The Prince That Was Promised (Old Version)

Chapter 6 : Plans

Howland Reed

Castle Black

Howland Reed looked toward the future as they walked back through the gates of Castle Black. Shireen Baratheon and Orys Targaryen, the last true heirs of two great houses, were at the forefront of his thoughts.

"He rode the black beast, and she the silver one; marriage is no longer not an option. Even before, it would have been the best option politically," Maege said as both watched the pair interact.

"Mmm, uniting both claims," Howland replied thoughtfully.

"My Lord, my Lady," Orys greeted as he approached them. "Your Grace, Princess." He paused and turned to Howland. "Your Grace, you have now claimed the black one as your mount?"

"Nightwing and I are bonded, yes," Orys replied with a smile.

Nightwing. A fitting name for the Cannibal, Howland thought.

"Good. It will protect us for what is to come and help us rid the North of the Boltons," Howland said. Orys nodded, his gaze shifting to Princess Shireen.

"The Princess has claimed Silverwing as her mount, and I believe the match is perfect. Silverwing was ridden by the great Queen Alysanne, and I have no doubt Shireen will make her proud," Orys said kindly, causing the young girl to blush at his words.

"Your Grace," Howland began, "I know it has been a short while since your return, but the time has come to discuss what lies ahead for the North and the rest of Westeros."

"Very well," Orys replied. "Let us retire to the King's Tower and plan for the wars to come."

The wars to come, Howland mused. Arthur Dayne had been right all those years ago. He thought sadly of what could have been what Rhaegar's son might have become had he been raised by the Sword of the Morning as the true heir rather than as a bastard under Ned Stark's protection.

Lost in thought, Howland followed the King to the King's Tower.

King's Tower

"Well, first, we need to send word of my return and announce my claim as the heir to my brother Robb—or cousin, if the gods will bless me with his return. Winterfell and the North will be theirs once more, as it was before this whole mess started. If Robb does not return, perhaps a future child of mine, if I am blessed with two, could take the seat of the Kings of Winter," Orys began.

"You will not announce your claim to the Iron Throne yet?" Maege asked.

Orys shook his head. "No. First, I will free the North of the Bolton turncloaks. Once that is done, I will announce myself as the heir to Rhaegar and the Iron Throne."

"If I may, Your Grace," Howland interjected. "Many in the realm will say the Targaryens lost the throne by conquest. They may claim you are illegitimate. Some will look to Princess Shireen, as she is the last true-born Baratheon, or to this supposed Targaryen who has landed in the Stormlands, your so-called elder half-brother."

Howland thought grimly of the boy in question. He isn't Aegon. I saw the bodies of Elia and her children in the throne room.

"Hmm, I know, however many forget Robert took the throne partly because of his blood claim. His grandmother was a Rhaelle Targaryen. Although the man would have like to kill of my blood he would had to cut his own throat to see it done." Orys replied. " As for the other matters we need to discuss, and there are ways to unite Shireen's claim with mine. However, I'd rather discuss that privately." Orys turned to Shireen, his gaze softening. "I assume you agree, Princess?" Shireen nodded in agreement.