helloeverybunny | — 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐑𝐏 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏

[His mother had spoken in glowing terms of the Egyptian lady she had met at Harrenhall. Between her words of persuasion and the young recruit that had joined his forces, as well as Robb's desperation, he had been willing to reach out to strangers across the sea. Men was a precious commodity and with the loss of the Freys, Robb needed aid and a reliable ally. The Freys were as fair-weather as his mother had warned, having left at the smallest insult. He had tried to soothe their pride by reminding him of his promise to wed a Frey girl, but it wasn't enough and they were gone.

Cleopatra Selene was a better ally, surprising him with the numbers he needed, as well as experienced battle commanders. The war shifted and the world changed. Winter had come and it was firmly planted on the land, Robb becoming the firm ruler of the Riverlands and the North. He was king in more than name, but through submission, defeating the Lannisters and finally having them in chains.

After everything was settled, he extended an offer for Cleopatra Selene to visit, eager to meet the woman who helped him so readily. Lannisters might be known for paying their debts, but Starks were no less eager.

He invited her to Riverrun for a feast, still celebrating the victory as his council discussed what to do with their hostages. When she was announced, Robb received her not on a throne, but standing, wanting to face her as an equal.]

You are most welcome here.

[ If Robb had been desperate, so was Selene. Egypt didn't actually have the resources to spare; they'd gone to war with Rome, and Cleopatra had taken their entire fleet. But when their forces had lost in Actium... it had been a wild idea, one born out of desperation, but she and her older brother Caesarion had found a way to undermine their own parents and send the remnant of their fleet to Westeros.

Into another war. But it was better, at least, than certain death. Her mother had spoken of the Starks as good men and strong allies, though they'd been too far to be of any help in Egypt's own struggles.

The Egyptians who'd joined the King in the North said nothing about their true situation. News from across the sea traveled so much more slowly, after all. What did it matter if Alexandria had actually been taken, after a siege that drove its rulers to suicide and death? Egypt had come to their aid, and the North had won. That was all the Starks needed to know.

And it's that façade that Selene maintains when she finally appears before the king. Nevermind that in truth she's a fugitive, that past today she will have nothing more to offer than the men who'd already served Robb in his campaign.

That and, well, a Shard.

She glides through the hall with an otherworldly grace, clad in a distinctly Egyptian dress that she's certain is scandalous by Westerosi standards. She looks impossibly regal, like she's not even mortal — a technique that the Ptolemies have long learned to perfect, having fashioned themselves as gods.

But when she comes to a stop in front of him, she smiles and bows deeply. It almost feels wrong to those who are watching. ]

Thank you, Your Grace. I am glad my people have served you well, and that you have taken good care of them in turn.