A/N: SEVEN THOUSAND WORDS FOR YOU GUYS AND GALS!
REVIEW FOR IT FEEDS THE ENGINE OF CREATION!
ALSO!
Did anyone else wake up to an email error message from Fanfiction this morning?
I did.
ITS NOT FUN.
I believe it went something like this:
"554 delivery error: dd This user doesn't have a account ({recipients'userid} ). Don't retry sending the message and remove the email address from your list. The user doesn't exist."
Not only did I cease receiving emails from Fanfiction, but I had to go through everything manually. I've since switched over to one of my other, separate accounts on a different site, but suffice it to say I won't be using my old one until this issue is resolved. I've been with them for years, and never had an issue receiving emails until today. Their support has done nothing to help me or other authors suffering from this issue, despite repeated requests for aid.
Hopefully this can be resolved soon.
In short, I've found a fix. If you use a backup email account, the issue doesn't affect you. Just don't go and switch it back until you're 100% certain things are fixed. I've already been told of one poor sod who went and did just that, and now he isn't getting any notifications on EITHER account. So, yeah. It could be other accounts, but I wanted to get the word out.
If anyone's suffering from the same issue, let me know. Pretty sure a glitch is to blame somewhere along the line there. Once I swapped over to my backup account, I got notifications again and everything works dandy. It works like a charm. Everyone, email Fanfiction and tell them about this problem before it gets worse!
Now then, off we go!
"Rules, rules, rules! Why is it that you insist on following them? Let go!"
~?
The Orange Wedding (Part III)
Alas, that horrible bit of business was done and now they would have to live with it.
In the chaos following the failed assassination attempt, the people of King's Landing wanted nothing more than to bury their heads in the sand. Some, the warriors and those accustomed to battle, adjusted to the bloodshed better than most. Stannis, Naruto, Oberyn. Violence was standard fare for their lot. They took the strife in stride, dressed their wounds, and moved on. Others were not so fortunate. The more reserved drew inward, preferring the safety of locked doors rather than risk another confrontation. Some indulged in their chosen vices, be it wine, women or one another. Still others gloried in the bloodshed, telling tales of the short-lived battle and all that had come with it.
Margaery was not one of them.
Now that blood lay spilled, swords swung and tempers cooled, she found her opinions of her new husband markedly reversed. How could she not? Throwing himself in front of the blade, taking a dagger meant for her neck without hesitation? It was the very definition of selflessness and it moved something deep inside her. If the knife had been just a touch higher, it might've claimed his life. Or hers. That was death. A horrid end, true and final. There would've been no coming back from that. A small shudder rippled its way through her at the thought.
The Rose had seen and done terrible much in her life, but in that moment she'd truly felt terror.
She was not trained in combat; until this day she'd not considered the necessity. Her mind had always been her weapon-her body, her tool. That assassin had not cared a wit for all her plotting or scheming. Her wiles did naught against him. His dagger would've surely taken her life if Naruto hadn't intervened. To think, she'd nearly meant him ill! She'd feared he might turn out like his uncle; a drinker, whore monger, and a glutton. Unfit to rule like his uncle before him. Yet he'd shown her his selfless side this day. A valiant warrior at that. Selflessness had never been one of Robert's strong suits. Strength certainly, but he wasn't the sort to throw himself into danger for the sake of a stranger.
Not so his nephew.
Yes, if not for the Prince...
A cry went up from the crowd, momentarily diverting her attention.
"Ha! That's right! Bow before your prince! Bow ya shits!"
Alright, perhaps Naruto was a bit like his uncle.
Not a moment later she heard her beloved's voice ring out from among the masses, echoing to raucous laughter. Good-natured chuckles followed the blond's inebriated declaration, plucking a small smile from Margaery's lips. It was just the sort of behavior one might expect from him at a feast and for the life of her, she couldn't tell if this "drunkenness" was an act or genuine. Perhaps that was for the best. If she could predict the prince's every move then it would prove a dull marriage indeed.
Thankfully he hadn't tried to climb any tables yet.
Yes, despite his many injuries, the Prince still insisted on drinking and feasting with to his heart's content. Mingling with the guests, even. That much was easily made evident by the ruckus he was causing. How odd that his lord father wasn't so jubilant. For all of his flaws Stannis was a grim man, one who seldom smiled and took little pleasure in life. Even less now that he'd lost his wife. Strangely enough, Margaery found that she pitied him. Heavy was the head that wore the crown, and Stannis seemed to have realized that truth too late. What had Renly said of him? His only friend was duty. Relentless, tireless duty.
His son, at least, seemed to be focused on the feast.
"Loras!" the blond boomed, his voice carrying like a thunderclap! "Come! Sit! Have a drink with us!"
Even from here, she could see her brother's tan visage go pale.
"My lord, I really don't think that's wise-
"Nonsense!" the prince laughed! "I won't hear of it! Now drink!"
Margaery observed her brother's discomfort with quiet amusement, settling against her seat as the flame-haired warrior ushered him over. She silently suspected Loras's reluctance to speak with Naruto stemmed from his impending marriage to the princess Shireen. Now there was a match she didn't envy. The girl was far too young for the marriage to be consummated anytime soon of course, but that wasn't the crux of the matter. Half of King's Landing had seen the prince shatter the jaw of the last man who dared speak ill of his beloved little sister. Poor Loras was probably scared out of his wits right now. Judging by the fox-like grin Naruto wore, he knew it as well.
So.
This was to be her fate then.
To spend her life with this happy oaf.
She supposed she could have done worse.
Seven hells, she might've been married to Stannis!
Just the thought of it threatened to sour her stomach altogether.
If ever there had been a man who ground his teeth more, she'd yet to find him.
In light of the attack, the King-against the advice of his small council-deemed it best to move the celebration outdoors and forsake ceremony altogether. All in the vain hope of pretending nothing had changed. That nothing might ever upset their perfect little world. Those worst affected by the attempted coup didn't even want to acknowledge the sordid affair and were deep into their cups by afternoon. Several lives had been lost to their blades, this much stood true, but in the end the killers were beaten back with one of their own captured no less. Said man was currently languishing in the Black Cells under Qyburn's ministrations. Rumors abounded the prince himself had already paid him a visit. It was expected he'd sing like a canary come morn thanks to him-the same prince who seemed very adept at playing the fool.
Margaery knew better.
She'd seen the wicked gleam behind those bright blue eyes, and the keen intellect they housed. A jester he might seem to some, but she knew. Naruto wasn't who pretended to be. He might be gentle and kind, dashingly handsome Oh. Oh, dear. When had she begun to think that? A bastard he might well be, but he wasn't shamed by it. If anything, he seemed to glory Perhaps-
"He's far too reckless."
Reality tugged at her in the form of Daenerys Targaryen, ruthlessly reminding Margaery that this prize stag wasn't hers alone. Damn. Bristling slightly at the barbed insinuation, the Rose of Highgarden straightened in her seat, plastered a smile to her face, and willed herself to face her sister-in-law. It took more effort than she cared to admit.
Seven Hells, she'd wanted to forget about her.
Not so the dragon at her side.
That was utterly impossible.
"Which one is this?"
"Viserion." Daenerys preened, stroking the drake's fringe, eliciting a happy sound from the beautiful beast. "The youngest." After a moment's consideration, she continued. "Careful. He nips."
"He's beautiful." her awe wasn't at all feigned. "May I...?"
A subtle smile followed.
"You may."
Viserion trilled loudly and flared his wings wide, happy for the attention given him. The female was right to respect him. Fear him, even! He was fierce! He was powerful! He was...was...was...oooh, yes! That was the spot! The redhead certainly did give nice scratches. Margaery didn't chide him for the bravado. On the contrary. She'd seen the "youngest" dragon burn a man to death in an instant. He'd more than earned his keep. Oh, he was going to be a giant at this rate. If this one and his brothers reached the size of their ancestors, well...
"Hey! Viserion! C'mere!"
The growing green dragon perked up straight away at the sound of the prince's voice and with a mighty flap, he leaped from Daenerys's arms and took wing. A chorus of startled shrieks greeted his sudden flight, heads ducking, arms flung out to protect heads and platters alike. But the dragon had no interest in them. Instead he soared over them all without a care and alighted effortlessly on the prince's outstretched arm. A great chunk of steak was his reward and the little beast happily settled himself onto the table beside the blond to content himself with his prize.
"I hadn't thought him to be a dragon tamer." Margaery remarked.
"Viserion does seem to favor him, yes." Daenerys noted coolly, watching the young drake coil about the prince's shoulders with a small smile. "It must be the dragon in him."
Margaery felt her shoulders tense.
"Pardon?"
"Aren't you aware?" the Targaryen princess favored her with a false smile. "Orys Baratheon was the founder of House Baratheon as well as the ancestor of King Robert Baratheon and his brothers, Renly and...Stannis." she paused, letting the silence give her words weight. "Which makes him a descendant of our precious prince, I suppose."
Oh.
Oh, dear.
She didn't like where this was going.
"I wasn't aware." Margaery retorted waspishly, mastering herself with an effort.
"I'm not surprised. His is a forgotten name. Orys Baratheon." Daenerys replied, her eyes taking on a far, distant look. "During the War of Conquest, he was a commander in the army of Aegon the Conqueror, and was the Conqueror's bastard half-brother. When Aegon invaded Westeros, he sent Orys to seize Storm's End, the ancestral seat of the Storm Kings and capital of the Stormlands. Orys defeated the Storm King, Argilac the Arrogant, and seized not only Storm's End but also his sigil and words, even his daughter Argalia, alongside his sword, Torment. With that, he cemented his rule over their lands and became the first Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. It's almost ironic, really. A bastard accomplished all this on his own and now another's done nearly the same."
Margaery shifted in her seat, stifling a scowl.
Seemed someone had studied their history.
Naruto, however distant or diluted it might be, did indeed share some Targaryen blood on his father's side. She wasn't sure how she felt about that. Outwardly it made little difference; she was still married to the man, as was Daenerys. Inwardly, however...was this a subtle way for her to claim him? Or were the Mother of Dragon's motives more sinister; a way to put her in her place? She might well have the wealth and power of Highgarden behind her, but Daenerys had three dragons. If they laid eggs, there would be still more. What good was grain and coin when you possessed mythical beasts capable of torching the entire realm into submission? The same beasts Aegon had used to conquer Westeros and she had three!
How could she possibly compare to dragons?!
Perhaps sensing the ill thoughts between the two women, Loras offered a passable excuse and departed.
Naruto finally found a chance to escape as well, feigning interest in a passing servant.
Contrary to popular belief, he had no intention of getting caught between them. Certainly not at their own wedding. No, best to let them cool their heads and douse their tempers with wine before he approached them. He might enjoy the company of dragons, but he was rather averse to being burned. Of course, if drink stirred other appetites, he might find himself in a bit of a pickle later. Ah, but there was Father, beckoning to him from his seat at the table. Best to keep up appearances and whatnot. No matter how much he might despise them.
"Father." Naruto approached and sketched a small bow. "You're looking well."
Stannis's gaze strayed to the dragon perched on the boy's shoulder.
Instead of trading barbs, his progenitor surprised him.
"Littlefinger is dead."
Naruto stiffened.
"Is he now? How..unfortunate."
Inwardly, his mind was elsewhere.
'Alright, who killed that bastard and how the hell can I thank them?'
"He died of poison." Stannis informed him stonily, his blank countenance betraying not a wit of emotion. "The servants found him in his chambers this morning."
Once more, came the unspoken question.
Did you have a hand in this matter?
Naruto refused to give a reply.
"Such a pity." Instead he feigned mild indifference in the face of his lord father's unspoken accusations, snatching a drumstick from a passing platter by which to hide his concerns behind. "Climate must've disagreed with him. Terrible things, weddings. You never know what might happen. Speaking of which," with that he sank his teeth into his prize and tore it apart, "You have that brew I made for you?"
...I have it, yes." Stannis reluctantly relented, touching a hand to his vest belt. "I suppose it has a purpose."
"It does." For the first time since the festivities had begun, Naruto permitted himself a small frown. "Keep it handy if you find yourself short of breath."
At that, a tiny fracture of emotion finally broke through the King's stony facade.
"You think they would try to poison me? Here?"
"I think the nobles are sodding idiots." his son countered. "Better to be safe than sorry. You aren't as...resistant to such things as I am. Best to be on you guard, even here." Another would've taken such a statement as a threat against their life but both men knew otherwise; it was simply a fact. So many had tried to poison him in his youth; his stepmother, sycophants, brigands, advisers, and countless others. In the end, he'd survived all their attempts and grown stronger for it. It would take an extraordinary dose to even phase him, let alone put an end to his life. Not necessarily immunity, but close. Very close indeed.
"I like it not, but I'll consider it." Stannis relented, nodding. "See to it that you behave yourself."
"So long as you don't insist on the bloody bedding."
"I won't. You have more pressing concerns."
"I-
Naruto opened his mouth to protest at that, but the King cut him off sharply with a wave.
"Keep an eye out for anyone suspicious. Do so and I'll reward you handsomely."
His son twitched, almost imperceptibly.
"Eh?"
Ah, and there it was again; an almost boyish look ignited in the young man's eyes. Emotions chased themselves across his whiskered visage before he ruthlessly mastered them, composing his face into a blank mask once more. The sight almost brought a smile to the elder Baratheon's face. Almost. He knew if he smiled now the boy would never let him hear the end of it. Neither would Shireen, for that matter. Worse, they might expect his likeness to smile more often! He couldn't be bothered with that. Thus, he too schooled his face into utter impassivity at his son's response.
...what kind of reward are we talking about, here?"
"One worthy of you." Stannis didn't elaborate further, knowing it would pique his son's curiosity.
It did, of course.
"Is that so? I'll take what you said into consideration."
"See that you do." he grunted.
Naruto sketched a bow.
"By your leave, then."
Stannis watched him skirt the throne and vanish into the crowd with a sigh.
Absently, his gaze lingered upon a burning torch. Fire flickered and coiled before his gaze, but if there were answers to be had there, the flames didn't provide them. Instead his thoughts turned inward. The boy was his blood. Stannis didn't deny this. Indeed, he accepted it. Those blazing blue eyes and firm sense of justice came from him, as did his skill with a sword.
But his fiery hair and will...that was all his mother.
A boy who possessed extraordinary abilities, a man who saw things-visions?-in his dreams and waking moments.
He would not be broken. He would bow; physically perhaps, or the act of, but not his resolve. It refused to bend. Determination like that could not be cowed, couldn't be bought, and it certainly wouldn't waver in the face of a fight. Once he'd made up his mind, it was nigh but impossible to sway him. Rewards however, were another matter. Recognition and praise worked well enough, but for someone who owned little beyond his blade and the clothes on his back, gifts were precious things indeed. Yes, what he had in mind would make a fine gift indeed...
"Do you seek answers from the flames, my lord?"
He didn't have to look to know Melisandre had made herself known, soundless as ever by his side. Tch. He had not heard her approach. She'd become increasingly adept at this. The thought made him grind his teeth. Her presence at the feast would not pass unnoticed. Many would take issue with her, particularly those thrice-blasted Sparrows in particular. Sod that. He had half a mind to send her away now, consequences be damned. Her visions were useful, truth be told, but she was becoming more trouble than she was worth. If not for the long night...no.
Shaking
"What do you want?" the words escaped on a sigh.
The Red Woman didn't answer him, not at first.
"Wise men often seek the council of fire." she mused, laying a hand on his shoulder. "You'd do well to listen."
He shook her off with a grunt.
"Spare me your riddles. What is it? What news do you have for me?" Stannis's face tightened in a scowl, all too vividly aware of how he must look to her. Grim and angry, forged from steel. That anger faded somewhat when she took his hand. Guided it to her belly. A moment of confusion set in, hounded by a terrible realization.
What she said next would send his world spinning.
Unfortunately, Naruto failed to notice the significant exchange. Indeed, he'd forsaken thought of his father altogether and spared no glances over his shoulder. He'd long since made up his mind on the matter. If this was to be his wedding, if he was to be tied down to two women he didn't deserve-in his mind he still believed himself unworthy of anything resembling love after everything he'd seen and done-then he had every intention of getting himself soused. Barring that unlikely event, he planned to entertain himself at the very least. Everyone else seemed to be enjoying themselves. Why shouldn't he?
For a time, he amused himself by observing the festivities.
Ah, there was the Spider, watching in solemn silence, as he often did.
Here he spied Tyrion and Shae, the latter leading her lover away to a shadowy alcove.
There he beheld Shireen playing happily with the other children of the court, closely shadow by a flock of anxious guards.
In the distance he caught sight of Oberyn and Ellaria conversing loudly and at length with Ulric of all people, much to the giant's great discomfort.
The prince laughed and raised his goblet in a toast as he passed them by. One needn't guess at their discussion. Tempting as it might be to rescue his bodyguard from that predicament, Naruto couldn't bring himself to do it just yet. No, he'd let his old friend squirm a bit before he swooped in. If he swooped. Swooping was bad, after all.
Such a thought almost made him smile.
Arianne lounged near the gardens alone, though still radiant as the sun itself. The sight of her brought Naruto up short...for reasons he'd never admit. Clad in a plunging gown of golden yllow silk that accentuated her hips as much as the generous swell of her breasts, she looked every bit the temptress he knew her to be. A stray spark of desire kindled in his chest at the sight of her in spite of his best efforts to ignore it and his mind briefly wandered. Had she worn this for him? Despite his earlier words it was decidedly difficult to ignore her, even from a distance such as this.
Damn but she was beautiful.
As he looked on the princess of Sunspear caught his gaze and held it, then reciprocated his attention with a smoldering smile all her own; supple fingers crooked towards him in a come-hither motion. It would be so easy for him. Simple, even. A few quick steps would carry him to her side. From there it would be easy to leave the others behind, find a secluded place all to themselves, then-no. He couldn't. Desirable though she was, even though his body longed for her, a glimmer of determination won out. With a supreme effort of will, the blond shook his head and headed in the opposite direction.
Perhaps had he seen her smile, he would've thought twice about leaving the princess to her own devices.
But even he wasn't fool enough to succumb to temptation at his own blasted wedding.
Ironically, his next diversion came from a most unexpected source.
"Ah! Lady Olenna. Just who I wanted to see."
The vaunted Queen of Thorns graced him with a nod as he arrived at her table, nothing more. She needed no weapon to do battle; her tongue was sharper than any blade. That gaze had cut down many men and women alike, belittled many an ambitious mind and put paid to fools. Even Viserion seemed to wilt beneath her regard, though a bit of meat mollified the young dragonling. Flaring his wings, he abandoned Naruto's shoulder with a triumphant cry and took to the sky to join his siblings. The prince almost envied him such freedom.
"And what business could you possibly have with an old woman like me?"
Another might've taken offense at that.
Naruto didn't bat an eyelash.
"No need for barbed words!" he beamed, pulling up a chair. "I've wanted to meet you for quite some time now."
The old Tyrell harrumphed.
"That was a brave thing you did for my granddaughter back there, boy." she admitted. "Stupid, but brave. One might wonder if you have the same planned for her."
Naruto arched an eyebrow as a servant laid a platter of food between them.
"I'm no Joffrey, if that's what you're implying." finishing the last of his drumstick, he turned his head aside and spat out a bit of bone onto the nearby platter. "I don't enjoy torture or pain, nor am I overly fond of cruelties. Your precious granddaughter is quite safe with me, I assure you." He made no mention of the ambition he'd glimpsed behind those big brown eyes of his pretty young wife. Even so he'd saved her regardless. Whether that would earn him a knife in the back or poison in his cup remained to be seen, but if they intended to try the latter, they were going to be disappointed.
Very disappointed.
"Well? Don't sit there scowling at me. Eat!"
Laughing, Naruto did as he'd been asked -commanded, rather- and claimed a portion of roast meat for himself. Olenna less-than-daintily snatched up some grapes and popped a number into her mouth. A beat of silence passed between them as they ate, young and old, regarding one another in stony silence. Thus far, the former found himself in extraordinarily high spirits, and not just from the feat. It was refreshing to trade barbs with someone without fear of consequences, more-so someone who was so far above the ken of what he'd grown used to.
"Joffrey really was a cunt, wasn't he?" Olenna sighed.
At that, Naruto found himself unable to restrain a small smile.
"He certainly was! Killing that vicious bastard gave me more relief-
-than a thousand lying whores. Ha!" she laughed and waved his words away with a dismissive flick of the wrist. "Yes, yes, I'm familiar with the bloody saying. You still haven't answered my question."
"Nor you mine." the whiskered warrior riposted.
A weathered eyebrow was arched.
"And what question is that?"
The Son of the Stag didn't answer her, not at first. Instead he raised his glass and took a long draught from his cup, savoring every drop. When next he looked at her, those sky blue eyes reminded her of the words that his house held so dear. Ours is the Fury. There was fury there in his gaze, but it was a cold anger. Bitter. Deadly as black ice. Tempered. Seven hells. As she looked on his hand idly traced one of the many wedding gifts he'd received, a magnificent shield carved of ironwood with a flawless silver trim.
What drew her attention was the shield's crest: a white ironwood tree stationed on a black field, embellished with a black sword pointed downwards.
To call it anything less than a masterwork would have been an insult.
"I wasn't aware the Forresters were in attendance."
Anyone who was anyone knew that sigil.
"It pays to have friends in many places, both high and low." Naruto hummed, tearing off a great haunch of meat for himself. "As I recall, their eldest daughter, Mira, is a handmaiden to your granddaughter. I'd very much like to see her again. Perhaps that opportunity will present itself before I leave King's Landing."
"Again?"
Those ice-blue orbs became glaciers.
"Have you heard the tale of the Whitehills of Highpoint?" he inquired quietly.
"I can't say I'm terribly familiar with the lot." Olenna shrugged. "Why don't you tell me?
"Aye, the Whitehills. I didn't trust them. Best give Highpoint to someone else."
"You think them traitors?"
Naruto paused, favoring his cup. "I know they're traitors. They simply haven't acted out of fear."
"And I suppose you're going to tell me they're afraid of you." The Queen of Thorns sighed.
Those azure orbs gleamed brightly at her barbed reply.
"Its a recent tale, really...
The Queen of Thorns steeped her fingers, perhaps sensing said story.
"They were a noble house who's lived for many years." Naruto began, his eyes taking on a far away look. "Their lord, Ludd, was a greedy man who sought to advance beyond his station. Not that there's anything wrong with that mind you; ambition is a common theme when it comes to lords and ladies of Westeros." he cast a pointed look at Olenna. "One might even call it admirable. But Ludd reached too far. His greed knew no bound be it blade or battle. And in his avarice, he sought to take advantage of a time of war and unrest to destroy the Forresters, the ancient rivals of his house."
"I take it you took issue with that."
"I did!" the prince laughed aloud, sawing himself a piece of pigeon pie. "As luck would have it, the Forresters were hosting me at the time. Unknowingly of course." he favored her with a sly wink. "What can I say? Their history fascinated me. For thousands of years House Forrester have been loyal bannermen to House Stark. Now that's loyalty. In the darkest reaches of the Wolfswood they harvest the rare Ironwood trees. Did you know that its said to be nearly indestructible? I wanted to leave Dragonstone for a bit, get out, stretch my legs, ya know? To see their famed craft for myself. Spent nearly a year there and almost, almost got away with none the wiser. Oh, the tales I could tell you! Talia and I got up to all sorts of trouble. But that's a story for another day. I'll have to tell you about it sometime. Where was I...?"
Olenna rolled her eyes.
"You were trying to intimidate me, I believe. Unsuccessfully."
"Lady Olenna, you wound me!" Naruto feigned indignation, clutching at his heart. "I would never-
"Spare me your platitudes and get on with it."
"As you wish." he relented with a small sigh, taking up a goblet of wine. "To make a long story short-Ludd was an imbecile and eventually did something he shouldn't have. I happened to be there and took exception to his, well, let's call it conduct. Now, I won't spoil your meal by giving voice to his foul deeds, so I'll cut straight to the point. I killed him. Right there in the Forrester's hall." he made a swishing motion with his hand. "I'd realized I couldn't stay after that, so I set out for Dragonstone before morning. A fortnight later, my esteemed father finally took it upon himself to recognize me...now, here we are."
"If you expect me to believe you drove a sword through a lord's heart without consequence-
"Pitchfork, actually. the blond corrected her. "From behind. Nasty way to go."
"Is there a point to this ridiculous tale?"
"The point, my dear lady, is that its never wise to overreach oneself. Sometimes we must simply be satisfied with what we have." a pause followed the blond, as if to let the words sink in. "Once could accuse Mace Tyrell of the same, though it all worked out in the end. Your granddaughter still married royalty in the end. I daresay she got a better deal out of it, all things considered."
Olenna's laughter surprised him.
It burst out of her in sharp, short bark of amusement.
"Careful, now." she warned. "I like you, but there's only so much honor will tolerate."
"Honor?" the blond blinked, a spark of anger slipping through his carefully erected facade. "I admire the concept, yes. Until it gets you killed. Ned Stark was honorable. An honorable fool, and it cost him his head. No, my lady, I will do whatever it takes to preserve my house and my family. I may be a kind man, but I'm not a foolish one. I fight my enemies both on the battlefield as well as off, and I pluck them, root and stem. Be thankful I don't count your granddaughter among them. She's mine now, and I'll protect her with my life."
...and that's meant to reassure me, is it?" the elderly Tyrell glowered. "You could be little better than that pretentious child."
"It is," he retorted waspishly. "And I am. I don't betray those I hold dear."
Olenna considered him for a long, agonizing moment.
In the end, she sighed and rose from the table.
"Death betrays everyone, in the end."
With that, she departed in silence.
Her words soured his wine.
"You could say that...
The vision took Naruto while he was deep in his cups, nearly causing him to spit out the fine wine.
"Seven Hells!"
Naruto's corpse stood slowly, woodenly and without care. It shook itself like a wet dog, seemingly ignorant of the small array of crossbow bolts jutting from its back, of its missing arms, of the dead bodies at its feet. More than a few of them were Freys. But perhaps worst of all was that the corpse was moving. Speaking. Breathing-no. It wasn't a corpse at all. But it had to be! They'd shoved a sword through his heart! Stuck a full quiver of arrows in him, just as they had his wench! What sorcery was this?!
"I told you to chop off my head or I'd come back to haunt you." Naruto whispered. "But you...
When he looked up, those eyes weren't blue.
...you...
They were red and slitted.
..you...
The eyes of a cat-no, something worse.
...YOU...
Just the vicious slits of an angry beast, wild and enraged.
...YOU...
Bottomless.
...YOU...
The pits to hell.
"...you...you...YOU DIDN'T LISTEN YOU FUCKING IDIOT!" a pair of red dots blossomed on his forehead, fingers sharpening into claws! "YOU TOOK HER FROM ME! STOLE HER FROM ME!" His voice deepened, as though another were speaking with him, no, through him! "KILLED HER FROM ME!"
Despite his best efforts, Black Walder actually flinched back.
Those eyes! What were those eyes?!
"YOU'LL BURN FOR THIS!"
Reality reasserted itself with a rush of sound, leaving Naruto in a cold sweat.
Glimpses of the waking dream-or was it a vision?-haunted him still. Lingering, despite his best efforts to banish them. Flashes of sight and sound and pain lurked just out of sight, scraping against nerves rubbed raw by the experience. Inwardly he began to curse. Of course. If the voices weren't tormenting him it was the visions. This one had been clearer than most, crystalline in its clarity. He knew those were the Twins. He recognized them from his childhood. Black Walder had only grown uglier with age. In the end, it wasn't hard to put two and two together.
He'd seen a vision of his own death.
At Walder Frey's hands.
A betrayal.
White-knuckled, he laid the goblet down, absently aware that he'd fallen, of a stain on his doublet. He cared little for it. The wine tasted like ash in his mouth. Even now his mind was racing, struggling to decide what to do. His first instinct was to warn everyone; to tell Father all he'd seen, so that it might be avoided. That notion dashed itself against the cruel shore of reality. Who would believe him? If he started going on about visions and voices in his head everyone would dismiss them out of turn. Worse, they might call them the ravings of the madman and that was a scenario that would do more harm than good. And yet if he said nothing-did nothing...after what he'd seen just now...
Well, he'd put paid to whatever plans Walder Frey had for him and tear off his-
A hand laid itself across his chest.
"Look at you! You've gone white as a sheet."
Arianne's voice snapped Naruto out of his reverie and he jerked back with a start.
Flailing, he nearly struck out at her.
What?
When had she...?
In his frazzled state, he realized she'd gotten incredibly close to him. She must've snuck up on him when he wasn't looking; or mayhap he'd simply failed to notice her of his own accord. Regardless, he didn't think to push her way. He could feel her warm hands on his face now, like twin suns gently brushing upon his whiskered cheeks. Her forehead rested against his, her dark locks tickling his nose, breath hot on his face. Coming back to himself, Naruto was suddenly-intensely!-glad that he had moved away from the main body of the festivities. If somewhere were to pass by and see this...it wouldn't bode well.
"My Prince?" her voice oozed concern. It almost sounded genuine. Perhaps it was. Perhaps she did care. "Are you well?"
"No," he croaked, wearily forcing his aching body into an upright position. "But I will be...eventually."
Arianne's face brightened. "Good. Still...you seem distressed. Shall I ease your burden?"
Her smile turned decidedly impish.
That was his only warning.
Then her mouth was simply there; moist and warm against his as the princess flung both arms around his neck. Her body crushed into his own, pushing him into an alcove even as her tongue thrust upon his. Shielded as they were by the gardens, none saw them. None were made aware. None needed to be. There was only this moment and one another. Nimble fingertips shifted and clenched, clinging tightly to hardened shoulders to pull him down to her, dragging him deeper into the searing kiss.
In disbelief he took hold of her shoulders and pushed her away.
"Stop." he growled. "Seven hells, I just got married! Do you have any idea-
Eyes glazed, Arianne pushed back, driving him deeper into the dark.
"Rules, rules, rules!" she snapped at him when he tried to push her away again, nearly red-faced in her anger. "That is all I hear from you! Why is it that you insist on following them? You are the prince! Son of the king! It is you who should make the rules, not abide by them! Just let go! And who said anything about marriage?" the princess purred, her expression turning coy. "I'd be content as your mistress. Or have you forgotten we do not shun bastards in Dorne...?"
Hmm...now that was a rather tempting-NO!
A fist slammed into the wall, mere inches fro her face.
"Stop, or I'll make you."
"Then make me." she whispered, kissing him again.
Perhaps it was the anger.
Perhaps it stemmed from seeing her.
Perhaps he simply needed some relief from it all.
Whatever the case, a fit of passion seized Naruto and his body betrayed him before he could think to stop himself. He was tired of fighting. Of resisting. Of having her parade herself before him, poking him, prodding him, teasing him without remorse. Perhaps that was the way of the Dornish. To tease. To entice. To tempt. Arianne had accomplished this well during the brief time she'd spent here in King's Landing. All the while knowing he couldn't do anything about it, couldn't yield. Couldn't give in. Because that wouldn't be prim and proper. People would talk. It was quite possible she hadn't expected Naruto's response to her advances.
Fuck it.
Fuck the rules.
He was a prince, after all.
To Arianne's surprise, he gave in.
Rough hands tightened around her supple body with frightful intensity, one seizing her waist and another her rear, hauling the Martell closer with a startled gasp. Said gasp piqued into a pleased hum as he deepened the kiss, his tongue clashing with hers. He pushed a palm beneath her rear when she bared her chest to him, her breasts mashing against his doublet as parted her silken skirts with ease; hitching up her leg even as her lips parted on a moan. Indeed, Arianne's cries grew more and more frantic as she ground herself against him, quiet yet insistent in her need-
Then, to his disbelief, she stepped away, regarding him with rosy cheeks.
"As much as I wish to continue this, you risk being missed at your own wedding...
Blue eyes narrowed on her.
"No thanks to you, ya damn succubus."
"Ah, my prince! You say the kindest things-AH!"
The Song of the Stag snared her by the wrist.
Kissed her, forcefully, rough with anger.
Perhaps that was why she moaned.
"This is all your fault, you know."
"Sh." Arianne hushed him, pushing a finger against his lips. "Do not talk of such things. There will be time enough for that later. Today is a day for celebration! Come!"
Reluctantly, he allowed himself be led back to the feast.
A/N: Bad Arianne! Bad! No swooping in like that! Swooping is bad!
Yes, its implied that Naruto is familiar with the Forresters and the Whitehills. That's another story in and of itself, one I might write someday. Suffice it to say Ludd did not have a good day. No, that would be an understatement. He and his family had a VERY bad day to say the least. I won't speak more it here, but to say it'll be entertaining.
The final part of the Orange Wedding takes places in the next chapter.
The reasons for this are threeold.
(1) My health issues.
(2) The sheer LENGTH of that chapter.
(3) You all deserved an update. And a good one at that.
The whole Frey thing literally has to get its own, or everything will feel rushed. I wanted to at least get something out there, for everyone patiently awaiting this. Better than nothing, no? I tried to give everyone a good chance to shine this chapter, and I think it turned out remarkably well.
Needless to say, Walder Frey is going to rue the day he was born.
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review, Would You Kindly?
(Preview(s)
Walder Frey spread his arms wide.
"Welcome, welcome!"
"Have you taken leave of your senses?!"
"Never really had them to begin with, so...
Tyrion quietly sighed.
"Indeed, our Prince is rather reckless."
"That reminds me! When's your wedding? Shae needs a present."
"Urk." the dwarf managed eloquently.
"They're growing quickly."
He trailed a hand over Viserion's hide, the scalebound flesh rippling with movement. The dragon trilled happily, rubbing its large head against his chest. The prince grunted and stumbled back, momentarily surprised by its strength. To be so young, and so large already...these dragons were going to be monsters when they grew older. And if they laid eggs, eggs that subsequently hatched...well, that went without saying. The Baratheons had the means to forge an everlasting dynasty, if they played their cards right. Indeed, it might even lead to a return of the great beasts themselves...
Just the thought made him shiver with delight.
"You could ride him, if you like." Daenerys offered.
Naruto stiffened.
"I'll...pass."
Daenerys favored him with an impish smile.
"Afraid of heights?"
"Seven hells, man! Just bed the woman!"
"Death to traitors!
R&R! =D
