Chapter 244: Ygritte's New Admirer
Winterfell, Stark Lands
POV of Domeric Bolton
"How did it go?" Ygritte asked as Domeric, Ygritte, Varko, and Raksa settled in a small guest room in Winterfell.
Due to the presence of the King and his large entourage, there was a shortage of guest rooms in the castle. In fact, most of his men had to take a room in a tavern in Wintertown outside Winterfell.
Ygritte was also counted among his sworn shield, so she was given a room along with Varko and Raksa.
"It went well; I guess." Domeric replied, "Lord Stark knew they were the ones doing wrong. So, he couldn't protest much. I couldn't say I was worried about House Stark fulfilling my demands, though. It's hard to predict exactly what the King will do about this. But even though he'll be angry, he'll probably eventually agree to my demands."
"Isn't being rid of Sansa a compensation all on its own?" Ygritte asked, and Domeric nodded.
"It is. But… politics is complicated. And now I must threaten the King with war for the sake of my House, even if I know very well that I have no interest in starting such a meaningless war. But sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do. Otherwise, others will think you're weak."
"Is that why you published everything that happened in the newspaper? Wouldn't it be worse for the reputation of House Bolton if the news got out?" Ygritte asked, not understanding why he would knowingly tarnish his own reputation.
"Publishing the events in newspapers may initially appear to damage the reputation of House Bolton, but it will do even more harm to House Stark and the King. And when I have my demands met, House Bolton will have its reputation restored. But right now Lord Stark is known to all as an Oathbreaker, and the King has become a hypocrite who does to others what was done to him."
"Are you talking about the War of Usurper?" Ygritte asked.
"You're reading. Good. Yes, I'm referring to the War of Usurper, also known as Robert's Rebellion. The rebellion that led to the current King overthrowing the Targaryens and placing him on the Iron Throne was started by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen's kidnapping of Robert Baratheon's betrothed. Therefore, if the King does not accept my demands and war breaks out, the King and House Stark will be held responsible. It will provide a just cause for war for House Bolton while also gaining the sympathy of the peasants." Domeric explained patiently.
"The sympathy of the peasants? What good will that do?" Ygritte asked in surprise.
"Don't underestimate the power of the peasants, Ygritte. Many lords don't have armies of their own. So when a war is called, the lord must raise levies from among the peasants. And there's a world of difference between those levies fighting for a just cause and those being sent to war for an unjust one." Domeric said.
"I see. The morale of those sent to fight in an unjust cause is going to be pretty low." She said.
"True, but not just morale. Some might consider defecting or switching sides rather than die for an unjust cause. Or they might act reluctantly, slowing things down. Furthermore, the families of those sent to war might turn against the lords, refuse to pay taxes, and sabotage their harvests. This would cause lords considerable trouble." Domeric explained.
"This is boring." Raksa yawned from where she was openly eavesdropping on them. "I'm going to sleep."
The bed groaned under her weight as she lay down on it and covered herself with the blanket.
Domeric looked at Ygritte, and they both chuckled to themselves.
Then he became serious and said. "I'm still not happy with your decision to come here. Not with the King here."
Ygritte rolled her eyes and put her head on his shoulder. "Oh… the king looked at me wrong. Save me, Domeric Bolton."
He chuckled at her antics. "I'm serious. The King really is a lecherous sort. And I didn't like the way those Red Cloaks were looking at you either."
"Oh, relax, Domeric. I know how to defend myself. And I doubt a few men could do anything to me after you did your magic thing on me."
"I know." He said, "But I don't want the situation to become even more tense either. So, since I listened to you and brought you here, you must listen to me as well."
"I am listening."
"You must remain with Varko during your stay in this castle."
"All the time?" she asked.
"Most of the time." He replied. "The other times you can be with Arya." He said and started to chuckle, much to Ygritte's annoyance.
When he went to meet with Lord Stark, Ygritte showed some of her capabilities as an archer to the castle folk.
She had found a new die-hard admirer in Arya Stark after that event, and the girl had been trailing her and asking her to become her teacher ever since.
It was frankly hilarious, but he also saw it as a way to mend the relationship with House Stark, at least with some of them.
If all went according to Domeric's plan, Arya would accompany them back to the Dreadfort.
But he had no intention of actually taking Arya by force, as he had requested from Lord Stark. Therefore, he would ask Arya if she would be willing, and Arya's status as Ygritte's admirer might make it easier for her to give Domeric a positive answer.
And Arya's happiness meant Robb and Jon were happy too. That way, Domeric wouldn't have to damage his relationships with his friends.
"Do make sure to look after Ygritte, Varko." He said to the man who was pretending to be sleeping in his bed.
Varko got up from his bed and looked at him with a wry smile. "As you wish, my lord."
Ygritte rolled her eyes at his overprotectiveness and bemoaned her fate of being stalked by Varko during her stay in the castle.
He felt the urge to take her to his room and spank her a few times before tying her to his bedpost and fucking her until her eyes rolled back with pleasure.
But he couldn't risk doing that in the Stark territory.
Domeric made do with kissing her and fondling her ass cheeks for a few moments before he separated from her and silently apparated back to his own room.
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Next Chapters' Name:
Ch.245: Bran Stark's Situation
Ch.246: Confronting the Kingslayer
Ch.247: Mayhem at Winterfell