Chương 23: Cregan Stark
Jace started his training routine early in the morning, swinging his sword against a dummy. Each strike was precise and powerful, his muscles working hard as he practised. Sweat dripped down his face, but he ignored it, focusing on the movements Edryck had drilled into him.
Edryck watched from the side, nodding approvingly. "Good, keep your form tight," he called out. "Don't get sloppy."
Jace adjusted his stance slightly, continuing to swing his sword until Edryck called for a break. "Alright, let's spar," Edryck said.
They squared off in the training yard, the morning sun casting long shadows. Jace and Edryck moved fluidly, the sound of wood clacking filling the air as their swords met. It was a light spar, more about technique than strength, but it was clear Edryck wasn't holding back his criticism.
"You've been quite the charmer lately," Edryck teased as they sparred. "Seducing the four daughters of the Stag Lord, eh?"
Jace blocked a strike and rolled his eyes. "I was just being polite," he insisted, focusing on his movements.
Edryck snickered, his grin wide. "Polite, sure. Even I'd fall in love if I'd been treated the way you did them."
Jace parried another blow, shaking his head. "They're just young girls. They were curious, that's all."
Edryck swung again, a bit more forcefully. "Curious and smitten, I'd say. You've got quite the effect on them."
Jace pushed back, trying to ignore Edryck's teasing. "You're imagining things."
"Maybe," Edryck said with a chuckle, stepping back and lowering his sword. "Or maybe they'll be leaving with a royal betrothal."
Jace sighed, lowering his sword as well. "Sure. Now, can we focus on the training?"
Edryck clapped him on the shoulder. "Of course. Let's see if you can beat me today."
Jace and Edryck circled each other in the training yard, wooden swords at the ready. Jace lunged first, his sword aimed at Edryck's side. Edryck parried smoothly and countered with a quick strike to Jace's ribs, which Jace blocked just in time.
As they exchanged blows, Edryck smirked. "I hear your Bloodwine is causing quite a stir. Great lords are offering hundreds of gold dragons for a single bottle."
Jace parried a high swing and thrust forward, missing Edryck by a hair. "I've heard the complaints too. They love it and then realize there's no more."
Edryck feinted to the left before swinging at Jace's right. "How many bottles do you plan to sell?"
Jace blocked the swing and pushed back. "Six."
Edryck almost lost his balance, shocked. "Six!?" His surprise nearly allowed Jace to land a blow on his shoulder, but Edryck recovered just in time.
Jace nodded, deflecting another strike. "Six bottles means next time I sell, I'll be selling single bottles for thousands."
"Smart," Edryck commented, parrying a low swing from Jace. They continued sparring, their movements fluid and controlled.
Edryck grinned suddenly. "Look who's come to watch you spar," he said, gesturing with his chin toward the balcony above the sparring courtyard. Jace glanced up and saw the Baratheon sisters. Floris waved excitedly. Distracted, Jace smiled weakly at them, only to be hit on the head by Edryck. "Don't get distracted by pretty girls," Edryck admonished, grinning.
Jace rubbed his head and glared at Edryck, who smirked back. They resumed sparring, this time with Jace attacking more aggressively. He pressed forward with quick, powerful strikes, trying to break through Edryck's defences. Edryck, however, remained calm and deflected each blow with practised ease.
Jace aimed a low sweep at Edryck's legs, but Edryck jumped back, avoiding the strike. He retaliated with a series of rapid thrusts, forcing Jace to step back. Jace tried to regain the offensive, swinging his sword in a wide arc, but Edryck ducked under the blow and stepped inside Jace's guard.
With a swift move, Edryck disarmed Jace, sending his wooden sword flying across the yard. Jace stood there, breathing heavily, frustration clear on his face. Edryck clapped him on the shoulder. "You're getting better, but you need to keep your focus."
As Jace and Edryck were about to stop sparring, a boy around Jace's age approached. He had dark brown hair and piercing grey eyes. "I hope I'm not too late in asking for a spar," he said in a heavy northern accent.
Edryck and Jace turned to face the newcomer. Jace, wiping sweat from his brow, looked intrigued. "Not at all," he replied, catching his breath. "I could use another round."
The boy nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "I'm Cregan Stark, from Winterfell."
Jace smiled, readying his stance. "Well met, Cregan. Let's see what you've got."
———————————————————
Daemon Targaryen splashed water onto his face from the basin in his room, trying to wash away the fatigue. Dark bags hung under his eyes, the result of many sleepless nights. His wife, Laena, had been getting worse as of late, and he hadn't wanted to come to King's Landing at all. But Laena had insisted, saying it was better to go to his brother's birthday than to sit by her bedside watching her waste away.
He had to admit that being with his family did take his mind off Laena and their unborn child. A knock at the door brought him out of his thoughts, and he called for them to enter.
The door opened, and Rhaenyra stepped inside, regal as ever. "What can I do for my favourite niece?" he asked, drying his face and walking over to the table to pour two cups of wine.
"I haven't had much chance to speak with you since you arrived," Rhaenyra said, taking a seat opposite Daemon.
"Perhaps if I were named Jacaerys, you would've made time," Daemon said with a chuckle, earning a glare from his niece.
"How is Laena?" Rhaenyra asked.
The smile melted away from Daemon's face. "She's not well, as you know," he said before taking a drink from his cup. "Now, why don't you tell me the reason you're here?" Daemon asked, quickly changing the subject.
"Jace asked to squire for you?" Rhaenyra said, less a question and more a statement.
Daemon nodded. "He did. I declined."
"Why?" she asked.
Daemon shrugged. "I'm not the teaching type, plus I won't be in King's Landing long. It wouldn't be feasible."
"I want you to change your mind," Rhaenyra requested.
Daemon grinned, interest flickering in his eyes. "There is no shortage of great knights that would happily take him as a squire. Why do you want me to?" he asked.
"You're family," Rhaenyra said.
"Horseshit," Daemon replied.
Rhaenyra let a frown mar her features before reaching for her cup and drinking deeply. She paused for a few moments before speaking. "Jace has been secretive as of late," she said.
"What do you mean?" Daemon asked, his interest piqued.
"He acts strange. He visits King's Landing often, sometimes he loses his Kingsguard only to show up a few hours later. I even heard tales of a young silver-haired boy walking the streets at night," Rhaenyra explained. "I've asked him if anything was wrong, but he has not told me anything."
"Why not ask that sellsword of his?" Daemon asked.
Rhaenyra huffed. "I tried, but he simply told me he was Jace's sellsword, not mine, despite the fact I pay his wages." This made Daemon laugh.
"So, you want me to spy on Jace under the guise of having him squire," Daemon clarified.
Rhaenyra nodded, though she didn't like the way it sounded. "I'm worried about him, Daemon... he has not been the same since he came back."
Daemon hummed. "Even I still have nightmares about what I saw in that place... and I was only there a few hours."
A few moments passed before Daemon sighed and nodded. "Very well. I'll make the boy my squire."
Rhaenyra let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Thank you, Daemon. I know it's asking a lot."
Daemon shrugged, pouring himself another cup of wine. "He's a good boy. We'll see what's troubling him."
Rhaenyra stood up and walked around the table, placing a hand on Daemon's shoulder. "I appreciate this. Truly."
Daemon waved her off, trying to downplay the significance. "Go on, then. I'll talk to Jace tomorrow."
Rhaenyra smiled softly and left the room, leaving Daemon alone with his thoughts once more. He stared into his cup, the weight of his own worries pressing down on him.
———————————————————-
Hugh stood with his arms crossed, watching as labourers bustled around the newly acquired building. The place was a hive of activity, with men and women hauling out rotting wood, hammering in fresh planks, and setting up scaffolding. He hadn't been told why this building was so important to the prince, but he didn't much care. He was being paid, and being paid quite well. Sometimes he wondered if he'd go back to Dragonstone and buy back his smithy once he earned enough.
"Ha, no way," he thought to himself, shaking his head. He had the opportunity to become a knight. He wasn't about to turn his back on that for a simple existence as a blacksmith.
Hugh stood up from his makeshift seat and decided to check on the progress. The place was a whirlwind of activity. Inside, around fifty workers were busy tearing out the old, rotting wood and replacing it with sturdy new beams. The smell of fresh pine and oak filled the air, mixing with the scent of sweat and sawdust. Labourers dug deep into the earth, ensuring a strong foundation for the building. Masons worked meticulously, laying down stone and mortar to reinforce the structure.
"How's it coming along?" Hugh asked one of the foremen, a burly man with a thick beard.
"Good, good," the foreman replied, wiping his brow. "We've got most of the old wood out and the new beams in. Should have the foundation set by the end of the week. This place will be solid as a rock." Hugh nodded, satisfied with the answer. Since Jace had essentially gotten the building for free, he could afford to splurge on the repairs. The prince had made it clear that no expense was to be spared. Hugh had been instructed to hire the best carpenters, tanners, and weavers for furniture and blankets. Every detail was to be perfect.
Hugh walked through the building, his boots echoing on the stone floors. The carpenters were already at work crafting tables and chairs, their tools clinking and clanking as they shaped the wood. In another room, tanners were busy working on leather, preparing to make luxurious cushions and tapestries. The weavers sat at their looms, their fingers deftly working to create intricate patterns for curtains and rugs.
"Make sure those beams are level," Hugh called out to a group of workers setting up a large support beam. They nodded and adjusted their work, ensuring everything was perfectly aligned. He stepped back outside, taking in the sight of the building. It was a far cry from the ruin it had been when they first arrived; soon, this place would look like a lord's manse.
Hugh then went over to the front building that faced the street. This one was being converted into a store, where Jace would sell the Bloodwine. The workers were busy installing sturdy shelves and a polished counter. Jace planned to stock the Bloodwine at certain times, to maintain the facade of rarity. Hugh could already envision the highborn lords flocking to this place, eager to purchase the rare delicacy themselves.
———————————————————
Jace and Cregan faced each other in the training yard, wooden swords at the ready. They both took a moment to focus before Jace made the first move, stepping forward with a swift strike aimed at Cregan's shoulder. Cregan blocked it, his stance solid. He countered with a low swing, and Jace hopped back to avoid it.
Jace circled to his left, trying to find an opening. He thrust his sword towards Cregan's midsection, but Cregan sidestepped and brought his sword down in an attempt to strike Jace's arm. Jace managed to parry, their swords clacking loudly.
Cregan advanced with a series of quick, short swings. His northern fighting style was different, more grounded and focused on close combat. Jace struggled to adapt, finding it challenging to predict Cregan's movements. He blocked a strike aimed at his knee and twisted his body to avoid another aimed at his side.
Seeing an opportunity, Jace swung his sword in a wide arc towards Cregan's head. Cregan ducked and used the momentum to step in close, aiming a jab at Jace's ribs. Jace barely blocked it, feeling the impact in his arms.
Edryck watched with growing interest. Cregan's style was giving Jace more trouble than expected. The boys exchanged blows, their wooden swords moving with a mix of practised skill and youthful energy. Jace aimed a series of rapid strikes at Cregan's upper body, trying to overwhelm him. Cregan met each strike with solid blocks, his focus unwavering.
Jace tried to feint, pretending to go high but then swinging low at Cregan's legs. Cregan caught the move in time and stepped back, his sword deflecting the attack. He countered with a quick swing aimed at Jace's shoulder, which Jace barely managed to parry.
Cregan pressed his advantage, moving with surprising agility. He swung his sword in a tight, controlled arc, aiming for Jace's side. Jace blocked but stumbled slightly, allowing Cregan to press forward. Jace recovered quickly, his footwork improving as he adjusted to Cregan's style.
Jace decided to change tactics. He went on the defensive, blocking Cregan's strikes and waiting for the right moment. Cregan swung high, and Jace ducked under it, coming up with an upward thrust. Cregan twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the strike, and aimed a low sweep at Jace's legs. Jace jumped back, feeling the air rush past his shins.
Edryck nodded approvingly. "Good, Jace, keep your balance," he called out.
The boys continued their sparring, the intensity growing. Jace managed to land a light tap on Cregan's shoulder, but Cregan quickly retaliated with a solid strike to Jace's arm. Jace winced but kept going; Jace realized he wouldn't be able to beat Cregan in a prolonged match. Cregan's build suggested he had more stamina, meaning the longer they fought, the worse it would be for Jace. Deciding he needed to end the spar quickly, Jace shifted his approach.
He moved in close, grabbing Cregan's wrist while slashing with his sword. Cregan's eyes widened in surprise, and he barely managed to grab Jace's arm to stop the sword from connecting with his ribs. Jace let go of Cregan's wrist and pivoted on his feet, dragging Cregan forward, which forced him to let go of Jace. In a swift motion, Jace brought his sword up and struck down on Cregan, hitting his shoulder.
Cregan almost growled as he turned back to face Jace, his eyes blazing with determination. The intensity of their sparring increased. Cregan swung his sword in a wide arc, but Jace ducked under it and countered with a quick thrust aimed at Cregan's side. Cregan blocked it and stepped in close, attempting to grapple Jace's arm. Jace twisted away, narrowly avoiding the grab, and swung his sword in a tight arc towards Cregan's leg.
Cregan jumped back, avoiding the strike, and came at Jace with a series of powerful overhead blows. Jace blocked them, feeling the impact reverberate through his arms. He decided to use Cregan's momentum against him. As Cregan swung again, Jace stepped to the side, grabbed Cregan's forearm, and pulled him forward, throwing him off balance. He followed up with a quick strike aimed at Cregan's back, but Cregan twisted, catching Jace's arm and stopping the blow.
Their swords clashed repeatedly, the sound of wood hitting wood echoing through the training yard. Jace swung low, aiming for Cregan's legs, but Cregan blocked it and countered with a thrust at Jace's shoulder. Jace deflected the blow and stepped in close, locking arms with Cregan. Using the leverage, he twisted his body, pulling Cregan off balance and forcing him to the ground.
Cregan got up from the ground and charged at Jace, swinging his sword upwards. He broke through Jace's guard when he tried to block and shoulder barged him, making Jace stumble back and almost fall to the ground. Even while stumbling, Jace managed to block the next strike.
Cregan was a few years older and had the strength to match. When their swords clashed again, Cregan used his brute strength, pushing Jace back. Jace panted heavily, feeling the strain in his muscles. He knew he couldn't keep this up for long. He took a deep breath, calming himself. His breath started to even out, and his face went blank as he readied himself with a new plan.
They clashed swords a few more times, each strike echoing through the training yard. Jace felt the weight of each blow, but he focused on his strategy. He saw an opening and made an overhead strike, forcing Cregan to block. Cregan, thinking he had the upper hand, copied Jace and swung his sword down in a powerful overhead strike.
Jace pivoted, spinning around and avoiding the swing. As he stepped into Cregan's guard, he reversed his grip on his sword and slammed the handle of his blade into Cregan's stomach. Cregan grunted in surprise, the force of the blow knocking the wind out of him and causing him to double over.
Jace panted heavily as he watched Cregan get up from the ground. He expected the northern lad to be angry, but instead, Cregan just smirked at him. "Good fight," Cregan said, his accent thick. "Hope ye'll give me a chance to win next time."
Jace couldn't help but smile, reaching out to shake Cregan's hand. "Agreed," he said. "That was intense."
Cregan shook his hand firmly. "D'ye know anythin' entertainin' to do around here? It's been borin' since I arrived."
Jace grinned. "I know a few things," he replied.
———————————————————
(One week later)
Helaena sat in front of her vanity, her mother standing behind her as she brushed her thick, curly silver-gold hair. "You're so beautiful, you know," Alicent commented, placing her hands on Helaena's shoulders. Her thoughts had been on Jace as they usually were, she hadn't seen him as much as she'd like to this week as she was busy with the other lords children and he had been occupied with Cregan Stark.
Helaena smiled at her mother, though she wondered why she was there. They saw each other daily for supper, but apart from that, Alicent was usually busy with Daeron or with the small council, as her father allowed her a seat upon it. Helaena also spent a lot of time with Aegon, though she didn't understand why.
"How have your meetings with the Stark, Arryn, and Martell children been?" Alicent asked.
Helaena smiled. "It's been well. I like Jeyne; she says funny things. Aliandra is interesting as well. I think I'd very much like to see Dorne; it sounds like an exciting place," she replied.
"And what about Cregan?" Alicent continued, brushing her daughter's hair with a gentle rhythm.
"He's mostly quiet. One of the only things he asked was if there was any ale. He has mostly been hanging around Jace too," Helaena explained.
"Well, you and Daella are doing a marvellous job at making them feel at home," Alicent said with a smile.
"Thank you, Mother," Helaena replied, her heartwarming at the praise.
"But I do have an issue I wish to bring up with you," Alicent said, the brush going slightly harder through Helaena's hair.
Helaena looked up at her mother with slight confusion. "What is it, Mother?" she asked.
"It's about Jacaerys," Alicent replied.
Helaena's face brightened subconsciously as it did every time Jace was mentioned. She desperately wished her mother would talk to her about betrothing her to Jace. She had her eleventh-name day recently. It would only be a few more years until she flowered; all the fighting between their families could stop, and she'd get to stay with Jace forever.
"I want you to stop seeing him," Alicent said bluntly.
It was like a cold bucket of water had just been dumped on her. For a moment, she didn't even understand what her mother had said, the words sounding so foreign to her. "Not see Jace..." she said slowly.
"Yes, it was fine when you were younger, but you're growing older now. You're a few years away from becoming a woman grown, so it's becoming inappropriate," Alicent explained. Her brushing had gotten a bit more aggressive, but Helaena ignored it despite the pain coming from her scalp.
"No..." she said softly.
"What did you say?" Alicent asked, stopping brushing her hair.
"I won't stop... Me and Jace are fated to be together. I won't stop seeing him!" she shouted at her mother, hopping down from her chair.
Alicent looked at her with angry eyes, pointing the hairbrush at her. "Listen well, daughter... You will never marry Rhaenyra's son. I won't have you sire any children from her bastard line!" she said loudly.
"I will marry Jace, and I will stay with him on Dragonstone and carry his children!" Helaena said heatedly.
"You will stay in King's Landing and you will marry Aegon, and that is the end of it!" Alicent snapped back.
"Aegon?!" Helaena said, almost shocked. Her brother was always mean to her, he always called her weird and freaky.
"Yes, you will marry your brother, and I don't want to hear any complaining!" Alicent said as she stepped forward, getting close to Helaena.
"Mother, please, I don't love Aegon," she cried out, tears starting to form in her eyes.
"Enough!" Alicent shouted.
"Now clean yourself up and make yourself presentable for supper, and I better not hear you continuing to meet with her son," Alicent warned before walking out of the room and shutting the door behind her, leaving a crying Helaena in her wake.
Helaena stood there, stunned, tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt as if her heart had been ripped from her chest. She stumbled back to her vanity and collapsed into the chair, her body shaking with sobs. How could her mother do this to her? How could she force her to marry Aegon when she loved Jace with all her heart?
She reached for a handkerchief and wiped her tears, trying to compose herself. The pain in her chest was overwhelming, and the thought of never seeing Jace again was unbearable. Helaena stared at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes red and puffy from crying.
(AN: Mostly an informative chapter, introducing characters and new plots and informing you of how stuff is going. Alicent is pretty much just a Rhaenyra hater, so despite the fact that Jace isn't a bastard her other sons clearly are and she uses that as an excuse to question Jaces legitimacy. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.)
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