Chapter 242: We Call These Consequences
Winterfell, Stark Lands
POV of Domeric Bolton
"It was the King's order." Lord Stark said, as if to justify himself.
"When Prince Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna Stark, I don't recall either Robert Baratheon or House Stark listening to the Prince's or King's orders. On the contrary, both sides declared war on House Targaryen. And Robert Baratheon killed Prince Rhaegar with his own warhammer."
Domeric said and then continued. "And it seems neither of you learned anything from that day, and now you're trying to take someone else's betrothed by force. I'm only doing what you've done in the past, Lord Stark. So, what you're saying to me now is nothing short of hypocrisy in my eyes."
"I didn't ask for any of this, Lord Bolton, you must understand..." said Lord Stark, sinking wearily back into his chair.
"Prince Rhaegar didn't mean to be the one to bring about the end of the Targaryen Dynasty either, but it happened. We call these consequences, Lord Stark. And rest assured, if this conflict is not resolved at Winterfell, when I return to Dreadfort, I will gather all my men, my giants, my wargs, my direwolves, all of them, and march on Winterfell." Domeric said in a serious voice.
And then, leaning forward a little, he looked Lord Stark in the eye and continued, "I may have changed the sigil of House Bolton, Lord Stark. But Our Blades Are Still Sharp. And I will not hesitate to use them when necessary."
Lord Stark sighed in his chair and said. "A war fought now would weaken both sides. No matter who wins, the North will have no power to resist the White Walkers when they arrive."
"Perhaps. But I would rather stand against the White Walkers with my remaining men than turn my back on an Oathbreaker." Domeric could see Lord Stark's face turn red with anger when he uttered the moniker oathbreaker, but he continued regardless.
"Also, after the war ends and I take control of the North, I think I can put up a much better fight against the White Walkers than House Stark ever could. And just in case I lose the war against House Stark, I plan to take my remaining men and go to Essos. Then I'll watch the White Walkers destroy the seven kingdoms."
"Essos?" Lord Stark blurted out, surprised.
"Why not? If I could build two cities here in a decade, I could build a new Free City there in a few decades. I doubt the White Walkers could cross the Narrow Sea. And even if they did, I would push further east into Essos. Perhaps as far as Yiti. And if that's not enough, I'll go to Sothoryos if necessary. And once I'm strong enough, I will return to Westeros to purge the White Walkers. You should know well enough, Lord Stark, that if anyone can do that, it's me." Domeric said, watching with pleasure the changes in Lord Stark's face.
"Do you truly intend to raze or abandon your ancestral lands, Lord Bolton? House Bolton has occupied these lands almost as long as House Stark." Lord Stark asked.
"You're being a hypocrite again, Lord Stark. And what did House Bolton get for its actions? Over the past decade, House Bolton has not only solved the North's food shortages but has also made Frost Steel and other goods available to the North. But in return, they have been betrayed by the very lord and king to whom they bowed. I would rather abandon or raze my ancestral lands than face punishment for my good deeds." Domeric said coldly.
Lord Stark sighed again after a while and asked, "You mentioned earlier that you have demands. If I meet your demands, will relations between House Bolton and House Stark be restored?"
"Don't be a dreamer, Lord Stark. After this insult, relations between House Bolton and House Stark can't return to their former state. If House Stark and the Crown accept all my demands, we can live together tolerantly, but I just mentioned what will happen if even one of my demands is not accepted." Domeric said with a solemn face.
"What exactly are your demands, Lord Bolton?" Lord Stark asked, sounding defeated.
"First of all, Arya Stark will be under my protection as my ward from now on and will leave Winterfell to live in the Dreadfort," Domeric said calmly.
"What? Do you want to take my daughter hostage, Lord Bolton?" Lord Stark said, standing up again and shouting.
"If that's how you want to see it, I have nothing to stop you. But you've broken your promise to me once, Lord Stark. If I don't have something you truly fear losing, how can I trust your promises again? Besides, Arya will be cared for far better in my lands than here, and she will receive the finest education in Westeros. I can promise that without hesitation. And unlike House Stark, I value my words." Domeric said, his composure unwavering.
Lord Stark stared sternly at Domeric for a while, then sat back in his chair, his anger seeming to have subsided somewhat. Then he said, "Anything else?"
"I am just getting started, Lord Stark. The first clause was merely to ensure the following ones," Domeric said while smirking, and continued.
"Secondly, for the next 100 years, House Bolton will be exempt from all taxes, tolls, and customs duties due to House Stark and the Crown. This will also apply to all House Bolton's trades within Westeros, and the Crown will notify all other houses." Domeric said.
"As House Stark, I could agree to this condition and grant House Bolton a tax exemption. But I cannot decide for the Crown, and I doubt Robert would grant House Bolton a tax exemption for all of Westeros." Lord Stark said.
"Then you had better work hard to persuade the King, Lord Stark, for I have no intention of making concessions to these demands. And King Robert is as guilty of the insult against House Bolton as House Stark." Domeric said without showing any weakness.
"Is that all?" Lord Stark asked.
"A few more. And I suggest you save your comments for after you've heard all my demands. Otherwise, this conversation may linger for a long time." Domeric said with a mischievous smile.
"Fine. Go ahead." Lord Stark grunted and said.
And then Domeric started making his demands one by one.
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Next Chapters' Name:
Ch.243: Demands
Ch.244: Ygritte's New Admirer
Ch.245: Bran Stark's Situation