Chapter VII

A/N: Now for the feast and the tourney. Should be fun. Rhaegar will continue to make an ass of himself. Thank you, SAL Stratton for your help! Hope you enjoy the chapter! SSD

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Runa looked around the Great Hall. Everyone was eating, drinking, dancing, and carousing. Even Ned was enjoying himself, having dance with both her and Ros. However, he was paying special attention to Ashara Dayne. The Stony Dornishwoman was slowly drawing her normally shy cousin out of his shell. Ned's smiles appeared more readily than ever before.

She wondered when Uncle Rickard would tell Ned of his plans. They had been finalized shortly after the Stark's arrival in King's Landing. The arrangements with Lord Dayne had been relatively easy to make and finalize.

Whereas the ones with Lord Tully were still bogged down. He and Uncle Rickard were arguing about many things, including the dowry. Ned would likely be married and a father before all of the kinks in that arrangement were worked out.

Speaking of the Tullys, she spied Brandon over there, likely on her uncle's orders, attempting to charm his future bride. Which he was doing with little enthusiasm, though anyone who didn't know him well would not be able to tell.

Runa had not thought much of the most of the Tullys. Catelyn was too caught up in the Faith of the Seven. She will have to adapt to the North. Hopefully she won't insult too many of the Lords, Runa thought. Poor Lysa had just wanted attention. Which she had certainly gotten from her father's ward, who'd then been hung, drawn, and quartered for having the temerity to marry and subsequently get her pregnant. Lysa had died from childbirth complications, living long enough to hold and name her daughter. Daena Rivers, according to the rumors, was thriving. She had no issues with the Blackfish, and there was some hope for young Edmure, provided he took more of his cues from his uncle and not his father.

Then there was Hoster Tully, Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. A wannabe Tywin Lannister if there ever was one, Runa mentally sneered. Hoster Tully held nowhere near as much respect (fear) from his bannermen as did Tywin Lannister. Butchering an entire family of your bannermen, including the women and children certainly inspired that in people. And when that action was immortalized in a song, one didn't cross the man who'd actually done the work of ruling the seven kingdoms. Hoster Tully would have to find a wife for his son in the Riverlands, or the position of his house would weaken even further.

Runa noticed that Brandon had just finished a dance with his intended, and the couple was heading her way. She mentally groaned before plastering a smile on her face. Her oldest cousin hugged her once he came level.

"Brandon. Lady Catelyn. I would assume you are enjoying this event?"

"I know I am at least," Brandon said as he flashed a charming smile at Lady Catelyn who ate it up.

"How is married life treating you, Runa?" her potential cousin in law asked.

"It is treating me quite well thank you," she replied with a small smile before asking "How is your niece Daena doing?" Runa knew she had a too sweet smile on her face. The Seven and most of the South had foolish views regarding illegitimate children, especially since the Blackfyre rebellions.

Don't they realize that the worse they treat them, the more likely the kids will turn out the way they think they will? The children are innocent of the "crime" they are blamed for, they're just the end result, Runa thought. She then thought of her stepdaughter Mya Stone who lived in the Vale with her mother, who was not healthy. Runa was going to have a word with her husband on that subject, and let him know that his daughter would be welcome at Storm's End.

It had taken a little while for Lady Catelyn to recover her senses, before she answered, "My niece is a delight to be around. She is a healthy child. Daena favors our family in looks." Runa could tell that Catelyn meant her words.

Perhaps there is hope for her after all.

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While being on duty, Ros still found herself enjoying the feast. She had eaten beforehand.

Despite both Runa and Robert telling her that everything would be fine, Ros couldn't help but worry about things. She was especially worried that the now King Rhaegar would try something on her friend in public. Runa had not yet told her husband of the king's actions.

The newly crowned king had been trying to get to Runa all night. But he'd been interrupted each time, by women wanting to dance with him or his business that he had to do as king. The way Cersei Lannister and Mina Tyrell had danced with him was positively indecent.

While there were eyes on Runa, Ros knew there were at least one pair of eyes that had remained glued to her for most of the festivities: Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne, younger brother to Queen Elia. Well known for his appetites for both women and men, he was irresistible to both sexes.

It looked like Runa's luck had run out, King Rhaegar was in front of them and asked, "Lady Baratheon, may I have this dance?" with a smirk on his face, knowing that Runa could not say no to him.

Runa gave her a "follow me onto the floor look" as Rhaegar walked her out. Turning to Stannis she asked, "I know you don't like dancing, but I need your help."

Stannis nodded. He didn't want Runa around Rhaegar more than anyone else in the Baratheon party did, and knowing what the king was saying to Runa was a good idea. He took Ros out onto the dance floor, staying at a distance, but close enough to hear what was being said.

"Have you given any new consideration to my offer," Rhaegar asked.

"I already gave you my answer: No. I'm not interested in becoming your plaything. My husband keeps me well satisfied in that department," Runa hissed through a toothy smile.

"I'm sure he does. But you do know how he got that skill?" Rhaegar crooned.

"Yes. I do. And as I was not married or even betrothed to him at the time, I give it little thought," Runa replied, still with the toothy grin before saying, "If you're so desperate to make a fool out of your wife and take a mistress to get your Visenya, I suggest Cersei Lannister or Mina Tyrell. All you'd have to do is look at them and they would spread their legs willingly for you and for free," Runa finished on a whisper before she left the dance floor to sit by Robert.

Ros took a look at Stannis. He was furious that the king would ask his goodsister something like that. As they made their way back to where they'd been sitting, he asked, "Has the king asked Runa that before?"

"Yes. It was yesterday when she and I were looking through the gardens. Both Runa and I thought that she had made it clear that she was not interested. Obviously, his Majesty was still unclear," Ros sneered.

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Elia could not help but be amused as Runa Baratheon clearly turned her husband down. He had become so used to getting attention from whatever woman he wanted. Rhaegar didn't know what to do with a woman that was clearly uninterested in him. Judging by Lord Robert's reaction as he was told what had happened, he was not amused. Neither were the Starks that were also at that table. Rhaegar had already pissed off the Starks with him causing Lyanna Stark to kill herself, and he was making good work on pissing off the Baratheons.

She could not understand why her husband thought that changing the Lords Paramount of the Stormlands was a good idea. Then again, he would do anything for his most favored minion.

While there were a few families who would be happy with the change, most of the other Stormlords would not be pleased. Far from it. Jon Connington would be Lord Paramount of the Stormlands in name only.

Elia then noticed that Oberyn was making his way towards the Baratheon table. She knew exactly what he was going to do: Ask the redhaired bodyguard of Runa Baratheon to dance.

There was some entertainment value in her brother's pitch. Lady Baratheon seemed somewhat amused by Oberyn's offer and was smirking at her guard. Then for the first time in a long time, Oberyn was turned down. From what Elia could tell, Lady Umber did not want to leave Lady Baratheon's side whilst in King's Landing.

It seemed that Oberyn would have to actually work at getting into a woman's bed for a change. Elia knew that when her brother was working towards something, that would be his entire focus.

He was already part way there. Lady Umber did not seem uninterested in Oberyn, but he would have a different set of standards to be measured against. Northern standards were quite different than southern standards.

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So far, the jousting had been going well for Robert. In the first three tilts, he'd unhorsed a Frey (who went flying off his horse almost immediately), some hedge knight from the Westerlands, and Lord Commander Hightower. Sers Arthur Dayne and Lewyn Martell were not in the lists as they were on duty at the time.

Stannis was squiring for him. His younger brother rarely competed in tourneys, but did not mind helping him. One thing that Robert had noticed in the nearly a year, was that his relationship with Stannis and Renly had improved since his new focusing on the Stormlands.

His new wife, was also a good help in running things at Storm's End. But she seemed to be very unsure of herself when talking to other people, even servants. Runa also had these headaches that would take all of her strength from her for the day.

"Robert, you're up next. Ser Jaime Lannister is your next opponent," Stannis interrupted his thoughts.

Oh yes. Jaime Lannister had just been released from his Kingsguard vows by Rhaegar on the grounds that he was too young. Which was a surefire way of getting Tywin Lannister on the side of the Targaryens.

This would be the young lord's first tournament as a knight, since he'd been sent back to King's Landing after being knighted at Harrenhall by Aerys. His skill however was well known.

After breaking five lances against him, Stannis murmured to him, "He shifts backwards to better take the hit. I've given you a slightly longer lance so that you have a better chance at getting him before he can do that."

"Thank you, brother," Robert replied as he mounted Thunderer.

Stannis had chosen well. Jaime Lannister was unhorsed on the sixth pass. The smallfolk cheered as a golden lion hit the dust.

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How did Lord Baratheon knock Jaime off his horse? He had to have cheated somehow! Was Cersei Lannister's first thought as her brother clambered to his feet with some help from his opponent.

Her twin, her other piece had been happy to no longer be Kingsguard. There was something different in his eyes. Jaime now wanted nothing more than to return to the Westerlands and stay there. He wouldn't even touch her now.

Cersei knew that their father was already looking for a wife for Jaime in the Westerlands. The frontrunner was Mirena Marbrand, younger sister to Addam Marbrand, who was a good friend of Jaime's.

He was also looking for a husband for her. Cersei did not know any of his potential choices for her, since Rhaegar was off the table for the moment.

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Ros had been looking forward to the melee since she had arrived in the capital, and being Lady Baratheon's primary handmaiden allowed her an optimal view of the spectacle.

Being born a girl at Last Hearth had meant that she was at constant threat of being kidnapped by wildlings, just as her cousin had when Ros had been a young girl, so her brothers had decided she needed to be able to defend herself.

Jon, in particular, had taken a perverse enjoyment in her grueling combat training.

Her oldest, and most giant, brother decided she must be prepared at all times to take out an attacker, so had taken to hiding in all the nooks and crannies around Last Hearth only to jump out and wrestle her. It was both annoying and amusing, much like Jon himself, and it had helped heighten her awareness.

For instance, she was suddenly hyper-aware of Prince Oberyn Martell.

Ever since he had approached her at the coronation feast, whenever they happened to be in the same space, her eyes would not stop finding him.

Runa found it hilarious. Ros appreciated a good distraction now and again, when the opportunity arose, but with Lord Robert competing, the redhead handmaiden turned bodyguard had to be on high alert.

Yet as the young Prince of Dorne faced off against her brother in the finale of the melee, Ros couldn't keep her eyes off of him.

Jon was a formidable opponent, Ros knew from having fought off wildling attacks by his side, but the Red Viper danced around Jon's swings like they were nothing.

His form, his technique, the way he jabbed at Jon, landing his punches and then darting away before her brother could retaliate...Ros was both aroused and impressed.

The Prince was wearing her brother down, slowly but surely, and bloodied him while he was at it. The lumbering giant managed to get a few hits in, yet they barely landed as Oberyn had dodged out of the way just enough that he never felt their full force.

The crowd ate up Prince Oberyn's showboating. He'd duck out of the way of a left hook and send a wink towards the stands, and when he managed to break out of a tricky headlock and kicked her brother in the ass, he flashed a roguish grin before bowing in a flamboyant fashion.

Ros knew that she had to support her brother, and her House, but even she couldn't help but smile at the Dornishman's antics.

In the end, Jon was knocked down and the Dornish prince declared the winner of the melee.

"Would you like to go and tend to your brother?" Runa asked, already rising to her feet.

Ros followed her lady down the steps, passed the combat ring to the competitors' tents, until they found the one that held her brother's bellowing voice.

"Ah, you bastard- that stings!"

Ros pushed past the canvas to find Jon's cuts and bruises being dabbed at by his poor squire, Lem, while he drank ale from a tankard.

"Are you drunk already?"

"Rosie! And the new Lady Baratheon!" Jon performed a half-hearted bow, sloshing his drink over the sides of the mug. The giant batted his squire away, the young lad slinking out of the tent with an air of relief, as his sister stepped forward to take over the cleaning of his battered face. "Thought you'd be swarming the victor with the other ladies."

"Why? We were in the stands to support you. Robert is going to be unhappy. He and Brandon wagered on you to win." Runa stated.

Jon jabbed an accusing finger into Rosallynd's hip.

"I saw you oglin' that Southern snake. You know he just beat your big brother, don't you? That wee prince beat me. Me!"

"I did see. It was quite impressive how he danced circles around you," Ros replied, shooting him a dry look as she pressed the damp, ale-soaked cloth against her brother's cut eyebrow. The Prince had managed to smack his elbow into Jon's face at one point. "And I wasn't ogling anyone. I was merely...admiring his technique."

"Admiring, was it? I think you were doin' a bit more than just 'admiring' his technique, Rosie. I could see your flushed cheeks from inside the bloody ring! They went as red as your hair!"

Ros heard a smothered chuckle behind her, so sent a brief, but withering glare over her shoulder towards her dearest friend.

"You carry on, Jon, and I'll remind you of my technique in front of all those southern ladies outside."

"I would pay good money to see that."

Ros and Runa both spun to face the new voice that had entered the tent.

Prince Oberyn clearly had not made it back to his own tent, as he still wore the light tunic and loose trousers he'd worn while brawling in the melee, his skin still slick with sweat from his exertion.

The young Lady Umber fought a blush as the handsome stranger smiled at her, as though there were no others beneath the same canvas as them.

"Your Highness, I believe you are in the wrong tent."

The Prince shook his head, his dark eyes locked onto Ros' ocean blue orbs.

"I was looking for my opponent, to congratulate him on a fight well fought, but I am glad to have found you, my lady."

Rosallynd arched a brow at him, exchanging amused smiles with Runa.

Jon, however, was less than happy with the smooth words of the Dornishman, and with his attention so focused on his sister.

"And what do you want with my sister, princeling?" Jon rose from his chair to his full, towering height and pinned the other male with a hard glare.

Many men, despite the Umber heir's young age, would be unable to deny that they found an irate Jon to be intimidating. Tall and built like an ox, the Northern lad relished a good fight and was talented at it.

Oberyn merely smiled, silently noting how the red-headed beauty's hand snapped to grip her brother's wrist, though the rest of her body betrayed no tension or concern.

The giant stilled, a warning squeezed silently into his flesh by deceptively strong, slender fingers.

"Your sister promised me a dance. I merely hoped to be able to claim it at the next feast. I've been counting down the moments," Oberyn turned to Runa, "That is if, my lady, you could spare your loyal guard for a spell this evening?"

"Of course! Robert will stay by my side at the feast, so Rosallynd can feel free to enjoy herself!"

Both Umbers glared at the new Lady Baratheon, but Runa simply smirked in return.

"I look forward to seeing you this evening, then, Lady Rosallynd."
Ros took a deep breath and forced a smile onto her face.

"As do I, Your Highness."

Oberyn grinned and performed a lazy bow to the three nobles, before he exited, leaving Ros to wonder what her dear friend had managed to get her into.

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It was the last day of the tourney. The final joust had been decided: King Rhaegar Targaryen and her husband Lord Robert Baratheon would be the ones competing for both the purse, and the right to give the flower crown of (mercifully) red roses to their Queen of Love and Beauty.

Runa had only been paying cursory attention to the tourney in the past few hours. She had endured a vision of a possible future. At least it was a relatively pleasant one. She had been in what appeared to be Dorne, Runa could only go off of what she had seen in books.

Ros had been the Water Gardens, in Dornish dress, which flattered her well. She was talking with Prince Oberyn, with a little boy at their feet who had Prince Oberyn's coloring, but Ros's clear blue eyes. Which would make the child stand out in Dorne.

Runa brought herself out of the memory of the vison to focus on the joust. She really wanted to see Robert win, and hopefully knock some sense into the deluded dragon.

This match was taking even longer than the one her husband had with Jaime Lannister. Many had lost count of the number of lances broken, including herself.

During a break in the joust, Runa thought of the child she carried. She had thought to wait to tell him of the child until they were on their way back to Storm's End. In light of King Rhaegar's overtures to her, she was now considering telling him after the joust, win or lose, so that it could be announced and hopefully rid herself of the king's attentions.

The sound of a cracking lance, and a fall to the ground, Runa looked up.

Joy coursed through her veins when she saw that Robert was still on his horse. You could have heard a pin drop, the crowd was dead silent: Rhaegar was on the ground, stumbling to his feet. She was surprised to see her husband dismount and stride towards the king. Once they were face to face, Robert snarled, "Stay the fuck away from my wife!" before striding back to Thunderer. Once he was atop his horse again, Robert rode towards the royal stand and took the wreath of roses.

He didn't have to ride very far till he got in front of her. Blushing to the roots of her dark hair and ignoring Ros's snickering (which was likely payback for earlier), Runa allowed him to place the crown on her head with a smile.

"Milady, will you join me?"

Runa took her husband's hand, and he lifted her up onto his horse for a gallop around the lists, the people cheering.

Once they were back in his tent, Runa turned to him saying, "I have something to tell you."

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The final feast before the Lords would start to leave was running at full tilt. Lady Baratheon wore a dark red dress that matched the flowers in her hair.

Rhaegar had not been able to get to her tonight. His blasted cousin had stayed at his wife's side the entire night, his smile never leaving his face. They'd danced several times, with only her Stark relatives able to cut in, who had similar very happy smiles on their faces. The Umbers looked pleased as well.

In a break in the dancing, his cousin called out "Winning the joust was not the only thing that made this day a good one. Today, my wife gave me news that she was expecting our first child!"

The room erupted in even more cheers. A babe made everyone happy.

Well. At least this proves she can have children. All I have to do is wait.

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A/N 2: Well, this turned into a beast of a chapter! Got away from me. Looking forward to seeing what you all think! SSD

Castings:

Jaime Lannister: Tony Regbo from Reign

Cersei Lannister: Sophia Myles as she was in Tristan and Isolde