Gendry had a really nice time in Winterfell. He got more confident as the days wore on. Robb gave him small pieces of advice and praised him often when they could exchange some words in private after another tedious introduction. He blessed his decision to come to Winterfell before going south and joining the royal court. This was kind of a training period for him. Growing comfortable with his new status was easier with a kind, attentive teacher by his side.
Princess Catelyn had mellowed substantially and not only because it was made clear to her several times - often subtly by her eldest son - what a close relationship the young Lord had with the Targaryen King. Unbeknownst to both young men, Gendry had succeeded because of his beneficial influence on Robb.
Not only Princess Catelyn but the entire household rejoiced in the excellent mood their Prince was in these days. Robb walked around with a happy expression and had not had a single tantrum since the young Lord of House Baratheon had arrived. As a consequence the servants did everything they could to make Gendry's stay as agreeable as possible. The young Baratheon hardly ever had to ask for anything. All his needs were met before he even realised he had them.
The only thing neither the servants nor Princess Catelyn understood was the young Lord's behaviour towards both Princesses. At his first supper at Winterfell, Gendry had been officially introduced to Princess Sansa and the younger Princes, Bran and Rickon. He had acted as a perfect but distant Lord and had said and done all the right things, nothing more, nothing less. And his behaviour towards the beautiful Princess Sansa had remained that way.
On the other hand, Lord Baratheon was often spotted in the company of Prince Robb and Princess Arya. During these times the young Lord was animated and kind. He also spent time with Rickon. This occurred mostly in the training yard when Princess Arya and Prince Rob were also present. There he sparred with all of them, even little Rickon. Laughter could be heard when Arya bested the Lord once. She had slipped under his arm and had touched his back with her wooden sword. Gendry not in the least put out had joked he should have brought his mighty warhammer since he was invincible when wielding it.
When Princess Catelyn and her eldest daughter had appeared on the ramparts overlooking the training yard however, the young Lord had once more donned a serious mien and had made a formal bow. The entire time Princess Sansa had stayed out there, Gendry Baratheon had checked his behaviour and had remained a mere spectator for the remainder of the training session.
Some of the servants whispered it was because he was too shy and was spellbound by Princess Sansa's beauty. Others claimed that it was exactly the opposite and that the young Lord hardly noticed that Princess Sansa existed. The servants who preferred Arya over Sansa kept their mouths shut. In private they prayed to the Old Gods that Princess Arya might one day become Lady Baratheon. They loved the girl with the wolf's blood dearly but just as her mother they feared that she would never find a husband who would tolerate her wild spirit. They were certain however that the young Lord had taken a shining to Princess Arya and preferred her over Princess Sansa. Perhaps in a few years all would be well.
***
Meanwhile Sansa was working up her courage to ask Lord Gendry of House Baratheon about Lord Edric Dayne. She presumed that the young men had seen each other beyond the Wall and if not, surely they were staying in touch through letters since they were friends? She hadn't heard any news from Edric since he had left Winterfell. Her mother and father didn't talk to her about potential betrothals any longer. In his last letter, her father had scolded her and claimed that she had proved herself too immature to marry anytime soon. He had given instructions to increase her lesson plan and restrict her free time. If she acted like a child, he would treat her like one, flowered or not. She had cried herself to sleep frequently since then.
When Gendry had arrived she had done her utmost to behave as guarded as possible so nobody could accuse her of flirting with the young Lord. A few days later, she overheard some servants whispering and feared that she had overdone it. Perhaps Lord Baratheon also believed just as some of the servants did that the Princess of the North felt herself far above a legitimized bastard.
The fifth day of Gendry's stay at Winterfell, she had gone to Robb to ask for his advice. Robb had reassured her and told her that Gendry was a really nice young man and a close friend of him. He encouraged her to seek his company and just ask what she wanted to know. Lord Baratheon would certainly be willing to tell her all that he knew about Lord Dayne's wellbeing. When Sansa confessed that she lacked the courage to approach him on her own, Robb had arranged the encounter.
And so Princess Sansa of Winterfell met the heir to Storm's End later that day in the Godswood. Robb had escorted her to the place where he had left Gendry earlier. The young man was bathing his feet in the warm water near the heart tree. Gendry, clearly surprised, sprang to his feet and bowed formally. "Princess."
"Please call me Sansa in this sacred place, Lord Baratheon. Here only the Gods are our witnesses and more importantly my mother is not around to berate us." She smiled encouragingly at the nervous young man.
"Thank you, Sansa. Then in this magical place, I am Gendry." Gendry was relieved to notice that Robb nodded approvingly at the both of them.
"My sister wanted to ask you something, Gendry. I'll be over there if you need me."
Sansa however held him back. "Stay Robb, I am sure you are allowed to hear what Gendry has to say." Her eyes pleaded with her brother to lend her his support.
Gendry frowned not sure what was going on.
"Don't worry," Robb reassured Gendry. "She only wants to ask you if you know how Edric is doing. Just tell us what you can reveal without betraying our friend's confidence."
Gendry's expression softened. He scolded himself for not saying something earlier. He could be such a thickhead sometimes. "Edric is doing fine, Sansa. He was not allowed to take part in the major battle at Hardhome since he was ordered to safeguard the women and children. Together with Lady Brienne and Loras Tyrell, he oversaw their evacuation and stayed with them on the ships. This very moment, he is sailing towards White Harbour and from there he will travel directly to King's Landing."
He took her hand when he saw her eyes grow moist. "He spoke of you often. He wanted me to bring you a letter but Jon advised against it. Your cousin said it was not worth the risk. Your father only esteems honourable men. A young suitor contacting his maiden daughter behind his back would have to face dire consequences if ever the letter were discovered. Edric and Jon however will keep up their efforts to try and sway your Lord Father, I mean Prince Eddard Stark."
"Thank you, Gendry." Sansa squeezed his hand only to release it immediately after and hurry out of the Godswood.
Gendry looked at Robb whose expression had darkened the moment Gendry had mentioned that Jon had forbidden Edric to write Sansa. He was quick to defend Jon. "He was right you know. Edric could not write her."
"I know." Robb admitted finally looking troubled. "I have not been a good cousin to him lately."
Gendry eyed Robb with a puzzled expression on his face. "I have never seen two men closer than the two of you. We are all his friends and do not mistake me, Jon is a great friend to have. Whenever we spend time together I feel special and our connection grows deeper. But that is nothing compared to what the both of you share. You two are bound by blood. I have seen it with my own eyes. And when I asked him about it once, he explained that he thinks of you as the brother he never had. Did you know that he was sick when he flew across half of Westeros to rescue you? Sam wrote he was still so weak that he could barely stand on his feet when he left Dragonstone."
Robb hung his head. "That makes my recent behaviour even worse. I sometimes hate myself, Gendry. I look in the mirror and I hate the person that looks back at me."
Gendry gestured for Robb to sit down and took his original position re-emerging his feet in the lukewarm water. He waited for Robb to divest himself of his shoes and do the same. Then he turned his attention back on the topic at hand. "Why do you feel that?"
That simple straightforward question struck a chord within Robb. And for the first time he was willing to admit to himself and to his friend that he had a problem. "Since I am jealous, ungrateful, resentful. I chased away my uncle because instead of patiently explaining why I didn't need his advice, I accused him of preferring Jon's company to mine. I find myself resenting the fact that Jon is a better person than I am."
Gendry stared deep into the water and mulled over what he had heard. When he started to speak he voiced his thoughts slowly. "I think that every one of us, if we are totally honest, has felt jealous of Jon at one time or another." He faced Robb again now that he had found the words he wanted to say. "Hells, I envy him each time I see him interact with Ghost. I love that wolf too but I know that I will never replace Jon in Ghost's heart. I am sure that the feelings you harbour are not so different than ours have been at some point. And if you acted on them where we did not, then I am sure nobody will hold it against you, certainly not after what happened. We are all aware that you have been going through a difficult time lately and have been short tempered at times."
"My uncle left, Gendry. I literally chased him away. How can he not hold it against me?"
"Let me see if I get this right. You still think you were mostly right about the things you argued about with your uncle but you concede that you could have handled your argument better and you wish that you had been more careful with how you phrased your refusal to heed his advice? Most of all you regret losing your temper?"
Robb had nodded his head several times while his friend spoke and looked relieved to have it out in the open. "Yes on all counts." He expelled a deep breath.
"Well if anybody has a valid excuse to have less self-control for the moment it is you." Gendry stated matter of fact.
Robb shook his head now. "I don't want you all to pity me. I don't need special treatment."
"Not our pity. You have our compassion, our understanding. Write your uncle a letter, an honest one. He is your uncle, your blood. As far as I know him, he will understand and he will forgive you."
Robb remained silent and seemed to be considering this option. "And Jon?" He asked after a while.
"Did you hurt Jon as well?" Gendry threw Robb a confounded look.
"Not directly but if uncle Benjen told him only half of what I said in my anger…" Robb's voice faltered.
"Then write him an honest letter as well. Hells, I was going to write to Jon how well you were doing. He has been so worried about you. He asks after you at every opportunity. He told me he wished he could summon you to the Dragonstone although now that should be to King's Landing, but he had to agree that you are needed in the North. He misses your company, Robb. I know he counts the days until your father returns here and you can travel south. Whatever doubts you might harbour, don't doubt Jon's feelings for you."
"You are a Gods-send, Gendry. Maester Luwin might have helped me to come to terms with what happened to me but your presence has made me feel like myself old self again. Did you know that our hunt was the first time I was able to enjoy such an activity fully since, you know, the Dreadfort?" He made a small hand gesture. "I had been unable to enjoy such simple pleasures. I got startled by the tiniest unexpected noise. Your presence has worked wonders for me, Gendry."
Gendry put his hand on Robb's thigh for a short moment. "What are friends for? We made a pact remember. I would have come for you at the Dreadfort as well if I had gotten the news in time, believe me."
"I know. I know. I am really lucky. From now on, I am going to be grateful for what I have instead of focusing on what I don't have." Robb gave Gendry a small smile.
The young man withdrew his hand and leaned back using his hands for support. "I am sure you can't find a scroll large enough to write down all that you have going for yourself, Robb. Wait until you visit King's Landing and I show you Flea Bottom where I spent the first part of my life."
"I really have been a spoiled brat." Robb shook his head in a self-deprecating manner.
Again Gendry shortly touched Robb's thigh. "Maybe you did behave like one once in a while, however never in my presence. Don't sell yourself short, Robb. How many heirs to a Kingdom would befriend a poor bastard from Flea Bottom?"
"I can't claim credit for that. Jon introduced us." Robb was quick to dismiss the praise.
"He did. But that doesn't mean you couldn't have ignored me most of the time or given me snide retorts. You didn't though. You became a friend."
"That's because I trusted Jon and followed his lead." Robb gave him a small smile.
"And you can still trust him. And be reassured that he still trusts you too." Gendry did his best to persuade his friend that he hadn't lost Jon's good opinion. "Just make sure he knows that you still know that as well."
Robb stared absently at the place where his feet were submerged. "Don't you feel sometimes that Jon is so good, so perfect that we will never measure up and will always come up short?"
Gendry took his time to consider his answer. Finally he spoke up. "Not really. I am my own person and I know for a fact that Jon is not perfect either. And he certainly doesn't think he is perfect. He struggles with the mistakes he makes the same as we do. Don't forget, if he makes a mistake it can have far-reaching consequences. Haven't you caught him brooding more than once? You tell me you are jealous of him sometimes? Well, at times, I have found myself rejoicing that my life is so much simpler than his."
Robb looked into Gendry's eyes attempting to determine if his friend really meant what he was saying. "Truly?"
"Except for the part about the dragons." Gendry nudged Robb's shoulder playfully. "I would love to fly around Westeros like Jon does. Did I tell you about the time that he tried to get me to ride with him on Rhaegal's back?" Gendry was glad to see the interest flare up in Robb's eyes.
"Rhaegal, that is the green dragon, right?"
Both young men relaxed their pose and Gendry described in detail every attempt they had made to prevent him from getting burned by the hot scales and for the dragons to accept his presence.
***
A day later
"How did you find me this time?" Gendry asked Arya when she interrupted him while he was making the final adjustments to the sword Lord Umber had commissioned. Robb was in a meeting with some traders and Gendry had reassured him that he didn't mind a bit of solitude and was planning to use this time to complete the greatsword for Lord Umber. Gendry put the sword down and wiped his hands clean on a piece of cloth, eying Arya curiously.
"I sent Nymeria to look for you." She pointed at her direwolf.
Gendry had seen the wolf enter a while earlier but ever since she had entered, Nymeria had been dozing near the door of the workshop. Gendry frowned. "I don't understand."
Arya's face closed off. "Never mind. Now that I found you, wanna go out with me?"
Gendry looked at the sword that was as ready as it would ever be. He decided it wouldn't hurt to indulge her. "What exactly are you proposing, Princess?"
"Only properly escorted am I allowed to go to Winter Town." She looked at him with her big dark grey eyes. "Please? It's been ages. And I kind of need to do something there."
Gendry had already decided to go with her before she had finished her first sentence. He hadn't even needed to hear the word please. He made a mental note to write to Jon that she still knew it existed though. "All right. I will have to change into something more decent first. Are you all packed then?" During breakfast in the Great Hall, he had overheard her mother ordering Arya to complete packing her trunk today.
"I don't need to pack much myself. My personal items only. And some of those I can't pack until the last minute." She gestured at Needle that she wore at her waist. "The rest the servants will take care of."
Gendry put the tools on the shelves where they belonged and followed Arya outside. He startled for a moment when Nymeria brushed him in an attempt to sneak past him so she could venture out first. He had grown accustomed to the presence of the direwolves. Arya almost never went anywhere without her loyal direwolf and somehow both Nymeria and Arya had ended up spending a lot of time in Gendry's company. Mostly Arya and Nymeria arrived impromptu and joined the activity Robb and he were engaged in no matter what that was. It helped that she mostly wandered around in breeches and boiled leather. The only times he had seen her wear a dress was in the evenings when they all changed for supper.
"Is Nymeria coming too?" He asked her when Arya looked back to check whether he was keeping up.
Arya face fell. "I'm going to miss her so much. Mother won't let me bring her south. All our direwolves need to stay in Winterfell. So yes, she is coming with us today. I want to spend as much time with her as I still can."
"I'm sorry that you need to leave Nymeria behind, Arya. But I am sure Robb and the kennel master will take good care of her."
"And she can play with her siblings. I know." Arya looked resigned but her lip still trembled. "Still I am going to miss her lots and lots."
"Then I will do my utmost to keep you distracted, Princess. I for one am looking forward to your company during the long journey south."
"Me too. At least you are not fawning over my elder sister like all the other Lords. I'm glad you were my friend long before you knew her and before you became a Lord." She had latched onto his arm and together they crossed the courtyard.
"I am also grateful for our friendship, Arya." She had to release his arm when the stood before the door of his guest quarters. "Just give me a moment. I'll be out right away."
A bit later they had exited the main gate and were walking the muddy streets of the settlement called Winter Town. Most of the houses were built of log and undressed stone. A few days ago, when Gendry had visited the settlement with Robb, he had been amazed at how neat and organised the little town looked compared to Flea Bottom. Arya was walking close to Nymeria and petted her every opportunity she got.
"I am sure you will like it in King's Landing. Don't forget that you have the new instructor to look forward too." Gendry once more tried to distract her from the imminent separation of her direwolf.
"Yes! I am glad Prince Oberyn was able to intercept my new teacher in King's Landing before he found a ship heading for White Harbour. I will be able to resume my training as soon as I arrive. At least my mornings won't be boring."
"If you have never been to King's Landing before, I don't expect you to become bored. It is so vastly different from the North and there are so many things to explore over there." Gendry defended the region where he had grown up."
"Have you been to King's Landing, Lord Gendry?" She had stopped petting her direwolf and tucked her small hand under his arm again.
"I lived there for a time, but far away from the Red Keep, mind you. I was just a blacksmith's apprentice then. I can show you the best shops on the street of steel though." He was enjoying their walk.
"Can Jon come too?" She looked up at him, the excitement brightening her eyes again.
"If he has time, he is always welcome to join me, us. But do not forget that he is King now. He will have to attend even more meetings than Robb." Gendry cautioned her.
"Can't he let his Hand handle those? At least while I am visiting? I want him to take me to see the dragons again." Her small pout was adorable.
"If he doesn't have time, I am sure his uh, I mean Princess Daenerys can take you to see the dragons." Gendry prayed he wasn't being overly optimistic promising this.
Arya made a face. "I don't know her and she may not like me. Often stuck up ladies pretend not to see me and if they do they just look all haughty and disapproving."
"Do you really believe Jon would marry a stuck up lady?" Gendry had to stifle a laugh.
Arya's hopeful eyes looked into Gendry's. "You believe the Princess is nice?"
"I only met her shortly but I thought she was nice. Besides, Jon told me she wore breeches when she rode with him on Rhaegal, and she has started sword fighting lessons.
"Then she is lucky to have found, Jon. Mother says I will have to stop training when the time comes to find me a husband. Lords don't want their ladies to fight or wear breeches. If I do not listen I will become an old maid that won't have anyone left to talk to since everyone my age will have married and have their own families. Would you still visit me I became a lonely old maid?"
"That is still a long way off, Arya. I am sure you will prove your mother wrong. In Dorne or on Bear Island there are female warriors who have found a husband. Perhaps there are other areas as well and we just haven't heard of them. I for one wouldn't mind that my wife knew how to fight. That is, if she was willing to put on a dress and make herself pretty and be polite when she had to entertain my family or noble visitors."
"Then I'll ask Jon to find me a husband who thinks the same way as you." She looked at him with her big eyes and he literally saw the thought struck her. "Oh, you could marry me when I have flowered and we can show mother just how wrong she is. It really is a great idea, Gendry. We both wouldn't have to marry people we don't like. You and I will just stay very good friends who live together in a castle."
Gendry shook his head. "Arya, when I marry, I will want more than a friend to come live in my castle. I need a kind woman who is willing to give me heirs."
Arya's face fell. "Oh. I hadn't thought about that. Never mind then."
Gendry looked away and wondered where the conversation had gone wrong. He didn't know what to respond to her last comment. Even if she had recently celebrated her thirteenth nameday, her sheltered upbringing and resistance to all ladylike pursuits had apparently kept her ignorant and very innocent. Still it was endearing.
Meanwhile, Arya seemed to have made up her mind. "When I am an old maid and mother does not allow me to stay in Winterfell any longer, I can always go live with Jon. Perhaps I can teach his children how to wield a sword. Or I can become a sworn shield, just like Lady Brienne."
Gendry was glad that they had reached the shed where the tailor received his customers. He would do better to choose more neutral topics with Arya in future. The lucky bastard who ended up as her husband would have his hands full with her.
He asked Arya to stay outside and keep Nymeria in check while he picked up his order and paid for it. He was glad that Robb had given him a heavy purse. "Payment from the King for services rendered." Robb had said and let him read the short paragraph Jon had written Robb on that subject. Gendry had accepted the coins out of necessity. It would be easier to pay the tailor in Winter Town without asking for credit in the name of the King. And it was true that he had worked extremely hard these last few moons even though he had never expected to receive any payment for his services. It would be a novelty to be able to pay for his own clothes instead of just wearing cast offs from others.
Both tailor and customer were very satisfied when Lord Baratheon left the shop. He grew worried when Arya and her direwolf were nowhere to be found. When he asked some passers-by whether they had seen Princess Arya Stark and her wolf they pointed in the direction of the tavern. Gendry cursed to himself and hoped Princess Catelyn of House Stark did not get wind of this. Her youngest daughter in a tavern where he knew from Edric and Loras' letters that there were always whores present in search of customers. Encumbered by the large packages he carried, he still hurried along as fast as he could and made his way into the building. His eyes readjusting to the dark interior frantically searched for her small form.
"Gendry! Over here!" he heard her voice call out.
Gendry looked over to the dark left corner where Nymeria lay before a table that seated three man with black beards and yes, one dark haired Stark Princess. He exhaled deeply and quickly strode over there.
"Arya, this is no place for you. If your mother hears of this..."
"Ladida, they won't tell on me, besides I am helping them."
Gendry studied the men more carefully now. They were all rather young. He guessed none of them was older than he was. "Helping them with what exactly?" He tried not to sound too harsh.
"Writing a …," she stopped. "That is their business. I can't tell you."
"The Princess is quite safe with us. She just saw me sitting here and was kind enough to offer to pay for the sowing of…" The young man who had spoken up lost his courage and stopped speaking.
Arya sighed. "Mother only paid half price for the tunics his family made for our houseguard. You see his mother is very ill and his younger sister and brother tried to finish the job because they needed the income. Mother of course didn't approve of their stitching. His sister is only my age and I know her well. I wanted to help out but had no money on me. So I am helping this other way."
"Arya, what way are you helping them exactly?" He was still worried but since Arya looked no worse for the wear and he saw only some writing materials. He tried to stay calm for now and kept his tone friendly.
"The man seated closest to Arya spoke up now. This is not the first time Lady Arya helps us in this manner. None of us ever learned our letters." He was quick to explain. "But we understand if she has to leave."
Gendry swallowed and remembered how he wasn't able to write adequately less than a year ago. He kneeled in front of Arya and quietly enquired, "How much did she cut from the normal price, Arya?"
Arya's eyes lit up when she saw him reach for his purse. She whispered the amount in his ear and Gendry put some coins on the table. Then as if it was the most normal thing to do, he gestured for Arya to move aside and seated himself at the table next to her.
Three pair of eyes watched him with growing unease. "My Lord, don't trouble yourself." The youth who had picked up the coins stammered.
"Don't worry," Arya was beaming from ear to ear now. "He is not some stuck up Lord. He was just legitimized and is my second best friend. He is all right and will keep our secret." She scribbled a few more sentences and then handed the scroll to the man that sat across from her. "All done. She won't say no now."
Gendry watched with growing amazement how the man blushed and quickly tucked the scroll away. Realising Arya was already heading for the door, Nymeria close behind her, he stammered a greeting and quickly hurried after her.
Grabbing her by the arm he admonished her. "Arya, don't go wandering off by yourself. It is not safe."
Arya just laughed. "Gendry, I have lived here my entire life. For each man who wants to hurt me, there are ten others that want to defend a Stark with their lives. I am safer here than on the Kingsroad with a group of Stark Houseguards."
Not really knowing how true that statement actually was, he changed the subject. "My business in Winter Town is done. Did you still have somewhere you wish to go?"
Arya explained that she planned to visit the Bakery so she could drop off some pastries with her former nanny that had retired and lived in a small cottage between the walls of Winterfell. And if Gendry wouldn't mind, she would like to give Nymeria the opportunity to catch some fish in the pond that was situated on the other side of the small town.
Gendry relieved that she was safely within his custody, didn't have the heart to refuse her and nodded his assent. The rest of the afternoon they enjoyed each other's company and Gendry had to point out several times how far west the sun had moved before he was able to persuade her to return home with him.
***
Lady Catelyn sat in Robb's study. They were discussing the upcoming journey when the steward entered.
"Princess Arya has returned and is dressing for dinner, Princess Stark."
"Thank you, Poole." Lady Catelyn sighed and turned to her eldest son. "It will be a trying journey. I am glad we will be travelling by ship for the larger part. At least there she cannot run off."
"She is not so bad. At least she heeded your rules and was properly escorted. Please Mother, do not treat Arya the same as you do Sansa. Arya will make her way in life even if she travels a different path than you would like. These days, many men can appreciate a female who can handle herself."
"You don't understand a mother's struggles. I will never be able to find a suitable husband willing to put up with her wilful ways."
Robb suppressed a smile. "Well, she is King Aegon's favourite little cousin. You can always ask him to secure her a husband if she is still unmarried on her twentieth nameday."
His mother pursed her lips. "Don't joke about that. King Aegon has enough power over us as it is. It is your father's duty to secure an advantageous match for Arya and I will drag her to the heart tree in a nice dress kicking and screaming if necessary."
Robb thought of his Aunt Lyanna but stayed silent. No use in scaring his mother. Arya was still at an age where she felt abhorrence at the thought of kissing a boy. He distracted his mother by reviewing the travel arrangements one more time. He released a deep breath when she finally left him alone.
He had just finished dealing with one of the many issues still pending when a discreet knock made him look up. He smiled and called loudly "enter", certain that this time it was Gendry at the door.
He startled when the head of his youngest sibling peaked through the doorway. He gestured for Rickon to approach.
"Robb, I don't wanna go to King's Landing. Can you order mama to let me stay here with you? I don't wanna leave Shaggydog."
***
Even Princess Catelyn had to acknowledge that the legitimized Lord looked the part and that his manners were all that was proper. Perhaps it wouldn't be such a hardship to travel in his company after all. Aside from being somewhat handsome, he looked capable, strong and eager to protect them. Never mind the houseguards that came along, these men needed to keep their distance. Lord Gendry of House Baratheon would be able to sit close by their side when they needed to leave their cabins on the ship and dine in the same room with the captain and his senior crew members.
Catelyn once more studied the young man who sat opposite her next to Arya. If she was truthful, she had to acknowledge that she was warming up to him. Due to this young man she had not worried so much when she had hugged her eldest son and said her goodbyes. Robb looked happy and healthier than he had in a long time. She had nodded when Robb had assured her it would all work out. This time she had believed him. She had even followed her eldest son's advice and had left Rickon behind.
Both her daughters were engaging the new Lord in quiet conversation as the carriage rocked slightly while it made its way over the Kingsroad to White Harbour. By the end of the sennight, even her eldest daughter had developed a cordial relationship with the heir to the Stormlands. Also she had to credit young Lord to have accomplished an impossible feat. He had succeeded in getting Arya to stop sulking and accept that it would be better for all parties to leave Nymeria behind. So Catelyn would do as her eldest son had advised and let things be for now. No decisions needed to be made until Ned could get the measure of Lord Gendry of House Baratheon.
Catelyn already looked forward to the sea voyage. It had been a long time since she had been on a ship. And this time she would travel in style. In his letter, King Aegon had promised her she would be escorted to King's Landing by a royal fleet of five of his best ships. He had personally given all the orders to be absolutely sure that his closest female kin arrived safely and swiftly by his side. In the midst of a daydream of her grand entrance at the royal court, she dozed off while the carriage continued its way towards White Harbour.
Interlude 38: What happens in Dorne, stays in Dorne
Nymeria looked at the sky a worried frown on her face. Another day had gone by without a message from her father, Prince Oberyn. That was really strange. A messenger from Starfall had come down to bring them the tidings of the new Targaryen King. Apparently all the Lords Paramount had received official word. House Dayne had received the news from Ser Arthur, the Sword of the Morning. Once more Ser Arthur was openly the pride of their house again. The tale of how the famous Kingsguard had protected the True King since his birth was spreading across Dorne like wildfire. House Dayne had more than regained its previous status. According to several sources Lady Ashara was the only Lady on intimate footing with the Targaryen Princess who would soon become the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
Nymeria looked over to Arianne who had joined her on the balcony. "No ravens have come for Prince Doran either?"
"None." Her cousin confirmed. "My father suspects that there is foul play involved. He has sent out messengers to all parts of Dorne and I am here to ask if one of his nieces would want to make herself useful and travel to King's Landing to warn Prince Oberyn that our messages are probably being intercepted by someone who wants to isolate us."
"If that is true and none of Prince Doran's scrolls reached the King either, then King Aegon might think that we do not accept his claim and that we are in open rebellion." Nymaria's frown grew more pronounced. "I'd volunteer to go but Father ordered me to stay here until my mission has been completed. "
"Father signed the decree, didn't he? Wasn't that your purpose in coming here?"
"Yes, but also to help you in case he doesn't want to swear fealty to the new King. He wanted me to guard and protect you in case you needed to seize power immediately."
"But Father has agreed to acknowledge King Aegon, be it grudgingly."
"I have not heard him pronounce the words. It was implied but I heard rumours that he is playing both sides." Nymeria saw that her words startled her trueborn cousin.
"An alliance with Stannis Baratheon? That is unthinkable'" Arianne exclaimed horrified.
"There is mention of Euron Greyjoy as well." Nymeria stayed calm. She did not believe any of these vile rumours and was trying to determine the source of them. She had sent out several loyal men to get to the bottom of this.
Princess Arianne pursed her lips. "That is preposterous. Rumours can be falsified as you should be the first to acknowledge. You better convince one of your siblings to hurry to the capital. I will see to it that my father formulates a watertight message that he supports the reign of King Aegon. We must get that document to King's Landing sooner rather than later."
"I will do better than that. I will get word to one of Varys' birds. I discovered one near the border of the Stormlands. That way they will get word that we have been cut off and are not ignoring the King's demand for fealty. But your father is wrong in sending only a bastard to the new King. He should send a delegation of trueborn nobles."
"And he will, but such things take time. Besides, Uncle Oberyn is his closest relative and belongs to the King's closest circle. Uncle can read Father's pledge out loud before the Court if need be. And from what you told me of the new King, he will receive your sister with the utmost courtesy."
"The King will. But the Court might get the wrong message and will think Prince Doran is showing his contempt by sending a mere bastard. Your priority is to make sure that Uncle Doran drafts that message without delay. Convince him that it is no use to wait for a raven form King's Landing. I'll be relieved when uncle puts his allegiance on paper and erases all doubts."
The Dornish Princess nodded. "Tell me, the new King, what is he like? I heard you met him."
"Twice. I met him twice. Only briefly at Greywater Watch but later we spend a little time together at Castle Black."
"And?"
Nymeria sighed. "Even though he looks like a Northerner and mostly acts like one he is exceedingly handsome. I am inclined to call him charming in a shy kind of way. He is also very skilled with his sword. I heard he bested Ser Arthur in single combat and that he often takes on several skilled fighters at once and comes out on top."
"Your every wet dream then?" Arianne smiled knowingly.
"Not entirely. He is too modest, too honest and doesn't indulge in flirting. I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't a ladies man, if you know what I mean."
"Now that is just your jealousy talking. Ser Arthur claims he is besotted with the Princess and she with him."
Nymeria swallowed. "Perhaps. I will keep my counsel until I see the both of them interact."
"Fair enough." Princess Arianne said absently her thoughts already back to the problem at hand.
"Now if you have any advice on how to handle my father…"
*