randomosity | [For Hannibal] Alliance of Fire

Hannibal saw that fierceness and gently cupped her chin to look into her eyes. "For the moment we are allies with them. They have no reason or suspicion to come North. I have no intention of giving them any concern to worry about coming here.

That soothed her mind, but then another thought occurred to Margaery. "News will spread about the babies...they will want to visit and give their blessing..."

Margaery's eyes nearly glowed in anger. She didn't want Cersei or any Lannister near her children. But to refuse a visit would be folly and arouse suspicion.

Hannibal kissed her temple gently. "She will send an envoy or possibly summon is to King's Landing. I can easily avoid is having to go. However, she will never leave King's Landing if she doesn't feel like she has absolute control. Any envoy she sends will be easy to appease." The worst case scenario envoy would include Jaime Lannister."

Margaery nodded slowly as she thought about what might transpire from Cersei's scheming. "She will likely send Jaime. She sent him before and we have yet to answer the summons."

She was damn tempted to arrange for his poisoning. "I don't want either of those lions in the den made for my babies. Throw them to the wolves we've tended so carefully."

Rhys reached out his arms to his father, giving soft sounds. Margaery held up the boy to trade back for her daughter.

Hannibal chuckled as he switched children to hold his son. "I am not afraid of a toothless and clawless lion. Besides, our secret allies will assist us in staging an issue that will keep me here in the North. Having just had two small children, it is quite impossible for you to travel alone with them for any length of time over the forseable future." He said.

Margaery nodded as she kissed over Reina's forehead. She looked up again to Hannibal.

"I know it will be all to easy to stay here, but they will likely send Jaime to visit and assess how things are going up here. We cannot refuse him, obviously. But if he annoys or insults me..." Her eyes darkened as she looked up to Hannibal. "I want his lion skin on my wall. Surely we can do as Boltons do."

The only good lion was a flayed lion.

Hannibal chuckled at that as he kissed her forehead. "I promise you a whole array of lion pelts if that is what you desire my dear. However, you must promise me patience for the right time to strike." He said.

Margaery smiled and tipped her head up to kiss his chin and jaw. "As you wish, my King," she replied, nodding obediently. Reina fidgeted in her blankets and curled in close to her mother, craving her warmth.

Hannibal chuckled as he wrapped his arms around his family to hold them close. He kissed her temple tenderly. "My Queen." He whispered softly.

****

In the weeks and months that followed a raven did indeed arrive from King's Landing. An edict from the Queen, stating that she would send an envoy with congratulations and honor from his Majesty on the birth of their healthy children. She also made a sickeningly sweet point that, being a twin herself, she considered their good fortune particularly blessed. Margaery had promptly torn up the message and thrown it in the fire. She didn't want her children associated in any way or share any link with that bitch Cersei Lannister.

Some weeks after, Jaime Lannister arrived with an entourage bearing the banners of the Baratheon stag and Lannister lion. He had been met by the guards and escorted inside. Margaery didn't go out to meet him, using the excuse that the Maester had advised against her going outside the Dreadfort walls until she had recovered a bit more from childbirth.

But she was dressed in fine silks and a cloak of bear fur, clutching their daughter close when Jaime was led to the main hall. Her eyes narrowed a bit when he smiled to her, but she inclined her head and greeted him politely.

"You honor us with your visit, Ser Jaime. Welcome to the Dreadfort," she kept her attention flicking between Reina and Rhys.

Hannibal had everything prepared for Jaime's arrival with his envoy. The Bolton banner was flying high and he had instructed Littlefinger to provide a diversion to keep him in the north regardless of what Jaime Lannister attempted to command.

Hannibal was wearing a fine set of black leathers with a crimson lined fur cloak about his shoulders for warmth. He gave a nod to Jaime when he entered. "Sir Jaime, it is good to see you again so soon." He greeted.

Jaime noted the decorations and how they seemed to be a touch friendlier than what he remembered from the last time he had visited this place. He saw the two small babes being held by the rose. It was quite a feat to successfully give birth to twins. His own mother had barely managed the feat.

He gave a bow to both the Lady and Lord Bolton. "Thank you for your kind hospitality Lord Bolton. The King and Queen Mother send their congratulations to this happy time." He said with a smile.

Margaery had made a point to give the Dreadfort a more feminine touch without sacrificing the intimidating nature of the castle. She was in the process of adjusting some of the banners to include the slightest additions of the golden rose - impaling the flayed man. But for the moment those were not on display. She wanted them to be perfect and receive Hannibal's permission to fly them. But she was sure his ancestors were spinning in their graves over the matter.

Regardless, Margaery held her babies close, they were sleeping for now, which suited her fine. Moanna was at her feet, much bigger now, and she growled lowly when Jaime appeared. Margaery tapped her foot on the ground and Moanna dropped her head, though she watched Jaime carefully.

"We are happy for their kind thoughts," Margaery replied. A lie, of course, but one that seemed sincere all the same. "Your journey must have been long - would you care for something to eat? Or a drink perhaps?"

Hannibal was aware of her desire to add her houses sigil within his banner. He was curious what she had in mind before giving a final decision on the matter. He had one of his wolves at his feet for the moment. However, Vhagar was perched above their heads. Hannibal had created a special series of chambers and catwalks for his dragon to use to be in the room without being noticed for the time being. Of course, when he grew larger it would be far more difficult to keep him hidden.

He gave a nod and servants offered snacks and ale to everyone around the room, and water for Margaery. "We thank them for their kind words. We are quite humbled to be sent congratulations in such a fashion from the King." Hannibal said sincerely. He then motioned towards a seat near himself. "Would you and your men desire to rest after such a long journey? Or we can begin speaking on the matters at hand." He offered.

Jaime took the ale, but did not touch the food for now. His men did eat and drink as it was offered. He did not feel like anything was amiss here, although there was still an oppressive feel to this place even with the more feminine touch to the decor.

Jamie gave a nod to Hannibal when he cut straight to the point. "You remind me of your father Lord Bolton. I would prefer to get the business at hand discussed first." He glanced to Margaery. "Perhaps a place more private?" He said.

Margaery tilted a brow as Jaime so politely asked that she remove herself so that the men could talk in private. Rather than obey his roundabout request, Margaery looked to Hannibal. She would obey him, and no other. If Hannibal commanded her from the room, she would leave without question.

But she was suspicious of Jaime, and didn't like the idea of his presence. Now more than ever she was imagining how satisfying it would be to watch as he was flayed, slowly and painfully. Happily would she tack his skin upon the wall once it was properly tanned.

Hannibal heard the request and nodded before slowly standing. He moved to Margaery and assisted her out of her seat and offered to carry a child. "There is a more private place to speak. Follow us Ser Jaime." He said. He had no intention of keeping Margaery out of the conversation.

Jaime frowned when Margaery was invited along. However, he would not try push for her to leave for a few more moments. He signalled for Bronn to follow him as he walked with the Lord and Lady back to a private room.

Hannibal led them to a small study and motioned for Margaery to enter first followed by Jaime and Bronn. He shut the door behind them before turning towards his wife to hand their son back to her. He took his seat next to Margaery before gazing at the two men with a direct look. "You did not ride all the way up here simply to congratulate us. What is it the King requires of house Bolton?" He asked.

Jaime shifted slightly in his seat when they sat down. He glanced to Margaery. "Lady Bolton, we are going to be discussing matters of war. It might be a bit much for the children to hear." He said.

Hannibal gave a look to Jaime, but signaled to Margaery that she could speak as to why she would be staying.

When Hannibal approached and took one of the babies from her, Margaery offered up their son and rose slowly to follow beside him. She cradled Reina in her arms as they walked and followed beside her husband. Margaery couldn't help smiling to herself when Jaime couldn't see - she was indeed pleased with herself. She was happy that her husband was so in love with her and respected her so much that he didn't see her as subservient or as simply a vessel to carry his children.

She was more. She was his mate - his equal.

Margaery settled into the small study and sat in one of the comfier chairs. She took Rhys from Hannibal and cradled both babies to her chest with relative ease. When Hannibal addressed the men, she looked up with interest and focus. She was going to make it a point to be involved with this conversation, not simply an ornament in the room.

When Jaime pointed out that the details of their discussion would be gritty, Margaery gave a cool, almost smug smile. "Certainly, matters of war and violence may be a bit much for a child of the South, Baratheon, Lannister, Tyrell even," she replied. "But my children, Ser Jaime, are of the North. They will likely know violence and the harshness of life far sooner than most children of the South. Besides, they are but babes still. They know the sound of their mother's voice, but do not necessarily understand what she says. We are just fine where we are, thank you very much."

She was not about to be separated from her children either - he was not going to encourage her to send her children to the nursery if she insisted on being here.

Bronn chuckled to himself when this woman continued to be cool to him and to have the sand not bend to the golden Jamie Lannister. He held his tongue for the moment, but fully intended on teasing Jaime later.

Hannibal gave a nod to Jaime. "My children will not be coddled Ser Jaime. Now, what can house Bolton do to serve the King?"

Jaime shifted a bit at the words. He sat forward a bit to look more directly at Hannibal. "As Warden of the North you are expected to look after the King's interests and to appear at court when summoned."

Hannibal's eyes hardened a bit. "In what way does the King feel that I am not looking after his interests in the North? As for the second part, a personal tragedy followed by a blessing has prevented my travel. Due to the gods blessing us with two children, my wife is unable to travel for some time according to our Maester."

"All due respect, my Lord - my Lady," Bronn cut in just then. "You were summoned to the Red Keep, not your Lady."

Margaery kept a calm expression even as Reina fussed slightly. She rocked Reina in one arm and glanced up to Bronn. "Ser Bronn of the Blackwater. I remember you well, my Lord," she tipped her head respectfully to him. "And you are not wrong, my husband was summoned and that does not necessarily mean that the wife should accompany him - after all, someone needs to look after the household and keep things in order."

She let that sink in for a moment. "Of course, if Hannibal were to go to the South and leave the North with no Warden, it may encourage certain unsavory enemies of the King to move against his castle - which would, of course, endanger his wife and newborn children." Margaery laughed slightly. "But of course, being that his wife is a Tyrell, no doubt the Tyrell army would move North in his absence to protect one of their own if need be."

Which, of course, would leave the South defenseless save for the tattered Lannister army and the Gold Cloaks of the Red Keep. It also created the possibility that the Tyrell Army and the enemy armies could join forces and become a stronger enemy of the King. Margaery knew the two men would come to this conclusion on their own, and that if they thought she knew that, they'd perceive her as a threat - so of course she kept quiet on those matters and let a mouthing Rhys suckle on her small finger.

"Of course that's only my thoughts. What do I know of such things?" She shrugged nonchalantly.

Jaime shifted a bit uncomfortably when Margaery spoke. "What sort of unsavory characters are you referring to my Lady?" He asked pointedly.

Hannibal spoke lowly. "My men have discovered a cave where the Blackfish is hiding and gathering a small force to retake river run. I am preparing a trap for him. I will not risk sending battalions of men into the caves to die. I will wait for him to come out and slaughter his men. I cannot simply leave my officers in charge of this trap. Littlefinger is in the Vale. He has been pulling the strings and now that young spoiled brat considers himself the warden of the East and listens to Littlefinger I hear. I do not know what he is planning, but I do not trust what he will do if I leave the Dreadfort. Winterfell is well commanded by my most trusted captain. However, the vale has a considerable army that could prove to be a problem." He said.

Margaery smiled almost triumphantly as she moved to hand Rhys to Hannibal. Reina had begun to fuss more in her mother's arms and needed to be soothed. When Rhys was taken by his father, Margaery rose and began to walk slow circles in front of the fireplace. She bounced Reina in her arms and whispered softly to the baby.

Hannibal explained everything perfectly. Margaery glanced up when he was through to address the men. "Indeed, I would be most unhappy were my husband sent off to the slaughter. But of course we know his Majesty would never order such a thing. Without a Bolton as Warden of the North, who would be put in power next? Sansa Stark?"

They knew as well as any that the Northmen would follow a Stark without question in the absence of a true leader.

Jaime's head snapped to look at Margaery with a suspicious look. "Sansa Stark has been found and you haven't sent word?" He said with a bit of anger.

Hannibal reclined in his seat. "It has not been confirmed that it is indeed Sansa. However, I have heard from trusted sources that Littlefinger has miraculously produced a daughter that he is keeping with him at the Eerie. They say her hair is black. Now, I suspect it is Sansa. However, the description could also be Arya Stark, who has been missing for far longer." He said. "I cannot openly attack the Eerie. However, if I give Littlefinger a juicy enough bait I am certain I can draw him out with the soldiers of the vale." He said.

This information should keep him safely in the North for some time.

Margaery feigned a look of surprise. "Oh? You hadn't heard the rumors? Forgive me my Lord, perhaps the informant in King's Landing isn't as sharp as Lord Varys was."

She turned her attention to the baby and pretended not to listen as Hannibal explained. Only when Reina soothed did she sit down again and take Rhys back from Hannibal.

Bronn was eyeing the woman carefully. He knew better than to underestimate a lady.

Hannibal saw that look from Bronn and gave Margaery a signal when he passed Rhys back to her to be cautious.

Jaime was suspicious, but he trusted Hannibal far more than that bastard Littlefinger. "You are certain he has a Stark girl with him?" He asked.

Hannibal gave a solemn nod of his head. "I do, but I am not certain which one. Either would be a threat to the King. I have been working on multiple options to flush the soldiers of the vale out to take control. It is impossible to storm the Eerie itself due to its location." He said.

Margaery sat down in the chair and smiled up to Hannibal, letting him know that his message was received. She rocked the babies until Reina was asleep and Rhys smacked his lips, wanting a meal. Margaery knew she couldn't feed him now, and held her finger out to let him suckle it for a moment.

"It would not do for my husband to find himself eviscerated - his Majesty would need a new warden, and if there was no one who could fill the role already in the North, he might send a high born noble to fill the role." She knew being separated from Cersei was the ultimate nightmare for Jaime. "But you should tell his Majesty that the issue is indeed under control, he has nothing to fear."

Hannibal was very pleased with Margaery's quip. It would hit very close to home for Jaime Lannister and likely have him push for Hannibal to remain in the North.

Jaime considered those words and found himself uncomfortable. That did hit very close to home for him. He gave Hannibal a hard gaze. "Are you certain you can handle him? That is quite the slippery prey." He began before lowering his own voice. "If you were to bring one or both Stark girls to justice, that would please the King greatly." He said.

Hannibal's eyes glittered with dark amusement. "Would their tanned hides suffice the King?" He asked. He was Lord Bolton after all.

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