THE NIGHT QUEEN'S RETURN: FURY OF RAENAR TARGERYAN

6: LICKING WOUNDS

"I don't know your mom will also participate in this battle," Arya said. "As I mentioned before, I have a lot of surprises," Raenar replied. Arya sensed that Raenar didn't fully believe her.

He then went to meet his mother. "Thanks for helping me, Mom. How did you know I was in danger?" Raenar asked. "I am always watching you. Rule wisely and achieve your goals," the Night Queen replied. Only Raenar could hear her words; the others cant hear to their conversation.

The wild men didn't fear her; it was the Northerners who trembled at her presence. They didn't dare come near her. Arya admired her from a distance, contemplating approaching her but ultimately deciding against it. Meanwhile, Daenerys soared back to her cold fortress.

Raenar entered the central hall of Winterfell, where the imposing chair loomed at the center. He approached it, touching its surface with pride before settling into it, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over him. His trustworthy companion Baxter spoke up, "What will you do with the prisoners who refused to accept you as their king?" Raenar replied, "I'm in a good mood today. Release them, but arrest their children. We have a lot of work ahead."

Raenar began preparations for his defense, dispatching watchmen to the borders of Winterfell and sending disguised men as villagers to monitor the arrogant Northerners.

After many days, Sansa reached King's Landing, where Bran, Tyrion, and Bronn welcomed her. "Sister, I'm sorry for your loss. I should have prevented it," Bran said. Sansa shot back, "Yes, you should have! His next target will be King's Landing, and he will come with his mother." Tyrion's eyes widened in shock. "What? How can she come here? That's not possible!" Sansa retorted, "How do you think I lost the battle? It was because of her! And one more thing: she has three ice dragons now."

Bronn added, "We're screwed. Last time, one dragon razed this place; now she has three that breathe ice. I'm resigning and heading to some unknown place." Tyrion sighed, "Don't make hasty decisions. This time she doesn't have the Unsullied or Dothraki. We can stop her."

Sansa then shared her concerns about Arya's betrayal. Tyrion interrupted, "Enough of the bad news in a single day. My heart can't take it." After a long silence, Bran spoke, "I know Daenerys is alive, but I'm unsure about the dragons. Arya is still angry with us. I think she will return."

Sansa turned to him in fury. "Bran, your visions aren't working when we need them most! Let's decide what to do next."

Raenar called for Baxter. "What do you think they'll do next?" Baxter remained silent, prompting Raenar to continue, "They'll do what I plan to do next: make partnerships. Arrange for my trip to Dorne." Baxter replied, "We don't know who rules Dorne now, with the royal family destroyed. King's Landing isn't paying enough attention to it." Raenar grinned. "It's getting interesting."

As Raenar plotted, he couldn't shake the feeling that the game was changing. Alliances were fragile, and every decision could tip the balance. With each passing day, the stakes grew higher, and the impending conflict loomed closer.