Chapter 75: And It Grows Closer.

Author's Note:
It's alive! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. To the few loyal readers who stick around for this fic alone, really, thank you! Honestly, I was reminded of why I stopped writing it: it's challenging and takes nearly twice as long to write compared to a chapter of Celestial Ascendancy.

Rest assured, I will finish it. However, this won't be my main focus. I'll post chapters whenever the inspiration strikes, and while it might take some time, this story will reach its conclusion. Thank you for your patience and understanding, I'm a bit burned out on this fic right now, but your support means a lot.

Game of Thrones: A Stark Shard.

Chapter 75: And It Grows Closer.

The Eyrie, The Vale.

Robb Stark.

I slumped into my seat, letting out a weary sigh as I surveyed the lords and the only lady gathered in the solar.

The proof I had presented was enough to sway most to my side. My family name carried weight, but not enough for everyone here. A few saw only an opportunity to rise in the hierarchy, and I knew they would take it if given the chance. Stopping them without resorting to violence felt almost impossible. They were like sharks that smelled blood in the ocean.

Frustration burned within me, mixed with enough disappointment to drown myself if I so wished. I could have handled things differently, but I had tried to act like my father, to earn the trust and respect of the Vale. And I failed. I should have acted decisively, should have killed him before he had the chance to open his mouth and sow discord.

Now, the Vale was fractured. Most lords nominally supported my cousin, but their loyalty wasn't to Robin but to me. It was a precarious balance that could tip with the right bribe or threat. And I couldn't stay here to resolve it. Time was running out, and I needed to leave as soon as possible.

The North had already mobilized my ships, gathering at Seagard. The Iron Islands needed to fall before I could turn my army to the rest of the kingdoms.

The solar was filled with my Jon and the rest, but my mood remained sour. I drummed my fingers against the table, my gaze lingering on each face before settling on the lone woman present without making it too obvious that I was focusing on her.

"My lords," I said, my voice cold, "how long do you think it would take me to kill everyone in Highgarden?"

Jon's alarm was immediate, but a sharp glance silenced him. The question wasn't meant for him.

The room fell into an uneasy silence, and the tension was noticeable for everyone. When no one dared speak, I broke the silence.

“Ten minutes. Maximum.” My tone remained as grave as my expression. It was the same face Father had when he killed the Night Watch man.

"Do you know why I haven't done it?" I asked, my gaze fixed on Lord Royce.

Yohn Royce opened his mouth but then hesitated, his jaw snapping shut as he considered his response.

"I know you're a thoughtful man, my lord," I said, softening my tone just enough to show him I meant no harm against him or his. "Speak freely. I'm in a foul mood, but I'm not foolish enough to harm an ally for answering an honest question."

He nodded, taking a moment to compose himself before replying.

"You don't want to be hated," he said carefully, his voice measured as to not to anger me.

I smiled, clapping my hands once. “Exactly, my lord. Well said.”

"I don't want to be a king feared by all,” I continued, my smile fading. "That's not who I am. This war could be over quickly, I could infiltrate my enemies' castles, destroy their food stores, starve them into submission, and strike when they're too weak to resist. I could leave no one alive to oppose me." My frown deepened. "But tell me, who among you would follow a king like that?"

Dacey opened her mouth to speak, but I raised a hand to stop her. "Dacey, I know the North. Your loyalty isn't in question." My voice was firm, my expression unyielding. With a frown, I continued, "That was meant for the men and women of the Vale sitting at this table.”

I swept my gaze over the lords and ladies, letting the weight of my words settle over them. I was not happy, and I showed it. “Answer the question. Who here would follow someone as bloodthirsty as that? Who here would not try to stop me, even if it meant dooming their family?” My glare burned into the Vale lords, daring them to answer.

Yohn Royce frowned deeply, his jaw tightening. “I would not follow someone like that.”

“And that’s why you will be the regent until Little Robin is of age to lead the Vale in your stead,” I said, my tone softening just slightly. “You will raise him as your own son. In ten years, I want an honorable man who will make everyone in the Vale proud.” I allowed a thin, sharp smile to curve my lips. “If, hypothetically, he were to suffer an accident, and someone else attempted to seize control… I admit I would be somewhat cross with the situation. And I assure you, my lords, no one would like to see when I am like that.”

“Your Grace,” Lord Royce said quickly, his tone alarmed but firm. “I won’t fail you. You will be proud of how he grows.”

“Of that, I have no doubt, my lord,” I nodded. “But I can’t remain here until everything is resolved. The war is in full swing between the Baratheons, and there are knots I need to tie before I can face them in battle.”

“What is the plan, Your Highness?” Lady Waynwood asked, her tone measured but her posture betrayed her unease. Her pale face told me my earlier threats had struck home. It was impressive how much weight mere words and carefully timed glances could carry. She could become a problem, but for now, her usefulness outweighed her ambition. It was the only reason she was still breathing.

“My men and I will leave in three days,” I said firmly, enough to leave no doubt of what I was saying. “Until then, we’ll work with the Vale forces to eliminate the threat of the mountain clans. Once that’s dealt with, you’ll be free to focus your full efforts against the pirates of the Three Sisters and other maritime threats. No other Kingdom will bother you while you fix Little Finger's mess, I can promise you that.”

I smiled sharply. “That will also help me demonstrate to the rest of the Lords that I’m not someone to be crossed.”

Turning to Royce, I added, “Send ravens to all nearby territories and request volunteers for the campaign against the Ironborn. No one is to be forced. I only want those willing to follow me. I’d rather the men who stay protect the Vale than follow me out of a desire for some meager recognition. I already have more than enough men, but I intend to be decisive against the Iron Islands. I need to send a message that will resound across the realm. Tywin Lannister will be nothing after I dealt with them.”

“It won’t be pretty,” Dacey said, her grin feral, her teeth bared in excitement. She was one of the few who knew even a fraction of my plan, and that knowledge alone was enough to make her act like this.

Dacey had every reason to thirst for vengeance. The Ironborn had raided Bear Island for years, even before she was born, leaving scars that hadn’t healed. She’d lost friends and family to their cruelty, and her sister, Alysane, had barely escaped being taken as a salt wife. Her hatred for them was genuine, and I helped fueling the flames.

“We’re done here, my lords,” I said, rising to my feet. “You may leave. I have high hopes for all of you. Do not fail me.”

“By your leave, Your Highness,” Lord Gilwood Hunter said, standing tall as he nodded. “We will not fail you.”

One by one, the Lords Declarant filed out of the solar, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension. Only Lady Waynwood lingered, glancing back over her shoulder as she exited.

Her gaze was calculating, but I met it with a cold, steady stare until she turned away. Ambition was a dangerous thing, and while she might not act on it now, I’d have to keep an eye on her.

Once the room was empty, I exhaled slowly, letting the tension drain from my shoulders. Now that I was alone with my copy of the king's guard, I could show weakness.

“I hate this,” I murmured, shaking my head. “I shouldn’t have allowed the snake any opportunity to speak. His tongue is the most dangerous thing about him, and I let him throw the Vale into disarray.”

“It was a mistake,” the Blackfish agreed with a nod. “You should have cut his head off before any of this started. Everything would’ve been better.”

I stared at him in surprise. While he wasn’t known for the rigid honor my father embodied, he was usually more restrained than this. To hear him suggest such a direct and brutal course of action caught me off guard.

He raised a hand to stop me before I could respond. “The Vale wouldn’t have followed you willingly if you’d done that, and Lord Royce would’ve thought twice about this alliance. It was a lose-lose situation, lad. And for what it’s worth, I believe you made the right decision. This problem may fade with the years, but if your reputation was tarnished... that would be hard to fix.”

“Thank you, uncle,” I said with a small sigh and a faint smile. “You have no idea how much it means to me to hear that right now. But that doesn’t mean I can stop now. I must show my worth to prove that the Vale will thrive under my blanket.”

“I know, lad,” my uncle said, his voice steady. “We’ll support you in everything you do. And honestly, no one will care about your methods against the Ironborn or the mountain clans.”

“That’s the truth,” Jon added thoughtfully. His expression reminded me of my father’s when he made a difficult decision, grim and unyielding. “They will serve as a message.”

Three days later.

“I swear to the Old Gods, this blood is going to take ages to clean,” I grumbled, a wry smile tugging at my lips as I sat atop a mountain of corpses outside the mountain clan hideout. It had taken hours to move all the bodies myself, but seeing the Vale forces’ stunned faces made it worthwhile.

While they had battled the bulk of the mountain clans, I had dealt with their elite fighters and leaders on my own. They fought valiantly, but I wasn’t in the mood for mercy. They were lawless and would’ve gladly plunged a knife into my back the moment they had the chance. After Littlefinger, I wasn’t leaving loose ends.

“You’re late,” I said with a frown, though inwardly, I laughed at Lord Royce, Lord Hunter, and Ser Corbray's gobsmacked expressions. Their eyes darted between the spiked heads of the mountain clan leaders, disbelief written across their faces. The shock on the faces of the assembled Vale soldiers only added to my satisfaction.

“My apologies, Your Highness,” Lord Royce said, dropping to one knee. “Where are your guards?”

“They had other duties to attend to,” I said casually, stepping down from the pile of bodies. “And I wanted to let loose a bit.”

“You did this alone?” Ser Corbray stammered, his trembling finger pointing toward the carnage. “How is that possible?”

“He’s your king, boy!” Lord Hunter bellowed, his voice booming. Ser Corbray flinched, visibly cowering. The knight was infamous for his cowardice, bold against the weak but spineless in the face of someone that could kill him without effort.

“My apologies, Your Grace,” Ser Corbray said hastily, dropping to his knees. “I forgot myself.”

“Understandable,” I replied graciously, though my tone carried an edge. “And yes, I killed them myself. They made for an adequate warmup.”

“A warmup?” Lord Royce repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief before breaking into a deep guffaw. “Now that’s a Stark, aye! Just like your uncle, lad.”

Smiling faintly, I approached the rear, where my horse waited.

“Clean this up,” I said, my voice soft but carrying enough weight to blanket the area in silence. “Burn the corpses and regroup at the Eyrie. I’ll depart today with whoever wishes to join me in my campaign against the Ironborn.”

I turned to look at the assembled soldiers, my voice cutting through the silence that appeared at my proclamation. “I’ll take a bath and leave after lunch. Everyone is invited to celebrate this victory against the mountain clans.”

The silence broke into a roaring chorus of cheers.

 In the end, the soldiers only cared for four things: renown, gold, women, and food.

It was easy to rile them up, even more than usual, considering that food, even with my help, was in danger of becoming scarce, as the green men had not visited this place yet. It was a work in progress, and they would arrive, but I needed them elsewhere for now.

They had better hold here than in the Riverlands thanks to multiple strong houses that still followed the old ways, unlike the Riverlands. In the following weeks, a group of them would arrive with two main tasks: curing my little cousin of whatever illness he had and making the land prosper in this harsh climate. The temperature already feels colder than usual and will only worsen from now. Winter had come, and if I managed, it would be the last one.

Three weeks later.

Seagard.

It was hard to believe how little time had passed since I had last been here. It felt much longer, months stretched into what seemed like years.

A great deal had happened in that time. Most of it was spent moving from one place to another, but the battles I fought left their marks on me and my enemies. Since leaving the Riverlands, the rest of Westeros had been watching my every move, waiting for the next strike.

Only my inner circle knew my true intentions, and I intended to keep it that way.

For now, my enemies were busy with their affairs, relieved not to feel my presence at their backs like the stranger breathing down their necks.

The Riverlands had been left untouched; no one dared poke the bear, or the warlock, in this case . My name carried weight, one whispered in fear, as every lord and petty king prayed they would not become my next target. It served my purpose well. I needed more men, and this was the best way to ensure I got them.

Once the Iron Islands were mine, I could bring my future bride. Tyrion had been hard at work, and from his reports, Daenerys was amenable to the match. Even if his tone suggested he was not completely sure of her acceptance, I knew I could win her over with my charms. It was a good match that solved many problems before they could even arise.

She was an outsider here, and despite her dragons, she would face a steep climb for acceptance from the people of Westeros, not only was she a woman, sexist pigs, but she also did not have support besides myself. In my case, I held power but lacked the blood for the throne. Together, we could overcome those hurdles and carve a path forward.

Yes, I know I could just conquer it as Aegon had done three hundred years ago, but that opened another can of worms that I did not wish to face if I could help it.

“How are you, Harrion?” I called out, a genuine smile breaking across my face as I spotted him waiting for me at the front of the group. “I honestly didn’t expect you to leave the dungeons.”

“Hahaha, my friend!” Harrion laughed, his boisterous tone cutting through the murmurs of the gathered men. “I missed you, Your Grace! I’m afraid the presence of certain people demanded someone of importance to escort them here. So, here I am!”

“I can see that,” I replied with a nod, my gaze drifting toward the group of sun-kissed travelers standing behind him. They regarded me with varying degrees of shock. It was understandable; I must have looked different from what they’d imagined, or from what those who knew me had described.

In the past few weeks, I had grown five inches, and my muscles had continued to fill out, a development that Dacey was particularly pleased about. The mark of the Old Gods etched into my skin had grown brighter, a constant reminder of their blessing and the power it afforded me. The merging of their favor with my shard was a boon I could not ignore.

“Prince Oberyn,” I greeted, letting a small smile play on my lips. “The songs don’t do justice to your appearance.”

The Red Viper tilted his head, his sharp gaze assessing me even as I ignored him and turned my attention to the woman at his side.

“And Lady Ellaria Sand,” I continued, taking her hand with a respectful bow. “Your beauty truly knows no bounds.”

Ellaria smiled, allowing me to brush her knuckles with my lips in a courtly greeting. Behind her, the rest of their party stood in silence, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness.

“Now, let’s see if I remember correctly,” I mused aloud, pursing my lips as I glanced past Oberyn.

“Nymeria Sand,” I said with a grin, locking eyes with the slim woman seated elegantly to the left of her father. “Lady Nym, in the flesh. A pleasure to meet you.”

Her full lips quirked upward, amusement glinting in her dark eyes. She was perhaps one of the most beautiful women I’d ever seen. The darkness of her gaze, the curve of her lips, and the pale skin that seemed untouched by the arduous journey only added to her allure. She was really breathtaking, there was no other way to say it.

“You seem to know a great deal, Your Grace,” she replied teasingly. “I must admit, you look far different than I imagined.”

“I hope I look better than that,” I quipped with a grin, the confidence in my tone unwavering. It was important to not show any weakness against these people.

Before I could say more, a light cough interrupted us. Tyene Sand stood nearby, her doe-like eyes fixed on me with an expression of innocence that I knew was little more than a facade.

“Lady Tyene,” I greeted, my voice softening as I inclined my head. “My apologies. You are every bit as beautiful as the rumors claim.”

Her clear blue eyes lit up, a soft smile gracing her lips as her golden hair shimmered under the sunlight.

“And I’ve heard much about you, Your Grace,” she replied sweetly. “I must agree with my sister, you’re even more impressive than I expected.”

“Good news indeed,” I said with a nod, letting my gaze sweep over the group.

“But enough of that. I can infer why you chose to remain with my men. You will be allowed to accompany us, provided you follow my orders. You’ll be treated with respect due to your station, but we will be in enemy territory. I will not tolerate carelessness. I have no desire to explain to Dorne why they lost part of their royal family.”

The weight of my words settled over them and all of them reacted differently. Tyene swallowed hard while Nymeria nodded solemnly. Oberyn’s sharp gaze held a flicker of approval, and Ellaria tittered softly behind her hand.

“I cannot wait to see what you’re capable of, Your Grace,” Oberyn said, his lips curling into a smirk.

“Stay with us,” I shot back with a grin. “And you’ll find out, Prince Oberyn.”