What if Robb Stark Married Myrcella Baratheon

What if Rob Stark married Marcela Baratheon? Let's explore the depths of it in the video. Stand up. You helped me win the Iron Throne. Now help me keep the damn thing. We were meant to rule together. If your sister had lived, we'd have been bound by blood. Well, it's not too late. I have a son. You have a daughter. We'll join our houses. As Robert begins walking away, Ned lingers to ponder the implication of this. A great honor to be sure, and one most lords would kill for. And yet, Ned is not one of them, and cannot help but worry. He has nothing against Robert as a good brother, but he has an issue with Joffrey. He has heard rumors about him from John Aaron, some unsavory things about the young prince, and how cruel he is, sullen, and arrogant. While Robert thrills at battle, Joffrey simply enjoys causing pain. Even if they weren't true, he still worries about Sansa. While she sees the court through the lens of a fairy tale, Ned's brief experience is enough for him to steer clear of it. The last thing he wants is to drag his daughters into it. Wait, you grace? Perhaps we should reconsider this. Reconsider what exactly? Are you rejecting my proposal? No, not rejecting. I simply have another idea. You want to join our houses and for me to be your hand. Well, as your hand, this is a proposal that might not be in your best interest. The crown prince should be married off to someone who can help secure loyalty. Giving it to your hands might anger some of your banammen. Let them stay mad. You are my oldest friend and my most loyal banamin. Why shouldn't I reward good service? Well, then might I offer another solution? Perhaps instead of your son and my daughter, what of my son and heir? He will soon be a lord in his own right. And I hear your daughter is sweet and kind and smart. I am sure Rob will have no issue with that. So you wish to swap a daughter for a son and my son for a daughter. Fine, fine. Whatever you wish, Lord Hand. Ned breathes a sigh of relief when Robert accepts this offer. To him, it is just details, but for Ned, it makes all the difference. At the very least, he doesn't have to worry about Sansa having to remain in King's Landing without him to protect her. If anything, it now raises the idea of Marcela remaining in Winterfell to get to know her future husband, just as Ned's daughters will journey south with him. The news of this wedding announcement is met with applause and cheers from the North and the court, who see it as honoring the Starks. The only person who seems upset by this is Cersei, who isn't keen on marrying off her daughter to some northern lord ruling off the frozen edge of the world. She tries to protest, but these fall on deaf ears. There is no reason for her to reject this proposal. But as the celebration dies down, disaster strikes as Bran has an accident and tumbles off a tower. This leaves him in a coma and many fear for his life. His brother chief amongst them. Marcela finds Rob in the Godswood cursing to himself and swinging his sword at an imaginary foe to try and clear his head. He is so caught up with his exercise that he barely notices the princess who offers a quick courtesy. Lord Rob, apologies for the interruption. I just wanted to visit you and see how you were doing. Hello there, Princess. Apologies you had to see that. I just wished for some time alone. There is nothing to apologize for. I'm sorry about Bran, but I'm sure he will be okay. He seems like a strong boy. I would be proud to have him as a good brother when we are wet. Thank you, princess, but begging your pardon. I do not wish to talk about our betroal now. Marcela blinks in surprise and for a moment appears hurt, but then she slowly nods in understanding as she makes her way over and sits beside him. After a moment's hesitation, she places a hand on his shoulder. You are angry. I would be the same too if something were to happen to Tommen. It's terrible to experience. And I want you to know that the royal family weeps with you as well. Thank you. It's just that Bran is kind and sweet. He doesn't deserve this. No child does, but he is also quick and smart by the looks of him. If anyone will survive, it's Bran. Rob smiles and the tension in his chest eases for a moment and then he looks over at the young princess. You mentioned Tommen, but what if it had been Joffrey who fell? How would you feel then? If it were Joffrey, then he likely didn't fall out of tower. He would have been pushed, and I'm certain whoever did it would have had good reason. Rob stares at her in surprise. It was not the answer he had expected, but when he looks at her, he begins to chuckle, and then he laughs. A fullthroated laugh that sounds strange even to him, but he welcomed it. That's true enough. And I thought it was perhaps just me. I uh and John who couldn't stand him. Are you Matt? You got sick of him after a fortnight, but I've had to live with him my whole life. The two of them share another laugh, and they relax, spending hours chatting about how much they can't stand Joffrey. They trade stories and tell jokes until at last it is time to head back to their families. Yet things do not end there. After that, the two begin to spend more time together. Rob tours her around Winterfell, taking her riding through Wintertown and shows her around other places in the surrounding area. He lets her watch their training sessions with Joffrey and Jon despite the boy king's protests. Rob sees that Marcela is nothing like her elder brother. She is sweet and considerate, always talking gently, but she is also much smarter. When he talks about the northern customs and how they are different from the South, she takes it all in and seems eager to learn. Even Jon cannot stay trustful of her for long. when she makes Rob so happy. When the time comes for the royal party to depart, Marcela makes herself right at home in Winterfell. And Robert sees that rather than being worried about leaving her behind, the princess seems excited. He wishes his daughter well before riding off, accompanied by Ned Stark and the rest of the royal court. However, while Rob might be able to cope more with Bran's injuries thanks to Marcela's presence, Catelyn remains griefstricken as Bran remains in a coma. And things only get worse when a Cat's Paw assassin comes in and tries to murder the boy while he lies in bed. It is only thanks to Cat and Summer that Bran survives. But as they remove the body, they find a strange dagger on the man's person, a Valyrian steel blade with a dragon bone hilt. As they lay it on the table, Marcela's eyes widen in surprise. I recognize that dagger. It's my father's. Your father? Are you certain of this, Princess? Yes, he won it last year during my brother's name day. Tony, I recall it well. He showed it to me after. He said he won it wagering with someone at court who would win the final joust. This raises the question, what is the king's dagger doing in the hands of a common assassin? The king has no reason to want to hurt Bran, nor would anyone gain favor from that deed. Maybe it is not to win favor, but to drive a wedge. How would it look if the warden of the North Sun was murdered by an assassin? wielding the dagger of a king. If that is the case, then we must inform King Robert immediately. If something else were to happen, we must get ahead of it. Father is in King's Landing. If they try something else, he will be in jeopardy. They soon agree to send Catelyn to King's Landing as she is the one who has connections and will not be easily recognized in the capital. She is accompanied by Sir Rodrik, who marches out as a bodyguard. They take a ship from White Harbor and sail to King's Landing. Yet when she arrives, she barely has time to even settle before she finds herself confronted by Littlefinger in one of his brothel. He explains that his spies found her here in the city. Soon, the Master of Coin sits before her, the dagger between them. Peter stands with a mild curiosity, then leans back with a sigh, as though recounting an old and amusing memory. I remember this blade well. It was mine once. A costly loss. You lost it. How? To Tyrion Lannister. During the last turn, I wagered on Jaime, and that was a mistake. Tyrion walked away with this little beauty. His voice is smooth, but Catelyn's mind churns. Marcela had spoken with certainty that the dagger had belonged to Robert, not Tyrion. The contradiction is too clear to ignore. That means one of them was lying and she had an inkling who her sister had warned her not to trust the Lannisters and that they were plotting something. And yet Marcela is a child. She seems too sincere, too sweet to be trying to lead her astray. Catelyn sees the way he's trying too hard to be casual. She thanks him with a nod, gathers the blade, and walks out without another word. Yet though, he assures her once again, Catelyn decides to sneak out in the dead of night and makes her way over to the Red Keep, where the guards allow her to pass once she reveals herself. Soon she stands in Robert's solar, the dagger unwrapped in her hands. Robert eyes it with confusion at first. Then, recognition dons. He mutters a curse under his breath and plucks it from her hand. Ned arrives soon after and stares at the weapon, even more surprised to hear what Catelyn has to say. By the time she finishes, both men stare with wide eyes and look at her. Cats, surely you know I would never order such an act. I know. I came here not as an accuser, but to bring a warning. Whoever did this might wish to turn us against each other. That is why I need you to answer honestly. Who owns this dagger? I remember this. Won it at the nameday tourney last year. Backed Loris Tyrell in the final round against the King Slayer. Took the blade from Littlefinger. Thought to give it to Joffrey, but gods know where I left it. You never gave it to Tyrion. No. What would I want with arming him? Eh. Hardly seems like the type to care for such a weapon. Peter Beish claims it was his and that Tyrion wanted it from him. But your daughter says it was yours. That you showed it to her yourself. Robert's face hardens. He doesn't look at her. He looks past her as though trying to see the web forming around them. Someone's stirring the pot and they're using the lannisters. Someone's playing a dangerous game. I remember now. Gaunt. I may have left it in your own hall. Ned stares at the blade, then up at Robert, and Tyrion had no part in it. Ned's mouth tightens. He trusts Cat's instincts, and Marcela's memory seems clear. Littlefinger's story feels too convenient. And now even the king has doubts. Ned looks at the dagger again. The assassin came north with it. Someone wanted Bran dead. Not because of power, not for money, but for something else. Whatever Bran saw in that tower, someone fears it enough to kill a child. Then I'll find out who sent him. Even if I have to tear down every lie in the city. Ned continues his investigation of the matter, thinking back to what John Aaron was looking into. A part of him wonders whether these two events are connected somehow and decides to look deeper into it. He continues to retrace the former hand's steps. searching to see where he is going and what he could be doing before he died. At first, the events don't make sense. He was visiting several places in the city, places that Robert frequented and studying genealogies. But slowly, things begin to make more sense as he realizes that Lord Aaron was studying these children, Robert's bastards, and that he suspected that Joffrey might not be Robert's son. Meanwhile, Rob places Winterfell on high alert. While the first assassination attempt was foiled, they cannot discount the possibility that they might strike again. So, he spends his time training new guardsmen and visiting the bannerman. At his side, Marcela rides with him as a show of support. She wishes to assure them that the royal family will not ignore their plight. While Catelyn is initially suspicious of the girl due to her Lannister heritage, it becomes clear she has no affiliation with her mother. Marcela proves to be more of an asset than they realize as she takes the northern culture quite well, learning their songs and customs and using that to talk to the lords and ladies. Unlike Joffrey, who regards them as savages, she seems to embrace their culture as when she arrives at the lord's seats, she wears furs and colors of house stark. To help, she is also charming, kind, and courtly. Many come to regard her as a true ally. Their relationship also continues to grow as Rob appreciates her support. Although she is younger, Marcela is wise behind her years. Although she's younger, Marcela is wise beyond her years and kind, offering support for Rob throughout these times. While their marriage was once just one of convenience, both of them begin to seriously consider it as one of love and one they may genuinely wish to see through. Even Catelyn comes around and gives her full support. But despite the potential benefits, there is also a shadow looming over them. With all the chaos down south, the risks of war only seem to grow. Though the Lannisters might be innocent of trying to murder Bran. Catelyn cannot shake off the letter that Lysa had sent them, warning them about Lannister influence. This means that things could come to war. Marcela may well find herself a hostage to the minations of court and advises Rob to be prepared for it. Rob, you know that should war come to pass, Marcela may become a hostage. She's to be my wife. You expect me to take her prisoner? To treat her like a criminal for what her family has done? No, believe me, I don't want that any more than you. But your benammen may demand it. They like the Lannisters just as much as we, and to have one right in Winterfell, they might see an opportunity. More importantly, it may give us a bargaining chip. We will not hurt her, but the Lannisters may fear the possibility. That is something we cannot ignore. Meanwhile, in King's Landing, Ned has at last come to the end of his investigation and realized just what John Aaron had died searching for. He studied the lineages because he questioned the legitimacy of Joffrey Baratheon. He has concluded that Joffrey is actually Cersei's bastard. Rather than confront Cersei directly, Ned realizes just how perilous the court is after what Littlefinger did. Instead, he visits Robert directly. Ned draws the heavy curtains shut. I've been going through John Erin's final papers, his records on noble bloodlines, family trees, birth dates. At first, I didn't see the pattern, but now I do. What are you saying, Ned, Joffrey, Marcela, and Tommen? None of them resemble you. Not in hair, not in features. Every Baratheon in your line, including your bastards, bear your coloring. But these children are golden head like Cersei. You're saying Cersei has been bedding people behind my back. It's what John Aaron died for. It's what Bran may have seen. You're sure? For the latter, I have no evidence, but I have suspicions. I am sure as I can be without catching them in the act. I fear that the Lannisters are growing suspicious. If they learn of how close we are to the truth, they'll strike first. We'll deal with them, but not yet. Not directly. I can't act with halftruths. Not with Lord Tywin and his armies. We'll need to distract them. Keep them occupied. The royal court assembles as word spreads. The king will speak and there are darker rumors that he believes there is a traitor in their midst. Nobles gather, curious and tense. The Lannisters are present. Cersei poised with practiced calm. Jaime leaning against a pillar, hand on his sword. Varys and Pycel exchange glances. Ned stands near the throne, unreadable. Robert steps forward, dressed in regal black and gold, his voice ringing through the hall. I know you know the rumors. There is a traitor among us. Murmurss rise instantly. Cersei's face twitches, a flicker of worry. Jaime straightens. Robert lets the silence hang a moment longer before he continues. The traitor sought to sew discord between two of the realm's greatest houses, man and Lord Tarwins, by falsely accusing Tyrion Lannister of attempting to murder a child. The evidence proves otherwise. A gasp ripples through the court. Even Cersei is taken off guard. She glances at her brother. Jaime<unk>s face is as lost as hers. Littlefinger stiffens where he stands, trying to smirk, but even his arrogance falters. Peter Beish, you claimed Tyrion owned the dagger used in the attempts on Bran Stark's life. But the blade was mine. A dagger you knew was mine. For you had made that wager with me. You lied. And I will have answers in your grace. Surely this is some sort of misunderstanding. I will be happy to clear things up. Save it for the dungeon master. I will be glad to take your head, but my hand has counseledled me to keep you alive, if only to learn how deep your treason goes. Count yourself fortunate on that. Guards move quickly, grabbing Littlefinger before he can protest. As Littlefinger is dragged away, he casts a furious glance toward Ned. Cersei relaxes slightly. Jaime raises an eyebrow, but remains still. The threat for now is misdirected. Ned watches as Beish is locked away in the cells below. He feels no triumph, only a brief relief. The Lannisters are pacified for now, unaware of the true danger growing in the shadows. Yet the core mystery remains unresolved. If not Tyrion, then who sent the catpa? Who truly wanted Bran dead? Robert promises to help look into the matter, but he suspects that things are only going to grow more chaotic from here. Yet this is far from the end of Littlefinger as news soon reaches beyond the seven kingdoms and into the eerie. There, Lysa Aaron seethes when the raven arrives. Her face twists in fury as she reads the letter declaring Peter Beaish a prisoner accused of treason. Her hands tremble as she crumples the parchment. They're trying to frame him. They want to silence him and they think I'll stay quiet. She shakes her head and crumples the letter. She refuses to believe this, claiming instead that the Lannisters are trying to undermine the Veil's influence in court. Littlefinger is just the next step in order to control the treasury. Lysa writes to the capital, demanding that they release him and threatening to take military action to defend the honor of John Aaron. She sends word to her banners, urging them to begin massing their troops. The reception to this order is mixed to say the least. Few of them have any love for Littlefinger and regard him as an upjumped tax collector. efficient but hardly worth going to war over. While some send troops, they are far fewer than Lysa hopes. Instead, she hopes to gain troops in the Riverlands, as she is still a Tully by birth. She writes to Edmure and Robert, raving about Lannister treason and how they wish to extinguish the Aaron line. The response she gets is not from Robert, but from Tywin, who warns that an act of war will be met in kind. Soon troops begin to mass along the Golden Tooth in the Bloody Gate, leaving the Rivermen to watch both sides wearily. This leaves the capital in a strong position. They do publicly condone Lys's actions, but Ned worries such a move can also benefit the Lannisters, especially if it comes to war since it could let them appear as heroes. So, they work to undermine their influence in the capital. Robert secretly tries to mobilize troops in the Stormlands, sending small bands to reinforce their control over the capital. He also tries to contact Stannis, but so far there is no word from him. Ned knows they can always throw the incest allegations, but it is not enough. They need something further, something that isn't based on rumors alone to strengthen their support. This is where they continue the investigation regarding the dagger and who hired him. But so far, there are no leads as they cannot think of anyone who might be responsible. That is until Varys appears. Apologies for the disturbance, your grace, but it is not ideal for a king to remain awake at this hour. You need your rest if you are to rule the seven kingdoms. Enough of your nagging, Unic. I'm not awake because I want to be, but because something requires my attention. Is that the business regarding the dagger and young Bran Stark? Your grace's dedication to justice gladdens my heart. It is a heavy burden you bear. But that is why you have counselors like me to take that burden for you. I hope that means you have something to share beyond your riddles and mockery. Spider, indeed I do, your grace. I have been looking into things and I might have some answers. You mentioned that you might have misplaced your dagger in the great hall after the feast. I Well, according to my little birds, they have managed to find a witness. It seems as though there were only a few people who remained after you left, and only one of them who approached your table. Young Joffrey. Joffrey, are you certain? As sure as one can be for an event so long ago. It is difficult to believe. Your son, sweet, kind Joffrey, is responsible for such things. Robert nearly laughs. Of course, he was responsible for it. Robert knows that Joffrey relishes in cruelty, but to imagine him doing something like this, it was unthinkable. There was only one way to get answers. When Robert gets the chance, he confronts Joffrey alongside Ned. Though the Hound guards his door, he cannot bar the way to the king in his hand and instead reluctantly opens the door for them. Joffrey is sound asleep when Robert roughly yanks his sheets off and levels a hard look at him. He holds up the dagger whose blade catches in the pale knight. Joffrey's eyes widen as Robert grips the hilt and then stabs it down into his bed. Look familiar, boy? I seem to have misplaced this, but Lady Catelyn was kind enough to return it to me a few weeks back. She said an assassin tried to use it on his son. Tell me, do you know how that might have happened? I have no idea, father. Boy, this is a very serious situation that could end in war. Answer honestly. Who are you to question my integrity? I am the crown prince. And he is the lord hand. His job is to handle matters like this. And it was his son who was almost murdered. More importantly, he is my friend whom I have known longer and trust more than you. So answer the truth. I'm telling you, I've never seen that dagger in my life. Ser, you were always watching the prince. Tell me, have you ever seen this dagger? And before you answer, remember this. Your job is to protect the boy, including from himself. If I catch that he is lying, I could have him hanged. I I've seen it. You left it in that feasting hall after you got drunk, your grace. The prince saw and recalled what you said, and how it might have been kinder if Bran did to not wake than live crippled and in pain. As you seen, the prince tried to kill my son because of that. that I do not know of. All I'm saying is what I saw. I saw him pocketing the knife, but a few days later, he didn't have it with him. The two men turn to Joffrey, who begins cowering behind his sheets, although Robert is rather sheepish about what the Hound said. He is furious at what Joffrey did, as is Ned. They both leave him confined in the chamber as this news gets out. While they cannot prove any incest, this is nearly impossible to deny or defend. Joffrey tried to murder the son of the hand. In Winterfell, Arcella can only nod her head. She knows it is exactly something Joffrey would do, and the story lines up well. Tywin and Cersei are quick to protest. They point out that Joffrey acted impulsively, but he can hardly be seen as acting in the name of House Lannister. More importantly, they insist that Joffrey was just a boy and didn't know any better. He was just doing what he thought would please his father. While they agreed he should be punished, Cersei rages and says that Joffrey is being treated like a criminal. Robert simply replies that trying to murder someone and stealing from the king is a crime, and Joffrey should consider himself fortunate that he doesn't have his hands chopped off. In the veil, Lysa jumps at the opportunity. She loudly proclaims that the Lannisters tried to murder Eddard Stark and her sister's families. Compared to Littlefinger's arrest, this is much harder to defend, and many Veil Lords are more inclined to go to war over this. Seeing the tide shifting, Liza makes another revelation that the Lannisters were the ones who poisoned John Aaron. The Lady of the Eerie doubles down on claims that the Lannisters murdered John Aaron to consolidate their power over the Iron Throne. Now, this is truly shocking news, and hearing this, many more lords rush to join Lysa, pledging their men and giving her a force that can truly challenge the Iron Throne. Unfortunately for Lord Tywin, this also means his search for allies is more difficult as many of the great houses will be reluctant to back him. And Robert is not in an approachable mood. Instead, he takes only his westerners and begins marching out, sending word ahead to the riverlords, warning them that he will not take any aggression against his forces lightly. Soon enough, the first battles between the east and west take place along the Green Fork, where knights from both sides fight along the crossings. Smoke rises above the waters of the Green Fork. Along the fjords and crossings, the banners of House Aaron flutter alongside those of minor veil houses, Redford, Corbre, and Royce. On the opposite side, the Crimson Lion of House Lannister dominates the field. Thousands of men camp on both sides of the riverbank, and skirmishes break out whenever either side attempts to cross. The Riverlords are caught in between. Their armies also strike further south, battling around Harrenhal to try and capture Raven Tree Hall. And Tywin makes efforts to cut Maiden Poolool off from the veil. Some, like House Vance and House Piper, throw in with Lysa Aaron, still loyal to the memory of John Aaron. They secretly attack Lannister supply columns from the rear, resenting how Tywin Lannister marched across their land and allowed the likes of Sir Gregor to terrorize their people. Others, like House Frey, hesitate or lean towards the Lannisters, calculating the odds. They instead send letters to both sides trying to court the other. Meanwhile, houses Bracken and Mutin lead forward towards the Lannisters. Lord Hoster Tully, weakened by illness, is unable to enforce a unit front and his bannerman splinter. No side gains the upper hand. What should be a swift victory turns into a bloody and inconclusive stalemate. The first true battles emerge around Harrenhal where this conflict turns into a war as House Went lacks the strength to hold it and both sides try to occupy it. Lin Corbre leads a daring night attack to try and capture it and secures the walls, but soon Kevin Lannister gets word and sends men to attack as well. The fighting lasts throughout the night, but leaves Lynn in control of parts of Harrenhal, only after hundreds fall. Ned sits beneath the direwolf banner in the Red Keep, the grim weight of war pressing upon him. Robert tries everything, sending word to his brothers to send troops while looking over at Cersei and wondering what she's thinking. Ned writes to the lords of the north. Call the banners. Any army must march, not to conquer, but to restore peace to the realm. Robert declares the Aaron's rebels and demands that Lady Lysa submit to the Iron Throne, but does not excuse the Westerman either, providing no support or thanks. To lead this northern army, Roose Bolton is elected. Many in the north grumble. Bolton is cold, calculating, and feared, but he is also ruthlessly efficient, and Nod knows they need the results. Roose accepts the command with his usual cold detachment, but he receives unexpected aid from Marcella. The young princess travels around the north, not to plead for mercy, but to thank them for their efforts to restore peace in the Seven Kingdoms. Though the Lannisters have been marked as traitors, Marcela remains loyal to her father. It helps gladden their hearts and makes it truly seem like it is Tywin's war and not the Lannisters. While the realm looks north, trouble brews within the capital. Renley Baratheon moves in as orders march out. He arrives with a small Stormlander army. Ostensibly, he's journeying to aid the king's peacekeeping effort. But in truth, he's been gathering loyal men. Those disgusted with Lannister power and eager for change. Then in one swift night, it happens. Renley and Sir Loris lead the army in a quiet coup. The Goldcolaks are swiftly surrounded and disarmed. Jaime Lannister is seized during training, surrounded and forced to yield. Cersei is arrested in her solar, screaming that her son's disgrace is not grounds for treason. The Red Keep locks down before word can spread. Robert claims to be hunting, but waits out in a nearby tent, watching all of this and joining the army when the coup begins. Remley greets him with a calm bow. This realm cannot survive more blood in the streets, brother, so I remove the poison. Robert walks past him into the tower to see Cersei imprisoned, raging and Jaime grimfaced in chains. For a long time, he says nothing. They'll stand trial in full view of the court. Let the realm see what happens to those who think they're above it. There are other supporters like Pycel are arrested as is Tommen who is confined to his chambers guarded by men selected by Renley to prevent his escape. Only then once the capital is secure to Robert and Ned drop their bombshell. They reveal that they suspect Cersei and Jaime have committed incest and Joffrey is their son, not Roberts. At first, all the realm is in disbelief and many question the validity of these claims. Some think that these are just rumors spread by their enemies. Others believe them and are eager to join the fight. Tywin is furious at these claims and lambasts Robert for choosing to pursue rumors and conspiracies instead of dealing with the true threat of the errands. Ned releases all the documents he's gathered both that he's used and that John Aaron has accumulated. He gets help from an unexpected ally, Stannis, who sails back from Dragonstone. When he arrives in King's Landing, he confirms much of what Ned is saying and even claims that he assisted in investigation with John Aaron, but chose to flee when the former Han died, believing that it was murder. All of this provided Lysa credence to her claim that the Lannisters are responsible for her husband's death. But the remains no proof, and more importantly, it does not absolve her of being branded a rebel. Robert remains adamant that Littlefinger will not be released from prison and that she was acting on her own accord without waiting for royal permission. All this means that both sides are now considered rebels. This puts more pressure on Tywin as he is ordered to head to court to explain his actions. But he realizes now that this is a death sentence. His only chance of survival is through victory. So he continues the war. The veil also has its problems as many of their lords feel less comfortable continuing this fight since they risk being branded rebels even to supposedly avenge John Aaron. Many grow distrustful of Lysa. Instead of probing attacks, Tywin orders a full-scale assault, ordering his men to force a crossing. At their head are Sir Gregor, Adam Marbrand, and Forly Prester, who all strike at several points. They rush forward, attacking the crossing and threatening to overwhelm the defenders. At the same time, Tywin sends secret orders for House Mutin to rise in rebellion, forcing Lord Royce to redirect men to bring the town under control. As that happens, the attacks begin again. The first to get through is Sir Adam, who manages to capture one small crossing and leads a cavalry charge that overwhelms the Veil Infantry. With the crossing secure, they stream out across the Riverlands, capturing Derry and using that as a forward base. From there, the other Riverland towns and castles begin to fall to the Lannisters. The Riverlands burn. Sir Greor rides through the veil's outer patrols like a thunderstorm, hacking men down and crushing resistance under hoof. Marbrand captures a narrow stone bridge under cover of night, launching a cavalry thrust that scatters Veil Spearmen. From there, red banners spread like wildfire. Derry, Sultans, and even lesser keepers of the Trident fall one by one. Lord Royce tries to hold back the attacks as best he can. He launches fierce strikes, battling the Lannister men across a dozen places as they are pushed back. He even manages to wound Sir Gregor during one of these clashes while Lord Redford slays Sir Harris Swift. All of these show just how ferocious and skilled the Knights of the Veil truly are. But it also leaves them in a difficult position as their territories are chipped away bit by bit. Unlike them, Tywin is not afraid to win through terror, striking into the Riverlord's domains and forcing them to cross their banners under the threat of violence. Other times, all it takes are a few bribes to win them over. Just when it seems the veil will be driven back to the mountains, the banners of the north appear on the horizon. Wolves of gray and white crest the hills, and at their head rides Roose Bolton, cloaked in leathers and silence, eyes colder than the northern wind. He strikes not to harass, but to punish. At Derry, Bolton's face catches the Lannister garrison offg guard. No quarter is given. The Bolton men butcher the defenders and hang the bodies from the battlements. a message to the riverlords who still waver. Resistance will be paid in blood. He repeats these actions in a few other castles and soon the Lannisters get the message. Castle after castle surrenders, some without a fight, others too slow to kneel are made examples of their lords flayed or hanged, their towns raised. Even Tywin's own bannerman begin to fear him. Word spreads of the pale man who does not drink or boast, who watches every move in silence, and who wins. At Pink Maiden, Bolton joins forces with Lord Piper's remaining troops and the other rivermen with his forces bolstered, beating back the small garrisons meant to hold it and then strike at Tywin's army while they're in the middle of an assault on the Veilman's army. Their arrival comes without warning, but it leaves the Lannisters caught in a Pinsir assault. This attack breaks Tywin's army. Clegane escapes. Marbrand is captured. Prester is slain. Tywin Lannister is defeated and driven into the west. his remaining forces and tatters. Yet Roose does not stop. Just as the Veilmen cheer their victory, Roose orders a second charge against them. With their forces battered and tired from both fighting and retreating, they are unprepared to withstand the northern assault. He routes Royce's remaining men and pushes them back into the mountains. He claims they overstepped, that peace was never promised, and that their behavior in the Riverlands proved no better than the Lannisters. The remnants of the Veil Host limp back toward the bloody gate. Roose does not pursue them into the veil, only burns a few utter settlements and then withdraws, leaving chaos behind him and a message that Ned Stark's justice is to be feared. The only problem is that they cannot advance deeper as the Veil's natural defenses leave them nearly impervious to the land assault. With Stannis they consider a naval landing, but something else happens that gets their attention. After months of captivity, Littlefinger at last announces he is ready to confess under the promise that he will be allowed to take the black. I'll tell you the truth. Let me take the black and I'll confess everything. Speak. The Lannisters are innocent of the murder of John Aaron. It was Liza, Lady Aaron. She poisoned her husband, John. She wanted to be free of him. She She was in love with me. She wished for us to be together. I I did not feel like I could refuse her. Not after everything she'd done to advance my career. The confession spreads like wildfire. When news reaches the veil, Lysa Aaron's already tenuous support collapses. Lords who fought to avenge John Aaron feel betrayed, manipulated by a grieving, unstable woman who weaponized their honor. A coup unfolds in the eerie. Liza is seized by her own guards. Her son, the sickly Robin Aaron, is removed from her care. Control of the veil shifts to a ruling council of lords declarant, led by Yan Royce, cautious, bitter, and no longer willing to fight a war over lies. And yet the shipbearing Littlefinger never arrives at the wall. The merchant ship is chartered to bring him there along with several gold cloaks. But Littlefinger still influences the merchants thanks to his tenure as master of coin. All it takes is a few quick bribes to turn the crew against his guards. And instead they sail eastward, not to the wall, but towards Meereen where Daenerys and her dragons are carving out their own empire. When he arrives, he sees the scars of recent battle. Dragon flames scorch the walls and bodies are still being carted out. The pyramids are in ruin and slavers are now led in the same chains they kept their wares and yet Daenerys still controls it. She is seated within the great pyramid observing reconstruction when she hears of Littlefinger's arrival. The dragon queen raises an eyebrow at the sight of him. Greetings, Queen Daenerys. I am Peter Beish, former master of coin for the Iron Throne. I've come bearing news of the seven kingdoms. I know who you are, Littlefinger. Merchants seem to speak highly of you, but know that you are not welcome here. I will not deal with you serious dogs. Then you will be pleased to know that I am no such dog. As a matter of fact, I am not even on speaking terms with King Robert. He wished to exile me to the wall, but I instead journeyed here to meet you. Is that meant to impress me? the knowledge that you also betrayed him. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't have you sent back to him in chains. The information I have to share. You have conquered Slavers Bay, but I take it that is not your final conquest. My conquests are none of your concern. Very well then. Let us just say that hypothetically, should one wish to strike at the Seven Kingdoms, they should know that this is an unprecedented time to strike. Three of the great houses were badly weakened in a recent war. All the biggest threats to a Targaryen return. What are you saying? Chuckling, Littlefinger tells Daenerys everything that happened. The assassination attempt on Bran, the incest allegations, and the ensuing war it brought about. By the time he finishes, Daenerys and the rest of her court stare in shock. Tywin Lannister is now named a rebel and being hunted down. The Arenss are ruled by a child, and the Riverlands are in ruin. That's three houses that oppose you gone. All who remain are now the north and the Stormlands. What of the Reach and Dawn then? Surely they will follow their king. Those houses have their agenda and they can be plated if someone who understands the seven kingdoms acts. Someone like you? Yes, I suppose so. An unspoken agreement forms between them, and at last, Daenerys agrees to recruit Littlefinger as an adviser. The dragons come at dawn. Tarth is the first to fall. Fire reigns from the sky as Daenerys's three dragons sweep overhead. The defenders break before they can rally. The gates are shattered and the banners burned. The survivors are forced to bend the knee. From the smoking ruins, Daenerys rides forth beneath the Targaryen banner, flanked by unsullied and Dothraki blood riders. Tarth serves as their staging ground and soon they advance towards the mainland. Though the news of the fall of Tarth spreads, the other houses are in no position to challenge them. With dragons, nothing can stop them and soon they secure a foothold. By midday, word reaches Renley Baratheon in King's Landing. He rides south at once, mustering what remains of the Stormland's army. He also sends word to Loris Tyrell, urging him to ride back to the Veil. But before they can reach Daenerys, a raven arrives from Sunspear. Thanks to Littlefinger scheming, Dorne declares neutrality and then rebellion. Prince Dorne emerges with a long awaited vengeance. Dornish riders cross the marches, raiding Renley's rear lines and blocking reinforcement routes. The Stormlands are now cut in half and preventing Renley from mustering his full strength. He gathers what forces he can near the Rainwood at Rainhouse. He gathers nearly 10,000 men and they prepare to meet them near the forest where they can hide from the dragons and where the uneven ground can nullify the Unsullied's effectiveness. At first, things do seem to go that way as the first few charges by the Dothraki hold them back. And when the Unsullied come forward, they must break apart their formation, leaving them vulnerable to the Stormlander's bowman. Even the dragons are less effective as Renley orders them close to the trees. But none of this prepares them for the charge of the Cell Swords under Daario Niharas. They dismount and creep through the forest, striking them from the rear and causing chaos in the right flank. This is serious enough to force Renley to retreat, leaving Daenerys free to push deeper. With the storm lands in chaos, and Dorne cutting the supply lines, Daenerys pushes deeper. Her dragons darken the skies over Hayford and Duskondale, and their defenders surrender without a fight. But she finds the path to King's Landing harder than expected. Stannis Baratheon commands his city defenses. He oversees the installation of ballista on every wall designed to strike dragons from the sky. He has studied their movements, their timing to learn their patterns and and has wildfire prepared as well as Melisandre on standby. Their first assault is repelled. Dragon fire chars the walls, but Stannis's defenses hold. Flaming oil traps, scorpion bolts, and sheer discipline keeps Daenerys's army at bay. However, other places are not so well defended, and they soon surround the capital. As the Dornish march up the Stormlands, they try to gather allies from other kingdoms. Unfortunately, while some Reach houses do join her, House Tyrell reaffirms its loyalty to the Iron Throne thanks to some diplomatic wizardry from Renley, who suggests a possible marriage pact between Robert and Marjgery. Daenerys finds the gates to the Reach closed. Despite Littlefinger's predictions, the Tyrells stay loyal to the Iron Throne. For now, those few reach houses who do declare for her are either crushed by the Tyrells or require Dornish support, pulling away some of her men. The Tyrells aren't the only ones who remain loyal, as the Riverlands are also reaffirming loyalty and scrape up what few soldiers they have to reinforce King's Landing. The same is true for the North, as for the second time, their men come marching south, but this time under Rob and Ned's personal command. But this time, war is not won by steel alone. Rob Stark and Marcela Baratheon ride west, not to war, but to Parlay. They leave Ned to gather their forces in the Riverland, where Marcela makes her way to Castley Rock. She soon stands before the great lords of the Westerlands, including Tyrion. I was raised a Lannister. I bore that name proudly. I still do now, despite my parents' mistakes. But I now see clearly. I do not know if I was truly King Robert's daughter, but I have never doubted that he loved me. And I will not see his realm burned. If he sees me as a monster, then so be it. But there are real monsters there that threaten to destroy our kingdom. The lords listen. They grumble at first, but the girl speaks with dignity, not pride. And more than that, she gives them a way back into power without bowing to dragonfire. House Crackhall bends the knee first, then Lyen. Within weeks, the Westerlands rise for Robert, and Tyrion is placed as the lord. But it isn't enough. She soon rides eastward, turning to the lands that started this rebellion, the Eerie. Marcela kneels before young Lord Robin Aaron and places her hand on her heart. I do not come to demand allegiance. I come to ask it, not for my sake, but for peace. My name may be swallowed by lies, but my cause is not. Bronze Yan Royce, hardened by war, recognizes a spark in her words. He looks at Rob Stark and sees honor. He looks at Myrcella and sees reconciliation. We are glad to see you here, Lady Marcella, but you ask much of us. We marched out to war only recently to face your house. And yet, that did not go well for either of us. I understand your worry, Lord Royce, but this isn't some petty border war. There is no denying what we are facing. Dragons have returned. And what does that have to do with the Veil? There are other rumors, ones that claim Littlefinger is among them. Lord Roy, I am the last person who will question the Veil's integrity or courage. But surely you see that you have a duty to stop them. Begging your pardon, your grace, but we are avenging the death of John Erin. It was the crown that failed to keep him from reaching the wall. That is true. But surely you realize that our only chance of peace now is stopping him. Lady Marcela speaks truly. Lord Beish would take kindly to the Veil Lords, not for rising up in support of him, but for abandoning the war. The only way we can truly put this bad blood behind us is by making it right. I suppose that is true. And I will not be lying if I said I would not want to see that fool at last face justice. Very well. The veil rides north. Daenerys regroups as her siege lines tighten and makes another push on the capital. Her dragons circling the skies like living storms. Robert sits on the Iron Throne, still grizzled and grim. Stannis readies the gates. Renley binds the reach. Ned marches south with the north behind him. Smoke drifts across the bay as Daenerys's forces encircle the capital. Siege towers roll forward under the cover of night. Great scorpions fire from the red keep, but the defenders are tiring. Ballista are loaded, but their numbers dwindle. Though they can keep their dragons away, hitting them is another matter. It is only thanks to the spirited defenses of the Baratheon brothers that the city was spared from falling. Stannis is a master of organizing defenses, keeping watch over everything, and directing troops and resources where they are needed. Meanwhile, Robert remains instrumental in keeping morale up. He walks amongst troops, visiting them, giving speeches, or simply talking to them. Each time an army tries to storm the camp, Robert is there to rally his troops and throw them back. Food runs short. The drums of war thunder just beyond the horizon. Within the Red Keep, Robert Baratheon leans heavily on his Warhammer, his armor no longer gleams, his hair thinner, face sunken, but his eyes burn with the same fire that crushed Rhaegar on the trident. Let her come. Let the dragon queen burn herself on my walls. Beside him, Stannis oversees the defenses. He is colder, calmer, all calculation. He walks the ramparts, adjusts formation placements, and disciplines wavering men. At his side walks a shadow in red. Melisandre moves like a wraith, whispering prayers into the wind. She says she can launch one spell, but they must select it properly. At dawn, the assault is in earnest. Rhaegal and Viserian scream through the skies, raining fire on towers and gates. They spin and dodge through the ballista bolts. Dothraki screamers rush the outer walls. Unsullied march and disciplined columns behind siege rams. Gates splinter. Towers collapse. Soldiers burn, screaming in their armor. Robert roars and raises his hammer high, urging his men back towards the gate. The defenders hold barely. Men die by the hundreds, but the city does not fall. As the dragons circle back for another pass, horns echo from the north. The relief army arrives. At its head, Ned Stark rides beneath the banner of the direwolf. Roose Bolton, grim as ever, commands a second column. But behind them fly the falcon of the veil and the flowers of the reach, the Tully Trout, and most surprisingly of all, the golden lion of Lannister. Rob Stark and Marcela Baratheon ride at the head. Arcella clad in silver and crimson, the Targaryen host turns too slowly. The relief host crashes into Daenerys's rear, smashing siege lines and tearing through supply trains. Chaos erupts. Dothraki wheel back. Unsullied reform lines, but without time to form up or room to maneuver. They fall before the lances and swords of the rebel army. For a few minutes, they enjoy total surprise. But it is not enough to overcome the discipline of the Unsullied, who slowly restore order and allow the Dothraki to regroup and battle them on even terrain. The protracted battle unfolds across the fields outside of the city. A storm of steel, fire, and blood. Daenerys screams her fury from the skies. Drogon rises above the battlefield like a black comet. Together, they rain fire on the relief army. Trees burn. Men scatter. The northern charge begins to break beneath the onslaught as men focus on saving themselves instead of the battle. Drogon lands in the center of the battlefield, tearing men apart with claw and flame. It seems the battle will turn until Stannis arrives at top the wall. He is approached by Melisandre, who only whispers one thing. It is time. Stannis nods. Though he takes no joy in it, he realizes this must be done. He quietly gestures for a pair of guards to bring forth the prisoner. Soon enough, Joffrey is brought forth, kicking and screaming, his mouth gagged as Stannis regards him thoughtfully. Consider this your legacy for the Seven Kingdoms. Grant us victory. Taking his dagger from his belt, he slits his throat. Melisandre catches his blood in the palm of her hands and licks it. She nods. King's blood. She places her hand on the iron of a ballista bolt. The flames flare unnaturally black and red. Let shadow follow flame. Let fire carve the future. Stannis takes aim. The bolt is loosed. The blessed bolt flies true. It pierces Drogon at the base of his neck. Not enough to kill instantly, but enough to wound mortally. The beast rears, screeches to the heavens, and crashes down into the burning battlefield below, crushing men and earth alike. Daenerys is thrown from the saddle, landing hard amid the mud and flame. The battlefield stills for a heartbeat. Then panic. The Dothraki scatter. Unsullied fall back. Rhaegal and Viserion wheel in confusion above. Daenerys is dragged away by her blood riders, wounded, her army breaking. But as they pull her away, they see she has already passed. Without her, the army descends into chaos. The dragons, bloodied and grieving, vanish into the eastern skies. Meanwhile, local warlords take bands of Dothraki, cells swords, and freed men. The Unsullied remain loyal for a time, but alone, they cannot fight the Westerosi, and soon their army breaks apart. On the field, corpses burn. Smoke chokes the river. The victors do not cheer. They bury the dead. Robert remains at top the Red Keep, watching the fires fade. It's done. Ned beside him says nothing. He stares at the ruins and shakes his head. With this victory, the war is won and the question burns on what to do with the remaining Lannister children. At first, Melisandre suggests killing them, but Rob and the others viciously protest. They insist that the children do not deserve this, and Rob reaffirms his desire to marry Marcela. Despite this, Robert agrees to let them go, provided both children swear to not try claiming the Iron Throne. With that done, Robert marries Marjgery and at last the realm falls into peace. That's our theory. Westeros is a land filled with exciting stories and possibilities and we love exploring them. 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