The Northern Dragon

CH 29: MISTRUST (PART 2)

– Somewhere in Essos –

Aeron stared down at the map then back at Rhaenys, "That leaves only the North. Does Your Grace plan to let them continue to be a free country or bring them back into the Seven Kingdoms?"

"What do you think?"

Aeron didn't need to think for long, "The North is the largest territory in the Seven Kingdoms. Giving it up would cut the nation in nearly half. There are also all the troubles that could appear in the future. I fear, however, that the North might not be too happy if they are forced to rejoin the Seven Kingdoms after such a war. They will be loyal if they willingly bend the knee, but if not..."

The candles didn't bring much light into the tent. It was hard to see what kind of expression Rhaenys was making as she stood with her hands behind her back, half her eyelids covering those indigo pools, and the shadows cast by the candles swaying over her.

Without the North, the Seven Kingdoms would shrink by half its size. Several Nobel Houses would cease to be hers. Such a large nation right beside her border, a border that would be under the Tullys, who were strong allies of the Starks, could pose a serious danger in the future.

Rhaenys didn't want to build her nation and then let it crumble a couple of centuries later when she was gone. It would just be history repeating itself. Whether it was by the hands of the North or her own descendants, paranoia, greed, and other such emotions could lead to unending wars.

There were also the other Noble Houses. With the North successfully obtaining its independence and going back to being a kingdom of its own, some of the other Houses might get some ideas in the future.

"All those future troubles, I have considered, and I will deal with them." It seemed like using that little thing later would be the best option after all. Unless it was completely necessary, she couldn't bring it out until it was time. "As for the North's independence, I would be dead by now if Lord Eddard hadn't protected me. If the North hadn't protected me. Since they want their independence and are now fighting for it, let them have it. I will not stop them."

– Riverrun –

Morning had already arrived and yet, the sky was still dark with grey clouds obstructing the sun. The rain fell heavily on the earth, mudding the ground and fogging the windows.

It was hard to say whether the sky was crying because of the death of two innocent boys who lost their lives just because of their bloodline or because of what the execution of Lord Rickard Karstark would bring. Maybe it was crying for both.

Lord Karstark had broken into the dungeon and murdered two children, one 15 and the other 14. Their only crime was having the name Lannister. As punishment, Robb ordered all the men who joined Lord Karstark to be hanged while Lord Karstark was beheaded by Robb himself under this apparently unending rain.

It shouldn't be long now before all the Karstark soldiers left, thought Diana as she stared out the window. With such a weather, there wasn't much she could see, however. "It appears there is trouble in paradise."

Diana turned away from the window. Catelyn sat on a long sofa opposite her, her hands clasped on top of her lap. Her red hair was tied in a long braid and she still wore the thick and crudely made robes that the Northerners preferred. She wore no accessories or scented oils. Very different from when she was younger and would dress in colorful silks. Catelyn had completely assimilated to the North.

And now, as strange as it was, it had been her elder sister who was the opposite of her to whom Catelyn had gone to talk to when things got to this stage.