The Wolf and The Lion || Jaime Lannister

Ninety Two

Rayna

The last high lords and ladies of Westeros are seated in the Dragon Pit. Outside the broken walls of Kings Landing are tens of thousands of soldiers from the North, the Riverlands, the Westerlands, the Vale and the Reach who have declared for me and are prepared for battle. Bran has been left as Lord of Winterfell as we know there must always be in a Stark in Winterfell and he was quite happy not to have to take such a long journey. As a raven sits watching I know that he's here anyways.
Sam, Edmure, Dickon Tarly, Bronn, Sansa, Brienne, Davos, Gendry, Yara, Robin Arryn, Lord Royce, Maester Wolkan, the new Dornish Prince and a handful of other lords from the kingdoms I'm unfamiliar with sit around the pit. There are four empty chairs beside me. They are for my family and is Greyworm wants to use them for revenge then I will take them back even if I have to spill blood here today. However I am not Cersei nor am I Daenerys. I will offer peace but if he refuses it then I will have him killed where he stands and I will give the Dothraki and Unsullied the option to either live here peacefully or to return to their homeland. And if they accept neither option then I am prepared for that as well.
Greyworm who has taken it upon himself to succeed Daenerys as her commander finally enters the pit with only Tyrion.
"Where is my husband, my brother and my sister?" I ask stiffly as Tyrion can't meet my eye.
"They are our prisoners", he replies just as stiffly.
"They were to be brought to this gathering" Sansa says, the protectiveness that runs in our Stark blood showing.
"We will decide what we do with our prisoners!", Greyworm snaps "This is our city now and Rayna Stark was a traitor to Daenerys Targaryen and should be executed"
Sansa opens her mouth to speak but I raise a finger to silence her. This is my fight. The people sitting here today will elect me as their queen and they deserve to know exactly what type of ruler I am and how I deal with those who oppose me.
"She was not my queen so how could it be treason and you certainly do not have the authority to execute me", I laugh darkly as I still do not see my family "I came here for a peaceful negotiation to finally end this war but if you want to execute me and hold my family hostage then I have tens of thousands of men who will take this city by force. It's not like there's any civilians left that could be harmed. However fortunately for you I am not Daenerys and I don't slaughter a city regardless of whether or not they surrender"
"Enough!", Greyworm snaps and I can tell what Daenerys has done has made him unstable. He's torn between morality and loyalty "You conspired to assassinate Daenerys and when you failed you sent your brother and your sister here to ensure that she would be murdered"
"Actually no", I correct him "Yes I conspired to assassinate her to try to prevent exactly what she did but I was on my deathbed when my sister left Winterfell of her own accord to kill Cersei, not Daenerys but in the end they were both willing to slaughter the city so I understand if you got them confused. And if I am correct Jon fought alongside the Unsullied during the battle commanding Stark men who I sent south. I never gave him an order to kill her, he did that of his own accord to save innocent lives. My sister Arya therefore is innocent of any crime and you have no legal right to hold her. Bring her out and release her immediately and have my husband and my brother also brought out"
"This is my city, you cannot command me", he yells as he slams his spear on the ground.
"But she can", Sansa says as she looks around at the lords and ladies "Half of the people present support her claim as Queen of the realm"
"I don't", Yara objects "Some of you may be quick to forgive. The Ironborn are not. I swore to follow Daenerys Targaryen"
"As did Theon", I remind her as I fight tears at the memory "Then he swore himself to me, and he is buried in Winterfell as a Stark"
Her eyes soften and she lowers her gaze but her loyalties still laid with Daenerys, she will not forgive easily. Before she can resume arguing Sansa speaks.
"Bring the hostages out, let us see that they are still alive" she suggests diplomatically "Because if they aren't then we have the same right to take revenge as you do"
Greyworm yells orders at some of the fellow unsullied and we are silent as Jaime, Jon and Arya are brought out.
They are alive. Jaime and Arya are still covered in ash and soot weeks after the battle and both Jon and Jaime have grown beards in captivity. They are disheveled but alive and that is more than I expected when I came here.
I want to get out of my chair and run to them but nursing seven month old twins while also recovering from a stab wound makes that difficult.
Jaimes eyes tear up as he sees me, they silently beg for my forgiveness and I nod my head as I fight my own tears. Gods how could I possible be angry with him after this, all I've ever wanted is for him to come home to me and I'll me damned if I let Greyworm take him from me.
"My husband and my sister are innocent, remove the restraints", I order roughly as emotion begins to overwhelm me.
"No"
"You have the right to hold my brother but tell me on what charges are you holding my husband and my sister on because we can hold a trial if you wish", I offer.
"Conspiracy", he declares.
"And can you prove it?" I ask "Do you have any witnesses that can testify that they explicitly said Jon kill Daenerys or is your evidence all circumstantial"
Jaime gives me a small proud smile while Greyworm is deathly silent as he releases them.
I stand as Jaime runs over and wraps me in his arms, I flinch for a moment at the contact to my stomach but I don't care. As always for a moment it is only us in this world, nothing else exists, nothing else matters. I kiss my husband shamelessly and press my forehead against his.
"You're alright?" he asks anxiously "And the babies?"
"Fine, both fine", I promise him as he kisses my hand. I run my fingers through his hair "Gods look at you, the ash, are you hurt?"
"I'm alright sweetheart, you have a greater problem at the moment", he says as I look over his shoulder at Greyworm who is fuming. I protectively sit Jaime down beside me and Arya joins Sansa's side. I reach across and firmly take Jaimes hand as I struggle to meet Jon's eyes. Jon may have done this to save the realm from further slaughter but I was also part of the reason he slaughtered the woman he loves. However someone had to kill her, she was too far gone to be saved.
"You can not deny that Jon Snow murdered the queen in cold blood and must be punished", Greyworm declares "I demand execution"
"If you look outside the walls of your city, you'll find thousands of Northmen who will explain to you why harming Jon Snow is not in your interest", Sansa says.
"And you will find thousands of Unsullied who believe that it is", he replies and I keep in mind the army we saw when we came.
"Daenerys Targaryen freed us from a tyrant. Cersei is gone because of her, and Jon Snow put a knife in her heart. Let the Unsullied give him what he deserves", Yara spits.
"Say another word about killing my brother and I'll cut your throat", Arya threatens.
"Actually I'm the one who killed Cersei, Daenerys attacked the city and burned it after the bells had been rung for surrender", Jaime reveals and Yara quickly falls silent.
I decide it's time to get back to the negotiations.
"Greyworm if it weren't for you and your men, we would have lost the war with the dead. We are grateful to you and do not want more bloodshed. We want peace which is what this land needs. There is plenty of land that is unoccupied. Live in Westeros peacefully and begin your own house and take the unsullied as your bannermen, you can have Dragonstone if you wish. I extend this same offer to the Dothraki", I offer carefully but I know the look in his eyes. He won't settle for anything less than revenge.
"We do not need payment. We need justice. Jon Snow cannot go free!"
"It's not for you to decide", Tyrion interrupts.
"You are not here to speak!", Greyworm snaps and I'm surprised that he doesn't hit Tyrion "Everyone has heard enough words from you"
Tyrion nods "You're right and no one's any better for it but it's not for you to decide. Jon committed his crime here in Kings Landing but he is a citizen of the North and of the Queen in the North, never Daenerys. His fate is for his queen to decide or as I understand our queen"
Everyone turns to look at me.
"The realm doesn't officially have a ruler", Maester Wolkan begins "but Queen Rayna has laid claim to it on the basis of-"
"On the basis of my claim as well as her own", Jon says as he steps forward to address the people "I am the trueborn son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, the true heir to the Iron Throne. My father Ned Stark took me from my mothers arms as she died and swore to raise me as his own. By right of blood I should succeed Daenerys but I've never wanted a crown. So with you all as witnesses I name my sister Rayna Stark, the Queen in the North and the Lady of Winterfell and Casterly Rock as my successor and therefore abdicate my claim to the throne and surrender it to her. She has fought for the people of Westeros more than any other King or Queen has. She united at least half of the kingdoms as well as the Freefolk before she was even the Queen in the North and under her reign even more of the kingdoms fought together during the Long Night. She is harsh when needed and will not let injustice be tolerated but she is kind and has a genuine love for her people. Even now she is merciful. She has orchestrated battles and fought on the field beside her men and dealt with all the politics. She has the balance and skills a ruler needs and she already has two heirs on the way. My brother Robb named her as his heir before his death but it was through her strength and determination alone that she freed the North and became Queen. She is my Queen, now and always"
Tears fill my eyes as I want nothing more than to embrace my brother and promise him that I will not allow Greyworm to lay a hand on him. Even after these past years of fighting he is on my side. I would do anything for him and he would do the same for me.
"You're the most powerful people in Westeros", Tyrion begins as he addressing us "Do you support Rayna Stark as the Queen of the realm"
Jaime of course is the first to speak "As the Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West I do", he declares "She stood between her men and a dragon, I don't know anyone else who is braver or cares more for her men and her people. Every chance she has been given she makes every effort to reduce the loss of life, she even wrote to Cersei before the battle advising her to evacuate Kings Lansing and to Daenerys asking her not to use her dragon to forcefully take the city. She is my queen from this day until my last"
I squeeze his hand tightly and kiss the back of it. I was worried that he would be apprehensive about me claiming the throne but I should have known that in the end he will always be by my side. I just pray in ten years we will look back and know that today we have made the right choice.
"Daenerys Targaryen would have burned me alive if it wasn't for Queen Rayna standing between us and that dragon so Aye", Dickon says.
"She outplayed the best in the game and every one who stood against her is now dead, she's outlived the worst of the worst", Sansa says as she smiles proudly "Aye"
"Aye", Arya agrees.
"As newly appointed Lord of the Stormlands aye". Gendry says glancing towards Arya.
"Although I believe I may be more qualified she freed me from the Frey's and I owe my life to her", Edmure says "So aye"
"I have been sworn to the Starks for years and it has been an honour serving my Queen so aye", Brienne says.
"Aye", Robin says
"Aye", Lord Royce says.
"Not sure I get a vote but aye", Davos says with a small smile.
"She made me a lord and gave me a castle", Bronn says "Aye"
"Aye", Sam says.
"Aye", Maester Wolkan says.
Finally it comes down to the Prince of Dorne and Yara.
"In your letter you promised Dorne independence", he reminds me skeptically.
"And I will uphold that promise and Yara I will uphold the independence Daenerys promised you out of honour and also out of my love for Theon", I promise before deciding "I extend the offer of independence to any other kingdom who desires it. I will not force anyone to follow me"
They look amongst themselves but no one speaks up except for Gendry "You are the Queen we choose and most of the Kingdoms need leadership to rebuild after the war"
They all nod in agreement except for Yara and the Prince of Dorne.
"The Iron Islands will accept independence from the realm", she declares.
"As will Dorne", the prince agrees.
"So it is decided", Tyrion says smiling up at me proudly "Rayna of the House Stark, Queen of the North and how many kingdoms are there now?"
"The kingdoms haven't been reshaped in centuries, it was always the Seven Kingdoms when in reality there was nine", I realise "Let's see, the Kingdom of the Westerlands, the Reach, the Stormlands, the Vale, the Crownlands are in ruin but perhaps they can be rebuilt, and if the Riverlands wish to be independent from the North and finally it's own kingdom I will grant it"
Edmure takes a moment to consider "We will accept it"
"Six Kingdoms", Tyrion says but Sansa interrupts before he can say anymore.
"What about the North?" she asks "The Queen in the North should be in the North"
"I know", I say knowing I made this decision long ago "Which is why I name you as Queen in the North which will always remain an independent kingdom from the realm"
For a moment she's utterly speechless then she shakes her head "No"
"What?" I ask equally flabbergasted.
"You fought for the North, you sacrificed everything for it. You were willing to be executed for its independence. I will rule for you and accept the title of Queen regent but the North is yours your grace and your child will succeed you"
"Are you sure?" I ask in shock of how selfless she has become. She knows that I never wanted to give up the North for the realm.
"Yes" she decides without hesitation.
"Then it is decided", Tyrion says clapping his hands together "All hail Rayna of the House Stark, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm"
Although I knew coming here today I would be crowned the feeling of being the Queen of the realm is overwhelming. I just pray I can do a better job than my predecessors.
I look first to Jaime who I know will rule by my side and then to Sansa who I know will take care of the North. Then to Jon. To my dearest brother who I must save. Now that I am queen I have the power to save those I love. And I will.
"What about the criminals", Greyworm asks.
Letting them both go free may very well start a war but it is not one I'm not prepared to finish. However I don't want more blood to be spilled.
"Considering Jon Snow was the rightful King I dismiss the charges of treason against Tyrion Lannister", I declare knowing that what I'm saying is incorrect as Daenerys was queen by right of conquer but Greyworm doesn't know the law and I am not letting either Tyrion or Jon be harmed "If she was never the rightful queen then Tyrion couldn't have committed treason against her"
"He must be punished", Greyworm argues.
"Very well", I say knowing it's time to put on a show "Tyrion you have served as hand to two rulers if I am correct"
"Yes", he says nervously as he suspects where I am going with this.
"Then you will serve as my hand, you will remain by my side to fix the mistakes you have made"
"I don't want it", he immediately says "You saw how many mistakes I made with Daenerys"
"Exactly, now you can fix them", I say stiffly as I try to make this appear like a punishment to Greyworm. Tyrion suddenly understands what I'm trying to do.
"Please", he pleads "I would rather be sent to the wall than be stuck in this city having to serve another monarch, the last two I served went mad"
Out of the corner of my eye I see Jaime trying to suppress his laughter.
"The wall no longer stands and there is no purpose for the Nights Watch but if you would rather be sent to the wall than to serve as hand and clean up this city then naming you as my hand is the better punishment", I decide.
This way Tyrion can stay with Jaime and despite his recent failures with Daenerys he is a clever man and he is my family.
"It's not enough", Greyworm disputes.
"Well the Lords and Ladies of Westeros have put their faith in me to make the right decision and my decision is that as punishment for his mistakes he can spend his life fixing them which is the equivalent to a life sentence"
Greyworm grunts in protest but doesn't push the point. We both know Tyrion isn't the one he really wants punished. He frees Tyrion who gives me a subtle wink as he takes a seat beside his brother. 
"What about him?" he asks as he points his spear at Jon "He murdered the Queen and murder is punishable by death"
"It is", I acknowledge as I observe Jon. His eyes aren't filled with fear, he is exhausted and guilt ridden to the point he doesn't care what punishment he is given "However I am versed in the laws of Westeros and King Robert Baratheon pardoned Jaime Lannister for killing Aerys Targaryen who went mad and planned to blow up the city with wildfire and due to this reasoning he was pardoned. Jon Snow killed Daenerys Targaryen who slaughtered almost a million innocent people and burned the city. I find that his reasoning was well justified and using the precedent set by Robert I pardon Jon Snow for his crimes"
"I demand justice", he yells as he grips his spear tightly "If you allow my Queens murder to go unpunished we will declare war"
I look at Sansa and Arya. They want Jon free and everyone sitting here knows that what Jon did was right. Any sane person can see it. I cannot let my brother be punished after what he has done to save our family and the realm.
"Well good thing my army is already here", I say as Tyrion's eyes widen in alarm.
"Rayna don't", Jon says weakly "No more war, no more bloodshed"
My eyes find Briennes and I see the sword on her hip. Then my eyes flick to Greyworms spear.
"I do not want to start my reign with war", I say as I glance to those who elected me "Greyworm, what sentence would you find appropriate"
"Death", he immediately responds but I have something else in mind.
"You could exile him to behind the wall", Tyrion suggests but I will not exile my brother. I will not send him back there against his will.
"I will not deliver a sentence without a trial, however I know that whatever conclusion we reach in a trial you will deem unjust so I propose a trial by combat"
Jon is weak from captivity but he is one of the best swordsman I know and Greyworm is unhinged.
"Your Grace", Sam interrupts "King Tommen outlawed trial by combat"
"You mean the High Sparrow outlawed it", Jaime corrects bitterly "And our new queen can change that decision"
"And as Queen I find it a fitting conclusion to this war", I say knowing I personally disagree with trial my combat being legal but today it has to be. There is no other way Jon can earn complete freedom and not start a war "Greyworm do you accept?"
He wants revenge not justice and for him it's a personal vendetta "I accept"
"Jon, do you accept", I ask as my eyes silently plead with him to.
"I accept", he reluctantly agrees.
"Brienne give him your sword", I say knowing that it's a good weapon, forged from my fathers own sword.
"Yes your Grace"
I look at Jaime and he nods in silent assurance before he leans in close and his lips brush my ear.
"It's the only way you can appease the unsullied and the Dothraki without exiling him or sentencing him to death", he whispers "But can he win?"
"He has to"
"Rayna Jon is too weak", Sansa argues.
"I will be his champion", Arya volunteers but Jon shakes his head.
"No, I need to do this myself", he decides.
Sansa gives me a nervous glance which I try to ignore. Instead I look at Jon. He needs to do this. He needs to survive. I take a deep breath praying that I'm not making a mistake.
"Then let it begin"
Everyone holds their breath as Jon's sword clashes against Greyworms spear. They both have the weapons they are most accustomed to. Greyworm is fighting out of anger but Jon is fighting for survival. That is why Jon will win. Even so I find myself gripping Jaimes hand more tightly as the fight continues. Finally Greyworms anger overcomes him and as he forgets his technique to lash out at Jon he is disarmed and thrown to the ground. Jon stands over him panting and before he can plunge his sword through Greyworms heart I yell "Stop!"
Jon pauses and they all look at me in shock.
"The trial is over, Jon you are pardoned of any crimes", I decide as Greyworm finds his feet "Greyworm when I arrived you intended to have me executed and now I not only saved your life but I am allowing you to live the life you wish in accordance with the law. Make your home in Westeros or return to Bravos it is your decision. This is the mercy I shall show you, a mercy that you refused to grant my brother"
As Greyworm fumbles over words speechless at my decision I know I've made the right choice. My brother is free and I've avoided a war. He nods his head and excuses himself from the Dragon Pit without another word.
"Mercy", Tyrion says as he looks up at me proudly "You certainly are the queen we choose"
I glance at Jaime and he gives me a proud smile. I release his hand to stand and face my people.
"The war that began with my Fathers execution is finally over, now it is a time to rebuild and perhaps for the first time in the history of the realm finally live in peace"
I look up to the sky as snow begins to fall. It truly is a time for the wolves.

One last chapter to go