— Paul Mertyns, Dean of History, Seagard University

Old Falcon lovingly embraced the four small children. Jon had no hope of seeing a grandchild before his death; in fact, he had even doubted he would have a child at all. Yet the presence of these four little ones was a great comfort—they were the Vale king's grandchildren in every way except by blood.

Little Robb was a Stark bearing the Tully colors, Argilac was loud and strong even at just one year old, Argella was like her father's daughter in every way—yet still beautiful—and Allyria... If his late friend Rickard Stark were still alive, Jon had no doubt Rickard would have doted on her. Jon was certain of that.

Little Allyria's mother's fate was tragic, and for a child to grow up without a mother was equally heartbreaking. The girl was a bastard, her surname was Snow, yet she was treated no differently than a Stark princess. Ned adored his daughter, and little Robb had already become his sister's little wolf, trailing after her wherever she went. It was quite an amusing sight.

Jon wondered why Eddard hadn't legitimized his eldest daughter, but there could be countless reasons—perhaps he was simply waiting for the right time. It wasn't Jon's place to question it.

Besides his four grandchildren, there were two more uninvited children present—Margaery and Loras Tyrell. Jon Arryn had begun to think Mace Tyrell had lost his mind. With the Reach on the brink of explosion, abandoning his kingdom could only be seen as foolishness. If the Reach rebellion broke out while they were away, other lords might seize the opportunity to invade Highgarden in the Paramount Lord's absence.

"Ah, don't bother wasting words; I know exactly what you're thinking. You're calling us fools," Jon Arryn didn't even need to turn around to see who was speaking. Throughout Westeros, there was only one woman who would speak to the King of the Vale like that despite having no close ties to him: Olenna Tyrell.

"The Queen of Thorns," Jon Arryn didn't mince his words. "Why are you here when a rebellion is about to break out in your own home?"

"To secure a few things before it all starts," Olenna said with a sad look at her granddaughter. "May I speak with you privately?"

"I think your son should be included in this conversation as well."

"My son is busy right now, praising your northern king about how beautiful a wife Margaery would be for Robb. Foolish nonsense," Olenna shook her head. "I told him arranging a marriage was impossible, but men are fools."

Old Falcon sighed at the comment. After leaving the children at the nursery, he followed Lady Olenna to an empty room. "I hope this conversation isn't a waste of my time. As King of the Vale, my time is limited, and I've already sacrificed time with my grandchildren for you."

He wanted to say, 'This will be the greatest concession I make to the Reach,' but decided to hold his tongue. Her words were too sharp; she would likely find a way to twist that statement back into Jon's mouth.

"It's obvious you see those children as your grandchildren. What would you do for them?" Lady Olenna went straight to the point.

It was an odd question. Jon had only just met the children, yet he couldn't deny he already felt like a fresh new grandfather. So, he spoke honestly. "I can't think of anything I wouldn't do for them. At least for now."

"We share common feelings, my King of the Vale," Olenna suddenly made a shocking move, kneeling before Jon Arryn with great respect. "The future of my house is complex and uncertain, King Arryn, which is why I beg of you." The old woman bowed until her forehead touched the ground. "Please take my grandchildren with you and keep them safe. I ask for nothing else, only to know that they are in a secure place during the civil war. If you accept, House Tyrell will never forget this favor."

Jon stared in astonishment at the woman kneeling before him. The once-proud Queen of Thorns was now begging him, humbled and desperate. If the old woman thought that after begging like this for her grandchildren, Old Falcon would not be able to refuse... she was absolutely right.

"Please, rise, Lady Olenna," he said hurriedly. "I cannot speak on behalf of the three kingdoms alone, but I swear to you I will keep your grandchildren safe. If necessary, I will raise them in The Eyrie."

Hearing this, Lady Olenna immediately stood up, returning to her former noble and proud posture as if she had never knelt. Yet, there was gratitude in her eyes.

At that moment, a servant entered the room. After looking around in surprise, he hurriedly bowed. "Ah, King Arryn. The other guests are looking for you, you are expected in the feast hall."

Jon Arryn nodded in acknowledgment and extended his arm to Lady Olenna as an escort. The two of them silently walked down the corridor and ascended to the feast hall.

There were only a few people in the hall. It was a small family gathering. Mace Tyrell, Robert, and Eddard were discussing something. Benjen and Stannis appeared to be getting along well, while Queen Catelyn was engaged in conversation with Queen Alara. Jon, unfortunately, could not bring Lysa. The Vale queen had miscarried twice in the last four years, and now she was pregnant with their third child. Her health wasn't fit to attend this meeting, and even if it were, Jon would not have brought her. She would have certainly disrupted the whole family atmosphere.

Old Falcon cleared his throat a few times to announce his arrival and gave Lady Olenna a meaningful look. This gathering was only for family, and they were not invited. The Queen of Thorns understood immediately and left the hall with her son.

"What did you talk about with the old woman?" Robert asked curiously as soon as they were alone.

"She wants her grandchildren to remain under our guardianship, so they can stay away from the war."

"Did you accept?" Eddard asked.

"I accepted on my own behalf. If neither of you wants the children, I will take them to The Eyrie, but personally, I don't want that. I'm an old man now, and looking after children is tiring work." He looked at Eddard and Robert with a knowing glance.

"Ahem, ahem. If you like, I can take the children. I already have four in Winterfell, and if I take two more... With the other children Catelyn and I plan to have, Winterfell will turn into a nursery."

"I'll take them, no problem," Robert said. "They'll be good friends for Argilac and Argella. Plus, after the chaos in the Reach ends, we can use the children as an excuse to expand our influence in the Reach."

Jon Arryn nodded approvingly at the idea. Contrary to what many believed, Robert wasn't ignorant when it came to politics and intrigue—he was just lazy. For the management of the Three Kingdoms Alliance, Jon and Eddard were trustworthy; for the governance of his country, Robert's grandfather, Eldon Estermont, was reliable; and for the management of his army, Robert trusted his brother Stannis. According to him, these individuals would do a much better job than he ever could, so there was no need to unnecessarily interfere or throw obstacles in their way… Well, at least that was the excuse he used for his laziness.

"How is your relationship with Queen Alara?" Eddard asked.

At this question, Robert's face turned red, as if ashamed of himself. "She almost died while giving birth to Argilac and Argella, and they said she couldn't have any more children. Yet, she gave me a strong son and a beautiful daughter, and she never complained. The Seven know I'm not a good husband to her, Ned, but I swear I'm trying to improve."

"Does that mean you've stopped sleeping with whores and drinking?" Ned asked skeptically.

"Well… not exactly," Robert admitted. "I've reduced both, and I don't look at women in public places anymore—I can't disrespect Alara like that. I only sneak whores in some nights, but recently, I've been spending more time with my wife than with whores. If I can get her to be a little more... adventurous in bed, our relationship will have no deficiencies."

Jon was pleased to see Robert's life improving. Robert wasn't a bad person; he was just a passionate man who lived life at full tilt, often led by his emotions.

"King Arryn, King Stark, Brother," Stannis suddenly entered the conversation with Benjen. "Since all of you are here, I'd like to hear your plans regarding the Steptone battle, as the commander of the Three Kingdoms Alliance navy."

"Stannis, this is a family meeting..." Robert said, his irritation evident.

"It doesn't matter. You'll all know soon anyway, and it's better that Stannis learns about it first as the fleet commander," Jon waved his hand dismissively. "We were making some adjustments for the war, Robert. I'm sorry we didn't tell you earlier, but we needed to be sure of the plan's viability first."

"So, what's the plan?" Robert asked, his curiosity piqued.

"We're helping Dorne, but we won't bring them into the Three Kingdoms Alliance," Ned explained. "We'll be sending 30,000 soldiers to Steptone."

"30,000 soldiers?" Robert stared in shock. "Allocating that many resources will be a huge cost, and even if we send them, winning the war isn't guaranteed. How many soldiers should the Stormlands contribute? You know, militarily, we're in a bit of a tight spot."

"Let me explain," Ned raised his hand. "The Stormlands will contribute around 3,000 soldiers, but we're expecting them to be the best we can get. And no, you're definitely not coming, don't even bring it up. The Vale suffered serious losses in the rebellion, but they'll contribute 5,000 soldiers. The remaining 12,000 will be provided by the North."

"There seems to be a mistake in your calculations," Stannis pointed out. "That adds up to 20,000 soldiers, not 30,000."

Jon and Ned exchanged uncertain glances. Hearing this would not be good news for them.

"Do you remember the envoy we brought from Tyrosh?"

"Yes, but I don't know who he is. You're keeping his identity like a state secret."

"Because it's a state secret, Robert." Jon Arryn sighed. "The person we brought is Harry Strickland."

"Harry Strickland?" Robert paused, trying to recall the name. "The commander of the Golden Company. That son of a bitch, Blackfyre lickspittle, what's he doing in my kingdom?"

"Shut your mouth." Eddard gave Robert a punch on the shoulder, making sure no outsider saw. "We're still trying to keep his identity a secret. If the Triarchy finds out Strickland is here, our plans will fall apart."

"The Golden Company? You can't be serious." Stannis seemed unfazed by his brother getting punched. "My grandfather died fighting them." He gestured to Ned. "Our fathers fought against them." Jon Arryn looked at him. "You fought against them, King Arryn."

"I fought against them, so I know the Golden Company," Jon Arryn explained. "Even when they served Maelys Blackfyre, they were honorable men who stayed true to their knightly oaths. I fought them, but I never hated them. And do I need to remind you that the last Blackfyre is already dead?"

"What are they offering us?" Robert cut straight to the point.

"A professional army of 10,000 men. The best mercenary company in Essos, and they're experienced in fighting on the Stepstones. They'll ensure we can take back Bloodstone immediately."

"Strategically, that's impossible," Stannis expressed his thoughts. "Bloodstone isn't an island we can just take easily." He paused and looked at Jon Arryn and Eddard Stark. "Ha! You're going to sign a deal with the Triarchy and betray them, aren't you? There's no other way to take Bloodstone back quickly."

Jon and Eddard remained silent. Stannis had hit the nail on the head, leaving them with nothing to say.

"Gods damn it, Jon." Robert sighed. "You just said they were honorable men."

"I admit the method is a bit unpleasant," Old Falcon said. "But it's been five years since the rebellion. We're still struggling with money and troops. We can't afford to fight a long war."

"If we're short on money, how will we pay them?" Stannis asked. "Even the Lannisters would have trouble paying the Golden Company's fees, and we all know their motto: 'Our word is good as gold.'"

Ned explained, "You're aware of the anti-Valyrian ideology spreading in Westeros." Robert and Stannis nodded in agreement. "The same thing is happening in Essos right now, especially in cities with Valyrian origins, where anti-Westerosi ideology is spreading, and the Golden Company, a company of Westerosi origin, is affected by this. However, their betrayal of the Triarchy is not the only reason for it."

"What is it then?" Robert asked, curious.

"Westeros wants to return, Robert. They were exiled from their homeland long ago, and their desire to return has never ceased. This is the payment we'll make. As the Three Kingdoms Alliance, we will grant lordships and lands to the nobles of the Golden Company. Harry Strickland came to Driftmark to negotiate the details."

"Damn it, Ned," Robert sighed. "Isn't there another option?"

"Even if we don't give them the lands they want, they can take them themselves," Jon Arryn explained. "They could use the civil war in the Reach to make the same deal with the Tyrells. While we have the chance, it's better for us to make the deal now. We're still recovering, and we can't risk a long war or a severed trade relationship with Essos."

"Don't worry, Robert, we'll place them in scattered locations. Some will even get lands in New Gift, and we'll make sure they're far enough apart to keep an eye on their loyalties," Ned assured. "Even if they plan a rebellion, they won't be able to coordinate with each other."

"Alright, I trust you," Robert said. "But House Toyne stays away from my lands. They're definitely not coming back to the Stormlands."

"What do you think, Stannis?" Jon looked to the fleet commander.

"The plan is viable," Stannis agreed. "I'll need to negotiate the attack details with Strickland, but I can guarantee you the Golden Company's nobles won't be well received in Westeros, and this plan will have long-term consequences."

'Tell me something I don't know,' Old Falcon sighed.

The door creaked open slightly, and a servant's voice broke the silence as they leaned in. "Dinner is ready, my lord," they said in a soft tone. The tension in the room broke for a moment as everyone stood up with a quiet acceptance.

The air was filled with the delicious scent of steaming food. Roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and an abundance of vegetable dishes were arranged in the center of the table. Wine glasses were raised, and the sound of children's joyful laughter echoed through the room.

Robert and Ned whispered to each other at the head of the table, nudging each other with their elbows, while Allyria tore pieces of bread with her small fingers to feed Argilac and Argella. Queen Alara and Catelyn were attempting to calm the children, and Jon watched the lively scene with a smile, enjoying the warmth it brought.

In that moment, Jon distanced himself from everything, lost in the joy of the meal, and his heart filled with peace.