Duty, a Matter of the Heart.

Chapter 20: New Queen.

Victoria

Another moon had flown by, my uncle Tyrion somehow escaped Catelyn's clutches and I was getting bigger by the day. We had received a raven from Ned in King's Landing, saying that my father had gone on one of his lengthly hunts and that he had finally found the proof that cost Jon Arryn his life. Jon had stumbled upon a book that described the members of all the great Houses of Westeros and all Baratheon's have shared a common trait, since the first generation, even when wed to Lannister's, black hair. He said that he intended to confront my mother before he talked with my father, to give her the chance of escaping my father's anger. He hoped that my father would finally change the line of succession. But thinking of being Queen somehow didn't feel right. It is your birthright Victoria, it is your duty to protect the Kingdom as your father does, if not you who? I told myself. He remarked that besides there being me as living proof there are many bastards that may further prove that my siblings are bastards born of incest.

Ned's wording had made me uncomfortable since all my life I've considered Myrcella and Tommen as my siblings. But I would be sure to protect them no matter what. Right now, however I was to busy with my newly acquired siblings, Bran and Rickon. "Why doesn't Robb like when you are with me?" I heard little Rickon ask. He was having his lesson with Maester Luwin in the library and I silently joined them, seating by the fireplace with a book in a large chair. These days everything had to be large.

"Don't say nonsense, darling, Robb is very thankful that you and I get a long so well, he just doesn't want me being tired because of the babies. Now focus on your lesson Rickon."

"I'd rather be playing with my sword in the court yard." He mumbled. "You want to be a knight don't you?" I asked and Rickon nodded eagerly, as Maester Luwin sat back patiently. "Well, all good knights need to have brains and brawn. What's the point of having brawn and no brains, you won't amount to much." I said smiling. "Lady Stark is correct, Rickon, besides ladies admire men who are intelligent." Master Luwin said as he opened a new book for Rickon. "I don't like Ladies, they are too boring."

"This one is more stubborn than the whole Stark lot put together." Master Luwin sighed. "I'll tell you what, finish your lesson and then I'll go and play with you at sword fighting in the courtyard, let's see if I haven't lost my skill. Do you believe that to be in order Maester Luwin?" I asked. "As long as its just playing, I don't see any risk. Let's finish then Rickon." He said as Rickon looked more enthusiastically upon the books.

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"That was fun! I wish I was as good as you, though..." Rickon remarked. "You'll be even better than me one day. Should we go and visit Bran?" Rickon saddened at the mention of his big brother. "Will he ever wake up Victoria?" I should hope so, he could be the key to the demise of my mother's power. "I'm positive he will, darling, we just have to be patient and pray for him. Soon enough you'll be able to play with him again." Just not as you used to. "Rickon, when Bran wakes up we're going to have to take care of him, watch over him..."

"Why?" I sighed at little Rickon's question. "Bran lost the use of his legs when he fell, Rickon, I know its uncommon for a younger brother to take care of his older sibling but he is still your big brother and we will still love him and support him won't we Rickon?" He nodded, happily.

We entered Bran's room quietly and found Summer lying down on the floor asleep, he didn't wake despite sensing our presence. Rickon took my hand as we both walked towards Bran. He looked so peaceful, despite the sweat beads that were on his forehead. I touched his cheek to make sure he wasn't hot with a fever, he was mercifully, nice and cool. "Is he alright?" Rickon asked in a quiet voice as he clutched to my skirts. "Don't be scared little one, he's probably just having a bad dream." I said as I turned to walk towards the table that usually had the things Bran needed. I noted that the usual bowl with water was empty. "Rickon, be a sweetheart and fetch me some water. Ask Bertha in the kitchens." He nodded as I handed him the bowl and quickly left. I began searching for a cloth, to clean Bran's sweat and found one. I heard Summer wake and padding along the room.