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Chapter Text

Eddard “Ned” Stark 

288 AC 

Casterly Rock

“Lord Stark, we’ve received urgent news from Winterfell,” Said the newly knighted Ser Jory Cassel for his valor in the war, as he showed a message bearing a direwolf’s head wax-sealed letter to me.

“Hand me the message, Jory." What could be so urgent that they'd send it here I thought? Ned was worried, what sort’ve urgent news could be coming from Winterfell, please gods don’t let something bad happen to the kids or Cat or Ash. 

After Ned was handed the message by Ser Jory, he quickly opened it and began reading it. 

“Ned, first we want to say we all miss you, and that we have prayed for your health and the kids and us love you. Now with that out of the way, we will just come out and say it. According to Robb, he found a secret key after he snuck into your office, through climbing no less how many times have we all told that boy about climbing? But anyway, in the note attached to the key, it stated that there were dragon eggs in the crypt hidden behind a secret door to Lord Cregan’s tomb, in it he found many dragon eggs, enough for him, our children, and the Targaryen children to hatch their own dragons. They did, by sneaking out of the castle, making their own pyre, and hatching them in fire, but not before a Wildling came and tried to kill them, Robb fought him with Wintersbane but lost before his direwolf popped out and opened his throat, before Robb drove the sword through his chest after he died, ALL of the dragons hatched. This is no Jape Ned. We are sorry to tell you that this burden to tell the king that this has happened.”

Signed, Your loving wives Catelyn and Ashara

What the fuck? She has to be japing, but she would never jape over something like this. Damn it why do have to be the one to tell Robert? Though I am extremely proud of Robb, it was so stupid of him to even try it, and to drag those girls into this, they all could’ve been killed. Though how could I not know about the eggs, and where the fuck was this key and note exactly? I’m also proud of him for trying to defend himself and the girls, though I’ll have to talk to him about sneaking in me, Cat, and Ash’s room, though that’s something that Brandon would do, I’ll have to talk to him when I get back to Winterfell. Though how bond can these wildlings be getting, one being within distance of Wintercity and Winterfell is insane, I’ll have to send out more patrols once I get back. Though how will Robert react to this? I don’t know what he’d do, but I know I can’t let him kill them, these dragons are a huge advantage that I can’t ignore, no one with a right mind would try to go against us like how the Mad King did. I’ll have to see how he reacts.

“My Lord, are you alright?” Ser Jory asked me, looking at me, as I no doubt looked very confused and conflicted.

“No, Jory. You know what this letter says?” I responded and asked him.

“Of course not my Lord, I’d never look through your letters unless you asked it of me.” He responded, which caused me to give him a light smile.

“I know Jory, have a seat I have need of your advice,” I told him, before he sat down in the chair I had pointed at. I then quickly told him the contents of the letter, his face went from relief at hearing that everyone was fine, to shock at Robb sneaking into my office, and discovering the dragon eggs, to huge surprise once it stated that he and the girls managed to actually hatch the dragons, to fear and then immediate relief once he heard of a wildling coming up Robb fighting him and losing before his direwolf saved them all, and then finally sadness once he heard how Robb ended him by stabbing him with Wintersbane. At the end of it, I asked him what he thought of it.

“Well my lord, I don’t think you have much to worry about, the king is your best friend so I doubt he’d try to order you to them, and even if you weren’t no Warden or Lord Paramount with a small amount of pride or honor could obey it, it would bring dishonor to his house. The king might try to have Robb ward south with him at-”

“No, he is my only son, he is my heir, and I will not allow him to leave the North or Winterfell for a wardship.” I interrupted him and said. It may seem stubborn or foolish, but I don’t want any of my children or the Targaryen girls to leave Winterfell for any time until they have adulthood, they’ll be safe with me in Winterfell. 

“Well, I’m sure the king would understand, though I guess that would leave the option of betrothals, the king seems to still mourn the loss of your sister, I’m sure that he wouldn’t oppose being the one who suggests it himself, my lord.” This gave me pause, this would seem like something Robert would do, though would benefit my house more and unify them through marriage I don’t know how to feel about it, recently we Starks haven’t done well in the south. I’ll have to think about it.

“Thank you, Jory, I need to think about how I’ll tell this to the king, and thank you for your assistance Jory, it was helpful,” I told him, I knew I could always count on Jory.

“No problem my lord, though I will say Robb’s quite lucky, I’d love to have a dragon, it could’ve helped us out on Pyke.” He said, which us both to have a small laugh. 

Now I need to think.

—--------------------------

Later that day

The last feast celebrating the Tourney of Lannisport, and the victory in the war. 

The Grand Hall was joyous, almost all the lords of Westeros were here celebrating. The mood was grand, and everyone was excited to return to their homes. I was next to Robert and the other high lords of the realm at the High Table, along with Ser Jorah and Lynese Highower his crown Queen of Love and Beauty. Ned hoped that they could be happy together, like how he, Cat, and Ash were. However, I had to get time to tell Robert alone, about the dragons.

“Robert, I need to talk to you in private, about something important,” I told him, causing him to look at me. 

“What is it Ned?” he said as he let out a laugh. “Don’t you dare tell me you’ve decided to leave tonight now, it's been years since we've seen each other brother!” 

“No it’s not about that, and I haven’t decided to leave, it’s about something else, I need to tell to you in private,” I responded to him.

“Ahhhh bugger that Ned whatever it is I’m sure it’ll be fine,” He told me.

I would really rather discuss this in private, but the word of it will get right out anyway, eh fine.

“Alright, Robert I’ll just come right out and say it, my son Robb using a way that I’d rather not go into too much detail about, managed to find and hatch dragon eggs that were hidden in Winterfell that I didn’t know about, there were enough eggs for Robb, all my daughters Allyria, Sansa, and Arya, along with Rhaenys, Daenerys, Viserra, Visenya, and my niece Selene to each hatch a dragon.”

After I said that, the hall fell deadly silent. Every single person in the hall was looking at me with shock, I already knew that some of them thought that I was lying or crazy, some looked at me in envy, and some looked like they would shout out that I was a traitor, but the only thing that I was concerned about was Robert’s reaction to it. His face had such a blank expression on it, I was surprised I expected shock or maybe rage but not for it to be blank, I’ve never seen him with just a blank face. 

When he finally reacted, the way he did was something I never expected.

“HAAAAAAAAAAA HAAAAAA HAAAAAAA” Robert was laughing harder than I had ever seen him before, he was full-on holding his stomach laughing as well. While the only thing I was thinking was why the hell are you laughing? While everyone in the hall looked at Robert in confusion.

“HAAA HAAA HAA! Those Targaryen cunts tried for over a hundred years and they couldn’t get dragons back Ned. Only a son of Ned Stark and MY namesake could bring back dragons!!!! Ned tell me how your boy managed to do it, Ned!!!” He then told me and asked me excitedly. 

I then explained how Robb did it to Robert and by extension every lord here. Once I was done telling the story, I looked closely at Robert’s face, he had a look on it that I couldn’t exactly describe on it. 

“Well Ned I’m proud of your boy, however, we must guarantee peace so that our houses will always be tied together. Ned, I’ve got a son and daughters we’ll join our houses in marriage, eh Ned? My Joffrey to your daughter Sansa, that was the one with dreams of knights, wasn’t it? And my daughters will make for more good matches for your son and heir won’t they, after all the two of them are already going to Winterfell why not have it be to get to know their future betrothed eh Ned what do say?” Robert told me. This was pretty much exactly how Jory said things would go, though ALL three princesses, might be a bit excessive but I won’t lie it is a great agreement. 

“Alright Robert, this I’ll be more than happy to agree to. I can’t think of any reason why I shouldn’t agree.” I told him.

“Ahhhhhh!!! Then it’s decided they’ll marry when your boy is 15 in Winterfell, my Myrcella’s just a year younger than him, they’ll all be of age to marry then. While Your Sansa can marry my Joffrey when he reaches 14 in King's Landing. That sounds good to you Ned?” He responded to me. 

“It’s more than acceptable to me Robert,” I told him. 

After I told Robert that, the feast continued, and spirits were high, all throughout the hall. However, I had to ask Robert one question.

I leaned in closer to him, and in a whispered voice, asked him “Why all three of your daughters Robert? You could’ve used some of them to further hold the realm together?” 

Robert looked at me, quickly leaned in, and said “Ned, do you know how many times I’ve had these ambitious cunts looking at me trying to snag one of my daughters for them themselves or their own families? One of those weasel-faced Freys even asked me, to marry one of them to one of their whelps, what was his name, ehhh Ryman I think or Merret was it? Ehhh doesn’t matter anyway, they didn’t even move to aid us until after the Trident was won, I know if justice wasn't on our side that day and that dragonspawn won on the field, they would’ve tried to take us in the rear. Then Mace Tyrell, Mace fucking Tyrell of all people brought his fat ass up to me in private and asked if his son Willas could have my Myrcella as a bride, that fuck damn near starves my brothers, and tries to take MY fucking castle and he wants a reward, NO that fat cunt can fuck right off. I said all three of my daughters because I know that they will be far better off with your boy instead of these cunts.” 

I looked at him in surprise and shock before I laughed, which caused him to laugh as well, which then caused everyone in the hall to look at us. 

—-------------

The Next Day, just before the march home

“Lord Stark, the Hand Lord Jon Arryn, and your father-by-law Lord Hoster are here to speak to you, My Lord.” Said Ser Jory Cassel. 

I wonder what they could want right now, it was almost time for me to march off. It better not be to try to get me to sit on that damn small council, because I will not do it. “Alright send them in Jory.”

After I said that they both came in. Hoster Tully my father-by-law, looked strong and experienced as he still wore his scaled armor of House Tully, while Jon Arryn my father in everything but blood and law came in looking aged but still strong. 

“Ned, it’s good we caught you before you left, we both have something to discuss with you.” They said to me.

“Alright, sure,” I responded to them.

“Well, we’ll just come out and say it. I want to betroth my daughter Sharra to your boy Robb, their will take the Arryn name and rule over the Eryie and Vale.” Jon said while Hoster followed up with “And I want to betroth my youngest daughter Emaria to your son Robb as well, she’s only a little older than him, their kids can take the Tully name and rule over Riverrun and the Riverlands.” 

What???? Why???? They both could have other alliances to strengthen their own kingdoms. It can’t be because they just heard of the dragons, can it?

“When did this idea come to you two, and why would you want my son to marry them?” I asked them, I hope it’s not just because Robb hatched dragons.

“Well we were already talking about it at the outset of the war, we just didn’t want you to be under so much pressure, but with the events of last night, it makes little difference, now I suppose. As for why, well he’s really the only safe option, he’s already related to both of them, and as it stands It’s unlikely that Lysa will ever give me a son, with how many stillbirths she’s had, but besides that, he’d protect from my less than loyal banners, the last time a woman ruled the Vale half of it rose against her, and a Stark helped replace her with a cousin, I figure that now, a Stark could help her stay there.” Jon said, cursing me to nod and then turn to Hoster who said “Generally the same as Jon for me, but as it stands, Robb is my heir as I don’t think they’d appreciate being ruled by a married woman who is over a thousand leagues away, with Robb they’d understand it. However even then I’ve been getting offers to marry Emaria to other sons of some of my lords and other lords, I know what they want, it’s to use her to usurp Riverrun and the Riverlands, doing this would solidify their claims and prevent any attempted usurpation.” 

Well, they both have good reasons, and I can’t really oppose them on it. I owe them both so much, and it increased the standing of House Stark, to a point I couldn’t refuse. I looked at the two of them and said “Alright I have no serious disagreements, and the two of you make very good points. I’ll agree to both of your betrothals, however, you know that Robb would have to have sons bearing the Stark name first?” 

They looked relieved as they both said: “Of course, we understand Ned, and maybe will have a wedding for them shortly after your boy marries the Targaryen girls after Myrcella, We’ll have a month of feasting and tourneys at Winterfell celebrating all of the marriages, and of course, we’ll help you pay for them as well, thank you Ned.” 

“It was no trouble at all Jon, Hoster,” I told them which caused them to leave out of my temporary room. 

I wonder how everyone in Winterfell will react to this. Hopefully, Cat and Ash won’t get upset over this. Though now I guess I have to head back to the rookery and send word of these new betrothals to them. Damn it I just came back from there, though I wish I was there to see their reactions as they get word of it. Imagine it, a raven after the other telling of Robb’s new betrothals. 

—--------------------------

Winterfell

A short time after Ned marched from Casterly Rock. 

Robb 

I still can’t believe that the dragon eggs actually hatched!!! We were all in the Great Hall breaking our fast now, along with all of our dragons as well. I’ll never forget Mother’s reaction along with most of the castle when we came back inside the castle. 

—--------------------------

Flashback

We were trying to sneak back inside the City to get to the castle, though now, that was all foiled, we had been gone for hours, and the city and no doubt the castle as well were under high patrol. We easily failed now that they were looking for us, Ser Rodrick, and Ser Arthur, had immediately spotted us and when they came to us, they heard the dragons, and when we took them out of our satchels, everyone was so in shock they just had us go into the Great Hall immediately. Once we got there, everyone was in shock at seeing them, several of the serving maids even fainted, while our mothers were all shocked and seemed sort of terrified, dragons haven’t been alive in over a hundred years, but they also were happy that we were alright, but immediately after they sent us all to godswood. 

Once we all got to the godswood, we all quickly got our stories straight. I knew that we all had to get our stories straight so we quickly conversed and got it together.

“Guys we have to come up with a story, to make sure they don’t try to take them away from us, and that they don’t try to take away the other eggs either. We’ll tell them all the truth, it was my plan, and I found them, and how we hatched them, but we can’t let them find out that there are still some dragon eggs, so we have to tell them these were the only ones we know anything about, you got it guys?” I told the girls.

After what I said they all quickly agreed with me. Although they weren’t very excited about lying, I wasn’t either, but we couldn’t let them take the eggs, they had to have been given to us for a reason, maybe we’d have more siblings that they could hatch for, or maybe our kids could get them, but we can’t let them know there are more eggs at least right now anyway. 

After that, we got back to playing with our dragons. Now my dragon who I had already named Winterfyre was on top of Grey Wind riding him, with Grey Wind running around the room, it’s great that they are getting along.

—--------------------------

Back to Present

Once we were deep into eating, I started to feed Winterfyre some meat. He was eating it in small bites. Shortly after I started eating my own food, Maester Luwin walked with a scroll in his hand and walked up to my grandmother Genna and gave it to her, she then went to our mothers Catelyn and Ashara and they all read it together. After they read it, they sent a servant to get us and told us to all go to Father’s office where they would meet us. 

Once we all got there we were nervous, we knew that Father had found out, and by extension the king, I hoped and I knew the others also hoped that he wouldn’t try to force us to hand them over or try to kill them. But now we just had to listen to what they said. 

“All of you first, your father sends good news, he was unharmed and will be marching home by the time that we receive this raven. Now to tell you of happened. Robb, he is very proud of you for defending your family, but also upset because you snuck into his office, and went out into the woods alone because you and everyone else could’ve been hurt, he is also proud of you for managing to hatch the dragons, and he can’t wait to see them when he gets back to Winterfell soon. Now as for the king, King Robert and your Father have decided that to assure the peace, King Robert’s three daughters, the Princesses Mya, Bella, and Myrcella would all be betrothed to you Robb, and that you Sansa would be betrothed to his heir Prince Joffrey and will be his future queen. Do you all understand?” My mother told us and asked us.

I was so surprised, I thought that he would be angry with us and that the king would want to take them away, however, he just betrothed me to his daughter, and said that Sansa would be the queen, I won’t lie, I don’t want Sansa to leave but this seems pretty much perfect. 

“Yes, we all understand,” We all told Mother, who gently smiled at us before speaking again.

“They have also decided that Princess Mya and Bella would come here, along with some of their companions to stay here. Robb most men aren’t as lucky to have even a single betrothed come to their castle, use this opportunity to find a connection with them, as you have with your betrothed already. And girls are you alright with this, perhaps when they come here, you all can become friends and reach an accord of your own.” Grandmother Genna told me.

However before I or the girls could respond to her, Maester Luwin interrupted and knowed on the door saying, “Excuse me, my ladies, but another raven bearing Lord Stark’s seal has arrived just now.” This caused Lady Ashara to go to the door and get it inviting him in, and quickly closing the door. She quickly read the note, before handing it to my mother before saying “I think this should also come from you Cat.” 

My mother quickly accepted the letter, before she read it and then told us what it said. 

“Robb more news has arrived from your father. Shortly after he sent the previous raven, my father, and Lord Jon Arryn spoke to him, about something else. Lord Jon Arryn, my father, and your father have all negotiated to betroth you to my younger sister, Emaria, and Lord Jon Arryn’s daughter and your cousin Lady Sharra Arryn, in order to protect your clim on the Riverlands, and in order to defend Lady Sharra’s claim on the Vale. My younger sister will be arriving with your father with several companions as well. Robb, do you also understand this as well, and girls?”

I said, “Yes, Mother I understand.” Then I looked at the girls.

The girls started looking at each other weirdly, as if they they were having a silent conversation with each other, before Rhaenys said “We understand Lady Stark, we’ll try to welcome them as best we can.” 

After that, they told us that we could leave. I was about to quickly run off to the courtyard to train because I had to be the best fighter to not let anything like what happened in the forest where the wildling beat me ever again, but I heard Rhaenys say “Wait!” before the girls all grabbed my arm and dragged me to the godswood.

Once we all got there they pulled me along until we got in front of the weirwood tree, and once we stopped they talked to me. 

“Robb just because you’ve been betrothed to more girls doesn’t mean can’t forget us,” Rhaenys said. 

“You still have to care for us, well and them but us too, you can’t forget us.” Viserra then told me. 

“You have to love us still just because more girls came here doesn’t mean can’t love us anymore.” Visenya then told me.

After that, I told them “I’ll always make sure to care for and love you girls even all those other girls coming.” 

After that, all the girls smiled at me, and then all of them gave me a kiss, however, my three sisters Allyria, Sansa, and Arya I gave a kiss on the cheek, though they all still blushed like how Rhaenys, Viserra, Visenya, Dany, and Selene did. 

After the kisses, I then continued on to the training yard to continue my training, while they all ran off to their own lessons.

—--------------------------

Two months later

Ned’s return to Winterfell

Ned

Ahhhh it’s great to be able to see Wintercity and Winterfell again, I can’t wait to see my family again. 

As we rode into the courtyard, I saw everyone lined up. My mother Genna, Cat, Ash, Robb, Allyria, Sansa, Arya, Rhaenys, Visenya, Selene, Viserra, and Daenerys, along with the rest of the Winterfell court were all lined up and waiting for me. 

Once I dismounted from my warhorse, I first went to the children and then picked them up and embraced them, then I went over to Cat and Ash and told them how I loved and missed them, then I went to my mother Genna and had her a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. After our greetings were made, I quickly introduced the Princesses Mya and Bella along with Robb’s newest betrothed Emaria Tully, and introduced our new ward Theon Greyjoy. After the introductions were made, I sent the Princesses, Emaria, and Theon with Cat and Ash so that they could show them to their quarters, then I and the children made our way inside the godswood, as that was where the dragons were kept. 

Once we arrived in the Godswood. I was in shock looking at the dragons, I knew they were here, and existed, however actually seeing them made it real. 

All nine of the dragons were in the godswood. Robb’s was an iridescent and pearlescent dragon that reflected different colors in the light, but solid grey, white, and light blue colors on it. Sansa’s dragon was white with light blue and pink swirls on it. Arya’s was black and purple, and it had shimmering sparkle highlights in it. Selene’s was a completely pure white egg. Dany’s dragon was sea-blue with purple and golden highlights along with shimmering sparkling swirls throughout it. Rhaenys was a white and golden dragon. Viserra’s was a purple and black dragon. Visenya’s was a bronze with green and blue highlights in its design. While Allyria’s was a light purple, pink, silver, and white dragon with shimmering highlights throughout it. All of these dragons were beautiful. 

After I saw the dragons, the dragons crawled over to the kids, then I asked the kids what were the names of their dragons. 

Robb told me that the name of his would-be Winterfyre. Allyria said her’s was named Starfyre. Sansa had said her dragon was named Snowflake, which I thought was funny. Arya told me hers was named Midnight. Selene said hers was named Snowfyre. Dany told me that hers was named Aurora. Rhaenys said hers was named Moonfyre. Viserra said hers was named Nova. Visenya said hers was named Bronzewing. 

I told them all of the names they picked out were brilliant, and that I was proud of them for hatching them, but I also told them that they shouldn’t be sneaking into my office and that it was very dangerous to do. Shortly after that, I sent them all on their way with their dragons, however, I kept Robb back as I had to talk to him. 

“Robb I’m proud of you, you did your best to protect the girls and yourself against the wildling in the forest.” I told him.

“But I was beaten, Father, if it wasn’t for Grey Wind we all would’ve been killed,” Robb told me as he looked down sadly. 

“Robb every man no matter how old has lost a match with the sword, I lost many in the training yard before I started winning,” I told him in response.

“But it wasn’t in the training, it was real, I need to become the best, I have to protect them better.” Robb then told me.

“Alright, well it just so happens that we have some of the best in this castle now. Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Gerold Hightower, Prince Oberyn, both of Lord Greatjon’s brothers Harmond and Osric, along with their uncles Hother and Mors Umber are here in the Winter Guard and the Grey Cloaks, Ser Rodrick Cassel, Ser Marlon Manderly, and your uncles Roderick Stark, and Ser Brynden Tully who came with the army to look after Emaria. I’m sure all of them would help you become better, if not the best, I’ll talk to them and get them to help instruct your arms and swordsmanship training.” I told him.

Robb’s face erupted into a massive smile before he launched himself at me and gave me a hug, which I returned, while he said “Thank you, Father!!!!! I can’t wait!!!! Can you also help me too???” 

I then told him “Of course I’ll help you, son. Now why don’t you go ahead and familiarize yourself with the Princesses, Emaria, and young Theon. He'll need a friend while he’s here, I feel you two will get along great.” With that, Robb ran off out of the godswood, with Grey Wind and Winterfyre trailing behind him, with Winterfyre riding Grey Wind as if he was a horse. 

The Old Gods have truly smiled down upon my family. So much good fortune since the end of the rebellion, the future is bright for House Stark.