What if Ned Stark Married Cersei Lannister

What if Ned Stark married Cersei Lannister? Let's explore the depths of it in the video. As the smoke clears from Robert's rebellion, the rebel leaders regard their unexpected allies wearily. Ned Stark had arrived in the capital first, expecting a fight. But as his forces arrive at the gates of King's Landing, he finds it has already been seized, and the banners that flutter on the battlementss are not those of the Targaryenss, but the Lannisters. The horror only grows when he reaches the Red Keep and sees firsthand what the Lannisters have done. There are no words exchanged. There is no explaining. Simply the grizzly sight of the king dead at the foot of his throne and Jaime Lannister seated in his place. The sight of two young children covered in a Lannister cloak and Ellia Martell dead. There are no words to hide Ned's disgust. His call for justice. But justice does not come. When Robert and the rest of the army arrive to see what has been done, they are equally shocked. Even the battleh hardened veterans blanch at what they see. They pale and shake their heads, but they do not punish. Not with Taiwan Lannister among them. For all their silent condemnations, he was the one who secured the capital for them. There was no bloody siege, no storming of the castles, and now he must be appeased. Unlike the rest of them, his army is untouched by the fighting, and his men are prepared to fight. He wants Cersei to marry Robert, but the young lady refuses. Though she wanted to marry a prince, there was only one she had her eye on. She wanted Rhaegar with his silver hair, his sad voice, and his piercing violet eyes. Robert is nothing like that. And more importantly, he does not want to marry her. He doesn't want to marry anyone for that matter, save for Lyanna. John Aaron already has his young bride, which leaves only one option, Ned Stark. It is a compromise no one is satisfied with. After seeing their actions in the sack, the last thing Ned wants to do is reward them. Conversely, Tywin sees this match as a significant downgrade, almost like an insult. Winterfell is a powerful seat, but distant and far from being the wealthiest. Yet, they see no better alternative. It brings the Lannisters into the fold and allows Tywin to at least come back with something. John Aaron sees this and tries to talk to Ned about it, finding him at top the castle walls. What I ask of you is difficult, and I'm sorry for that. It is not the difficulty that bothers me, my lord. It is this whole business. How can you possibly reward Lord Tywin? He was not with us in the trident. He wasn't the one who smuggled us from house to house in Goldtown. He certainly wasn't with us when my father burned. That alone is bad enough, but this it is monstrous. I know. I envy you, Northerners, for never having to deal with this. But that is politics of the South. Believe me, my boy, I like this as much as you, but war demands difficult decisions. It is why it makes monsters of us all. I never thought it could mean a decision like this. I thought it made us monsters on the battlefield. If only, my friend, but that is perhaps only the place where it begins, not where it ends. Consider this my last lesson to you, my boy. The battlefield demands you sacrifice your blood and body. But everything that leads up to it and what comes after that demands your soul, you need not accept. But you should know the consequences of refusing. Lord Tywin is a proud man and will not take kindly to that. He will stew and brood over it. He may even rally the other loyalists to his side. So are you prepared to fight him if that happens? Ned closes his eyes, thinking of those words and considering what they could mean. But his mind is already made up. Later that day, the announcement is made that they will move forward with the marriage pact. Right from the start, there are issues with them. Ned and Cersei cannot be more different. The Lord of Winterfell is grim, quiet, and eventeered. The Lady of Castle Rock is loud, angry, impulsive, and vindictive. Even the ceremony proves to be a battleground. As Tywin wishes for a public ceremony in the Red Keep, but Ned wishes for something quiet, both out of preference and to show solidarity with those who suffered in the war. A simple ceremony in the King'swood is the compromise, one that only annoys Cersei further. If that isn't bad enough, another humiliation piles on when Ned reveals Jon Snow is his supposed bastard. All of this poisons their marriage before it even begins. Unsurprisingly, neither is happy with this arrangement. They spend as little time with each other as they can, with Cersei using the wealth her father sends to her to throw lavish feasts and balls. Life in the north is quite different from the pomp of the south, so she strives to recreate it as best she can there. Still, there is no gold, no influence, no Jaime there. Ned is not ignorant of her suffering, though, and makes some attempts to accommodate her. While unhappy, he is still courteous and gives her the attention she needs. He tries to speak with her, tries to purchase gifts, and to make Winterfell more hospitable. Yet, none of this appeases his wife. Part of that is due to Jon's presence. Having a bastard and one sired right before their marriage is a slight Cersei can never forgive. Not when he is always there, as Ned insisted on caring for him as if he were his child. The fact that he would be the eldest is also something that does not escape her. Still, their marriage does produce two children. The elder of them is Raa, a girl with dark hair and the same long face as Ned. Though she has her mother's green eyes, they are quiet and almost sad like her father's. Ra grows up to be quiet, stern, and also brave and skilled with knives, a skill her father notices from a young age. Her brother is a different sort, named Jason by Cersei. He bears a strong resemblance to the Lannisters with fair features, blonde hair, and a confident demeanor. The only hint of his father in him is his deep gray eyes. Compared to the other Starks, Jason is affable and hot-blooded. In some ways, it reminds Cersei of Jaime and Ned of Brandon. He takes quickly to the sword and horsemanship. Unsurprisingly, Cersei dotes on her youngest, his familiar features reminding her of home and of Jaime. She spoils him with rich gifts, expensive lessons, and even suggesting he can be fostered in Castly Rock. Ned rejects the last of these outright, leading to a big fight between the two. But in the end, the Lady of Winterfell can do little more than sulk, as her husband is not one to give in so easily. The closest compromise they can come to is having him awarded in White Harbor, where the Manderlys are as close to Southerners as the North gets. He spends time with all three kids, loving them equally. He makes sure Jon is treated like his son, that Raa receives an education just like her brothers, and that Jason's ferocity is tempered with honor. While Tywin takes an interest in Jason, another lord takes interest in Ra, Roose Bolton. The Lord of the Dread Fort notices her skills with a blade and her sharp mind and helps in training her. While Ned is reluctant to let her ward alone, knowing that Roose always has his agenda, he instead sends Jon to accompany her to keep his sister safe and partially to appease Cersei, who always wanted to get rid of her. The training in the Dread Fort is nothing quite like they have seen. Roose's cold eyes always seem to be watching them, unnerving even Jon, who already shows promise with a sword. The teachings he gives them are twisted versions of what they received from Ned. Whereas Ned teaches them about the history of the north, of its kings and houses and the werewwoods, Roose teaches them about the darker parts. He tells them stories of human sacrifice, of the dark rituals the Northmen performed to battle the children of the forest, freefolk, and the Andals. While Ned spoke of honor and how it guided their people, Roose spoke of cunning, of the willingness to do what was necessary, even if it was considered dishonorable. Bran the burner was honorable. He honored his family so much that he burned his entire fleet to pay tribute to him. Meanwhile, we have Torren Stark, who knelt before the dragons after the gathering of his armies. I know Lord Eddard speaks highly of his wisdom, but do you think that it was honorable to surrender without a fight? But what could he do? He was simply going to try and fight the dragons with his forces. It would have been more dishonorable if he threw away the lives for the sake of fighting a lost battle. Indeed, we say that now, centuries later, when we've seen the effects, we can call it honor. But back then, men would have gladly called him a craven beneath his cups for that. Yet, what is honor truly? Just a word, a label people used to describe things so they may somehow consider it right. It is how good men differ from cravens, traitors, and monsters. That is a pretty little ring you put on, young lord. And yet, who dictates what is honorable? It seems that depends on each person to justify what they do. >> Like chivalry in the south with their knights. >> Indeed, young lady. >> I a knight is charged with defending the weak in serving their king. But what if the king decides he wants small folk decorating the walls of his battlement? Wars are not won by honor. >> Then how are they won? They are won not by honorable fools, but men who are tranquil as a forest, but with fire within. Men find their center are sure to win, who bring the force of a great typhoon, the strength of a raging fire, and mysterious as the dark side of the moon. Even his fighting lessons are different than Ned's. While Ned does show them how to survive and fight well, he focuses only on fighting with a sword. How to fight to defend and using standard martial arts. Roose is a different sort. He shows them every dirty trick in the book to throw sand in their opponent's faces, strike with hidden knives, and that teeth and nails are as valuable a weapon as any. He even puts these lessons to practice by having the two learn to execute criminals. Yet, Roose puts in everything he has to train them. He proves to be unconventional, but not untalented. The leech lord does not praise or curse them. His methods might seem strange, but they find no fault in it, and they even make sure to keep Ramsay away from Raa. Meanwhile, Jason trains with the Manderlys, learning all the chivalry and nightly training a young boy from the south could. Lord Wyman wastes no expense on giving the youngest stark tutors, trainers from across the seven kingdoms. They teach him history, philosophy, and politics. By the time they return, they appear drastically different. Ra is taller, slender, and with a cool look in her eyes. Jason is always laughing, looking prim and polished, like a knight riding right out of his story book. Yet, Ned loves them both fiercely. He continues to spend time with them, thanking Jon for all he's done, talking to Rick about her experiences, letting her be vulnerable in keeping Jason grounded when he goes overboard. Cersei continues to channel all her affection towards her youngest, praising him for his skills with a horse and lance, showing him off to other lordlings. She whispers to him that there will come a time when Winterfell is his and he must do whatever it takes to claim it. But the plans to inherit anything are put aside as Ned receives a mission from John Aaron, the hand of the king. He talks about a growing crisis in court, an uncertainty that hangs over them as they consider what might happen when Robert dies. At first, Ned is stunned as Robert isn't even 40 yet. But the more he reads, the more he understands. While he is not that old, he has let himself go, throwing himself into feasting instead of ruling. And many wonder how long he will last. More importantly, many wonder about the question of succession. There is a growing issue in the court about who shall succeed him after he dies. As Robert had chosen not to marry after the death of Lyanna, he is without a child. While Stannis would be the legal heir, few seem willing to accept him. He lacks charisma, appears distant, and rules from the isolated seat of Dragonstone. However, he cannot command authority thanks to his marriage to Catelyn Tully. On the other hand, Renley has also put himself forward as a claimant. He insists that Robert should consider naming him as legal heir. Unlike Stannis, Renley is charming, approachable, and popular with the nobles in commons. He is also well-connected as he has wed the daughter of Mace Tyrell, Marjgery. This gives him vital control of the south. Factions are starting to form in court between them and others who might have ideas on who should rule the seven kingdoms. When he tried to bring this matter up with Robert, he grew insensed, but simply ordered Jon to handle it. That is why he is coming to Ned, suggesting that he could help mediate the situation. He is a respected confidant of Robert as one of his oldest friends. They know that he will serve honestly and the king will listen to him. Just as importantly, he is one of the only ones who did not involve himself in the situation and can appear impartial. So, he asks Ned to act as arbiter. No one is more excited about this than Cersei. At last, she has a chance to return south and insists that Ned take Jon's offer. >> My lord, surely you can see the importance of this task. It is a sign of trust. The king is depending on you to help him to serve the realm. You cannot possibly say no. >> I am happy to serve here. Surely other men can handle such a task. People are more qualified. >> There aren't. You've been south. You know how politics are. You are the only one who can truly be trusted in handling such a task. You are the one who can be trusted to remain impartial. >> Ned eyes's wife suspiciously. She has never been so earnest about anything. >> Yes, you were correct. I'm familiar with the south. So, let me ask you this. What is it that you have to gain from me accepting this offer? If you have something to gain, then I might not be able to claim I am impartial. >> Me? I have the chance to have something more than snow and forests. I have the chance to see my family and return home. Is that so much to ask? >> No, I suppose not. Very well. I can have Rick accompany me. It would be good if I were accompanied by my eldest. >> H a wise thought. Although I might recommend Jason instead. He is more accustomed to our culture and Ricker is more comfortable in the north. Some might see her as too grim in the south. Ned frowns. He wants to argue with Cersei on that point, but at the same time he can find no fault in her argument. He sends word to his daughter, now turning 15, that she will be the lady of Winterfell for the time being. To help her, Roose Bolton volunteers to guide her. As does Jon vowed to ensure the North will remain safe under their hands. The sun beats down on the gilded spires of King's Landing as the Starks party rides through the capital's gates. Dust rides from the cobbled streets beneath the hooves of their horses, and the crowds part before them, drawn by curiosity and a tinge of awe. It is not every day that the Lord of Winterfell arrives in the capital, flanked by the banners of both Wolf and Lion. Ned rides at the front, his face solemn. Beside him, Cersei seems to come alive again, sitting proud and regal in the saddle. She drinks in the adoration of the crowd like a woman starved, her smile poised and dangerous. Beside them rides Jason, goldenhaired and laughing easily, already waving to the people like a prince returning home. His confidence draws cheers from the gathered small folk, especially the women. At top the steps of the Red Keep, King Robert waits, his beard has grown unruly, his girth more pronounced, but his smile is as wide as ever. He descends with a booming laugh and opened arms, embracing Ned like a brother. Seven hells. You've taken your time. I was beginning to think you got lost in the snow. Thank you for doing this. You've sent me to the south. You grace. I thought I should take time to Thor. Robert barks a laugh and turns his attention to Jason, who dismounts and bows. >> So, this is the boy. Lannister face, stark eyes. You'll have to beat the ladies off with a stick, lad. >> Jason beams. Cersei watches closely. Pleased with the attention her son receives, she steps forward and inclines her head with just enough deference to seem respectful. >> We are honored to be welcomed your grace. It has been too long. >> I too long indeed. >> Inside the Red Keep, the air is cooler, but no less tense. The court is divided. Factions loyal to Stannis whisper sternly in corners with his narrow sea and riverland allies. While the Tyrell aligned Cortiier's favor Renley, the king's health is not openly discussed, but it is a shadow that darkens every hall. Ned wastes no time. He meets with John Aaron first, listening as the old man lays out the fractures forming beneath the realm. Later, he requests a private council with Robert. The king is already halfway through a flag of wine, but he still listens. So, what's your wisdom, old friend? You're here to make peace between the stags. There is no peace to be had unless you secure the realm's future. And that means a proper heir. You have no sons in marriage. But you do have children, Robert. Acknowledged bastards. Children you've seen and claimed. Edric Storm, Maya Stone. They're good enough. Better than most highborn brats, I'd wager. But legitimizing bastards. The lords will howl. Some already do. But if it is stability they want, they will accept it. Edric is young and unspoiled. Foster him here in the capital. Let him be groomed to lead, raised by the best minds. Make it known that you have a succession plan, and many factions will fall in line. Neither Renley nor Stannis can truly be upset. Both will fall in line, especially if you allow them to teach him. They still have a role in the future with your blessing. Am I? Before Ned can answer, Cersei speaks from the doorway. She has entered unannounced, but neither man is surprised. >> Maya is older. She is your first born, the one you have spent the most time with. Surely, she must be considered. >> And a girl. The lords were like this no more than the way Rene was proposed during the dance of dragons. >> What if she's a girl? She could have potential. If your brothers argue, she could marry Sir Edmure or Garlin and take an ally from them. >> And here I thought you were against bastards. I was against yours, but they are no longer bastards, are they? Not if we agree. Surely you can agree, husband. You raised your bastard as your own. Why should this girl be denied that honor? >> Ned frowns, suspecting some deeper game. Maya was Robert's first, and he did love her. It is not what he intended, but it may serve. Then let it be done. Legitimize by royal decree. Let the court see there is order and a plan. The next day, ravens are sent. Declarations are written. By royal command, Edric Storm and Maya Stone are declared trueborn children of King Robert Baratheon. Edric is brought to King's Landing under the care of Sir Barristan, while Maya is to be summoned from the veil. Later, in her private chambers, Cersei speaks to Jason alone. The torches cast warm shadows on the golden walls, and the air smells of sweet wine and myrr. >> She will be pretty, this, but not too clever. You will charm her easily. >> Is that all this is? What of it, >> my darling boy? If she is legitimized, she has royal blood now. And if she is married to you, well, the people might whisper >> that I could stand as part of the Iron Throne. >> And with that, the crown. You are brave, intelligent, and bold. Winterfell is a snowcapped fortress, hardly a seat worthy of you. Why not rise higher? Take more. Leave it to your grim oldest sister, and instead focus on building something more. Jason's breath catches and she smiles at his silence. It is enough. He has to admit it has an exciting prospect. From his days at White Harbor, he's long admired the stories of the South. He's heard the tales of Lord Wyman and his tutors, of the fertile valleys, the rich forests, and he's wanted it. He thought visiting here would be easy enough, but what his mother proposed would chisel his name into history for centuries to come. The first Stark to sit on the Iron Throne, and all it would take was succeeding a young lady. easily done. But when she retires later that night, it is not her son's chamber she visits. Down quiet halls she walks, where the guards know better than to speak. She finds Jaime alone in his quarters, still removing his armor. He looks up, startled, only for a moment. Then, without words, they're in each other's arms again, as if no years had passed, as if nothing had changed. Except everything has. With this announcement, their worries that the Lord's reaction proves true. Many are upset by this declaration. They cry out on the breaking point of precedent. Some whisper resentment between brothers and others say they will not be supported by a bastard, but Ned and Robert quiet at things. Stannis and Renley both initially seethed at it, but they sit down and explain how both have a role in the future. They can play as his teachers and help shape young Edric and Maya. Robert may even allow them to foster Dragonstoneone in Storm's End. It is far from the declaration they had hoped for, but it is at least something. Both brothers agree and the two children are summoned into the capital. With that, Ned wishes to return home, believing his job is done. Yet, the rest of the council disagrees. Ned might have brokered the peace deal, but it remains fragile. His presence is needed to help maintain it and ensure it is followed, at least for a time. Even Cersei joins this chorus of voices, urging Ned to serve the realm in this final thing so that he does not have to worry about Robert's succession. With great reluctance, he announces he will remain and given an honorary position in the small council. Meanwhile, Cersei also sends letters to her father highlighting her plan. She hopes that by securing a marriage alliance with Maya Stone, they might be able to crown her with the backing of the North and Westerlands. The Veil would also likely support one of their own, giving them just as many soldiers, a Renley, and an opportunity to at last claim the Iron Throne. It is an ambitious plan, and surprisingly, Tywin agrees to it. He sees the merit and gives his support. Soon enough, the royal bastards arrive from the Stormlands in the veil. Both of them are immediately thrust into their roles as prince and princess. It is a whirlwind of action as Robert and John Aaron hastily explain everything that is happening to them. The rest immediately begin to tutor the two, showing them what their new roles will entail. For Edric, who is from a noble family, he has an easier time adapting as he's gone through all this before. It also helps that he's similar to Robert in many ways. He's charming, brave, and good-looking. Many take a liking to him, and even Stannis admits he shows promise in his lessons. Renley spends more time with him as they have gotten to know each other in Storm's End. >> Lady Maya, welcome to King's Landing. I hope you didn't lose your breath climbing down from your mountain, Eerie. And yet, for once, his charms do not have their desired effect on her. Though lowborn, Mia has gotten used to dealing with arrogant knights in the veil. So, she simply rolls her eyes and waves him off. This leaves Jason fuming that he was rejected. A part of him wants to get upset and shout at her like his mother would. But instead, he recalls what Lord Wyman taught him about how a disarming smile can get him more than a curse ever could. Instead, he makes himself hang back and bites his time. Despite that, the first few weeks are rough for her. Maya is a different story. She finds herself out of place in this world of court and nobility. The girl's speech is common. She lacks training and etiquette, and she doesn't seem interested in spending much time with the nobles. A mutual feeling. Her arrival causes a stir among the lords, though many pretend otherwise. Yet, she's King Robert's daughter now, and that makes her dangerous in a city where power is both bloodline and weapon. The only person she comes to trust is Stannis, who is the most understanding of her situation. He understands her disdain for nobility and does not force her to take part in anything she doesn't want to. Jason Stark greets her at the gates of Mag's Holdfast. He is dressed finely, adorned with the silver and gray of House Stark, trimmed in gold. His smile is disarming and polished like a sword pommel. He bows low, perhaps a little too low, and flashes a grin that would melt lesser hearts. He laughs. She does not, but the stiffness between them is not entirely unpleasant. There is friction, yes, but it sparks. The first meeting plants something small and dangerous in both of them. Over the next weeks, Jason continues the work his mother began. He still chats with Mia, trying to win her over. His jokes are bold, even arrogant, but never cruel. Yet for a time, Mia continues to reject him. She would rather do things alone, not trusting the nobles and instead trying to stand on her own two feet. Seeing this, Jason changes tactics. One day, after another day of sitting in court, Maya trudges back to her quarters when something skids across the floor and stops at her feet. It is a wooden sword. Jason appears from the end of the sparring yard and grins. Nothing like a match after a long day at court. Trust me, I know. >> I'm not in the mood to spar. I'm tired. >> Tired? That's good. Nothing gets your blood pumping more than a duel. >> By the seven, you're annoying. >> Then imagine whacking me with that sword. >> Maya shakes her head, but then picks up her sword. >> All right, let's do it. >> It's a weighted blade, so pace yourself, >> please. I was climbing mountains while you were still your small clothes. >> Laughing, Jason flicks his wrist and sends Maya stumbling back. She quickly catches herself and grins. Their swords soon begin to ring out across the sparring field. After that, they begin to spend more time together. Jason opts to escort Maya to court, not because he finds her helpless, but because his presence adds weight and makes others reconsider their judgment of her. He soon sits beside her during meals, and the two are often seen chatting amicably across the palace grounds. Their courtship becomes the talk of the capital. Some find it romantic to have two fresh nobles, royal-blooded and young. Others see only a carefully laid trap. In truth, Cersei is delighted. From behind the scenes, she orchestrates invitations, flattering letters, and subtle reminders of Mia's new place. Cersei arranges lessons, etiquette tutors, and language instructors, and lets her orbit the court with Jason as her guide. Together, they become a spectacle, northern charm, and veil steel. The court eats it up. But not everyone is charmed. Brenley Baratheon watches all this with increasing suspicion. At first, he dismisses the legitimization of Robert's bastards as harmless gestures. a bit of sentimental overcompensation and that he will be the power behind the throne. But then he sees the momentum behind it, the royal attention, the alliance with the Starks, the way the lords begin to speak Jason's name with interest. That's when Renley begins to dig. He knows the court better than most. The guards in the hall, the washerwoman, the cup bearers. Renley makes friends easily, and where charm fails, he uses gold. Slowly, discreetly, he begins to set his net in place. His spies watch the halls of Magers hold fastfast. The queen's movements, her meetings. Eventually, one of them brings him word. Whispers of late night meetings between the queen and Sir Jaime. Too frequent, too secret, too familiar. Renley smiles when he hears it. He now has the seeds. He waters them so they may bloom. Renley discreetly offers rewards to the castle staff who might offer something more, something tangible. And soon the rumors arrive. He discovers more. A chambermaid sees Cersei leaving the white sword tower in the dark of night. A wine boy overhears a conversation behind a tapestry. He looks like you. He could have been yours. Remley begins to connect the threads. The golden boy, the lady of Winterfell's favorite son, was groomed to marry a newly legitimized Baratheon princess and placed in the capital under Ned Stark's care. A northern son with a Lannister face and Stark name. Poised to inherit not just Winterfell, but perhaps more. He begins to spread the idea subtly, letting the seed grow in quiet conversations over wine. Rumors of strange visits from Cersei to her brother. Of course, it could just be her missing her family. But what if there is more? That question draws more eyes, and soon the whispers multiply, and the lords now talk about it over dinner tables, in bed, in their cups. And with that, another rumor grows. The Starks and Lannisters strange bedfellows. The queen still tied to her brother. And now two royal bastards are placed just close enough to the throne to matter. How convenient that Ned Stark is the one to propose it. Renley decides to strike publicly calling for the command of legitimizing bastards to be rescended. He says that as master of law, he cannot judge this declaration to be lawful given the conflict of interests the Starks and Lady Cersei have when they announced it. Instead, he insists it was a self-serving scheme to elevate their son to the Iron Throne. The Reach and Stormlanders rally behind him. They urge Robert to reconsider, saying that he is being manipulated and these people are trying to take advantage of him. They urge him to send the bastards back. Yet, this is the wrong thing to say. Robert might have his disagreements, but he loves those children and he would not humiliate them by sending them away or making them bastards once more. He does not even disinherit them. He trusts Ned Stark's actions. When Renley tries to bring this up to Robert in front of the court, he at last loses his temper. >> Ned Stark has been more of a brother than you have. I will not reject his word over some rumors. So you can save your ambition. My ambition? And what about the ambition of these lions and wolves? Will you simply let them tear at your flanks until there is nothing left? What about how they shame your crown with what they do beneath your nose? What are you talking about? Those rumors. You know which ones? Robert curses and orders Renley out, but he has heard of the rumors regarding Jaime and Cersei, and they leave him furious. not at Ned, but at Cersei, whom he assumes is cheating on him. He demands an investigation and secretly has Sir Mandin watch the White Tower for any signs of activity. And soon enough, the Knights confirm everything. He tells him how they have spotted Sir Jaime approaching the White Tower's door in the dead of night to open it and allow Cersei inside. But before Robert can act on it, he dies. No one knows whose house, only that when his chamber maid finds him the next day, they see him with his throat slit. Some whisper that it is Renley who was insensed by the way Robert spoke to him. Others claim it's Cersei after hearing of the illicit affair she has been having. Others still claim it is Stannis who hopes at last to seize power while his rivals are fighting. But what happens next is not disputed. Fighting breaks out all over the city between Lannisters, Stormlanders, and Rivermen. They clash on the streets, turning it into a great melee. Amidst the chaos, Renley managed to slip out and call his banners. And so did Stannis. Even worse, he spirits Maya to Riverrun. It pains him to abandon the capital, but it is too close to the Stormlands and away from his army in the Riverlands. In the great hall of High Garden, beneath banners of gold and green, Renley Baratheon places a cirlet at top the brow of Edric Baratheon, who kneels as solemnly as a boy of 13 can. The crowd erupts. Lords of the Reach raise cups while storm lords beat swords against shields. King Edric, first of his name, they cry. Behind the boy, Renley smiles. one hand on his shoulder, the other gripping the hilt of his sword. In Riverrun, Edmir grants them passage and welcomes the queen. Here, the Tullies can call their banners to war, offering their swords. Some bend the knee, some hesitate, but enough. They are soon won over as Stannis tightens his hold on the Riverlands. Reinforcements from the Crownlands and the Narrow Sea stiffen that control. Ned Stark sends ravens and so does John Aaron. Cersei sends envoys. Stannis burns every offer unopened. They speak of unity now. The Lannisters lay with traitors. Ned Stark stood idle as the realm was poisoned. John Aaron, for all his wisdom, let them breed chaos beneath his own roof. I will not make peace with weakness. Maya pleads with him. Some of them want peace. Jon, Aaron, and Ned were kind to her. They helped protect her. Then they'll kneel to it. I will not fight them, but until they swear faltty, I cannot accept. With Stannis sealing the Riverlands and Renley crowned, the Lannisters strike first. Tywin orders a preemptive strike on the Reach Army gathering in High Garden. He leads close to 20,000 men, while a second host forms under Sir Jaime's command to strike at the Riverlands. But he isn't the only one leading the charge with John Aaron and Ned not supporting this war. Neither officially sanctions calling their banners. However, in his time in the capital, Jason has managed to make connections. many looking at him fondly as the best and brightest of his generation. A Jaime Lannister or Loris Tyrell in the making. When he announces he will defend Maya Baratheon's honor and calls for aid, thousands of young knights, second sons, free riders, and lesser lordlings sign up. They'll flood from the veil and north, coming in groups from a few dozen to over a thousand. Soon he manages to raise an army of almost 7,000 men, which he marches into the Riverlands. He swiftly takes the castle of Derry, dueling Sir Ryman and executing him. However, he sends word out to the rest of the Riverlands, proclaiming his intentions. He reaffirms Maest's right as queen like Stannis, but insists the middle Baratheon had kidnapped her unlawfully, and they wish to take her back to the capital. With the Knights of the Veil and the men of the North riding behind him, and the Lannisters reaffirming their support of him, he gains more riverfolk as some houses there pledge themselves to him. He rides with fire in his heart, eager to prove himself to carve his name into history. It is like a great blaze has been lit within him. Cell swords and riverfolk rally to him, swayed by his words and by gold discreetly provided by Littlefinger, who sees in Jason a vessel for chaos and opportunity. Battle after battle, Jason wins ground in the Riverlands despite being outnumbered. He captures several minor castles and turns his foothold of Derry into a stronghold. His lions hold. His cavalry strikes fast and brutal. Men whisper of a commander born from both ice and gold. He manages to crush Lord Vance's host, capture Lord Goodbrook, and defeat Hullman Page's support columns. But against Stannis, it is a different story. The Lord of Dragonstone cares little for glory and simply fights by starving him out. He burns the fields of houses that switch sides and blocks his river crossings. This begins to grind down his offensive and then sends counter raids to begin striking at Jason's rear. This strategy is effective and would stop him in his tracks if Sir Jaime did not arrive with his second host. They burst through the west and swiftly capture Pink Maiden while its lord is with Stannis and presses deeper toward Riverrun. The Riverlords begin to bend under pressure. John Aaron uses the Aaron fleet to strike at the Stormlands and try to force Renley to come to peace, but Renley refuses. Edric is his king now. Every retreat is seen as cowardice. Every compromise as betrayal. Skirmishes erupt along the Rainwood. And in time, Jon's army begins to burn the countryside. Not out of cruelty, but necessity. Yet, this only hardens Renley's resolve. This drags off more men, and those who refuse are reluctant to fight fellow Veilmen. This leaves his hands tied. Meanwhile, Ned cannot provide aid as he is charged with protecting King's Landing. Merchants flee. Gold vanishes. Famine grips the city. The gates of King's Landing are closed more to keep people in than out. But then thunder rules from the north. Ra Stark, House Frey, sends missives, demanding to know the purpose of the crossing. Ra tells the late Walder Frey that she is there to bring her brother to heal. While all of this had been happening south, Ra had been guarding the wall alongside Roose Bolton. They had beaten back several wildling attempts to storm the wall and driven Mance's host back. With Jason taking many of the young men with him, Raa was left with the Greybeards, the Mountain Clans, and the most savage men. Alongside her brother, they had used them to bring order to the north, crushing Nance's host and giving him an offer. Fight for her and win the right for his people to cross or freeze beyond the wall. Now, the daughter of ice and war arrives at the head of a hardened host. Their armor is blackened, dented, and their banners bear not just the direwolf, but painted symbols of Bolton flares, wildling sigils and mountain clans. With her rides Jon Snow, who had been her constant companion, fighting alongside her beyond the wall, now he fights for something else. Like the other young men who journeyied south, he seeks to earn his fortune and claim a castle of his own. Ra has promised him land, title, and to keep, he only has to help her end the war. Together, they storm south. The Freys waste no time in letting them through. And the Northmen fall upon the smaller armies. Bands of raiders disappear for days only to reappear strung up on trees. Their bodies flayed and their mouths stuffed with the goods they had tried to steal. Villages fighting for the Lannisters and Jason are given a choice to resist. But Raa will allow the wildlings to rampage across the town if they are taken or to yield and live. She cuts her way down south to Riverrun, where her wildlings and mountain clans march ahead, burning supply trains, positioning wells and surrounding isolated camps. She fights like a wolf among cattle. In battle, Raa is willing to sacrifice entire units of men for the sake of victory. She fights closer to a Bolton rather than a Stark. Gladly throwing aside honor for the sake of victory. Meanwhile, Jon is by her side, leading the Greybeards as shock troops. They strike where the line is fragile and murder officers. This finally forces Jaime to confront her, facing her army of 10,000 with his 12. Jon takes the center at the edge of the woods bearing Rick's flag. While Jaime rushes to confront them and slay the Stark girl. And yet, as they reach the midway point between the forest, arrows explode from the trees and rain down upon his army. Jaime<unk>s army is thrown into chaos as riders scramble for cover, scattering from the storm. Many are thrown off and others retreat. Some try to rush into the forests to confront the archers, but are faced with wildling raiders. While they are in chaos, Jon commands a charge and they swarm Jaime<unk>s battered host. Jaime Lannister is found with his horse killed underneath him. He is wounded and Jon along with several men rush forward and hacks him down. The death of the king slayer shatters Lannister morale. Ra does not press the advantage. Instead, she sends ravens to Stannis, sending word that she has come to aid her father. as that means supporting him. She demands that they first come to terms. Stannis sees that the tide has turned. With Jaime dead, Cersei's position collapses. Jason retreats. It shows that they are not working for Cersei. At last, Stannis agrees to parlay. Thunder echoes above the Riverlands as the last great powers of the realm gather beneath the stone walls of Riverrun. What began with whispers and treason has now become a bloody reckoning. Inside the Tully Great Hall, torches burn low, casting long shadows on the faces of those who have survived. Lord Stannis Baratheon stands rigid, gaunt from the war, but unyielding. Across him, Edard Stark sits wearily, cloaked in the blood and mud of war he never wished to fight. John Aaron, pale and older now, watches quietly from his chair, flanked by Veilman Bannerman, survivors of a bitter campaign in the Stormlands. And at the center of the room, fresh from the field, is Ricka Stark, dark curls bound tight. Beside her stands Jon Snow, hood lowered, eyes sharp and unreadable and Roose Bolton. Stannis breaks the silence first. We are here to end it, not to crown pretenders. That is precisely why we are here. You supported Ma because of the king's decree, and we have honored that. But you will not raise her as queen alone. Edric was also legitimized. >> Edric is raised by Renley. >> The children must be raised away from ambition. Their legacy must be peace, not blood. Stannis's jaw tightens, but he does not object. Convince Renley of that, and I will agree. But first, that upstart son of yours. >> Leave him to me. >> Ned's eyes widen when he hears this, and he reaches out. Ra's eyes soften when she sees this. >> He's my brother. I won't shame him by letting these southerners kill him. >> With the support of the Riverlands, they now march out to confront Jason. The first few clashes are probing strikes against his army. But these clash with Jason. Those military strikes are nothing to snuff at. He launches ferocious counterattacks each time Rick sorts out. The battles are fierce as the Northmen who follow him gladly run down the wildlings on Rick's army while the river folk slaughter each other eager to settle old scores. Soon enough, this leaves hundreds dead, but Ra is no closer to defeating her brother. While she could potentially wear him down through attrition, that would take too long. And she suspects that her allies do not have the patience for that. So instead, she gives orders to Yan Royce and some of the other Veil lords. If they may not be defeated in battle, she might induce them to defect. She orders that they seize the families and villages of the men who march with Jason. Fathers seize their sons wives. Orlings descend upon villages and declare martial law. Noble children are arrested and used as hostages. The response is immediate as hundreds of veilmen immediately throw down their arms and surrender. Others hurry back to their homes to rescue loved ones. But all this leaves Jason with a rapidly shrinking army. Once his army's soft underbelly is exposed, Raa strikes. The sky is dark with smoke as Rick Stark surveys the battlefield from the ridge above the Mandervail. Below her, Jason Stark's army, a force once proud with banners of gold and silver, now lies frraid and desperate. Roar Royce tries to rally the flanks with the remaining Veilmen, but faces off against the furious charge of the Riverfolk, who are eager for revenge from the chaos they've caused. On the other side, Manderly Knights lead the Northmen against the masses of dread for men and loyalists of Rick. Now, with Jason's flanks unraveling, Jon Snow leads the charge. He rides at the front of the Greybeards, grizzled old warriors stiffened by wildlings from beyond the wall, mounted on shaggy northern horses draped in scavenged mail. Their war cries are guttural, half wild, and echo down the valley like a storm breaking >> with me. For the north, for the wolf. >> They slam into the enemy's center like a thunderbolt. Shields splinter. Men scream. Jon cuts down a mounted knight and doesn't slow. The Greybeards hack through the vanguard with ruthless efficiency, fighting without regard for their lives. When one falls, the others simply march over him. Some even laugh as they are run through. One wildling who was impaled through the chest pulls the spearman with him, so they both topple to the ground. Their ferocity is more than a match for Jason's center, which breaks, opening a gap in the heart of the enemy line. Rick leads the charge immediately, galloping through, accompanied by steel shanks and a picked guard. The northern line descends like wolves released. Black cloaks flutter. Flade banners of the Bolton sway in the wind. Wildling archers rain down shafts from the trees as the hammer of the north falls upon the fractured host. Jason watches from the rear hilltop as his army collapses in waves. He clenches his sword tightly at the foot of a shattered sept beneath a broken statue of the father. Ra finds Jason waiting. His army is dented. A trail of blood runs down his temple. And yet he stands tall, golden, and grim. Eyes like smoke over the winter snow. The armies watch from the ruins, holding their breath. No words are exchanged, only a nod. A ring of soldiers surrounds them. Northern men, veil archers, riverlords, even some of Jason's remaining knights. Jon Snow watches from the front. Sword at his side, but not drawn. The duel begins with steel on steel. Jason moves like a knight from a turn, graceful and proud. Ra counters with brutal efficiency. No flourish, only furious strikes from her sword. Their blades clash and clash again. Jason slashes her shoulder. Ra shatters his guard and opens his side. Blood hits the earth. Neither yields. Then Jason manages to disarm Raa. But as the sword flies through the night, she palms her dagger and rushes at him again. Now she's even faster. Her movements barely a blur. Her slash is hardly visible by the eye. She is like a wraith in a storm. Jason holds her for a time, blocking the strikes until at last one dagger finds its way into his side. Ra knocks Jason to the ground, her sword at his throat. The camp holds its breath. She stares at him, eyes fierce. Her chest eaves. You want a crown? Then take it. But no, it's built on bones. >> If that's what you think, you are free to take my head. >> Beside her, Roose Bolton nods his head, but Ra hesitates. She grips her dagger and stares at her brother, her proud, arrogant brother, but also the one she had loved, with whom she had sparred. She lowers her blade, steps back. And if I don't think you are a monster, will you be the man who walked away? Will you help us restore peace? >> Jason looks at his elder sister in surprise. And then he nods his head. With their feud ended, Raa and Jason combine their forces. Wildlings, greybeards, and lion knights, Boltons and Manderly riders, rivermen, and northmen. It is an army like any seen in generations. The Veil and North now throw their full support behind them, and Stannis leads his army south, where Tywin and Renley are waring. Though Tywin has fewer men, his army is more disciplined, more experienced, and holds his own surprisingly well. Stannis sends the Wildling scouts ahead, using their wargs and skin changers to move through the countryside almost undetected. They observe the army's clash undetected, and report back to Stannis. Under Rick's suggestion, they wait until both armies are clashing before launching the attack. Ra, Jon, and Maya all lead the charge as they are locked in mid-conlict. At the Battle of Honeywine, Ra leads a flanking maneuver with the Greybeards and Wildling archers, cutting down Tywin's vanguard. Jason smashes through the center with Northern cavalry and adventurer lords from the veil. Finally, Maya rounds the flanks with the riverfolk. Tywin is slain, pierced by Northern spears. Mace Tyrell surrenders 3 days later, and Renley's cause collapses. Renley is allowed to return to Storm's End. His ambitions checked, but his life spared. He will never again hold influence at court. Stannis is also punished, and both are ordered to relinquish control of the Baratheon children, who both publicly agree. Meanwhile, both children denounce the war and anyone who seeks to crown them before the time is ready. Instead, John Aaron is placed in command of preparing them, and Edric is agreed to be made the next king, while Maya is heir. Not everything is entirely undone as Maya still consents to the marriage arrangement with Jason though Cersei does not live to see it. With her brother and father dead, there is no one left to protect her and she is soon captured and arrested. Though Jason protests and is horrified to see what they will do to her, he cannot truly fight them for he knows that they are right to arrest her. She is soon executed and the Lannisters under Tyrion make peace with the crown. Jon is rewarded with the lands of Derry in the Riverlands, being legitimized as Jon Stark and at last being a lord in his own right. This leaves Ra to return to Winterfell alongside Ned. That's our theory. Westeros is a land filled with exciting stories and possibilities, and we love exploring them. If you want to accompany us on this journey across the seven kingdoms and beyond, then please like, share, and subscribe to our