"My intention is not to replace you as princes of the realm. My brother's decree only allows me to rule if he were to die and Joffrey is not yet of age to take the throne. It won't happen. When I'm back from the North, I promise to bring you only the best gifts to my favorite children", Cassana said to both her nephews, of course, missing the third and eldest since he was cross with her at the moment.
"When you come back, I want to learn to wield a sword, just like you do with uncle Jaime before we break the fast", answered Tommen, a sad tear leaving his eye.
"I promise I will, darling. Now, speaking of your uncle Jaime, I must meet with him before I depart to Winterfell. Take care, and whenever you want, I will receive your letters and answer all your questions about the godswood in Wintertown", she finally says, delivering one last peck to the boy she completely cared for.
The news of her being named as heir had swarmed the seven kingdoms. She had threats all over, starting with the one that lived just next door; Cersei Lannister. Cassana did not particularly care about the mean stares and snide comments, but she would care about ill rumors being spread. Untrue at that. She had not bedded Ser Cole, her fellow shield. She had her maidenhead intact, as it was her duty to the realm. Her duty was to a childbed and nothing else because it was all women could do. Despite that incident, and several screams from her brother later, Jaime Lannister had pleaded her case, he had been the one guarding her door that night, not Ser Cole.
"Ser Jaime, ah, I find you here very often. It does not do well to dwell on ghosts. I know you haven't forgiven yourself, but you did your best to protect Queen Rhaella from Aerys. You are a good man, despite what people say about you. I hope one day you realize that", Cassana said, still watching the iron throne.
"Your hope is misplaced, princess. I am nothing but a Kingslayer, and I know it will remain that way. I hear you are parting in the hour to the North. I've asked Ser Cole to pack your armor and the blades I have given you. The road is full of bandits and—"
"You taught me best, Ser Jaime. Don't fret about my life now as if you don't know how deadly I can be with a sword. Besides, Ser Cole has been a superb shield. Apart from the discomforting travels, I hope he can keep up with me", she smiled at the golden lion who smiled back at her.
"If one of those Northerners barbarians touch you in any way, I will kill them", he let out, hoping for the best answer from her.
"One of those Northerners is to be my future husband, Ser Jaime, I cannot let you kill my betrothed", she continued to joke away.
"Then stay, I'll demote from my position to take my rightful place as Lord of Casterly Rock. I'm sure my father will be finally thrilled. But Princess, I fear for life in the North—", he pleaded, his hands grasping and softly caressing her knuckles.
"Lyanna and Brandon Stark raised me when I was a child. I know what the North is like. I know Ned Stark is an honorable man who will protect me. My father and Jon Arryn trust him to bits. I'll be safe. You enjoy the freedom from all that politicking, I won't be the one to take that from you, Ser Jaime", she finally says, taking her hands from his soft grip.
"I must make haste now. I thank you for the armor and the blades. I know we will see each other soon. I am sorry I can't say more to you, but you've been my most valuable ally here, and my favor is yours in all tourneys", she said, pinning the silver stag on his chains and leaving him to dwell on his thoughts in the room.
She nodded at King Robert, who was waiting for her at the dais of the courtyard. He was speaking to Ser Cole and the rest of the platoon he sent with her youngest sister. Renly would also be there until half the way to escort her.
"Cassana, do as you are bound and I hope you don't take come back soon. I love you, but if you come back soon it will mean that I am dead, which I am not yet planning to do so", Robert said as he laughed. The stench of wine in his breath could be smelled from miles away.
"Funny, brother, very funny. I will make you proud. Next time I come home I'll be a wolf, not your little doe. Tell Myrcella and Tommen that I love them, and even if Cersei and Joffrey are still cross with me, I still wish them good fortune and health. Farewell, Brother", she said, hugging his brother, and her protector.
When she stepped a foot inside the carriage, she widened her eyes at the man sitting in front of her. He held a finger to his mouth and closed the door. The horse's hooves were the only thing heard once they passed the threshold of the courtyard.
Jon Arryn set a book on her lap and spoke, "I know this is rather surprising and discomforting your grace, but it is as the hand of the King I must discuss this with you. I fear I have made a rather disgusting and treacherous discovery. I believe that you are the only heir to the iron throne. The only rightful heir", he spoke solemnly.
She trusted him. He was the one to teach her about politics, diplomacy, and strategy at the court. She was trained to be cunning and fierce both in combat and in court. Jon Arryn would do this because of the care he had grown to have for the Baratheon Heir. He saw a new and prosperous future for all the realm in her eyes.
"What are you saying? Joffrey is to be king after he reaches the proper age to rule—"
"No, he is not. He is not the rightful heir. You see, Cassana, Varys's little bird informed me of these actions inside the castle walls. If I paid him a good coin, she would report to me. It seems that our Queen is spoiling in incestuous relationships with her brother, Jaime Lannister. Hear me out, I know you and Jaime have good companionship, but everything points to that. Why do you think, even if Baratheon's have a strong seed, that both three children are golden-haired and jaded-eyed? They look nothing like Robert. If they did, Myrcella would look similar to you, and Joffrey and Tommen similar to Renly. I know you don't want to believe it but I confronted Cersei, I told her to take the kids and leave, but she refused and told me that his lion would seat on the iron throne one way or another", he finished, seeing the tears pool in her eyes at such revelation.
She did not know what to think at first. Jaime. Her Brother. Cersei Lannister. She closed her eyes, accepting this as the truth. Jon Arryn would not spew nonsense, it was not in his nature to be dishonorable.
"You must sit on the iron throne. You are the only selected heir by his grace. Marry Robb Stark, make him your king. The Lannisters will fight you. In this game of thrones, either you win or you die. My girl, you must win. A Baratheon needs to sit on the throne. A rightful one such as yourself", he said.
"I'll take this information to heart, Lord Arryn. Tell my brother, he deserves to know. Stannis fled to Dragonstone because he knew or suspected this to be true. My brother is a calculated man. He'll send aid if the Lannisters resist. Be safe, Lord Arryn. The weight of this information must be taken carefully. Cersei will kill you to protect her children. When you arrive at the capitol, the first thing you have to do is inform my brother of this with enough evidence. You don't have time to gather it", she worriedly said.
"No, I won't have time to gather it. But you will. He will believe you. I must go the Vale to attend to my lady-wife. I'll send a raven if I find information. The seal is to remain unbroken, broken only by your hand. Now, I'll ride with my knights of the Vale with you for the time until we split ways. Remember everything I have told you", he said, motioning for the driver to stop the carriage.
If Jon Arryn died by the Lannister's hand, she needed to guide Ned Stark to the truth. She knew her brother would choose him. This only meant that she had to secure a marriage with Robb Stark very soon.
"Ser Cole, please saddle my horse, I would like to ride to Winterfell as fast I can", she commanded.
"At once, Princess", Ser Cole smirked at her. He knew that the fire Cassana Baratheon had would melt the North to bits.
"Ser Cole, one more thing, I do not care if the soldier's arse is numb from the road, but I'd like to make haste. We must arrive at Winterfell in two-weeks time. We will only rest in the owl's time till the first ray of sun is up. Tell Lord Renly and Lord Jon Arryn that unfortunately, pressing matters have taken precedent and that we must fastly arrive at Winterfell", she commanded, a glint of determination in her eyes.
She would play the game of thrones, and she would win.
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MEMORIES OF YOU (Game of Thrones)
FanfictionHe said she was his salvation. He said their love was written by the old gods and into the stars. She could have sworn that the light of his eyes lit up the hall. She was his salvation, and she would play her part in the game of thrones- she would w...
