Hey everyone. So this is my first attempt at a Game of Thrones fanfiction. I know GRRM is mostly opposed to people writing fanfiction of his works, but given the vast expanse of the world of GoT/ASOIAF it was going to happened in a large score.

This particular story deals with an AU idea I had in my head after rewatching Season 2. Stannis' decision to kill Renly pushed the Tyrells into the Lannister camp, which ultimately cost him the Battle of Blackwater. But what if he had gone about getting Renly's support through other means, like making him Hand?

I don't have a full idea of what the plot will look like, but I'll probably develop it over time. As this is my first time writing for a TV show I'm a bit rusty in knowledge of, some of the characters may seem OOC. I hope it isn't too bad and gets better with time. Until then, enjoy the prologue.

Finally a coronation could occur.

The path to Stannis Baratheon's rule over King's Landing had not been an easy one. He'd had to give Renly the position of Hand of the King (Davos' idea, of all people) to secure the allegiance of the Tyrells. Then he'd had to storm King's Landing with his troops while Renly and his Tyrell "allies" marched on slowly from the west on foot. Someone in the Lannister camp had decided to use wildfire on Stannis' fleet, and half of it burned. But it was a doomed cause; the Tyrells were at the other end of the city walls, and King's Landing was sacked thoroughly.

There were a number of defectors, useful as bargaining chips in the future. Tyrion Lannister, the Imp, had surrendered without much a fight. Given his disdain for the rest of his family, he might become the new Warden of the West. Sandor Clegane, the Hound, had killed most of the loyalist Kingsguard and led Stannis' troops right to Joffery and Cersei. Sansa Stark, a virtual prisoner in the castle, would be the greatest bargaining chip of all. Through her, an agreement with Robb Stark and the Tullys residing in the North could be reached with.

But it was a matter for another day. There was lots to do when one took the Iron Throne.

Today was the makeshift coronation; the execution of Joffery and Cersei would be tomorrow. Stannis would have preferred to do a coronation with the rituals of the Lord of Light. However, both Davos and Renly insisted with the usual coronation of the Seven, with the High Septon doing most of the talking.

"…May the Warrior grant him courage, and protect him in these perilous times. May the Smith grant him strength, that he might bear this heavy burden. And may the Crone, She that knows the fate of all men, show him the path he must walk, and guide him through the dark places that lie ahead. In the light of the Seven, I now proclaim Stannis of the House Baratheon, First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. Long may he reign!"

"Long may he reign!" The cry of loyalty echoed through the men in the room, mostly lords and ladies of Storm's End and Highgarden. Among the more prominent were Renly, Loras and Margarey Tyrell, Tyrion Lannister, and of course, his own wife and daughter. After a long line of everyone swearing fealty to the new holder of the Iron Throne, Stannis cleared his throat.

"Today I sit upon the Iron Throne, as is my right. I take no pleasure in becoming King, but it is my duty as the next senior member of House Baratheon. The false pretender Joffery, his mother Cersei, and those that refused to renounce them will be executed tomorrow is sight of all the gods. And in the days following, I will deal with the so-called King in the North, who claims half of my kingdom as his own. Given how the late Eddard Stark recognized me as king before his untimely death, perhaps Robb can be reasoned with.

"Today begins a new era for Westeros. We will unite with the North and Riverlands, put an end to the remaining rebellions of Greyjoy and Lannister, and secure peace for the realm again once more."

Two weeks later

Edmure Tully walked into the tent that Robb was using as his temporary headquarters. Present were Robb, his mother Catelyn, his great-uncle the Blackfish, Roose Bolton, the Greatjon, and Rickard Karstark. "Your Grace, Stannis and his entourage have arrived."

"See them in."

A moment later, Stannis and another man, Davos Seaworth, walked in, and offered curt nods. "Robb," began Stannis.

"That's 'Your Grace', sire. That's the King in the North you're speaking to-"

"Enough, Brynden," said Robb, firmly but without raising his voice. "Let Stannis and I speak as equals. Your Grace, congratulations on winning King's Landing. Your victory was an impressive one."

"I might say the same about your recent battles against the Lannisters." Tywin Lannister had been forced deeper and deeper into the Westerlands, almost at the point where Lannisport could be besieged. "But we are not here to talk about military glory. I presume you received my raven?"

"I did. And as much as my father supported your claim to the Iron Throne, I cannot bend the knee to you now. We have come too far to lose what we have accomplished."

"You know I would despise losing half of my rightful lands." Stannis remained firm. "And I may just take them by force, but I would rather it not come to that."

"I think otherwise. Despite your victory at Blackwater, wildfire killed half your troops and burned a significant part of your fleet. You now must rely on the Tyrell armies to keep order, and their first loyalty is to Renly, not you. And my spies assure me that Renly is not about to throw them away fighting a doomed northern war."

"And mine assure me that Winterfell is currently being held by the Ironborn," countered Stannis. "It would be a shame if you didn't get back there and take care of Theon Greyjoy." He paused, letting all the information sink in. "Leave us," said Robb, and only Stannis remained over the map of Westeros.

"If I were to let the North remain free-" began Stannis.

"And the Riverlands."

Stannis sighed. "And the Riverlands, I would expect some sort of compensation in return. My terms are this: I want the North's help in dealing with any remaining Lannister remnants left in the South. Our two kingdoms are to remain allies. We will still supply men for the Wall, as it is not just the North it protects. We shall trade and share the same coinage. We will be two kingdoms in name only."

There was more, thought Robb. With Stannis there had to be more.

"I want several marriage pacts to seal our alliance. Your brother Brandon is about the same age as my daughter Shireen. When they come of age they are to marry."

Robb could agree to that. "Fine."

"And Sansa. Renly and the Tyrells have insisted that she be married to Loras Tyrell."

Robb wasn't too surprised by that request either, given that the Tyrells were arguably the second most powerful house in the south now. He'd never met Loras but knew the heir to Highgarden would make a far better husband for her than Joffery. "At least let her be returned home to see her family first. She deserves that much after being forced to watch my father die at the hands of that monster Joffery. And what of Arya?"

"Alas," said Stannis. "No one has seen or heard of her since your father's death. Tyrion has assured me that he will open up the Lannister coffers to fund a reward for her safe return."

Robb wanted to yell but he knew Stannis couldn't do anything for that matter. "I also want my father's body retuned to me, to receive all the dignity Joffery never showed him. And his sword, too."

"Already done." Stannis opened the tent flap to show a large wooden crate being drawn by several horses, the banners of House Stark and House Baratheon flying over it. "His sword is also in there. And if I may, I will be headed north for his funeral. I owe him that much."

The rest of the terms were drawn up by Davos and several of Robb's bannermen. Jamie Lannister was to be exiled to the Wall, never to see the South again. The Stark and Baratheon armies would work in close coordination to defeat the remaining Lannister forces. Once Tywin was defeated, he and Gregor Clegane would be marched to face trial in Dorne, as a way of securing the Martells' loyalty to Stannis. Petyr Baelish would be captured and tried by both North and South for his crimes. And Arya was to be returned at the soonest time possible.

Meanwhile, outside the tent, Robb talked with his mother. She made a close confidante for matters like this.

"…and Sansa is to marry Loras Tyrell."

"Renly's lover?"

Robb made a hush sound. "Renly and his Tyrell allies are now the main supporters of Stannis. What they want will often coincide with what the Iron Throne decides."

"Well," began Cat, rubbing her forehead. "It's not the worst thing to happen. Far better than for her to be stuck with Joffery. And I pray to all the Seven that Arya is found."

"She will. Stannis said that much."

"I do hope he's ok with giving the North and Riverlands to you. I'm sure he stressed that your father backed his claim to all seven kingdoms."

"And father is dead, and now our lands are free. Unless Stannis wants his victories to fall apart he'll work with us, not against us."

When the terms were finished, Stannis proposed a toast. "To the two Kings of North and South."

"To the two kings!"

I hope that was a alright introduction. The next chapter will likely be a list of characters as they are two years from Stannis' and Robb's deal. Please be sure to leave a review if you enjoyed or want to provide feedback! I'd also be interested in a co-author, so message me if that interests you.