Darken Rahl in Game of Thrones

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Jon Snow.

First in line was a messenger from King's Landing. Petyr Baelish was an old friend of Lady Catelyn's from the days of her youth.

He was accompanied by Aris Oakheart and a couple of his other aides, plus a small personal guard. The actual negotiations were only between Petyr Baelish and Darken Rahl, though both John and Aris Ockhart were present for the evening talks.

It was past midnight, but Darken received them in his office.

Both sides knew in principle that this conversation was futile, but apparently someone in King's Landing had hoped that the issue of Jofrey's support would be resolved in their favour. Moreover, Baelish tactfully hinted at a possible dynastic marriage between Cersei Lannister and Darken himself, if, for example, Seven or the Old Gods forbid, Daenerys were to be infertile or die before her time.

Somehow this did not anger Rahl, but even amused him. He answered with a refusal. After all, as he told them, he loves Daenerys with all his heart and she is dear to him.

After that, Petyr just stirred old memories and talked about something of his own with Darken, but in such a language of diplomacy that even Jon realised after three words what they were really talking about between them. Ser Ockhart was beginning to feel like a fool, but he tried not to show it.

After a couple of hours of this "negotiation," a somehow pleased Baelish left with Ockhart, and they were replaced half an hour later by three men: Lady Mellisandra, Ser Davos Seaworth, and Lady Alice.

Alice behaved rather loosely, simply staying out of the conversation and quietly sipping her wine.

- It is good to see you, Your Majesty, in good health. - said Seaworth.

- I'm sure he is. How is His Majesty Stannis Baratheon? - Darken asked courteously.

- He is alive and well. Though lately he has been immersed in endless thoughts of his long-suffering country. You are well aware, I think, that a bastard boy has taken the throne and is threatening to slaughter half the noble families of the Seven Kingdoms.

- It's very sad, if it's true, of course. - The emperor made a sympathetic face. - But you must realise that green eyes and blond hair are no sign of a treasonous queen. Though Lord Stark's words are very valid, as you heard Lord Kiwan Lannister say, he may have been misled by his enemies. Life is a quirky thing. For example, who would believe that yesterday's tomboy from Tolos would become emperor of a mighty empire, and yesterday's smuggler a knight and lord with lands of his own?

Siworth smiled bitterly and joyfully at the same time.

- You are right Your Grace, many things in life are probable. But even assuming that Joffrey is Robert's son, the fact remains that he is as mad as Aerys.

- Careful what you say, Ser Davos. - John corrected him. - We know what you mean, but King Aerys is the father of our future empress.

- I apologise if I overstepped some boundaries. - Davos apologised. - I am poorly educated, so I may say the wrong thing. But I always say what I think is right and necessary. It is what my conscience tells me to do.

- That is very commendable, Ser Davos. - Rahl nodded. - And I hold no grudge against you for your words. For your words are true of both Aerys the Mad and Joffrey. They are two peas in a pod.- Then we can count on Your Majesty to support our king in his rightful claim to the throne?

- Legitimate... or not, it makes no difference to me. It was said not out of disrespect for you or your king, but because I don't care about the Seven Kingdoms. My consort is from there, and she has more claim to the throne than all the noble lords of your land," Seaworth frowned at the words. - But I don't care what you want. I have enough of my own worries. I'm not going to interfere in your affairs as long as they do not concern me.

The Onion Knight pondered Rahl's words and nodded to himself, coming to some sort of reflection.

- What if we need to gather mercenaries from your lands? - Davos decided to ask.

- Mercenaries? As you wish. If anyone wants to seek thrills and glory beyond the borders of my state, I will not stand in their way. It seems the Golden Swords are running out of contract with Braavos... Hmm. Perhaps you can persuade them to side with you, and there are some skilled killers among the former D'Hara warriors who have retired, but have not forgotten their craft. But you must realise that I will not forbid them to take your side as well as the side of your opponents. Otherwise, it will look as if I am indulging you in something and in collusion with Dragonstone.

- We understand Your Majesty's concern and are grateful for such a clear answer.

- But that is not all we wanted to talk to you about. - the red priestess intervened.

Jon had long ago noticed that she was making strange eyes at both him and Darken Rahl. But it was not some idle curiosity or primal desire, but something he did not understand.

- Do you still have important questions for me? - Master Rahl turned his attention to her.

- That is correct. I see that you are also on the Lord's side and the True Faith is strong in this beautiful land. That will strengthen your power and influence. But I want to offer you even more respect and honour.

- Is that so? - Rahl smirked and made himself comfortable, setting aside his wine. - And what do you wish to offer me Lady Mellisandra.

The Lady of the Tides gave a slight squeeze to her glass, which nearly cracked with her strength, and pressed her lips together.

- An engagement between Princess Shireen and Prince Richard. - The Priestess replied calmly.

- I am not yet ready to give a verdict on this proposal, but I will consider it seriously.

- We hope so, Your Majesty.

- I think my son is tired today. These Martell, Stark, and Lannister squabbles are new to my Darken, and so he needs his sleep.

Jon couldn't help but smile. After all, everyone had already realised that Stannis's delegation had achieved nothing much, unless you counted the official goodwill to recruit warriors. And this excuse was so far-fetched and mocking-sounding that there was no point in objecting and continuing the conversation.

They left just the same.

But Lady Velarion stayed behind.

- Those idiots wanted to marry off their little freak to my grandson! - said the Lady of the Tides angrily. - That MY grandson, a child of Valyrian blood, should tie his life to a maimed girl from a lesser bloodline than ours? It is unthinkable. I don't know what that stuffed-up fool Selisa was thinking!

- Don't worry, Mother. - I am not about to hand my son over to the Westerosi as some prize for their war. Their intentions are understandable, but they are foolish in their fantasies. Let them think and dream of Richard's dynastic marriage to their daughters. In any case, he'll have the one he agrees to as much as we do.

- Do you want to give him the right to choose? For love? - John asked in surprise.

- No, no, that's not it, my boy. - Ral shook his head, - It's just that it doesn't really make sense, I will actually be interested in one thing, - what benefit will my son be guided by? That's all. And if he wants to love someone, then let him. But not to the detriment of the Rahl family.

The next meeting took place the next morning, just five or six hours after the end of a long night of negotiations.

Keevan Lannister was a skilled diplomat and praised Joffrey as king, not forgetting to mention his "Lannister friends" who "always pay their debts". Jon unwittingly developed a respect not only for Lord Keevan, but also for Tywin Lannister. They are very skilful politicians, generals and wise men. They see the root of the problem and look far ahead to the future. After Kivan's long bravado, Snow understood Darken's motive for once making Tywin his Hand if possible. But it is not possible now.

Even the possibility of another dynastic marriage between, again, Prince Richard and Cersei Lannister's only daughter will not save the situation. Though, Keevan's words about Tywin's granddaughter's marriage separate from the possibility of taking his daughter as his wife, which went from KG, quite surprised both Jon and Darken.

When asked by Jon to share his findings of his emperor, the latter refused, but smiled at the same time.Next in line were the messengers from the Vale and the Iron Islands were rather grey, if I may say so. They didn't offer or say anything thickly. They seemed to have been sent only out of idle curiosity and politeness at the invitation.

Next came the Tyrells. Lady Olenna impressed young Snow.

Lady Olenna was a diminutive, dried up, doll-like old woman with white hair. Despite her advanced age, she had a clear mind and a steely will, as well as an extremely barbed and aggressive manner of speaking - behind her eyes she was known as the "Queen of Spikes". In Jon's opinion, Lady Olenna is disliked by many people, while almost no one can put her in her place, thus she can be called the owner of the most "sharp" language, with which not even the legendary Tyrion Lannister can be compared.

And he had had a good chat with him, and even in some ways befriended him in his time. So he knew what he was talking about, or rather thinking about.

She had been seen by Jon even in such a dangerous situation as making jokes in the direction of His Majesty. True, they were quite "subtle" and related mainly to the fact that he shared his bed with his mother. But no more than that. He appreciated these jokes and in his turn let go a couple of jokes about her son and grandson, from which she frowned, because he answered a little less peacefully and innocently.

But, in general, this round of negotiations had been postponed and the joint delegation of Spacious and Stormlands could count on some possibility of special favour. At least, that's what they thought.

The Dornish never met Darken that day, as he was busy with the latest ambassadorial mission from the North, which was already represented jointly by Lady Caitlin, the Mormonts, the Mormonts, the Mandrels, the Freys and the Waynes. Apparently Lady Stark was able to unite them under her command at Panisheart. Though Jon, to be honest, didn't even quite understand what Lady Catelyn wanted to offer the Rahl for their support and help?

- Thank you, Your Majesty, for taking some time for me. - Caitlin said.

- There is at least a minute of time for any of my honoured guests. I really don't know what you wanted. For John tells me you insisted on an urgent audience.

- I did. - she sighed heavily, and then, gathering her strength, continued. - As you know, my husband Eddard Stark is imprisoned in King's Landing, as are my two daughters. Robb, my eldest son is already on his way South of the Isthmus to defend the honour of House Stark.

- It's good for the younger generation to remember the honour and glory of their ancestors, but what does that have to do with me?

- The alliance between House Tully and the Starks is strong, the spirit of our warriors is strong, but we lack a rather important part of the life of any war-- money and men.

- And that is what you have come to me for. - Darken added.

- You are a soothsayer now, Your Majesty. - Lady Caitlin smiled.

- Well, let's say I'm not perceptive enough to understand how I owe the North my help. So explain it to me. Please.

Tully is not confused.

- Soon enough, the Knights of the Vale will join our forces and together we will crush the Lannisters. But in doing so, the North will be dragged back into war by the Baratheon brothers. There will be another war unless one of them backs down. Many parents will be left without their children and children without their parents. - proud and pathos words were spoken by the red-haired woman.

- So-and-so? - Ral persisted.

- We are hoping that you will give us a loan for the army so that we can hire mercenaries and provide provisions for the war and the long winter.

- A loan? Well it's not a difficult matter, you'll have to contact Tycho Nestorio, he's now the head of the Imperial Bank. So it will be easier for you to get a loan through him. I, on the other hand, deal with more global matters.

- That is certainly true, Your Majesty. - Caitlin nodded affirmatively. - But we'd like to get it without interest.

John even began to anticipate Lord Rahl's reaction, but there was none. His gaze was frozen, as if he had fallen asleep on the spot.

- Your Majesty? - Both Lady Caitlin and John asked worriedly.

- Repeat your... your request please. - Ral said quietly.

- Ahem... We would like a loan with no interest.

- I mean, I didn't hear that. Mm-hmm. That's rather... That's... silly, I suppose. I honestly thought that you would offer me something trivial to start with and somehow... to entice and interest me. But it's words like that that put me in a stupor. Or maybe I'm surprised too soon? Did you not finish your sentence?

- That's right, Your Majesty. - She nodded in confusion. - As compensation, we wanted to offer you marriage.

- Oh! Marriage. - smiled more warmly at Darken Rahl. - Marriage of whom to whom?

- Your son and my daughter.

- As I recall, neither of them are at home at the moment. One is in King's Landing and the other is elsewhere, but not with the Lannisters.

The woman seemed to miss the information that the second daughter was not with the "lion" family but out of their reach and continued talking:

- But they will be out very soon.- Perhaps they will be, or perhaps you will lose the war, and there will be no marriage, and I will lose a huge amount of money, while spoiling relations with the ruling dynasty. - Darken stated the obvious.

- You don't know the strength of the combined forces of the three kingdoms north of the Blackwater. - Tully frowned. - Together they can do a great deal.

- I'm not arguing that I'm not as good at some things as I usually am, and I may not judge things as clearly as I usually do. But I'm also not a fool to fall for the maternal feelings of a woman who would do anything to get her child back. I can understand that, but I can't go along with it. With all due respect, Lady Caitlin, you've offered nothing. And your requests are very uncharacteristic of a negotiation. Perhaps you are too tired from the journey to think clearly? - Rahl said courteously, and his eyes glittered slightly violet-coloured. - If I agreed to this, I would have no respect for myself.

Tully-Stark stared at the table in silence, her hands clenched in her lap in helplessness. Jon could see that she was thrashing from side to side, biting her lip from nerves, and her eyes wandered around the office of the ruler of the empire.

- What would you do if you were me? - Caitlin Tully said abruptly. - Your son Richard, that seems to be his name? He was away from you for a long time, how did you feel? Sadness, worry, loneliness or did you feel nothing? My two daughters are away from home now, alone surrounded by enemies.....

- Ha ha ha. - Ral laughed in her face. John also couldn't contain his grin. - This is ridiculous!

On Lady Caitlin's face, different emotions were changing rapidly, which turned into resentment at the end.

- You actually decided to punch me with THIS?! This is already an insult to me personally as a ruler and politician. And as a sane person. Buying into parental sentiment? I just don't recognise you Lady Caitlin any more. You seem to have grown up on the beliefs of the Seven and beautiful stories from the past. No logic, intelligence or constructive dialogue.

- How dare you..." Lord Wayne tried to get up from his seat, but froze in horror when he looked into Ralu's eyes.

Even Jon shuddered, though he didn't look in his suzerain's direction. But he could sense his power from his proximity. Everyone felt it...

- You all seem to have forgotten something. - Rahl grinned bitterly as he stood up from the table and walked to the window. - I am Darken Rahl! I do not bow and scrape before others. I don't need to. Life has taught me many things. And one of the most important lessons is not to lower myself below the level of my interlocutor. I think I misled you with my excessive hospitality, as if I needed something from you... I did not, I just wanted to see the former vassals of my wife's house and show you that my dynasty is not an enemy of Westeros. But you see it differently....

And he's silent.

- Master Rahl, shall I escort our dear guests to their chambers?! - Jon asked cautiously.

- Yes. Perhaps they haven't had enough sleep. I think we need them in good health and mind for Dany's wedding. And that feast is coming very soon. Go on!

Jon led all the Northmen, rivermen and valley folk out very quickly, without seeing a smile that was strange even for Rahl.

Nymeria Sand.

Nymeria felt a bit out of place, though she didn't show it to anyone.

No, she didn't shy away from the stares from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms that were either judgemental or dismissive towards her, her sisters and Elaria Sand. She was used to such things and paid no attention. The other thing that bothered her was her brother.

Darken Rahl, the one who should have been a Martell, had rejected, albeit not entirely willingly, that surname and become someone else. A man who had subjugated Essos and made everyone and everything respect him. And if not respect, at least fear. He's accomplished a lot.

Obara, the same age as their brother, has only achieved the honours of commanding an army in the form of her mercenary unit, and a couple of years ago she took command of the garrison of the Sun Spear. She's a good warrior, brave, relatively intelligent, and kind. But none of these qualities can surpass Darken's quality of achievement. All eight of Oberyn Martell's daughters have never accomplished much in life. That was what depressed Nymeria. She felt superfluous when she saw her brother and his son standing next to her father.

Petite Richard is very similar in appearance to Darken, the only difference being a more cheerful smile and childlike spontaneity. Her younger sisters have the same one present when they see their father.

She even envied little Richard for a moment. He was clearly loved, and more recently, apparently, spoilt with attention. Nymeria had seen how Lady Alice treated her grandson. Little Richard can't even breathe without her. It's amusing to watch.

- Enjoying the wine from the Summer Isles? - Nymeria heard the caustic voice of Manfrey Martell, the castellan of Sunspear who had arrived with them.

- Lord Manfrey, you have a knack for sneaking up behind a woman. - Smiled slightly at the snake.

- There is such a thing. - Martell nodded at her. - This feast is quite good. I haven't seen anything like it in a long time. All the colour of the D'Harans and Westerosi are here. Well, almost all of them.

- There are a lot of Dornish at the wedding, and I hear the Lannisters are afraid to go to sleep in this palace just in case. - Lady Nym said and chuckled. - It's a shame we have to honour the laws of hospitality. We can't just take their heads as a gift from my brother.

- Your brother... do you believe him? - Manfrey asked suddenly.

- What do you mean? What do you mean?

- He's fond of his sisters, who had a father and grew up in better conditions while he was living in a pigsty and eating waste. - shrugged his shoulders. - He's been through a lot of hardships and trials. It's hardened him and he's a very... dangerous man. Aren't you afraid of him? Of his anger?

- No," the snake shook her head firmly, "While he may have reason to hate me and my sisters, I don't think he'd be so petty in his vengeance.

- Hmm. I hope so. I'm not particularly attracted to seeing Martell blood spilled. - Nymeria wanted to object, but she didn't. - You've already prepared a gift for the lovely couple, haven't you?

- Y-yes. - She nodded. - It's quite a nice drinking cup, as far as I'm concerned.

- I suggest you pour some good Dornish wine in it and offer it to your wife to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood. If you befriend the empress, it will have a positive effect on your relationship with your brother.

Lady Nim was grateful to her distant relative for such a marvellous idea, and sought out some good Dornish.

And afterwards she returned back to the southern garden of the People's Palace, which served as the setting for the wedding festivities.

After some of the official festivities, such as a theatre troupe, magicians, minstrels and joking duels between some of the guests, it was time to present gifts to the newlyweds.

The first to arrive were Darken's subjects, who carried many things for their ruler: jewellery, horses, weapons, beautiful rich clothes, exotic animals, falcons for hunting, beautiful maidens from different parts of the world for his harem. Even Nymeria caught an involuntary glimpse of some of them.

Then it was the turn of the Westerosi to present their gifts.

First was Lord Baelish, who presented young falcons for hunting and songbirds.

After him came the Commonwealth and the Stormlands with gifts of books, jewellery and musical instruments.

Next were the Lannisters and their bannermen. They donated a gilded carriage and a bunch of different jewellery.

Next in line were the North, the Riverlands and the Vale. The Northmen presented furs and a good horse of northern breed, various weapons and good books of maesters from Venterfell and White Harbour. The Riverlands gave an ornate tournament armour, one battle armour and several books. The Vale gave a whole ship, which was already in the harbour of Panisheart, as well as pets: cats, dogs, birds and so on.

Next came the Iron Islands, its few representatives donated weapons and a few pretty captives, which the other lords of the Seven Kingdoms looked down upon.

Next came the turn of Dorne.

Her father Oberyn presented his son and daughter-in-law with a pair of snow-white horses, which Daenerys was more excited about than any of the other gifts before, then it was Lord Manfrey's turn, but for some reason he wasn't with the other guests at the time and the other noble lords of Dorne were next in line. They brought various gifts from their domains. Next came the Sand Snakes. Nymeria followed Obara, who donated a richly decorated shield that had been made in Dorne, Nymeria did not look at the details of the patterns and designs on the shield, nor did she see much of the other gifts. Her mind was occupied with the words of her kinsman Manfrey and her worries about her gift.

It was her turn.

- Your Majesties. Please accept my humble gift. This cup will hopefully serve you well in the future and you will drink only happiness and good fortune from it.

- Thank you, Lady Nymeria. - answered for her husband Daenerys. - I'm sure we'll need it again.

- May I hope you have already tried it, Your Majesty? I have some good Dornish wine and a toast to your future children.

- I would love to sample it... with you sister.

Nymeria sighed with relief, she even noticed her brother's favourable gaze directed at both girls.

Daenerys sipped first, and then handed the beautiful large bowl to Nymeria. She also took a few sips.

At that moment Lord Manfrey appeared surrounded by several Dornish nobles:

- I apologise Your Majesties for interrupting such a lovely scene. But I was too late with my gift to you. And I want to make up for it. Alas, it took a long time to prepare, which is why I'm late.

- That's all right, Lord Manfrey. - Darken smiled at him. - 'I have no doubt you have been preparing something... astonishing for us.

- I'm sure I have. I'm sure the world has never seen anything like it. And this wedding will go down in history. I want to give you the gift of death.

Everyone fell silent, unable to understand Lord Manfrey's words, only the increased coughing of Daenerys Stormborn broke it.Darken frowned and was about to say something, but at that moment Daenerys' coughing was added by the vomiting of... blood.

After that Nymeria froze in place, for after Manfrey Martell had uttered the motto of House Martell, a madness began that Lady Nym was not prepared for and as it turned out the D'harans were as well.

Most of the Dornish pulled out knives and short blades and began slaughtering Darken Rahl's guardsmen. Crossbow bolts sprinkled from above, which covered some of the Mord-Sith, guardsmen, but for the most part the nobility of the neighbouring state.

Nymeria looked around and realised that not only had the Dornish led by Manfrey broken the sacred law of hospitality and attacked their hosts, but even the people of the Riverlands, the Vale and the North were involved, as well as a few knights who served the Tyrells.

The horror of what was happening did not fit in her mind with what she knew and calculated.

Here Ser Herol Dane was fighting three opponents amongst whom was Ser Wendell Manderly, he was wounded and almost lost, but in time for him the thug Boros intervened and with one blow of his gun blew all three of them into the wall splattering their blood everywhere.

Lady Alice, who was not far from Darken Rahl, wept over the body of her grandson who had already been killed. An arrow had struck him in the eye, and he lay breathless in her arms. Then the Lady of the Tides herself was struck in the throat, choking on her own blood.

Beside them lay the already dead Daenerys, she had been poisoned. The very wine Nymeria had given her. It made her fall to her knees and sob, dropping the ill-fated glass.

And then she heard Jon Snow and Reece Firestorm mate as they and Ocrys Vayserion fought off the oncoming Knights of the Vale and Lord Wayne who were charging at them. Then Miriam Scarlet and a pair of Mord-Sith came to their aid.

Afterwards she saw Lady Mellaria try to reason with Manfrey and stop the slaughter, but he only grinned wickedly and swept her head from her shoulders with one blow of his sword, drenching himself and the floor in her blood.

Then she watched her brother fend off the attackers with the last of his strength. He had a bolt in his shoulder, a spear in his right leg, and a dagger in his back. And very soon a cara of daggers and a single spear flew into his chest, which pierced his heart. He fell to the ground, and so did Nymeria.

Only she from a blow to the head.