. " Then I saw that boy had drawn the symbol that the Little Lord showed me on one of 'em boxes!  " 

Lexa shares proud smiles with Gendry, Lena, Ser Chris and the other guards while Mya had a look that shows disbelief. 

She still doesn't understand how Mya still views him as nothing but a spoiled Prince.

" It's then I began to think that maybe the Little Lord is different after all..  " Dolf finishes his story with a grin. " When can we see the Little Lord? I want to give 'em our thanks for helping mi' people! "

" I don't think you'll ever be able to confront the Prince again, if there is something you wish to say then we would have to deliver it for you. " 

" What?! Why!? " Dolf loudly exclaims, the scruffy man sounded annoyed. 

" As I've told you before Prince Lyonel had tricked his mentor for the day to sneak off the castle to head to town. He has been banned from leaving the castle and is heavily guarded day in and day out. " 

What Chris said is true. Lord Tyrion had doubled Lyon's guard since then, each group on rotation. It was why Prince Lyonel was able to afford sending guards to protect them during these missions. 

" Ha! The Little Lord is a trouble maker now, is he?! " Dolf exclaims bemusedly. 

Ser Chris smiles. " I admit, Prince Lyonel is different from most nobles, he loves to venture into town and hand the fresh produce that he purchased from the market to the children and then plays with them along with his friends... " Lexa gets startled when Chris puts a hand on her back, she looks to the side and sees him doing the same to Gendry's. " But he is no trouble maker, or at least not intentionally… "

Dolf simply nods at this while Lexa sees Mya do the same, albeit a little more reluctant than the former. . 

" Speaking of Prince Lyonel, it is getting dark and he would worry if we are not back before the sun sets.. " Lena says changing the subject. " I do hope you and your men won't attack us when our backs are turned?  " She says with a flirty tone, hoping to help their case. 

" Ha!  No need to worry lass!  The Stone Crows had all been benefiting from the food that the Little Lord gives us, we are all aware not to attack the group that carries that symbol.. " Dolf says pointing at the symbol on Lexa and Gendry's cloak. " I'll try to spread the Little Lord's deeds to the other clans, but I can't make promises on their behalf. " 

As a gesture of good faith, Dolf is the first to retreat into the forest along with his men. It was only after the Stone Crows left their line of sight did Ser Chris begin to order for all of them to retreat. 

And as Lexa rode in the back of the wagon, right between her sister and Gendry did a smile appear on her face. 

The world is indeed a dangerous and unforgiving place, but growing up with Lyon makes her believe that together they can make it better. 

Chapter Text

( 17th Day of the 7th Month of 293 A.C. ) 

- The Eyrie -

Over a few months ago, Jon Arryn had agreed to accompany the young Prince to the raven's outpost after the day's lessons were over. He would do this at the end of every lesson he had with the young Prince, it had become a sort of habit of his. There was just something mesmerizing about watching the young Prince communicate with the intelligent birds, it was as if there was mutual understanding happening between them. 

Today, however, was a different matter. Prince Lyonel's attention is fixated on a single raven perched on a window sill. And instead of communicating with it, the young Prince is seemingly caught in a staring battle with the intelligent bird. 

What intrigued Jon most is the sight of a usually reserved Meraxes growling menacingly at the bird, her furs raised high as her body trembles with every growl. 

" Something is wrong with this raven, Lord Arryn..  " Jon looks down at Prince Lyonel, who has yet to look away from the bird. " Its eyes are white.. " 

Then, all of a sudden, the bird lunges towards Prince Lyonel with a loud caw. It was only Jon's years of experience that allowed him to instinctively pull Prince Lyonel away in time, the bird's beak missing the young Prince's right eye by a mere inch. 

*ROAR*

Dozens of ravens flew out of the outpost as the large lioness had immediately attacked the  raven with her sharp claws before shredding the poor thing to pieces with her massive jaw. 

*SLAM*

Heavily breathing due to the rush of events, Jon turns to the entrance of the outpost and sees Ser Barristan with a raised sword and Lord Tyrion searching the room before landing on the young Prince's form. 

" What happened?! '' Lord Tyrion asks in worry, immediately appearing by Prince Lyonel's side with Ser Barristan behind. '' I was outside the door talking to Ser Barristan when we suddenly heard Meraxes roar.. " Lord Tyrion explained in haste. " Why did she roar like that?! Are you hurt? Are you in pain? "

" I'm fine, Little Uncle..  " Prince Lyonel says, trying to calm the frantic Lord. " A weird bird tried to poke my eye but Lord Arryn was able to save me then Mera killed it..  " 

" A bird?!!! " Lord Tyrion says, sounding aghast. " You had beasts following your commands like trained soldiers yet a bird tried to harm you? " 

" There was something different about the bird, Little Uncle! It didn't listen to me like the other animals!  " Prince Lyonel exclaims. " And its eyes were pure white! Uncle Jon saw it too!  "

It was only when Prince Lyonel had referred to him with his honorary title, that he had recently earned, did Jon snapped from his shock, clearing his throat before speaking. 

" I'm afraid I was not able to see the bird's eyes, Prince Lyonel.. But I do agree that there was something different with that bird for I had never seen Meraxes act so hostile before.. " 

By the end of his statement, Jon observes everyone's reaction. 

Prince Lyonel had a pout on his face while scratching Meraxes' head, a wary look on the lioness' eyes. Lord Tyrion had a frown on his face matched with the worried look in his eyes, the same could be said for Ser Barristan. While the rest of their guards had confused looks, not really understanding what actually transpired. 

" This is why I keep telling you to not be so trusting, Little Nephew..  " Lord Tyrion says with a sigh. " Just because most of the 'creatures' you've encountered are friendly doesn't mean all of them are..  " 

Relief washes over Jon as Lord Tyrion finally drops the matter, choosing to educate the young Prince on important matters instead. He may be the Lord of the Vale, but with Lord Baratheon's absence, Lord Tyrion is incharge of matters regarding the Crown Prince. It was very fortunate that he was here when the incident happened, for he knew that if anything were to happen to the young Prince on his lands... Well.. Jon's position as Hand of the King and even his personal relationship with Robert would not be able to save him from the man's infamous wrath. 

" But Little Uncle!!  " Jon silently follow behind the pair as he hears them start to argue, with Prince Lyonel stubbornly refusing to listen and instead tries to make his own arguments. 

Jon was in complete agreement with Lord Tyrion's statement though, not that he would say aloud, not wanting to start an argument between him and the young Prince. 

Prince Lyonel 's trusting nature should be rectified as soon as possible, before it becomes too late. 

( Meanwhile ) 

- Far North -

Brynden Rivers slams his fist onto the hard surface of the weirwood tree he is currently attached to. It had been a close call. If he had been a second too slow in disconnecting with the raven's consciousness, he would be dead. 

Finally, after years of searching the world through the eyes of many creatures, he had finally found the cause of the changes happening in his plan. An anomaly is what he would refer to the boy. Someone that he had not predicted to exist, yet does exist without his knowledge. 

How had he not seen this?!? The boy was born into such an important position of power yet he had been too blind notice?!?! 

It was the boy's presence that changed the outcome of the Greyjoy Rebellion. And although he was not sure, Brynden suspects that it was these changes that are causing the Great Other to wake from its deep slumber sooner than he predicted. 

It would only be a matter of a few years before the Great Other escapes its icy confines and brings chaos to the world. Something that should not be happening for Brynden's plans has yet to come into place! 

Killing the boy would help him bring things back to the way they were, but it had proven to be a hard task. He'll be needing more than a weak animal to deal with such a threat. 

That's it! He had heard that the boy would be coming North very soon. This means his connection would be stronger.

Yes..  

Brynden would make sure that the boy would meet a "Grand End" on his journey to the North... 

The boy's death would be for the greater good of humanity, after all.. 

( 20th Day of the 8th Month of 293 A.C. ) 

( Afternoon ) 

- Gulltown -

Tyrion chuckles as he watches Lyonel bouncing on his toes, Meraxes bouncing right beside the boy gaining the attention of the town's folks. Meraxes may normally be friendly and playful, but she can easily turn deadly when someone or something dares to harm his nephew.

The fool wouldn't even last a second against the vicious beast. 

After months of Lyonel nagging him to venture to Gulltown to search for a gift for a newborn Tommen Baratheon, Tyrion had finally conceded. 

He just couldn't take the boy's nagging any longer. 

Of course Tyrion wouldn't just let his nephew go so carelessly, especially when Lyonel had brought his entire savings to buy his new baby brother the best gift of all time. He decided to tag along this time, he had also brought an abundant number of guards with him so that the Hill Tribes would have to think twice in attacking their group during their journey into and from the town. 

" Little Uncle! Little Uncle! Over here! " Tyrion smiles as his nephew waves at him before entering a shop, Meraxes, Gendry, Lexa and Mya following after the bubbly boy, along with Ser Chris and Ser Barristan. 

When Tyrion enters the quaint shop, he is greeted by the sight of shelves upon shelves adored with different  trinkets and carefully crafted toys. 

" The place is looking good, Adrian..  " Tyrion turns to where he heard his nephew's bastard sister speak, the girl seemingly well acquainted with the shop's owner, a lean young man with a seemingly large nose. " Can't say the same for your ugly face.. " he grins at the girl's humor, something tells him that bringing the girl with them would make their tour less boring. 

" Haha. Very funny, Mya.. " Adrian says with a dry tone. " Look at ya' looking all fancy" the young man says gesturing to Mya's new dress that Tyrion had commissioned upon his nephew's request. " Ya' looking like a noble now ain't ya'? " 

" I ain't no noble!  " Mya reputedly shoved the boy's chest. 

Tyrion quickly ignores the two teen's squabbles as he searches the shop for his nephew, finding the boy looking at a shelf full of carved animals with Gendry and Lexa. 

" Aren't you going to stop those two, Little Nephew? " He asks as he approaches the three, two sets of eyes that did not belong to his nephew turning to him. 

" That's Adrian, his papa owns this shop but he takes care of it while his papa makes the items in the shop..  " Lyonel explains while showing him a carefully carved wooden toy in the shape of a falcon. " He and Mya are friends, they always fight like that but he never truly hurts her so we just ignore them.. " he turns to look at Gendry and Lexa, both children nodding to his nephew's words. 

" Adrian sometimes teaches us how they carve the toys! " Gendry exclaims excitedly, as Tyrion picks up a poorly crafted wooden toy in the shape of .. a dog? " He even let us make one each. 

He raises an eyebrow at that information, it was obvious that the children made whatever the thing in his hand is supposed to be.

" That's Gendry's work! " Lyonel says before shoving another wooden toy towards him. " This one's mine! " 

Tyrion looks at the toy that his nephew has handed and chuckles at the ugly thing. This one looks more poorly made than the other, he couldn't even make out what it was supposed to be. 

Not that he would tell his nephew that.

Tyrion then turns to his right when he feels someone poking his side and sees Lexa showing him a beautifully carved wooden doll. Putting back the toys that the boys made, he went to inspect the one that the young girl showed him. 

The features of the dolls were very detailed, from its plump lips up to its adorable little nose. He looks up from the doll, gawking at his nephew's best friend. 

There was no way this carved doll was made by the little girl! There was just no way! 

" I had to remove the splinters that Lexa made and put those little strands of hair on the doll just as you told me to, Mi'Prince..  " Tyrion realized that the toy had been polished by expert hands, no wonder it looked so good. 

But why didn't Lyonel and Gendry's work come out the same way as Lexa's did? 

" Lexa's a really fast learner, I've never seen anyone make something so good at their first try.. My father had wanted to put it on display, but I said that you would be coming back for it all..  " 

" Really? Your father said that?! " Lyonel asks excitedly. " Did you hear that Gendry, Lexa? Adrian says our works look awesome! " 

Tyrion bursts out laughing as his nephew misunderstood the lad's words. The young man was obviously praising Lexa's work and the two boys', well their work was utter rubbish. His nephew's more so. 

" Ha! That's not what ugly face here meant, Princess!  " Tyrion turns pale when he hears young Mya shout, he turns around to see Adrian subtly elbowing the blunt girl's side. 

" Ser Chris, I think young Mya here is in need of some fresh air...  " Tyrion orders his nephew's Sworn Shield to escort the now coughing girl out of the shop before she says anything she would later regret. He takes a mental note to have the girl properly educated once they get back to the castle. 

Maybe Helena would be able to straighten the girl out, the woman had been able to do it with his nephew whenever the boy was in one of his infamous temper tantrums.

" Is Mya okay, Little Uncle? And what did she mean? " Lyonel asks, his nephew's head cocked to the side with Gendry and Lexa doing the same beside the boy. 

" Mya's fine..  She just happened to choke on her own spit! " He says making it all up, he turns to Adrian gesturing for the young man to aid him with the other question.

" I think, what Mya meant, Mi'Prince, is that we have no right to sell something so beautifully made!  " Tyrion hears Adrian lie.

Although it was clear to him that Adrian had lied, he couldn't fault the young man for being smart enough to not upset his nephew. So he'll probably let this little lie pass, only for the reason that it brought no harm to anyone. 

" I would let you sell them all if you had asked, Adrian! " Tyrion grins as he sees the young man's face turn pale, probably dreading having to put two ugly creations on display that would surely destroy their shop's reputation. " But I hope you don't mind that I give them to my new baby brother back at home? " 

Adrian shakes his head at Lyonel's question, a look of relief shown on the young man's face. 

" O-Of course not, Mi'Prince!  " 

After thanking the young man, who had graciously wrapped the three wooden toys,  Tyrion's little nephew turns to him with a large smile. " Can we pass by the bakery on our way back, Little Uncle? " His nephew asks with a pleading look. " Please, Little Uncle??  " 

Tyrion hesitates, worried about the "Great Storm" that several Maesters at the Citadel had predicted. He wanted to say no..  Really, he did. But who was he kidding? He could never say no to his nephew, not when the boy looked at him with those adorable forest green eyes.. 

" Fine..  " He sighs, pinching his forehead with his fingers as they leave the shop.

The storm wasn't said to arrive until a few more weeks, anyways. Surely a few more  hours of indulging his nephew's whims wouldn't hurt.

What's the worst that could happen? 

" Yey!!  " His nephew shouts before the boy starts skipping towards where the bakery is located, Gendry, Lexa and Meraxes skipping beside the boy while he and the rest of their guards follow after the merry children. 

- Forest near Gulltown -

Why?! 

Why does it always have to be the goddamned forest?! 

Chris is aware that children tend to run off to wherever they feel most safe in the events of a temper tantrum. What he doesn't understand is why Prince Lyonel would always run off to the forest, no matter how many times people keep telling the boy how bloody dangerous the fucking place is!  

Prince Lyonel is a well mannered yet stubborn child, and just like any child he would throw a fit whenever someone disagrees with his ideals. 

Chris dreads the days, which apparently today is one of those days, where someone as lovable as Prince Lyonel turns into a fearsome little beast who wouldn't take no for an answer. 

" My Prince, please! " Ser Barristan pleads beside him. " I implore you to return to town, it is not safe here.. " the Lord Commander's eyes were searching the forest with a wary look, while a hand was tightly gripping the hilt of his sword. 

Chris didn't really know what led to the argument that caused Prince Lyonel to once again run off into the forest with only Meraxes in tow. It was like, one moment the uncle-nephew duo were talking about the storms that easily come and go, some being less devastating than the others. And the next moment, Prince Lyonel is shouting at Lord Tyrion at the top of his lungs before storming off the bakery, leaving behind several stund individuals including Chris, himself. 

" No!! '' Prince Lyonel shouts petulantly. " I have to warn Dolf and the others! “ the boy says with passion. “ It's not fair that Lord Arryn is letting the common folks take shelter in his castle during the storm and not the tribesmen of the Vale. They need to be kept safe because they're my people too!!!" 

" But they're not like the rest of your people, My Prince.. " Chris tries to reason. " We're most likely to receive a stab in the back than a thank you from those people..  "

Chris was glad to see Prince Lyonel finally stop running, he is almost out of breath with how fast the little boy could run. Most, if probably not all, their guards have been left behind with how fast the Prince had fled, reminding him of a certain event that happened years ago. He and Ser Barristan had almost lost sight of the Prince themselves, all because of that damned cloak that helps the boy blend into the forest quite well. Add in the Prince's small build and dark hair, it was almost a sure deal for the boy to blend in. 

Now wonder Prince Lyonel loves the forest so much, the boy probably feels most at home where he blends in so naturally.  

Chris' relief quickly fades though, especially when he sees the glare Prince Lyonel was giving him. 

“ But you’ve met Dolf, Ser Chris! You’ve said so yourself, they’re not what you thought they were!! “ 

Chris turns pale as he feels Ser Barristan turn to him with a glaring stare that sends chills down his spine. 

Fuck! That was supposed to be a secret. If Lord Tryion or the Stranger forbid Lord Stannis found out that he had been meeting with the Stone Crows, despite him just following Prince Lyonel’s orders, he would likely lose his job, or in the worst and most probable case, his life. 

“ And what does the Prince mean, Ser Chris? “ Ser Barristan asks him in an accusing tone. 

“ I… Uh.. Well… You see.. Um… “ Chris mutters, obviously fumbling with his words.

As Chris tries to think of the most favorable excuse, he sees something moving on top of the trees. When his eyes caught something shiny glinting with the ray’s sun, he quickly shouts at the top of his lungs. 

“ GET DOWN! NOW! “ 

Ser Barristan, who was standing right next to Prince Lyonel, was quick to bring their charge to the ground with him just as an arrow flew over where their head would have been. Soon they heard several loud shouts as a group of at least two dozen jumped off the trees and charged at them. 

Now Chris understands why he had been having a feeling of uneasiness since Prince Lyonel managed to evade the several guards and run off into the forest with Meraxes in tow. This situation had been eerily similar to the Sacking of Lannisport where in their small group suddenly found  themselves surrounded by a much larger group. 

And this time, their group consists of only two men and a loyal beast to protect their wreckless Prince.

*ROAR*

Chris curses their luck that the second they lose most of their guards, they happen to be ambushed by very unfriendly tribesmen of the Vale. Thankfully they have Meraxes with them, she is truly a fearsome beast as he sees her make quick work of a man that tried to attack Prince Lyonel with a rusty axe. 

" AHHH!!  " A man belows as he charges Chris with his large axe. 

Chris easily side steps to the side to dodge the wide swing of his attacker's axe before raising his sword to strike the man down, but Prince Lyonel's shout of "Don't hurt them! '' made him stop, and instead he pushed the fucker away from him. 

That moment of hesitation costs him, as someone had struck him from behind, cutting his left ear off. He lets out a roar of pain when he turns around to face the fucker that did it, his left hand instinctively cupping the bleeding side of his head where his ear had been.

Chris winces as the pain brought by his decapitation was excruciating, which wasn't surprising as most of these tribesmen's weapons looked to be made of nothing but rust. 

" You know..  Most people don't attack their opponents from behind… " If there was something he learned through the years, it was to make light of something by making ill attempted jokes. 

“ The Black Ears Tribe are not like most men! “ His attacker boasts. His attacker was a man with a large build and are those ears? Yep, there are ears adorning the man’s neck like a fucking necklace. “ You’d do well to remember that, Knight!! ” The large man spits on his face. 

“ And ya’ do well to remember to not intrude on our territory, Cheyk! “ Chris hears a familiar voice from behind. He casts a subtle look behind him to see Dolf, the leader of the Stone Crows, standing behind him, right in front of Prince Lyonel, a surprisingly calm yet wary Meraxes, and an injured Ser Barristan. 

“ It was your people that intruded on our territory first, Dolf! “ The man now named Cheyk shouts back. “ And to make it worse, you failed to defeat these weaklings! “ 

“ My people were starving!! I had no other choice! “ Dolf reasons. “ And we were outnumbered! “ 

Cheyk snorts.

“ Well you should have attacked them when they were at their weakest. Bloody fools you lot are! “ 

“ You call yourself strong? When all you know is to attack the weak! “ Dolf retorts. “ You even attacked the Little Lord’s knight from behind like the fucking coward you are! “ 

Shit! 

Chris didn’t know why, but something tells him that he should be more afraid of Ser Barristan now as he should of the arguing tribesmen of the Vale. He quickly turns his attention back to the two arguing men as he could feel the injured knight’s glare on his back. 

“ And ya call us fools for not seeing that we were outnumbered. But ya’ lot are the same..” 

And just as Dolf says that, dozens upon dozens of Stone Crows show themselves making the hair on Chris’ arms rise. Anger began to fill Cheyk’s eyes as he slowly but surely back away along with his men. 

“ The Black Ears would remember this, Dolf. “ Cheyk threatens as he and his men retreat.

“ The Stone Crows will too, Cheyk! “ Dolf threatens back, as he and his men watch the others leave. Once the Black Ears are gone, Dolf turns around with a large grin on his face, the man’s arms opening wide as he bends down.

“ LITTLE LORD!!! “ Dolf bellows giddily, like a kid that just received candy.

“ DOLF!!! “ Chris cringes as Prince Lyonel’s ear piercing shriek echoes enters his right ear. He sees Ser Barristan try to hold onto Prince Lyonel, but the little boy simply evades the knight’s hold and runs towards Dolf’s open arms. The two embracing like long lost friends, which was a hilarious sight for his Little King completely disappears into Dolf’s massive arms. 

Chris’ chuckle comes out as a groan though, cutting the two’s embrace short as Prince Lyonel turns to him with a worried look. “ What happened to your ear, Ser Chris? Why is it bleeding?! “ 

He blinks, he has almost forgotten about his ear, he looks down to the ground to search for his severed ear, his eyes turning hazy due to the blood he had lost and his adrenaline running out. Once he finds it, he picks it up and turns back to his Little King while holding onto it. 

“ I think those guys wanted to add it to their collection? “ Chris says with a grin before his vision goes black and he falls front first, his face landing to the ground with a hard thud. 

( 16th Day of the 10th Month of 293 A.C. ) 

( Sunrise ) 

- The Eyrie -

Lyonel Baratheon is nervous. While he rarely gets nervous, today however, as he stands in the front of his and Uncle Jon's retinue waiting for his Uncle Stannis' return, he is nothing but a bundle of nerves. 

Although Lyonel had been doing his best to control his emotions, just as his Uncle Stannis and Little Uncle had been trying to teach him, he wouldn't exactly say he had been prevailing. Especially when he thought of how many times he had an outburst since his Uncle Stannis left. 

With his Uncle Stannis having yet to arrive, Lyonel chances a glance behind him to see his friends and siblings waiting by the back of the crowd. He had wanted them to stand beside him, but Uncle Jon had insisted it wasn't proper and his Little Uncle reminded him that he shouldn't argue for he was already in deep trouble as he already is. 

" Is something wrong, Little King? " Lyonel turns to his side to see Ser Chris' head leaning onto his right shoulder. He frowned when he caught sight of the left side of his Swornshield's head, his eyes trained on the man's left ear, or the lack of it at least. 

" I'm fine, Ser Chris..  Just a little nervous is all… " 

" I wonder why that is, Little Nephew… " Lyonel turns to his left to see his Little Uncle giving him a deadpanned look. His frown deepens at his Little Uncle's accusation. He didn't know how much his Little Uncle or Uncle Jon had told his Uncle Stannis, but he was sure that he was screwed either way.

How long he would be screwed is the only thing that matters, it was why he had been on his best behavior for the past two weeks awaiting his Uncle Stannis' return. 

Whether it would have any effect or not would be known in a few more minutes…   

Hearing the horses' hooves stomping on the ground is what alerts Lyonel to his Uncle Stannis' arrival, he straightens his stance as he was told to while his eyes search the arriving group. He takes a large gulp when he sees the menacing glare his Uncle Stannis is sending him upon meeting his gaze, this one seems to be far scarier than the ones his Uncle had sent him before whenever he happened to misbehave.

Yup. It's official, he's screwed. 

( Afternoon ) 

Stannis massages his temples as he lets out a groan of frustration, not even a full day back and he had already been receiving several complaints regarding his nephew upon settling into his office that was graciously provided for him by Jon Arryn.

He was aware where these complaints were coming from as he received news of each and every one of his nephew's actions while in Storm's End, yet he still needed to know the full context to assess  how he would fix the situation and to also get an idea on what proper punishment was to be given to the troublesome boy 

" So you're telling me, that not only did you leave our nephew in the encampment of the so called notorious Stone Crows, but had also allowed the boy to live there for days before relenting to the boy's whims of allowing the Mountain Clans of the Vale to seek shelter in the Eyrie for the duration of the storm? " Stannis says, summing up all that Lord Tyrion had just recalled to him. 

" I'm sure you're aware how stubborn the boy is, if he wanted something he would do everything he can to get it..  Even if it means endangering his own life.. " Lord Tyrion tries to defend himself, but a glare from Stannis quickly shuts the dwarf up. 

He was well aware how stubbornly spoiled their nephew was, something he had been working on to remedy but his departure from the Eyrie had quickly put a halt on it. And it seems neither Tyrion Lannister nor Jon Arryn was capable of handling his nephew as he had initially thought they could.. 

He really shouldn't have left..  

Stannis sighs as his shoulders slump in exhaustion, he hadn't had a moment of rest for he needed to fix all the problems his nephew had caused before it could escalate to the Vale growing a grudge on his nephew in the long run. 

The Lords of the Vale had not been receptive to sharing their living space with savages, even if it was only during the duration of a devastating storm, something that his nephew was too naively blind to see. 

" And how many Lords have found offense to Lyonel's…  generosity? '' Stannis asks, hoping to hear a favorable answer. 

After hearing from Robert of how he had once again banished Renly to Dragonstone after speaking ill of Lyonel during a small council meeting, of course after beating the bloody fool in front of said council, Stannis knew it would only be a matter of time before the unrest in the Crownlands would turn into war, with his youngest brother likely being the cause of it. 

It was for this reason that he had been working on gaining allies for Lyonel, so that his nephew would never be caught unprepared if a war were to break out. 

" Honestly? '' Lord Tyrion asks when casted with a questioning look. " Most if not all of them, I believe…" The dwarf says with a thoughtful look. " But there are some like Lord Royce of Runestone, Lord Horton Redfort of the Red Fort and Lord Lyonel Corbray of Heart's Home who had grown rather fond of our nephew and were some of the few who had not been too offended by his doings… "

Stannis hums as he leans back on his chair as he thinks. 

" Very well…  That would be all…  " Stannis was quick to cut off Lord Tyrion with a raised hand before adding. " I wish to be left alone to think..  " 

And without another word, Lord Tyrion leaves Stannis to his thoughts. He genuinely wants the best for his nephew, thinking it as nothing but payment for the great debt he owed the boy. But Lyonel was making it hard for him to do so. 

Painstakingly hard….

( 21st Day of the 10th Month of 293 A.C. )

- Training Yard of the Eyrie - 

The time Theon had spent in Storm's End had been pure bliss. The months away from the Crown Prince had felt like a breath of much needed air. The deep, dark and lurking voice in his mind had mellowed out to the point that it barely bothered him anymore, his mind being clearer than it had ever been before.

Basically, the time away from the royal brat had been the best moment of his life ever since his family's downfall, something he had never thought possible with him being nothing but a prisoner while the only family, at least the one that truly mattered to him, was thousands of miles away. 

Also, not only had Lord Stannis become more lenient with him, his Liege Lord had even started to take him on as a squire, something he was very excited about. Plus, being a squire gives him more time to be away from the Crown Prince thus preventing the voice in his head from rising. 

This is why, Theon is currently cleaning Lord Stannis' chainmail while whistling a merry tune. 

KILL THE BOY! KILL THE BOY! KILL THE BOY! 

Theon immediately halts his whistling as the voice comes back, his hands stop cleaning as his eyes search for the likely cause of the voice's return. And just as he had thought, he sees the Crown Prince skipping his way over to him while tightly clutching onto something. 

Great.. What did the brat want now? 

Theon clutches his head in pain as he watches the brat whisper something to the two knights, before approaching him, accompanied by the large beast, while the two knights stay at a respectable distance, their back turned to him as a foolish show of trust.

KILL THE BOY!! KILL THE BOY!! KILL THE BOY!! 

" Hi Theon! " He groans as he hears the voice intensify, making him wish for it to just disappear. " I'm sorry I didn't get to welcome you back, Uncle Stannis had me on time out for all the trouble I caused..  " 

Fuck!.. The brat's mumbling again…  He'll be having a massive headache by the time this is over… 

" Uncle Stannis finally let me go see you cause I've been doing really good with my studies, I've even managed to--- "

" What do you want? " Theon asks, a little too harshly, wanting the brat to just get straight to the point. After getting used to having no voice in his head, having it back all of a sudden was way worse than he had remembered. 

Then there was the vicious growl he received from the beast for his harsh tone that made his head hurt more, luckily enough the brat simply brushed it off as a package of some sort was shoved towards him. 

Theon stared at it for a while before looking up to meet the brat's expectant gaze. 

" What's this? " 

" It's your present! " The brat cheerfully says. " It was your namesday last week, right? '' Theon nods dumbly, having not expected for someone to know let alone remember his namesday. " I had Lena make it for you! "

Theon hesitantly takes the item from the brat and cautiously unwraps it. At first he was confused to see a large green cloak but when he turned it over, he was surprised to see the same symbol that could be seen on the brat's own green cloak. 

" It's not as good as Aunt Selyse's work since Lena is more used to sewing flesh, but she did a good job at making the symbol, don't you think so? "

Theon stares at the boy with a dumbfounded expression, the loud voice in his head surprisingly becoming distant as he tries to make sense of the situation. 

" W-Why? " Theon hadn't been aware that he had managed to voice his thoughts aloud, that is until he heard the brat reply. 

" Cause you're my people, that means you're mine to protect.. " 

What the fuck was the brat even saying? 

" I'm not part of your 'people'..  " Theon growls. " I'm Ironborn, we haven't been your people since your father had killed mine "

" Then why did you save me? " 

" Cause I had no other choice!! " 

" Yes, you did..  " Theon groans as the brat argues, but what the brat whispers next makes his breath momentarily halt. " Unlike when you pushed me into the water. "

Theon's eyes widen, he quickly surveys his surroundings to know if someone else had heard the brat. When he sees the two knights' backs were still turned away from them, and only the lioness being the only who had most likely heard what the brat said, he sighs in relief. But his heart starts beating fast when the fact, that the brat remembers what he did, finally sinks in.

Fuck! 

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! 

" It's alright, Theon.. " The brat says with a reassuring smile. " I don't blame you.. " 

Theon's brows furrow, confused as to why the brat has not told on him despite almost dying. 

" There's one voice in my mind that says it wasn't your fault, that you didn't choose to push me off the ship.. " 

The voice in Theon's head grows eerily silent at the brat's confession, making him grow confused. 

" Y-You have a voice in your head too? " He hadn't meant to add 'too' to his question, but he was glad that he did because he was really curious. 

" Uh-huh! I've had these voices in my head since I was three! " 

Theon couldn't help but be amazed by this.  He had only had the voice in his head for around two years and he already feels like he is growing mad!! But the brat has had more than one in his mind for more than six years and yet still acts so bright and bubbly most of the time. 

How?! How was it possible?! 

Apparently Theon's face was enough to convey his question as the brat has started mumbling again. 

" Little Uncle taught me that the best way to ignore the voices is by distracting myself. It's why I love listening to stories and pulling pranks on people, and at night I make sure to read before going to sleep and my Uncles take turns giving me my milk and tucking me in..  " 

The last part catches Theon off guard, a grin appearing on his face at the opportunity presented to him. 

Distract yourself huh? 

He did enjoy taunting his sister back then.. 

Maybe… 

" You still drink milk and get tucked in at night, like a little baby? Aren't you like, ten? " He knows that teasing the brat would likely get him in trouble, but after what he's learned, he can't help but find a kindred spirit in the brat. 

Maybe the brat isn't so bad, after all..  Especially if the brat can remain the way he is despite having an annoying and sometimes painful voice/lurking presence of some sort living inside his head and acts like it's nothing. 

Plus, aside from surely receiving many benefits, there might be a chance that he'll learn how to ignore the voice in his head if he happens to befriend the boy.. 

Of course that doesn't mean Theon would suddenly be all friendly with the brat, but surely a few harmless taunts wouldn't hurt too bad. He'll just have to make sure not to push the brat's button too far, which likely means that the two bastards and the lowborn girl are definitely off limits. 

( 30th Day of the 10th Month of 293 A.C. )

- The Vale - 

The Crown Prince’s departure from the Kingdom of the Vale will be forever known as a momentous occasion. For the first time in the history of the Vale, the Mountain Clans had all banded together to serve as escorts for the Crown Prince and his entourage. Numerous heads turned when Prince Lyonel merrily strolled into Gulltown with dozens upon dozens of warriors from the Stone Crows to the Black Ears, all acting uncharacteristically civilized for someone known as savages.

Despite their unease with the situation, Stannis Baratheon and Tyrion Lannister allowed the presence of the Mountain Clans after witnessing the loyalty these people have for their nephew. One of their main purposes for this Grand Tour was to gain allies for their nephew. And although they were no knights of the Vale,the Mountain Clans were notorious in their own rights and may prove to be useful to their nephew when the time comes. 

Time and time again Lyonel had proven to be someone unorthodox, so it only seemed fitting that those who follow the boy would likely be the same. The Lords of the Vale were numerous, Stannis and Tyrion didn’t expect to woo them all to their nephew’s side, having a handful of them, and most importantly the Warden of the East, himself, was already a more favorable outcome as they had anticipated. 

Almost a year has passed, and it was time for them to move on. It was only poetic that Winter has come just as they are to make their journey to the North. 

But before they arrive, both Stannis and Tyrion plan to educate their troublesome nephew with all the Northern customs and traditions that they know in hope that it would prevent the boy from causing offense to the Northerners as he had done with the Lords of the Vale. 

Chapter Text

( 1st Day of the 12th Month of 293 A.C. )

( Late Morning ) 

- Winter Town -

Stannis Baratheon is one of the select few in the Crown Prince's entourage who is seemingly unbothered by the harsh cold stares of all that have gathered in the town's square to watch them pass. Having just passed House Cerwyn, their entourage, which has slightly grown in size since they first started, is making their way through Winter Town to finally arrive in Winterfell, the Ancestral Home of House Stark.

" What's wrong, why are they all looking at us like that?  " Unlike Stannis, his nephew, on the other hand, is heavily bothered by the local's stares, especially once he remembered how welcomed the boy was with the first two Kingdoms they toured.

“ They’re probably not used to seeing Southerners, like us. I heard Northerners don’t like strangers.. “ Theon answers with a shrug.

His nephew and his ward suddenly getting along with each other came as a surprise to Stannis, having never expected the two to ever get along after their skirmish in Bronze Gate. Yet here were the two, riding side by side and conversing in a civil manner that he can’t help but approve of.

“ But I’m not a stranger.. I’m their Prince! “ 

*GROWL*

" See! Even Mera agrees! " 

“  Pretty sure they could care less if you were their King, Princess.. “ Mya Stone says while looking around at the people's fearful and wary faces. “ Plus, I don’t think Mera is helping your cause and all.. “

" I think Mya is right, brother.. " Gendry adds. 

Stannis eyes his nephew warily as the boy adopts a thoughtful look. He had learned in the past two years, that what follows this thoughtful look is an absurd idea where his nephew would do something chaotic and completely reckless.

“ You can’t always get everyone to like you, Little Nephew..  “ Fortunately, Stannis was not the only one that knew this fact as Lord Tyrion was quick to enlighten their nephew. “ I think it would be best that you let them know you naturally.. “ 

“ You are also currently under probation, Lyonel. It would not do you well to have a repeat of the incident in the Vale, wouldn’t you agree? “ Stannis also reminds his nephew as he cuts in on the conversation. 

Stannis watches as his nephew sharply turns to him, a defiant look gleaming in the boy's eyes.

" Plus.. '' Theon's voice gains Lyonel's attention as his nephew turns to his ward instead. " If you force them to like you, they'll only end up hating you..  " His ward finishes with yet another shrug, beside his ward, Mya, Gendry and a silent Lexa could be seen agreeing with a nod. " You wouldn't want that now, would you? " 

" No…  " Lyonel says with a pout on his face. After a few silent moments he turns back to conversing with his siblings and friends while trying his best to not let the stares bother him. 

Stannis is slightly impressed by how his ward was able to handle his nephew; it was done with the right amount of bluntness while not coming across as disrespectful. Lyonel was even quick to resign with just a few well thought out words from his ward. 

Hopefully the two would stay well acquainted with each other even when the time comes for his nephew to become King. 

With the current matter resolved, their group continues their journey towards Winterfell.

( Noon ) 

- Winterfell -

Standing behind the ensembled Starks in the Courtyard of Winterfell are Jon Snow and Yara Greyjoy, standing side by side, the former standing tall while blatantly trying to ignore the latter's fussing. 

" Would you please stop fussing, Yara. You're gonna get us in trouble " Jon mutters lowly with gritted teeth for he couldn't ignore her anymore, leaning towards Yara to make sure he was heard. 

" You try wearing a frizzy dress, Snowflake.. " Yara snarls. " Let's see you not fuss about it..  " she growls while pulling on the collar of her dress. 

" Lady Stark insisted we look our best for the Crown Prince.. " Jon reasons, turning to look at her. 

Yara scoffs at him.

" Still doesn't make the dress any less uncomfortable now does it, Snowflake? " She retorts looking directly at him with a challenging gaze. 

Jon sighs choosing to turn silent, he knew that they would start arguing if he were to answer back, which would then anger Lady Stark for embarrassing them all in front of the Crown Prince. 

" What do you think he'll be like? " Yara asks, once she's finally given up on her dress. " You think the stories about him are true? " 

Jon shrugs his shoulders. " Maybe, or maybe not. You heard what father said about Southerners and their songs..  " 

" Yeah..  You're probably right..  There's no way a brat as old as you could tame wild beasts and savages from the Vale..  " Yara dismissively says. 

" I don't think you should be calling the Prince a brat, Yara.. " Jon says with a worried look. " You might get into a lot of trouble if you do.. "

Yara balks at him, as if she didn't believe what she just heard. " You think I'm stupid, Snowflake? " She growls angrily. " Of course I wouldn't call the Prince a brat right to his face! " her voice slowly rising. " I'm smart enough to know that Lyonel Baratheon is the only person I couldn't afford to offend, not after what I witnessed his father did to mine! " 

" Yara! " Both the children's heads turn forward to see Lord and Lady Stark gazing at them, the former with a disapproving look while the other had a menacing glare. They could feel several eyes on them as Jon sinks into himself while Yara huffs angrily beside him. 

*ROAR*

Luckily, before they could be scolded any further, they all heard a loud beastly roar followed by several loud hooves of approaching horses. All eyes turn forward as they watch the Crown Prince pass through the gates of Winterfell flanked by a large lioness and Lord Baratheon on both his sides. 

Jon could barely hear himself gasp as the courtyard is soon filled with mindless chatters and mumbles, several individuals, including his two youngest half siblings, openly gawking at the large beast calmly standing beside a magnificent black steed. 

" Fucking hell..  I'm so dead..  " He hears Yara mumble lowly, he could see her turn pale from the corner of his eyes. 

It wasn't long before introductions were being made which Jon mildly tunes out as he focuses on making himself seem invisible, with his head bowed down, his eyes trained on the ground. Surprisingly, Yara was doing the same beside him without uttering a single word. 

" And these are my siblings.. " Jon curiously looks up when he's heard the Crown Prince mention siblings. " This is my big sister, Mya Stone, and my baby brother, Gendry Waters..  " His eyes widened when he recognized the two to be bastards like him. 

Were they the King's bastards? Did the King take them in? Why were they allowed to join the Crown Prince's?

His mind was making up so many questions in a short span of time that he had failed to notice his father calling for him, until Yara harshly nudged his side with her elbow. 

" Jon..  " He looks up to see his Lord Father's stern gaze. " Prince Lyonel is asking for you and Yara to introduce yourselves.. " 

Jon takes a large gulp once he's heard this. He turns to Yara and he hears her whisper " Let's get this over with, Snowflake." 

There was nothing else he could do but follow after the older girl's actions and try to keep his head as low as possible, not wanting to gain any more attention than what was necessary. 

" It is a pleasure to meet you Jon and Yara. I have heard many things about you, Yara, and we look forward to getting to know you and Jon along with the rest of the Starks during our time here in the North. " 

Jon was startled to hear such a warm greeting that he dared himself to glance at the Prince, only to be met with the brightest set of eyes he had ever seen, brighter than most of his true born siblings' own. 

" I.. I..  I look forward to getting to know you too, Your Grace..  " Jon repeats the words he heard Robb say to the Prince a few minutes ago. When he was rewarded with a bright smile, he knew he did it right, making him smile in turn. 

Seemingly pleased with his own actions, Jon turns to Yara to see how she had fared. He grows confused to find her glaring at a familiar looking older boy standing behind the Prince.

Before anything else could happen, Lord Baratheon, a stone-faced man with black hair and blue eyes, asked for a private word with his Lord Father. Soon, his father, Lord Baratheon, and Lord Lannister, a blonde haired dwarf, went into the castle leaving Lady Stark to offer a tour of the castle to the Crown Prince. 

" If it's alright with you Lady Stark, may Robb, Yara and Jon give us the tour instead? " Prince Lyonel requests properly, impressing Jon with his impeccable manners. And by the approving look shining through Lady Stark’s eyes, he knew she too was impressed.

Jon observes as Lady Stark purses her lips upon hearing his name escape the Prince's mouth, but a second later a polite smile replaces it. " Of course, My Prince..  I'm sure Robb would be honored to do so..  " Lady Stark answers while lightly shoving poor Robb forward. " If you don't mind, My Prince, I should be returning my younger children inside, this cold is not appropriate for their age. Please inform a servant or guard if you need me..  " 

" But I wanna play with them too!!  " Arya, his youngest half sister, whined while being dragged by Lady Stark. 

" Hush now, Arya. Let your brother mingle with the Prince in peace.. " Lady Stark lightly scolds Arya as she continues to drag the two youngest Starks while Sansa, Jon's younger half sister, looks back at them with a frown before reluctantly following behind her mother and younger siblings. 

- Lord Stark's Study -

The Crown Prince of Westeros was definitely not what Eddard Stark had expected him to be. Knowing he was to host the Prince in the North for a little over a year, Ned had begun correspondence with his foster father, Jon Arryn. All the information he received from Jon was that the Crown Prince was an overall kind hearted boy with a penchant for trouble. 

The last part of the man's words had immediately brought a flash of memories in Ned's mind. Memories of a young Robert Baratheon sneaking out of the Eyrie to run to Gulltown just to fuck whores and hunt bars while he was left to follow his stubborn brother in all but blood and make sure the idiot doesn't get himself killed. 

With that, his mind had unknowingly painted an image of what the Crown Prince would be like. But the image he had in his mind was far from the truth. Unlike Robert at his age, Prince Lyonel acted proper and respectful. And unlike most Lannisters he had met, the Prince was kind and caring. He had never expected to meet two of Robert's own bastards, but based on the way they looked, he knew they were properly being cared for and genuinely looked happy. 

His father once told him as a small child, before he had gone to foster in the Eyrie, that he would spot the best kind of people by taking a good look at how they treat their inferiors and not their equals. 

This was what he had always used to judge people at first glance, and it was true that most children are not cursed with bigotry as many adults were, but the Prince was at the age where he would start thinking better of himself depending on how he is treated. And as the Crown Prince, Ned had expected the boy to think so highly of himself, instead the boy seemed a little down to earth. He knew it was probably all thanks to Lord Stannis Baratheon, he was sure the man would have never tolerate an ill tempered child, more so when the child carries the Baratheon name. 

" May I ask what is so urgent that you felt the need to meet with me in private so soon after you have arrived, My Lords? " Ned asks Lord Stannis and Lord Tyrion as he takes a seat on the chair behind his desk, with Lord Tyrion doing the same on the chair in front of his desk while Lord Stannis stands behind the dwarf. 

" During our long ride to Winterfell, we have observed how hostile your countrymen acted towards us.  Even our nephew, who is usually naive with these matters, had noticed it. " 

Ned frowns at Lord Tyrion's words. 

" Northerners are very stubborn people, they are entirely loyal to no one but their own. " 

" Unlike our nephew, My Lord, we completely understand. But seeing our sweet and kind hearted nephew so heartbroken made us want to do something about it.. " 

Ned's brows furrows, puzzled at what the dwarf was trying to get at. 

" What he is trying to say, Lord Stark..  " Ned looks up to Stannis, who has finally spoken up, and listens intently to the man's more direct approach. " We wish to ask for your presence during our entire tour of the North. We hope people's animosity towards us would lessen when they see the Warden of the North accompanying us. " 

Ned blinks and opens his mouth to answer but was prevented from doing so as it seems that Stannis was not yet done. 

" It would also help in dealing with Wildlings if we were to have a larger host during travels.. " 

" Wildlings? They do not venture so far south of the Wall, My Lord..  " He assured them. " The little that does, can be easily dealt with.. "

" That may normally be so, Lord Stark..  But with our nephew's luck, we wouldn't be too surprised if a whole horde of them comes running to Winterfell at this moment.. " Tyrion Lannister says with a bemused chuckle. 

" Not to disregard your assurance, Lord Stark. But we do not want to take any chances with our nephew, especially after everything that has happened to the boy since the boy turned three " 

Ned's frown deepens. Like most people, he had thought that all the tales and songs about the Crown Prince were a little exaggerated. But with two of the boy's uncles  confirming most of the stories to be true, he can't help but worry. 

What kind of trouble does the boy get into for a war veteran like Stannis Baratheon to sound so worried?

" Very well..  I shall speak with my wife and give you my decision in two days..  " Ned says as a compromise his decision would also depend on his wife's approval. 

" Before we leave, Lord Stark..  " The dwarf says before he and Stannis could leave through the threshold of his study. " You might want to include your oldest son, bastard and ward in the conversation you are to have with your wife. I'm sure that my precious little nephew would insist those three come with you if he were to learn you would join us..  The boy just loves to surround himself with children his age.. " 

Ned turns to Stannis and receives a nod. 

" Very well..  " He says with a sigh. 

It was bad enough that he would leave his wife again for a little over a year, to bring their eldest son with him would surely earn him an earful from her....

And with that, the two Lords left his study with him sinking himself down on his chair with a heavy sigh. 

( The Next Day )

- Winterfell -

During their tour of the ancient castle the day before, Theon had done his best to avoid his sister's gaze. Her judging glare was enough for him to know that he did something wrong, he guessed it had something to do with his closeness with the royal brat. 

Theon didn’t know why, but somehow Lyonel’s suggestions of activities that could help ignore the voice in his head was proving to be somewhat effective. There are still days that the voice gives him unbearable headaches, but unlike before, these days were few.

It was due to this that Theon often finds himself sharing training lessons with the royal brat with Lord Baratheon training him while Lyonel has Ser Barristan, today being no different. He was in a hurry as he made his way towards where he knew the training yard was located.

He was so dead.. 

Lord Baratheon may have become more lenient with Theon, as a result of saving the royal brat’s life, but if there was one thing that the man did not tolerate, it was being late. Lord Baratheon abhors having his time wasted, and Theon showing up late for training lessons, all because he woke up late, definitely warrants it as being a waste of time.  

“ What the fuck are you wearing?  “

Theon stops in his tracks when he suddenly hears a familiar voice from behind. He turns around to see his sister wearing breeches, as opposed to the flowing dress she had been wearing the night before, a hand on her waist while her eyes are trained on the green cloak wrapped around him. 

Theon decides to take a risk and answers his sister sarcastically. “ Don’t you know what a cloak is, sweet sister? “ he says in a sweet yet demeaning voice.

Just as he expected, Yara scoffed at him. “ So you’re letting them dress you now? Whose sigil is that, anyways? I've never seen that before” 

“ It’s the Crown Prince’s own sigil.. “ He tries to defend, wearing the sigil of the Crown Prince is supposed to be a huge honor, yet leave it to his sister to make it seem like garbage. “ You’re one to talk, Yara. Wasn’t it you I saw wearing a Northern dress during the tour the other day? “ he fires back.

“ You really think I like wearing a fucking dress?!?!” His sister didn’t like it, at all. Her face turns red as she aggressively shoves him in apparent anger. “ I had no fucking choice!! “ she shouts loudly

“ I didn’t have a choice either! ”  He shoves her back, shouting as loud as she did.

The two of them engage in an impromptu shouting match, seemingly ignored by the passing servants, that lasts for several minutes, until they forget what they were actually fighting about. 

" What the fuck are we fighting about again!?! “

“ I don’t know!!”

“ I don’t know either! “ 

Silence then befalls them as they eye each other for a few moments. A snort then escapes from Yara and soon the two are bursting into laughter.  

As the laughter dies down, Yara approaches him with her arms stretched wide in front of her. He moves into her space and gets engulfed in an embrace that he didn’t know he had missed so much. 

“ I fucking missed you, Theon! “ Yara says while ruffling his hair in the way she used to do when they were younger. “ Never thought I’ll ever see you again.. “ She confesses as she lets go of the embrace, she stares straight into his eyes while grabbing his shoulders. 

“ I’ve missed you too, Yara. “ Theon says with a smile. Ever since they were young, they were taught to never be so emotional, but after being apart for years they just couldn’t help it. “ I also thought I’d never get to see you again, but with the royal brat going on a 'Grand Tour', Lord Baratheon was duty bound to accompany him. And wherever Lord Baratheon goes, I go too.. “ he says with a shrug. 

“ Royal brat? ‘ She asks. “ That’s what you call the beloved son and heir of the King of Westeros? “ 

Yara chuckles when she receives a nod from him.

“ Never thought you had that much influence on court to call the Crown Prince that and even wear his self-made sigil, especially when I’ve heard of the skirmish you had with him in the Stormlands “ 

Theon’s cheeks turn red in embarrassment. 

“ Yeah.. As I said..  I really had no choice.. The sigil was made by both him and his friends, and if I refused it would mean that I did not like what they made.. " He reasons. " The royal brat may be quick to ignore any offense done towards him, but never EVER dare to touch his precious people.. “ He warns his sister. “ I had to learn that the hard way.. “ he adds while cupping his cheek where a certain brat once landed a very strong punch.

Yara looked at him unimpressed, her arms tucked in front of her chest while an eyebrow was raised.  “ Seriously? The Prince looks small, even his bastard brother is larger than him! “ 

Theon chuckles. “ Yeah.. The brat is small, but he packs a mean punch. Trust me.  I’ve had a black eye for weeks.. “ 

Yara shrugs her shoulders, choosing to change the subject instead.

“ What’s this I heard about you being a squire? “ 

Theon smiles as he puffs his chest proudly. “ Lord Baratheon took me in as his squire as a reward for saving the royal brat “ He boasts before remembering something that made him turn pale.

“ Oy!  What’s wrong with you? You look like you’ve seen a ghost? “

“ I’m supposed to have a training session with Lord Baratheon!! “ 

“ Yeah? Then what are you doing here? “

“ It’s because you talked to me!! “ 

“ So it’s my fault now?! “ 

“ Of course it’s your fault! “ He shouts while panicking. '' Oh shit!! Lord Baratheon is gonna skin me alive! I was already late before you fucking interrupted me! “ 

“ Sucks to be you then.. “ Yara says with a grin. 

Oh, she was enjoying this.. 

Without another word, Theon grabs Yara’s wrist and drags her across the halls. 

“ Oy! What the fuck are doing, Theon?! “ 

“ I’ll need to show Lord Baratheon my reason for being late or he won’t believe me, so you’re coming with me!! “ 

Yara looks at him incredulously. 

“ You’re gonna use me as a sacrificial lamb? What the fuck? I’m supposed to be your sister! “ 

“ Sorry sis, but it’s every man for himself. “ he answers her with a shrug while continuing to drag her. 

“ Let go, Theon! I have my own lessons with Lady Stark to get to! “ She shouts while struggling against his tight grip.  

“ Lord Baratheon is scarier than Lady Stark, Yara!! “ Theon shouts back, refusing to let go. 

“ You have no idea how scary Lady Stark is when angered! I swear her hair turns to flames when she’s angry! “ Her shouts were ignored by her brother, whose face had such a fearful yet determined look. 

Since when was he this strong? 

Yara thinks as she fails to wiggle free from Theon’s tight grip. She tries to make herself heavier, but only ends up getting dragged with her butt scraping through the ground. She quickly gets up in order to get some of her dignity back. 

“ ARGHHH!! GODS DAMMIT THEON!!! “ 

Yara shouts at the top of her lungs as she resigns to her fate of getting dragged across the hall by her little brother.

Chapter Text

( 9th Day of the 12th Month of 293 A.C. ) 

( Hour of the Bat ) 

- Great Hall - 

Anytime Sansa Stark is in the proximity of the Prince, she couldn’t help but stare longingly at him. The Prince was simply everything she had dreamed of, no, he was better than she imagined a Prince would be. Just like the stories that Old Nan would tell her before bed, the Prince was kind to everyone he meets and has a smile that could brighten up a room in seconds. But what captivates her most about him are his bright green eyes that she couldn’t help but get lost in, eyes that she wants to be on hers at all times, regardless if it makes her face run so hot that one would think she was suffering from a fever.

“ Sansa.. Sansa… Sansa.. “ 

*SPLOTCH*

Sansa gasps loudly as she feels something moist and sticky land on her chest, she looks down to see the contents of tonight’s supper now adorning her lovely dress. 

“ ARYA!! “ She cries out in both anger and frustration as she desperately tries to wipe away the mess from her attire, tears forming at the edge of her eyes as she hears chuckles erupt all around her. 

When Sansa looks up from her work to yell at her sister for embarrassing her, especially in front of her Prince, she finds said Prince standing beside her, smiling ever so brightly at her while offering her the cloth in his hand. Too embarrassed to speak, she picked up the cloth and was confused to find it slightly wet. 

“ Mya says it’s easier to wipe the mess from fabric with a moist cloth than a dry one. “ Her Prince answers her unasked question with those captivating bright eyes staring softly at her, successfully making her face turn redder. 

“ T-Thank y-you, Y-Your G-Grace “ She manages to stutter out in her daze.

“ It was my pleasure, Sansa.. “ Prince Lyonel says, making Sansa blush harder at the casual way the Prince said her name. 

Sansa’s eyes never left the Prince even as he went to sit down with his siblings and friends. Only her siblings’ loud snickers managed to snap her out of her daze. 

“ I thought you had it bad, Sansa, but apparently I was wrong. “ Robb says with a bemused chuckle.  

“ Yeah, turns out Sansa is MASSIVELY in love with the Prince! “ Yara nearly yells out before she guffaws with Arya erupting into laughter after her. 

Sansa believes her face to be the same shade as her hair by now all thanks to the others' teasing. She couldn’t help it if she fancies the Prince, which girl wouldn’t? 

“ You know.. I think it’ll be better for you to befriend the Prince than just stare longingly at him from afar, Sansa “ Jon speaks for the first time since supper began, she almost forgot about him as her mother had advised him to stay quiet throughout supper to not offend the Prince. 

She didn’t know why her mother would even think Jon would offend the Prince by simply speaking. Her brother may not speak much, but when he does it is always something worthwhile. 

“ Do you really believe that? “ She asks with a hopeful tone. 

Friends? She could be friends with the Prince like the little peasant girl she always finds hanging around him?
 

Jon nods. “ Gendry, the Prince’s bas-brother, says that Prince Lyonel loves making friends.. “ 

“ Huh, now that I think about it, he was quick to make friends with you two idiots.. “ Yara chimes in with her usual taunts and smirk. 

“ Like he didn’t manage to befriend you, Yara. Which is quite a feat considering how annoying you are. “ Robb retorts. 

“ Who says I’m actually friends with the Prince, Wolfie?! “ 

“ Oh please, we saw you having tea with the Prince during his break, Yara “ 

“ And here I thought you hated my guts, Snowflake. You don’t have to be shy, you can just tell me if you fancy me like how Sansa fancies the Prince.. “ 

“ Fuck you, Yara!! “ 

“ Come now, Wolfie.. I may be a hostage for your father but I am no common whore. If you want to fuck me then you’ll have to do it the right way “

Sansa sighs to herself as she recognizes the beginning of another petty argument between the three. Hopefully it doesn’t result in a full blown brawl this time, she would not want to be associated with them if she wants to actually manage to befriend her Prince. 

Making friends is a task that young Sansa Stark is not good at, case in point: her only friend being a daughter of Winterfell's steward, Jeyne Poole. So naturally, befriending the Prince became a daunting task for her. She was simply far too shy to approach the Prince especially when he's with someone else.

And there lies another one of her problems. The Prince was always with someone else, whether they be one of his friends, his siblings or her brothers and surprisingly even Yara. 

Her brothers tried calling her over when they were speaking with the Prince, but she feared that they would end up teasing her if she were to get flustered, which she knew would happen eventually. So instead, she made up an excuse and left in a hurry, her face turning red as she felt the Prince's eyes on her. 

( 16th Day of the 12th Month of 293 A.C. )

- Library -

It took her half a week to finally muster up the courage to approach him and find a moment when he is alone, well as alone as the Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms can be. He was sitting on a chair with several stacks of parchments lying on the table in front of him. 

She takes a deep breath to steal her nerves before continuing her approach. The head of the Prince's lioness perked up upon seeing her before dismissing her with a simple grunt and resuming its nap. The Prince's guards, one of them she recognized as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguards, on the other hand greeted her with a polite nod before resuming their duties. 

" Greetings, Your Grace " She says with a flourished curtsy, one she had been practicing nearly everyday since her mother had taught her. 

Her Prince had immediately stopped what he was doing and turned to her, a large smile plastered on his face as he returned her greetings. " Hello, Sansa. "

A moment of silence passed as her Prince stared curiously at her, his head tilted to the side in a very endearing manner. " Is there something you need, Sansa? " 

She opened her mouth to speak, but found no sound leaving. 

" You know, you remind me of my friend Lexa " Prince Lyonel says, breaking the silence. " She doesn't speak so she's usually silent like you, but we found many ways to communicate with each other without speaking..  " he then writes something on a piece of parchment before handing it over to her. 

Your dress looks pretty, Sansa 

Her eyes widened upon reading what the Prince wrote. She hastily looked up at him and saw his smile grow wider, which she didn't know was even possible. 

Thank you, Your Grace

She wrote before handing the parchment back to him. She smiles at the cleverness of her Prince, having found a way for them to communicate despite her shyness. 

If you want, you can call me Lyon. 

And just like that, the two were on their way to becoming friends. They continued to write on parchments until Sansa was comfortable enough to speak, the two children were so immersed in their conversation that they failed to notice the large grins plastered on the faces of the Prince's guards. 

Where did it go wrong? 

How could it all go so wrong? 

One moment the Prince was telling her about the sigil sewn at the back of his magnificent green cloak and the next thing she knew the Prince was glaring at her before the slumbering beast began growling menacingly at her then she was hurriedly escorted out of the library by one of the Prince's guards, a knight wearing Baratheon colors. 

" I don't know what you did or said to get the Little King so upset, Little Lady. But whatever it is, it's best to let the Little King calm down before you speak to him again. And maybe you should try to find out what you did wrong. " The knight advised her before letting her leave. 

She really didn't know what she did wrong, they were having such a good time together before it all turned bad.

As she walks aimlessly around the castle while trying her hardest to not burst into tears, she stumbles upon her siblings playing in the snow covered courtyard while Yara was sitting on the side grumbling under her breath, probably about the cold.

" Sansa!! Join ush! " She distantly hears Bran call her over. 

" Don't invite her! " She hastily recognized Arya's voice. " She's just gonna ruin everything like she always does! " 

For the first time, Arya's petulant words struck a nerve in Sansa. Like an arrow piercing her heart. 

Maybe her sister was right. Maybe there was something wrong with her, maybe that's why she ruins everything just like what Arya said. 

Before she knew it, her thoughts brought her to tears. She falls apart, right there and then. Tears falling from her eyes as childish insecurities suddenly surface above all else. 

Sansa then feels someone wrap their arms around her, urging her to bury her tear streaked face into their chest to seek comfort. " Shh..  It's alright Sansa..  I'm sure Arya didn't mean it... " Never before had she heard Yara's voice sound so soft.

" Yara's right, Sansa..  I didn't mean any of it..  I'm really sorry...  " Another thing she's never heard, was her sister apologizing to her, she even sounded guilty. 

She wanted to chuckle, but it only came out as a cat like mewl. So after a few seconds more of wiping her face onto Yara's now tear soaked tunic, she tries again. " I-it's fine, Arya..  I..  I know you didn't mean it..  I think.. " 

" Of course Arya didn't mean it..  " Jon says, putting his hands on Arya's shoulders while her sister shyly nods along. " What made you think so, Sansa? " 

" It's just... I thought she might be right.. " 

" What do you mean, Sansa? " Robb asks worriedly. " Did someone else tell you that?! " His face turns red along with Jon while Yara looks impassive. 

" No one's allowed to tell you that Sansa " Yara says softly while brushing her hair away from her face. 

" Yeah! Only I get to tell you that! " Arya shouts but Robb hits her softly at the back of her head. " Shut it, Arya! " 

Sansa giggles when she sees her older brother reprimand their sister. Arya only truly listened to Jon, but Robb always finds other ways to make their sister listen. 

" Who hurt you Sansa? " Yara asks. " Was it Theon? Tell me if it's him and I'll give him a beat down of a lifetime, brother or not I won't let him hurt a pretty lady in my presence. " 

Sansa hastily shakes her head. She has yet to even have a conversation with Yara's brother, unlike the pleasant conversation she had with the Prince. At least it was pleasant until that very last moment. 

" Tell us, Sansa.. " Robb urges. " Please, sister? Tell us who hurt you? " 

" N-No one hurt me, Robb..  "

" Then what made you so sad? " Jon asks. 

" Sansa.. Why you cry?? " Little Bran asked her, even her little brother had a worried look. 

" I..  I somehow angered the Prince.. " 

She feels Yara stiffen.

" Tell us everything. " Robb says firmly, reminding her of their father. 

And just like when her father gives her that look, she does as Robb tells her to do. She told them everything. 

" So he just got angry for no reason? " Yara asks, her brows furrowed. 

" He can't do that! " Robb shouts angrily, with Jon nodding along. " Prince or not, he can't just get angry at my sister for no reason! " 

" Yeah! Only I get to do that!! “ Arya shouts again, this time it was Jon that reprimanded her, completely shutting her up. 

" That's it! I'm dealing with this!! " Robb says storming off with Bran following him like a lost puppy. 

" Wolfie!! " Yara calls after Robb, but she is blatantly ignored. " Fuck! Snowflake! Go after your brother before he does something that could cause trouble for Lord Stark! " 

Sansa sees Jon's eyes widened before he runs after their brothers. Arya was about to follow after him, but Yara managed to hold onto her wrist before she could get away. 

" Where do you think you're going, Little Wolf? " Yara asks Arya. 

" I'm going with them! I'm gonna shout at the Prince for hurting Sansa! " 

Sansa couldn't help but be touched by her sister's words. It was nice to know that even though they don't get along that well, Arya will always have her back. 

" Only I get to shout at Sansa! " 

Sansa sighs. Well, it was nice while it lasted. 

" You're doing no such thing, Little Wolf. " Yara says firmly. " The three of us are going to find Lord and Lady Stark and tell them what happened, then they'll deal with the Prince themselves. " 

Sansa's eyes widen in panic. She didn't want her parents to get involved, but the determined look in Yara's eyes tells her that she has no choice. 

How did it all go so wrong??  

When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.

Robb Stark remembers the words his father told him before the Lord of Winterfell rode off to war during the Greyjoy Rebellion. He didn't know what these words meant exactly, all he knew was that his father had tasked him to protect their family for he was the eldest.

And it was a task he took seriously from that day on. He was constantly at his mother's side whenever she needed help while she was pregnant with Bran, he made sure that Sansa and Arya were properly tucked in at night, he even made sure that his, Jon's and Yara's studies/duties were accomplished at the end of every day. 

And even though he had yet to truly understand his father's words, he had grown protective of his family, more so his siblings, cause no matter what happens at the end of the day they were all part of the same pack, and yes even Yara is considered part of the pack, no matter how irritating she can be at times. 

It was for this reason that Robb can be seen stomping his way through the halls of Winterfell with a furious look on his young face. 

" Robb! Swow down! '' Robb sharply turns around in anger at the person that is trying to stop him only to see Bran struggling to keep up with him. He stops in his tracks to wait for his brother to catch up to him, calming him down a little. 

" Wer we goin Robb? " Bran asks him.

" We're going to tell the Prince that he has no right to hurt our sister! " Robb says determinedly. 

" Pwins Lyon hurt Sansa? " Robb nods his head. 

" Then Pwins Lyon is bad cause he hurt Sansa. " 

Robb nods again, smiling as he feels proud of his brother's protectiveness over their sister despite being so young. 

" Robb!! " Robb and Bran look behind to see Jon running hurriedly towards them. 

" Good you're here. I'll need help in dealing with the Prince for hurting our sister. " Robb says as Jon stops in front of them.

" You can't do that Robb!! " Jon says with wide eyes and a fearful expression. " He's the Prince! "

" I'm the heir to the North and he's in the North! Just because he's the Prince doesn't mean he can hurt our sister in our own home! " He says with finality before walking towards the study, Bran following right behind him. 

" B-But Robb!! " he ignores Jon's protest as he was determined to achieve his task. 

After a few more seconds, his target was finally in sight. The Prince was by the opened door of the library speaking with his sworn shield, Ser Chris while Ser Barristan was standing to the side, right beside Meraxes. 

" She was just so mean, Ser Chris!! " Robb hears the Prince whine to the knight. 

His face turns red in anger.

Not only did the Prince hurt his sister, but he even dared to badmouth her in their own home!! 

Robb didn't know what went over him, all he knows is that he has to teach the Prince a lesson for not only hurting their sister, but also badmouthing her behind her back. 

*ROAR*

Somehow, Robb managed to land a fist onto the Prince's face and everything turned to chaos from that point on. 

He pulled punches after punches against the Prince, who desperately tried to retaliate but failed for he had the upper hand due to his stronger and slightly larger build. 

The loud beastly roars of the Prince's lioness filled the halls as he continued his assault while Jon tried to pull him back, if he wasn't so enraged he would have felt guilty for scaring his younger brother to tears or he would have shaken in fear at the utterly terrifying look the large lioness was giving him.

Later he would realize how thankful he should have been to the Prince's many knights for blocking the large beast from getting to him because he was sure that if it weren't for them, he would have been reduced to pieces by the sharp claws and massive teeth of such a fearsome creature. 

After landing a few more punches on the Prince's face, he felt himself be lifted from behind and saw it to be one of the knights he had admired for as long as he can remember, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguards had such a menacing look on his face that Robb couldn't help but fear. Yet what truly made him turn white, was hearing his father's loud voice, something he has never heard before until now. 

" WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! "

( The Next Day )

- Godswoods - 

It is treason to harm a Prince 

These were the words kept repeating itself in Jon’s mind as he went to find the Prince in order to apologize for his brother’s actions. He was recently made aware of  how light Robb got off for punching the Crown Prince repeatedly in the face.

“ If Wolfie wasn’t the heir to the North and the son of the King’s oldest and closest friend he could have been executed for his actions. “ Yara told him in private. “ He’s also lucky the Prince spoke kindly on his behalf, I doubt he would have gotten away with a simple punishment if not for the Prince’s intervention. “

Despite her penchant for annoying them, Jon knows that Yara cares about them. Even if she only shows her care to Sansa, Arya and Bran while he and Robb were often made to be targets of her teasing and taunts. It was because of this that he believes her words, it makes complete sense to him. Robb may be the heir to Winterfell, but Prince Lyonel is heir to the Iron Throne that governs the entire realm. He was sure Lord Stark would have made anyone that hurt Robb pay, it only made sense if the King were to do the same to whoever hurt his son. 

After looking and asking around the entire castle, Jon had finally located the Prince. At least he hopes he did and that the servant told the truth, if not he would be disappointed to find that he had only wasted his time. Fortunately his search has not gone in vain as he finds the Prince standing in the middle of the Godswoods surrounded by his friends and siblings with several guards standing guard at a respectable distance. 

*GROWL*

" Here to finish what your brother started, Snow? " The Prince's sister says upon seeing him approach. 

" We won't let you hurt our brother anymore " The Prince's brother says,  moving to block his view of the Prince with a peasant girl that Jon recognized as one of said Prince's friends. 

" I'm not here to hurt the Prince..  " He says carefully while eyeing the large lioness growling behind the three. 

" Let him pass " 

" But - " One of the Prince's guards tried to speak but was interrupted by the Prince's sword shield. 

 " You heard the Little King, Marlow. Let the boy pass " 

" Yes, My Lord " 

As soon as the rude guard took a step back, Jon came forward and bowed his head respectfully to the Prince. He could feel the hairs on his arms rising as the lioness' eyes are trained on him

" Your Grace, I wish to beg forgiveness for my siblings actions " He speaks in the manner that he practiced with Yara the night before. 

Jon then hears someone snort loudly. " And here I thought Starks were different from the other nobles, yet here you are, a bastard, apologizing on behalf of your trueborn siblings. " The Prince's sister, Mya from what Jon remembers her name is, says accusingly. 

Jon had so desperately wanted to defend his family, but Yara had explicitly told him to apologize and not make matters worse. He might not be as smart as Robb, but he knows enough that speaking rudely to the Prince's sister will definitely make things worse and definitely get him killed. 

" There's nothing to forgive, Jon " He hesitantly looks up, not believing the sweet tone in the Prince's voice. Surely it wouldn't be that easy? But the sight that greets him was the Prince smiling warmingly at him. 

" Ya' really just gonna forgive 'em like that, Princess?! " Mya asks with an indignant shout. 

" Are you sure, brother? Your face is all swollen because of them..  " Gendry, the Prince's brother whom Jon had gotten well acquainted with over the past several days, says with worry while the peasant girl, whose name he can't remember, nods in agreement beside Gendry. 

" Theon's face was worse than mine but he still forgave me " The Prince says nonchalantly. 

" Oy! Don't talk about me like I'm not here! " Jon sees Yara's brother, Theon, shout from the top of a small boulder before returning to his task of polishing the longsword on his lap. 

" We wouldn't have to talk about you like you aren't here if you were actually here instead of so far away, Theon!! " The Prince shouts back. 

" I've been working my ass off for the past hour polishing Lord Stannis' sword, I won't  have you dirtying it just cause you're having too much fun, Princess!" Theon says with a smirk while making a show of hiding the sword with a large piece of cloth. 

Before the Prince could utter another retort, a loud cough was released from behind the Prince, which Jon found came from a rather beautiful young woman with simple clothing. 

" Sorry, Lena" The Prince apologizes with a sheepish look before turning back to Jon, taking him completely by surprise. He had heard from his father that Southerners tend to be too proud to ask for forgiveness, especially those born of noble blood, yet here was someone with the most noble blood in the entire realm apologizing to a woman of low birth, if her simple clothes were any indication. 

" I believe you were about to explain why you so easily forgive the young Starks' actions, Little King? " The woman says with a nurturing tone and a warm smile. 

" Oh! Right! " The Prince exclaims before turning to Jon. " Anyways..  " he starts off. " There's nothing to forgive cause I'm sure Sansa didn't really mean to insult my siblings, at least I hope so. She just told me what her mother said. And Robb was simply defending his sister, I would have done the same if I heard someone hurting my siblings or friends. " he says before a frown adorns his face. " Although I don't think I'll be quick to forgive Lady Stark. The words she told Sansa about my siblings were really mean.. " 

" I-If you don't mind, Your Grace, what exactly did Lady Stark say that you found to be offensive to your siblings??  " Jon was almost afraid to ask, he was well aware of Lady Stark's dislike of bastards due to him. 

" She said that bastards like you and my siblings have no right being near someone like me! " The Prince exclaims. " Is it true Jon? Sansa said she overheard her mother telling you to stay as far away from me as possible? " he asks worriedly while stroking the fur of his lioness, calming the beast down. 

Jon meekly nods and sees the Prince huff, arms tucked in front while his frown deepens. 

" Snobbish views like Lady Stark's are reasons why I have a strong dislike of nobles, Princess.. " Mya says with a growl. 

" Heh, no wonder Yara fears the woman. Apparently she can be quite a menace despite her appearance..  " Theon adds with a chuckle.

" Lady Stark is not that bad! She's both a great Lady and mother to her children! " Jon quickly defends her. " Plus it's my fault why she dislikes bastards. " 

" Why would it be your fault, Jon? " The Prince asks him with a confused look. 

" Because I'm my father's bastard..  " He answers despondently. 

" But it's not your fault for being born a bastard?! " The Prince says, looking aghast. " Grown ups are so stupid! " 

" Ouch, that hurts, Little King " The woman behind the Prince says with a playful tone. 

" Don't be so silly, Lena! You're not stupid! I'm talking about the other grown ups! " 

" Do I belong to the other grown ups you speak of, Little King? " This time it was the Prince's sword shield that spoke with a playful tone. 

" Of course not Ser Chris! " The Prince says with huff, looking slightly annoyed. 

" Y-You really don't think badly of me? For being a bastard? " Jon asks, still in disbelief.

The Prince looked offended. " Why would I?! I don't care if you're a bastard, Jon! All I care about is if you can be a good friend! " 

" Friend? You truly want to be friends with me? Even after everything that happened between you and my siblings? "

" Why not? None of that was your fault? Plus, I'm sure I'll be friends with your siblings again once I've talked to them after they cool down a little. It's what my uncles do whenever I get so angry that I blow off. Although, lately my uncles have been telling me to think before I act, I think they want me to think about my feelings before I act on them so that I won't explode so much as I am used to doing.. “ The Prince says with a chuckle“   Anyways..  What do you say? Friends? " 

Jon blinks, startled by how the Prince spoke all that without stopping for breath. He truly only got about half of what the Prince said. 

 " I..  I would like that, Your Grace. " 

The Prince then pulls him into a hug that fills him with such warmth he would think he was sitting by the fire in his bedchamber " If we're going to be friends, you have to call me by my name. " The Prince says after letting go of the hug. 

" Y-Yes, Prince Lyonel. " 

Prince Lyonel pouts at him. "   I guess that's close enough.. " he says before smiling brightly once again. 

" Tch...  Guess that means you're part of our group now…  " Mya says with a resigned sigh. 

This brings a smile on Jon's face for the first time outside the training yard. Robb really was lucky that the Prince is so understanding and quick to forgive, but Jon thinks he is luckier to be able to call the Prince his friend, something that is usually unheard of for a bastard like him. 

( 20th Day of the 12th Month of 293 A.C. )

- Courtyard - 

Catlyn Stark, nee Tully, watched her children play in the snow covered courtyard of Winterfell with keen eyes. Although she was pleased to see her children getting along well with the Crown Prince, despite their little squabble several days prior, she did not appreciate seeing Jon Snow joining them. It’s not like she could say anything about it as the Prince himself had insisted on the bastard’s presence, and she couldn’t afford to offend the Prince any further. 

Apparently the warning she had given her husband’s bastard the night before the welcoming feast was overheard by her daughter, who in turn relayed it to the Prince. It has always been a general knowledge amongst nobility how offending a bastard’s presence was to royals, but apparently the future King is keen on surrounding himself with them. The Prince already has his two bastard siblings with him at all times, she never expected him to also take in her husband’s bastard. 

“ I’m surprised my nephew isn’t so bothered by the harsh weather of the North “ The voice that Cat suddenly heard beside her startled her. She found it to belong to the Prince’s Lannister uncle. She puts a hand over her chest while she takes steady breaths to calm her racing heart. “ Forgive me, My Lady. I did not mean to startle you, I tend to  forget how terrifying my presence can be to some  “

Cat frowns, that was not the reason she was startled. She knows it would be wise to correct the.. small Lord before she risks offending the Prince any further. “ It is not.. that, My Lord.. I was simply too entranced by my children’s laughter that I failed to notice your arrival.. “

“ Ah yes! One of my dearest nephew’s many talents , to bring laughter and joy to wherever he goes.. “ The Lord says with pride. “ Well that or utter chaos “ he adds with a chuckle. 

Cat didn’t know how to respond to that, and frankly she is a little bit bothered by it. Her eldest son was, after all, going to accompany the Prince on his tour of the North, if what the Lord says is true, she then does not want her son to be involved in any way regardless if it would bring prestige to their House. Her family will always be her priority above anything else. 

“ Do not fret, Lady Stark.. By no means does my nephew seek trouble “ She breathes a sigh of relief at this. “ Although, trouble does seem to always find its way to my nephew “ She turns pale at this. Surely he was jesting? “ Worry not, Lady Stark. My nephew is the most well protected person in the realm and in turn so will your son when he and your husband accompany us on our tour.. “ The small man says with a knowing look. 

Was she that obvious? 

“ My Little Nephew already considers all your children his friends, which means he’ll extend his protection onto them. Your son will not only have your husband’s men to guard him but along with my nephew’s, Lord Baratheon’s and even my own. “ 

Cat turns her head to look down at her children, her eyes zoning in on the auburn hair of her eldest son. “ To tell you the truth, My Lord.. I was surprised to find the Prince still willing to befriend my children even after their little misunderstanding.. “ 

The Lannister Lord chuckled. 

“ My nephew is not one to hold grudges once you apologize sincerely, which your children did. Plus, the boy doesn’t really take offense when it regards his person. Although, I can’t say the same when it regards his siblings or friends.. “ She looks at where the Lannister Lord was looking and finds him looking at Jon Snow. “ Family, Duty, Honor.. Aren’t those the words of your House? “ He says, turning to her with a smirk. 

Cat turns her head sharply to the Lord, her eyes narrowing at him. She knows an insult when she hears one. She gets offended by this. 

How dare this dwarf insult her in her own home! 

“ That boy is not my family! “ she snarls. 

“ Take my words however you like, Lady Stark, but the matter stands. I can understand the hatred you harbor for your husband’s bastard, but do try to hide it in my nephew’s presence, Lyonel already considers Snow as a dear friend. My nephew will take any offense to the boy personally and will retaliate in a harsh manner and trust me, you would not see my nephew turn furious, especially at you.. The boy has the King’s legendary temper after all.. “  The dwarf says before leaving her to her inner turmoil. She snaps her gaze back to the children below her, her eyes meeting with her husband’s bastard before the boy quickly looks away. 

Catlyn Stark was too focused on glaring at Jon Snow to notice Lyonel Baratheon staring at her with a frown on his face before his attention was called elsewhere by his friends. 

Chapter Text

- Endless Void - 

“ THESE EVENTS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING!!! “   The Warrior belows, completely riled up. 

“ Will you keep your voice down, brother?” The Crone sighs tiredly. “ It’s not like your shouting helps us in any way .. “ she adds with a pointed look.

“ Come now, Sister. Our brother is simply worried for the fate of our champion especially if these events keep happening.. “ The Smith says, coming to the defense of their brother, 

“ You speak as if our champion is burdened by these events.. “ The Maiden says with a skeptical look. 

“ I agree with the Maiden.. Instead of being a burden to him, these events appear to be an asset to our champion, so I really don’t see the problem. “  R’hllor comments with a shrug.

“ Are you fucking blind?! How are we to guide our champion if we no longer know what the future entails due to all these changes!! “ The Warrior responds with frustration.

“ The Warrior does have a point” The Father says with a thoughtful look. “ There’s a reason why we haven’t made any changes to the timeline. We all may be all powerful, but even we are not all knowing. “

“ You know.. If there’s anyone to blame for these changes, it’ll have to be the Stranger.. “ The Drowned God says with a bitter tone. “ All these changes started since he took an interest in that boy.. “

Everyone turned to Death with varying expressions on their ethereal faces. . 

“ What do you have to say for yourself, Brother? “ The Father asks.

Death growls. “ I am not your brother… “ He spats out with a menacing look that is easily ignored by the others.

“ Is that really all you’re going to say? “ The Father asks with a raised eyebrow. 

“ There’s nothing else to say.. “ Death answers firmly.

“ I see.. “ The Father says, briefly turning to the others before turning back to Death.

“ Well then! “ The Father trails off. “ If the Stranger have nothing else to say then I move to have the boy eliminated for us to put a stop to all these cha-” 

The Father’s words were cut off by the hand that had suddenly wrapped itself around his throat, his eyes turning to look at his assailant and was met with Death’s blazing red eyes.

“ WHAT IN THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING, BROTHER?!?!” The Warrior belows while desperately pulling on Death, but has little to no success.

Death’s eyes turn to the Warrior, sending chills down his ethereal body’s spine, before he feels himself thrown far away by an unknown force.

“ I am not your brother. “ Death says in the same tone of voice as earlier, despite the fiery gaze in his eyes. He then turns back to the Father and brings the other God’s face closer. “ This will be your first and only warning… If you harm the boy in any way, I will no longer remain dormant to your whims. “ He says in a threatening tone before releasing the lesser God. “ Never summon me for such mundane reasons again..  “ He spats out before leaving the stunned Gods. 

Death scoffs to himself upon hearing the words that were bellowed as he left. 

“ WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!?!?! “ 

( 12th Month of 293 A.C. )

- Wintefell - 

Taking the Crown Prince's offer of friendship had to be both the best and worst decision Theon Greyjoy had made in his life so far. He had to admit that there were many benefits with being the Crown Prince’s friend, but sometimes he can’t help but doubt that these benefits far outweigh the troubles he gets into because of said Prince. 

“ You want to do what now?! “ Theon exclaims with a baffled look. 

A day before they were set to leave Winterfell, Lyonel had suddenly felt an urge to explore the Winterfell Greenhouses they had heard about from the Stark children, namely Robb and Jon. With Theon having packed for their journey the night before, Lord Stannis had ordered him to keep an eye on Lyonel and try to keep him out of trouble.

“ I’m gonna call some birds to eat the insects!! “ Lyonel exclaims proudly, as if his idea wasn’t so bizzare and outright problematic.  

Theon feels a vein pulsing on his forehead at his frustration, times like this makes him think it would be less bothersome to deal with the voice in his head. Lord Stark had left their group, which only consists of he, Gendry, Lyonel and Meraxes at the time since the others were yet to finish their packing, alone in the greenhouse for a moment while the Northern Lord spoke with the farmers about their troubles regarding the insects destroying their harvest. And based on the look on Lyonel’s eyes, the brat was definitely set on his troublesome idea. 

“ And why do you think that is a good idea? “ He asks as calmly as he can while desperately trying to resist the urge to strangle the frustrating spoiled brat. 

“ Cause Gendry says birds eat the pests from the plants! “Lyonel answers, beside him is Gendry agreeing. '' It's true! I used to watch the birds swoop in and eat the insects that are on the crops in the farmlands! “

“ Are you sure it’s the insects that they’re eating and not the crops itself? “ At times like this, Theon hates being the only voice of reason in their little “group”.

Theon sighs when he sees the bastard boy’s eyes widen before a blush appears on his face. 

“ It doesn’t matter what you say! Gendry says he saw it and I trust my brother! The farmers’ crops are all dying because of these insects! If the birds can help then I will ask them to help! “ Lyonel exclaims before stomping out of the greenhouse, startling his guards that were standing by the door. 

Theon tries his best to put a stop to Lyonel’s absurd plan, but the brat was already whistling loudly, attracting the attention of several wildlife. Despite having witnessed the boy’s unnatural affinity with wildlife for almost a dozen times already, he still marvels upon the sight of a large flock of birds answering the brat’s call. He groans loudly when he realizes how much trouble he would get into for not putting a stop to whatever the brat was planning, he just hopes it won’t cause trouble for Lord Stark or he would be in much bigger trouble. 

Maybe he really made a mistake by taking that damned offer of friendship.

Lord Eddard Stark was having a rough morning. Upon waking up, he had another argument with his wife regarding him bringing Robb on his journey, which he ended with him firmly stating that he had already given his word and it would bring him and his House great shame if he were to suddenly back out. 

Then while he and his family were breaking their fast, he had asked the boys and his ward if they had packed their belongings, as he had told them to do the night before, and was disappointed to find that only his ward had done so. He was forced to deprive the boys of their dessert as punishment for not following his orders before sending them to their chambers to pack. 

To make matters worse, he received word of the trouble the farmers were having with pests. Upon hearing this, he rushed to the greenhouses to speak with the farmers and hopefully come up with a plan to resolve this problem. On his way, he met Prince Lyonel and two of his friends. Prince Lyonel had begged to see the greenhouses before they left for their journey, which he reluctantly agreed after considering the favor the boy had done for his son and heir. Stannis had recently informed him of how adamant the Queen was with punishing Robb for what he did and it was only Prince Lyonel’s word that stopped it from happening.

Ned felt some of his weariness diminish upon seeing the amazed look on Prince Lyonel’s face, he couldn’t help but feel proud that his humble home managed to fascinate the boy so much. It had only been weeks since the boy arrived, but Prince Lyonel was already growing on him. It was probably due to his sense of brotherhood with the boy’s father, who he couldn’t help but be reminded of with the boy’s wild yet friendly nature.

“ Lyonel.. '' Ned bends down a little as he calls for the Prince. It had been a few days since the boy had insisted to be called by his given name in less formal occasions, which quickly reminded him of Robert’s disdain for titles. “ I need to step outside and speak with the farmers. Would you and your friends stay here for a while? “ He asks gently. “ I would show you the other sights Winterfell has to offer upon my return “ 

“ Are the farmers having trouble with their crops, Lord Stark? “ Ned is surprised by Lyonel’s inquiry.

“ How do you know that, Lyonel? “ He asks curiously.

“ They had the same looks the farmers in King’s Landing had when they came to ask help from Papa.. What’s troubling them? Is it their tools? I could write to Papa and ask him to give new tools to the farmers here as he had done with those from King’s Landing. I could even ask Uncle Stannis and Uncle Jon to help too! ! “ Ned chuckles at the boy’s fretting. It was touching to know that the boy cared so much, but their trouble was not something that the King of the Seven Kingdoms should concern himself with.

“ There is nothing for you to worry about, Lyonel. “ He says while fondly ruffling the boy’s messy hair. “ Our farmers are simply having a small problem with the insects that kept eating our crops.. “ He didn’t know why he was even explaining it to the boy, he just knew that he wanted to ease the boy’s worry. “ The problem will be resolved as soon as the farmers and I come up with a plan to get rid of the pests. “ He states before leaving the three children behind and walking out with the farmers to come up with their plan. 

Several minutes have passed since Ned began his discussions with the farmers and so far they have not come up with a solution for their problem. 

“ We ‘ave to ge’ rid of these pest, M’ Lord. They ea’ing all our crops.“ One of the farmers Ned was speaking with says. 

“ Why ‘on’t we just ge’ rid of all the crops with pests? “ Another of the farmers suggested.

“ Will that be possible? “ Ned asks.

Most of the farmers shook their heads while one of them answered. “ If we do that then we might not have enough to last us the whole winter “ 

Ned sighs. If they don’t deal with the problem soon then he’ll be forced to purchase produce from the South costing them hundreds if not thousands of gold dragons, which frankly they barely have any to spare.

“ Mi’ Lord!!! “ Ned turns his towards the direction of a servant frantically calling for him. 

“ What is it, boy? “ He asks the young man.

“ A large flock of birds are seen entering the greenhouses, Mi’ Lord! “ 

Ned’s eyes widened upon hearing this. He and the farmers rushed towards the greenhouse and were all horrified to find hundreds of birds eating the crops. 

“ See Lord Stark! I told you I’ll help!! “ Came the overly cheerful voice of the Crown Prince. 

Ned’s face is beginning to turn red as he desperately tries to hold in all his anger and not unleash it on the troublesome little boy. Due to this incident, he will have no other choice but to purchase produce from the South just so the North could survive the winter. He just hopes this winter won’t last as long as the last one or the North will be in so much debt, he fears they’ll never be able to recover. 

“ Mi’ Lord! “ Ned walks towards one of the farmers that was inspecting the damage on the crops while the others shooed the birds. “ What’s the damage Wilton? “ he asks while crouching down.

“ None, Mi’ Lord.. “ He was surprised by that response. “ The pests.. They’re gone, Mi’ Lord.. “ His eyes widen yet again before he sharply turns to inspect the crops himself. And just as the man said, there was no damage to the crops and the pests that previously infected them were gone. 

“ H-How? “ Ned asks in disbelief.

“ I asked the birds to help, Lord Stark! “ Lyonel proudly claims beside his two apprehensive friends. 

“ What? “ He asks, walking towards his dearest friend's oldest child. He lightly grabs the boy’s shoulders as he waits for an explanation.

“ You said the insects were eating the crops, right? “ Ned nods. “ Well… Gendry told me about the time he saw birds eating the insects of the crops in the farmlands of King’s Landing! So I thought maybe we can do the same here! “ 

“ But the birds in the South are probably more well fed then the ones here in the North. How did you manage to call so many, let alone prevent them from eating the crops instead of the insects? “ Ned asks as he watches Lyonel tilt his head slightly to the side. 

“ Cause I told them not to do that “ The boy replies as if it was obvious. 

“ You… told them? “ 

Lyonel nods his head. 

Ned’s brows furrow as he grows more confused. “ How is that possible? “ 

“ If you don’t mind my advice, My Lord.. I believe it'll be best if you don’t question every little thing the Princess here does.. “ The Greyjoy boy beside Lyonel advises. “ You’ll only end up turning mad if you continue to do so “ The boy adds with a shrug while Lyonel and the bastard boy, Gendry, just giggles.

Ned blinks as he stands up and looks around his surroundings. With the birds gone, the farmers have returned to tending to their crops, and all have large smiles on their faces as they whisper to each other. 

“ D-Did I do something wrong, Lord Stark? “ He turns his head to the Prince and sees him on the brink of tears. “ I did something wrong again, didn’t I? I.. I didn’t mean to do bad.. I .. I just wanted to help.. “ he quickly bends down to hold the boy but the large lioness growls loudly at him, preventing him from doing so.

“ You didn’t do anything wrong Lyonel. “ Ned tells the boy now crying on his brother’s shoulders.  “ In fact.. You seemed to have solved our problem.. “ He says with a gentle smile, urging the boy to look up from his brother’s shoulder. “ Now we won’t have to worry about our people going hungry during the winter.. “ 

Ned grows amazed at seeing Lyonel’s frown quickly turning into a large beaming smile, the boy’s eyes twinkling brightly. “ Really? “ The boy asks, which he nods in response. He then finds himself being engulfed in a warm embrace, with the boy’s thin arms wrapped around his neck. “ Yey!! We did it! We saved the crops! We did it! “ The boy shouts loudly after letting go of the embrace, jumping up and down beside his brother while the Greyjoy boy sighs loudly before shaking his head at them.

He was wrong. The boy was no Robert. His friend would have never done what the boy did.  Robert wouldn’t have bothered himself with problems that do not concern him. No. Lyonel is proving to be better than Robert, and Ned is looking forward to getting to know the boy more. 

( 1st Month of 294 A.C. )

- Deepwood Motte - 

“ What do you mean it’s a rite of passage? “ Lyonel asks Robett Glover, the younger brother of Galbart Glover, the Lord of Deepwood Motte, as he steps back from the edge of the cliff. 

Lyonel, Meraxes, Galbart and Robb are standing at the edge of the cliff near Deepwood Motte with Ser Chris and five soldiers from House Baratheon, Lannister and Stark keeping watch. In the middle of their discussions, the Heir of House Glover is telling the tale of jumping off of the cliff as a rite of passage to the two gullible children. 

“ Come now, Little King, surely you don’t believe something so absurd. “ Ser Chris says, trying to convince his charge from doing as the young man is taunting the boys to do. 

“ Y-Yeah! There’s no way that’s true! “ Robb agrees with the knight, looking a little nervous at the thought of jumping off of a cliff.

“ Of course it’s true! I’ve been doing it since I was your age! “ Robett says while puffing out his chest. “ It’s a shame that the Crown Prince and Heir to the North aren’t brave enough to do it! “ He says with a smirk that earns him a glare from the boys’ guards and a low growl from Meraxes.

“ ROBETT!! “ The Heir of Deepwood Motte turns pale when he hears his brother call his name while approaching, with Lord Stark and Lord Baratheon in tow.

“ Heh! Look who’s a coward now! “ Robb says with a smirk of his own as they watch Robett get berated by his older brother and ordered to apologize to Lord Stark and Lord Baratheon for his impudence. 

“ He’s wrong..” Lyonel says. 

Ser Chris crouches down to his charge’s height “ Of course he’s wrong, Little King! He can’t say such words to you and Lord Robb here.  “ 

Lyonel shakes his head. “ Not that, Ser Chris. “

“ What’s he wrong about then, Lyon? “ Robb asks with a curious look. 

“ He’s wrong because we’re not cowards! “ Lyonel exclaims loudly and with a determined look.

“ Oy! What are you - “ Ser Chris was about to ask as he reached to grab his charge, but even before he could finish Lyonel had escaped his hold and ran towards the edge of the cliff with Meraxes right behind him. 

“ LITTLE KING!!!!!!” 

Ser Chris hurriedly looks over the cliff trying to find any sign of his charge in the water, at the corner of his eyes he could see several others doing the same. After a few more short  seconds, which felt like a lifetime to him, Lyonel rises to the surface with his arm flung on top of Meraxes, waving his free hand in the air with a large beaming smile on his face. 

“ SEE! I’M NO COWARD!!! “ 

Ser Chris sighs in relief at seeing his charge safe. He laughs while shaking his head at his Little King’s antics while he hears Lord Baratheon ordering the other guards to fetch his troublesome Little King

“ Once we retrieve Lyonel, you and I will have a talk, Buckler. “ Lord Baratheon says with a dangerously low tone that he couldn’t help but swallow the lump in his throat. 

Oh fuck… 

“ ACHOOO!! “ Ned cringes as Lyonel unleashes another loud sneeze. He and Lord Glover had come to visit the boy, who had quickly gotten sick after his brief dive the day before. 

“ I hope you’ve learned your lesson from this, Lyonel “ He says to the boy while trying to disguise the amused tone in his voice by clearing his throat. He could see from the corner of his eyes Lord Glover grinning madly at the bedridden boy.

“ Don’t jump into cold, freezing water.... “ Lyonel says with a groan.

“ Are you sure that’s the only lesson you’ve learned. Little King? “ Helena, Lyonel’s caretaker, asks with a glare, her hands on her waist. 

 “ And not to jump off of high cliffs.. “  Ned couldn’t stop the chuckle that escaped at the boy’s dejected tone while Lord Glover let out a boisterous laugh.  “ Uncle Stannis had banned me from playing for two weeks and made me swear not to do it again.. “ Lyonel whines with a pout. 

“ ACHOOO!! “ 

“ I believe that is your cue to leave, My Lords.” Helena states politely while shaking her head at her charge. “ The Little King needs his rest.. “ The woman adds before hurriedly guiding them out of the chamber, with Ser Barristan closing the door behind them. 

“ I got to admit Ned.. “ Lord Glover says as they walk towards the Great Hall. “ I found myself disappointed with the boy when I watched him pathetically swinging that blunt sword of his during training “ He stops in the middle of the corridor, making Ned do the same. “ I was so sure that our future King will be another weakling, just like the Mad King had been “ He shakes his head with a disappointed look on his face, before a smile erupts as he recalls what happened the previous day. “ But then he does something so ballsy as jumping off a cliff?! “ He exclaims with disbelief. “ Ha! The boy’s no weakling ! How can he be when he has our  Northern spirit?!  He's still young, he has time to grow. “ He says with a nod. “ You were right, Ned! The boy is definitely more than meets the eyes! “ He gave Ned a strong pat in the back. “ And with a strong spirit like that, the boy is bound to be stronger than his father ever was! “ He exclaimed excitedly before returning to his descent, leaving behind a bewildered Ned Stark. 

( 2nd Month of 294 A.C. )

- Bear Island - 

Jon doesn’t know how it actually happened, all he knows is that one moment he was having a conversation with Prince Lyonel in the middle of their hunting party, then loud roars echoed throughout the forest and the next thing he knew his friend was no longer beside him . 

“ You sure you didn’t see him leave, Snowflake? “ Yara asks leaning to him as he, Robb and Yara watch Lord Stark pacing back and forth in front of them.

“ It isn’t Jon’s fault, Yara! “ Robb says quickly, coming to Jon’s defense. “ We all got distracted by those roars “

“ Yeah, but not all of us were standing beside the Prince, it would have been impossible for Prince Lyonel to disappear without him noticing. “ Yara retorts. 

Jon deflates at Yara’s words. She was right, he should have noticed Prince Lyonel disappear. 

“ If anyone would do the impossible, it would probably be the Princess.. “ Theon snorts, making the three of them turn their heads to Prince Lyonel’s group, who all had calm looks on their faces despite the disappearance of their friend and Prince.

“ I don’t understand.. Aren’t you all the least bit worried? “ Jon asks with a confused look. 

“ This isn’t exactly brother’s first time to disappear all of a sudden “ Gendry answers while scratching the back of his head. 

“ From the past several months I’ve known the Princess, I’ve seen him disappear ten times from his guards’ sights. “ Mya says while sitting down on the foot of a tree and leaning back with her hands behind the back of her head. “ At this point, I don’t see why Lord Tyrion and Lord Stannis bother with giving him guards. “ 

“ So the Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms is wandering the forest full of dangerous and deadly creatures without a guard and none of you are worried about it? “ Yara asks with a hand on her waist, and one of her eyebrows raised high. 

They all shook their heads, making Jon, Yara and Robb grow even more confused. 

“ Why not? “ Robb asks. 

“ Because you don’t know the Princess like we do “ Jon furrows his brows at Theon’s cryptic reply. 

Tyrion watches the Lord of Winterfell pace back and forth in front of him as he casually drinks from his cup of wine. 

“ Your nephew, the Crown Prince, is missing and you’re here drinking wine without a care in the world, dwarf? “ Tyrion looks up to his right and sees Lady Maege Mormont, Head of House Mormont, standing beside him with a sneer on her face. “ I guess it’s true that Lannister are nothing but heartless monsters.. “ he tightens his hold on his cup as Lady Mormont leaves to approach the frantic looking Lord Stark. 

“ You should not let her words bother you .. “ Tyrion turns his head to his left and sees Lord Stannis looking down at him with his usual dour look. “ Her words don’t matter… “ a small smile appears on his face at the Storm Lord’s words.

 “ Want to bet on where we’ll find our nephew this time, Stannis? “ he chuckles when he receives a growl instead of a reply from Stannis as the Storm Lord leaves to approach Lord Stark. He shakes his head in amusement before taking another sip of his wine, savoring its taste with a throaty moan.

“ Calm yourself, Lord Stark “ Stannis says as he approaches the still pacing Lord of Winterfell, whose head sharply turns to him. “ If there is anyone my brother is likely to kill for losing Lyonel, then it would be Lord Tyrion and I. “ he sees Lady Mormont raise an eyebrow at him.

“ What do you mean, Stannis? “

“ This isn’t exactly the first time this happened, Lord Stark “ Stannis hears Tyrion say as the dwarf stops beside him. “ Let’s just say, our nephew has a habit of disappearing into thin air.. “ 

“ The forest is a dangerous place for a little cub to disappear into, even with that large beast of his. “ Lady Mormont says as she tucks her arms in front of her. 

Stannis turns to Lady Mormont. “ I have known Lyonel since he was young, My Lady. The forest is the safest place my nephew can ever be. “ 

Ned Stark gaped at the sight before him, there curled up in the arms of a large bear was the missing Crown Prince with a peaceful look on his sleeping face.

“ See, we told you our nephew’s fine. “ Lord Tyrion says casually as if the boy isn’t being cradled by a deadly creature while surrounded by other deadly creatures. He turns to gauge the reactions of their hunting party, and sure enough his and Maege’s men have shocked looks on their faces while the royal group has only amused looks on theirs. 

“ Forgive us for not warning you, My Lords. “ Ser Christian Buckler speaks with a soft tone as he approaches quietly. “ We thought it was best to follow after the Little King then inform you and risk losing sight of him.. “ 

Ned is astounded by how Stannis is treating everything so calmly, as if Prince Lyonel isn’t in any kind of danger. “ We seemed to have forgotten about the Little King’s afternoon nap.. “ The Prince’s caretaker says with a fond chuckle. “ I made sure to leave behind a trail for you as we went to follow after the Little King, My Lords “ the woman adds. 

“ Wait what? “ Maege Mormont exclaims beside him with a bewildered look on her face. “ So what you’re saying is that the little cub got tired and decided to wander off so he could search for a group of deadly bears to cuddle with? “ 

*ROAR* 

They all sharply turned their heads when they heard the familiar roar of Prince Lyonel’s beastly companion only to find one of Ned’s men approaching the Prince but stops upon the warning roar and deadly looks the lioness and several large bears were giving him.

“ I wouldn’t disturb my nephew if I were you.. “ Lord Tyrion says with a chuckle before taking a sip from his cup. “ Unless you want to leave the forest with several missing limbs.. “ 

Ned then hears Stannis muttering beside him. “ Maybe it would be best to just leave Lyonel in the forest’s care. “ The man mutters before sighing, not a moment later. “ But knowing the boy, trouble will still find its way to him. “ the man sighs with a resigned tone while pinching the bridge of his nose.

Ned finds himself feeling more confused and bewildered with what just transpired. It was then he was convinced that there would never be a dull moment with Prince Lyonel around. 

( Midnight )

- Mormont Keep - 

*THUD*

*THUD*

*THUD* *THUD* *THUD* 

Dacey Mormont wipes the sweat that had formed on her forehead during the drill she had performed on the worn out training dummy in front of her. Training in the abandoned and rather large storage room she had found when she was younger has always been a favorite pastime of hers, the presence of the Crown Prince and the Starks in their home having no effect in hindering  her midnight routine. 

At sixteen, Dacey Mormont, is unlike any other lady you can find. She was a headstrong young woman with the makings of a warrior. On her eight namesday she had asked her mother for a morningstar while others her age would have asked for dolls. Since then, she has devoted herself to training. She even goes as far as training in secret to hide her true skills, as her mother had once taught her that one’s greatest weapon is the element of surprise. Your enemies will have a harder time defeating you if they have no clue of your true skills, hence why she wakes up in the middle of the night, at the time when the castle's occupants are deep in slumber, to train for several hours before returning to bed with sore muscles. 

*CLINK* *CLANK* 

Dacey sharply turns around upon hearing the distinct sounds of someone with armor moving behind her. 

*GROWL*

Her eyes widened upon seeing the Crown Prince standing before her with Ser Barristan and the large lioness beside him. “ Your Grace.. “ Dacey bows, quickly remembering her manners. Her mother and younger sisters had taken a liking to the boy after the whole bear fiasco, so it would not bode well for her to upset him. 

“ Woah! You’re so good! Where did you learn those skills?! “ She was taken back by the look of reverence the Prince had in his bright green eyes. 

“ I.. taught it to myself, Your Grace.. “ She replies with slight hesitation, cursing her carelessness for being discovered. 

“ You taught it to yourself?! “ The Prince has a fascinated look on his face, as if he was truly impressed at what he saw and not pretending just for propriety’s sake. “ You must be so strong to be able to train on your own, Ser Barristan doesn’t let me train on my own. “ 

“ Only because you tend to hurt yourself despite using a blunt sword.. “ The Lord Commander cuts in on the Prince’s babbling with a fond chuckle. 

“ But they’re so heavy!! “ A chuckle escapes Dacey when she hears the boy whine. Then she sees the boy adopt a look that she had only seen in her sisters whenever they have this grand idea that usually leads to trouble “ Oooh!! Maybe you can join my army!!! “ 

“ Army? What army? “ She asks with furrowed brows.

“ The Keepers of the Realm!! “ The Prince proudly exclaims, puffing his chest out with the lioness beside him doing the same while the old knight chuckles behind them. 

“ Keepers of what now?” 

“ Keepers of the Realm! “ The Prince repeats. “ Their main duty will be to keep the people of the realm safe! That’s why they’re the Keepers of the Realm! See this ? This will be our sigil!! “ he says, showing her the sigil sewn at the back of his slightly worn out green cloak.  

“ Right.. “ She says, thinking it better to go along with whatever belief that boy had. “ Isn’t that what soldiers are for? “ she asks as an afterthought. 

“ But soldiers don’t protect the people, they protect whoever they are paid to protect! At Least that’s what Ser Chris told me.. “ Dacey sees a frown appear on the Prince’s face. “ I want to make an army with warriors that would protect the people, especially the women and children! “ he states with a determined look. 

“ Why, you think women are so weak that we can’t protect ourselves? “ She asks, trying not to sound offended.

“ Of course not! “ The Prince replies quickly. “ Women are strong! I know a lot of strong women in my life! “ he says before his frown returns. “ But there are still more bad men out there and.. and.. I won't let what happened to Lena and Lexa happen to anyone else, especially when there’s a chance I can stop it from happening again. “ He says looking up at her with tears forming in his eyes, despite the resolve being reflected in them.

Lena and Lexa, from what she knows, are the Prince’s caretakers that happened to be lowborn sisters. She’s heard bits and pieces of their past from gossiping servants, and from what she heard, she knew it wasn’t pleasant. If the Prince’s reason for making an army is to protect women and children like them regardless of status, then it was something she could never oppose. 

Dacey bends down to the Prince’s height and puts a hand gently on top of his head, earning her the boy’s undivided attention. “ This army of yours sounds impressive, Little Prince.. “ she says, speaking in the same gentle tone she often would use with her sisters. “ Say what, if you ever come around with making that army of yours, you tell me. “ she ruffles his messy hair, making him giggle. “ My sisters and I might just consider joining. “ she says with a wink before standing up. 

“ Really?! Really?!?! You’ll be a Keeper of the Realm? ”  The Prince, now sounding giddy.

“ Of course, if our mother would allow it, We'd be honored to join such an army. “ She says sincerely. 

“ You heard that Mera?! Dacey and her sisters will join the Keepers!! “ The Prince exclaims before jumping up and down in his place with the large lioness doing the same, while Ser Barristan groans behind them. 

“ Do you protest, Ser? “ She asks with a low tone and a glare aimed at the old knight. 

“ No, My Lady.. I believe yours and your sisters’ presence is a huge boost for Prince Lyonel’s ‘army’ “ The old knight answers before releasing a loud sigh. “ It’s just..with the Prince this excited.. There’s no chance of him ever falling back to sleep.” 

“ Why is he awake at this time, anyways? “ Dacey asks as  she watches the boy happily dancing with his beast, both lost in their own little world. “ He had nightmares or something? “

“ You could say that, My Lady.. “ The old knight replies, his frown turning deeper. 

She turns to him with a calculating gaze. She could tell there was something more that the old knight was not saying but she shrugs it off as it was obviously none of her business. Instead she bends down to the still jumping boy’s height and waits until she gains his attention once again. “ I think that’s enough celebration for now, Little Cub. You should head back to bed and get some sleep so you can grow strong like me.. “ she says with a smirk.

The Prince gives her a pout as he ponders. After a few seconds, he gives her a shy look. “ Would you.. tuck me in bed, please? “ she chuckles at the request.  

“ Why not.. I am done with my training for now, anyways. “ She says with a shrug as she stands up and offers her hand, which he quickly takes with a large smile on his face. Beside her, she saw the old knight give her a grateful nod before they left the room heading towards the Prince’s assigned chamber.

Chapter Text

( 5th Month of 293 A.C. )

- Near the Weeping Water -

( Early Morning )

Domeric sighs in relief as their group had finally managed to catch up to Robb's steed, who suddenly went wild in the middle of their leisurely ride. 

" Are you alright, Robb? " Jon Snow, Lord Stark’s bastard son, asks with worry painted on his face.

“ I’m fine, Jon.. “ Robb replies with a slight grimace.

“ Seriously, Stark? “ Theon Greyjoy exclaims as he tugs hard on his own steed’s reigns. “ Out of all the prized steeds that Lord Stark asked you to choose from as your name day gift, you just had to choose the wildest one of them all?!? “ he chuckles after managing to calm his rather frantic horse. 

“ Shut up Yara!!! “ 

“ Oy! “ Theon looked aghast at what Robb and Jon shouted at the same time. “ Do I look like my sister to you or are ya’ both just blind?! “

“ Oops! “ The two brothers said with sheepish looks. “ Force of habit “ Robb explains with a chuckle earning a glare from the offended Greyjoy.

Domeric couldn’t fight off the smile that currently adorns his face, laughter bubbling deep inside him at the sight of his friends’ antics. Friends. Never did he think he would ever gain friends. Well at least not until he was out of the North, far from his father’s notorious reputation that seems to follow him wherever he goes.

Domeric has always been a quiet boy, often keeping to himself with either his eyes stuck on the pages of a book or his fingers sliding on the strings of his harp. In the four years that he had been serving as a page to his Aunt Barbrey, he had not bothered befriending anyone.

How could he when everyone his age was afraid of him whether it was due to fear of offending his Aunt, the Lady of House Dustin, or his father, the Lord of the Dreadfort.

Imagine his surprise when the Crown Prince approached him one day offering to be his friend. An offer he took with slight hesitation. At first he was wary of the Prince, still in disbelief that someone did not judge him for who his father was. But to his delight, not only was the Prince’s offer genuine, the Prince also had other friends who were also willing to befriend him. 

Although the sons of the Lord of Winterfell initially took his presence with a grain of salt, probably because they grew up hearing rumours of his father’s infamous deeds. Yet it didn’t take long for the two to warm up to him, having proven overtime that he was nothing like his father. 

“ Is something wrong, My Prince? “

Domeric is brought out of his reminiscing upon hearing the worry in the voice of the Lord Commander.

“ Something’s wrong with this forest.. “ Was all the Prince replied. 

All laughter and mindless chatter suddenly halts upon hearing Prince Lyonel’s statement. 

“ What do you mean something’s wrong, Little King? “ 

“ I dunno, Ser Chris… Something just feels wrong.. “

“ How can you feel it, brother? “ 

“ I dunno.. I just feel something is wrong, I can feel it in my tummy.. “

“ You sure you ain’t just hungry, Princess? “ 

“ No I’m not.. Even Mera and Shadow can feel it “

Domeric is starting to grow anxious with Prince Lyonel’s sudden strange behavior, more so when he sees the Prince’s steed and pet lion moving frantically. 

“ We should leave now, Ser Barristan. The last time I saw the Little King act like this, things didn't end so well “ Domeric’s eyes widened when he overheard the Prince’s sworn shield whisper, receiving a curt nod from the Lord Commander before he ordered the rest of their guard detail to prepare to depart.

“ Wait! What’s going on?!“ Robb asks as one of his guards grabbed the reins of his steed and started pulling on it. 

“ Forgive us, My Lord. But Ser Barristan has ordered us to return to the Dreadfort quickly“ The Stark guard explains. 

“ Why? “ Jon asks, worry clear on his face.

*ROAR*

Domeric jolted on his saddle when he heard the beastly sound. He sees Prince Lyonel’s pet lion growing menacingly at the Prince’s Sworn Shield.

“ Come now, Little King.. “ Ser Chris says as he tugs hard on the reins of his spooked steed, desperately trying to calm it down. “ You said it yourself.. Something is wrong with this forest which is why we should leave now.. “ he knew he probably sounded pathetic as he pleaded, but he could care less considering what they experienced the last time his Little King acted stranger than usual. 

“ AHHHH!!!!!!!! “

Domeric’s heart skips a beat upon hearing the sudden horrid yell resonating deep within the forest. He felt his heart sink when he realized the sound eerily reminded him of the screams he often heard in the dungeons of the Dreadfort whenever he explored the castle as a small child. 

“ LITTLE KING! “ 

“ PRINCE LYONEL! “ 

“ BROTHER!! “ 

The Prince’s Sworn Shield immediately went to follow after the Prince and his pet into the forest while he and the rest of their friends were held back by their guards, even the Prince’s brother who desperately tried to struggle against the hold of his assigned guard.

“ You five, come with me! “ The Lord Commander orders before turning to the direction of the rest of the Prince’s friends, including Domeric himself. '' The rest of you return the others to the castle and request back up immediately! “ 

A chorus of affirmatives were yelled before Domeric steered his steed around. If he had known things would turn out this way, he wouldn’t have asked the Prince’s help to seek the truth about the rumors of his own bastard brother. Here’s hoping the Prince returns safely for he fears the possible repercussions that might occur if the Prince doesn’t. 

( Hour of the Eel )

- Dreadfort -

Lost

Yara was utterly and undeniably lost. Not that she would willingly admit it to anyone. Apparently staying in a different castle every few weeks can fuck up one’s sense of direction, something that she had always taken pride in. 

Having lost a bet with Mya, whom she had gotten well acquainted with these past couple of months, Yara had been sent to fetch some lemon cakes for the bastard girl currently suffering from her moon's blood. Yet somehow she had gotten lost on her way to the kitchens. 

“ I knew I shouldn’t have taken that fucking shortcut… “ Yara curses herself as she finds herself lost in the middle of a long hallway. “ How the hell did I become so pathetic?!?“ she stumps her foot in frustration. “ Years ago, I wouldn’t have been caught dead in the middle of an empty hallway looking like a lost little lamb! “ she growls while gritting her teeth. 

Yara sighs loudly as she pinches the bridge of her nose to relieve some of her pent up frustration. It would not do her any good to be so.. edgy. “ Since I came from this end.. “ she says as she turns to her left while contemplating. “ Guess the other way is the only way.. “ she shrugs as she turns right and continues walking. 

After several more minutes of aimlessly wandering the halls of the Dreadfort, Yara finally manages to locate the kitchens. And just as she expected, the entire place was empty aside from the few servants cleaning up the dirty dishes. But what she didn’t expect to find is the Crown Prince sitting on top of a stone counter, his legs swinging merily as he munches on a plate of pie with the help of that silent friend of his who also occasionally tosses some crumbs to the lioness sitting beside the counter. The Lord Commander standing closely beside the munching beast. 

“ Yara!! “ She falters upon entry as she sees the state of the Crown Prince. She’d heard words of what happened with the Prince on the boy’s little riding trip, but since she wasn't able to see him during supper (Lord Stannis had the boy confined to his chambers upon his return) she just thought the rumors were exaggerated as usual. Apparently she was wrong if the bandaged left arm and the sling over his right arm was anything to go by. 

“ Aren’t you supposed to be resting? “ Words had already left her mouth before she could think of ways to make it sound a little less offensive. 

Fortunately for her, the Prince was a very carefree person and didn't seem offended by her upfront questioning.“ Uncle Stannis deprived me of dessert at supper cause of what happened earlier, so Lexa and I snuck in here to get some. Mysha here just gave me the biggest slice left! “ he says while shooting the servant beside them a beaming smile. 

“ What are you doing here?!? “ he then asks as he turns to her with his head tilted to the side.

“ Mya asked me to fetch her some cake.. “ Yara answers. " She's still hurting due to her moon blood and since I lost a bet with her, she asked me to fetch it for her. " She adds while scratching the back of her head feeling a little flustered. She didn't know what came over her to admit something so embarrassing, but Theon did say the Prince has a gift of making people open up to him so easily. 

" Oh..  I hope she'll get better soon…  " Prince Lyonel says with a worried look. He shakes it off and turns to the servant girl. " Are there any leftover cakes, Mysha? "

" Ya', I think there are still some,  Mi'Prince. " The servant girl answers before moving towards some boxes. 

" Are there any lemon cakes? Mya loves lemon cakes!!  " Yara chuckles at the enthusiasm the Prince was showing. She might not get him most of the time, but there was no denying that he was pretty entertaining to be around with. 

No wonder Theon had taken a liking to him.. 

Several heads  turn towards the door upon hearing it move. It then opens widely to reveal the Heir of the Dreadfort, Domeric Bolton. 

" I had a feeling I'd find you here, Prince Lyon..  " Domeric greets him with an amused smile. " Lady Greyjoy, Lord Commander. " she quickly yet gracefully curtsied back to his greeting. She would not hear the end of it if word got out to Lady Stark about her being 'unladylike'. 

" Domeric!" Prince Lyonel greets back with a beaming smile. " How is Ramsay doing? " 

Yara's brows furrow, confused as to why the Prince will ask about the wellbeing of the bastard boy that brought about his current state. 

" He seems to be doing relatively well. I've had him and that servant of his, Reek I believe his name was, settled into a chamber beside mine. " Domeric answers. " Actually, I've come here to talk about him to you..  "

Yara notices the silent girl holding the plate of the Prince's pie tense up. Her eyes narrowed at the Northern Heir. 

" What about it?  " Prince Lyonel asks with a worried expression. 

" I would like to apologize on his behalf. You see, he wasn't raised like you and I. He wasn't aware of who you were and was used to being attacked by bandits and Wildlings in the forest so he- "

" Are you saying he mistook the Prince for a bandit, My Lord? " The Lord Commander cuts in. '' Forgive me,  My Lord, but I highly doubt that. Surely by now words would have already spread about the Prince's presence and description in the North.. " 

" Indeed it has, but Prince Lyonel was not wearing any crown or any clothing that signifies to him being a Baratheon. And just like any commoner, my brother mistook him as someone he is not..  "

Yara gulps as she feels the overwhelming tension happening between the Heir of the Dreadfort and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguards. 

" Anyways, I've only come to ask forgiveness and some leniency on my brother's punishment. " Domeric turned back to the Prince. 

" It's treason to harm a Prince, My Lord. " The Lord Commander says. " And your brother had his hounds attack the Crown Prince, one bit into his left arm and the other broke his right arm." he says gesturing to the Prince's heavily bandaged arms. " Surely you don't believe your brother will be able to leave unscathed? " 

" I'm not asking for Ramsay to be free from punishment, My Lord.I know that it would be highly unreasonable to do so.  " Domeric answers with a glare. " I'm simply asking Prince Lyonel for some leniency as I've heard he had done with Robb Stark.. Surely for someone who is so fond of his own natural born siblings he would understand my own plea. " he finishes, turning his head back to the Prince. 

" Oh! " Yara scoffs at seeing the Prince caught off guard. Just like her, the Prince and the two servant girls have been too entranced by the verbal exchange between Domeric and Ser Barristan. " Um..  Yes..  I'll ask Uncle Stannis and Little Uncle about it, if not then I'll write to Papa!  " 

" Thank you! " Domeric moves to embrace the Prince but stops upon remembering his injured state. " I'll be in your debt, My Prince.. " he says gratefully with a flourish bow instead. " The Lannisters aren't the only ones that pay their debt.. " he adds before giving the Prince one last smile and leaves the kitchens in a hurry. 

" Are you fucking dumb?! " She yells out with an exasperated look just after the Heir to the Dreadfort left. " How fucking dumb can you be to offer leniency to someone who just deliberately attacked you?! " She quickly covers her mouth with a look of horror upon realizing what she'd done. 

Ah, fuck. I'd surely done it now..  

" Why shouldn't I? I did it with Robb, didn't I? Why can't I do it with Ramsay too? " 

Yara hesitates in answering, not wanting to upset the Prince further. But the looks everyone was giving her tells her that he would be more upset if she DIDN'T answer. 

" Cause Robb is an heir and the Ramsay kid is..  well not an heir..  " She says carefully, making sure to not use the word 'bastard' for Theon warned her of how much the Prince despises that word. 

*GROWL* 

Her eyes widened in horror when she saw the Prince glaring menacingly at her, something she never thought the sweet little boy was capable of. 

" I..  I didn't..  I..  " She stutters in fear as she slowly backs away when she finds the lioness approaching her, baring its large and very sharp teeth at her. 

Guess this is how I'll die..   

" Leave..  " Yara momentarily forgets her fear as she tries to listen into what the Prince was murmuring. 

" W-What did you..  " 

" LEAVE!!!  " 

*ROAR*

Yara didn't need to be told twice after that, she quickly ran out of the kitchens. In her haste she had forgotten the cake she was meant to bring to her friend, but she couldn't care much about that at the moment for she was too busy running for her own dear and very precious life. 

To hell with Mya and her cakes, I am definitely not going anywhere near that place anytime soon. 

( The Next Day )

- Lena's Chambers -

Chris yelps as he feels a burning sensation on his back while he lays on top of a table with his front facing down. 

" Arrgh!! Lena!!  Couldn't you be a little more gentler?! " He turns his head to the side to see the woman in question rolling her eyes at him. 

" Thank you, Jon..  ..  " Lena says with her back turned to Chris as she grabs a jar that Jon Snow handed to her. 

" Is there anything else you need, Lena? " Chris snorted at the eagerness the boy was showing. Which frankly didn't surprise him since he knew children generally adore Lena due to her nurturing nature. 

" I believe that is all I need for now, Jon. Thank you for being such a huge help..  " The boy blushes hard when Lena brings him into a one armed hug while keeping the jar in her other hand at arm's length. 

" I-It was my pleasure..  " Jon stutters in his flustered state before leaving the room. 

Once the boy left, Chris watches Lena return to her side and dump a handful of the substance in the jar to his back making him release another yelp.

" Oh hush you… " Lena says, smearing his reddened back with one of her special ointments, making Chris hiss in pain. " I'm almost done, so you can stop your whining.. " 

Chris sits up and tries to put his shirt back on but is stopped by a hand on his arm. " Don't put your shirt back on just yet..  " 

" You just love seeing me without my shirt on, don't you? " he teases her.

Chris smirks when he sees Lena's cheeks turn pink despite the glare she was giving him. " If you want those lashes to get infected, then you can do whatever you want.. " 

He cringes at the thought of the lashes on his back turning worse. There was no way he could resume his duties anytime soon if that were to happen. 

" Well..  I guess it's a good thing I have the rest of the week off..  " he says with a shrug as his eyes begin to wander around the room while Lena busies herself by inspecting some vials of some unknown liquid. 

" I imagined getting whipped by Lord Stannis is a good cause for a break..  " Lena says as she turns around to face him, her hand on her hips and her eyebrows raised dangerously high. " Which I may remind you, wouldn't have happened had you done your duty well.. " 

Chris bites his lips as he looks down guiltily. 

" You have to be more alert when guarding the Little King, you know how unpredictable he can be.. " he could hear Lena speak in that nurturing tone she usually reserves for the children.

" The only thing predictable about that child is his ability to be unpredictable " Chris mumbles to himself but was overheard by Lena as he heard the woman giggle.

 " Speaking of the Little King, Lexa told me something interesting that happened last night..  " she says with a thoughtful look. 

" What happened? " Chris inquires as he looks back up. 

"  Apparently, Lord Domeric came looking for Lyon to ask for forgiveness for that brother of his..  " Lena says with a scowl. " He even asked the Prince for some leniency to the boy's punishment..  " 

" Just leniency? " 

Lena nods. " The young Heir is intelligent enough to know that his brother will not escape justice for what he's done.. "

 " The boy had committed treason ..  " Chris states, his lips curling into a frown" Logically speaking, the most reasonable thing for the King to do is have the boy either beheaded or sent to the wall. "

" What?!!! But he's just a boy?! " Lena gasps with a look of horror. She may have not liked what the bastard boy did to her Little King, but she didn't want the boy to be punished so horribly for something as simple as a little skirmish between children, boys no less. 

" A bastard boy who harmed the Crown Prince..  Robb Stark got a way with it because he was the heir and his father was the King's dearest friend. " 

" Why does rank matter so much to you nobles? "

" Because our ranks show our power. If the King doesn't make an example of the bastard boy, he might as well invite assassins to kill his son. " 

 " I .. I see.. " Lena says with a forlorn look. " At least the Little King won't have to witness such a horrendous sight this time..  " she says, trying to look on the bright side as she had learned from her precious Little King. 

Chris sighs before he shakes his head. " I'm afraid the Little King will insist to come along..  Apparently it's a tradition for the Heir of the North to witness his first execution at the age of ten. And knowing the Little King, he'll want to be there for his friend. "

" Lyon barely gets any sleep at night!! I had to occasionally mix sleeping draughts on his milk some nights to give him a decent amount of sleep! " 

" Wait! You drug him?! " Chris cuts in looking aghast. 

" With permission from Lord Stannis and Lord Tyrion of course, you idiot! " He lets out another yelp as Lena slaps him on the back of his head. " That's not the point! " She says with her voice raised. " The point is, the Little King does not need to add another trauma to his growing pile! " She says with a scowl. " What he needs is to be a child, free of worry and the intricacies of the world! " 

Chris reaches forward to grab Lena's hand before pulling her to stand between his widespread legs. 

" I understand how you feel. But the Little King will not be a child forever..  " He says as rubs his hands up and down her arms to calm the frantic woman down. 

" I know that..  It's just..  I've never had much of a childhood, myself. Between taking care of my sick parents and my infant sister, and then raising my sister on my own after my parents died, I had no choice but to grow up so fast..  " She says as she grabs onto Chris' arms, trembling as she is overcome with sadness. "  I don't want the same to happen to him or to my sister. And maybe, just maybe. I selfishly don't want them to stop needing me anymore like I stopped needing my parents.. " 

" But they are growing up, Lena..  " Chris says as he gently cups her cheeks, wiping away the tears that had started falling. " The Little King NEEDS to grow up in more ways than one..  And you're the only one that can help him.. "

" W-What do you mean? " 

Chris pushes her to arm's length and raises an eyebrow. " You do know you're the only one he truly listens to, right? " 

" Really? " Lena asks, looking slightly unsure. 

" I'm pretty sure of it! " Chris nods before giving the woman an encouraging smile. " And I'm also pretty sure that he'll be needing you now more than ever.. " 

Lena smiles brightly at him before wrapping her arms around him, Chris immediately yelping in pain and flinching away from her. 

Ah, right. Lashes. 

( One Week Later ) 

- Dreadfort's Courtyard -

Yara hates executions. 

Albeit Yara hates many things in the world. She hates her Uncle Euron. She hates wearing puffy and stiff dresses. She hates knitting. And she hates attending dancing lessons. But watching executions was definitely on the top of her list. 

Well, maybe below her Uncle Euron, that cowardly bastard would always be at the top of her list. 

Many have gathered to witness the beheading of Lord Bolton's bastard. Apparently Lord Stannis received orders from the King to make an example of the bastard boy for everyone to see, which she could see the logic in it. She sees Lord Stark standing tall beside the distinctive block holding his giant Valyrian Steel sword to the ground in front of him, a stern look on his face. 

Yara lets her eyes wander as she observes the crowd that has gathered. 

She scoffs at the tense look on Lord Bolton's face. Her eyes then drift to the man's trueborn son and she finds the boy's usually gentle look replaced with one of pure hatred. Hatred aimed at a certain black haired, green eyed Prince standing beside her Liege Lord's sons. 

" What are you looking at? " Yara turns to the bastard girl standing beside her. She makes a subtle gesture towards the direction of the Boltons. 

" You think he'll cause any trouble for the Princess? " Mya asks with pursed lips that Yara longs to kiss. She quickly shakes herself from such thoughts. 

Where the hell did they even come from?! 

" The boy doesn't look like someone to do something so foolish " She answers honestly. " Afterall of this, anyone would have to think twice before laying a hand on the Prince.. " she adds as a matter of fact. 

Yara turns her head back to the center when she hears Lord Bolton's bastard brought out by Stark men. The bastard was thrashing against the holds of the men while shouting profanities at the top of his lungs.

" Speaking of someone who'd laid a hand on the Princess..  " Yara sees the bastard girl gesture towards the two Stark boys standing in front of her. 

To anyone else, the two would appear relatively calm. But for someone who'd known them as long as Yara had, she could see the tell tale side of their jitters. The tip of Robb's fingers were trembling every so often while Jon was swaying on his legs with a slightly erratic pace. 

Giving a rare show of empathy, Yara places a comforting hand on each of the younger boys' shoulders. She could feel them both sigh in relief yet she chose to not give a witty comeback on behalf of their current situation. Instead, she leans forward as she whispers something into their ears. 

" Don't look away, Lord Stark will know " 

Death was something Lyonel had known for a long time. Yet it was something he could never get used to.

He had only been three when he first witnessed and survived death. He had been six when he first killed a man or two. The sounds of thundering roars between two warring beasts, the sight of the terrifying faces of the Ironborns or the bloodied face of his first friend, his brother in all but blood, would often make their way to his nightmares, waking him up in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder. 

Although it was not the first time Lyonel witnessed death, it was definitely the first time he witnessed someone die so defenseless. He wanted to cry. He wanted to throw up. But Lena's gentle hands and her calming presence along with the rest of his friends and siblings (even his sister who went through the trouble of attending despite the pain she was in) grounds him.

He also did not want to disappoint both his Uncles further, so he pulled through the entire event without making a sound. He kept his eyes open, trained right in front of him, even as Lord Stark brought down the giant Valyrian Steel sword and sliced through Ramsay's neck so smoothly.

*THUD*

Lyonel doesn't know when he'll get used to death, but what he does know is the sight of the haunted look on Ramsay's decapitated head will forever be engraved into his mind.

Chapter Text

- Endless Void - 

Death sat in the abyss and stared at the dense smoke swirling before him. His glowing red eyes trained on the vision of the boy that long has intrigued him since the day of his birth. 

" You've grown attached to the boy… " It sounded more of a question than a statement. 

" And what of it? " He counters without diverting his sight from the vision. Not that he admits the accusation, of course. 

Death tunes his children's mindless murmurs as he muses. He was relieved to see the boy finally bouncing back from the brief moment of depression he had after witnessing the death of that bastard child. 

A bastard whom Death had orchestrated his demise, despite knowing the dangers of meddling in mortal affairs. He could not help himself from whispering in the mortal King's ears to kill the bastard after what he did with the boy. 

" He is becoming a hazard to you…  " His children sounded worried, making him scoff at the notion. " If the other Gods learn of your meddling, they'll -- "

" They'll do nothing. " Death says sternly, effectively cutting them off. " Life and I created this world, we created everything that exists. No one, not even my own children, have any right to say what I can and cannot do. " he shifts his eyes to his children, its ethereal glow sending chills into their very beings. 

He returns his sight to the vision as he hears his children scurry away, unbothered by their eagerness to be rid of him. 

Death did not know when it exactly happened, or even how it even happened, but the fact remains that he had grown protective of the boy. He had already failed his beloved, he would not fail this boy as well. 

- Kingsroad -

( 4th Week of the 8th Month of 293 A.C. ) 

Mya laughs as she rides along beside her friends. " Slow down you idiot! " 

“Nope!” Lyonel stuck his tongue out at her as he trotted along ahead of her laughing as he went, Ser Chris and Meraxes following closely behind him. “You’ll just have to come and catch me. "

She let out a growl as she kicked her heels into her horse speeding it up towards her brother. 

" Your brother's gonna get us in trouble!  Again!! " Yara shouts as they try to catch up to the Crown Prince. 

" How the hell is Meraxes keeping up with Shadow?!!! " Mya hears Yara's brother yell behind them. 

" You want a race Lyon?! You got it! " Robb shouted as he loosened the reins and took off ahead of them, his brother riding alongside him. 

Mya shook her head as she realized a race was on. 

Soon they were all thundering down the road with Lyonel taking the lead and Jon easily gaining speed on him. Her heart was racing as she leaned slightly, moving in tandem with her horse to chase her friends and her annoying little brother down.

Mya is glad of the slight reprieve they've been afforded with. Recent events have been rather hectic lately, even more so than it usually was. 

Lyonel had been moping around for weeks after the execution. At first she had credited it to losing Domeric Bolton as his friend, but she later found it to be otherwise. 

Apparently he had been having nightmares of the execution, with Ramsay's face often getting replaced by either Gendry's, Jon's and even her face. He told her himself, well maybe not directly, when she found him slumped down in the middle of the hall of Last Hearth, the home of House Umber, one night as she was heading back to bed after hours of exploring the castle with Yara.

She had been caught off guard when he suddenly latched onto her and refused to let go until she had managed to drag him to the bed chambers she shared with Lena and Lexa and dumped him onto Lena. 

Mya spent the rest of her night listening to him weep as he retold his dreams to Lena, who patiently listened to his every word. She didn't know what to feel, she had never had anyone cared so deeply about her. To have someone lose sleep over nightmares that involved her. 

When she woke up next, she was surprised to find Lyonel curled up beside her, with Meraxes lying on the foot of her bed. She didn't know what came over her when she leant in and brushed the strand of black hair from his face, hearing him mumble her name brought a serene smile to her face. 

From then on, she decided to lower her walls that she built up around herself. Finally believing in the genuinity of Lyonel's care for her, finally accepting him as her brother. 

*ROAR*

Meraxes' sudden roar startles the horses, bringing a halt to their impromptu race right there and then. 

" MERA!! " Lyonel shouted at his pet lioness. " Why'd you do that?! We were having a race! And I was about to win! " 

*GROWL*

" What do you mean I wasn't winning?! " Lyonel exclaims, looking affronted. 

" Are you seriously arguing with a lion right now? " Jon asks, looking incredulously at Lyonel. 

*GROWL*

" Don't look at them when I'm talking to you!!! " Lyonel huffs as Meraxes ignores him and moves to stand behind Jon's horse. " Hey! Come back here! " 

" How is he even doing that?! " Robb asks no one in particular, his eyes still in disbelief at what he was seeing. 

" Mera's right, brother. You weren't winning. Jon was. " Gendry chuckles at seeing the offended look on his brother's face. 

" Seriously? No one's gonna question how Lyon is holding a conversation with a lion?! “ Robb asks Theon, who had just stopped beside him.

" Care to remind me, Stark. You've been traveling with us for how long again? " Theon asks while shaking his head.

" A little over half a year..  " Robb answers with pursed lips. 

" And you're still not used to it? I mean, you've seen him doing it since we met. How could you still not be used to it?! " 

Mya chuckles when she sees the Stark heir huffed at Yara's brother. 

" I know I've said it already, but I stand by my words. " She turns to Yara, her friend's eyes trained on their friends in front of them. " Your brother is fucking weird. " Yara says, turning to her. 

" Well your brother can be a fucking jerk sometimes, so what? " she counters, giving her a look that says she'll fuck her up if she doesn't shut up. 

When she saw her friend shut up, Mya turned her attention back to their friends. Laughing at the sight of her brother once again in an argument with that lioness of his. 

Lyonel maybe a weird little fucker. But he was HER weird little fucker. 

And she’ll make sure to fuck up anyone that dares to mess with him.  

Ned was deeply amused by watching the Crown Prince argue with his pet lion. The boy is currently being ignored by the beast, making him chuckle at the sight.

“That boy will surely be the end of my sanity… “ He heard Lord Stannis say beside him. 

“ Or the beginning of your receding hairline. “ Lord Tyrion proclaimed in jest, a large grin plastered on his face as he received a grunt in response.

“ How long has the Little Prince had that beast of his?” Lord Umber asked from where he was riding beside them. 

It had come as a shock to Ned when Great Jon insisted on joining their entourage when they were set to leave Last Hearth to head to the wall. Especially after what happened between the Northern Lord and the Crown Prince. 

Unlike the other Northern Lords, Jon Umber was not impressed by the puny Crown Prince. He thought him to be weak and too compliant, especially when the man would insult the Prince in moments of drunkenness and be promptly ignored. 

Ned had tried to put an end to his friend’s foolishness before he pushed too far, but the man was too damn stubborn to listen. Then it eventually happened, Great Jon Umber had indeed pushed too far. The man had foolishly made the error of insulting and even threatening the boy’s bastard siblings in front of the boy himself. 

What happened next was utter chaos, for one command from the boy had unleashed the large beast from its invisible restraint. In the blink of an eye, the lioness had crossed over three tables and pounded Great Jon and tore off two of his fingers in his left hand like it were simple pieces of parchment before returning to its master, proudly presenting the severed fingers as rewards. 

The great hall turned eerily silent as everyone was on high alert, swords were drawn while eyes were trained on those they viewed as enemies. But Great Jon’s booming laughter quickly broke the tension. From then on, Ned would often see his friend nagging the Prince. 

“ I believe my Little Nephew has had Meraxes since he was a child of three and she was nothing more than a little cub. “ Lord Tyrion answered.

“ And how did he train the beast? “ Great Jon asked carefully. 

It was easy to tell the rest of their entourage was listening to them keenly now,  probably interested in learning how such a sweet little boy was able to tame such a vicious creature. 

Ned saw Lord Tyrion exchange a look with Lord Stannis before the Stormlord answered. “ We do not know. “ 

“ What do you mean you don’t know? “ Great Jon asked, seemingly frustrated by the answer he received. 

“ It means just that, Lord Umber. “ Lord Stannis answered promptly. It seems the man had yet to forgive his friend for the slight Great Jon had done to the Prince. “ I believe not even my own brother, THE KING, knows… “ 

“ Neither does my sister, I believe. “ Tyrion said, trying to move the conversation onwards.

Lord Stannis scoffed. “ I believed it was Ser Barristan that brought Meraxes back to the Red Keep, perhaps it is him you should ask, Lord Umber. “ 

Ned sighed in relief when his friend chose to not respond and simply trotted his steed forward to catch up with the Prince and his little party where Ser Barristan guards from behind. 

As they moved on to another topic, Ned titled his head upwards. The sky was darkening with clouds. Frowning he looked back to see if anyone had noticed, yet no one did. 

Strange. 

The sky should not be darkening so soon as he knew they had a few more hours before the sun was to set. Ned was distracted by the first heavy drops of snow beginning to fall. 

They all reigned in their horses. Lord Stannis glared up at the sky. “ I believe it is prudent to make our way to the nearest town. It would not bode well for us to be caught in a sudden snowstorm. “ 

There were murmurs of agreement when Ned froze. He’d heard something. Concentrating on his hearing, he picked up the sound of endless rustling of leaves. 

“WILDLINGS!!!!!”

Ser Barristan still couldn’t understand how things always turned chaotic whenever the Crown Prince was involved. One minute he was watching over his charge from a distance, the next thirty wildlings came crashing out of the woods. “Circle up!” King Robert’s fury would rain upon them if anything were to happen to the Crown Prince. 

*ROAR*

Drawing his sword, Ser Barristan cut down the first man to reach him. Turning to stab the next he blinked as the man fell, an arrow to his skull. He gave a quick glance and realized young Theon was firing arrows at the wildlings with surprising precision while young Gendry slammed his blunt training sword on any wildlings that came. 

Slamming his sword into another man, splitting his skull, Ser Barristan realized with terror that Prince Lyonel, Lord Robb and young Jon Snow had been separated from their group with only Buckler and Meraxes to protect them. 

Ser Barristan grit his teeth and pulled his horse up, its hooves knocking down several charging wildlings. When his horse dropped back down, he realized Robb Stark’s horse had bolted, Jon Snow hot on his tail. 

*ROAR*

“ Little King! NO!!!! “ Ser Barristan could only watch in horror as the Crown Prince took off after the Stark boys, Buckler and Meraxes immediately following behind him. Kicking another wildling, Ser Barristan ordered several knights, both wearing Baratheon and Lannister colors, to follow the Prince and protect him.  They immediately did as they were told and ran after the Prince, several Stark men joining them. 

Swinging his blade Ser Barristan cut his way back to the rest of the entourage that had regrouped to form a large party, a swing from Lord Umber’s sword taking out a wilding who almost got to him from behind. Circled up, he and the rest of their abled men made quick work of the frantic savages. It helped to have a near constant stream of arrows picking off any who came to reinforce their fellows.

Finally, the last one fell with an arrow through the eye. Ser Barristan grit his teeth as he looked over the rest of their entourage. Lord Stannis was bleeding, his arm hanging uselessly from his side. He looked towards the sky to see it darkening by the second, the cold winds harshly picking up. They would be of no help to the Prince if they found themselves caught in a storm. So with a heavy heart he implored Lord Stannis and Lord Stark to seek shelter. 

“ No. “ Lord Stannis answered through gritted teeth. “ Bringing my nephew to safety is our only priority. “ 

“ And how are we to do that, My Lord?! “ Lord Umber protested. “ We’d be no use to them if we get caught in this fucking storm!!” he adds loudly, gesturing to the now darkened sky. 

“ Who cares about a fucking storm!?! The princess’ life is in danger!! “ Ser Barristan sees Mya Stone thrashing through the Greyjoy siblings’ hold, with young Gendry forcibly placing a hand over his sister’s mouth. 

“ Lord Umber has a point, Stannis. “  Lord Stark says, promptly ignoring the bastard girl’s protests. “ Storms in the North are nothing like those of the South. We’d be as good as dead if we happened to find ourselves caught in one. “ 

“ And what of my nephew, Lord Stark? “ Lord Tyrion asks, staring worriedly at the direction the Crown Prince ran off to. 

“ Prince Lyonel ran after Robb and Jon. If he had caught up with my sons then my boys would know to immediately seek shelter from the storm. “ Lord Stark answers with an assuring tone. “ Children of the North know how to survive snow storms as it is generally one of the first things taught to them. “

“ And what of the wildlings that followed after them, surely you have noticed them as well? ” Lord Stannis grit his teeth harder, whether it was due to pain, frustration or anger Barristan was not sure. 

“ I’ve sent several of our men to protect the Prince, My Lord. I also believe that Buckler and Meraxes would not allow any harm to come to Prince. “ Ser Barristan answered.

“Aye, the Little Prince’s beast appears very protective of him. I’m sure it’ll bite off the face of any fucker that dared to come near him. “ Lord Umber adds. 

“ And what if my nephew is injured?! Do any of your men know how to deal with injuries on a small child?! “ Lord Stannis asks, his face slowly turning red. He turns to his nephew’s head maid and primary caretaker and asks for her input. 

“ Jon Snow has been learning how to dress wounds and different methods of dealing with minor injuries from me these past few months, My Lords. “ Helena carefully answers, especially when she sees the furrowing of Lord Stark’s brows. “ I believe he’ll be able to deal with any minor injuries that Prince Lyonel could have sustained for a while.. At least until we could retrieve them once the storm has settled.” 

“ And how long do these storms last? “ Lord Stannis asks with a pensive look.

“ It normally only lasts several hours. “ Lord Stark answers. 

“ Well there we have it! “ Lord Tyrion says. “ We have several men to deal with the wildlings that came after them while Ser Chris and Meraxes would primarily protect the boys and the Stark boys themselves will keep Lyonel from freezing his balls off. “ 

Lord Stannis looked torn before nodding, bringing his injured arm up to his chest as he reigned his horse in. “ Very well. “ 

“ As soon as this storm has passed, we’ll search for my nephew. “ Lord Stannis commanded as he kicked his heels into his horse and began to ride down the road to the nearest town. 

“ And for my sons… “ Lord Stark sternly added as he followed behind the Stormlord, with the rest of the entourage following soon after.  

Ser Barristan released a deep sigh as he stared at the direction of the Prince. “ May the Gods keep you and your friends safe, My Prince. “ He prayed before following after the entourage.

Robb felt his heart sink when he heard someone shout out the warning, he felt it sink deeper when his horse suddenly bolted in the middle of the ambush. Hanging on with all his might to the animal’s mane, he tried to not fall off. 

“ Fuck “ Robb hissed as he tried to calm the terrified animal by pulling hard on its reins. “Come on Frost, it’s alright, please, shush!” But his horse wasn’t to be reasoned with. 

“ Robb! Duck! “ A familiar voice cried from behind.

Trusting his brother, Robb didn’t question Jon’s warning. He immediately flattened himself in his saddle. There was a woosh over his head and he heard a loud thud, he saw a large axe embedded on the tree as he passed. Looking over his shoulder behind him, he saw Meraxes tackling a man down brutally. 

“ Where did these wildlings get their horses from?! “ He heard Jon shout. 

There were four other wildlings on horses around them. Turning away he let out a sob, oh gods they were going to die for real. 

Frost’s hooves thundered across the ground. Robb opened his eyes as he heard the rushing water of the rapids up ahead. Grabbing the reins he uselessly tried to pull Frost up, but the animal was stronger than him. As they hit the bank, he screamed as he was tossed from the saddle and into the water. 

It was like ice, stealing the breath from him as it swallowed him whole. Kicking desperately, he could feel his heavy wool cloak pulling him down as it soaked in the water. His face broke the surface, and he pulled in a great gulp of air and then he was sucked down again. Fighting, he tried to untangle his heavy cloak around his neck, but nothing. Then with a slam, he felt himself hit a rock. His mouth opened in a gasp at the pain only for water to rush into his mouth. 

Robb realized he was going to die, and then he felt a pair of arms hooked him around his shoulders and hauled him up, his head breaking water. Spluttering he tried to get as much water out of his body as possible. 

Although appreciating his brother and his friend’s efforts, he knew it was all futile. The current was too strong, their heavy cloak tied too tightly. “ MERA!!!” “ Lyonel shouted with what little he could manage as they got swept away by the heavy current. 

Ser Chris cursed every God he could think of as he felt his Little King go limp on his left arm, while the Stark heir’s breathing was slowly turning frantic. As much as he wanted to check on their condition, doing it in the middle of nowhere with a snow storm coming was definitely not a wise thing to do. 

“ W-We n-need to l-look for s-shelter…M-My, L-Lord…” Jon Snow said as he fought to stay awake on top of Meraxes. 

“ D-Do you have any p-place in mind? “ Any hope Chris vanished when Jon shook his head.

*HOWL*

Three heads turned to the sound and were shocked to find two large wolves suddenly appear before them from the woods, one had smoke grey fur with yellow eyes while the other was white as snow with bright red eyes.

“ W-What in the f-fuck are those?! “ Chris exclaimed in bewilderment.

*ROAR*

“ I.. I t-think t-they’re d-direwolves, M-My L-Lord… “  

Meraxes eyed the direwolves cautiously.

*HOWL*

The direwolves quickly turned around and left, but to both Chris and Jon’s surprise Meraxes chose to follow them. Trusting his Little King’s loyal beast to not lead them astray, Chris decided to see where the wolves would lead them. 

To his immense relief and wonder, the Direwolves led them to a very deep and dark cave. Which also happened to be occupied by a large bear and her three slumbering young cubs. 

Chris told Jon to stay still as the large bear calmly moved towards them, having gotten used to his Little King’s effect on animals, whether the boy was conscious or not. After sniffing them thoroughly, the bear returned to its corner with her cubs and went back to sleep. 

He then settled Lyonel and Robb softly to the ground as Jon instinctively moved to inspect the two, not really surprised as he had seen the boy work with Lena in the past few months. 

*GROWL*

Chris turned his worried gaze from his Little King to see Meraxes dropping a pair of  flint stones in front of him, the direwolves doing the same with several pieces of broken tree branches. He looked up only to find Meraxes settling herself beside her master, with Jon busily hovering over him. 

He shrugged as he went to work on building a fire with what the unusually intelligent creatures brought before him. It would not do well for his sanity to question every little thing that happened around him. 

As long as it was to his Little King’s benefit and his own, then he’ll gladly go with the flow. 

Never had Jon imagined hearing fabric crack as they were removed, and yet he knew it was normal if you stayed out too late in the glaciers of the North in the middle of a snowstorm while soaking wet. 

Prince Lyonel’s skin was as frigid as the walls of the cave and it made Jon grow concerned, especially with him in an almost catatonic state. 

“ I’m sorry Jon, Lyon… “ His brother’s voice quivered and pools swirled behind his blue eyes, hinting at the turmoil within. “ If only I was a better rider --“ 

“ It wasn’t your fault Robb!! “ Prince Lyonel shouted before snuggling himself further on the large bear and its young cubs while Robb was leaning onto Meraxes. . “ Frost was acting weird… His eyes were white… “ 

“ White?” Jon didn’t know what the Prince was saying, but he guessed it was the Prince's way of taking his brother’s guilt away. Something he appreciates. The Prince was a good friend. A little bit weird on occasion, but a good friend nonetheless. 

*GROWL* 

“ Glad to see you’re awake, Little King… “ Ser Chris greeted Prince Lyonel as he knelt before him. “ You gave me quite a scare for a moment there… “ 

“ I’m sorry, Ser Chris… It’s all my fault… “ Robb said while snuggling closer to Mera’s fur for warmth. 

“ Did the Little King say it’s your fault, My Lord? “ The knight asked his brother, smiling when Robb shook his head. “ Then there we have it. “ He said before playfully ruffling his brother’s hair like their Uncle Benjen often did. 

“ What happened with the direwolves, My Lord? “ Jon asked as he noticed them gone. 

“ Direwolves? What direwolves? “ Robb asked with a confused look.

“ DIREWOLVES?!!! “ Prince Lyonel asked with excitement clear in his eyes, suddenly being full of life contrary to what he was like just a few moments ago. 

“ A pair of direwolves suddenly came out of the woods and led us to this cave… “ Ser Chris explained before shrugging. “ Sadly they left before you could wake up, Little King… “ 

Jon blinked when he saw Lyonel visibly deflate, Meraxes putting a comforting hand - paw - on the top of his head. 

“ That’s impossible…Father said direwolves have never been sighted south of the walls for thousands of years… “ Robb exclaimed with a look of astonishment, something Jon could relate to as he had the same expression when he saw the mythical creatures. 

“ I’m not surprised. A lot of bizarre things tend to happen when the Little King is involved. “ Ser Chris said nonchalantly. '' Enough about that, we should all focus on keeping ourselves warm. We’re quite fortunate to have found such a deep cave as this one. “ he said before urging us all to the fire burning before us.

*GROWL*

“ Thank you for letting us stay here in your cave with your cubs, Mama Bear… “ Jon and Robb both let out chuckles as they heard their friend thank the bear and its cubs as if it would actually understand him.

*GROWL*

But who knows, maybe they could really understand him. 

- Endless Void - 

Death sighed in relief as he momentarily ensured the boy’s survival through the creatures of the North, it was very fortunate for him to have found two magical creatures nearby to aid him in his task. 

Knowing the boy was relatively safe for the time being, Death stood up to confront the fools that were the likely cause of all this chaos. Hypocritical fools the lot were.

  Upon entering the Gods’ meeting place, Death slammed his hand hard on the stone table, putting cracks to where his hand settled. His blood red eyes shining bright with intense fury as darkness seeped out from his very being. 

“ WHICH OF YOU FOOLS DID it?!!?! “ Death bellowed menacingly.

“ What on seven hells is your problem this time, Stranger?? “ The Warrior asks with a scowl.

Death scoffed. “ As if you are not aware of your own foolish actions. “ 

“ Is this about the boy again? “ The Mother asks with a worried look. “ Have we not warned you about your fascination with him? “

“ Enough about that boy! He is insignificant. “ The Father said dismissively. “ Our Promised Prince in mortal peril. An unprecedented event had occurred without our knowledge. “ 

Death frowned as he pondered on the Father’s words. “ Are the current events not your own doing?? “ 

“ Of course not. This had never happened in the original timeline. “ The Crone replied with a calculating look. 

“ Besides… We would never endanger our Promised Prince. Not when he is this young… “ The Smith added. 

“ This probably wouldn’t have happened had the Stranger not involved himself with that boy so much. “ R'hllor said with a sneer, earning him a glare from Death. 

“ Calm yourselves, there is no need to start another argument, R'hllor. “ The Many Faced God said, trying to placate the animosity between the two. The Drowned God released a snort but chose to remain silent. 

“ How about you? “ Death turned to his children. 

“ We do not have enough power to do so even if we wanted to. “ The Old Gods shook their heads. “ It would take the power of thousands of simultaneous prayers to control that many mortals… “ 

Death groaned in frustration as his investigation came out empty handed. He begrudgingly left the meeting place to return to watching the vision and try to find what he missed, something nagging his mind that he was missing something. 

- Far North - 

The Three Eyed Raven, or Blood Raven as he was known by his mortal skin, yelled out in anger as his plan to destroy the anomaly had yet to succeed. He needed to eliminate the anomaly before it could interfere in his plan further. 

Yet his plan had already failed. He had expanded the magic he had collected through the hundreds of years that passed on controlling those wildlings to eliminate the boy, anything more would deplete his rather limited supply. 

But he was so close. Just an inch more and he would have succeeded in taking the anomaly’s head off its body. If only that Stark brat hadn’t fallen into the river, prompting the anomaly to foolishly come to his aid. 

Involving the Promised Prince was another thing he did not expect to happen. He knew the Gods would not be happy if anything were to happen to their Promised Prince, not when they had plans for him in the near future. If he wanted to get away unnoticed, he needs to eliminate the anomaly now or risk bringing the ire of the Gods upon himself. 

Deciding he could always regain the magic he would lose once he makes contact with his new host, the Three Eyed Raven returned to bringing his plans to fruition. He let out cackles as he felt the magic flow through his veins and released into the world to do his bidding, an evil and wicked gleam in his sleep deprived, blood red eyes.