Prince Renly Baratheon
The Prince of Dragonstone found himself walking into his brother's healing chamber. Stannis laid motionless upon his bed, head pointed so that he might gaze out his window when awake, doubtlessly replaying within his mind the events that had befallen him.
He'd remained in such a shape for nearly two weeks now, perpetually falling in and out of consciousness. Renly had not allowed Pycelle the opportunity to provide care and so had instead saw that his own maester arrived from Dragonstone.
After his arrival Stannis' health had begun to see improvement, yet still his brother could only mumble words, and most often they made no sense.
"Night is dark. Full of terror."
Yet when asked about his assailant Stannis had only one thing to say in reply.
"Crooked nose."
Well that could be nearly anyone big brother.
So many men in the Capital could fit such a description that it was nearly impossible to search even the Red Keep.
As such there had been no progress in finding Stannis' assailant, and given the amount of time that had passed such a man would've surely fled the City.
Despite their lack of success, Renly was thankful the hired assassin had been a poor one. Stannis had taken a deep stab, but it might've been worse had his brother not been such a man.
While not built like Robert or himself, Stannis was powerful and more stubborn than Renly by half.
He refuses death, and it has not the will to call for him now.
Renly entered the room proper, but was not met with movement from his brother. Instead the Prince of Storm's End remained unto his slumber.
Yet commotion was not denied the room.
For out of the corner of his eye Lord Steffon's youngest son witnessed a shiny bald head ducking through a small side door, one that before now Renly had not seen.
Quickly was the scent of lilac upon the Prince's nose, and he knew at once whom had come.
But the Spider had not arrived without bearing gifts.
For behind this eunuch strode a most magnificent sight.
Beauty such the like this world has never seen...
This handsome man was adorned with lazy brown curls, and their ringlets fell over into his liquid gold eyes. Such a sight was not unknown to Renly, yet he'd not been expecting his Rose to return so soon.
"Loras!" he said half in shock.
In truth Renly was astonished that such a thing might've been done. It was well known that the Knight of Flowers held a place at the King's Court, but the guards had been instructed to allow no one in or out until after Davos and Ser Axell arrived.
As they neared each other Renly might've held his lover within open arms, such would've been a greatly needed embrace.
Yet the eunuch remained between them, and so they acted cordial. After gathering his excitement Renly spoke again.
"It's so good to see you Ser Loras. I'd feared you'd be gone far longer."
"The road was kind, and Highgarden had little to offer me on this trip."
Renly and Loras could've gone on for hours, and perhaps the Spider knew such for he said his part now.
"I'm so happy that I could reunite you two. I know it's been a struggle these last few weeks with Stannis being so ill, and especially hard on you Prince Renly, having to organize and search for his assailant."
"Thank you Lord Varys, you've indeed done me a favor. I had it on good authority though that the castle was to be shut down for entrance or exit."
Instead of the Spider responding to such a comment it was Loras who spoke jokingly.
"Are you not happy that I am here?"
Renly wanted to roll his eyes about his skull, Of course I'm happy to see you.
But how did Varys smuggle you in? There must be some secret passages I'm not privy too.
"Ohh yes, My apologies Prince Renly. I know such things can be a bit sensitive, especially right now. Yet I thought a friend such as Ser Loras to be a welcome guest, and I simply couldn't stand to see him held up at the Gate."
Varys was beginning to overstay his welcome. Renly held no animosity towards the eunuch, and had even thanked him for escorting Stannis from the predicament he'd found himself in the Throne Room near two weeks ago.
Renly sighed, and responded to the Master of Whispers.
"That is understandable, and I'm glad you took it upon yourself to see him admitted."
"It was my pleasure Prince Renly."
With that the Eunuch spun on his heels and retreated from the room in a different manner than he had entered. The guards he passed seemed amazed at his presence, and so gawked at the eunuch as he strode forth between them.
The Prince of Dragonstone had only stares in response, but Loras approached the oaken door and closed it to the outside world.
"What are you staring at? The eunuch? He doesn't seem much your type."
"Shut up" They both smiled after that.
"It's good to see you Loras. I really hadn't figured your return would be so swift."
Loras seemed a bit down at such a suggestion. Yet he smiled with his eyes before responding.
"Well truth be told what I rode to Highgarden for ended up not mattering so much. And besides, from the looks of it I'm needed here instead."
"You have the truth of it most certainly."
"Then tell me what has happened? Why was I almost denied entry? And why was it the eunuch who smuggled me in? Why does Stannis lay in bed?"
The Knight of Flowers strode over to the Prince of Storm's End's side, and looked him over twice. He must've noticed the wound's severity, and to make from commenting on it instead jested regarding Stannis positioning.
"I don't think I've ever seen Stannis laid down."
Renly was confused, he'd sent a letter to House Tyrell asking for Loras' return, but that wouldn't have been long ago enough for the Knight of Flowers to have resumed his presence in the Capital. Word would've only reached them a week ago, and the North bound Raven would've only just reached Winterfell.
"So you did not receive the Raven I sent?"
Loras shook his head.
"Then I am to blame for the Eunuch's dealings. I had no idea you'd returned, and not expected such a thing for a fortnight to come, yet it does please me that you've returned."
Upon his former squires face grew a big bright smile.
"I've always aimed to please you."
Anywhere but here. They certainly couldn't do everything they wanted with Stannis in the room. Regardless of whether he was conscious or not.
"Stannis became enraged to learn the truth of our elder brothers debts, and so saw fit to confront Lord Baelish upon such a matter. It might've ended rather poorly for all involved had Varys not smuggled Stannis from the room."
"So what then? Did he take a wound during the confrontation?"
"No, that came later in the night. We'd been speaking upon a confidential matter when all at once the Rookery went alight. We fled the tower so that we might provide aid, but Stannis dashed as if possessed by the Warrior, and I lost sight of him for a moment. Yet in that time a crooked nosed man managed to stab Stannis."
"I found him in a pool of blood with Raven's cawing everywhere within earshot."
Loras was a bit slower with rendering information, but he did eventually piece everything together. His eyes were not just beautiful, but intelligent, and despite the categorization as a dull brute, Loras was indeed a smart man.
"An assailant with a crooked nose. Might be anyone, but I think you've missed the point. If Lord Varys spoke true that Baelish controls the City Watch, it should be his treason that we attend to."
"Until Davos arrives from Storm's End with his levy there isn't much we can do. My guards can only do so much, good men that they are."
"Very well. When shall they arrive? I know Varys said the Keep is to remain on lock down till..."
"They are scheduled to arrive in the City today."
"Oh. Well that seems convenient."
"Indeed, but so was your arrival. You've yet to tell me what business was required of you."
Loras' big golden brown eyes looked elsewhere as if he meant not to have this conversation, yet Renly was persistent. So finally they did speak on the matter.
"My grandmother has big ambitions for our family Renly. You kno... It's jus..."
"Aww come on now Loras, what ever it is we will work through this. The Queen of Thorns has set trouble at your feet, so be it. You help me with my problems, I help you with yours."
Renly offered a smile at his lover, but it went unrequited. Loras was stern and stoic with his next few words.
"Our meeting in Highgarden was regarding the arrangements of House Tyrell."
Loras so often spoke as if he was not a member, especially as a third son with no land to inherit. Perhaps he might've struggled with such a truth alone, but Renly had known such a position, and he was a Lord.
He'd forever host his dear Rose at Dragonstone if such an arrangement could be made.
"What of it? Anything worth listening too?"
"A lot of plotting. Lady Olenna means to see weddings, and soon at that."
"Whose?"
"Not Garlan, she doted on him for his matchmaking."
"Always thought Lady Leonette was quite the sight."
Loras hated when Renly had eyes for others, but all the Prince of Dragonstone had meant was the compliment. No lust or envy was due, and Renly indeed only had eyes for his rose. When that flower began to wilt Renly found himself prompted to raise it once more.
"Yet she's not half so lovely as you. I'd still know of these arrangement's you speak of though."
"My grandmother means to have Willas betrothed to the Stark girl if at all possible."
"Such will be impossible, Robert meant for the girl to wed Joffrey. May the seven bless and protect her."
"Well, if that option's not available she means to seek the hand of Myrcella or Shireen for my eldest brother."
"Both my nieces are too young for Willas. He's what now twenty and four?"
"Indeed, but that doesn't matter. He's not like to find himself in a brothel, nor abed with another woman anyway. He's waited this long, and grandmother didn't seem to mind waiting a little longer."
"If that's what he wants so be it. I don't think anyone would bat an eye at him marrying either of my Nieces. Though I think Robert has plans for Myrcella, or at least his dear Jon Arryn did. Shireen will be open though, but I fear Stannis will have her become Lady of Storm's End."
"Instead of you? Why would he do such a thing?"
"No need to be offended. Stannis only meant for me to retain Dragonstone should he pass. I pray we don't have to argue over such necessities, and I'll gladly have his little girl take the Keep if it means honoring my brother's last wish."
Stannis must've heard from his slumber, for he groaned long and deep. Renly came to his side, yet the Second son of Lord Steffon did not wake.
"That's not all though. I mean about Willas it is. He is my father's heir and has refused to seek love for too long."
"Perhaps, but it's not love that he will be swearing vows to. He might live his life without ever knowing such a thing."
Loras smiled, but it seemed sadly written upon his face.
"Indeed."
Renly found that he was tired of this cowedness from his lover. He would know what unsettled his Rose's mind once and for all.
"Well then, whom did she have in mind for you?"
The Knight of Flowers seemed aghast with such a question, even blushing. Loras would never seek another's bed.
"I'm... Well..."
Dragonstone's Prince pulled his lover into open arms and kissed him to settle unjust nerves.
"Better?"
This time Loras smile was legit.
"Yes. My grandmother means to offer me to Arianne Martell..."
Renly couldn't help but laugh before his lover finished speaking. Such a suggestion sounded more like a jape than a true plot. The Tyrell's hate the Martell's. Such was known from Sunspear to Castle Black.
"It's not really funny Renly."
"Yes it is. Of all the suggestion's she could make. From every match she might've made, your Grandmother, the Queen of Thorns, chose such a solution. I know we've hated this family for generations, but lets marry the most beautiful man in the world to a dull olive skinned girl."
Loras was still appreciating the compliment, and so might've not replied. Instead Renly continued.
"I cannot see such happening, regardless of the reasoning. You'll not be forced to marry, that I promise you Loras."
The Prince of Dragonstone gripped his best friend,
"You will always have a place at my court."
His Rose seemed elated and dejected with such a statement.
"I'll not abandon my family, but I don't want to marry. It's like you said, what is marriage without love?"
"Well, I shouldn't know. But I would say that if you find yourself in bed with someone other than me, make quick work of it."
Now it was Loras turn to laugh,
"I should say the same to you. Olenna means to have you really join our family!"
Renly knew what that meant. Yet he couldn't help but question anyway.
"Your sister and I? Would she even submit to such a match? Surely there are bet..."
"There is no one better. Not a person in this world might treat her kinder than you, and of course you're worthy of her. Renly, you are the Prince of Dragonstone and by my count fourth in line to the Iron Throne."
"It's not that simple."
"It really is."
"But she is your sister. Don't you think that..."
"Willas mentioned that if you wed Marge then no one would question my frequenting your keep."
Again the Knight of Flowers smiled. Renly had but one question he meant to lovingly ask.
"Wait a minute, which of us is against this arrangement?"
"Both of us. I don't want anyone but you."
"And I you."
They stared deep into each others eyes now, and so it was that they began to come together.
Yet before their lips had a chance to meet, a groggy voice spoke up.
"Not in here please."
Stannis! Renly moved to face his elder brother.
The sickly Baratheon had lost near ten pounds since his injury, and looked as close to death as he'd once been at Storm's End. Yet he refuses to die.
And instead forbids me my love. Renly would've laughed at the irony had such a situation allowed for it.
What he did instead was grip his brother's dangling arm.
"Where is Davos?"
"Your Onion Knight has not yet arrived, but he shall come before sundown."
Stannis seemed to settle upon such an arrangement, and he leaned once more back into his pillow.
"You get some rest big brother. We will take this somewhere else."
The Prince of Storm's End spoke no further, and so returned to his sleep.
Renly made motion for their exit, and so Loras followed suite.
Not long had they been gone when word came that a force meant to enter the Red Keep, so it was that Loras and Renly took break from one another's private embrace and engaged with their arriving reinforcements.
Not so long ago Renly had his castellan ship near two hundred men into the capital, yet Ser Davos had arrived with a force over twice their number. Indeed the Onion Knight had followed orders.
Lord Steffon's youngest son now strode forth to make such an acquaintance. They'd met a hand full of times in the near twenty years since Ser Davos had saved Storm's End, but never before without Stannis present.
"Ser Davos, I'm very pleased that you've finally arrived."
A man with sharp ears and in heavy steel strode forth,
And it was his voice that responded to the Prince.
"Apologies my Prince, we might've come sooner had Ser Davos quickened our pace on the rode."
Renly observed as the Onion Knight's face became that of a man who'd clearly become tired of this knight's shit.
"I'm sure that Ser Davos did all that could be done Ser Axell" Loras felt compelled to respond.
This could be dangerous. It was known to Renly that the Tyrell's and Florent's had no love for one another, particularly in this day of age.
I'll have to diffuse this now or we might have another war in the capital.
"Regardless, we are all here now. That is what matters. Stannis is stable..."
"So Our Prince still draws breath?"
The Lord of Dragonstone could only grimace as the words finished exiting the man's double chinned mouth.
"A Prince stands before you Ser Axell. But You've not the eyesight to see it with your great nose and close set eyes."
They might've drawn steel had Ser Davos not spoken up.
"If Stannis were out here he'd tell you that dueling between civilians is called murder in the Capital."
Both men stepped down just a bit, though it was indeed enough for Renly to see the matter abandoned.
"My brother should be unconscious for a while yet, he needs his rest, but you may visit his chambers should it do you good. I have more pressing matters to discuss should you be willing though."
"Have you captured Prince Stannis' assailant yet?"
"Do you know how to keep your mouth shut?"
Again hostility.
"Both of you will remain quiet. And if you'll not act like anointed knights then I'll petition Robert to see your titles stripped."
Each man became eerily silent after such a statement.
"We are searching Ser Axell, we've had the Keep on lock down but no one has been captured yet. Though now that there is sufficient force about the castle we should have little trouble."
"You mean that all these men we've passed haven't proved sufficient? Have the Goldcloaks fallen so much in quality after all these years?" Ser Davos rose in question.
"It's not their quality Onion Knight, but instead their loyalty" Loras added, For some reason he looked down upon the common born Davos.
Yet Renly would never forget being handed an onion after eating nothing for nigh on two days.
To him Davos would always be a hero.
"Petyr Baelish controls the City Watch, he's bought and paid for their Commander Ser Janos Slynt."
"Then we must find our own man in the Watch. One whose loyalty might be to you Prince Renly."
The Prince of Dragonstone felt his eyes raise as clarity came too him.
"Such quality about your ideas give reason for why Stannis keeps you around Ser Davos. Once more I find myself indebted to you."
"Don't mention it My Prince. Your brothers made me what I am, and so I shall defend House Baratheon with all that I have."
After such a conversation the four men split, for Davos and Axell made way to Stannis bedside. Whilst Renly and Ser Loras made their way to a different place. Indeed now that the Onion Knight had arrived, men with appropriate credentials might be allowed in or out of the Red Keep.
They made from the Targaryen fortress, and instead worked their way to the Street of Steel.
Loras was dragging behind the entirety of their way, unsure as to where they were heading, but still he labored with his Stag. Finally they came upon the shop Renly had intended.
From outside words could be heard.
"Do you mean to deny me service?"
"I say that no more of my swords shall you burn. Not until I receive payment for them at least."
"You know that I burn them to honor my god. Would you draw the Lord of Light's ire?"
"Fuck the Lord of Light. There are greater gods than you're R'hllor, in Qohor this we know."
"Regardless of your blasphemy, I find the steel you make to be of top notch quality. And so I would have some for my usage."
"I'll not sell another sword to you on credit. Would that you not burn them perhaps I might rethink, but as it is you've not even the ability to display my steel's quality!"
Renly decided this was when he should burst in.
"Don't worry about coin. I'll make sure that it arrives at your doorstep. Have no worry Thoros, your next fifty swords shall be on me."
The Red Priest gave a theatrical bow before his King's brother. At his side stood the master at arms Ser Aron Santagar.
Evidently he'd been dragged down to a brothel before the castle had been locked up.
Loras liked neither of these men, for he held distaste in Thoros drinking habits and despised the Dornishmen for his sleazy ways.
Regardless, Renly needed these men.
"May the Lord of Light cast his gaze lovingly upon you My Prince!"
"Yet what brings you here Prince Renly? It can't have been the fresh air."
Thoros bellowed, and so in response Renly chuckled in hopes of winning his favor.
"I've only one thing I seek, and that should be the two of you. I'd have you dine with me tonight. A leal gathering if you will, and a return to the Keep for those who found themselves locked out."
"Well, no one's ever accused me of missing a feast. I'd be happy to grace your supper Prince Renly."
The Dornishmen also agreed to such an arrangement, stating simply that he was happy to see a return to the Keep. Yet Renly heard little of what he said, for in place of using his ears, the Prince's gaze took over all senses.
Near to the back of this Qohorik's forge was a man striking steel with a hammer. This smith stood near so tall as Renly, and seemed almost a plain copy. Spit might've shined this one so that he was more muscular, but the youth had big blue eyes and thick coal black hair.
This one does not look so much like me, but...
He looks like Robert did.
Renly had known the boy Edric, and aside from the great Florent ears, this one was undoubtedly their King's offspring.
There is no part of him that looks like Joffrey, Tommen or Myrcella.
Only Cassie.
Loras stared in disbelief as well, but he couldn't have known what Robert's children should look like.
It was more likely he was gawking lustfully.
Renly might've felt cheated on had he not so blatantly gazed at the man. So many questions did the Prince have, but now was not the time.
We still have so much to do.
A task for another time, he finally decided before bidding his farewell to the Smith's forge.
They returned thusly to the Red Keep, all the while Loras asked what they were doing. Yet Renly meant to have him unaware of the manner of his doings until such a time as they came to fruition.
But the Rose finally did show it's thorns and threatened to take no further step until he was justly told Renly's intentions.
However, the Prince of Dragonstone had his ways of getting around his stubborn Rose.
"Oh Loras, where is your sense of adventure? Have you so little trust in me that you should hesitate to walk where I do?"
"I shall follow you to the ends of our earth if needs be, but I..."
"That's all I needed to hear."
With that Renly had solidified Loras' company, and so they marched into the Red Keep. The Prince of Dragonstone had a specific company that he meant to seek right now, and so he found Lord Paxter Redwyne's two sons working together in the practice yard.
Neither was half so skilled as Loras, but perhaps one day they might be great soldiers. Yet one was to be Lord whilst the other would be his heir, such a strange thing it was to be a twin.
Only minutes or seconds might've separated them, and with them being identical they might've been mistaken at birth. So much controversy might've begun from such an issue, but Renly prayed it did not come to that.
Especially not here and now. For Renly could really use the extra eyes and ears. They spoke quickly enough, and Loras was cordial towards his first cousins. So indeed by the end of their discussion Horas and Hobber had agreed to take up Renly's station.
They'd make valuable allies, and in a pinch their father's ships could come in handy. He'd learned about the Redwyne fleet's power long ago.
Indeed they also agreed to join Renly for the dinner party he'd been planning tonight, yet they knew about so much as Loras regarding such an affair.
Next up the Prince of Dragonstone dragged his lover to the White Sword Tower.
Together they strode up to the four storied structure. Such a thing stood a pale shadow casting over the Blackwater below. The winding steps were a bit much, but still not worse than his climb might've been had Robert really named him Hand.
It would've been a true honor, Renly was beloved by the people and could play politics like no other member of House Baratheon.
The Prince of Dragonstone was everything Robert could not be.
Yet it was not his position to be given. So much as Renly wanted that coveted title, there were more deserving men about Robert's realm. Lord Stark who he'd ridden North to collect had been Robert's eldest friend. Lord Tywin Lannister was debatable as the greatest ruler in the history of Westeros, and had served for twenty prosperous years as Hand.
But even those men where undeserving in this circumstance.
The man who should've been made Hand laid half dying upon a bed in the castle proper.
As he approached the final step Renly reflected upon how he'd once thought of joining the Kingsguard. As the third son of a Major Lord there would've been a good chance, and he'd always wanted to be a great knight, yet he'd never received the all inclusive training that Robert had, nor even that which Stannis endured.
Men always said Renly looked the part of a warrior. So tall as Robert, and more even than Stannis. People loved him for the further great looks that had been bestowed upon Renly, and his voice was fair to such an extent that singers would quiet their own tones. He was strong and a skilled hunter, but not the physical brute his eldest brother had become, nor the brilliant military strategist Stannis was to be.
Indeed Lord Steffon's third son had never faced their father's training regiment, and Robert had even once said that Renly was coddled where Stannis and he had been beaten.
Yet Renly could not even remember their father's face, and hardly enough of their mother remained to him.
Stannis had raised Renly, so any shortcomings he might've had as a warrior were faults of his elder brother.
But Stannis had done more than his share regardless, he'd given Renly food when he was hungry, provided family where none others could or would, and been a genuine friend to the young boy more so than anyone save the Knight of Flowers.
For that he would always love Stannis.
There had been another knight though, one whom was definitely a worthy warrior to the Kingsguard, and it had been for Renly that such a man had been squired. Loras was everything that might be sung about in songs, beautiful, skilled, and highborn.
It would be all for not though, as Loras would not join the Kingsguard save to watch over Renly even closer. There were now plans that would prevent even that though, for the Queen of Thorns almost always got that which she desired.
Neither of them would Join the Kingsguard, Renly decided.
After entering through a large oak door the couple found three sworn brothers sat about a Round Room, which was their common area.
Towards the left was old Prince Lewyn Martell, his tired brown eyes shined to life when he saw the Prince and Knight of Flowers though. It seemed old age had not robbed him of the fiery passion of his youth, and his Dornish flame held heat for House Tyrell.
Loras avoided his gaze so as to not provoke conflict here and now, but the Dornishmen did not offer such a generous compromise.
Yet he did not speak, for instead Ser Arys Oakheart approached. The knight of Old Oak was not so tall as Renly, but about equal to Loras. He was handsome, but not quite beautiful. His looks seemed that of a lesser Loras to be honest.
"My Prince. Ser Loras it is good to see you again! How was your trip home?"
"Fair Ser Arys. Yet a matter for another time."
"What matters of import do you have?" Arys spoke to Loras, but he meant the question for Renly and so it was the Prince of Dragonstone who spoke.
"Ser Davos the Onion Knight has arrived with reinforcements to garrison this castle. You've no more need to take turns guarding Prince Stannis."
Sad Pale Blue eyes looked up from a massive book placed upon a large weirwood table. After granting a chuckle, The greatest knight within the realm spoke.
"Prince Renly, it is our sworn duty to guard the royal family. Our only other goal was to be in search of Stannis' assailant, and we've little else to do right now whilst our sworn brothers are off guarding the King."
"Very well Ser Barristan. You are wise even beyond your years, Stannis has protection for now though. Instead of him, I'd have you guard me tonight."
"Plan on getting into trouble?" Ser Arys asked jokingly.
"Possibly. I've invited several guests to a dinner tonight, and with it I mean to root out whom might know something of my brothers attack."
Lewyn Martell stirred within his chair, quite obviously intrigued.
"What could you mean to do? Is it chaos that you would have in the Capital?"
"Not chaos my good man, in it's place I seek order. Yet first I must know who is bought and who is not. Baelish controls the flow of money within our fair city, and as such likely holds control of all the Goldcloaks. Now I know the Kingsguard shall remain by my side, yet there are other men about the court with dubious loyalty."
"So you mean to gather us all for a dinner then, and there you should incite conflict?"
"You are truly the sharpest blade known to our city Ser Barristan. Loras has wandered this place with me all day and not pieced together such a plot. Indeed, I've invited the members of our small council, the commanders of the City Watch, my brother's leal white cloaks, and various members of the Royal court for a feast. None have as yet denied, nor would it be sightly for them to do such. The Spider will leave from his web, and even the Mockingbird shall abandon his brothels for a time."
"Would you have anyone die tonight?"
"No Prince Lewyn, I would not. I'm critical of loyalty, not hunting for convictions. I'll see my brothers assailant hang for what he's done, not die in a ill conceived slaughter. Clear suspicion point's to Baelish hiring the assassin, yet I'm unconvinced."
Loras spoke in outrage.
"How could you be unsure? Stannis meant to do him harm and as you've said these great knight's had to come forth in his defense. Else wise there would've been blood spilled in the Throne room."
"It's not a perfect conclusion, but think about it. Would Petyr Baelish, a man whose rose from nothing to becoming Master of Coin, really try a blatant assassination attempt on the same day he was openly threatened by Stannis? Such a thing would be ill conceived, and quite hotheaded for a man who has manipulated everything to get where he wants to be."
"Sounds like you almost admire him."
"Ser Loras, of course I admire the cunning about Littlefinger. Were that more men thought like him, Robert might've conquered Essos if they'd be loyal thinkers. Yet Baelish is dangerous, he commands the largest force about our capital, and without the King they shall have divided loyalty. That should be Petyr's downfall though. Men will take coin when given the chance, but they should always pick their lives when made to choose."
"What do you mean?"
"I am of a mind that we root out those who would be loyal to Petyr Baelish, and replace them with men who shall follow the lead of our King's Will. Ser Janos Slynt will be among those in attendance tonight, and he can no longer be allowed to command the City Watch, not after he openly endorsed the Mockingbird in favor of Stannis."
It was now Barristan the Bold's turn to ask a question.
"So what all do you intend for this evening?"
"That's quite simple Ser Barristan, I shall host a feast befitting our reopening the Red Keep. There should be drinking and many courses, I suspect words should also be exchanged. Wine shall run red, whilst hopefully no blood shall be shed. I've hardly the stomach for it's sight, but I shall speak with Petyr Baelish, reason with him if I can and negotiate with him if I must."
"Why would he bargain if he holds the greatest force?"
"Because he values his head, and if I told Robert that Lord Baelish was the one whom ordered Stannis' death, well then Robert would see him flung into the Blackwater without any due diligence."
The entirety of this Round Room went silent in contemplation, yet seemingly they had all fallen in line with his thinking. As such Renly saw fit to ask one final time if the Sworn Brothers would be at his dinner.
And indeed Lord Commander, Ser Barristan the Bold, ensured that the White Cloaks would fall into such a meeting with the pretense of dinning, whilst secretly guarding their Prince.
With that the Stag and Rose left their angled tower and returned to the Baratheon courtiers.
After spending an hour talking about incomprehensible ideas and long gone memories the two finally began to get ready for the dinner party. Loras wore a green tunic with gold lined throughout in a majestic weave that culminated at his collar in the form of a golden rose. Renly wore a blue flavor to the normal Baratheon green, so that it might bring about his smiling eyes, but also adorned it with two stag broaches.
Once they'd emerged from Renly's chamber the sun had begun to fade in the West. They began the long trip to the Keep's dinning hall and along such a journey they found Ser Davos Seaworth and his youngest son Steffon observing a performance of the court fool Moon Boy.
"Ser Davos have you prepared for the dinner party?" Loras sounded shocked when he spoke. It was an unfair question, as a son of Mace Tyrell, Lord Paramount to the second wealthiest Kingdom, Loras could afford, and was often times given for free, the nicest clothes available.
Yet Ser Davos was only a landed knight, And A War Hero, but a poor one nonetheless.
"Indeed I have Ser Loras, I'm but allowing my youngest boy the opportunity of watching a performance before I join the festivities."
The Onion Knight thinks himself unworthy of being in such noble company. Stannis had once told Renly of his friends low self esteem, yet the Prince would simply not allow such a man to feel unwelcome.
"My apologies Ser Davos, I've forgotten what a joy it is to behold our jester. Loras I hope you'll watch as well." The Knight of Flowers begrudgingly fell in.
Lord Seaworth had only viewed the performance so as to give his son a joyful experience whilst he calmed his nerves, but Ser Loras actually began to enjoy such a spectacle as the acrobatic jester performed several feats. Even granting a few giggles as the boy did his jokes.
Renly paid little mind right now though, for he needed to speak with his one time savior.
"Your sons name is Steffon?"
"My youngest boy is indeed."
"I am flattered that you would honor my father with such a naming. I've heard tell that you've an older boy named after my brother as well?"
"That's true talk. I named my sixth son Stannis to honor the man who gave him a chance at a decent living."
"So you've seven sons about you Ser Davos? The gods have certainly seen to your blessing."
"They've been kind, and I am thankful."
"Indeed. You saved us at Storm's End. We'd only just began to run out of dogs and cats. Had you come only a week later we would've had to eat our dead. I shall forever be in your debt for the service you did."
"W...I...Thank you Prince Renly, but I was just doing the right thing."
"That's true enough, but Stannis has repaid you with Lands and Robert with a title, yet I've not repaid my dues."
"You don't owe me a thing Prince Renly. I've all that could be needed thanks to your brother's generosity."
"But I do Ser Davos. I was in that siege same as Stannis, it's true that I have little to offer you that others have not given first. Gold I could give, yet you've known more since the war than you might've in your life as a smuggler, but what I can do is give your sons the opportunity to become great warriors in addition to knights. If that doesn't suite them then I'll arrange for highborn beauties to be there brides, enough of them follow me that I might spare seven."
"Th..That's very kind of you Prince Renly. Nothing would please me more than to see them given chances I never could've imagined."
"Speak your wish for all seven sons and I shall see it done Ser Davos. On my word as Prince of Dragonstone I shall do what I can, seven debts for the seven days I might've been from eating the dead had you not come along."
"Well...I've not really thought about such a thing. Dale is knighted and wed, he's a captain to his own crew upon Wraith."
"Tell me then, does he wish to sail? For if such a thing is his desire than I would make him my master of trade on Dragonstone."
"Tha...That's very kind Prince Renly. If you'd do such a thing I'll consider the debt repaid."
"Nonsense, I'll hear a wish for each of your children, and I will not let you escape my company until such a time."
"My son Allard, he's the most rash of my children, I've often said to his mother, my beloved Marya, that had I remained a smuggler he might've been sent to the Wall for such a crime. He's not got the temperament for that job, he's a bit hot headed, there's also a lust about him for women, but he's a good enough captain, and knighted as well."
"Sounds to me that what your Allard needs is not marriage, but position. Turns out I'm just now looking for a man to hire as a commander of the City Watch. What would you say Ser Davos for your son to join the guard that once hunted you?"
"I'd say it sounds like the smugglers in King's Landing are about to face one of their own, and be fucked by it."
"Wonderful, I shall speak with your Allard on the matter. Have all your sons accompanied you on this journey Ser Davos?"
"Dale, Allard, Matthos, Maric, Devan, and Steffon have indeed my Prince. Stannis has remained at home with his mother for the time being. She won't risk losing all her boys, even on a trip such as this where we are armed and protected, but I'll not take away what little comfort I can give her."
"You are a good man Ser Davos, and a Hero for me. Matthos and Maric are grown are they not?"
"Close enough, yet neither have sworn vows."
"Then I shall have them sworn on the morrow, and I'll do the dubbing myself. If you believe them not ready for such a position due to some flaw in their sword play we stand amongst the greatest swords in the realm."
"You'd really do that?"
"And More. When the time comes I'll find all your sons who wish it highborn beauties. If Matthos and Maric wish to join the City Watch then they shall fall into Allard's command, or leads of their own should they prove loyalty and worth."
"They are good boys, on that I would swear."
"Excellent. Now tell me of young Devan, what is his wish to be?"
"Stannis had previously agreed to squire my fifth son, but he spoke nothing of finding him a bride. If you should do that then consider his wish complete."
"Very good Ser Davos, and I shall. Yet that leaves only your last two sons. If your Lady wife requires one son to remain unto her person then I shall send my greatest knight at Dragonstone to aid in his upraising, and I shall make sure you have a proper maester sent to your lands with him."
"Thank you Prince Renly! We've been meaning to take on a Maester, but it's been difficult to make the coin necessary for upkeep in the Rainwood."
"Have no worry for that Ser Davos, I shall make sure every need is paid for from my own coffers. Dragonstone may seem a isolated fortress, but trade does come through such an area, and I profit greatly off the ships that visit Driftmark, Claw Isle, Sharp Point, and Sweetport Sound."
Davos nodded his head in recognition of the good fortune.
"Your boy Steffon must be what now Seven?"
"Indeed he is My Prince."
"Then it is time he is taken as a squire Ser Davos. And I've a great knight in mind."
The Onion Knight questioned only for a moment, yet Renly's eyes gave direction, and Ser Davos pieced the rest for himself.
Steffon Seaworth would squire for one of the most renowned knights in the Seven Kingdoms.
Ser Loras Tyrell, The Knight of Flowers.
"I cannot thank you enough Prince Renly, truly you've been too kind."
"Nonsense, I can never repay you for that which was done so long ago. Yet I will try Ser Davos, on that you have my word."
Lannister's aren't the only ones who pay their dues.
"Now come, I've seen one debt begun repayment now I mean to see another."
Renly rose from his seat and gathered the Onion Knight. Loras came after noticing their departure.
"You must watch this fool Renly!"
"He is no fool Loras, look at his eyes, behind the costume and within those big brown pupils is intelligence. I suspect he is less a fool than anyone realizes."
With that they entered the Long Dinner Hall and found many guests already arrived.
Time to pay another debt.