The penitence of the wolf - The Tourney begins! (Patreon)

Hoster Tully, the Red Keep

"We don't have to end it like this, I'm sure we can come to a better agreement," spoke the Lord of Riverrun while looking towards the northern warden

Rickard for his part simply sighed and replied

“Circumstances have changed, Aerys already has a foot in the north, the death of Roose Bolton and the rise of his sister Lyserra, who is more popular and, coincidentally closer to the king cannot be a coincidence, as far as I know, a trading port of considerable size is being built in the Bolton lands, sponsored by the crown” concern was evident in his voice

The situation was precarious for both, the king made precise, ruthless and intelligent moves, as soon as Hoster, Rickard and Jon tried to mitigate the repercussions of the previous move, the king was already planning the next one

The Darrys and Boltons' closeness to the Targaryens was troubling, and while the Starks' place was secured in Winterfell, the same could not be said of the Tullys

After all, it was the dragons who named them lords of the trident and, if the king wished, such an action could be undone with great ease, noble houses, even older than the Tullys, such as the Mallister, the Blackwood or the Darrys themselves could be named lords of the trident and no one would blink an eye

"My heir will marry Barbrey Ryswell, I must strengthen the alliances within the north, Lyserra is not Roose, she is charismatic, intelligent and capable, she is a much bigger threat than her brother's, and if she has the backing of the crown, I will need a solid political bloc, so, much to my regret, the engagement is canceled," Rickard reported

Hoster simply nodded, however, inwardly furious and wary, the alliance had been torn to pieces, Steffon Baratheon refused the engagement between Robert and Lyanna, citing that, like everyone else, his heir would marry a maiden of the Storm Lands, to consolidate the stag's rule over the region

Who would be the poor lady who would have to put up with the noisy fool? Hoster ignored it and frankly cared little, like everyone else, his concern was in his lands

Which, less and less were his, apparently

The kingdom was thriving, gold and food flowed from the Wall to Sunspear, the Targaryen coffers were getting bigger and bigger, as was the influence of the dragon king, the fleet was taking shape day by day, under the experience of Lord Admiral Davos and fleet minister Dayne, at the same time that Prince Rhaegar was transforming the capital, the smell of shit, insecurity and poverty had been left behind, little by little, King's Landing took a new form

A capital, a rich, beautiful and safe city, full of artisans, merchants and scholars, the jewel in the crown, the reflection of the Targaryen government

And all that, without considering the fucking beasts, which grew day by day, as soon as they could be ridden, Targaryen supremacy would be unquestionable

And perhaps, that wasn't all bad, at least for the time being, King Aerys and Prince Rhaegar had proven themselves to be competent and skillful rulers

But what about the grandson or great-grandson of the king? No one could be sure

All the Lords were worried, even the old lion, even if he wanted to hide it, Aerys Targaryen had everyone where he wanted and they could do nothing to prevent it

That was the most frustrating thing

At that moment, one of the guards knocked on the door and spoke from the other side

"My Lord, Ser Brynden has arrived."

"Let him in," he ordered

An instant later, the aforementioned black fish entered the room, frowning at his brother

"One of your guards said you wanted to talk to me. I'm preparing for the tournament," Brynden spoke, looking at his brother

Hoster frowned

"The tournament is for the election of the new King's Guard, I do not approve of your participation," Hoster said

Brynden simply snorted and replied

“And why? It's a good opportunity to make a name for myself” there was curiosity and mockery in the black fish's voice

"The Targaryens have insulted us, all the actions of the dragon king are with the sole purpose of humiliating our house and..." at this point, Ser Brynden interrupted his brother

"How arrogant of you brother, to think that you are important enough to have the attention of the dragon king" with evident mockery in his voice

"Well, I'll let you to talk" Lord Stark interrupted, as he stood up and prepared to leave the room, however, Hoster interrupted him

"You still have another son my lord, we can arrange a marriage between Lord Eddard and my daughter Catelyn" Lord Tully offered, although his daughter would not marry the Lord of Winterfell, the fish Lord was desperate for allies

And fast

Rickard paused for a moment, considering the idea

"It's an interesting idea, we can chat another time, make a proposal and we'll talk after the tourney" and without saying anything else, Lord Stark left the room

 When they were alone, Hoster frowned and blurted out

"Dirty savage, who does he think he is to deny my daughter?"  

Brynden interrupted

"I guess the 'secret' alliance is history," the gentleman mocked

Hoster simply snort

“The dragon has his boot on all the necks of the Lords, I know that Lord Whent met with the king a few days ago, Jon Arryn cannot control his vassals, the Royces and the Graftons acquire more relevance, and with the succession of the Arryn house at risk, things are tense, Lyserra Bolton is making alliances in the name of the king,  a brand new trading port, oblivious to White Harbor and Stark influence is being built as we speak, so the wolves are worried too, and not to mention the trident, I'm afraid I'll be the last lord of the River Land”

Brynden nodded at his brother's words, he could understand his concern, however, this situation was a direct response from the king to the actions of Hoster Tully, Rickard Stark, and Jon Arryn

His brother had created his own demons and now he was paying the consequences

"Circumstances have changed, Lord Arryn's ambition will be his undoing, you still have time to jump off that ship and rebuild our family from the pieces, I will participate in the tournament, I will give everything of myself and, if the Gods so wish, I will win the white cloak, after all, there is a worthy king to protect"

And without saying anything else, Bryden stood up and left the room, ready to prepare for the tournament

Leaving a Lord Tully alone with his troubled thoughts

Rhaella Targaryen, The Red Keep

"I'm glad your illness wasn't anything serious Myriah," the queen spoke with a smile, while Dalla poured two glasses, one with apple cider for herself and one with wine for her old friend

The king had ordered that, during pregnancy, Rhaella was forbidden to drink wine, according to her northern confidants, it was harmful to the baby

The ruling princess of Dorne simply replied

"I can't leave this world until I make sure that my children are in good hands dear, I must say, that pregnancy suits you, my queen."

Rhaella smiled beamingly

"Thank you, Jane and Tala have been a blessing, and my Aerys massages my feet divinely every night, this pregnancy has been infinitely easier than the previous ones," the queen reported with a huge smile

This pregnancy was different from the previous ones, Rhaella would do her duty and give birth to a healthy and strong prince or princess of the kingdom, the worries of yesteryear had vanished, now the queen fully trusted that her beloved king would solve any problem that arose

"I am glad to hear it my dear, however, I suggest that we talk about our children, I do not know how long my Elia will be able to endure the temptations of the silver prince," the ruler of Dorne reported amused

Rhaella simply laughed under her breath, her beloved son had changed too much during these months, that melancholic and tragic prince had been left behind, to make way for a gallant, brave, intelligent and lustful prince of the kingdom

Especially the latter, the queen thought with amusement, remembering the time she had visited her son's chambers during the night

Flashback

"Hello Arthur," the queen spoke with a smile towards her son's best friend

The knight in question, hearing her voice, opened his eyes wide and began to stutter, before bowing

"My queen, good evening, an apology, I didn't see you"

Rhaella just laughed happily, she had just been fucked hard by her husband, and while Aerys was tending to little Dalla, who had begged to be fucked by the king, Rhaella decided to visit her son, to chat about the orphanage they were going to build

"I want to talk to my son, please let him know I'm here," the queen ordered kindly

To the queen's surprise, the knight in question began to babble

"My queen, what happens is that..." and at that moment, screams began to rise from Rhaegar's chambers

"YESS MY PRINCE, I'M YOUR WHORE, I EXIST TO SERVE THE DRAGON'S COCK" a familiar voice groaned uncontrollably, at the same time that the characteristic noises of flesh against flesh were present

Rhaella simply sighed and ordered Arthur

"I will speak to Rhaegar in the morning, I was never here," ordered the queen, as she retired to her king's chambers

She needed Aerys to ride her again, it seemed

Flashback end

The next day, Rhaella confronted her son's mature maid, questioning her intentions

However, Maya assured that she only wanted to serve the prince, that he had made her his own and that she was careful to always drink moon tea, that the last thing she wanted was to give trouble to her "silver dragon"

“My son will have a wife and children, you will not be able to be more than his whore, are you ever willing to continue with that role for the rest of your life?” asked the queen tactlessly, she wanted to make sure that the woman understood that, although the prince would appreciate her, she would be nothing more than a toy for the future king of Westeros

To the queen's surprise, Maya blushed and replied

"I will take care of my prince's children, I will take care of them and serve them with the same devotion that I serve my silver dragon" the determination was evident in Maya's voice

Rhaella believed in the woman's word, it was evident that she looked at Rhaegar with devotion, serving and pleasing him in everything he desired, so, at least for the moment, Rhaella decided not to interfere

Apparently, his son had everything under control, she would trust him

Returning to the chat with Myriah, Rhaella began

"We both know that Rhaegar will marry Elia, this is just a formality."

The Princess of Dorne nodded in pleasure, as she replied

“My daughter has expressed her desire to "end the stupid bureaucracy" in order to ride her prince's dick, what are the terms?”

Rhaella responded

“Rhaegar married Elia, as king of the Andals, first men and Rhoynar, Aerys insisted that, as future queen, Elia should have three ceremonies, one in the Sept, one in Dragonstone, with the Valyrian rites and one in front of a heart tree, with the rites of the first men, the king also wishes to build a fortress and a trading port in Dorne,  near Sunspear, he wishes to use it as a bastion for a future conquest of the Stepstones and will be a direct inheritance to Rhaegar and Elia's second son, we wish House Martell to pay half of the expenses.”

"If my future grandson's wife will be of Dornish blood, we can come to an agreement," Myriah offered both women, they knew the marriage was a fact, now they were only discussing concessions and small details

After several hours, both women had finished the most boring details and could now get started on the really interesting stuff

Planning the royal wedding, both of them would literally spend days, arguing every minute detail

It was the most important wedding on the continent, after all

Eddard Stark, King’s Landing

"Damn, look at that Ned," Robert murmured, looking in amazement at the capital

"It's not as I remembered it," murmured Lord Rickard's second son, looking at all the changes in the city

The stench of shit was gone, the city was flourishing with activity, food was plentiful, as were the shops, skilled artisans offering their wares fearlessly, under the watchful eye of towering guards in black armor and red cloaks

The famous "dragon's fist" thought Eddard

"The king and the prince have been busy, it seems."

"HAHAHAHA there is a lot to do Ned, look at that, they look like huge barrels of gold arbor, the tournament will be crazy" Robert shouted scandalously, making the inhabitants of the city uncomfortable, who looked at them with frowns

Before long, they arrived at the gates of the Red Keep where, to their surprise, they were being awaited by Lord Rickard and Lord Steffon respectively

"Robert, Eddard, I hope you had a good trip," said the Lord of Winterfell

Eddard nodded and spoke

"No problem father, the waters are heavily guarded, not a pirate in sight south of Gull town," Ned reported

At that moment, Robert stepped forward and spoke

"Father, where is Lyanna? I would like to meet my future wife HAHA” Robert asked with emotion

Ned immediately realized that something had happened 

Lord Baratheon sighed and replied

"The talks between Lord Stark and I didn't come to an agreement Robert, you won't marry Lady Lyanna, I'm thinking of Delena Florent, as the future Lady of Storm's End, I'll talk to Lord Florent after the tournament."

At those words, his friend looked at his father in horror and replied

"But father! I must marry Lyanna and…" At that moment, Lord Steffon intervened firmly

"Robert, you won't marry Lyanna Stark, that's my last word." Then Lord Baratheon looked at Ned's father and spoke

"Rickard, I'll talk to Robert and inform him of what happened, we'll talk later."

The Lord of Winterfell simply nodded, watched as both Baratheon walked away, Robert arguing with his father

Eddard looked at his Lord Father and asked

"Father, what's going on?" Lord Steffon seemed... tense, just like you

Rickard sighed heavily, and spoke

"Much has changed, my son, come, your brothers want to see you and I have news to give you."

Eddard, like a good son, followed his father

He needed answers, apparently, a lot had changed in the capital

For better or for worse? Only time would tell

Aerys Targaryen, Tourney grounds

“What do you think of prospects, son?” asked the king

Rhaegar, who was sitting with Princess Elia at his side, who was holding his arm in a possessive manner replied

“I see them too...frivolous, few take the matter seriously," replied the prince sincerely

Aerys nodded at Rhaegar's words and continued

"You're right, so far only Ser Brynden is the one I see with enough potential for the position."

However, Aerys' attention was focused on two participants in particular, both of whom entered the tournament arena with confidence, causing quite a stir

One was tall and muscular, in heavy, coarse armor, his squire carrying three hounds on a yellow field

Gregor Clegane, Jon thought full of hatred, looking with cold eyes at the arrogant and imposing man

Aerys would see that this was his last tournament, the king thought maliciously

The other contender, on the other hand...

it Jaime Lannister, Tywin’s son

Curiously and frowning, Aerys looked at the old lion and asked

"Tywin, what's your brat doing down there? This tournament is to select a King's Guard” snapped the king, apparently "annoyed"

Tywin, for his part, looked at Jaime with daggers in his eyes and replied

"I don't know, your grace, but I'll take care of getting him out of there and..." However, the old lion's words died, when young Jaime spoke

"Your grace, I, Jaime Lannister, apply as a participant in the tournament for the king’s guard, I swear in my honor and that of my family that I will fight and triumph on this day," roared the young man with determination, to the perverse pleasure of the queen, the "resignation" of the king and the shame of Cersei, who knew that her owner would humiliate her brother

Lord Tywin, on the other hand, stood up and roared

“Jaime! Get out of there right now!”

The Murmurs began to gather strength, everyone looked at Jaime Lannister as if he were crazy, the heir to one of the richest and most powerful families on the continent, wishing he was a simple bodyguard

It was unheard of, never seen before, many branded it stupid, much to the growing fury and humiliation of Lord Tywin

In an instant, the king stood up, causing the entire stadium to fall silent

Another demonstration of the power and respect that the king now commanded

Aerys looked at Tywin and muttered

"You owe me one" and without waiting for an answer, I look at the old lion's son and speak

"Lord Jaime, you are young and although you are capable, you lack the necessary experience to wear the white cloak, I admire your courage and your loyalty, your skills will be put to better use as Lord Jaime Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock," the king spoke firmly

Tywin breathed a sigh of relief, although the humiliation would not go away, the king was giving Jaime an honorable exit, the crown had praised his ability, they could get out of this without any further problems, and...

"I can prove my worth your grace, I'm worthy, let me prove it, I challenge the champion of the crown, to prove my commitment to the white cloak"

Tywin looked at his son in disbelief, as if he was stupid, the king had given him an honorable way out and now he dared to say such a thing, a challenge to the crown must have an answer

Aerys looked at Jaime for a moment, with cold amethyst eyes, until he simply nodded and spoke

"So be it," and then the king snapped his fingers, at the same time as he roared

“SWORD!”

Jaime opened his eyes when he realized the stupidity of what he had just done, at the same time that Tywin resigned himself to another public humiliation for his son

"As soon as this is over, discipline your son Tywin, I hope the future Lord of Casterly Rock won't act so impulsively in the future," ordered the king, at the same time that a young squire gave him his sword, which he began to wield with skill, warming up his arms

Tywin breathed a sigh of relief to himself, though humiliated, Jaime would not be executed, exiled, or worse.

Accepted within the order

Tywin could work with that, and he would take it upon himself to give the king a nice gift for this small mercy

"Humble him as much as you wish, your grace, let him learn that actions have consequences," Tywin replied, looking coldly and angrily at his son

Without answering, Aerys jumped from the royal box, straight into the arena, sword in hand, to the terror of Jaime, who had seen the king train with his knights

"You defied the crown, young lion, be on your guard, it's time for a lesson," ordered the king firmly, as he took position

Jaime, scared to death, looked around, all the knights had moved away, giving space to the king to discipline him, he looked at Cersei, who looked at him with mixed feelings, while his father observed everything coldly

The young man swallowed hard and took a position, his father always said that he acted without thinking

Apparently, he would now pay the consequences

The king looked at him as mere prey, the guard and posture were perfect, there was not a single crack in the dragon king's defense

“THREE, TWO, ONE... DUEL!” roared the king, as he threw himself at Jaime, who did the same

After all, if he was going to fall, it would be fighting, like a lion, today would not be the day Jaime Lannister would be humiliated

How wrong he was