Bringing the Dawn

XXXII.

Jaeron Targaryen

Moat Cailin, 300AC

It felt strange to him. Being back in company that only knew him as the bastard son of Eddard Stark that is.

How many times had he received a harsh glare from Lady Catelyn to remain out of sight whenever they had visits? How often had he accidentally bumped into someone and they had jokingly said he looked exactly like the Lord had when he was said age? How often had he heard them snickering when they thought he couldn't hear? He had not expected to have gotten so accustomed to being treated like a normal person whilst in Greywater Watch, and he especially didn't think he would become accustomed to being treated as a King which he had since they had let it out there. The difference striking him like someone had just smacked him across the face so hard he was seeing stars.

Despite this, it was a welcome change, reminding him of where he had come from and where he was now. So far, the information is controlled and it is beginning to seep from its boundaries. From the rulers of Dorne knowing, to two House's in the North knowing, and with Beric Dondarrion and Edric Dayne now spreading the information in their ventures. It was only a matter of time before someone with a spy picks up on it before everyone will know, depending on how it is put. If the Lannister's find out first, there was no doubt in his mind they would do everything they could to squash it to secure their position. And if anyone else were to find out, whatever plans they had in motion were going up in flames before they had even made a move. He felt awful doing it because he now knows what it feels like to be outplayed after what happened with Torghen, guilt eating him deep inside that he still had no clue on the matter. The man had seemingly disappeared into thin air after fleeing with Sansa.

"Well, the plan was to head for Riverrun next, but we've come to a standstill."

He kept his face poised as he looked at his brother, silently asking for further information. Robb looked to his uncle who was still staring at both him and Arthur like a child being told they could have unlimited sweets. That was something that would need to be addressed. Whilst it was him who brought up the Blackfish wearing the white cloak, ultimately that was Arthur's decision in who got inducted as his Lord Commander. All Jaeron had to do was authorise it.

"The raven arrived a few hours ago."

The older handed him over a small piece of parchment, unrolling it to read the words on there. Having to strain to make out the wording as it looked like someone of three name-days had written it. It was eerily quiet, but he could feel the anger now seeping in to the uncle and nephew, Arthur seemingly sensing it too as he walked over to read over his shoulder. It took a second for him to understand the wording on it, reaching up to pinch his nose tightly and cursing under his breath.

"Jaime fucking Lannister has the gall to lay siege to Riverrun and threaten us at the same time. Wonderful."

Behind him, he could feel the Knight tense a little at the name, suddenly remembering that it was his own Kingsguard who had Knighted Ser Jaime in the first place. He didn't talk about the Lannister much, clearly either regretting the decision to do so or wondering where he went wrong.

"We need those men, and we need your grandfather in on it all to add to the legitimacy of the claim-"

"So you are going for it? What happened to wanting nothing to do with it and only wanting revenge for what happened?"

Why was Robb joking in a situation as such? He was about to retort back but soon noticed that his brother was biting his lip which confirmed he was simply just trying to divert the topic.

"Nothing has changed. I want nothing to do with that damnable throne. However, if we come out the other end of this it will fall to me to hold it as first in line. And I won't be able to hold it if I don't take precautionary measures to secure it beforehand. Because one way or another, we need to get the Lannister's away from the crown."