"I felt you should hear this from me . . ."
"That has not been the start of good news lately."
"It is good news! I wanted to tell you before the Master of Whispers hears it from the laundress. Shireen has flowered."
"That is not good news."
"Just because she has flowered does not mean she must marry right away. It means she she is in good health and may make you a grandsire one day."
"I am decidedly not anxious for either. I have seen the change in her since I returned from the North. Before, I would leave and when I would return, she was older, taller, but still a child. This time, the child was gone when I returned."
"Yes, that literally happened in a moment."
"When?"
"I approached a little girl to tell her they were saying her father was dead and I walked away from a grieving, but determined young lady. Like me, she did not believe it, yet contemplating the possibility and fearing your heart is not correct. She has not played with the Seaworth boys or Edric Storm since. Indeed, the news brought about a similar change in Edric."
"It is not a good day . . . the day you realize those of import to you are going to die and leave you behind."
"No . . . it is not."
"As you say, the Master of Whispers will know of this before the sun is above the horizon and he will report it to the Small Counsel. They will want to talk of her marriage. I will be able to stop such talk for a short time. It will be more difficult once this news gets out and there are offers for her."
"Is it true, what Davos said – that only a marriage into one of the liege houses will suffice?"
"It is what the Small Counsel will want and would be in the best interest of peace in the realm; however, it will depend on the offers and the options. I believe in doing your duty, but it will take a great deal to convince me her duties lies in a particular marriage."
"I am glad to hear that. It is hard to know what will work in her best interests. My lord father could have had no idea how disastrous my betrothal to Joffrey would be."
"He would not have approved the betrothal your mother designed."
"Not without much persuasion. And even she did not imagine that I would . . . how content I am in this marriage. I so want the same for Shireen."
"I am sure if you were to say to her that you wished her to marry someone like her father, she would not thank you for it."
"I believe her response would surprise you greatly. Goodnight, Stannis."
"Sleep well, Sansa."