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CHAPTER TWO

   UNEDITED

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CHAPTER ONE:
"MARRIAGE?"
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|WINTERFELL, mid 279 AC|



THE FOUR MEMBERS OF HOUSE VELARYON are in the great hall waiting for Lord Stark to appear and greet them. All four of them stood tall with pride and glory in the midst of the cold air. With platinum blonde hair and eye shade not of this world. They have been riding for a month, Lord Voloras sat down gathering the memories he has gathered since childhood. He remembers Winterfell clearly as it was a second home to him which he held onto his heart. He was fostered here till the age of sixteen. He had become good friends with Rickard Stark both bonding like brothers, both fought like warriors and both fell for the same woman. When he turned sixteen, he was ordered to King's Landing and remained until he was nineteen, he formed friendships and remained close with the current king and queen. He was twenty when he was ordered by his parents and the current king at the time to marry Shera Lannister. He admits she was known for her beauty and grace and being a tall woman despite having suitors already, he managed to win her over in the tournament. He'll remember when he met her, she was a lovely woman, he had come to love but his first love was never forgotten as she was at the time set to marry the Lord of Winterfell.

His children had accompanied him on this journey. He brought his two youngest sons, Vaemond and Coryls. Vaemond wasn't his first born son, his second born. He out of his three sons acted poorly than he ever saw. Vaemond grew up under the care of his mother; he wasn't cared for or raised by his mother and he knows he regrets not being there for his second son like he was for his first born. His third born son is named Coryls, born with curls, he resembles his late father the most. He raised him since he was newborn, refusing his wife to go near him, he brought him along on trips and introduced him to rulers and lords. He brought along his firstborn daughter the most beautiful woman that anybody has seen in his terms. He wanted the best for her and needed to gain the best for her. Her long platinum wavy hair fell up to her waist as she held the perfect standard body for a woman having the right places a man wants but she was a child waiting for her knight.

"My beloved daughter, what do you think of this place?" He turned to face his daughter. His daughter, Alyssa smiled lightly. "It's quite, unique and cold. Father, why must we have this alliance? I'm set to marry Jason Lannister."

"I promised a good friend that once my daughter is at age, we'll shall joined our houses once for all." Voloras grinned. "You'll shall grow in fine women here, you shall carried fine children and become Lady of Winterfell." His daughter remained silent, refusing to utter any word. She was thoroughly confused on this unexpected alliance but she knew she needed to obey her father despite her feelings for Jason. "This place is cold, our sister wouldn't survive." Vaemond spoke, gaining all the attention."Enough." Voloras snapped, angrily. "My daughter will survive this and become Lady and bore many heirs, I didn't raise any weaklings."Both sons of his, from his own seed came out strong, handsome, noble yet immature. His daughters acted more mature than his sons yet he feared for his beautiful daughters he needed to marry them off to noble houses to make powerful alliances."I don't understand, nobody knows we're here." His son Coryls spoke, causing him to. "This is a secret meeting, I had made sure nobody knew. Not even your mother knows the truth of this journey."

"I-like the oldest Stark. Brandon Stark, will take care of you," Vaemond spoke, raising his eyebrow at his sister. Alyssa didn't care; she wanted Jason Lannister. She grew up with him and spent her whole life thinking she will marry Jason and become Lady of Casterly Rock. "Father, what about Jason?" She spoke, quietly.

"That marriage is declining. We gained approval from the king. He believes in this union." Alyssa pursed her lips, she didn't know what to say. She didn't care about this marriage, she had managed to speak to Brandon once, she felt her lips quiver when Brandon stood beside her, he didn't say much and didn't bother to talk to her and since the moment he disappeared leaving her alone with her family.

"Most importantly have you seen the women here," Vaemond continued, he had met plenty of women in his time life, he managed to catch his eye on somebody, a short girl that works as a handmaiden he always likes a challenge. "Don't whore you're self little brother, your daughters aren't you at least worried?" Alyssa spoke, frowning.

This caused Voloras to chuckle as he turned his standing side to Alyssa, both eager to see what happened next. Vaemond couldn't care less for his daughters who were nothing to them but mere reminders of the women who betrayed him. His wife, Dianne Lannister whom he bedded when he was younger was the worst mistake he could make as he was not capable of loving her.

"I don't care for them. Mother does, or the wet nurse. Dianne isn't my wife, we're to get the marriage annulled soon enough."

Alyssa chuckles. "Oh, please lock her up and trap those girls with a wet-nurse." Vaemond grinned he knew well enough that those girls were nothing he imagined to himself to have he never loved Dianne but when Tion, his friend had confess to him he wished to married Dianne he felt the urge to take it away from him he never knew why or never bother to know why but he managed to produce three daughters later but he never loved her, she was just pawn in his twisted game. He didn't know any better not to mess with the Lannisters when they found out that he impregnated Dianne they demanded he'd wed her so he did but their marriage was not a happy one he had no desire to have her anymore as she was already his. His friend, Tion, no longer became his friend any longer and the last he knew from him was that he was marrying his cousin and had twins on the way. He had plenty of women in his life during his marriage with Dianne, his favorite mistress, Saline, a sweet blonde woman, with green eyes, a tremendous statue of personality.

"Oh, please. Mother is always complaining about the girls how their mother is trapped in the tower with no say to see her children. Your children."

Vaemond chuckles, "Oh, please those children are the offspring of the women who scorn herself." He grins as she fluttered her eyes between her brother and father. Alyssa is the second born child of Lord Voloras and Lady Shera. Her mother is known as the most beautiful woman in the seven kingdoms as she was a Lannister, a cousin of Tywin Lannister. Growing up her mother has always taught her to be respectful and wise. Alyssa grew up hearing the stories that her mother would say about her stay in King's Landing how nobody was friends and everybody are enemies, her mother and her are close and share everything together yet she understands her mother's vicious ways to get what she wants because that's how she grew and learned.

"Coryls," Her father spoke as the youngest son chin rose up facing his father and siblings.

"What do you think of Winterfell and your sister possible engagement to one of the Starks?" This made Coryls uncomfortable as he stood up from the wall he was laying on and faced his father. He didn't really think much and didn't want to. He would be happy for any man that Alyssa gets because in his eyes she is the most beautiful girl he has seen.

"Winterfell is nothing like Driftmark or King's Landing. It's cold but a true miracle to see snow once in our life times." He turns to face his sister. "Beloved sister if he truly makes you happy, I'm glad and will support your marriage."

Voloras wanted the best for his daughter and having an alliance between the Starks is what he always wanted and yet he knew if there is a chance he'll have then it will certainly be a dangerous game for everybody including his family.

"Father," a voice roared. He snapped himself out of his thoughts. He found himself looking at his son Vaemond. He looked like him in many ways and acted like him when he was younger yet he held his mother's eyes and features distinctly.

"Where is Lord Stark?" Vaemond asked, approaching his father by his right. Coryls came forward whacking his older brother's head displeased. "Vaemond be respectful, we're in the north. We're not home."

Vaemond raises his eyebrows. "So, we are distant relatives of Targaryens if they tried to do anything we have allies to back us up." Vaemond smiles. "Right, father?"

Voloras didn't answer because he knew that he was wrong, very wrong.

"Lord Voloras."

He turns around to spot a maid, with brown hair and green eyes holding a fur coat around her. "Lord Rickard will now see you, follow me." He smiled as he looked once at his children and then proceeded to follow the maid.

He found himself unaware of the place he was. "My lord, wait here. He'll appear." The maid left leaving him in pure darkness.

He was taken back by Rickard Stark approached. "I'm sorry my lord, we may now speak."

Voloras happily agreed after all he couldn't wait to propose an offer between their houses once and for all. They walked around in the crypts for hours till Rickard broke the silence. "My apologies, the crypts are much more quiet yet I'm afraid my children will hear."

"What do you mean, Lord Stark?"

Rickard sighed. "A raven was sent from King's Landing. I'm assuming you want to join our houses." Voloras nodded, despite having greediness overrule him. "I have a beautiful daughter who is a perfect match for your firstborn son. Your son, Brandon. Shall we make a match?"

Rickard smiled kindly. "It would be a wonderful match, my lord. May I ask why my house?"

"We were children, when we both fell for the same women. Remember her, her sweet smile, sweet eyes. I promised her, one day we'll join our houses whether you'll agree or not." He spoke confidently, staring at the man he used to call brother.

"Indeed. We were like brothers then, our duties are what drove us apart. You then went to the capital and formed friendships leaving old friends in the past."

Voloras raised his eyebrow. "Is that what you think? Rickard, I was forced to go. Sure, I made friends but old friends are never forgotten. I invited you to my wedding, I spoke fondly of you and urge my friends that they'll loved you, where were you at that time when you didn't come and I was left like fool?"

Rickard sighed. "My son was ill. So was Lyarra, she needed me, I stood by her till the end."

Voloras gulped knowing Lyarra fully. He remembers her sweet smile, sweet eyes.

"I'm sorry for your loss. Lyarra was a beautiful woman who made us both happy. I wished I could have been there when she finally was at her last moments and reminded her how much she was loved."

Rickard continues, "She would have been pleased. She is a wonderful woman and will always remain the mother to my children. I must say she urged all the time that I should marry Brandon to your daughter Alyssa, she spoke fondly of your daughter when they met in the capital." He sighs. "Sometimes, I wonder if she loved you more and wanted to fulfill her emptiness inside by marrying her son with your daughter."

Voloras thought for a long moment. He loved her when he was sixteen years old, she was a child back then, but when he left he never stopped loving her and now he knows maybe she never stopped either. "I came here to discuss a marriage between my daughter to your son, Brandon. The king has approved, I await your approval."

Rickard stared at him for a long moment unsure what to say. He has been working hard for a match between Brandon and Catelyn Tully.

"I heard of your eldest son, Brandon. A strong man, future heir of Winterfell, he needs a woman who can handle this winter and my daughter can. And as I remind you when you brought your eldest Brandon to King's Landing they bonded fairly quickly."

Rickard softly spoke. "Yes, indeed. I'm afraid I cannot accept that I have been working on a match between my eldest and the eldest Tully. I have been talking to Hoster Tully about a possible marriage between Brandon and his daughter."

Voloras frowned. "That's a shame. I would have liked to see one of my daughters join your house. One way or another I brought my sons with me and my first born daughter, Alyssa. I requested a alliance with the Starks and the King has approved."

Rickard. "Yes, of course. My son Brandon is arranged with another. My sons, Eddard and Benjen, any of my two daughters, Lyanna and Lyarra."

"Lyarra?" He questioned. "The girl whom my daughter has been very close to."

"Voloras, Lyarra had urged us to change her name but I told her I loved it because when I look at my daughter, I always see Lyarra."

"She is a very lovely girl," he said softly. He remembers the youngest daughter. In every way, she is the true Stark, but she is the daughter of his first love. The woman he loved, she carries her name and even looks like her.

"I wanted to name one of my daughters after Lyarra but Shera insisted that our youngest should be named after my mother who died." He softly replied. "That's lovely to hear, Voloras." Rickard spoke genuinely showing a smile of support. "She is pregnant again. My children don't know. She knows the purpose of this trip and expects me to accomplish this. She is keen on making this marriage happen, she wants the best for our daughter."

"My lord. I appreciate the comment but I cannot simply accept this marriage. My son is arranged to another but my son Ned who will arrived later this month.'' This caused him to bite his lip. He would make sure that his daughter will be arranged to marry the second-born son. Until his arrival, he will urge his daughter to gain the affection of the oldest boy and make sure, she will be the next Lady of Winterfell. "Very well, then. My daughter and your son, Ned will be arranged in marriage. I will leave my daugther with you until I return two months from now alongside my family. They should be married within two months."

"Lord Voloras, it does seem the match does not come keen on you."

"You're wrong."

"In return, I will make sure to reward an extra coin ship and 10,000 men from my battle corps. My daughter will at least be a Lady in the Winterfell, her children will carry northern blood."

Rickard stared for a while. "Very well then, I accept this offer. I will make sure your daughter will be guarded here."

"I know you will. Remember old friendships are leather away from ties beneath."

Lyarra kept knocking on the door the next morning. She wanted Lyanna to get up, and open her door. Despite their argument, she knew she had to apologize, Lyanna can hold a grudge too long.

"Lyarra!"

"Lyarra!"

"Your loud voices can be heard miles away." A voice spoke, holding his ears. Edgar came in wearing loose baggy clothes, his red hair messier than usual. "Ain't it bad enough you broke my heart for another boy?" He chuckles.

"No. I did not." She responded. "The note was given to me by my handmaiden."

Edgar smirks. "Aye." He smiles. Lyarra smacks his shoulder. "You knew? You made me be worried all night thinking we were no longer friends."

"Aye, you did not say anything. I figured you were lying."

"I did not."

"Did to."

"Enough!" The door wide open revealing Lyanna wearing a dark-blue dress, her long brown hair all loose. "It's obvious she didn't know, Edgar. And you, Lyarra, he only felt betrayed.'' Lyarra couldn't believe her explanation. Edgar had always been the type of person to see the reason behind it and let it fall, it isn't her fault that the letter was given to her.

"Betrayed? You knew very well!" She mocked Edgar, earning eye roll from Edgar. "Aye, I believe your telling the truth, little Lyarra.'' He ruffles her hair, treating her like a kid. This made her angry, the person she grew to love and respect has changed knowing fully well her rejection towards him. "Lyarra?" Lyanna snapped her out of her trance.

"Father has informed us to meet at the grand table. He said he needs announce-"

"The arranged marriage between your brother, Eddard and Lady Alyssa.'' This caused Lyanna to laugh at the announcement. "Poor, Ed. He is forced into marriage he doesn't want.'' Lyarra widened her eyes hearing Edgar's words. It can't be, her favorite brother is forced to be obliged to this marriage, he doesn't not want. He always said he would marry for love. "Where did you hear?" Lyarra asked. "Brandon told me the night before. He said his father had urged him to send a letter to his brother as soon as possible letting him know of this announcement." He admitted. She paused staring at Edgar green lighting eyes, he looked so hurt within his expression. She couldn't possibly tell him that the one friend he always desired had betrayed him and caused the letter to be handed to her.

"Aren't we all sane in this pure world?" She questioned, pursing her lips. She fluttered her eyes between Edgar and Lyanna as they both stared at her cautiously. "Marriages are always the ways that our house can get stronger. It's a clear tactic our father is doing. We have Driftmark on the edge of our hands." She spoke, clearly as Lyanna raised an eyebrow amazed at her speech.

"Supposedly, we understand what you're saying?" Edgar added. "How would this affect you? And Lyanna?" Lyarra knew he didn't know what she was talking about, but deeply he knew he felt strongly that it wasn't what he thought. "It means marriage. Lyanna and I are bound for marriage any now. And nothing will stop our father from selling us off." She softly spoke causing Lyanna to frown along with her.

They all sat at the grand-table, silent. Till their father came in sat in the near end. He wore an overlong black coat, his jet-black hair tied in a ponytail. There is nothing but silence. She sat beside Lyanna as Alyssa sat on the other side of her. Across from them is Brandon and Benjen. "The marriage is clearly about her." Lyanna spoke referring to Alyssa. Lyarra laid eyes on Brandon who refused to stare at her. She gave Alyssa a reassuring smirk urging her to be brave. They sat smiling at his children.

"Alyssa, it's an honor to have you here." He smiled causing her to smile along. "I have gathered all of you, here. For the announcement of Eddard and Alyssa's future engagement." She looked around her siblings, all stared were emotionless even Brandon. "I have sent a raven to Eddard informing him. Alyssa, it's an honor to have you join the family."

Lyanna didn't care as she dipped into her breakfast alongside Brandon and Benjen. "Father?" She asked, getting the attention from everybody. "Will Alyssa act as a ward in her time here?"

Her father brightly smiled. "Yes, my dear. Her father and I agree that while he journeys back and her two months here, she will act as ward but she will also be Eddard's future wife."

"I feel bad for our brother," Lyanna breathed out. She noticed that Alyssa felt nervously sitting their in the table

''Enough don't wine, who knows? You might be next to be tied in marriage.'' This caused Lyanna to shut her mouth, eating her breakfast. Lyarra flickered her eyes between Lyanna and Alyssa, who both remained silent at her comment. Alyssa nods, shows a light smile showing gratitude.


CASTERLY ROCK,
mid 279, AC

JASON STOOD IN SILENCE AS HE DINES WITH HIS PARENTS. He grew up being the second born son of Tywin Lannister and he never liked being called the second-born son because he could never live up to his older half-sibling, Jamie Lannister reputation. His older half-siblings Jamie, the courageous and the most handsome Lannister there could be, he never could live up to his reputation, then his sister, Cersei Lannister. A true beauty of the west, elegant, witty. He doesn't recall any memories of Cersei during his younger years but he'll hear stories of how much Cersei truly treated him like a little prince, spoiled with goods, then there is Tyrion. Jason always admired Tyrion because of his cleverness, wittiness, it was something that Jason never could uphold.

"Jason," pleaded a voice.

He turned around to find his mother running towards him. "My beloved son, where have you been?"

Jason could never blame his mother for anything even in times where he knew he was right. She had lost so much throughout her life. Her father had led the Lannister host, one thousand knights and ten thousand men at arms, to the War of the Ninepenny Kings but his blood was shed on Bloodstone. His mother would always claim he was so much like his grandfather even named him after him. His mother had endured so much, the death of her father, older brothers, and older sister. Joanna Lannister, he'll hear stories of her all around Casterly Rock, her beauty, grace, cleverness they loved his aunt even his own father.

"Jason!"

"Yes, mother," he spoke, showing a small smile. He wore his golden armor suit, a gift from his uncle Kevan on his last name day, it was the greatest gift he ever got. "My beloved son, listen to me."

"Your father is a very busy man. Come he is waiting.''

Sipping on her wine, Dayanna stared across the table at Tywin displeased; she had hoped that there was good news given at this time but she came down to learn nothing. Sitting silently across the table, Dayanna tried to act confident knowing what was coming; there was no way around the talk to her husband in mind.

"Your telling me that her family demands us to pay for the girl?'' She asked.

This did not sit well with Jason and Tywin. "Well, Jason, how must we play this?" He responded. "Do you want the girl?" He asked. Jason knew very well he hadn't even met the girl or didn't know who she was. He needed to do his duty and prove to his father, he was set to rule and needed a lady beside his side.

"I don't need the girl," he confirmed carefully, he didn't dare meet his mother's eyes instead focusing on his plate; he didn't feel hungry and just wanted to be dismissed so that he didn't have to be here. "Then how must this play out?" Tywin asked, already knowing the answer to his question, he sat back in his chair knowing that this simply wouldn't be brought up. Jason knew he was next in line to become Lord ever since his older half brother went to join kingsguard, his father put the pressure on him. He needed a way to get close to Alyssa, his one true love, the women he loved. His parents must never know that he stills yearns for her, he misses her.

"I would like to married the youngest daughter of Voloras.'' This caused his mother to widen her eyes in disbelief. He looked upon his father's eyes who showed a curious smile. ''Very well then, I will write a letter to Shera, to make sure that we will keep the girl as ward, then will force her to marry you soon after. You done, well.'' Nothing Jason seemed to do pleased his mother

''Jason, she is merely sixteen, a child.''

''Enough, Dayanna. Once the girl comes here as a ward, you'll treat her as your own personal child. Make sure she knows her duty and to act like a proper lady. You will get to do whatever you want to the girl, but once she arrives here, she will never be leaving.'' He announces the last thing leaving Jason to gulp, in fear for the youngest girl.

Clicking her tongue, Dayanna didn't say anything for a moment watching Tywin closely; she couldn't help but imagine what would happen if this little secret came out, it would ruin everything, their plans to keep the girl.

"You are going to be Lord of Casterly Rock." His mother hissed knowing that the last thing that they needed was any sort of trouble; there was going to be a lot of responsibility on Jason shoulder. Jason didn't say a word, he knew that his father was angry at Voloras betrayal.

"He must be ready. Making his first choice, is a step closer. Don't worry, Jason. The girl will come as a ward, I will write to the king, and Voloras will have no choice to send the girl over here. After she arrives, we will wed her to you, as soon as possible, and if we're lucky we will hearing children feet in the manner of few months running around in the castle.'' For as long as he could remember his own mother and father had always made remarks on whom he should marry one day. Who will stand by his side when he is finally Lord of Casterly Rock? Jason had no intention to marry at that moment, he simply wanted to enjoy his youth before he was tied down to a woman. As time passed, Jason walked towards the depths of the castle.

"You silly, boy.''


"She is a child.'' He turned around facing her, she had an emotionless face on. Her lips were pursed, she stood there seriously. "It's like you're marrying me. You loved Alyssa? Why her?"

He gulps. "If marrying her, it will bring me closer to her.''

"You can't possibly think? Marrying into that family will bring you a lot of pain.'' She walked furthered towards him taking his hand. "The girl is the jewel in the Driftmark. A jewel that will make you bleed.'' She answered. ''Alayria, please,'' he looked away causing her to put her hands on his cheek. "You must believe me this one time. I sense a great danger to you.''

"I will be fine. This time trust me,'' he told her, putting her hands away from him. ''I will always love Alyssa. If marrying this girl will bring one step closer to her, I will never loved her sister.''

She sighed. "She has a way to charm you.There will come a day where you will weep for her. Jason, please!" He raised his eyebrow, unsure. He kept pulling away refusing to listen to her any longer.

She was cut off by his half sister entering speaking, "what's going?" she asked. He pushed Alayria away, gesturing to her to leave. ''I will go.''She announced leaving, both siblings alone.


''You have a lover already?" She asked. Jason smirks, showing a smile. "Don't be fooled sweet sister. I don't need anyone to give me satisfaction.'' Cersei smirks knowing her dear brother remarks.

''Oh, brother. I heard of your arrangement with the youngest girl, I believed sister. It's a shame, Alyssa she is forced to marry a savage in the North,'' this caused Jason to shake her head in frustration.

Jason walks forward. "It would be a shame dear sister. You'll still unwed and with no child." Cersei glares back as they stare at each other's eyes. After all Jason is her half-brother born a Lannister. "That's enough for both of you," their father spoke angrily walking forward. "What children of mine?"

"Excuse me father, I'll go see mother. Not stay by my unwed sister of mine," Jason spoke grinning. This infuriated Cersei as she plastered a smirk on her face. "How could you?"

Tywin looked at Cersei unaware what she was trying to say. "Let him speak like that. I'm supposed to get wedded not the wrench." Tywin sighed.

"And you will Cersei but Jason is my heir, my son that will take on as lord someday and have his own children and live as the next leader of this house."

Cersei tears fell down. "So what married me off like whore and what about Jamie?"

Twyin sighed. "He took his own path. You're nothing more than my daughter, who will listen to me. I will choose a husband for you and you'll obey. Keep this mind, Jason will become Lord of Casterly Rock and rule like he should be, he is my son.'' He walked away leaving his eldest daughter alone in the room frustrated.

















A/N: Who is waiting for Robert to make appearance?

Next chapter the Targaryens Prince's will appear.

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