Thank you everyone who took the time to read, left reviews, and are following the story.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All things recognizable are property of G.R.R. Martin, David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, & company, & the asoiaf wiki.
Chapter 5
It was a grim morning; the color of the sky was a dull grey. It was fitting then, that today be day the lords who rebelled against the yoke of King Aerys come to King's Landing to pay obeisance to their new king.
Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, headed the party. He was dressed formally, in the sky-blue colors of his most noble house. He was to officially be named Hand of the King today, not that many knew of it. For some reason the new king, King Rhaegar Targaryen, the First of His Name, had not informed him why he wished it that way. Jon Arryn was too tired from grief and war to ask then, nor did it matter to him now. Still, he knew it would be better to be on this new king's council than be out on the fringes where nothing could be done if the man turned out to be anything like his father. Looking at the companion to his left, he wondered if this king had not been worse than mad Aerys in some ways.
The expression on the long face of the Lord of the North, Ned Stark, matched the atmosphere. Ned Stark was dressed in black, the colors of his house and for mourning. Ned Stark did not want to be in King's Landing; not now, nor ever again. Starks did not fare well here. He lost a father, a brother, a sister, and a man who was as close as a brother, to those in King's Landing; he would be glad to be gone from the place. Yet, it was his duty to come: the new king demanded it and there were the child to consider. A child, he mused, that should not exist. It not was his, but, it was his blood all the same and his love of family and sense of honor required him to be here. The child would not share his name, but, for the family he had lost he would at least ensure he was being treated well.
If the Lord of Storm's End, Stannis Baratheon, did not wish to be in King's Landing he gave no indication of it. He was just as grim as the other two men he rode along side; yet, if anyone described Stannis Baratheon, grim was a commonly used term to describe him. He was also dressed in black though clasp of his cloak was in the shape of a stag. Though he could hardly claim affinity for his deceased brother which either man travelling with him would, he had loved his brother and mourned him. If he had not he would have never went to war, never risked treason, for him. Still, traditions must be observed and duty done regardless of how he felt for his brother. He was here because he was summoned to King's Landing to swear fealty to King Rhaegar Targaryen. He broke his vows to do his duty to one king; he would not do so again, once was more than enough for all that it had gotten him: branded a former traitor, one dead brother, and another brother; a child, who he had little idea of what to do with.
Behind these three rode two gentlemen of some age. One of these was the Lord of the Riverlands, Hoster Tully. The other was his brother Ser Brynden. Lord Hoster and Ser Brynden rode together quietly. They had very little to say to each other. Ser Brynden could not fathom why he had been summoned to King's Landing. Lord Tully had not liked it, but, the King insisted on it. Behind them was a wheelhouse carrying both Lord Tully's daughters and Lord Baratheon's youngest and now only other brother, Renly. Some of their retainers rounded out the rest of the party. Only the young boy felt any excitement at the prospect of being in King's Landing.
The party came to a stop at the gates where they were met by an almost entirely somber party led by the former Hand and a friend of the King's, the King's Dornish good-brother, two members of the Kingsguard, and the King's younger brother, who it must be said was excited to have been allowed to greet these new arrivals. Once greetings were stiffly exchanged, the lords were informed they were to be taken directly to the waiting King and Queen, the ladies would be taken to the apartments set aside for their use "to rest", while Ser Darry herded the young prince and the young lord to the nursery to play. Once they all began to make their way through the Red Keep everyone stayed silent and just considered everyone else.
Jon Connington took measure of the man who would be his friend's Hand. He knew why Rhaegar had chosen him. Jon Arryn had an air of maturity about him, and he was well regarded by all of Westeros. Jon was rather thankful his friend had not asked him to be Hand again. He was ill-suited to that responsibility. Jon was thankful he would be leaving for Griffin's Roost once the coronation festivities ended. It seemed to him that Lord Baratheon did not have the looks and charm of his brother, perhaps not even the personality to go with it, either. Perchance it would be a good thing, Robert Baratheon had been quick to anger and it got him killed. Jon's gaze turned to Lord Stark. Jon barely remembered the girl who caught Rhaegar's attention; however, Jon was certain he could not imagine the attraction at all.
Oberyn looked at the former rebels. He knew of the reputation of Jon Arryn; a fair man by most accounts, but, still he rebelled and Oberyn did not trust just anyone with the safety of his sister and her children, not even Elia's husband. He would not forget it had been fortune on Rhaegar's side that day at the Trident and Lord Tywin's late support which prevented a truly dire fate for his sister and her children because of those rebels. Still, the man had something to recommend him. This Lord Baratheon, however, was far too serious; then again, Oberyn expected it. It would be no easy or cheerful activity to pay tribute to the man who killed your brother and Oberyn remembered the story of his parents' deaths years ago: dead on the shores of their home failing to finish an errand required of them by the Mad King. Looking at the stern man, he could easily see why Elia and Ser Jaime avoided matching Cersei with him. Still, he felt a sort of kinship for the man not that he would never voice it, his sibling suffered because of the Targaryen's damnable choices. Looking at Lord Stark, however, Oberyn could not contain a flare of dislike. True, the man had not done him any harm, but, his sister was the cause of Elia's grief; though to be fair, he knew that fool good-brother of his was to blame for most of it. Though he was not in the mood to be overly kind, he did feel pity for the man; he had lost most of his family, though he would regain some of it today.
Dressed in Targaryen colors King Rhaegar, First of His Name, sat on the Iron Throne which was forged by his ancestor. Standing next to him was his wife, dressed also in Targaryen red and black. Though, he supposed she chose to do so deliberately, Rhaegar found that he rather liked it when she wore the colors of his house, particularly because she had been distant with him for the past few days, claiming she was busy with the preparations for the mass arrivals and the coronation festivities. Though her face did not betray it, because of the slight trembling of the hand which he held in hers he knew she was nervous. He suspected her nervousness had to do with arrival of Lord Stark because he had overheard her talking to Ashara, Oberyn and Ser Jaime about how to best introduce the children to him. Rhaegar decided it would be best to have Ser Jaime remain in the nursery with Ashara and the children today and for them to explain the situation while he finished these necessary talks.
The group silently waited for Sers Barristan and Ser Oswell to escort the incoming party to the throne room. Rhaegar chose those men carefully, Ser Barristan fought valiantly and even the lords who fought against him regarded him well and Ser Oswell was very loyal to him. Rhaegar looked out to Ser Gerold and Ser Arthur who stood on either side of the dais. Ser Gerold was the Lord Commander and Rhaegar hoped his presence would make it easier for Ser Brynden to agree to join the ranks of the Kingsguard. The air was rife with a nervous energy and the stance the two men chose proved it though there would not be much ceremony today. Rhaegar thought it would be best considering the tense past that all of these men shared with him.
A servant announced the party and the doors were opened. Nothing was said while the party made its way through the room. The five lords said nothing while examining their new king and inclined their heads towards Elia who nodded right back, who said nothing. Rhaegar inclined his head, "Welcome to King's Landing, my lords. I know the journey has been long but we have business to discuss".
Jon Arryn was clearly chosen as spokesperson, his expression relieved, almost as if he welcomed the fact that there would be no excessive pleasantries exchanged. "Thank you, Your Grace; that would be welcome."
Rhaegar rose and walked to Lord Arryn and in his outstretched hand was the seal of the Hand of the King which he handed to Jon Arryn. Only Lord Tully and Ser Brynden exchanged glances, so it was clear Jon Arryn kept his word and said nothing to anyone except Lord Stark and Baratheon who had been present when Rhaegar made the offer to Jon Arryn. Lord Arryn thanked him and after swearing to do right by the requirements of his new office, Jon Connington led the man away to the Tower of the Hand where his wife, chambers, and solar would be waiting for him, while discussing with him the role Rhaegar set for him in the coronation ceremonies.
Rhaegar turned to Lord Tully and offered him a position on his council Master of Laws which he had accepted. Rhaegar then turned to the younger Tully decided to make his offer to Ser Brynden. Lord Tully looked surprised and exchanged another glance at his brother before Ser Brynden accepted the role of a member of Rhaegar's Kingsguard. After some minutes Lord Tully begged tiredness and so Ser Gerold led both of the men away. Lord Brynden would be presented as the newest member of the Kingsguard at the tourney after the coronation. Once that was done the true business of today was started.
Rhaegar turned to Lord Stark and Lord Baratheon, "You do me a great honor by accepting my invitation for coming to King's Landing. I thank you for it. I know it is difficult given what you all have faced because of my house." Given the circumstances, he did not try to say more.
Rhaegar was so focused on wondering what they would say that it wasn't until it occurred to him that Ned Stark and Stannis Baratheon hadn't been looking at him, but to his wife, that he came to notice Elia came to stand by his side. Ned Stark had an expression on his face which mix of pity and something else Rhaegar could not identify. Stannis Baratheon looked at her intently before turning back to Rhaegar, "It is our duty to do what we can for the good of the realm." Ned Stark said nothing. Rhaegar knew not to press for further. From the corner of his eye Rhaegar saw that Elia smiled at that.
She finally spoke then, "That pleases us greatly, Lord Baratheon." She turned to Ned Stark, "While His Grace and Lord Baratheon speak, I would have you escort me to the nursery. There are some who I believe you are anxious see and anxious to see you as well." Lord Stark frowned at the wording while Lord Baratheon seemed to unclench his jaw in confusion. Before he could say something, Elia took Lord Stark's arm and flounced out of the room with Oberyn and Ser Barristan flanking the rear.
Once outside the door, Lord Stark spoke, hesitatingly in a low voice, "Your Grace in the throne room, you said some. Who else but my nephew is there who wish to see me?"
"Neither Lord Dayne nor Ashara have not written to you have they?" To Lord Stark it seemed less a question and more of a statement.
Thoroughly confused, he ventured, "Is there any reason why they should have?"
"I would speak to you about Harrenhal." Ned Stark frowned remembering that accursed tourney and turned to the Queen sharply. He doubted she of all people would happily recount the events of that time.
She nudged him to resume walking, "What of it?" he asked in a lower voice.
"Aside from the events I needn't remind you of; I ought to tell you that the rumors of Ashara Dayne being 'dishonored' at the tourney were true."
"I do not partake in rumor-mongering, Your Grace. What does that have to do with me?"
"Because she had a child and you have a niece, Lord Stark."
Ned halted again and he sighed deeply. "Brandon is, was, the father of Lady Ashara's child."
"Yes. And they are both here."
"And she would allow me to see this new niece of mine?"
"Yes. Alya is her name."
Ned Stark ran a hand over his face. He wondered what other surprises these Targaryens would have for him.
He started again uncomfortably, "I am glad to hear that I would be able to know my brother's child. Aside from the war of course, why had not the Dayne's informed me before? I still must ask is Lady Ashara not married. Arrangements could be made…" It was only when Oberyn Martell snorted that Ned Stark remembered he and the queen were not alone.
The Queen shot her brother a look. Ruefully turning towards Ned she said, "You are as honorable as we expected, yet, Lady Ashara had not felt comfortable with the idea." Ned Stark looked expectantly, and so Elia told him, reluctantly. "Given the circumstances which pitched Dorne and the North at opposing spectrums of the war, Lady Ashara had not felt comfortable with a Northern match. As it was, your lady wife, Lady Catelyn had been betrothed to Lord Brandon." Ned could hardly deny that would be uncomfortable" She ended with: "His Grace and I are looking into appropriate matches for her."
"I see, yet, I am glad that she would be willing for me to be a part of my niece's life."
"One does see the benefit of being practical in certain matters."
Ned hesitated before saying, "Ah. If it pleases you, I can speak to the King about fostering my nephew with me."
"That will not be necessary, Lord Stark, though I do thank you for your offer. His Grace believes, and I agree with him, that Jon is best served remaining with us. I do not wish for my children to be separated from their brother."
"Jon?" He said sounding out the name, "That is very generous, of you, Your Grace."
"There is nothing generous about it; he is my husband's son. His place is with his father." Ned looked nonplussed at this and so Elia just had to laugh slightly. "This is hardly the first time such a thing has happened and I doubt it to be the last. It might seem strange to someone not a woman, my lord, but, that husbands can be unfaithful rarely is surprising, even if we hope it is never so."
Ned Stark remembering the conversation that he and Lyanna once had about Robert being unfaithful looked alarmed though he did not want to speak about that. "It does not displease you, having him here?"
"It matters not if I am displeased. Jon is a child, my lord. Neither he nor I chose this, though I can say I am not displeased. The choice was made by my husband and your sister. Because his living father is here, he would be here."
Ned Stark felt a jolt when he heard this. The way she said this chilled him; it was just so matter of fact; as if all of it no longer mattered. He thought unkindly, perhaps to this woman, it truly does not matter. His sister was dead, and Elia Martell of the house Targaryen still was Rhaegar's wife and now his sole queen and none of that would change.
Still, he was curious and disturbed at what she said last, "My sister's choice?"
"I did not know her well, but, Lord Stark, tell me, that mystery knight at Harrenhal…if I was to tell you that it was your sister would that surprise you?"
Ned looked away and replied flatly, "No."
"So then, she was not the type to simply allow herself to be dragged away quietly, now was she?"
"No, she was not."
Elia looked sardonically at him, "Lord Stark, did you think my husband capable of absconding with someone like by force, even before he gave her those roses?"
Ned knew he had not believed it, he felt he had to defend his sister. "She had no choice in accepting the roses. Even though everyone knew she was betrothed, they were given to her by a prince."
She countered, "I remember she cried as my husband sang, then. Tell me, where was love of her betrothed, then?"
Ned's anger rose in that moment, his eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. The woman looked placidly back. As Ned disquieted was at the woman's frankness, she appeared to be calm in face of his emotions.
"She had a choice in whether or not to return the roses. She chose not to."
The queen continued; this time her tone was piteous. Ned could not understand how the jilted wife could be the one to feel pity. "I do not deny that my husband is the start of it. I assure you, I do not dismiss my husband's actions. As good as a man he could be, he is his father's privileged son, and you know now that madness can touch them, even the best of them. It is unfortunate, but, our sex is judged for our actions far more harshly, and if she was old enough to be betrothed then she is old enough to be judged, no matter if she was only five and ten and no matter who else was at greater fault." Ned would not argue that point, he was far too tired.
"So, then, she made a choice, as had my husband. Though we were not involved in making the choices they made, we must live with the consequences of other's choices. And so here we are."
Ned was so entranced by what this woman was saying that he hadn't noticed they stopped before a heavy wooden door with a sentry in front of it. This odd queen stopped to exchange greetings with the man who opened the door for them. The small room had toys littering one corner and a bookshelf with some tomes lining the topmost shelf. It appeared that this was a school room of sorts. The white of the cloak and the fair hair indicated that the man sitting with the silver haired Targaryen prince and the young Baratheon was Ser Jaime Lannister. The pair of boys had been eagerly listening to some story about the knight's youthful adventures in Casterly Rock until they saw the group come into the room and fell silent while the knight rose to greet them.
The newly arrived group exchanged some words with Ser Jaime before stepping into a corridor which had doors on either side. One door, Ned suspected later, led to a room later set aside for the nurse, the other door led to the rather large nursery. The back wall had two windows which overlooked Visenya's Hill. In the space between the windows, chairs were lined. Ser Darry sat on one of those chairs. Another chair was occupied by a woman who Ned presumed was the nurse. He saw a small bed, large enough to fit a child of four years, plastered against the left wall. He presumed this to be the bed of the Princess Rhaenys, as she and another dark haired girl were sitting on it. There was a crib to the right wall, and a large bureau was behind it, while two smaller cribs were in the center. A woman, Ashara Dayne, he remembered, was seated next to the Princess's bed singing to the girls.
Elia took him first to one crib, the one with a dark haired child inside. His nephew, Jon, Lyanna's boy; the one she would never get to hold again. The child looked entirely like a Stark, and Ned found he was both ecstatic and pained at the thought. He moved to hold the boy, but, noticing Ser Darry's movement to get up, he halted. When the queen nodded at the knight, the grizzled old man sat down again, is when Ned took his chance. Ned held him for many moments just examining him until the child let out a cry. The queen took him from his arms and the child settled while the Queen put him back into the crib.
Ashara Dayne fell silent when the saw the group who entered and said nothing until she saw that Ned Stark was holding his nephew. Soon after, while Elia distracted Rhaenys, Ashara stood up to greet Brandon's brother. She remembered him as the shy young man she danced with that once. While she had not loved Brandon, seeing a Stark pained her.
"My Lord Stark", she greeted with a curtsey. She hugged her daughter to her, clutching her in her arms. Ned had not been expecting a niece to look so much like a Stark. In fact he hadn't expected a niece at all only a nephew, but, as much as it pleased him, it pained him to know that his brother and sister would never live to see their children grow.
"My Lady Dayne, I…" Looking at the girl, he did not know quite what to say.
"I know I should have informed you, however…"
Ned Stark did agree that she should have, but, this was not the time to air that grievance and he had understood the reasons the queen cited. In the end, he decided on, "What is done is done. Might I see her, Alya, is it, now?"
Ashara nodded and introduced him to the girl, who looked so much like his brother, though she had her mother's eyes. He thought she was lovely. Soon enough the novelty wore off for the girl who was allowed to go play.
The conversation between Lady Dayne and Ned was tense though polite. "Would I be allowed to write to her?" "Yes, please do. I insist." "When she is older would you be willing to let her come to Winterfell?" "Yes, thank you for the invitation; I am sure she would like that when she is older."
Once that was done other introductions were made. Soon after, Ashara rose to take Alya back to their rooms and Elia whispered to her and Ashara nodded before she left. Ned Stark was escorted out of the nursery by Oberyn Martell to the chambers set aside for his and his wife's use. Ser Barristan sat down in a chair while the Queen remained in the room intending to wait for Lady Dayne to return.
Rhaegar stood with Arthur Dayne, Oswell Whent and Stannis Baratheon in a tense silence for a long time after Elia escorted Ned Stark to the nursery. Rhaegar knew any conversation with this particular lord would be difficult. Stannis Baratheon fought against him and Rhaegar had been the one to kill his brother while also being the one to elope with Robert's betrothed, not that Rhaegar could remember Stannis being particularly close to Lyanna. It was Rhaegar's good fortune that the Maester had need of him and so he left Stannis Baratheon in Ser Arthur's care for some time.
Once he returned, they spoke of Rhaegar's appointments: the one's made previously, such as Lord Arryn being Hand and Lord Tywin accepting the position of Master of Coin; and the ones made today. Stannis had agreed making Lord Hoster Master of Laws was a good choice and that Ser Brynden was a worthy knight. Rhaegar informed him that Mace Tyrell would be his Master of Ships; Stannis claimed to see the sense in that. Rhaegar claimed he still had not known who to make the seventh Kingsguard and Stannis declared no one he knew was worthy of it. That conversation eventually stalled.
Ser Oswell asked questions regarding Storm's End. Stannis had said Storm's End recovering from the war. Soon enough that was exhausted as well. Talk moved to children; it was just as stilted. Arthur spoke about Alya and so Stannis understood what the queen had meant earlier and Rhaegar marked that Stannis looked rather understanding of the situation. Rhaegar could not talk much about being a father to a daughter or having a sister because Stannis had neither. Stannis also had no sons and so talking of Aegon, or Jon most of all, would be unwise. It was a fortunate both men had younger brothers. And so they spoke of Renly and Viserys; or rather their education. Rhaegar admitted he was at a loss given that Viserys' education had already begun, Stannis countered that Renly had shown in interest in playing not in learning.
"Perhaps he requires a woman's touch. Certainly my lord has been considering marriage?" Rhaegar was hardly going to bring up his own delicate marriage.
"My Brother…" Stannis froze for a moment, before continuing, "There had been talks of my marrying the niece of Lord Florent, however, he seems less amiable towards the match as of late".
Before he was about to make an offer to Lord Baratheon, Elia and Ashara had walked in just then looking surreptitiously at Stannis Baratheon. Rhaegar unconsciously grasped Elia's hand while Ashara nodded slightly in his direction before leaving.
It was no secret the Florent's begrudged the Tyrells who allied themselves with the royal family and so the lack of these ties worked in Rhaegar's favor. Ashara's apparent agreement made his resolve even stronger. His initial thought had been to match Ashara with Jon, however, Jon proved less than receptive.
"Jon, I would have your thoughts on a delicate matter."
The man with red hair replied, "Regarding what, Your Grace, the arrangements for the coronation?" as he sat in the Rhaegar's solar with a glass of wine in his hand.
Rhaegar hesitated before continuing, "I have been thinking recently of arrangements but, not about the coronation, and I hope that because of our friendship you would at least consider what I ask."
Jon smiled, "Your Grace, you are my dearest friend and you honored me by naming your son for me. What did you need? Of course, I will consider it though I can not say that I will agree."
Rhaegar decided not to correct Jon about the circumstances for his son's naming; it would not have done him any good to bring that up, especially given what he would be asking.
Jon looked expectantly. "I had been thinking of Lady Ashara Dayne." Jon seemed alarmed as he asked, "What of her, my friend?" Given his reaction, Rhaegar hoped his friend had not believed he planned on eloping with Ashara next.
To clear himself of that distressing thought, he said, "You have been a friend to me for many years and she has been Elia's. She is lovely and has a proven her ability to bear children; and you, my friend, are in need of a wife, and your house needs an heir. I was hoping you would at least consider thinking of her matched with you".
Getting up, almost letting out a near-hysterical laugh Jon scoffed, "I have not thought to be married I was also recently exiled to Essos. I do not know her well. I only danced with her that once, at your insistence. My father…I do not how he would take her having a child already. My friend, I would do much for you, you know that, I even became Hand for your father when you left but this….You said Lady Dayne is a friend to your wife, and I know that to be true, but, she is no friend to me. Whose foolish idea was this, the Queen's?"
Rhaegar frowned. While he understood Jon never seemed inclined to marry and Ashara was hardly an ideal match given the circumstances, Rhaegar did not like the way Jon spoke of Elia.
Rather sharply he started, "No, it was mine. It is the least I could do for her, as a friend. It is not as though her child's father still lives, not that much could have been done even if he was. Yet, I don't think my wife would object to her friend getting married to a close friend of mine.
Jon smiled wryly, "She never objects to very much. Why would she on this?"
Rhaegar's ire rose. "Just what do you mean by that?"
Jon deflated seeing his friend's reaction. "Nothing at all, forgive me. It was merely something said in shock and in tiredness. Certainly there are better choices for her, other men who would be more willing?"
Rhaegar sighed, "She does not want a Northern match thought they would be more open about such things, given who the child's father is. At least meet with Ashara and the girl. See what you think. Because of our friendship I hope you would at least think on it. I would not have thought to ask if I did not see the need. Most other men of our age have married already …The only noble of marriageable age left I can think of is Stannis Baratheon."
Jon snorted, "Well, you could always tell him it is his duty to marry someone now that he is a High Lord."
Rhaegar looked at him blandly and so Jon capitulated slightly, "If it means that much to you I will think on it."
Elia had laughed heartily when he told about Jon's lack of enthusiasm, citing it had been plain enough to her Jon had always been less than desirous of marriage. Knowing how Elia smiled at Jaime when a positive missive from Lord Tywin arrived in King's Landing some days after the knight sent word to his father, Rhaegar knew he had to find a match for Elia's friend and soon. Jon had been correct about this Lord Baratheon being available, and so he would try. Ned Stark would be amiable to arranging a match for his niece's mother with a man he trusted, even if only because past friendship with the man's brother. And so here he was. Rhaegar saw this as his chance to put Ashara forth.
Rhaegar spoke, "I see. Might I make a suggestion which would benefit us both?"
Stannis was curious. This king had not offered him a seat on his council and he had not expected one though this king did seem conciliatory, after a fashion. An offer of marriage? The King would not offer him his far too young daughter or sister so it must be someone else, perhaps a sister or daughter of an ally. This king would not burn him alive, but, Stannis had not come here to refuse anything outright nor had he any intention of being sent into exile or to the Wall.
"You wish to provide me with a possible match for marriage? Who did you have in mind, Your Grace?" His blue eyes narrowed slightly.
Rhaegar nodded towards Arthur, "Lady Ashara Dayne." Stannis Baratheon unclenched his jaw in shock, at what was said and the lack of reaction from the others in the room.
"Is that not a matter Lord Dayne would be looking into himself?"
Ser Arthur spoke to Stannis directly, "My sister and niece will be remaining in King's Landing until the matter is otherwise settled and my brother, Lord Dayne, has given His Grace leave to choose a suitable match. There, of course, will be a dowry".
Rhaegar turned his attention back to Stannis, "Given the circumstances I think Lord Stark would approve of someone he had trusted in the past. Regardless, Lady Dayne would be capable of mothering Lord Renly and providing you with an heir. She has always been a friend to my wife and I and I would consider her husband a friend. It would please us greatly to see her married to a loyal and dutiful husband".
Stannis considered what was said. The King had been correct that Renly could use a "mother". He also knew full well the Dayne's were friends to the Queen's family. When Robert brought him the idea of matching him with a Florent, he had remembered the family's bitterness towards the Tyrell's, the Targaryen's allies. He knew Robert loved Ned Stark like a brother, and Stark would look at him kindly for this. Further, not that it mattered much to him, but, before the war, not many families had been clamoring to give him their more beautiful daughters. Ashara Dayne was a lovely woman. Stannis Baratheon knew he was not handsome, charismatic, or beloved as much as Robert had been, but, he had always been intelligent, and now, forgiven or not, he had been on the losing side and declared traitor once. He was certain he had not imagined the stress this new king put on the words 'loyal' and 'dutiful'.
Chapter 6: The Coronation Events.
