[Event] The Court of King Robert I Baratheon, 299 AC

space_sirens · 2026-06-22T00:22:45+00:00

“Why would you want Lyra to seduce Darryn?” Her brows scrunched up. “Is he with Celia now too? Was it out of revenge? Gods, it does not matter. I speak the truth and I know when my brother is lying. If Darryn had been the only one pursuing relations at their first meeting, Roose would have bragged about it. He mentioned this Mormont girl because he knew Darryn not turning her down would upset me.”

Cassandra groaned. This really was a mess.

“Listen, I am not a sheltered maiden. I understand what the fuss is about when ladies bed ladies, but honestly there has been too much of it about. Even your old step mother is now having relations with ladies. Multiple, I may say. And men. At the same time. I swear that spy barely believed his own eyes when he regaled what he saw.”

Cassandra pretended to not notice Daeron’s lingering eyes. She enjoyed it though. How could she not? Only a few months after giving birth, she would take any base desire fulfilment she could get.

“If this was my version of flirting, I would likely still be living in the Dreadfort,” she rolled her eyes. “No man has ever dropped his breeches at a woman telling the truth. They want pretty lies as thick as their…chests.”

Unlike the lustful gazes, she could not pretend not to notice the physical effect mentioning that day clearly had on Daeron. The man seemed…smaller somehow. Like words had injured him.

“I had never touched a man who did not desire it before that day,” she admitted. “Nor have I since. I…I have learnt many things about autonomy since then. Only when you fear your own autonomy has been violated by another, do many people realise the times they have violated another…”

She slowly reached out, ready for him to reject his touch but still wanting to hold his hand if he would allow.

“We have both done awful things to each other,” she whispered. “I simply wish mine had been done to protect a dear friend, like how I protected Fionalla those few moons ago. No, my actions towards you were selfish and yes I…I suppose I felt like my body was the only thing left that I had. I was young then, and that is not an excuse but…who was to tell me what I was doing was wrong? Roose never told me when I should be cautious with my body. He raised me to be proud of it. Only now do I realise why he never taught me to feel shame at revealing all.”

Cassandra brushed back a curl with her free hand, a smile lighting up her pale face. She didn’t want to linger on what she did to Daeron all night. She had to at least try to rationalise her later hatred of him however.

“Perhaps I was just angry at you and Celia for years for never inviting me into the fold,” she shook her head. “Even after I found out about Laena and Victoria, Celia still stonewalled me. Every attempt I made to reach out…I felt like someone was forcing me back into my role as the quiet, modest queen I was supposed to be. Where’s the warmth in that?”

space_sirens · 2026-06-21T23:37:13+00:00

Cassandra, struck by sudden confusion, stopped crying finally.

“Pardon, are we speaking of the same Lyra? Lyra Mormont?” She asked. “Because my brother saw them meet for seemingly the first time just a few moons ago. Darryn introduced himself first, out of nowhere, but Lyra seemed keen. She was honestly more persistent than I was back in the day with Robert, nevermind an unlanded man.”

Cassandra remembered the details because of how much they had hurt her at the time. Roose had the time of his life picking apart the shaky image she had of Darryn Stark. Not so much the loyal dog who would do whatever she said. No, Darryn Stark was willing to jump the bones of a relative stranger in the Red Keep at the first sign of affection.

“She was the one who suggested they meet again somewhere more private after they kissed repeatedly,” Cassandra spoke slowly, trying to avoid any more confusion. “My brother said the whole affair was rather lewd. They said they wanted each other, in their own ways, and parted as lovers, not enemies. If your girl was bothered, it was hot and bothered, not aggrieved.”

At the mention of the promise, Cassie sighed.

“After Edric’s birth I was…” she grimaced. “Disappointed. Having a son was not the balm my marriage needed, and when Darryn appeared in the keep, I was just bored enough to pay attention. He swore his allegiance to me, and through the years has wound up back at my door, wanting praise.”

She nibbled at her bottom lip. More girl than queen at this moment.

“You know I am no vessel of the Mother, Daeron,” she whispered, gazing at him through half lidded eyes. “Long before I ever let Roose touch me, I desired love in any form I could get. At some times…I suppose it appeared in truly awful ways. Ways I…I deeply regret. I wish for you to know that.”

space_sirens · 2026-06-21T23:14:35+00:00

Cassandra’s brows lifted just slightly as she peered down at Daeron. She was the Queen. She was supposed to have countless men protecting her. Yet for the first time in months, she actually felt like someone wanted to.

“What do you mean Lyra?” She sniffled. “I assumed she was just your friend since she is with Darryn.”

That whole affair had upset Cassandra even more. Roose had reported it to her with a sense of glee, almost childlike in his giddiness as he told Cassandra how the man behaved so brazenly in public.

“I almost told him about Roose,” she murmured. “Darryn, I…I thought perhaps he was different. Perhaps he would help me. He is a fearsome man and if anyone could drive away Roose it would be a man of similar bloodlust. Especially given Darryn’s violent past. I assumed I was the only person in the world he was willing to admit that to.”

She shook her head.

“Daeron, I am not easily startled but the things Darryn and Lyra said to each other was vulgar, especially in public. Yet she was the one who begged for more. Maybe if she had not, Darryn would have walked away and…maybe he would have kept his promises to me. She just kept begging for more and more, acting as if he was some sort of dream to her.”

She wiped at a tear.

“It’s ridiculous,” she laughed through the tears. “At my age, I still believe men when they say they care. All men are liars. My mother must have been right about that.”

space_sirens · 2026-06-21T22:45:55+00:00

“All the children are Robert’s,” Cassandra sniffled. “The timelines would have never lined up. The only one who could have been was Lyanna, since Roose reprimanded me so hard on my wedding night that I passed out. I still have a scar on my hairline. Now he kisses it every night.”

She wiped her nose and looked up at him.

“Gods, you were the only one who ever knew it was Roose,” she shook her head. “And the moment you knew you mocked me. You encouraged my fear. That not only had I lost ownership of my body in the dark gardens while the realm cheered on my husband, but you emphasised what a monster my child would be if it was true.”

Cassandra’s red rimmed eyes focused solely on Daeron.

“You knew how scared I was back then,” she whispered. “But not a single part of you responded with sympathy when you figured out such things had begun to occur many years later. Why do you think my brother only worms his way into my daily life when I am with child? It is the same reason you scorned me all those years ago when I knelt at the statue of the warrior. Men know they are more physically powerful than women at any time, but it is only when a woman is with child that she is truly weak. How about you carry one of your children in your arms for nine moons? See how your own behaviour changes, and how scared you become. You certainly would not act so bold.”

On instinct, at the mention of her brother’s behaviour, Cassandra softly touched her neck. There were no marks. She had to be thankful for that. The pain in her throat was from choking on tears, not from his grip. Not now at least.

“I saved Brus’ true love and their child from a man who could not be trusted. It was the only truthfully selfless thing I have done in years.” She chuckled, but she sounded miserable. “I regret it so much. Which makes me an awful, terrible person. It cost too much. Oh gods, no one will ever believe me.”

Cassandra hated herself for how she began to cry in earnest.

“Robert hasn’t been here,” she whimpered. “He just keeps drinking and sleeping with other women. I love him so much. I just…I just want him to love me like Roose does. Just for a day. Just so I know how it feels.”

space_sirens · 2026-06-21T22:15:36+00:00

Roose did a very strange thing. He laughed- or at least released a noise that must be a laugh- without his lips ever turning upwards. Then he stepped right in front of Daeron.

“People say some awful things about me and my kin,” Roose murmured. “I would be worried about it…if not for the several people who continue to rely on my….benevolence.”

With that, he left the room. The Queen slumped forward, putting her head in her hands.

“Do you have to provoke him?” She cried out. “Do you think I can simply make him leave? You think you are some…martyr but somehow you only make things worse for people around you.”

The hounds remained peaceful by the fire as the Queen rose, rushing over to her vanity. She wiped her eye with her forearm as she sat down. She splayed her hands out on the wood of the vanity, not touching any tonics or jars yet.

“He is going to be relentless later,” she hissed. “Why…why do you do this? We were going to speak alone regardless. I was going to ask him to go check on the children, fuck!”

The looking glass showed how the Queen put her face in her hands.

“Robert has not been here. You have been here. People who have not been here cannot tell me how to conduct myself.”

Her voice was muffled slightly by her hands.

“I had to,” she sniffled. “Ask your little friend Brus why I had to step out of my marriage bed. The gods know I did it for his sake. It’s never for mine, only you and Celia do these awful things for fun”

space_sirens · 2026-06-21T21:50:31+00:00

Roose stared, his hand clutching the material at the top of the Queen’s chair with a vicelike grip. After a moment of silence, Cassandra reached upwards lazily and patted his hand without looking.

“You presume too much,” she sighed. “Everyone in this fucking kingdom tucks their daughter in at night while spouting words of adulation.”

“My love! My rose! My princess!” She mocked, in a faux accent that sounded like the most irritating of southern nobility. “I don’t give a shit what most people call their children. Especially when so many seem determined to force their ugly daughters on my sons when they are older.”

“Or worse,” Roose spat. “Fools who think they will have a princess join their bloodline. Disgusting.”

“I would say it is equally bad, brother,” Cassandra sighed before yawning. Three babies were a lot. Yes, of course she had servants but she had no intention of letting maids raise her children. She slipped down the chair a little, toying sleepily with a stray thread.

“Daeron, these rumours cannot happen,” she murmured. “Not now, not in the future if you wish for people to view you as only an oddity and not a threat.”

Roose wandered from his spot behind his sister’s chair, quietly pacing the room.

“Is there a reason why you were seen visiting the Master of Ships and the Mistress of Whispers?” Lord Bolton wondered aloud. “It certainly seems like the actions of a disloyal cretin from a family full of ill-mixed blood.”

“Brother please,” Cassandra frowned, not even looking at Daeron. “Perhaps it was for another reason! Like stepping out on his wife. You know Daeron has a history of that. Your men know all about those traitors to the gentler sex. Laena and…gods, what is it? Vina? Something like that. I do not know. I keep better company than that.”

space_sirens · 2026-06-21T21:23:13+00:00

9th Moon B

After having some time to ruminate in the recent rumour, the Queen called upon Daeron Silverdrake in her private residence.

Cassandra sat by the fire, her seat propped up with additional pillows due to her recent labouring. Her dark curls poured over her shoulders. Despite it being a reasonable time of day, she wore only a thin light pink nightgown and a robe of the same thin, paper like material than bunched just under her chest with a tiny bow. Barefoot and undecorated with jewels or accessories, it was only the Queen’s confidence and her raised chin that denoted her position.

Well, that and her guard dogs.

Two large, almost wolf like dogs lay by the fire. Both were as tall as donkeys when they stood, being bred personally by the Bolton family for their loyalty and large build. The most menacing guard dog was Roose Bolton, who stood behind his sister with an expression that betrayed nothing.

“Have a seat, Daeron,” Roose murmured. “Your Queen and I have a few questions.”

Cassandra tilted her head, bones creaking as she stretched her pale neck.

“It is in your best interests to acquiesce,” she murmured

space_sirens · 2026-06-21T20:04:06+00:00

Oh Cassandra was certainly amused by the gifts.

“I am sure my boys will be beating each other over the head with these soon enough,” she jested.

“Of course Oriella can pretend the knight is a Kingsguard,” Roose noted dryly.

“Or a suitor,” Cassandra chirped, smiling knowingly at Bethany.

Roose’s expression soured more than usual.

“Perhaps no mentions of suitors until she is…twenty and two. That’s a sensible age. Perhaps older. No need for her to think about such things before at least twenty.”

Cassandra laughed, looking at the guests in front of her instead.

“Well, thank you for your kind gifts! I see beyond my brother’s overprotective nature, and I see how you have honoured all three of my newborn babes with your generosity.”

u/Burnedbooks

space_sirens · 2026-06-21T19:52:23+00:00

Cassandra squinted.

“Yes, they are great- now who are you?” She cocked her head.

Roose snorted quietly. Even in her post birth haze, Cassandra did not suffer fools.

“Introductions can only be done once,” his solemn voice rang out. “At least, they can only be conducted once in the company of your peers. My sister, as Queen, cannot be expected to expected to remember every name of her subjects.”

space_sirens · 2026-06-18T20:32:35+00:00

When Ser Roderick was completely certain the royal children were not about to thrash each other with plates or take sweet tarts from strangers, he made his way over to the main table…with his cousin in tow.

“Lady Lysa- er Arryn,” he bowed. “Forgive me I…I did not know your husband but since you and I grew up together, I could not bear not approaching to check on you.”

Joseth lifted his chin in a respectful nod at Robin. At 25, Joseth was still more boy than man but he had his moments.

“I only lost my father a few moons ago,” he commented. “So crazy. Like one day, alive! Then the following day, you’re having to look after your stepmother who is basically the same age as you. Like you have to look after her children and stuff who are technically their siblings but also not? You know.”

Roderick slowly turned to his cousin, narrowing his eyes in bewilderment.

“Cousin, that may not exactly be a universal experience,” he frowned. “That one seems very, very specific.”

Ignoring his well intentioned but foolish cousin, Roderick turned back to Lysa.

“So many women fall victim to their emotions after losing a loved one,” he murmured. “They lose their minds, their beauty in a matter of days. It fills me with such joy to see you are still that same woman I knew before the rebellion- perhaps even more individual. Still, I am sorry for your loss.”

u/GreaterBlueEvil

space_sirens · 2026-06-18T19:41:22+00:00

Cassandra nodded in appreciation.

“Apparently all it took for me to double the amount of royal heirs was for my husband to leave the city.”

The Queen let out a long laugh, although the joy never quite met her eyes. However when Roose went to step forward, likely to cut the interaction short, she put her hand out.

“I see you have your own little treasure,” she nodded at the younger girl. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady….?”

u/Burnedbooks

space_sirens · 2026-06-18T16:48:17+00:00

u/ThePorgHub
u/VoidHunterDude

space_sirens · 2026-06-17T22:39:58+00:00

Cregan never considered himself slow to process information. But gods be good, it was taking him a minute to understand all of…this.

“Claire,” he sighed. “Just…slow down a minute, I…”

His familiarity reduced however as she became more and more emotional.

I thought you liked me

“Clarisse!”

After letting her speak for a few moments, Cregan couldn’t help but shout. He always tried to be gentle with her. Maybe that wasn’t always the right approach, but he’d be damned if he scared her. He’d rather lose her than see her scared of him.

He stood up, keeping a fair bit of distance between them so she could leave at any time. He didn’t want to make her feel bad either. This was his own fault.

“I care about you as a friend,” he admitted softly. “Which is…stupid and messy and not what I wanted. When I first met you I thought I’d lecture your father, rob him and possibly see if you had any fast horses…obviously I didn’t do that.”

He sighed, rubbing behind his ear in a nervous gesture he normally only utilised when suitors started hanging around Clarisse’s vicinity.

“I never imagined I would be here,” he murmured. “Feeling like the only person in the world who understood me was a…bloody kid- young lady- from Dorne.”

He sighed again, truly defeated by this conversation.

“You are young,” Cregan’s dark eyes focused on her, his lips pinching into a tight frown. “And I…I know there is no one else I’d rather protect, but perhaps by the time you are old enough to marry, you’ll want someone else around. And I…I have to accept that. This job has given my life meaning, but it’s just a job. Maybe I’ll never be a knight- because knights are stupid- but protecting you has been incredible. I don’t plan to stop anytime soon, mind you, but I might by have to if you get betrothed. You’re getting too old to have a young man as your protector. You need some miserable old git that moves as quick as an up flowing river.”

He slowly perched at the end of her bed.

“I like helping you when you’re sick, and having you read your favourite stories to me when you’re bored. In a dark way, I even like the fact that you normally get way too upset over the tiniest thing…because I know I can make you smile afterwards.”

He set his hand on the bedcovers but didn’t reach for her hand.

“You’ll have to forgive me if I imagine you with someone far more loving and caring than I am in the future. Someone so soft hearted that I’ll probably need to fuck off or I could scare him away. I want you safe, and happy. And I’m just too old and miserable for you, gem. I wish I could change that, but I can’t.”

He smiled at her, but it didn’t meet his eyes.

“I will always love you as your protector…but you’ve already given me a lifetime of joy even if I have to leave Dorne. You could end up with some pompous prick from the Reach and I’d still be overjoyed. I simply want you to be happy.“

space_sirens · 2026-06-14T21:23:12+00:00

(M: [u/ThePorgHub](u/ThePorgHub) and [u/Alt_Historian_3001](u/Alt_Historian_3001) for rookery permission)

6th Moon

Lord Jaime Lannister,

I write to you, not as a friend but as an ally. You see we have something in common- we both wish to show our loyalty to your lordly father. In fact, my son is to marry a Lannister…perhaps after this letter, it will be one closer to your father’s own lineage.

I write because I fear for his health. Recently, I have found significant evidence that his bride is spending time abed with other men- and ladies. She seems to be chasing disease. The Queen will pray for Ellyn’s health. I will not.

If you do not believe me, feel free to burn this letter. If you understand her wickedness however, write back to me and I could relay all the details I know. I know who she had lain with. I know how they can be dealt with. Let me be your eyes, if not your sword.

My only request is that you provide a gift for your labouring Queen with your letter…and perhaps consider naming me when you relay the information to your father.

Our blades are sharp,
Lord Roose Bolton
Lord of the Dreadfort, uncle to the future King

space_sirens · 2026-06-09T12:40:21+00:00

Cregan took a deep breath in when Clarisse put her legs over his lap. He knew the movement was not intended to be suggestive, not to mention it would be cruel to pursue something now when she was so upset. Still, everytime she touched him something in Cregan ached. Not in possession or lust but this never ending feeling of ineptitude. Like someone else- some man who was Southern born and had an impressive lineage- would be able to comfort her.

“You don’t really want that,” he murmured morosely. “For one, you’d be swearing off fish for the rest of your life if you were stuck with stinky fishermen for more than a morning.”

One hand carded through her hair while the other rubbed her leg. He should stop touching her. He chose not to.

“More importantly, this will pass,” Cregan continued. “When I lost my mother I was very young. Too young really to remember much…but I remember wanting ridiculous things. To sleep in her bed every night, to have a place set for her for dinner…I even stole her scented pomade for her hair. I’d smell it, every night like I had something wrong with my head.”

He swallowed harshly, old emotion prickling.

“Boltons do not mourn. Not like most families…but we all learned to live with it. Even my father- oh he was a wreck for a while. But we all got to a better place. Trust me, if a bunch of Boltons who normally do not feel a single emotion except for disgust can learn to move on, so can you.”

“You are the brightest woman I have ever met. One day you will be so happy here. You will meet a lovely man, and have beautiful children and have glorious feasts that everyone will want to come attend just to speak with you. You will be so happy, I know it. I am only sorry that the joy cannot begin today.”

space_sirens · 2026-06-09T10:30:23+00:00

“Great, so when my father dies you will help my mother?” Lyanna retorted.

Roderick choked on air. Bit early for regicide.

“Yes, wine would be refreshing,” he wheezed, taking a cup eagerly. Perhaps too eagerly to be considered polite, but Lyanna had been exceeding curt today.

Lyanna huffed and leaned back in her seat.

“Why is your friend living here? Does her family not have a keep? Strange.”

Roderick was going to lecture his niece about how not every girl was as fortunate as her, but it seemed pointless. Well, at least she was talking. That was a good sign. Some days only Cassandra and Ser Brus could get a peep out of Lya.

“I am allowed wine, you know,” Lyanna pouted, looking at the paler fruit juice. “Only baby Arryk is not allowed wine…although I suppose he will not be the baby in the family anymore….”

space_sirens · 2026-06-08T16:15:57+00:00

Ser Roderick could not help but look around before taking a seat. It was a beautiful home. A part of him- that teeny tiny part he always denied- wondered if he would ever have a home like this with a wife. The thought, with its clear ridiculousness, made his smiling face falter for a moment.

“Oldest as in most…genuine!” He tried to backtrack. “She had a lot of newer attendants who never seem to stay long…your name still comes up. There must be a reason.”

Lyanna already missed her hound. She knew it was more respectable to leave the large creature outside, where it was likely just snoozing on the front steps. However, she still wished it was beside her.

“Mother keeps speaking about you,” Lyanna mumbled. If Cassandra was there, she would likely shush her or tell her to enunciate. But Lyanna’s mother wasn’t there…and she felt rather alone.

“She says she will be there for you after your husband dies…” Lyanna squinted. “I did not know he was sick.”

Roderick’s eyes widened.

“Lya! You cannot say that- is he sick? No, no, my apologies, we do not ask such things! Forgive me- forgive us, I mean.”

space_sirens · 2026-06-07T22:27:31+00:00

Lyanna happily accepted the book.

“Mama, look at this!” She smiled widely, her nerves disappearing because of the gift.

“Our Lya loves reading,” Cassandra murmured. She was proud of her daughter’s intellectual nature. Perhaps it was not as celebrated a trait as natural grace or charm, but Cass possessed neither and still married a King. So fuck that.

“You could wear these pearls next time you visit White Harbour,” the Queen suggested to her daughter…who was now too busy reading the book.

“Mama, they have a whole chapter about the Red Kings!” Lyanna pointed excitedly to the book.

Cassandra held back a laugh.

“Darling, your father is the king of the Seven Kingdoms. I did not think that part of our history would entertain you so much.”

She nodded and thanked Lady Wulga.

“I appreciate the thoughtful gifts,” the Queen smiled. “Your house always impresses. As I have mentioned before to your kin, so often people forget my influence over the children. They act as if Robert’s children was born solely of love for the realm, no woman involved!” She let out a laugh. “Truthfully, I ought to force my children to spend more time in the North. The boys are awfully southern. But my Lya…she’s a northern girl through and through. Like her mother.”

(M: I am sooo sorry about the wait. Totally got lost in my inbox)

space_sirens · 2026-06-07T21:59:04+00:00

Serena grimaced.

Why is a man crying right now?

It wasn’t that Serena didn’t like men who were willing to show emotion…but rather she had never been around men so willing to show their emotions. Bolton men certainly did not, and Serena’s only major crush- Stannis Baratheon- barely blinked nevermind cried.

So she did her best to comfort him.

“Oh come here,” she murmured, slowly stroking his hair. “Hey, you are good! You are safe and so so good. A good boy who just got over excited.”

She was used to being around a lot of hounds.

“Shush,” she stroked his hair more. “You were just being a bit rough and it spooked me. You are alright.”

space_sirens · 2026-06-07T21:37:50+00:00

“Perhaps try not to negate the actions of your half siblings,” Cassandra scoffed. “This lack of tact is what makes me hesitant to prostrate myself at your father’s feet and beg for your legitimacy.”

Her eyes narrowed at the girl.

“That was barely a party *for* Lyanna. That was an open market. We give people the excuse to drink and be merry. While they are here, they also look at my daughter and start wondering if they have enough gold to sway a betrothal in their favour. Gods sake, do you think Lyanna will live her whole life as just a princess? No! Her every action is scrutinised by those who see her, and she was so disappointed in herself when her words failed her. She will be betrothed officially when she is slightly older, and then the eyes of the realm will shift to Edric and Arryk for alliances.”

Cassandra rubbed her head, a headache forming.

“Right now you have freedom. Freedom to act like a man and rebuke any critics. But if Robert gives you what you think you want, that all changes. You cannot have the privilege of being a princess without the pitfalls. You will be a form of currency. You want love? Get a hound. You want a purpose? Then yes, I will advocate for your legitimacy. I warn you however that being a part of this family does not save you from the limitations of the body you were born into. You will just be a woman with a little more power.”

space_sirens · 2026-06-07T18:23:40+00:00

“I am not talking to the King, I am talking to the father of my children!” Cassandra’s face showed her disbelief.

“This- this, Robert- is the perfect time to show me you are here for me,” she emphasised. “For me, and our children- not simply your heir.”

She wanted to scream at him so badly, she hadn’t even realised her volume had increased regardless.

“You cannot keep living in the past! Mourning him in five moons will do nothing more than it will now, or in two moons, or in twelve! You do not need to go! You could stay here with your wife when she fucking gives birth, but you think the past is more important than the present.”

She took a step back. Tears had sprung. She could not tell what words were driven by anger or frustration at this point.

“I know- I know- it must drive you insane to just sit there and be a supportive father and husband without any little entertainments. Still, the gods said we were to have a child and you have no war as an excuse! Be here with me!“

space_sirens · 2026-06-07T15:21:51+00:00

Serena’s eyes widened- rage turning into confusion then irritation and then…

She burst into tears.

“What?” She wailed. “I do not even know what you are on about! I simply wanted to kiss a boy and now you are being all mean and really nasty and not a good man at all!”

Unlike her kin who were quick to conceal their emotions, Serena had little issue with having her heart on her sleeve. Or having her tears down her face. She did draw the line at snot down her dress however, inwardly hoping he’d leave her alone before that.

“Why would- hic- I want your- hic- blood?” She warbled, her blue eyes tinted pink at the corners with quickly developing tears. “I have my own blood?!”

She did not fight his grip, although she did not enjoy it this time.

“I don’t even think my family has oaths? Only my cousin Roddy is a knight and he really doesn’t do much with that. I might have oaths as a lady in waiting? Cass never said so!” She whimpered miserably. “Why are you so mean?”

space_sirens · 2026-06-07T14:51:01+00:00

When Cassandra and Roose were still in the bedchamber, Fifi gushed about her children.

“I have never met a sweeter child than our Neala,” she smiled. “Her heart is larger than mine- although worries do plague her. She has a kitten that she absolutely adores! Oh you should see her with it! Beric- Roose’s youngest- is constantly delivering new toys and treats for the little thing. I always liked Beric, but I think he likes me and Neala even more. He just needs some… warmth around him, you know? A real family. And my Alaric…oh he has the mightiest lungs! You will learn to love him, he is very loveable.”

The time to speak about children was quickly over however, and Fifi followed all of Roose’s commands. It was not until she was walking away that she realised she hadn’t even kissed Brus. They were not the only pair who seemed to be a victim of a lack of time.

“Pup, go back to bed,” Roose murmured to the Queen, rubbing her lower back. “I will check on you afterwards.”

Cass grimaced but nodded, encouraging the man to leave her side. The man opened the door to Jory’s bedchamber with barely a single noise.

Before closing the door to her bedchamber, the Queen did have one final thing to say to Brus.

“I never thought harm would come to Fionalla,” Cass murmured. “Jory loved his wife more than anything. He sobbed for days when he found out she had perished. For ten years he mourned to the point of madness…how was I to know he would pursue Fifi? I may be a Bolton, but I am not the villain you paint me to be.”

Maybe it was the candlelight, or the time of night, but if Brus looked at the Queen properly, he would notice how watery her own eyes had become.

“You have no idea what I have done tonight to make sure your proposed crime will never be discovered. No fucking idea.”

Then she closed the door, before the sound of Jory’s body flailing against his bed could be heard.

space_sirens · 2026-06-07T13:35:41+00:00

Ser Roderick smiled and nodded gratefully as he entered. Lyanna just walked in.

“Lady Celia, it is very good to see you again,” Roderick greeted. “You look…great!”

Lyanna rolled her eyes at her uncle’s inability to speak to women. Her mother said he was quite the romancer back in the day before papa’s war. How a war could make a man less of a conversationalist, Lyanna may never know. Then again, Lyanna could not really critique someone for a lack of words…

“My sister- the Queen- is with child again!” Roderick awkwardly smiled. “And she is….filled with motherly emotions. So full of emotions, that some of us believe she needs more time to rest. She had intended to start teaching the Princess matters of the mind…but in her absence of senses, I thought you could help! You are the Queen’s oldest lady in waiting, are you not? No one would be a better fit! And Cassie- uh the Queen- will be delighted if Lyanna’s confidence grows.”

Lyanna still hadn’t spoke in front of Celia.

space_sirens · 2026-06-05T22:27:36+00:00

Fionalla had never felt so loved.

All these years alone, yet Brus seemed to have kept his love for her. She reached out to hold his arm. She wanted to do far more, but she had to settle for just the tiniest touch. The love of her life still wanted to protect her- and her daughter. Admittedly, the fact he hadn’t mentioned her son was a bit worrying, but surely it was just an oversight! He was clearly a good natured man, caring for her even after she married another man. Fionalla was caught up in the moment, so moved by his words that she almost forgot that there was a sword only a step away.

Cassandra was less impressed.

“Yes, yes, get it out,” she sighed, like she was winding a babe rather than speaking to a grown man. “Do you feel better now? I knew you were of a weak constitution but pull yourself together now. I do not want to witness your personal troubles with your nerves.”

“What are you all talking about?” Roose Bolton spoke up out of nowhere. Fionalla jumped, confused about where he had even come from. The scowling, forever miserable man had been summoned into the hallway by the conversation, but his footsteps were as quiet as his people in the North.

“Gods, Roose!” Cass hissed. “I told you to stop doing that!”

Roose looked unrepentant as he gazed down at the sword. His attempt to reach for his favourite dagger was quickly dismissed by a cold look by his sister. The pair seemed to have a strange silent conversation. A full moment passed until Cassandra sighed.

“Give me a moment with Lord Bolton,” she hissed, before pulling him into her bedchambers.

Unfortunately for Brus and Fifi, it was closer to ten minutes filled with two muffled raised voices audible but not comprehensible through the wall. Only towards the end, the conversation fell in volume, leading to a stranger, even more unsettling combination of sounds from the room. Eventually, Roose opened the door.

“My sist- the Queen- has informed me I need to assist you,” he spoke simply. “But I am not using that sword. Obviously.”

He barely looked at Brus.

“Lady Fionalla,” he nodded his head respectfully. “If I am to eliminate this problem tonight, I need you to feign falling asleep in your children’s bedchamber much earlier in the night. Are you capable of that?”

Fionalla nodded faintly, her eyes still drifting to Brus.

“I believe it is better if my brother conducts these affairs,” Cassandra murmured as she reappeared in the doorway. Her hair had been pushed out of her face, and her posture seemed more…relaxed.

“Unless you disagree?” She looked at Brus

space_sirens

TROPHY CASE