Chapter Seven: Robert
Robert stepped out of the river and began to redress. It had taken longer than he had anticipated to rid himself of the layers of dirt embedded on his skin. He wasn't particularly fond of bathing. To him, a man should smell like a man, not some newborn babe. Tonight, however, he would be sitting next to Lyanna, and he didn't want to stink. Robert ran quickly to his room in the castle and threw on his clothes. He was nearly out the door when he remembered the comb, and returned to fetch it, tucking it safely inside his cloak.
As they were both still technically squires and wards of Lord Jon Arryn, Robert and Ned would be entering with him. Robert found them both standing just outside the great hall. He looked around and found his younger brothers standing with his late father's steward. Stannis was scolding Renly, which made Robert chuckle. Their youngest brother was always getting into trouble and, except for with his stern-hearted darling brother Stannis, charming his way out of it. Robert took several scans of the room, but Lyanna was nowhere to be seen.
Ned, sensing his unease, leaned over to him. "Father wasn't feeling very well, so Lyanna took him to see the maester. I expect they'll be along shortly."
Robert grinned at his friend who so easily read his thoughts. Soon they would be brothers, and Robert would have Lyanna. He watched as she suddenly appeared beside her brother Brandon. She was stunning, dressed in a silver gown adorned with a thin gold belt at her hips. Ah, her hips. Her hips were perfect curves, like the moon, leading up to a slender waist and ample breasts. Her hair hung down her back in a single braid woven with silver threads. He watched as she took her seat gracefully. Everything she did was graceful and perfect. Lyanna was beautiful, intelligent, and kind, everything Robert had ever wanted in a woman. Yes, he frequently enjoyed the intimacy of other women, but only because he did not yet have Lyanna. Once they were married, he would not stray, unless of course they were apart.
After they were announced, Lyanna left her brother and came to greet him.
"Lord Robert," she said as she dipped her head in a slight bow of respect, her long eyelashes gently brushing her cheeks as she looked at the floor. She placed her hand lightly on his arm, with only one finger actually touching him, like a dainty little bird. He led her to their seats, which were opposite the Starks and very near where the royal family would soon be seated.
The Lannisters entered next, led by Kevan Lannister. Robert wondered why the Lannister brat and heir, Ser Jaimie, was not leading the family. His sister, Cersei, was there, beautiful as always. Cersei Lannister was the only woman Robert had ever met that could challenge Lyanna's beauty, but she had a spiteful spirit that showed in her appearance. Robert had fantasized about bedding her, but it was always with a pillow over her face. He just couldn't stand those piercing green eyes. Jon Arryn had suggested the match once, but thankfully it had fallen through. Robert figured Lord Tywin was hoping Elia, the prince's sickly wife, would die in childbirth, so Cersei could wed Rhaegar. He didn't know the prince very well, but from his reputation he would not wish such a woman on him. Lord Arryn had cautioned him to woo Cersei and thus align himself with the Lannister power and wealth, but Robert still valued the desires of the man over the desires of the lord. Looking back on it, though, he wondered briefly if he had made the right choice. Lyanna was the love of his life, his soul mate. However, with the prince's plan to depose King Aerys, it might not have been a bad idea to have some stronger alliances. It would be curious to see which side the Lannisters would take.
At last the moment came for the king to enter the feast, followed by two of his kingsguard, his son Prince Rhaegar, and two more members of the kingsguard.