Chapter 21

In a different wing of the keep, King Robert was walking idly in the hallways. People were going back and forth, bowing at him. But Robert was barely seeing him, lost in his own laxity. The boredom he felt was the same as every day of his life. Not that he didn't have anything to do. No, not at all! Plenty of serious affairs we waiting to be arranged by him. Ruling this whole kingdom was a hell of s job: the finances, the defense of the city, the reports from the other regions of the realm and many, many others. Not to mention the audiences with all sort of people, like peasants, mercenaries and minor lords and ladies.

But he knew very well that he was even more bored to even think about all these, never mind to deal with. Isn't this why he had hired all these people? To do the job that he is not willing to do! And he had to admit that they were doing a really good job. Especially Jon, his Hand. He never regret choosing him. He might was a little pushy sometimes with his advice and his preachings every time he desperately tried to make him show some interest about the governing his kingdom. But well, this is the price a king needs to pay when he appoints his best friend and mentor as his hand.

That day though, it was different. Every other day he was bored and unwilling to do anything, feeling that everything is meaningless. It would be an ingratitude to say this about that day. The Gods, offered him the most precious gift, and he knew very well that he probably didn't deserve it,

his sister back! Since the previous day, he kept having the desire to pinch himself, just to make sure it wasn't a dream. Because, it wouldn't be the first time that he had such a nice dream and then he would wake up alone and disappointed. This time the dream came true, as much as it sounded to good to be true.

His feelings were sort of mixed. No doubt, he was happy. It was so long since the last time he felt happy, he couldn't even recall. From the other hand, having no idea about where Xelia was and she was doing all these years of her absence, made him guilty. First of all, he never stopped considering his self responsible for her leaving in the first place. Yes, he might have been away at the time but he must have seen that coming. But mostly, he felt guilty because he believed that he hadn't tried enough to find her. Maybe he made some efforts at first, that didn't bring in much result, but after the war broke out, every attempt to find his sister was abandoned. All that it had been left was the hope for her to safe and well. And as much he knew that his sister was tough, it wasn't easy not to think that she might had been hurt; she was just a young girl who had never left her home alone before anyway.

Why bother troubling himself with those negative feelings, though? Everything was settled nicely after all! So, yes he was happy and that's what he kept. It's not that there were many reasons for him to be happy about after all. Little Xexe, who's not little anymore, is a grown woman, strong and healthy and a charming one indeed. Despite all the hardship she'd been through all these years, she managed to become a good and mature person. Full of stamina and positive energy. How much he wished he could say the same things about himself too! Unfortunately, he knew very well that there was nothing left from the man he used to be. Xelia could see that, and he sensed her own disappointment.

But it's not that he didn't try. He did, he tried so hard. At first. As much as he tried though, there was nothing that could fill this huge gap inside him. Some would say that he was ungrateful. The Gods had blessed him with so many goods, and never was satisfied by any of them. None of them knew however the hell he was been through. That's why it's been such a long since he stopped trying any more.

Could at least his sister understand? Hardy. She deprecated him for envying her life as a mercenary because he is wealthy, powerful and has a family of his own. Not that he could blame her anyway, she wasn't entirely wrong. It was futile to lie to himself, it wasn't the freedom or the adventures that Xelia had that he envied. Never, ever could he have that he envied. Not at this life at least. Xelia is pessimistic and she still keeps the hope that things will get better. This one hope that she makes her best to transfer to him. And honestly, he wanted to hope. He wanted it so much! But deep down, he knew very well that there is no hope for a hopeless case like him. How in Seven Hells did he managed to fail in everything? As a brother, as king, as husband, as a father...

All these dark thoughts...they come to his mind over and over again? Every single time, he feels worse than the last time. ''This is the right time for a drink.'' But before he could order the first servant that would come by to bring him a big jug of dornish red, it was his brother who drugged him away from the darkness of his thoughts. Walking rapidly, Renly saw him and came to his site grinning.

-I wasn't expecting to find you walking around at this time, brother!

-Maybe it wasn't a good idea…

-Is Your Grace going somewhere in particular?

-No, but I guess you are!

-Good guess! I'm heading to library.

-The library?

-Yes, you know? That big room, with many many selves and many many books…

-Haha! Is that supposed to be a joke? I know what a library is!

-Really now? Oh I shouldn't have underestimate you! Do you by any chance know where is it as well?

-What now? Do you think that I have never been there? That you're the smart one of the family? For your information, my little and smart-ass brother I've been there many times!

-Robert…

-Well if not many, then it was definitely a couple of times!

-Hmmm….

-Ugh, all right! It was one time when I crowned and I've been given a tour in the keep! Are you satisfied now?

-Haha! That's better now!

-You're such a pain in the ass sometimes, worse than when you were little! Anyway, why are you going to the library?

-But to study of course! You nominated me as the Master of Laws, so I ought to be prepared for the next meeting of the Small Council, which by the way is taking place soon enough! Have you seen Xexe, by the way? I would like to inform her about it.

-Yeah, she's in her chambers. She spent the whole morning training! You have no idea what happened-

-I surely have! I'm fully aware about the incident with Lannister. And it's not only me, the whole keep echoed that Lady Xelia not only had a duel with the Kingslayer, but she beat him as well!

-Damn! Our sister is not gonna like it.

-Well, maybe she shouldn't have done this…

-Bullshit! Of course she should; and its not her fault, it was the Kingslayer who challenged her! And it was also me who...well, encouraged her!

-You? Why would you do that, Robert? And why were you around in the first place?

-Hey, quit that tone of yours! I can be whenever I want, it's my keep for fucks sake! And Xelia was really upset after that for your information! So you'd better won't get all that bitchy to her if she mentions anything! Oh, and guess what! I gave her the gift after the duel had been over.

-What gift? Oh wait, do you mean the…

-Ah, yes! I just thought that it was the right time.

-I suppose it was. I bet she loved it!

-She did. It's just...I don't know, she acted off! She got emotional...a lot! Much more than normal! You know what I mean…

-Yes, I think I do. It was the same when we met for the first time two days ago. She couldn't stop crying and she kept asking me to forgive her! I was sure that her previous meeting with your wife had to do something with it.

-Hah, that would not be impossible at all! It's some kind of a talent of hers. She is a natural in making people loose their sanity.

-Okay, but Cersei wasn't anywhere around, was she?

-Who knows? Probably her dear brother is as talented as she is!

-Whatever! I'm afraid I'll have to leave you now, brother. The time has been by and I'd like to finish before the lunch. I'll see you later!

Meanwhile, Xelia was still kicking back on her balcony, refreshed and revitalized. The truth was that she wasn't used to just sit on her ass doing nothing all day long. ''I really need to find something to spent my time, or I'll get mad!'' What could she do in that place, though? What else did she enjoyed, except fighting? Reading! Of course! She loved books since she was little, even that little that she wasn't able to read yet. Just riffling them and looking at the pictures was enough for her. And of course she never missed asking her parents or her brothers to read something to her. Around the age of five, she could already read and write, so she didn't need anyone to do ti for her. Sh just went to the library, grabbed any book she saw and took it in her room. Even she couldn't always fully understand what she was reading, she never quit until she finished it.

-My Lady, is there something else I could fro you?

-Actually yes, there is! There is a library here, right?

-Of course! The library of the Red Keep is one of the biggest and the most important in the Seven Kingdoms! There are plenty of books of varied subject matter, like history, healing, legislation and many others. Not to mention the many rare manuscripts!

-Wow, sounds wonderful! So you think that I could get something to read from there, couldn't I?

-Yes, I don't see why not! Should I get a guard to show you the way?

-That would be nice. And you're also dismissed, I don't think I'll need you anything else.

-Oh, thank you Lady Xelia! The truth is that I would have asked you this, anyway. See, I need to go and serve Her Grace this afternoon!

''Serve and give your report, of course!'' For another time, Xelia held her tongue and she just nodded consensually. Tyta went out of the door seeking for a guard and Xelia found her self to be impatient about getting to this library, the girls description had sparked her interest. It didn't matter that she hadn't decide what exactly she wanted to read, she was sure that she would definitely find something really good.

The fact that the library located to the other site of the keep and it needed more than half an hour to get there, didn't really help her impatience. But when she finally and opened the heavy oaken door, she admitted that it totally worth it.

First of all, the place was huge. The selves were keep going beyond her eyesight. The hall was separated in individual sections, accordingly to the subject, as Xelia correctly assumed. And suddenly, she felt completely lost! How on Seven Hells was she supposed to make head or tail in this rambling book-shuffle? Asking the maester who was sitting in the front desk to induct her, was proved to be a brilliant idea.

Maester Hendry as his name was, was really helpful and willing to serve. At first, Xelia asked if there was anything about the old tongue, that was spoken by the First Men and it is still being used by some wildlings beyond the wall. Unfortunately, as Μaester Hendry said there was no such book as a dictionary of the old tongue, but he found a book about the Free Folks' culture that included some words and expressions. Answering to Xelia's question he said that there was no problem at all to take the book in her chambers and he added in a stern tone that she ought to be extra careful with it and make sure no harm would be caused.

Honestly, Xelia expected that he place would be, if not crowded, at least busy. On the contrary, she saw no one but some measters and a couple of other people around the selves. ''Who's having time to spend in reading nowadays?'' It was pretty sad, though.

The reading hall, was separated by the main place with a couple of stairs that leaded to a lower level of the room. That's were she saw Renly sitting in desk covered with books and papers. Happy to see him, she waved at him fro a far, since she didn't mean to disturb him from working by sitting with him. Her brother though, beckoned her to come and by him. And of course, Xelia didn't miss the chance to spend some time with him.

-Gods, Renly! Were you always that studious? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I can clearly remember chasing you in the whole castle in order to get you to your lessons.

-No, you're not wrong! But it's not that I have much of a choice! I want to be fully prepared for the next Small Council. See, there are some of the other members won't loose the chance to bash on me if they even sense that I have the slightest omission.

-So, I guess that same applies to me right?

-Nah, not that much. You just have to translate the letters that are coming from across the Narrow Sea. Unfortunately, being a Master of Laws is much more complicated.

-In any case, you should be nervous, you're trying hard for this and I'm sure that your toil will be rewarded. Besides, you have nothing to be afraid when your sister is by your side! Let someone say anything bad about you and I'll-

-What? You better not do something stupid-

-Renly! Take it easy, I'm just messing with you!

-I guess you're right, I should stop being that nervous. Anyway, how was your day?

-You know, the...uh, usual.

-Oh really, that's what you usually do?

-Are you implying anything?

-Why would I? Is there any specific reason to question you?

-Renly, if you want to say something, just spit out!

-Me? No. What about you though? Don't you've got something to share with your dear brother?

-Are you mocking your sister, little chimp?

-No, no, no! Xelia, you're not doing this! You're not to call me like this in public! Like, never again! All right?

-Oh, what know? Did the little Master of Laws got offended? Come now, the place is uncrowded. And by the way, I'll call as I'm pleased!

-Xelia don't! It's not funny, all right!

-Of course it is! If you saw your face in a mirror, you'd laugh to! Chimpie pans are always funny.

-Enough already! Can't you see that people started watching us?

-Well, yes I can see that. But sweety, that's because your face turned red and you vociferate! Exactly like a-

-Shhh! Hush now, say no more! Can't you see? Joffery is here and he's coming straight to us!

Renly was telling the truth, although Xelia believed that he was lying in order to pull through the mocking. But when she turned her head, she saw her nephew standing next to their desk. It seemed that Renly really pulled it through. For now.

-Hello aunt Xelia, uncle Renly! You don't mind if I join you, do you?

-Of course not, dear. Come take a seat!

Xelia pulled a chair for him and Joffrey sat down. The boy was holding a book under his armpit. Most of young boys, despise reading books and they prefer arrows and swords. But, as Xelia thought, Joffrey wouldn't be one of them. ''That's a good thing''

-Well Joff, what did you do this morning?

-Oh me? I was...I had...lessons! Yes I had lessons all morning and now I came to get a book to study ...further!

-This is great of you, but you look flushed and you're punting too. Were you running or something?

-No! I mean...yes, actually I did! I was...competing Myrcella and…

-Did you win the competition?

-Of course I did?

-Are you sure?

-What? Yes!

-Wasn't ti more like a...tie?

-Renly! Leave the boy alone! It doesn't matter if it was a tie or a victory for Joffrey! That what matters in these races is having fun and not winning. Am I right, Joffrey?

-What? This is… I mean, I don't know, I guess you are…

-Anyway, how come you're alone? Where is Sandor?

-He is waiting for me outside. It seems that books make him sick!

-Huh, tell me about it!

-I bet he can't even read!

-Oh yes he can! It's just that he's not a...fun!

-I couldn't blame him! Hey by the way, have any of you saw Jon Arryn? There's an ambiguity in this law and I hope he could give me some clarification.

-I haven't!

-Neither do I! I only saw him yesterday at the dinner. He said that he is going to invite me for dinner one of those days. And that his son is being sick for days, poor thing!

-That little snot was born sick!

-Joffrey, that wasn't nice! How could you say those things about the poor boy? Being sickly is not anyone's fault! I don't want to here you mocking Lord Arryn's son, that what you have to do, that we all have to do, is to show compassion. Not only to little Robin but to everyone who is week.

-But...but it's not only me who says this, everyone does!

-Who's everyone? And by the way you're not just ''everyone''! You're the crown prince, you need to set a good example!

-Yes, but he's not just sickly! He's a spoiled little brat that is scared about everything and cries all the time! And he runs for his momma so he can suck her tits, as if she a cow!

-Mind the way you speak, Joffrey! Those expressions of yours are just horrible! And I'm sure that the whole...breastfeeding story is an exaggeration.

-No, it's the truth and-

-Hey, your aunt is right, those are very bad words! But about the other thing...I'm afraid that our nephew is the right!

-What! Are you guys kidding? How's that possible? Isn't the boy like…five years old?

-Yes, it seems that Lady Lysa never stopped breastfeeding him. And the boy, doesn't seem to enjoy eating much other food.

-Oh come on, Renly, it's ridiculous! I mean, it's okay to breastfeed a baby until his first name day but when they're five? And you say that he barely eats anything else? Huh, I bet that that's why he's sickly all time!

-That's what Maester Ballabar says. And mother agrees with him.

-This is so, so disturbing! Wait! Does she also do it in public? Gods, I hope she wont show her...you know, while I'll be having diner there!

-I wouldn't hold on to much hope if I were you, sister…

-Oh, come on!

-You could decline the invitation!

-No, I can't do that, Joff! I said that I would go and I can't take it back now! Even if I say that I'm busy, they will invite another day. I can't turn down every invitation I get!

-Anyway, I think I'll have to leave, I have to read!

The boy tapped the book with his finger and stood up. As he was leaving the desk, Xelia took a look at the title of the book he was holding and she felt her jaw dropping to the floor. What the fuck?

-I'm so curious to meet the measter who teaches him.

-What? Why?

-Are you kidding me? Didn't you see the book he is supposed to read? ''Tormenting methods that had being used through the history of the Seven Kingdoms''!

-And why do you think that the maester instructed him to read it?

-Who else? Why would he ever want to read such a hideous book?

-Don't you see that yet? The kid's mind is twisted?

-Renly, how could you say such thing? Joffery is your niece!

-And he's still malicious as fuck!

-Renly! And how come no one noticed?

-Xelia, everyone noticed and everyone is fully aware of that! You're just new here. That's all!

-And what do we do about him?

-Define ''we''.

-You know, his parents and us!

-No one is doing anything about it. An not only this, noone is doing anything about...everything. Get used to it Xexe, that's life her!

-Ugh!

For Jen: Ups, my bad! I got the impression that almond milk was mentioned in the books. But actually it was just milk. You are right! I promise I'll do a better research before I write something!