300 AC, Riverlands…
Stannis's stunning retreat at the gates of King's Landing was still vivid in his commanders' minds and he could hear their whispers at every corner. He admitted that Tywin Lannister outplayed him as the wildfire was not something he expected to see on a battlefield. Some parts of the King's Landing's wall was sure to erode but it was certainly worth it. He wished Davos was with him right now as he was a constant support for him at every second but he was the one leading the navy so he still did not know whether he is alive or not after the wildfire trap.
He was greeted by some Northern and Riverlander soldiers when he entered Riverlands. He was escorted to Harrenhall and the second son of Lord Blackwood, Lucas Blackwood, welcomed him to the castle. The death of Shella Whent caused a vacancy in the command of the castle which was filled by the brother of Hoster Tully. However, the death of Edmure Tully resulted in him returning to Riverrun so his position was filled by Lucas.
Stannis told his intentions to Lucas Blackwood before he sent a raven to Winterfell, inviting Ned Stark to Riverrun. He was planning to negotiate with them to receive their help in the war. He left his army in Harrenhal as a sign of good faith and made his way to Riverrun with Lucas.
They passed from many villages and Stannis was stunned at their sight. The usual sight of a small sept in every village was non-existent in Riverlands. Instead, there were many small temples in every one of them. Stannis knew that the influence of the Prophet was great in Riverlands but he was not expecting this much. When he asked about it Brynden, the answer he received was not something he was expecting.
Apparently, Lord Edmure's ineptness at ruling caused many great troubles in Riverlands and various lords were discontent with his rule. However, he secretly made a deal with the believers in which he would allow them to build temples in villages and they would provide him political influence to deter the lords from rebelling.
It was the worst plan Stannis did ever see. In short term, it would, indeed, solve the problem but in long term, many problems would arise like religious unrest and political instability. Stannis was a man who did not believe in gods but know their danger. And giving them such power was not a wise move.
However, the worst reveal for him was not these temples but the death of Edmure Tully. While Stannis was fighting in Stormlands, the heir of Riverrun and Riverlands died in an accident. And Ned Stark's son was going to be the next heir.
Stannis had to change his plans as he was planning to his daughter take Lord Eddard Stark's second son as a consort to gain his support. Now, Brandon was going to become the Lord Paramount of Riverlands and Eddard Stark's third son was too young to be a consort. However, he intended to solve this problem by marrying his daughter to Eddard's firstborn. Of course, their first son was to be the heir to the Iron Throne.
…
Stannis arrived at Riverrun by noon. A welcoming party greeted him as he descended from his horse. Catelyn Stark, Brandon Stark and Brynden Tully were at the front of the party. However, anxious eyes plastered most of the welcoming party's faces as the war wasn't something they wished to be part of.
However, none of the Riverrun occupants knelt before him and that was something Stannis did not wish to see. He was their king and they should have knelt.
Stannis ignored their slight and greeted the acting lord of the castle, Brynden Tully. Then, his sight turned to young stark and Ned Stark's wife. The boy was a bit tensed up but he held his head high. Stannis greeted both of them as they escorted him to the castle.
…
A moon later, Eddard Stark arrived with a small group of riders. Stannis wanted to sit down and talk directly but he knew the other party needed rest so he waited until the next day. He sat down in the lord's study room with Brynden Tully and Lord Stark.
"Your Grace, I was surprised to receive your raven as I was expecting you to be in King's Landing, sitting on the Iron Throne," Ned said.
Stannis stiffened, "Lord Tywin used some unusual methods to force me to retreat. However, after the letters you sent me while you were in the King's Landing, I was expecting you to be with me fighting side by side."
"While you were fighting in the South, we had our own wars in the North. A new king rose amongst the wildlings and Night's Watch was underhanded to deal with it." Ned sighed, "Nevertheless, I was planning to come South but your letter arrived before I was even able to reach Moat Caitlin. I am sure news about the Northern army arriving at the Twins reached you."
Stannis nodded his head, "You say you were coming to the South but as far as I know, your son declared himself neutral so for what purpose your army is coming South?"
Ned felt like he was being questioned but still he played along, "Lord Stannis, I will be direct, I'm intending to support your claim as you are the rightful heir to the Iron Throne."
Stannis's eyes shone brightly for an instant but quickly dimmed as Ned continued, "However, the North has lost too much both in Robert's Rebellion and this war. I nearly lost my life and my daughters were close to becoming prisoners. The lords will not agree if I join you without gaining anything so I want to hear your offer…"
Stannis looked at Brynden and Eddard. He leaned to his chair and spoke, "I was planning to offer marriage to your son, Bran, but he became the heir for Lord Paramountcy of Riverlands."
Ned nodded his head as Stannis continued, "In normal times, I would have offered to take your son as my daughter's consort but these are dire times and Baratheon name may fade without a proper heir." Stannis paused for a moment then continued, "My offer is this; your firstborn and my daughter gets married. Their firstborn son will be the heir to the Iron Throne, the second will be the heir to the North and the third will be the heir to the Stormlands."
Apparently, this was an offer Eddard was expecting as he nodded his head thoughtfully, "This would surely create a strong relationship between the North, Stormlands and the Iron Throne as the king and two of the lord paramounts would be brothers. Of course, their uncle would be the Lord Paramount of Riverlands," Eddard looked at Brynden, "And their second cousin would be the Lord Paramount of Vale. Such ties would create a strong foundation for the kingdom. Though this is a great opportunity, I still have to ask what will happen to those who betrayed the trust of Robert and tried to destroy his legacy."
Stannis snorted and straightened, "Don't let your hands overreach to places they shouldn't, Stark. This offer would ensure that your blood would be placed in four regions and that is something that is never offered before. However, you still should know that those who are guilty will be punished accordingly."
Ned nodded his head, "Then, I accept your offer. I will send a raven to Winterfell, immediately."
Brynden who stayed silent until now spoke at last as he rose from his seat, "I will also invite all nobles from Riverlands. Seeing such ties created would be beneficial to Bran's future reign."
Ned nodded his head and raised his cup, "May the union of House Baratheon and House Stark last forever."
Stannis also raised his cup and drank it but the taste came as bitter as freshly made poison. "May the union of House Baratheon and House Stark last forever."