A Different Path

by Killerkat

Summary:

Our game of thrones ladies take a different path
Arya and Sansa make it out of kings landing together
Margaery goes north
Tyene is kidnapped by the wildlings
Daenerys gets offered a marriage proposal
Olenna does some causal kidnapping

(Currently rewriting)

Chapter 1: Tyene

Tyene stares at her father in annoyance. He has lost his mind! Tyene was no coward, but even she was hesitant to go beyond the wall.

“Come on, my summer child. Don’t be afraid.” Her father says, while smiling at her.

“I’m not afraid I’m simply using my head.” Tyene says, looking away from her father.

“We came all the way out here and you are not even a little curious.”

“As much as I love a good fight, running into the free folk isn’t something I’m interested in.”

“Why must we fight them?”

“Because we are southerners.”

“Come my child. It’ll be a life changing experience.”

Her father was right about that. Tyene thinks a redheaded free woman holds a knife to her throat. Her father is on his knees along with two men of the night’s watch. A bearded man with hair as red as fire laughs at the display. He turns to look at Tyene and the amusement in his eyes vanishes. He looks at Tyene the way most men look at her mother. He studies her intently. From her boots to her breeches to her winter coat to her gloved hands. He looks intently at her face and at her short black hair. He stares into her chocolate eyes.

“Gods you are beautiful.” He breathes out.

“What? No! She's a southerner.” The woman holding Tyene says to the man.

“I don’t care. I want her.”

Tyene's eyes go wide in surprise. She knows little about free folk customs. One fact she knows is their marriage customs or at least their bedding customs. To take a wife and if she doesn’t want to be taken she must fight him. Tyene could fight him…or make a deal.

“I’ll go willingly with you.” Tyene's voice shakes and she clears her throat.

“You’d leave your husband for me, my love?” The man says pridefully.

“I do not have a husband. This man is my father. I am his bastard. I ask that you free them and let them live. I swear to you if you do I will never leave you. I will be loyal and good to you. I’ll be yours.”

“Tyene!” Her father calls out to her in horror.

“Are you bloody insane! We aren’t trading two crows and a lord (I know Oberyn is a prince but Ygritte doesn’t) for a southern girl!” Ygritte yells out in anger.

“Ygritte!” The man growls.

“Mance will have your head.”

“Will he?” The man says threateningly.

The woman named Ygritte hesitates but finally huffs. “Men and their cocks.”

“Men and their cocks.” He agrees.

Ygritte lets her go and suddenly the man is throwing her over his shoulder. Tyene gasps in surprise but doesn’t fight him. He’s strong and very warm.

“Will you let them live?” Tyene asks breathlessly. The way he’s caring her is making it hard for her to breathe.

“A deal is a deal.” The man simply says.

She can hear her father screaming her name and she buries her face against the man’s back. It isn’t until they’re miles away that he finally allows her to walk. The woman is behind her watching her with curiosity.

“You’re right.” She says to the man. “She is pretty.”

“Thank you.” Tyene says awkwardly.

“It’s not a compliment, it's just an observation.”

“Don’t be mean to my wife.” The man growls without turning around.

“It’s about time. I thought you’d never find someone.”

“The same can be said about you.” He says back.

The man stops and Tyene stops with him. He turns slightly and looks at her from the corner of his eye. He extends his hand in offering with a smile on his face. He looks odd smiling like that. She looks down at his hand and back up to his face. She grabs his hand and they keep walking.

“What is your name, husband?”

He laughs at the word husband but doesn’t tell her to call him something else. “Tormund Giantsbane.”

“Giantsbane?” Tyene can’t hide her curiosity.

“Gods! Don’t get him started!” Ygritte yells in annoyance.

“Let me tell you why, my lovely Tyene.” Tormund says happily.

“Gods. She encourages him to be an idiot.” Ygritte mumbles to herself.

Tormund. His name is nice and her name will be nice, Tyene Gaintsbane. She will miss her home but a deal is a deal as her now husband had said.

They make it to what Tyene assumes is their camp. She doesn’t have time to look around. Tormund is tugging her towards one of the bigger tents. Tyene tries to take in her surroundings as quickly as she can. She starts to panic, Ygritte is not following them. This is it, he’s going to rape her. Tyene starts to prepare herself. She needs to undress herself. He can’t see her long daggers inside her boots. It’s the only leverage she has here.

He lets go of her hand once they’re inside and starts digging through his furs, he throws random items on his cot. She stands there watching, trying not to panic and run. He finishes and makes his way back to her and starts tugging at her coat.

“I-I-I,” she clears her throat. “Let me undress myself, it will be quicker.”

He looks at her face for a moment and answers, “Relax, I don't plan on bedding you, love. I just want you out of these crow furs.”

“Oh.”

“Aye…I will be outside if you need me.”

“Alright…thank you.”

He nods and walks away awkwardly. Maybe he is waiting for night to claim her. Tyene quickly strips down and put on his furs. His furs? These furs are around her size. It dawns on her that these are Ygritte’s furs. Ygritte isn’t fond of Tyene, she hopes this doesn’t make it worse. She quickly dresses and hides her long daggers back in her boots. She opens the tent flap and sees Tormund across the camp speaking with a man. The man looks upset. She wonders if she should go to her new husband.

“That’s Mance,” Ygritte says, appearing out of thin air.

Tyene tries to hide her jump. “Oh, your king. Of course.”

She tries to not sound condescending. That is their king who is she to say otherwise. Ygritte looks her over, critically. Tyene wonders if Ygritte is going to fight her for her furs. Instead Ygritte mumbles about the furs being too tight, Ygritte didn’t realize she had less curves than Tyene. Tyene insists the furs are acceptable but Ygritte shakes her head. Tormund chooses now to approach them, he looks murderous.

“You can’t keep her?” Ygritte asks knowingly.

“He wants to meet her,” Tormund replies bitterly, staring at Tyene.

“Ah, guess you get to go home,” Ygritte says, choosing to hide her emotions.

“Will I meet him now?” Tyene asks awkwardly.

Tormund nods and grabs her hand. He walks them to the biggest tent in camp and announces them. He drops her hand and stands next to her. Mance approaches them and looks Tyene over. It’s an uncomfortable stare nothing like Ygritte’s. Or even Tormund’s intense stare.

“Wait outside Tormund.”

She senses him tense besides her. She instinctively grabs his wrist, both men notice. They stare at her hand intensely then they turn their stare at her. Tyene does something she will never live down. She empties her stomach on Mance Rayder’s boots. She mumbles a soft forgive me to him as she hunches over and collapses. Tormund is behind her in an instant. He scoops her up and he’s out the tent. He calls for Ygritte to call their healer. Tyene can’t stay awake much longer.

“I ruined his boots,” she says and her vision blurs. She can hear her husband’s panicked laughter.

Chapter 2: Sansa

Sansa runs and runs and in her running she misses a turn and ends up outside by the stables. That’s when she sees him, a fat boy with his back to her talking to someone. Sansa is about to run when suddenly he’s falling over. In front of him is a horrified Arya.

“Arya!” Sansa cries out.

Arya looks up, startled. “Sansa.”

Sansa runs to her and hugs her. Arya pushes her off and tells her to take off her dress. Sansa is horrified but Arya pays her no mind. She starts looking through their belongings and finds their septa’s chest.

“Arya?”

“Please take off those clothes and put on septa’s.”

“That’s improper!”

“Sansa look around, all of father’s men are dead. We need to leave!”

“But the queen-“

“The queen! That bitch who ordered our father arrested and our men dead. That queen!”

“It was my fault. I told her.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Arya says in such a cold voice Sansa thinks they’re back north. “I hate you right now but I’m not leaving you here. With these cowards.”

Sansa is startled by Arya’s anger but proceeds to take off her dress. Arya grows inpatient and starts ripping it off. Sansa cries out once but stays quiet after that. She pulls on septa’s clothes and makes sure to cover her face. Arya nods in approval and grabs Sansa's hand. They take the tunnels, Arya does her best to navigate. They make it to the beach and hide.

“What are we going to do?” Sansa whispers with unshedded tears in her eyes.

“I don’t know but we can’t let the queen find us.”

“Maybe we can plea for forgiveness on behalf of father.”

“Don’t you get it? One prisoner is all they are getting. I won’t let them take either of us. We’re going home, even if I have to crawl with you on my back.”

“I’m sorry I told the queen.”

“Please don’t talk about it.”

“It’s my fault. Just leave me. I’ll turn myself in.”

“Shut up.”

“…Arya…”

“If you are seeking forgiveness or punishment I’ll give it to you. For father.”

“I don’t deserve it.”

“It’s not for you.”

“I’m scared.”

“So am I but we have to go home. We have to go home. Mother will know what to do.”

“You killed that boy.”

“I know, and I hated it. If I could turn back time I would do it again.”

“Arya!”

“No. We can’t go by our names anymore Sansa. It isn’t safe, call me Arry.”

“Arry? But-“

“No! Choose a name. A common one.”

Sansa licks her lips. “Septa Jeyne.”

“I’m going to miss septa Sansa.”

Sansa laughs. “Me too.”

“I can’t be a girl anymore.”

“What?”

“I have to pretend to be a boy.”

“But-“

“They're looking for the Stark sisters. Not a septa and a boy.”

“When did you become so clever?”

“Don’t be foolish, I've always been clever,” Arya says playfully. “I need to find a way to cut my hair.”

“What about needles?”

“Needle isn’t exactly made to cut. Needle is made to stab.”

“Let’s look for a sharp rock?”

“Alright.”

After a while Sansa finds the perfect rock. She prepares to cut Arya’s hair but hesitates.

“You have to. Make it short but it needs to cover my face somewhat. We have to do this.”

“I know, I just wish we didn’t have to.”

Once Sansa was satisfied with her work she drops the rock. Arya takes first watch. She considers letting Sansa sleep the night. She can’t even if she wants to. They need to stay sharp. Sansa wakes and Arya hands her needle. Sansa hesitates but Arya threats to stay awake if she doesn’t have needle ready.

Days later they watch their father confess to a crime he did not commit. Sansa grabs Arya and tells her not to look. Arya tries to fight Sansa and Sansa makes eye contact with her father and her father makes eye contact with someone else and then that man has Arya in his arms and Sansa is following behind. They make it to the alley and then they hear metal hit stone. Their father was dead. The man screams at them asking who they are. They reply with their given names. He screams at them again. Who are they? Arya responds with Arry and Sansa understands.

Yoren tells them the plan. Septa Jeyne is going north to spread the word of the new gods. Arry is her little brother and chaperone. Both girls don’t love the plan but it’s the only believable story as to why a septa is traveling with the night’s watch.

Sansa watches as a fat boy threatens Arya. She gasps as Arya threatens him back. Sansa gets ready to intervene when an older boy steps forward and does it for her. Arya introduces herself and befriends the older boy. Sansa gets on the wagon with Yoren and they make their way north. Home.

Chapter 3: Margaery

Margaery was taking a long hot bath when her grandmother calls for her. Margaery thinks nothing of it, it’s close to their tea time. She puts on one of her favorite pink silk gowns and makes her way to her grandmother’s tower. On her way she greets everyone she comes into contact with. Once she’s at her grandmother’s tower, she is told her grandmother is waiting in her office. In her office? Soon Margaery finds out it is definitely not tea time.

Her and her grandmother stare at her brother’s letter in annoyance. He has done some questionable things, this is on the top.

“I always knew your brother was an idiot like your father but even your father knows better.” Olenna says, rolling her eyes.

“I love Loras but you are of course right grandmother.”

“How could he try to marry you to his lover with no real claim to the throne. He’s going to get us all killed. That imbecile, at least Robb Stark could actually become king in the north. Northern men are quick savage fighters.”

“Robb Stark has been promised to a Frey girl.”

“Nothing we can’t fix.”

“If he’s anything like his father, it’ll be difficult.”

“Maybe but he won’t be able to resist you.”

“I don’t know, grandmother. The stakes are too high. Robb Stark might take offense and take our heads. Stannis Baratheon is a religious fanatic who burns people alive. Renly is my brother’s lover with no real claim to the throne. And Joffrey Lannister is known as a cruel monster and is likely a bastard born of incest.”

“Robb Stark it is.” Her grandmother says making it sound easy.

“Gods.” Margaery mumbles. “I have my work cut out.”

“Ha. The problem isn’t making him fall in love with you. It’s getting him to break his vow.”

“He’ll be grateful for the men. How many will come with me?”

“Thirty thousand and four hundred.”

“Gods can’t we do better?”

“We have to think of our house as well. We’ll be traitors to the crown.”

“Of course, thirty thousand is decent enough.”

“We would have had more if Loras wasn’t a fool.”

“My dear brother had caused us a predicament.”

“I’ll have a raven sent to him.”

“Maybe he’ll see reason and Renly will renounce his claim.”

“My sweet rose, don't forget men are all fools. Your brother is no exception.”

“Robb Stark is a fool but I’ll make sure it doesn’t cost us our lives.”

“Let’s prepare, darling.”

Chapter 4: Sansa II

Arya watches Gendry a lot. If she wasn’t pretending to be a boy Sansa would tease her about. The odd thing was Gendry seemed to like Arya as well. Sansa wondered if he liked boys, it worried Sansa. What if he does like boys? He could try to bed Arya, he would see she is not a boy. Sansa has played her part as septa well. She doesn’t speak unless she has to and she stays close to Yoren and Arya. She pretends to pray a lot. Most of the men keep their distance. The rapists in the cage call out to her but she ignores them. She does pray they don’t break out of that cage.

When Lannister men came looking for Gendry Sansa barely had time to hide. Arya and her were surprised when it was Gendry they were looking for. Arya went to go prob and Sansa was trying to calm her nerves.

Arya rushes towards her and hisses. “We need to talk, now.”

Arya drags her away, no one pays them any mind. Arya always accompanies Sansa to relieve herself. She needs something to look out for her. Who better than her little brother.

“What is it?” Sansa says nervously.

“Gendry has known I was a girl this whole time.”

Oh, he liked Arya not Arry. He isn’t as stupid as he looks.

“I told him who we are.”

“How could you be so stupid.” She didn’t think Arya was that stupid.

“He promised not to say anything.”

“Gods Arry!” Sansa and Arya have not broken character, not even when they are alone. They can’t risk slipping up.

“I trust him.”

“No you like him.”

“I don’t!”

“Yes you do, you little fool!”

Arya gets ready to respond but goes quiet. “Do you think he knows I like him?”

“Probably not, since he likes you and hasn’t tried anything.”

“Gods now he never will, he called me a lady. He was horrified because he's been pissing in front of me.”

“He’s been doing what?”

“Bloody hell you’re right. It was stupid to tell him.”

“Your reasoning is wrong but I’m glad we are having the same thought.”

“You really think he likes me?”

“Are you blushing?”

“Shut up.”

“Aw.”

“Why must this happen to me? Why couldn’t this odd romance form between you two.”

“Sorry but I have no interest in him and he has less for me.”

Days later they’re hiding from Lannister men. Gendry and Lommy want to fight after the Lannisters kill Yoren. It takes both Sansa and Arya to hold back Gendry. Lommy runs into the fight and dies. Gendry stops struggling. All four watch in horror as the men ask about Gendry. One of the survivors there tells them Lommy is Gendry.

Sansa, Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie wait until the soldiers are gone to do scavenging. Gendry finds his bull helmet. Arya finds Yoren’s dagger and she gives it to Sansa. They plan on hiding it in Sansa’s dress. Gendry takes a sword, just in case. Hot Pie doesn’t want one but Sansa convinces him. His crush on her helps her greatly. They continue north. Less hopeful but still determined.

Chapter 5: Margaery II

Margaery is not pleased she has competition. Luckily for Margaery Talisa hasn’t made her way to the king's bed. At least not yet. Unfortunately that doesn’t seem to matter because the king of the north has his eyes only on Talisa. He doesn't look twice at Margaery. She doesn’t want to take offense but she can’t help it. Talisa has nothing to offer but her body. Robb Stark is an idiot. No king seems to be interested in her. Jamie Lannister flirted more with her and he’s a prisoner.

“My lady, what a revealing sight.” He smirks at her out of place sky blue silk dress. Even in the cold her dress was just as revealing as always.

“Shut it, kingslayer.” One of the guards growls out.

“I hope you enjoy the view, sir.” Margaery says faking innocence. The kingslayer smirks at her and she tries to ignore the way her insides flip.

Margaery could still leave, she hasn’t pledged her house to Robb Stark yet. The only interested party in Margaery is his beast, Greywind. Margaery would be scared but the wolf acts like a puppy towards her. He tried to sit on her lap before Robb had to drag him off of her. At least Greywind had taste. Speak of the wolf, here he comes. He boldly enters her tent and lays next to her on her bed.

“You beautiful beast.” Margaery says playfully.

Greywind whines until she scratches his belly. What a spoiled beast. Margaery has just met him but she’ll miss him once she is gone. Maybe ignoring this war will be for the best. Margaery loses her train of thought when one of her guards announces lady Catelyn Stark.

“My lady, forgive my informal appearance.”

“There’s no need, lady Margaery. I see Greywind is rather fond of you.”

“He is, I don’t know what I did to get his attention.”

“I wish to speak to you about my son.”

“The king?”

“Do not act a fool my lady.”

“Forgive me.”

“You wish to marry him.”

“I'm afraid I do.”

“He is promised to a Frey girl.”

“He is.”

“You are trying to ruin his honor.”

“I do no such thing. Lord Frey should have let King Robb pass without demands.”

“Would you have?”

“My father is not a bannerman to house Stark.”

“If he was.”

“He would have. Without demands. If he weren’t a bannerman of the Starks he would make demands.”

“Hum.”

“Talisa does the same as I, but at least I do not pretend I am innocent.”

“Don’t you?”

“I do not. If you speak of my kindness, that is not a façade. Whether you believe it or not.”

“Animals are great at reading people and Greywind seems to be enchanted by you.”

“Would you prefer Talisa as his oathbreaker, my lady?”

“If I had to choose, it would be you.”

Margaery is surprised. “Really?”

“You are smart, beautiful, and you know a good thing when you see it. Talisa has nothing to offer Robb but problems. Unfortunately I can’t seem to get rid of her.”

“I see. I’m the more convenient opinion.”

“Yes but also the better one.”

“How shall we get rid of her?”

“Would you kill her?” Catelyn asks with suspicion in her voice.

“No. It would break his heart and he could turn into another Robert Baratheon. I’d find someone to seduce her and plan for king Robb to find them together. He would be heartbroken but also angered and betrayed. He would choose to forget her. Even send her away himself.”

“Smart girl.”

“Have I upset you?”

“No, how long will it take to be done?”

“I need to find a willing participant. No one wants to steal a king’s mistress. Especially not his own men.”

Catelyn and Margaery will have to rethink their plan. Talisa went crying to Robb about the evil man trying to seduce her. Robb almost took his head but Catelyn reminded him that the man had done nothing wrong. Talisa is an unmarried commoner. Robb practically announced he would marry Talisa. Margaery was ready to pack her things and go with her men. She loved her grandmother but she would not sleep with Robb Stark to get him to marry her. He would resent her for it their whole marriage.

So Margaery officially decided an alliance would not be formed. Robb was disappointed he was losing all her men. Besides that he did not care. Margaery hide her seething anger well. She smiled when he offhandedly invited her to his wedding. Catelyn could not hide her emotions the way a Tyrell could. Everyone in the room could see she was displeased. Margaery would not stay for the wedding. She had already wasted enough time trying to get Robb Stark’s attention.

She was watching her handmaidens pack their things. Margaery decides she needs to go outside. She has too much pent up energy. She needs to walk it off. She doesn’t know how she ended up so close to the prisoner’s cells.

“Leaving so soon?” Jaime Lannister asks flirtatiously.

“I am.”

“What a shame. I will miss such a pretty face.”

“My face or my body?”

“Why not both?”

“I thought you would prefer someone with lighter hair.”

“Ha. An incest jip and from the mouth of a lady.”

“Forgive my rudeness, Sir.”

“There’s no need. I am but a humble prisoner.”

“And I am an unwed lady.”

“He is a fool.”

“…Maybe, but he has chosen love. Even if it is foolish.”

“Marrying you would have made him victorious. Marrying her will get him killed.”

“As sad as that is, I cannot stop that. All I can do is take my belongings and my men and leave.”

“Would your grandmother have been able to do it?”

“Yes.”

“Such confidence in her, but not in yourself.”

“My grandmother would go to extremes I am not willing to.” Margaery shrugges in an unladylike manner.

Jaime laughs. “If I wasn’t a knight I think I would have hoped to marry someone like you.”

“Who knows, maybe you still could.”

“How cruel to taunt an imprisoned man. Maybe you aren’t as sweet as they say.”

“Maybe I’m not.”

Margaery opens his cell, all the prisoners watch in suspense. Margaery steps inside, she walks towards Jaime slowly. She crutches down onto her knees, ruining her dress. She gently curls her hand into a fist around his tunic. He tenses but doesn’t move away from her. Suddenly she yanks him forward and her mouth is pressed against his. He stiffens against her lips. His mind catches up and he kisses her back roughly. He kisses her because she might be the last woman he gets to kiss. Her lips are soft and her mouth is hot. She tastes like honey and strawberries. She smells like rose water and her hands are smooth and delicate. He puts his dirty hand on her smooth neck. He slowly starts to trace her jaw with his thumbs. She hums and moves closer to him. The shuffling of men catches their ears. She pulls away first, out of breath. She won’t look at him but her forehead is pressed to his dirty one.

“Remember me when they take your head, kingslayer.”

She gets up and all but runs away from the prison cells. Her dress is dirty and her skin is a pretty pink color. He made a mess of her. For once his sister doesn’t fill his thoughts. He wonders how Robb Stark could overlook someone like Margaery Tyrell. He licks his lips and tastes her once more. Robb Stark is an imbecile, if Jaime didn’t want his head before he certainly does now. Margaery Tyrell. Who would have thought she of all people would leave such an impression.

Margaery is horrified. What was she thinking? She wasn’t obviously. Why else would she conjure up the idea of kissing Jaime Lannister. Hours ago she was trying to catch Robb Stark’s eye. Now the only man to notice her was the kingslayer. Suddenly Renly as a husband didn’t seem like a bad idea. Margaery needs to leave, the kingslayer is a temptation she didn’t know she had. Gods, he’s been with his sister. Why must he kiss like that? It’s always sarcastic loud men like him-

The idea came quick, Margaery considering it. She paced around her tent for a few minutes. It would give her immunity if they agreed. If they didn’t they might take her head. Lady Stark would agree, three dragons, a Dothraki army, and an unsullied army was better than one woman. If he insisted on breaking his oath at least he could do it for someone worthy of it. She would go herself to ask the dragon queen. She hopes she is as kind as the people say. She calls for Lady Stark.

“My lady.”

“I thought you would have been on your way by now. Your clothes! Your neck!”

“A beautiful idea had emerged from the back of my mind.” Margaery says ignoring her comments.

“I see. You will have Talisa killed?”

“Gods, maybe to speed things up. For now that is unnecessary.”

Margaery tells Catelyn of her plan. The first thing they must do is get rid of Talisa or convince Robb not to marry her. Margaery will propose that Robb break his oath to the Freys and instead marry Daenerys Targaryen. He will protest but she has what he needs plus Margaery will stay on his side with her men. He may not want Margaery but he needs her men. If the Freys try anything Daenerys has dragon fire to burn a hole big enough for them to enter the twins. The tricky part is convincing Robb to let her wed Jaime Lannister. That’s the part of the plan she needs. She will not help unless the kingslayer becomes her lawful husband. Catelyn Stark hates that Margaery has made such a request. Margaery doesn’t back down or feel shame for such a request.

The reason is none of their business but it is purely selfish. Marrying a Lannister gives her immunity. If Robb wins she has tamed a lion and will become lady of Casterly Rock. If the Lannisters win she will have saved and relieved Jaime of his knighthood. Tywin will be pleased and recognize the marriage. She will become lady of Casterly Rock. She would prefer the Stark’s to win but if Robb keeps up this foolishness she might change her mind. No one has to know. The kingslayer is her safety blanket. The first real problem is convincing the dragon queen to accept. If Margaery has to assassinate Talisa ‘the useless’ she will.

A couple of days later Lady Stark works her magic. Robb (reluctantly) agrees to send Margaery to negotiate with the Targaryen. He’s still a man and insists on keeping Talisa around. As long as Talisa behaves, Margaery won’t have her killed. Her next problem is the kingslayer. He will definitely fight this arrangement. He’ll think her mad, say she fell in love with one kiss. It does not matter Tywin Lannister will be pleased his son has a wife. Robb will keep an eye on them but will allow the kingslayer more freedom. She will do nothing if the kingslayer says no. She will not force him, even if she wants to.

“Marry me.”

Every man in the cells looks up at her. She’s looking directly at Jaime and the men in the cells follow her gaze. Jaime slowly lifts his head and looks puzzled. He tilts his head to the side and looks at her like she has been misplaced. He huffs a laugh and raises his eyebrows.

“You truly are mad, Lady Tyrell. Aren’t you supposed to be on your way home?”

Margaery clenches her jaw. She opens the cell and walks in. She makes it seem like it isn’t a cell and more of a public dining hall. Every man’s eyes wide when she plops down (ungraceful) next to Jaime. They sit in silence for a while before she finally speaks.

“My reasons are purely selfish,” Margaery starts. “I need you more than you need me. If the king of the north wins we’ll need each other. If your family wins, I’ll need you. I know you made an oath but it seems even the honorable Robb Stark has decided to break his. It’s nothing for a kingslayer.”

“Ha. Robb Stark an oathbreaker? I must be getting old.”

“Will you marry me?”

“Not even if every signle god commanded it.”

“Is it because of your sister?” Margaery whispers into the wind. “If she lives, I will not mind that you go to her.”

Jaime looks at her like she stabbed him, “You would be with me even with that rumor going around? You would allow it if we were to wed?”

“Yes, my plan only succeeds if you are my lawful husband. No one else can give me what you can.”

“You will regret marrying someone like me.”

“There is on one like you.”

“How would you get Stark to agree to this?”

“He already has.”

“Smug bastard.”

“He's not please but has agreed.”

“You could have lied about your intentions.”

“You are my only ally here.”

“What a horrifying thought.”

“Indeed.”

“When will we wed?”

“Once our cloaks are finished.”

“Seven hells.”

“I’m leaving after we consummate our marriage.”

“What?” He growls.

“Relax, lovely lion. It’s part of the deal I made. I have to convince the drag-Daenerys Targaryen to wed the king in the north.”

“You are mad. I’m to have a wife, just for her to go get herself killed.”

“They say she is just and sympathetic.”

“And a Targaryen,” he spits back.

“Why does it matter? If I die you’ll lose nothing.”

“I’ll lose my conditional release and my wife.”

“So nothing you haven’t been without.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“Ha. We will surely die if I appear with the kingslayer and he is not a peace offering.”

“Who is to go with you?”

“Two of my ladies in waiting a couple of my most loyal men and…Theon Greyjoy and a couple of the king’s most loyal men.”

“I see you found a lover.”

“We aren’t even married and you are already conjuring up jealous fables.”

“…Gods…It seems I am.”

“Compose yourself, husband. I have no interest in the likes of Theon Greyjoy. My eye isn’t the one that will wonder.”

“The incest jips continue.”

“It was right there.”

“Ha. Ha. And we are not yet wed. Calling me husband so soon. One of these northerners could take my head before they let me out of this cell.”

“The king of the north has sworn that if any man kills you, their house will burn.”

“Their house.”

“Root and stem, he took that right from your father.”

“Indeed he did, wife.”

Chapter 6: Shae

Shae did not mean to fall in love with Tyrion Lannister. She didn’t even consider she would. Becoming a princess’ handmaiden had not been part of the plan either. Myrcella is a gentle and kind soul. Shae doesn’t know how the queen had such a daughter.

“I’ll miss Sansa and Arya but I think they’re better off going home. ” Myrcella says offhandedly. “I hope they visit again.”

Gods, no one tells this child anything, “I supposed after their father’s death the capital is no longer their favorite place to visit. I’m sorry that was inappropriate.”

“No it’s alright. I should have thought of that.” Myrcella says getting lost in her head.

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Go somewhere else in your head. You don’t have to do that with me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No sorry.”

“Alright. I’m thankful I met you, Shae.”

“There are better things to be thankful for, princess.”

“We should be thankful for everything we have, no matter the value. You are worth being thankful for.”

“Stop it child. I’m almost done with your hair.”

“I’ve received another gift with a letter this time.”

“You should’ve told me sooner.”

“I know but I was so excited.”

“Those gifts will only bring trouble. Show me the letter.”

Dear Princess Myrcella,

I hope this finds you well. I hope you have enjoyed my gifts. I know we mustn’t speak because of the circumstances. I simply cannot stop myself from seeking you out. Once I found out I had a cousin I could not hold myself back. I mean you no harm, I know my seeking you out is dangerous and I apologize. I hope you decide to write back. If you do, I will love to read everything you have to tell me. I hope one day we can meet face to face. If you chose to exchange letters with me, leave a candle at your window just after the sun sets.

With love your cousin,

Shireen Baratheon <3

“Oh no.” Shae can’t help but say out loud.

“No one has to know.”

“They might already.”

“I just want a friend, there is no harm in letters between two girls.”

“How do we know this is from her? It could be her father or that red woman.”

“If it is, why haven’t they sent a harmful gift or an assassin?”

“Maybe they want information or to get you to trust them so when they come you will bow willingly to them.” Shae says pacing. She has to tell Tyrion. Seven hells he’s going to be furious she didn’t tell him sooner. These gifts could have been dangerous from the start and she just allowed it.

“Shae, please compose yourself. What if it is Shireen and she’s just lonely. I’ve heard the stories about what happened to her…the greyscale. She must have no friends, people are quite judgmental.”

“And yet she sends you gifts without a note or a seal. It’s odd, she would consider that considering what happened to her.”

“Yes but putting her name on my gifts is dangerous for her. My uncle is mad and if he found out about her gifts he could hurt her.”

“It doesn’t matter, I will tell the hand and this will be over.”

“Alright. If it must be this way, I understand.”

“I’ll tell Tyr-the hand as soon as I can.”

“Alright, finish brushing my hair, please.”

Chapter 7: Shireen

The gifts come in secret, Shireen enjoys them. She should be afraid, a gift had given her greyscale after all. It was hard to see these gifts like that. The gifts were nice like that evil doll had been but they had a youthful touch to them. Nothing an adult might choose. Nothing a monster might choose.

Despite not wanting to, she must tell her father. The gifts were from an outsider, an intruder. The day she finally decides she’s going to tell her father another gift appears. This one was different; it came with a letter attached to it. That immediately worried her. The letter could be coated with more greyscale or just simple poison. She opens it anyways, she’ll be stuck in this castle forever anyways. Maybe death would be her escape.

Dear Princess Shireen,

I hope this finds you well. I hope you have enjoyed my gifts. I know we mustn’t speak because your father is a traitor. I simply cannot stop myself from seeking you out. Once I found out I had a cousin I could not hold myself back. I mean you no harm, my handmaiden Shea says it’s unwise to seek you out. Maybe it is but I refuse to blame you for your father’s choices. I hope you decide to write me back. If you do, I will love to read everything you have to tell me. I hope one day we can meet face to face. If you chose to exchange letters with me, leave a candle at your window just after the sun sets.

With love your cousin,

Mayrcella Baratheon <3

Mayrcella Baratheon? Sending her letter? Shireen did not trust it, she should tell her father. She doesn’t want to but if these letters can get to her room so can an assassin in her father’s. Part of her wants to be selfish and keep it a secret. They send the gifts through her window; it must be the only access they have. Maybe Shireen could be selfish just for one night and light a candle. No one would know and she would make a friend. She hopes it’s a friend and not a monster from the capital.

Chapter 8: Ygritte

Ygritte huffs in annoyance, the southern girl is still sleeping. Tormund is pacing like a mad man and Mance is chucking the girl’s frozen bile off his boots. It should be an amusing time, it could be if they relaxed. With the way Tormund is acting it might end with him replacing Mance as king. Tormund looks feral but every time he looks at the girl his eyes soften and his becomes less tense. She doesn’t understand how he could care about her in such a short time.

“Why hasn’t she woken?” Tormund growls out to no one.

“Relax, we’ve been walking for a while and southerners can’t handle it. They don’t walk as much as us.”

“We should’ve given her more water or time to rest.” Tormund gruffs out.

“Or a horse.” His eyes snap up to meet hers and she’s not surprised to find them dark and violent. “Relax, you big oaf.”

“Watch it.”

“The girl is going back.” Mance cuts into their staring contest.

Tormund gets in Mance’s face and Ygritte can’t decide who she’s going to side with. She knows in her core who. It will always be Tormund, he’s her brother in everything but blood. Tormund looks ready to pounce and Mance looks as calm as ever.

“It’s our way.” Both men turn to look at her. “That’s how we’ve always taken wives. That doesn’t change because she’s some lord’s bastard. She’s Tormund’s now, as our king you have to respect that or challenge him for her.”

“I don’t want her.”

“Then it’s settled, she stays with him.”

“Keep her in check, we don’t want a southerner running around and trying to change our ways.”

“A moment ago you were the one trying to change our ways.” Ygritte says coldly.

“That was my fight.” Tormund gets in her face once Mance leaves the tent.

“You would’ve won and we would have lost our king. The one we chose.”

Tormund stares at her for a moment before nodding in agreement. “I would have.”

“For her?”

“For her.”

“Good, I expect you to be a good husband to her. She looks delicate.”

“She has fire in her soul, I can see it in her eyes.”

“Hello?” Both turn to fine Tyene looking around in confusion. She’s trying to sit up.

“Stay down, love. You need to rest.”

“Oh, husband. I thought the king would be upset. Oh, I ruined his boots.”

“It’s alright, he won’t be bothering us. You’ll stay here with me.”

“You killed him?”

“He would have if I wasn’t as brilliant as I am. I stopped the fight before it even started.” Tyene giggles and Ygritte knows they’ll be good friends.

Chapter 9: Margaery III

Margaery cautiously makes her way to the king's council tent. She has been summoned and she doesn’t know why. She is worried the king could see her as a traitor and take her hostage. No, her army is larger than his, even if it’s barely. She is to marry a Lannister and be practically untouchable. If Robb Stark allows her to be. She hasn’t felt this helpless in a while.

She enters the tent with her handmaiden. Inside the tent is the king, Lady Catelyn, the lord they call great Jon, and Theon Greyjoy. Lady Stark sends Margaery’s handmaiden away. Margaery greets everyone but they practically ignore her formalities.

“I’m afraid there has been a change in our agreement.” The king of the north says finally looking at Margaery for the first time.

“We had already agreed and I’m not keen on changing my terms.”

“Your terms will be met.” Lady Stark cuts in.

“You will wed the kingslayer, after you bring me Daenerys Targaryen.”

“…After…”

“Aye.”

“And if Daenerys Targaryen declines our offer?”

“If she lets you live, you will be wed to one of my lords and I will wed the Frey girl waiting for me.”

“And the kingslayer.”

“When we win this war without the Targaryen I’ll take his head.”

“Well Theon Greyjoy still escort me to her? Even in certain death?”

“I will.” Theon Greyjoy says somberly.

“So be it.” Margaery says with a smile on her face. She excuses herself and smile and says hello to everyone she passes.

Once in her tent she collapses onto the ground and loses her breath. She can’t breathe. She hasn’t had an attack like this before. She's seen others have this but it has never happened to her. She feels like she’s dying, like she’s just going to collapse and never wake up. Her handmaidens don’t know what to do but they know better than to call for help. The northerners cannot see her like this. No one can see her like this.

Hours later after getting herself under control she visits her…she doesn’t know what he is to her. Lover? Reluctant ally? Friend? Husband? Beloved? Her kingslayer, that’s what he is her kingslayer. She sees him before he sees her. He looks better than the times she’s seen him before. He’s still dirty and frail looking but better somehow.

“Sir Jaime.”

“Lady Margaery, what a surprise. Do you bring more good news?” Her face is a mask and that actually frightens him. “What is it?”

She starts opening the cell but a northern rips the door out of her hand and slams it shut. Every man in the cells gets a murderous glint in their eye.

“Sorry miss, no one is to open the cell doors unless it’s a guard.”

“Lady.” Margaery says sweetly. “Lady Tyrell, I’m not to be disrespected again.”

“Forgive me, my lady. I'm just following the king's orders. There’s been talk about a mad girl coming here and rolling around the filth with the prisoners. We’re on the lookout for her.”

“What an odd girl. I hope she’s not rolling around with the pigs as well or the stables with the horses. What a horrid girl.” No one would even guess she was falsifying surprise and concern.

“The stables! Oh I must go investigate my lady!” The guard ran off to look for…well her.

“What an awful fable. I wonder what would possess her to do such a thing.”

The prisoners laugh, all of them. Men she didn’t think knew how to laugh, were giving themselves bellyaches from their laughter. Jaime smirked big and lopsided just for her. She smiled back at him. She reopens the cell and approaches him. She grabs her skirt so as to not get mud on them and crouches down to Jaime’s eye level. She can’t have any more stories of a mad girl running around covered in mud.

“I hate to ruin our fun but I did not come for the pleasure of your company.” Margaery whispers for only him to hear.

“I see, my lady.”

“The king of the north has decided…we shall wed when the Targaryen comes back with me. Only then.”

“I was just starting to think of you as my wife.”

“This is no time for jips, sir.”

“What will happen when she says no?”

“She’ll have me killed of course. If she grants me mercy I’ll have the pleasure of having a northern husband.”

“Not the King himself?”

“He plans on keeping his oath if my proposal doesn’t succeed.”

“And I’ll be executed. You can still go. Take your men and go. Why take that risk.”

“I swore an oath to him.”

“He swore he would make you a Lannister. He’s breaking his oath as well.”

“His people won’t see that, he’s a king. I’m a woman.”

“Then marry a northern man and forget about the dragon queen.”

“No, I won't, I'll figure out a way to convince her. If she wants to be queen she’ll do it.”

“If she is content where she is?”

“We both die.”

“Wonderful.”

Margaery lets go of her skirts and grabs Jaime’s face with both hands and cradles his checks. He swallows hard and pushes himself up and closer to her. She leans towards him and presses her lips to his. It’s not wild like their first kiss. This one is soft but still just as greedy. She opens her mouth for his tongue and moans when he licks inside her mouth. She sucks on his tongue and he tugs her dress. His cuffed hands are making it hard for them to press against each other. The shuffling to footsteps makes them pull apart, the guard is coming back. Margaery leaps up and all but runs before the guard can see her.

She is saddened that she can not give her kingslayer one last farewell. Her kiss will have to do. She hopes he enjoys it as much as she had. That might be the last kiss either of them get. She can still feel his chest pressed against hers, his finger trailing up and down her thigh, and his tongue drawing shapes in her mouth. Gods she wants that oathbreaker badly, how inconvenient. She must start planning. The dragon queen is her only hope.

Chapter 10: Daenerys

Dany is in her tent with Irri and Missandei who are braiding her hair. Both giggling and arguing on how to do her hair. A call from outside the ten distracts all three of them. Irri goes to open the flap. Sir Barristan has announced that the second sons agreed to a meeting. Everyone is waiting for Dany in the counsel tent to discuss a strategy.

“We’ll join you all momentarily.”

“Of course your grace.” Sir Barristan bows and leaves.

“The second sons. I'm worried they can’t be bought.” Missandei massages Dany’s scalp. “Some men prefer a good fight over gold.”

“I can feel it in my bones. We will win.” Irri says confidently.

They make their way to their meeting tent. Sir Barristan, Jorah, Grey Worm, and Rakharo greet them.

“They are skilled fighters but we outnumber them greatly.” Sir Barristan states.

“We have been outnumbered and won.” Rakharo says back.

“How do we convince them to join us? What if Missandei is right?” Irri asks nervously. “Is gold enough?”

“We’ll offer them the gold, if it comes down to battle I’m certain we can manage.” Dany says simply.

“There’s news for Westeros. Half the Tyrell’s have joined the Stark boy and the other half have joined Renly Baratheon.”

“Half?” Dany says in surprise.

“It seems Loras Tyrell is fond of Renly Baratheon. Margaery Tyrell is fond of Robb Stark. It seems their grandmother has sided with her granddaughter. She’s headed that way it seems.”

“The Tyrells seemed to be the most united.”

“They are, sooner or later one will join the other.”

“Any more news?”

“The Stark girls are missing.”

“What a shame, they’re fairly young.”

“Oberyn Martell’s bastard daughter was kidnapped by wildlings and he’s been asking for help to search for her since. No noble house has gone to help him.”

“Send a couple of our men to help him, discreetly of course.”

“Are you sure that’s wise, your grace?”

“His daughter is missing and if we find her he’ll feel obligated to give us his loyalty. Or at least his gratitude.”

“The Martells aren’t trustworthy Oberyn especially. He hates all Targaryens.”

“He has a right to after what happened to his sister. My brother is the reason she is dead. I don’t think he would hold what happened to her against me. Anything else to report?”

“No.”

“Good, we have to prepare.”

Chapter 11: Shae II

Shae comes back to Marcella’s room to find it in darkness. The only light being a candle sitting on the windowsill. That stupid girl! Shae feels the dagger against her throat before she realizes she’s not alone.

“Please don’t kill her.” Marcella whispers at someone.

“She knows we’re here, she’ll alert everyone.”

“Please I said I would go willingly just leave her be.”

“Take me with you.” Shae whispers. “I’m her handmaiden, I’ll be good and tend to the princess. We won’t try to escape.”

“Just take them both and let’s go.”

“She’s not going to like this.”

“She’ll figure it out. We are running out of time.”

Shae smells something foul and everything disappears. She’s in darkness.

Shae is jolted awake. Her hands are bound and she’s in a carriage. A girl with greyscale on one side of her face sits across from her. Marcella sits next to the girl. The girl must be Shireen Baratheon. Both girls are asleep and someone clears their throat. Shae turns and finds an old woman sitting next to her.

“So you’re Tyrion’s whore.” The old woman says with a smirk. “You're pretty but you still carry yourself like a whore.”

“Who are you?”

“Olenna Tyrell.”

“I see, you are going to take us to Renly.”

“Gods be good, no. My dear girl, we are going north.”

“North?”

“There’s no chance you’ll escape but why bore you with the details.”

“Why kidnap both princesses, I don’t understand your reasoning.”

“Just know they will not be harmed. I won’t allow it. Such young flowers should be protected even if their families are made up of fools.”

“You're going to the king in the north. But your grandson is with Renly Baratheon.”

“I’m going to see my granddaughter. I could not make an appearance empty handed, now could I?”

“No I suppose you could not.”

Marcella started stirring. “Shae?”

“I am here princess.”

Marcella looks over Shae in worry but soon her eyes find Olenna. “Oh hello I am princess Marcella.” Leave it to Marcella to be polite to her captor.

“She knows who you are. She’s the one who kidnapped us.”

“Oh.” Marcella replies awkwardly.

“I am Lady Olenna Tyrell. I hope you understand, child. These are times of war. We must do what we can.”

“I understand. It pains me but I understand. I do not have any information to give.”

“Oh I know, child. We did not take you for information. We took you for leverage.”

Shireen had woken up. “Why take me. I’m no one.”

“You are a princess. Your father, if the rumors are true, is the next in line. Which means you are his heir.” Olenna says, like it's obvious. “You are far more important than you think you are.”

Marcella turns to Shireen. “I wish we had met under different circumstances, cousin.”

“As do I, cousin.”

Both girls mean it.

“Ah, there’s nothing like being in the presence of youth.” Olenna says sadly. She’s missing her favorite flower.

Chapter 12: Sansa III

The men had started following her from the market. She was getting simple supplies. It should have gone smoothly. Now three perverts were giggling as they trailed behind her. She should’ve listened to Hot Pie and let him come instead of her. She was going crazy hiding out in the woods with just boys (and Arya). (Arya was practically a boy.) Sansa needed to prepare, she has to drop her bag of goods and lift her skirt and get her dagger and attack before they could get their hands on her. She missed her opportunity and was yanked back. She fell against someone’s chest, he smelled horrid. Sansa screamed and flailed against him as the other men started to grab at her skirt. Suddenly the man holding her gasped. His grip loosened and he fell to the ground. Behind him stood Arya looking manic and holding a dagger (more like a kitchen knife). Arya will tell her later it was the man’s own knife.

Arya jumps on the second man and stabs him in the face over and over. The third tries to run but Sansa gets her sense back and chases after him and tackles him into the dirt. Both girls don’t think they just do. Sansa grabs the first thing she finds and slams it against the man’s head until the dirt, the trees, and her are soaked in blood. Arya yanks Sansa off the man and hugs her. Sansa won’t let go of the blood soaked rock she’s holding in her hands. Both girls break into a sob and don’t stop. Gendry and Hot Pie find them like that. Covered in blood and crying. Hot Pie empties his stomach and Gendry helps the girls snap out of their hysterical state. They search the men before they go and find a decent amount of coin.

The girls talk about what they have done. They are not proud but they do not regret it.

“I just wish I hadn’t been so messy. I’m never getting the blood out of sept’s dress.”

“I think it should be a warning.”

“My blood covered dress.”

“Yes. They should be scared of us.”

“They?”

“Everyone who isn’t us.”

“Arry…you sound like…them…the lan-” Sansa can’t finish the sentence.

“I know, it sounds terrible but we can’t trust anyone. If we have to kill, why not go after Lannister men.”

“I-I…”

“Lannister men have a good bit of coin don’t they Septa Jeyne?” Arya tries to tease her but it falls flat to both of their ears.

“Lannister men only follow orders.” Sansa says weakly.

“They’ll be following orders when they kill our men. If one of them kills Robb in battle he'll have only been following orders.” Arya spits back with fury in her eyes.

“Alright if you want to kill Lannister men then let’s do it.” Sansa says reluctantly.

Soon rumors of the Septa, the Bull, and the Tiny Terror spread. A dead septa covered in her victims’ blood. A man in a bull helmet taking men’s heads with his war hammer. A sliver of a boy running around taking down Lannister men and leaving villages in disarray. Sansa never thought she would have a bounty on her head, let alone two. One for Sansa Stark and the other for The Septa. Both high in price.

Meanwhile Hot Pie made their meals and kept a low profile. He had somehow become the den mother. He didn’t mind, it was nice. The other always made sure to clean up before coming back to wherever they were currently hiding out. He had a weak stomach for blood. Sansa still feels

“I can’t believe Gendry’s is worth more than ours.”

“It’s because I’m a man.” Gendry says displease as well.

“They think I’m one too.”

“No, they think you are a boy.”

“I’m glad no one ever goes after my bounty.” Sansa says proudly.

“Because everyone thinks you’re a cursed spirit. I wouldn’t go after you either.” Gendry reminds her.

“It was Arry’s idea to keep wearing my blood coated dress!” Sansa says defensively.

“It was an excellent idea.” Gendry says, smiling at Arya.

“Ha, I know. A ghost septa is perfect.” Arya says proudly.

“There’s news.” Gendry says turning serious.

“What is it?” Sansa says, ready for the worse.

“There’s a rumor going around that princess Marcella has been kidnapped.”

“By who?” Arya yells out.

“Whom.” Sansa automatically corrects her.

“I don’t know, but the Lannisters are going mad looking for her.”

“Who would take her?” Arya wondered out loud.

“Who wouldn’t.” Sansa responded.

“You think it was the king of the north?” Arya asked nervously.

“Maybe.” Sansa replies.

The rest of the night is quiet. Sansa can’t help but wonder if taking Myrcella was the original plan or had they been looking for her and Arya. She has no idea if it was even Robb. It could have been anyone looking for an enemy of the Lannisters. Sansa just hopes whoever took Myrcella is kind to her. She is not a monster, just a girl in the wrong family. Sansa curls up against Arya and tries to sleep.