Chapter Text
Sixteen years ago, when rebellion started, Ned Stark left Winterfell newly appointed Lord Stark, leaving his remaining younger brother ruling in his stead and rode to Riverlands. To marry his brother’s betrothed, to seal the alliance and start a war.
What other option is there when your family is dead and the King is demanding your head?
Sixteen years ago, Ned hoped for his sister, wished for Robert, dreamt of success and prayed for mercy.
None is granted.
He was too late to save Robert, met by Prince’s force, weak, but still standing, demanding peace talks. Jon wanted to carry on, they could defeat the Prince, the remaining Storm Lords would side with Ned, they had the strength.
But if he had failed Robert, Ned would not fail Lyanna.
In the midst of whirlwind that followed, information flew – about the fall of Robert, the death of the Prince, slain armies, but the Trident was blind for that. Only few knew the whole truth and they were buried in deals, promises, papers and marriages.
It had been too late when they found out.
The Targaryen King murdered his brother and father, yet sixteen years ago Ned rode to his rescue. Rode to meet the Lannister force, advancing quickly toward the King’s Landing. Rode to save his sister, hoped he could.
For Lyanna, Ned will do anything. Still.
They came too late. Too late for the King, too late for Princess Elia, too late for Princess Rhaenys, too late for Prince Aegon. The Lannisters made a mistake and they burnt for it. Burnt even when Ned was riding on, riding for Storm’s End, Robert’s body with him and he never expected to make that journey.
Stannis is still in exile.
Ned returned to King’s Landing to a new King on the Iron Throne. Returned to the King, consumed by grief over his mother, his wife, his children. Returned to find his sister dead, returned to find she gave her life to birth a boy, his coloring Stark so strong the King flinched every time his eyes fell on him.
Still he is the heir.
Sixteen years ago Ned returned from the war to the house haunted by ghosts. His father gone, his brother gone, his sister gone, his friend gone. Still, as he slid from his horse, there was a bundle in his arms, a child he presented to his new wife as Crown Prince Jon Targaryen.
The reign of Rhaegar Targaryen, the first of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, has officially started.
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