The Northern Dragon

CH 3: THE ONE TRUE QUEEN

As the royal caravan passed by the streets, the common people sprinted after it to the gates of the Red Keep, wanting to at least get a glimpse of the royal family and the famous Lord Stark. Many just there to watch the Queen, the woman who was once called the most beautiful in the Seven Kingdoms.

But most people, who they really wished to see was Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the girl who was called the Sunbringer by the people after her birth. The last child of their beloved prince.

One of the carriage's door was opened, a steward moved to stand in front with his hand raised for her to take. Never daring to look up at the dragon.

Not sparing him much of a glance either, Rhaenys stepped out after accepting his hand, her head always held high. The tail of her dark blue gown trailing behind her. 

The dress was quite simple really. The neck wasn't too revealing or too conservative, with embroidery made from a lighter tone of blue around it. The part around her shoulders was wider like spheres while the rest of the long sleeves remained close to her skin. A silver belt tied around her waists. Her curls tied in a low bun.

Taking a couple of steps forward, she observed the majestic palace in front of her. The same place she had once called home seventeen years ago.

"Pretty, isn't it?" Cersei stood behind her with a mocking smirk, "Too bad it does not belong to you anymore."

The Targaryen kept her eyes on the palace, not glancing at the Queen once, "No, it is not. If it was it wouldn't be filled with spies from every lord in the kingdoms."

With that, she walked away, leaving a scowling woman behind.

There wasn't much in the world that Cersei Lannister loved. Her family, except for her little brother and husband, were one of the only things she cared about. The other thing was power and respect.

And little by little, that white-haired girl had taken it from her.

She gained the love from the Southerners the day she was born, deemed as a sign of hope. Then she took the respect of the Northerners through the years she lived with them, that and of the other lords that had met her in visits within the years. The last thing she took was her title as the most beautiful in the kingdoms.

As those thoughts consumed her, the voice of that witch she met years ago ringed on her head.

"You'll be queen, for a time. Then comes another, younger, more beautiful, to cast you down and take all you hold dear."

Cersei feared that future, she also feared that the one the witch spoke about was Rhaenys Targaryen.

The crowds observed the former princess as she went to the Lord of Winterfell's side, the man smiling down at her as she did the same. Everyone in the courtyard had their eyes on her, watching her every move.

Would she be like her grandfather, or be like the girl in the songs? That was the question they were all asking themselves.

"Welcome, Lord Stark." approached a servant, bowing down to the man and then shakily turning towards the beautiful woman by his side, "Lady Rhaenys." Then turned back to the Lord, "Grand Maester Pycelle has called for a meeting of the Small Council. The honor of your presence is requested."

Eddard turned towards his ward, placing a hand on her shoulder, "Help the girls settle in. I'll be back in time for supper. Jory, you go with them."

"Yes, My Lord." nodded the soldier, the princess sending him a worried look before she left his side.

Rhaenys could feel it, the eyes on her that were deciding if she should be killed or not, if she was as dangerous as her grandfather. She really wished Jon would be by her side now as all the snakes surrounded her.