"I'm surprised to find you here." Robb said quietly, surprising his brother.
Jon was leaning against a tree at the edge of the clearing, watching the two dragons sleep. Even asleep, they were still fearsome looking beasts and unlike their dead brother, they weren't covered in spears and arrows. There wasn't much Robb could do to contain the creatures, but he had placed the Raventree Hall archers around the godswood, all armed with the best arrows that could be found and war horns in case the dragons became a problem.
"I had to come." Jon replied in the same quiet tone. "You saw what they did during the battle."
"You're not talking about their fiery breath, I take it." Robb said, leaning against a tree next to his brother. "You're talking about when Rhaegal refused to fly where you were."
Jon could only nod.
"Did I ever tell you what Rhaegal did when it first saw me?" Robb asked. "It walked right up to me and sniffed me. It seemed extremely curious and then turned its back on me like I was nothing."
"Strange." Jon said, glancing at his brother.
"Is it?" Robb asked curiously. "You know, Rhaegal doesn't have a rider….perhaps he was looking for one."
"What are you getting at, Robb." Jon said.
"You know exactly what I'm getting at." Robb replied. "Jon, I know you're a Stark now, but this," he gestured to the sleeping dragons, "is your birthright just as much as Ghost is."
"You want me to ride one of them?" Jon asked, annoyed. "I want nothing to do with them."
"Then why are you here?" Robb asked simply.
Jon didn't answer, just scowled and went back to his brooding. Robb rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. When Jon had explained his actual history, Robb had been more than happy that he had chosen to just accept his Stark side. But when Robb looked at the dragons, he couldn't help but feel like Jon was meant to be a Targaryen.
Robb also knew that Jon was meant to be great regardless of his last name.
"Rhaegal was named after Rhaegar, your birth father." Robb said gently. "Its destiny, Jon."
"Rhaegar thought it was his destiny to fulfil a prophecy and instead destroyed his house." Jon countered.
"Fine." Robb said, giving up. "Have you spoken to the girl."
Jon shook his head. "I've been tempted, but what's the point? She might just see it as a ploy to have her dragons taken from her."
"No, I gave her dragons back to her. She knows that." Robb said. "Then again, the only reason I did that was because I know that there's a connection between you and Rhaegal. I noticed it during the battle and now the fact that he sniffed me when he met me makes sense."
"So I'm your dragon deterrent." Jon grumbled. "Great."
Robb shrugged, knowing that his brother was just annoyed that Robb had suggested that being a Targaryen and riding a dragon was his destiny. He would get over it eventually. Jon and Robb were too close for something like this to get between them.
"What do you plan to do now?" Robb asked curiously. "I'm sure father could easily find you a holdfast in the North. Hells, you can virtually ask any lord paramount for a castle and a wife and you'll get it."
Jon shook his head. "I'm not sure yet. I want to go back north, but I don't want to leave you alone in this viper pit."
"Why don't you compromise." Robb said. "It'll take some time for father to find and fix a castle for you in the North. So stay here with me for a year."
"And do what?" Jon asked.
"Just live, Jon." Robb said with a smile. "You're welcome to attend council meetings, take a squire, go hunt, whatever you want to do. Of course, I will call on you for advice every now and then. I need someone who calls me 'Robb', not 'your grace' besides Margaery." then he added. "And Sam will be here."
"As the Grand Maester, I assume." Jon said, knowing that Robb had a generous gift lined up for the son of Randyll Tarly.
"Naturally." Robb replied "Jon, whatever you want to do, you can do it. You will always have my full support."
"Will you force me to take a wife?" Jon asked curiously.
Robb laughed. "Gods no! Not unless you feel like finding a girl to settle down with. I'm sure Margaery would love to find you a match."
Jon shook his head quickly. "I'm not ready," he said immediately. "I'll think about it Robb. Thank you."
Robb smiled and clapped his brother on the shoulder. "We're brothers, Jon." he said, glancing at the dragons. "You helped me get here. Wherever you want to go, say the word and you'll have all you need. You may not want to ride a dragon, but you're destined for greatness."
"But you're a king." Jon pointed out.
"Aye, I am." Robb agreed. "But you are the son of a wolf and a dragon, raised by an honorable man with a loving family. That, to me, sounds like the foundation for greatness."
Line Break
"Silence for the king!" Leopold, Robb's new steward, shouted as the double doors of the throne room opened for Robb and Margaery.
The massive room was filled to the brim with men and women, all of whom were dressed in their very best. Robb and Margaery were no exception. The northern king wore a black velvet doublet with a silver direwolf on his left breast. Along with his black breeches and finely polished leather boots, he looked every inch a northman. His bronze and black iron crown brought the whole outfit together.
Margaery was a true vision in her silk and lace dress of deep blue and golden roses. She also wore a sheer white cloak that was clasped to her shoulders with two direwolves, exactly how Robb's cloak was. Instead of having her hair piled atop her head in ornate braids, she instead settled for allowing her hair to flow naturally down her back and shoulders.
Greywind, with his coat smooth and shining, padded in front of the royal couple and took the steps up to the throne a couple at a time until he eventually took a seat on the left hand side of the throne.
Robb and Margaery strode into the hall all while being bombarded with cheers and thunderous applause. The vastness of the room allowed the sound to be amplified, so although there were only a thousand people present, it sounded like ten thousand. Robb could only smile and nod to those he recognized, with Margaery waving at his side.
For the first time, Robb realized why Sansa loved stories of knights and princesses. This felt exactly like a fairy tale.
Robb helped Margaery up the steps and into an comfortable, ornate wooden throne that was placed on the right hand of the iron throne before Robb took a seat on the iron monstrosity, the cheering and applause somehow becoming louder once he did that.
Robb took a second to look around the room, a small smile on his face. His and Margaery's family were in the very front, with the Tyrells on his left and his family on his right. Robb's closest and most ardent supporters were right behind them; Randyll Tarly, Bryce Caron, Gregor Forrester and his family, Harrold Arryn and Yohn Royce. All were grinning wildly and clapping.
The King of Westeros raised his hand and silence soon came. He stood up, resting one hand on his sword.
"Thank you, all of you." Robb started, pleased that his voice carried throughout the entire room. "It has been a hard year. We have all suffered and fought through adversity, but we stand here now, victorious!"
The cheering and applause started again in earnest as Robb allowed a brilliant smile on his face. He could see tears appearing in the eyes of some. The war had taken a toll on them all, but those who had lived through it were now emerging into the light after walking on the long, dark road of war.
He raised a hand again, waiting for silence. When it came, he continued to speak.
"I would be remiss if I did not first honor the dead." Robb said mournfully. "It is my hope that, wherever they were, they are smiling and rejoicing like we are here. Their sacrifice was not in vain, and I swear here and now that I will do all I can to honor their deaths by building a world that they would be proud and happy to live in."
There was only clapping to this announcement, but many in the crowd now had actual tears sliding down their cheeks, their throats caught with emotion of all they had lost.
Robb waited a few more moments for the mood to settle before transitioning into the next part of his speech.
"I will spend the rest of my life honoring the dead, but I must also honor those who have been invaluable in the fight against tyranny and evil." Robb said. "First and foremost, my brother, Jon Stark."
The audience cheered as Jon, dressed in a fine black leather jerkin and a silk white shirt, made his way to the steps leading up the throne and knelt. Robb descended the steps and helped him back to his feet, both brothers sharing a private smile before Robb addressed the crowd.
"Jon traveled across the entire North to be by my side. That is unparalleled loyalty." Robb said proudly. "Not to be outdone by his own accomplishments, when the traitor Roose Bolton threatened our family, Jon took the men of the North and retook our homeland." Robb clapped his brother on the shoulder. "Is there anyway that I can repay you for all that you have done?"
Jon shook his head. "Your grace, all I wish is to continue to serve you to the best of my ability." he said with a bow before adding. "We are family. There is no need to repay what is expected."
Robb grinned as his brother straightened up. The two men embraced warmly before Jon stepped back, bowed, and returned to his spot next to Sansa. It made Robb immensely proud to see Jon standing with the rest of his family instead of being forced to stand behind them.
The king continued to call forward commanders and knights, thanking them all personally. Garlan, Lord Caron, Tarly, Ser Brynden, Lord Blackwood, Lord Mallister, Ser Donnel Swann, Gregor Forrester, and many others. Finally, there was one more man whom Robb had to call forward.
"Father." Robb said softly, his voice still managing to carry.
Eddard Stark strode forward and stood before Robb, father and son gazing at each other for a moment before the older man knelt before Robb. The two Starks had already discussed and agreed on Robb wearing the crown and being king while Eddard would return to Winterfell and rule the North. Now, Eddard was making it official in front of everyone just by kneeling.
"Jon said it best." Father said, standing up. "There is no need to repay what is expected of family. Westeros is at peace and has a great king." he looked up at Margaery. "Aye, and a great queen as well."
Robb could only smile, knowing full well that there was virtually nothing that he could say that could follow his father's words.
"The great king was raised by a greater man." Robb said before embracing his father.
The room cheered at the sight of father and son embracing. Eddard Stark was respected, if not beloved, by all present, and both Robb and Jon were clearly on the same path. In the war, both had forged names for themselves that would be remembered for all time. The Young Wolf, the northern king who had united most of Westeros and fought against corrupt lions and dragons, and the White Wolf, his brother who freed the North and was destined for greatness.
As Robb's father returned to his wife, who had tears staining her cheeks, Robb returned to his spot in front of the throne. Already, the throne room was quiet, waiting expectantly for whatever he had to say next.
"As fearsome as Greywind is," Robb said, "I have need of seven swords to protect both myself and my family. As I call your name, come forward. Ser Loras Tyrell, Ser Balon Swann, Ser Rolland Storm, Ser Robar Royce, Ser Garth Hightower, Ser Hobber Redwyne, and Brienne of Tarth."
The audience stopped just short of applauding as the final warrior strode forward, her back straight and her head held high as she took her place next to the men that she had fought beside for months. There was a little chatter, but those who were close to Robb knew that Brienne was a logical choice for the white cloak.
"You seven, and others, have protected me on the battlefield and off it." Robb said, ignoring the chatter. "You would honor me if you were to take up the white cloak."
"It would be an honor, my lord." Brienne said, dropping to a knee. Immediately, the other six followed her example and knelt before Robb, pledging their lives to him.
"I swear on my honor that I will never ask you to break your knightly vows." Robb said, surprising the audience. "Protecting the innocent, standing up to evil, fighting against villainy, these are the standards of great warriors, and that is exactly what you all are. I promise that I will never force you to break those standards." Robb waited for the crowd to stop clapping before adding. "Brienne of Tarth, step forward."
The woman known as 'Brienne the Beauty' stepped forward, her hands behind her back. Robb couldn't help but smile. It was time for the unofficial captain of his guard to become the official commander of the most elite fighting force in Westeros.
"There are few who have served me as well as you, Brienne." he said proudly. "It is my honor to name you Commander of my kingsguard."
The room went silent for a second before that was broken by the sound of clapping. Robar Royce got to his feet, still clapping loudly. Balon Swann and Rolland Storm sooned joined him. Then Loras, Hobber, and Garth were clapping as well. Others around the room who had fought in Robb's battle guard began to clap as well. Then, like a dam breaking, the room broke into thunderous applause with cheers and calls of congratulations adding to the noise.
Brienne dropped her head, but Robb still saw her quickly wipe away tears. The king grinned and held up a hand for silence. "Today you will be measured for your cloaks and armor, tonight you will sleep in the White Sword Tower, and tomorrow you will take up your duty."
The seven warriors all nodded and bowed before leaving, receiving cheers until they were all gone from the room.
"A great king must have a great council." Robb said. "Samwell Tarly, Lady Anya Waynwood, Lord Jason Mallister, Lord Yohn Royce, Alec Reed, Lord Randyll Tarly, please step forward."
When all six people were in front of Robb, they followed the example of the seven warriors and knelt before him. The king easily named them to their respective positions.
"Lady Anya, I name you Mistress of Coin. Lord Jason, I name you Master of Ships. Lord Royce, I name you Master of Laws. Master Reed, I name you Master of Whispers. Master Samwell, although you have yet to be named a full maester, a title I believe you will earn soon, I still name you Grand Maester." Robb said. "Lord Tarly, you will be the first to take up a new position on the council. I name you Master of War."
The six new council members bowed their heads and returned to their spots, all while being congratulated by their friends and family.
"Tyrion Lannister, step forward." Robb called, immediately making the room go silent.
The man known as the Imp waddled forward with an amused smile on his face. He knelt before Robb. The king took a moment to gaze at the man before approaching him, stopping in front of him in the same way he did with Jon.
"Let it be known here that I owe Tyrion Lannister my life." Robb said in a loud and clear voice. "Without his help, Samwell would not have been able to save me after being stabbed with a poisonous dagger. Without his help, there's a likely chance that I would have been burned alive by dragon fire."
"Willas would have gotten to the same conclusion." Tyrion muttered loud enough for only Robb to hear, still kneeling with his head bowed. "Still surprised he's Mace Tyrell's son."
Robb resisted the urge to smile. "True, our families have been at war, but I am happy to say that the war between the Lannisters and the Starks is over!"
The crowd cheered, but it was subdued as they were curious to see where Robb was going. It was clear that they sensed that something more was going to happen. But Robb knew that none of them, save for a select few, knew what was about to be announced.
"For the good you did for my family, and for saving my life twice, I name you Hand of the King." Robb said. "Stand be recognized, Lord Tyrion."
The Imp stood and glanced at Robb before turning around. Like with Brienne's appointment to commander of the kingsguard, there wasn't immediate celebration. Sansa fixed that, swiftly followed by Jon and Willas. Then the whole room applauded, it was still subdued as everyone was still surprised by the announcement.
Tyrion made a show of bowing to both the Starks and Tyrells before retaking his place behind Willas next to his squire and the new lord of Clegane's Keep.
As Robb took his seat on the Iron Throne, his steward named out the lord paramounts and wardens. There was also a clear difference in the titles as men like Robb's father or Harrold Arryn were not referred to as 'Warden of the North' or 'Warden of the East', but instead 'Warden of the North' and 'Warden of the Vale'. It never made sense to Robb why only a few men had the title of Warden. With Robb's and Margaery's new system of government, there would be both a warden and a lord paramount for every region except for Dorne and the Crownlands.
After the lords paramounts and wardens had been named, the Blackfish, Garlan, Yohn Royce, and Ser Donnel Swann stepped forward, knighting hundreds of squires who had earned the honor. The ceremony lasted a good two hours, in which time some of the audience left for whatever reason before returning later.
Finally, after the last man was knighted, the four warriors turned and bowed to Robb before returning to their spots. The new king of Westeros stood up, instantly gaining the attention of the audience.
"Westeros is finally at peace." Robb said proudly. "But our great land has been wounded and scarred. With good and wise men and women by my side, I mean to heal the realm and bring about an era of prosperity. I meant what I said. I will build a world that the dead would be proud to live in. This I swear."
With Robb's final announcement made, he held out a hand for Margaery, who took it easily as the two began to descend the steps and walk down the aisle. Once again, they were surrounded by cheering. When the royal couple was past the doors and walking towards their rooms to chance for the feast, followed by two northern warriors, Robb grinned at his wife.
"Not a bad start." he chuckled.
Margaery kissed him on his cheek. "It's only the beginning."