Artys Arryn POV
At the door of my room, I stood with Ser Jasper and two guards.
"Is it really necessary to have guards outside my chambers? In the Eyrie of all places? We are not in King's Landing anymore," I said, glancing at the men stationed on either side.
"There are many guests within the castle today. Once they leave, things may ease, my lord. But even then, at least two guards will remain with you at all times. Even here," Ser Jasper replied, his tone firm.
Fine. Whatever.
"Do not disturb me. I am tired. And don't let anyone in. I will wake late tomorrow, so do not come knocking at my door in the morning," I said as I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was awash in blue, the curtains, the bed, even the furnishings. Cold, clean, and unmistakably Arryn.
"Emperor… caw, caw."
I froze for a moment, then exhaled.
It had been days since I last heard them. I closed the door behind me.
"Glory to the Emperor!"
Over a dozen birds stood lined up along the table like soldiers. A large map of Westeros lay spread across it.
Everything was in place. Soryn had done his job well. He might be grumpy, but he is competent.
I pulled out a chair and sat down, watching as the crows and ravens eyed the fruit basket on the table.
I am surprised they have not eaten it yet.
"Go on. Help yourselves," I said, waving toward the fruits.
The moment I gave permission, chaos broke out. Grapes vanished in seconds, berries were torn apart by beaks. It looked like they hadn't eaten in days.
All of them were busy filling their stomachs except one.
The one-eyed crow.
"You're not eating?" I asked, leaning back.
"I will eat later, Your Highness," he replied. "I bring reports from the Feathered Bureau of Investigation. We have gathered much intelligence and expanded our reach across the realm."
Right. The FBI. My little spy network.
"Go on then," I said, resting my chin on my hand. "Let's see which players are making which moves."
He dipped his head slightly.
"Before that, Emperor, I must inform you of something. A war… a holy war has begun in your name. Soon, the skies themselves shall fall under your rule."
The room fell silent.
Even the birds stopped eating.
"…What?" I muttered.
Holy war? In my name?
"When?" I leaned forward. "How? Why?"
"Many birds refused to serve you," another raven spoke nervously. "They called you a false feeder, a liar. They have formed resistance groups across the realm."
I slowly turned my gaze back to the one-eyed crow.
He met my gaze without flinching, his single eye steady while the other was nothing more than a red hollow. I should get him one of those pirate eye patches, I suppose.
"Your Highness, you promised food, shelter, a better life for our younglings. No more starving, no more scavenging. We believe in you. Those who stand against you are not worthy of the sky."
He spread his wings, trying to look larger than he was.
"I will peck their eyes out if I must."
I stared at him.
A bird version of a fanatic general. Perfect. Exactly what I needed… fuck, what have I done?
"So this 'holy war'… it has already begun?" I asked, rubbing my temple. I hoped it was still in its early stages—maybe I could stop them before they started killing. After all, I could control them… but only if I was near the animals.
"Yes, Emperor," the one-eyed crow replied. "But do not worry. With the blessings of the Feast God, we will win. The sky will be yours."
I let out a slow breath.
Feast God? Since when do birds have gods?
"Forget the war for a moment," I said flatly. "Tell me about the FBI. What have you found? I don't need details about your little battles."
I will deal with this bird war later, since there is nothing we can do, it's already started.
The crow straightened.
"Our network is spreading, though it will take time to cover the entire realm. Still, we have gathered important information."
I nodded. "Speak."
"Lysa Tully intended to have you killed," he said. "But her lover convinced her to wait."
No surprise there.
"The queen and her brother share a forbidden relationship. We believe the children are not the king's, but the Kingslayer's. We could not confirm his true name, but that is what most call him."
I took a slow sip of water.
I already know that. Looks like they are effective spies.
"There is more," he continued. "Your father and Lord Tywin are in talks about betrothing you to Princess Myrcella. The queen opposed it strongly. Nothing is finalized yet. The final decision lies with the king. He was drunk when we left King's Landing, So nothing was finalised yet, but another raven should arrive tomorrow with further updates."
Fuck the gods.
No way in hell I'm becoming Cersei's son-in-law. And Tywin… of course he's behind this.
I'll have to do something about it.
Maybe I should suggest a better match Robb and Myrcella. That drunken fool might agree if I play it right. Bring up Lyanna… that name alone might be enough to sway him.
A Stark–Baratheon bond, forged in her memory. Yes… that might just work.
Still, I'll need a backup plan.
"Continue," I said calmly, though I had to admit I was impressed by their progress and whatever ridiculous war they were fighting.
Then I leaned forward slightly, a faint smirk forming.
"Now tell me… more about this 'holy war' of yours."
POV ends.
Tywin Lannister POV
"Tell me, my dear daughter, what crimes have I committed that the Seven have cursed me with such an incompetent family ? Besides Kevan, is there anyone in this room capable of completing a task I assign?"
She truly believed sending assassins after Jon Arryn's son would benefit us. I can only hope my men reach them before they make any move in the Vale.
If she is caught, the consequences would be catastrophic the realm thrown back into the chaos of rebellion, years of hard-won stability wasted.
And for what? Petty insults?
Joffrey, at such a young age, already displays the kind of behavior no child should have, let alone an heir to the Iron Throne.
I will not allow him to stray as Aerys once did.
This is about my legacy. The future of my house.
"Father, I won't let you take Joffrey with you to Casterly Rock. He is but a child, and he needs his mother," Cersei pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
Does she truly believe those tears will change anything?
"I must say, if you were not my daughter, you would have fared well in the theaters. You might have entertained the people," I said dryly.
"Hah, that much is true," Tyrion laughed.
"I agree. She would earn quite the reputation across the realm for her wonderful acting. Those tears almost look real. For a moment, even I was moved," he added with a smirk.
Cersei shot him a venomous glare, her eyes burning with fury. Tyrion's smile faded, though the amusement lingered.
"And what are you laughing at?" I turned my gaze to him.
"You are no better. You waste gold on wine and whores, much like the king, if not worse. Your sister at least served the house by getting Lannister blood on the throne. What have you achieved besides killing your own mother?"
I let the words hang in the air.
Tyrion's expression stiffened, though he quickly masked it.
"Fath—" Cersei began.
"Enough."
My voice cut through the room like a blade.
"I will speak to Robert. Joffrey shall be fostered at Casterly Rock."
Silence fell.
"And enough of these petty moves against the Arryn boy. He is no threat to us. Our focus should be on consolidating Lannister influence in King's Landing. The Vale could be useful in the future. Its knights are renowned fighters. They could be of great service to our house and Joffrey when he sits on the Iron Throne."
"I will talk to Robert about a betrothal between Myrcella and Artys. I had already spoken with Lord Arryn," I added.
"She is but a child! I will not let you do to her what you did to me. She is not a broodmare. She will not be a pawn in your politics!" Cersei shouted, anger breaking through her tears.
"This matter is settled," I said calmly as I rose from my seat.
"There will be no further discussion."
I swept my gaze across the room one last time. Cersei in tears, Tyrion slouched with wine in hand, Kevan silent beside him.
I exhaled slowly.
I need a proper heir.
Before I die, I will ensure House Lannister's power endures.
At the door, I paused, then added without turning:
"Send Jaime to my chambers later. I will see if Robert can be persuaded to release him from that white cloak."
My eyes briefly flicked toward Tyrion. A trace of anger was on his face, but it vanished as quickly as it came.
Does he truly believe I would pass Casterly Rock to him?
Thousands of years of legacy will not be squandered.
Not while I still live.
If not for Joanna, and the eyes of the realm, I would have cast this fool into the sea long ago.
POV ends
~~~Training yards of Winterfell~~~
Ned Stark POV
"They are doing well for their age, especially Jon. He fights like a true Northerner," Benjen spoke.
I looked at my younger brother. He had come to find more men for the Wall. It was not fully manned and sorely lacked numbers.
"I think Robb is doing better," Catelyn said, stepping in between.
"I cannot blame you. For every mother, her child is the best. But, Cat, Benjen is right. Jon is doing a little better. Only a little," I said with a small smile.
I truly could not blame her. Perhaps it was her motherly instinct. Even my own mother used to boast about us when we trained.
Gods, I still miss her despite being a full-grown man.
"My Lord Stark, my lady," Ser Rodrik Cassel's voice came from behind.
I looked back. Ser Rodrik stood behid us.
He gave a nod to Benjen before turning his attention to me.
"The Night's Watch men have just arrived. We have a deserter."
I glanced at my brother Benjen, who lowered his gaze, then looked back at Ser Rodrik.
"Get the lads to settle their horses," I ordered.
"Yes, my lord," Ser Rodrik replied.
"Ned, is it really necessary? Why not let Benjen take him back?" Catelyn pleaded.
She is too kind, but laws are laws.
"Cat, laws are laws. If we allow this, what stops the others from trying? They will keep trying to run. Then no one would be left at the Wall." I said, looking at her. She only looked away.
"Get Robb and Jon ready too. They are coming with me," I added as Rodrik turned to leave.
"Yes, my lord," he replied before hurrying off.
"Ned, Robb is too young for that," Catelyn pleaded, her eyes watery.
"I did it too when I was his age, Cat. The North is no place for softness. You know that. Robb will stand in my place someday. He must learn from now. And Jon too must learn since he will assist Robb when Robb takes over." I said, gently holding her face.
I leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"Winter is coming," I added with a faint smile.
"You could have said something sweeter instead," Cat joked, a small smile forming.
Looks like her mood has lifted. Sometimes a kiss is all it takes to bring her into a good mood.
"What could be better than 'Winter is coming'?" I replied.
"Hmm," Benjen coughed from the side.
POV ends.