A/N: As the summary suggests, the main difference in this AU is that Lysa Tully's first miscarriage actually results in birth to a son and heir, Olyvar Arryn. Besides that, I do not plan for there to be many major differences between the books and the AU up until a certain Hand loses his head. Everyone's personality will remain as it was in the original AU. This first chapter, a prologue, will serve as an introduction to young Olyvar, as well as depict one of the final nights of Jon Arryn's life. I hope you guys enjoy the AU, reviews are always welcome. Cheers!

"Robert, I fear you are going to bankrupt us one of these days." Jon Arryn worked tirelessly by candlelight, attempting to make out the financial reports that Lord Baelish, the Master of Coin, had given to him earlier in the day. Another loan taken out from the Iron Bank, another heap of interest added on to the already existing mountain. But Robert didn't care about the costs. He never did.

A knock came at the door, tearing Jon's attention from the report. He looked up to the door that lead into his chambers. Who would be here at this hour? "Enter." He commanded, watching as the door opened, revealing a young boy standing in the doorway. He was a skinny child, yet possessed broad shoulders for a boy his age. His hair had a tint of auburn, with brown eyes which could pierce the souls of those they looked at. Eyes that were so much like Jon's own.

"Olyvar. Why are you awake at this hour, my son?" Jon stayed in his chair, looking upon his first born son and the heir to Eyrie, only a boy of three and ten. His son was looking over to him, and Jon could notice that circles were developing under OIyvar's brown eyes.

"I couldn't sleep, Father. I've been…troubled, as of late." The boy was quite stoic, even Jon had to admit that he possessed quite a dull voice. Then again, Arryn's had never been known for possessing much passion, as Robert constantly reminded Jon of his own tone whenever he spoke.

"Come, sit near me." Jon waved at a spare chair near the table he was working at. His son took the seat, leaning forward and away from the table. His hair was long, and ran down onto his face as he leaned over. "What is it that troubles you, my boy?"

"It's the Prince. He's…" Olyvar stopped himself before continuing. "It's not my place, I know. But when I am around him, I cannot stand him!" Jon was taken aback by the bitterness and hatred in his son's voice. He had never heard his son speak out so brashly against someone or something before. "When we practice swordplay, he is rude to everyone he faces. When we're at dinner, his behavior is repulsive. And I especially can't stand how he treats his-"

"I understand, my son." Jon sympathized with his son. He too had observed the irrational actions of Prince Joffrey Baratheon. The incident that involved the killing of a pregnant cat and the presentation of an unborn kitten to Robert was a particularly disturbing event that Jon and his son had witnessed. Then there was the time the Crown Prince had killed and skinned a fawn that belonged to his brother, the Prince Tommen. Both were incidents Jon was sure were playing in the mind of his heir.

"But then why does the King not do anything? Why does he not punish the Prince?" Why indeed? Jon looked up to the ceiling, stroking his goatee as he contemplated how best to explain to his son. It had been the Queen, Cersei Lannister, who had prevented any action against her son, sheltering the boy from any punishment that he may had faced for his misdeeds. Robert had once thought it wise to charge Joffrey with his brother Stannis, but Jon suspected that Cersei had blocked that idea from materializing. The Lioness absolutely refused to part with any of her children.

"It's complicated my boy. Prince Joffrey unfortunately does not share the same tutelage that you had under Lord Stannis." Jon could see a light smile dance onto his son's face. When Joffrey had not been put under Stannis' watchful eye, Jon had instead entrusted his own son to be mentored by Stannis. At the time Jon had been overwhelmed with his work as Robert's Hand, and needed Olyvar to be educated. He was thankful that Stannis had been so accepting of Olyvar as a ward in place of Joffrey.

There were times that Olyvar, and his mother for that matter, had complained to Jon about Stannis' apparently 'cruel' treatment towards him. But as the years went by, Olyvar complained less, and began to even admire the Lord of Dragonstone to a degree. Jon did not believe his own ears the first time his son had complemented Stannis in front of him, praising Stannis for as long as his voice would allow him to.

"It…it just frustrates me. Tommen and Myrcella, they're so much more fun to be around. So much easier to get along with. Yet Joffrey…" Jon gave a sympathetic look towards his son. Ever since the boy aged his sixth year, he had always desired someone his age to play with. Playing with Tommen and Myrcella was enjoyable for Olyvar, yes, but Jon understood that his son desired a boy his age to bond with. To spar and go hunting with. But alas, these activities that Olyvar enjoyed were things that Joffrey hated.

"I know, my son. But you must try to forget it, and more importantly try getting some sleep. You are joining me on the Small Council tomorrow, and I intend for you to learn as much as possible."

"Will Lord Stannis be there?" Jon Arryn crackled with laughter as his son's face lit up with admiration for his mentor. Lord Stannis, I do believe there is at least one besides the Onion Knight that adores you.

"Of course he will be, my boy. He is Master of Ships, after all." The boy's smile infused Jon with energy. It had ever since Olyvar's birth, when he as a healthy babe had smiled up at his father for the first time mere moments after the boy's birth. It was hard for even Jon to believe, old as he was, that it was thirteen years ago. "Now get to bed, or your mother will have your hide."

He patted Olyvar on the head, ruffling his hair before his son playfully swatted at his hand, laughing as he did. The boy smiled at his father before rising and making his way to the door. But as the boy opened it, he stopped, and looked back at his father once more, eyes troubled.

"Is there something else, my son?"

"It's Robert, Father. He…he continues to be sickly, even at six. I worry for him." Pain and worry were etched in the boy's eyes. Jon understood his eldest son's concerns, for they were concerns that Jon shared in as well. His youngest son Robert had not developed into the healthy child that Olyvar had become, possessing a weak figure and a feeble will. Jon shook his head before addressing his heir.

"I know, my boy. But give it time. He will grow as strong as you are. Perhaps even stronger." Olyvar smiled at him. It seemed that his lies had soothed his son…for now. The boy exited his chambers after giving a nod, closing the door behind him. Once he was alone again, Jon slouched in his chair, pondering a great many things. His younger son's health, the behavior of the Crown Prince, and the finances of the crown were all subjects that dwelled in his thoughts.

But as he continued contemplating a multitude of things, his mind suddenly came to two topics in particular; his own mortality, and the fate of the Vale. He was old, even if he didn't feel it, and there would be a day, perhaps soon, that he too would perish due to time's touch. And then, where would the House of Arryn be? He had little doubt that Olyvar would grow to be a worthy successor, but he was worried that Robert would not act as a worthy heir to his brother, or to the falcon.

Jon sighed and returned to his work. He would have to live a few more years before feeling comfortable leaving his House in the hands of his sons. Sending Olyvar to Stannis had proven to be a wise choice. Perhaps sending Robert to the Lord of Dragonstone would help his younger son as well. He would have to approach Stannis on the topic tomorrow.