The Tides of Fire and Ice (A Game Of Thrones Story)

The Calm Before The Storm(House Astor Story Arc)

(Four days since arriving at Blackmoon)

(Maliya's POV)

The sound of the hammer hitting wood filled my ears as it echoed through the room as everything fell silent. I kept my eyes on the weird looking bunch who ran the castle with my father, all varying ages, all had different pasts, and secrets, very dark secrets.

 But I was also being watched, apparently just by returning to the Castle I had gathered a rather large audience.I could feel their eyes on me, curious, judgmental, all where trying to see me, the lost princess who had finally returned. I was the story your nan would tell you, but this was no fairy tail and I had no intent to appease the masses at the moment. 

I kept my eyes forward. I could see my mother out of the corner of my eye on my left side but she was without my father. Jon and the others where behind me standing with Athen their nervous eyes fixated on the back of my head. Behind them where the people of this Keep and Castle, they peered in the the doors trying to catch a glimpse of the fabled princess.

"Maliya Rose Astor, daughter of Lord Jordan and Ellena Astor, and sole heir to Blackmoon Castle and her surrounding lands." The head of the Small Council, Lord Jarson, spoke. They rose to their feet. "We would like to welcome you home Lady Maliya." He spoke as most of them bowed their heads. 

Well now I know who wished to be loyal to me. 

"Thank you Lord Jarson." I said flashing a small smile to them. "Enough with the formalities." An old woman, Lady Farra, spoke. She was one of the people who didn't bow their head. My smile turned into a sly smirk. 

"The feeling is mutual Lady Farra, I have no time for the  members of the council who are not loyal to my father." I said loudly, earning a gasp from everyone with in ear shot of my comment.

It was time to play. 

"I beg your pardon?" Lord Trorak spoke, I shrugged my shoulders and turned to the people in the door ways. "Lord Athen, is it true my father Lord Astor has been missing for some time now correct?" I questioned the people began to chatter as I approached Athen. 

Lord Uvas was trying to gain control. 

 I rested my hand on Athen's shoulder. "I hope you know what you are doing Maliya." He said "Maliya." Jon said his voice filled with concern walked to him and gave him a small peck on cheek. I pulled away, as he took my hands in his. 

"Jon whatever happens, we'll make it through this. I'll make sure that Sansa and you get your Winterfell back if its the last thing I do." I said trying to study Jon's unreadable expression. Jon's hands slid up my arms, his eyes became filled with concern and worry as he pulled me into a passionate kiss.

His hands went to my face, as he broke the kiss. His brown eyes meeting mine.

"Jon?" I questioned. 

"Just... Stay alive." he said as the chatter simmered down. 

"Lady Maliya, what are you getting at?!" Lord Jamar said, his voice filled with astonishment. 

"There are individuals guilty of treason within the Counsel." I spoke.

"What are you doing!?" Sansa asked rather panicked as the crowd of people started to become restless. I stood as tall as I could.

"I am trying to figure out where the Lord of the house is. The six individuals who betrayed him are in this very room." I spoke calmly, but my heart was racing. 

 "Lord Athen, Lord Jarson, Lord Trorak, Lady Lenya, and Lord Alf. Have always been loyal to my father. The other five Lords and Ladies Shanna, Stava, Uvas, Jamar and Farra are not loyal to my father or house Astor. They never have been." I said my voice unwavering.