"Gods, that was a fine fight! A damn fine fight!"
The booming of Robert's soldierly voice shook the walls of the Small Council chamber after Stannis'd finished his brief, but detailed report on the battle with the dragon.
"Damn, I wish I was with you"– the king continued excitedly, banging his great fist on the immaculately polished oak table - "We'd have had a grand ol' time with that thing, eh, Ned? Just like in the old days! The enemy right before us, vicious as the seventh pit of hell, all but sending us a bloody invitation to kill it!"
"Grand time indeed!" – Renly huffed indignantly, his young pretty face wrinkled into a mask of disgust – "A hundred and fifteen men burned alive… Yes, I suppose it does seem as grand as the good old days when one half of Westeros fought the other half and millions died! Or even grander days before that, when the Mad King burned whoever the voices in his head told him to kill…"
"Enough!" – roared Robert slamming his fist mightily onto the long – suffering tabletop – "How dare you, boy?! You may be my brother, but you will do well to remember that you're in the presence of your King"
"How could anyone forget that, you grace?" – Renly hissed, naturally implying the constant stench of sweat and wine that accompanied the king everywhere he went. He even felt himself angry and outraged enough to say that much out loud.
All his life Renly'd detested battle and death and where others saw heroism, he saw nothing but cruelty. He was a child of peace, who had seen quite enoung of war when Storm's End was under siege. He usually refused to willingly associate himself with any military matters and got branded a coward for it. But he didn't really mind…
Renly inhaled deeply and opened his mouth, determined to give Robert a piece of his mind, crown or no crown, but was suddenly stopped by a strong and calm hand that descended heavily on his arm. Stannis!
Renly cursed inwardly. From the very first years of his life it was always Stannis. Lecturing him, rearing him and telling him what to do, what not to do and wanting him to be dull and quiet. He never approved of Renly and spoiled all the fun with his cold sobriety. Even now that Renly was a grown man and Warden of the Stormlands, he still felt Stannis was in charge and he was sick and tired of it!
Renly turned around and glared crossly at his older brother, who was sitting next to him at the Small Council table. Stannis' face was completely relaxed and passive, but Renly could feel his brother's eyes boring into him. And as usual, he suddenly felt that intense gaze starting to calm and restrain him. Like cold water calming and restraining some mad Summer Isles' wildling dancing around in a frenzy… Like a strict parent, disciplining his rowdy child…
Renly felt a slight shiver run down his spine as he tried to fight his brother's intense stare. He'd always dreaded looking into the depth of Stannis' dark – blue eyes that made him feel like Stannis was reading his mind. Somehow they seemed so strange and alien and not at all like his own, light – green and playful and typical to the Baratheon family. Old uncle Estermont once told him that the shiny coldness in his older brother's eyes came from their dragonblooded grandmother. And sometimes Renly did feel as though he was a rabbit looking at a snake…
"Pray, forgive me, your grace" – Renly uttered sourly as he turned away from Stannis' gaze and looked sideways onto the beautiful tapestries that decorated the rather small, but pleasant room– "The splendor of war is often lost on me, as you know"
"Of course it's lost on you, boy" – Robert huffed dismissively, the offence immediately wiped from his memory by the much more alluring images of his own former glory – "You'll never understand what it is to cut your way through the ranks of the enemy, cracking sculls and smashing breastplates! Back in our day…"
Stannis sighed heavily and rubbed his forehead as he and the Small Council braced themselves for yet another one of Robert's long and detailed nostalgic rants about the grand and glorious days of the Rebellion.
Days that were, alas, long gone. And with them the unity and prosperity of Westeros, the Targaryen dynasty and the best part of Robert, Stannis thought sadly as he looked at the constantly drunk, petty and obese man, whose biggest achievement was forever behind him, talking excitedly and never even noticing that no one cared to listen.
And why should we, Stannis huffed resentfully. Earthy, humorous, silly and quite charming Robert was a man to be loved by the careless mob and the fools who thought they control it. But never to be respected or taken seriously by anyone with even half an ounce of intellect. He was a king with no real power, a hero with no true strength. From the very beginning, he'd always taken the easy road and was now sinking deep into the deadly swamp of comfort and complacency. And complacency is the easiest and the most lethal sin a man could allow. One that will end friendships, poison marriages, smother passion and finally destroy a man's life before he even knows it. Robert had grown so accustomed to his lazy and comfortable life filled with drinking, hunting and bedding women whose names he didn't care to know, he couldn't even see it draining all his strength, slowly ending his life and destroying his kingdom…
And Renly is doing the same, Stannis sighed sadly as he turned his gaze to his younger brother, who was staring absently out the window. He was so young and spirited and light – hearted, the world should be his oyster. But for some reason Renly didn't seem to feel the yearning of reckless curiosity at all. He was content to spend his days having fun and wanted nothing more form life than passing pleasures. Just like Robert… And just like their parents…
Both of his brothers truly were their parents' children, alike in looks, tastes, temper, everything, Stannis thought with a slight pang of jealousy. And he had always been the foreigner, who tried to fit in in his home, but never really could. If truth be told, deep down, Stannis'd always felt like he didn't belong there. Like he was supposed to be… somewhere else…
"He's not of mine, that little bookworm" – lord Steffon used to joke affectionately, whenever Stannis was compared to Robert, who'd always been the center of attention and his father's favorite – "He didn't come from his mother's womb, he was washed up by the sea onto our doorstep. That's why his eyes are so blue…"
Perhaps he really was, Stannis smiled inwardly. And who ever would have thought he would be thankful for it. Because, as much as he'd loved his family and as much as he'd wanted to belong, when he grew up he didn't like that sort of men at all.
"I humbly beg forgiveness for interrupting your grace" – suddenly came the quiet and oily voice of the Spider – "But as your grace has mentioned the Targaryens… "
"What about them?" – blurted out Renly with a sigh of relief, only too glad to be saved from Robert's endless repetition of his old war stories.
"Only this morning I received word from my little birds in the far east that the princess Daenerys has disappeared from Meereen after a brutal attempt on her life was made by her enemies" – Varys replied softly – "As a matter of fact she was last seen in the Great Arena mounting her black dragon and flying off into the west…"
My, you are worried, Stannis thought to himself triumphantly as he watched the Spider's small, shrewd and rather kind eyes shift slightly faster than usual. So, you actually were Daenerys' man all along…
"If my lord Dragonslayer would care to make any comment…" – the eunuch continued cryptically.
Stannis felt a silence even thicker and heavier than the one in the throne room immediately drown the Small Council chamber and six pairs of eyes, some curious, some worried turn their gazes at him.
There could only be one reason for the eunuch asking him to state the obvious, Stannis thought deviously. He's really, really desperate at this point. So desperate, he'd risk exposing his secret to both me and that bastard Littlefinger.
Perhaps I might give him a small clue, Stannis thought feeling very pleased with himself and therefore rather gracious.
"I'm afraid there's not much I can say on the subject, my lord Spider" – Stannis shrugged his shoulders - "It's been well known for centuries that the fire – geysers of mount Dragonmont make it very attractive for dragons, so it's hardly surprising that the beast came to Dragonstone. Many of the dragons that were hatched in King's Landing flew to the blasted mountain as well"
"That is indeed a well – known fact, my lord" – Varys nodded humbly, but no less dissatisfied.
Oh, come on, lord Spider, Stannis chuckled to himself mischievously. I go out of my way to give you subtle hints and you never notice them?
"Damn, now I wish I'd given you Storm's End after all, Stannis" – came Robert's jolly laugh – "Should've kept that blasted piece of rock for hunting the gods' – cursed beasts"
"I'm sure that castle Dragonstone would make a splendid hunting lodge, your grace" – Littlefinger said, looking at Stannis with a charming smile on his face and a taunting gleam in his eye. It was always a pleasure to annoy his greatest foe and rival. A pleasure neither of them never missed, if they could help it.
"I'm sure there's no need for lord Baelish's jokes, while we're discussing such serious matters" – Ned Stark intervened to Stannis' silent gratitude – "I believe lord Varys meant to ask about the princess Daenerys…"
"Oh, Ned, spoiling all me fun!" – Robert scolded genially – "Anyways, what about the bitch? If she'd made it to Dragonstone, her head would already be on a spike right next to her beast's. Right, brother?"
"Naturally, your grace" – Stannis nodded solemnly – "But I seriously doubt we'll hear from her anytime soon or indeed ever again. If my calculations are correct, it would take about four days for a dragon of that size to fly from Meereen to Dragonstone. The Targaryen obviously wasn't a very experienced rider, so she probably fell off its back. Most likely, when she fell asleep. Or the dragon might've left her somewhere in the wilderness along the way when he landed to rest. In any case the odds of her surviving that flight and getting back to Meereen alive are less than nonexistent"
Probably no higher than the odds of her hatching three dragon eggs, but she managed to do both anyway. Gods, what a woman! Stannis thought, feeling a rather treacherous glow warm in his soul as he remembered his secret guest.
"And even if she does somehow make it back to Meereen, she'll probably be captured and executed by the slavers" – he continued indifferently – "Her absence will surely catalyze the conflict between her followers and the rest of Slaver's Bay. I've no doubt they're already preparing to attack the city if not yet ramming the gates, especially since, as you say, there is no unity in the city itself"
"That is indeed accurate, my lord" – Varys said solemnly – "My little birds tell me the joint armies of Yunkai, Qarth, Tolos, Elyria and Mantarys are already encamped outside the city walls. However, Meereen is an ancient city that was able to withstand attacks from the Freehold itself. Our very own ser Barristan Selmy is in command of the defending host and the two remaining dragons have been set free. They have made lairs on top of pyramids and are sometimes seen flying over the city"
"Since the city is plagued by civil war, sickness and famine, they won't hold for long no matter who commands them" – Stannis replied – "And dragons cannot be controlled by anyone, but their riders, lord Varys, so there's no knowing how they will react, when the fighting begins. They might burn the city and both armies to the ground, fly east to Asshai or west to Dragonstone for all we know"
"Gods, let them come here!" – Robert exclaimed bellicosely – "We'll give them a grand ol' welcome!"
"I sincerely hope not, your grace" – Ned huffed, shaking his head – "We've seen enough of dragons in Westeros to last us eternity"
"Perhaps so, my lord Hand" – Stannis said, reclaiming initiative – "But no matter what happens to the dragons, I believe it is safe to say that Meereen shall fall within a few weeks, Slaver's Bay will be restored to its old way of life and the Targaryen dynasty will end, this time for good"
Seven fucking hells! – Stannis cursed silently as the clarity of the picture he'd just painted suddenly hit him. It was unforgivably stupid of him not to have thought of that when he brought her to the castle. Not that the notion would've changed his resolve, he'd have helped her in any case. But what in the world is the girl going to do when her city falls and she loses everything?! She has nowhere to go, no means to survive and no one to care for her except him…
"Good! Justice finally served for the the dragon – scum"– Robert replied with a maliciously satisfied smile on his face.
Perhaps it truly was the Gods or Fate or whatever that left Daenerys mendicant and brought her to my doorstep at the exact time there's a default and a turnover coming to Westeros, Stannis thought, feeling shivers going down his spine as he suddenly realized what exactly he was going to do with her…
If there's going to be war and chaos anyway, he'd rather fight for someone, who was worth it. Someone, who cares about her people and understands that a crown, first and foremost, means responsibility.
Perhaps… if the girl really is, who she seems to be and is truly worth the trouble…
"Aye. I believe it is safe to say that the Targaryen is no more" – Ned Stark sighed heavily, looking down at the floor.
"You say that as though that's not welcome news" – Robert grumbled, throwing his best friend a mean and angry look.
"It is welcome news for us in Westeros" – Ned replied gravely – "But a terrible tragedy to every slave from Lys to Asshai. From what I know, the princess Daenerys was an honorable, trueborn fighter, who chose to dedicate her life to saving millions of innocents from the despicable yoke of slavery…"
"You admire her" – Stannis stated, rather than asked, looking a bit stunned and not quite believing his ears. It was completely in Ned's character to respect and honor an enemy that deserved it, but by fuck, what in the seven hells was he thinking, saying all of that to Robert?!
"Aye, my lord" – Ned nodded calmly – "I admire her"
"Careful, Ned! Careful now!" – Robert hissed angrily – "What you're saying might be considered high treason"
"What the Hand is saying" – Stannis replied quickly before Stark had the chance to answer and make things any worse – "Might be considered high treason if it were coming from the mouth of a different man. And, as much as it grieves me to say this, your grace, there is no doubt it will be repeated by men, far less honorable than lord Stark…"
"Aye, that's why we're having the tourney" – the king grunted, still glaring daggers at the Hand, who stared right back at him, proud and strong.
"Yes, but a tourney might not be a sufficiently convincing demonstration of your strength, your grace" – Stannis continued oily.
"What d'you suggest then?"
"Armies and dragons have always been the might and pride of Westeros, but our navy, victorious as it is, is still quite young. I believe it would be beneficial for both the marshal strength and the image of the crown if the Royal Navy were to be provided with a new flagship. A galley larger and mightier than ever before. Naturally, to be named after his grace"
"That's not at a bad idea, brother" – Robert replied kindly, already relishing in the thought of such a vessel – "Not a bad idea at all. A ship like that would surely demonstrate that our power on the sea is as great as it is on land. Build it as soon as you can. I'll call it… 'The Hammer' or 'The king's hammer'. In honor of the Trident"
"It might also be good to build a few other smaller vessels to come with it" – Stannis continued calmly, rejoicing in the apparent success of his plan – "To level any future talk that might erupt when the people, especially the sailors, learn of any possible money issues the fleets might have"
"Yes, yes, yes, you may build as many ships as you like" – Robert replied impatiently – "You and Littlefinger can sort out all the coppers, I'm not going to waste my time on rubbish like that"
"As you wish, your grace" – Stannis replied as the corners of his mouth twitched into a satisfied grin.
"Nicely done, my lord Dragonslayer" – Littlefinger chuckled quietly.
"Now, sod the blasted council meeting, I've had enough for one day" – the king said, standing up heavily from his chair – "And I expect to see you all at the feast tonight. And don't even think of excusing yourself from this one, Stannis. I want you there. And you too, Ned"
"He's going to display that thing in the Grand Hall?!" – Renly gasped in horror and disgust as soon as the door of the chamber closed heavily behind the king – "This is insane!"
"Mm-hm" – Stannis huffed, as he exchanged annoyed glances with the Hand. If there was one thing they had in common, it was distaste for the loud and crowded feasting the king was so fond of.
That night every window in the Red Keep was ablaze as everyone at court was preparing for the grand victory feast. The very air of the castle was shivering with excitement as tables in the Great Hall were laid richly with countless sumptuous dishes, barrels of finest Arbor wine opened, scores of candles lit and musical instruments toned. The dais with the high table was decorated with flowers and black and golden ribbons. The gloriously carved old wooden buffets standing by the walls were covered with rich drape and held mountains of finest plates, knives and goblets of gold and silver, just waiting to be served.
But the main ornament of the feast was, of course, the dragon's head. It had been cleaned, dried, oiled and placed upon a pedestal just behind the high table. An interesting and exotic distraction, it stopped the busy servants in their tracks and held their interest until one of the butlers or housekeepers came along to speed things up.
The noble courtiers were just as busy getting ready for the feast as their low – born counterparts. Lysane and dornish silks, representing the colors of their houses, fine leather, gold and precious gems… only the very best garments that one could afford would do. According to tradition, created before time by men nobody knew of, those stones and fabrics were the standard by which all men were measured. And no one, not even the king's brother could afford to break tradition on a night like this. Alas…
"What are you staring at, lad? Is my nose bleeding or something?" – Stannis grumbled irritably, throwing a rather devious glance at his young squire, who was trying his best to be about his business and not stare at the lord as he was getting dressed, but failing at it miserably.
"No, my lord. Apologies, my lord" – Devan replied guiltily and tried to concentrate on tidying up his master's things which were only recently delivered from the ship. But treacherously, the boy's eyes leapt back to Stannis. In all his time as a squire, young Devan'd never seen his lord wear anything, but cotton, wool, mail and leather. He was first and foremost a warrior to who preferred safety and convenience to luxe and beauty. And it was almost incredible to see Stannis change his usual attire in favor of the soft and rich styles of a courtier. A style, which quite suited him and, although in Devan's eyes, his lord always looked regal… somehow made him seem even more so.
"Impressed with all the frippery, are we lad?" – Stannis chucked affectionately as he watched the curious youngster out of the corner of his eye.
"Yes, my lord" – Devan replied reluctantly, lowering his eyes.
He didn't like to admit to anything his lord didn't approve of, bit he just couldn't help himself. He really was impressed with how lord Stannis looked in his pitch – black waistcoat and breeches of finest lysine silk that clung closely to his tall, lithe, shapely frame. The collar, borders and slashed sleeves of his doublet were tastefully embroidered with golden thread. The shiny – white silk of his shirt was visible through the slits of the doublet sleeves and under his still undone collar. His boots were also black and made of the softest leather Devan had ever touched.
"You look royal, ser" – he added honestly.
"Bring me the belt, will you" – Stannis told the lad as he fastened the beautifully ornamented golden buttons on his wastecoat. He never ever asked his squire to help him dress, not even to put on his armor, but right now young Seaworth was too amazed and curious to leave out.
"This one?" – Devan asked breathlessly as he held up a long, beautiful sash the like of which he'd never seen before. It seemed to be made of thick, but very soft leather that had some kind of strange scales on it. They looked like snakescales, but were much bigger. At first glance the belt seemed to be black, but Devan thought he saw flashes of dark – purple dancing in the dancing in the depth of the rich black. The buckle was made of gold and shaped like the head of something resembling a snake or a dragon. Devan vaguely remembered seeing a similar beast among the statues of Dragonstone.
"Aye. Like it?" – Stannis asked with a smile as Devan's curious fingers gently stroked the unfamiliar material.
"Yes, my lord, very much" – Devan replied, handing the belt to his master – "Is it made from some kind of snakeskin? I've never seen anything like it before"
"No, you didn't" – Stannis said cryptically as he fastened the beautiful sash around his waist, leaving a long loose end hanging down almost to his knees – "Only few men in the world have. It's made of wyvernskin"
"Wyvernskin?!" – Devan gasped in shock. From what he knew, wyverns were extremely rare and dangerous creatures that were first cousins to dragons. They plagued the dark and rocky shores of the Cinnamon straits in the Jade sea and hunted horses, wild cats and even, sometimes, men. At least that's what his father told him.
"It must be worth a fortune!" - the lad blurted out.
"Forgive me, my lord" – he continued meekly, immediately regretting his outburst – "I should never have…"
"It's all right, lad" – Stannis chuckled – "It is worth a fortune. Worth a little less than a small galley to be exact"
"A gift from one of your father's friends, as a matter of fact" – he continued with a smile as the boy's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets – "Salladhor Saan"
"The pirate king?" – Devan asked in surprise as he remembered the handsome, charming, dark – skinned rogue who was often a secret, yet none the less welcome guest in his father's house – "What did you do that made him so grateful?"
"That, my dear boy, is none of your business" – Stannis chuckled mischievously as he straightened his collar – "By the way, I believe you and Saan have a few things in common. You used to be a thief, right?"
"Yes, my lord" – the boy said grudgingly, twitching with discomfort – "But like my father, I've…"
"Has all my instruction been for naught?" – Stannis said didactically – "There's no such thing as a bad skill. Skills are just skills, what makes them good or bad is how you choose to use them. Understood?"
"Yes, ser"
"And, as it happens, right now I may have need of this particular skill"
"My lord?" – Devan asked, with peaked curiosity.
He'd always known that it was not beyond lord Stannis to deal with pirates, smugglers and other men of rather doubtful character when it suited him, but never in his wildest dreams did Devan think Stannis would actually ask him to steal something.
"Do you know who Hamish the Harper is, lad?" – the lord asked cryptically.
"Yes, ser" – the youngster answered, feeling the old mischievous thrill starting to warm his heart again.
"Do you know where he lives?"
"Aye"
"I need you to steal something from his chamber, bring it here and then take it to my cabin at the 'Fury'. Can you do that?"
"Of course, ser" – Devan huffed dismissively – "All the musicians are at the feast and the servants are all busy in the kitchens and the Hall. It'll be easy"
"Good..."
The victory feast was already in full swing when Stannis came down into the Great Hall and was as grand an affair as he had ever seen. Wine was flowing in rivers, tables all but crashing down with food and dance music played loudly and masterfully.
Intentionally late and hoping not to draw too much attention to himself, Stannis carefully made his way through the crowd of courtiers, who, thankfully, were too busy with music, wine and each other to notice.
The king was already half drunk and having a grand old time, snogging with two court ladies. Renly and most of the younger courtiers were jumping about the dance floor, caught in the quick and jolly rhythm of a jig. The rest of the Small Council were sat at different tables, engaged in conversation.
All, except Ned Stark. Stannis grinned as he noticed the man standing lonely against a column. Dressed to the nines in grey and white silk and holding a glass of wine in hand, he was no doubt bored and hoping to blend safely into the surroundings. Much like Stannis himself...
"Enjoying yourself, my lord Hand?" – Stannis smiled genially as he came up to his fellow sufferer with a glass of his own.
"Almost as much as you are" – Ned chuckled – "Unfortunately, I wasn't smart enough to be as late"
"Years of experience. You'll get the hang of it" – said Stannis, toasting the Hand.
"I hope not" – Ned replied with a sigh as their glasses clinked – "I have no wish to be at court forever"
"You won't be if you're not careful, Stark" – Stannis said seriously as he sipped his wine – "Especially with your tongue"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that you had absolutely no business praising the Targaryen girl today, especially in front of Robert" – Stannis explained reproachfully - "What in the seven hells possessed you to do that?"
"I merely said what I believe to be true" – Ned shrugged his shoulders – "I'm not ashamed of my thoughts and views to have to keep them secret"
Damn his blasted sense of responsibility for the man, Stark was just hopelessly dumb and honest, Stannis hsighed, rolling his eyes.
"Nevertheless you might want to start watching what you say and even what you think. Here, in King's Landing walls don't just have ears. They also have quite a few poisonous barbs, hidden and waiting to fly out at any moment"
"Aye, there's a couple of them aimed at us already" – Ned replied irritably as he looked above Stannis' shoulder.
Stannis turned around and cursed under his breath as he saw the tall, stately and graceful figure of Cersei Lannister herself floating towards them with an uncommonly gracious smile on her face.
"My – my, look who's decided to grace us with her presence" – Stannis huffed ironically – "When she was absent from court this morning, I was rather hoping our queen had fallen deathly ill"
"No need to be mean, Stannis" – Stark chuckled – "Whatever she may be, she's still our queen. And no, no such luck I'm afraid. She was having something her ladies in waiting called a 'particularly severe migraine', I believe"
"Ah!" – Stannis nodded with a malicious smile.
Unlike Ned Stark, who was still new at court, he knew that 'a particularly severe migraine' was Cersei's standard term for her displeasure aimed at Robert for doing something that didn't sit too well with her. Something along the lines of visiting her chambers to perform his duties after getting excited with a few other ladies…
"Your grace!" – the men bowed simultaneously as the queen approached their little party.
Garbed in a rich, flowing gown of lysane silk and lannister gold, her thick, long, golden hair flowing freely around her shoulders from an intricate knot at the top of her head, Cersei looked majestically beautiful and treacherously alluring. Even Ned and Stannis had to admit that.
"My lords" – she replied with a slight nod – "I am so pleased to see our illustrious Master of Ships has finally managed to navigate his way to the Great Hall"
"I humbly apologize if my tardiness has caused offence, your grace" – Stannis replied respectfully.
"No need for apologies, my dear brother. I understand how intricate and confusing the corridors of the Red Keep can be. Especially to a man, who is trained to find his way in the middle of nowhere using nothing, but stars and maps and whatever else it is you captains use" – Cersei replied rather spitefully – "But the king has missed you"
"Thank you for your understanding, dearest sister, but I doubt the king is very angry" – Stannis replied with equal spite as he stared pointedly at Robert, whose hands were vigorously exploring the contents of the skirt of yet another lady – "I was so sorry to hear of your migraine this morning. I do so hope you're feeling better?"
"I am, thank you" – Cersei replied coldly – "Oh, but I'm being rude, aren't I? My heartiest congratulations on your victory over the dragon. I really cannot thank you enough for the beautiful and fragrant main décor, Robert was so set on having placed behind the dias"
"Happy to be of service, your grace" – Stannis nodded curtly.
"Shame such a great victory has brought you nothing, though" – the queen continued sweetly – "But then again… It wouldn't be the first time Robert has granted you a pompous, useless title… or rather nickname and at the same time made sure you have no gold to come with it"
"Indeed it wouldn't… However, I'm sure your brother the Kingslayer would agree that sometimes a nickname can be more valuable than gold" – Stannis replied with a devious little smile – "How much do you think ser Jaime would pay me to switch nicknames? Would all the gold ever mined at Casterly Rock be sufficient to clear him of his honorary title, do you think?"
"I have no idea" – Cersei smiled back coldly – "But even now we have quite sufficient for Jaime and the rest of us to ignore it"
"Do you really?" – Stannis chuckled – "I wonder if ser Jaime shares your opinion"
The queen didn't reply. Instead she turned her viper's gaze to Ned Stark, who was obviously very uncomfortable bearing witness to one of the legendary bickerings between the queen and the Master of Ships and didn't know where to look.
"Would you excuse us, my lord Hand?" – Cersei asked sweetly – "There are a few matters I wish to discuss with the Master of Ships privately"
"Yes, of course, your grace" – the Hand replied with a sigh of relief and threw his friend a compassionate and guilty look as he left.
"I am all ears, your grace" – Stannis said curiously, looking down at Cersei, as she remained silent for a moment and eyed him appreciatively from head to toe.
"I must say, you look quite tolerable in garments that suit your rank" – she said almost flirtatiously as she looked up to meet his eyes – "I never understood why you insist on dressing like a ragamuffin"
"Is that the issue you wanted to discuss with me?" – he asked incredulously.
"No" – Cersei snapped, rolling her eyes – "I hear that Robert has commissioned several new ships for the fleet"
"That it true" – Stannis replied rather apprehensively.
"And the grandest one is to be named in honor of his hammer" – the queen continued with cold annoyance and a small nod as though she never expected anything else.
"Yes"
"Don't you think that is insultingly pathetic?" – Cersei huffed indignantly.
"What is?" – Stannis asked confusedly.
"You built a ship in honor of your father, didn't you?"
"Aye"
"And now your brother wants you to build one for his hammer" - Cersei explained irritably - "He values family so low…"
"Ah! Well… The hammer is arguably the best part of Robert, so…" – Stannis replied, with a grin on his face and a shrug of this shoulders - "In truth, I would be happy to build a ship in honor of every part of Robert's armor. And even of the saddle of his horse"
"Would you? Imagine how glorious that would be" – Cersei smiled, genuinely this time – "An entire fleet of galleys with proud and meaningful names like 'King Robert's Breastplate', 'King Robert's Sabaton'…"
"'King Roberts antlers'" – Stannis added with a mischievous gleam in his eye.
"Yes, I'm sure it will be very amusing for you and your shipwrights" – Cersei said coldly, feeling suddenly disquieted – "But don't you think it would be only right to build a few ships in honor of the royal family as well?"
"It would" – Stannis nodded musingly – "Whoever thought we would ever agree on something…"
"How would you like to build a galley for the queen?" – Cersei asked, as she waved one of the servants to bring wine – "A twin of Robert's flagship"
"Twin?" – Stannis gasped, not quite believing his ears.
Of course the woman never respected or even particularly liked Robert, but did she really have the audacity to ask this?! And did he really have the audacity to say 'yes'?! Stannis felt his stomach jerk as he knew the answer to that question all too well.
"Behind every great man there's a great woman, isn't there?" – the queen replied innocently, taking a beautiful golden cup from the tray and bringing it to her lips.
"Oh, undoubtedly" – Stannis chuckled, lifting the corner of his mouth into half a smile.
"And as the same proverb applies to every couple, it would be only fair to create a duet for the king's father and mother in law. 'Lord Tywin' and 'Lady Joanna'"
"Also twins?"
"Not necessarily. Whatever you think best" – Cersei smiled deviously – "And of course, we mustn't forget the heir"
"Four ships?" – Stannis asked contentedly.
In spite of all the fuss and noise and Cersei's immediate presence, the evening seemed to be getting more enjoyable by the minute.
"Spare no expense. There's enough gold at Casterly Rock for several fleets" – the queen chuckled slyly.
"Aye, but…"
"Half price advance payment"
"Agreed" – Stannis nodded, lifting his cup to toast her. Cersei did the same.
Suddenly a blast of happy shrieks and laughter erupted from the surrounding crowd as several young courtiers with Renly at the lead jumped and danced their way through it, grabbing a hand here and there and pulling more and more people out onto the dance flood.
"When can I see the sketches?" – Cersei asked when the frivolity was far enough away for both of them to relax and take a few sips from their goblets.
"Some the day after tomorrow, some later" – Stannis replied, shaking his head as the cheerful bustle of young men and women smashed into the crowd again.
"Perhaps you'd like to build a galley for lord Renly too?" – Cersei smiled as once more Renly danced past them, snatching a pretty young girl from the circle of friends she was talking to and pushing her out into the prancing crowd, headed for the dance floor.
"As much as I'd like to, I fear the only vessel I will ever build for Renly is an enormous barge, with tents for food and room enough for dancing and musicians" – Stannis huffed ironically.
To his surprise, Cersei laughed.
"Why, Stannis, that's a splendid idea" – suddenly came Renly's boisterous voice as the young rascal appeared before them out of nowhere, panting and red – faced and happy as can be – "I'd love to have one. Just think of it! A ball on the sea, with a splendid view of fireworks above Storm's End"
"Well, you can't have it" – Stannis said strictly.
"Why not?"
"Because Shipbreaker bay didn't get its name for nothing"
"My goodness, brother" – Renly replied cheekily – "I am a grown man and still you try to school and chastise me. You'll do the same even when we're old and grey, I've no doubt."
"You are a boy in a man's breeches" – Stannis grumbled – "Even if you live to be a hundred you'll still remain a boy"
"And you were born an old man" – Renly retorted gaily – "So we have enough between us to always be both young and wise, don't you think?"
"Have you indeed?" – Cersei snorted, raising her eyebrows.
"Oh, come on, Stannis" – Renly pleaded, taking no notice of the queen's snide comment – "Build me a barge of beautiful black ebony. With little golden stags dancing of the sides and tents and room and everything you said. I swear on my entire wardrobe, I'll never sail it on Shipbreaker bay"
"A holy oath indeed!" – Stannis replied with a reluctant smile – "What will you do with it then? Take it to Highgarden, give it to ser Loras Tyrell so the two of you can sail up and down the Mander and have some fun and mischief on the river?"
"Why not?" – Renly yelped happily.
"Why not? Why not…" – Stannis shrugged his shoulders
"When can I have it?" – Renly asked excitedly.
"Roughly, six months. But not before you've paid me…" – Stannis paused and increased the number he first estimated by half and then increased that number by a half as well – "Two hundred and ten thousand golden dragons"
"Two hundred and ten thousand?!" – Renly gasped in shock – "That's highway robbery!"
"Take it or leave it" – Stannis replied, spreading his hands.
"But Stannis, I really can't spare that kind of money" – Renly said, immediately becoming serious – "With all the taxes and wages I've already paid this year and Robert's new trade schemes, my yearly budget is now about two million and…"
"What?! The year is only half gone!" – almost cried Stannis as it was his turn to be shocked – "Renly… even with all the extra taxes, numerous bad harvests your present budget should be no less than five million. What in the Seven Hells have you done with the money?"
"Well… I may have had a few extra expenses this year" – Renly replied meekly, starting to feel like a scolded child.
"A few?!" – Stannis hissed angrily as he could literally feel his blood boiling up with shock and disbelief.
"Well… alright…quite a few extra expenses… So probably no barge this year" – Renly sighed disappointedly – "But you will draw a picture or whatever it is called of it soon, won't you?"
"Of course he will" – Cersei said unctuously before Stannis could even open his mouth.
"Oh, thank you, your grace! You really are the sweetest queen that ever lived" - Renly shouted happily, dancing away as quickly as he could before his brother had a chance to react.
Stannis sighed deeply and gulped down the rest of his wine, hoping to goodness it would cool down his burning blood as soon as possible.
How bad were the finances of the Stormlands really, he wondered angrily, as Cersei graciously waved for more wine. Was Renly already ruining himself as quickly as Robert was? What on earth could he have spent that kind of money on?
Could it possibly be preparation for war, Stannis thought worriedly, his heart and mind racing with rage and grievous suppositions. Was his little brother in league with the Tyrells and Littlefinger too? Very likely so…
"I wonder how you can be so calm when your brother wastes away what rightly belonges to you" – suddenly came Cersei's oily voice – "Hard they call you and hard you are"
"No harder than I have to be to do my duty" – Stannis replied absently, taking a sip from his new cup as yet another piece of the conspiracy puzzle fell into place in his mind.
But if Renly was in league with the Tyrells, he wondered, what's his reward? Could it be possible that his brother was actually planning to be king and take the Tyrell girl as his queen?!
Stannis held back a gasp as the chain of evidence almost completed itself. So, it was both Robert and the Lannisters to be taken out of the picture after all…
"Indeed… Nothing like duty to make a man hard" – Cersei purred deviously – "I daresay, not even Robert could give that wife of yours a second glance, never mind a child…"
"Have I said something to upset you?" - she smiled charmingly as Stannis choked on his wine – "I wonder… did my words shock you? Or is it true that you haven't touched that wife of your in years? Or both?"
"I'd say both" – Cersei chuckled as Stannis choked on the wine again.
"This is a highly inappropriate conversation, your grace" – he replied finally, wiping his chin with a handkerchief.
"Inappropriate… what a useful word…" – Cersei said cryptically.
"Pardon?"
"Is that why you behave like a mute, cold, slippery fish all the time?" – the queen asked searchingly - "Because it's inappropriate to do otherwise?"
"I'm not entirely sure what you are suggesting, you grace…"- Stannis asked as a cold, eery feeling filled his stomach.
"You're afraid of me, aren't you?" – she purred quietly, slowly moving closer ho him. Close enough to tough his arm.
"Am I?" – Stannis raised his eyebrows, feeling every muscle in his body tense and not liking this at all.
"Of course you are" – Cersei whispered flirtatiously – "In fact…you want to sleep with me. Then you wouldn't be so threatened"
"Strange… " – Stannis replied with fake reflectiveness, his heart pounding out of his chest as he looked deep into two luscious gold – green eyes, staring intently into his own – "I've never even thought about it. But you clearly have"
For a moment that seemed to Stannis like eternity, they remained still and silent, holding each other's gaze. He smiled as he watched the seductive glow disappear from the queen's eyes, making way for icy, barbed indifference.
"I'd like those sketches no later than the day after tomorrow" – Cersei finally said, removing her hand from his arm.
Stannis exhaled with relief and downed his cup of wine as he watched her turn around and float away gracefully.
"What in the seven hells just happened here?!" - he asked himself aloud, too shocked to really care about keeping his voice down.
"That wasn't very nice, you know"
Stannis almost jumped as, all of a sudden, Renly's cheeky voice returned to the scene. This time miraculously serious.
"I'm not a very nice person" – Stannis shrugged his shoulders, trying his best to ignore Renly and compose himself after Cersei's incredulous behavior.
"She'll never forgive you for that one" – Renly told him apprehensively as he took his brother's empty cup and handed him another one.
"No matter" – Stannis replied dismissively – "We've said worse things to each other"
"Not really…"
"What?"
"You do know, you've just rejected her" – Renly asked quietly, looking slightly worried.
"What in the seven hells are you on about?" – Stannis huffed incredulously.
"You really are as dumb and unfeeling as a block of wood" – Renly sighed, rolling his eyes – "You know, sometimes I wish you two'd just do it. If nothing else, it would save the rest of us from your constant bickering"
"You're drunk!" – Stannis snapped irritably.
"Not nearly drunk enough" – Renly giggled, lifting his glass – "You should get drunk too, it'll do you good. Might even make you brave enough to finally lift some skirt. Cersei's preferably"
"Shut up!" – hissed Stannis – "And for fuck's sake, go back to your dancing partner"
"Oh, come on!" – Renly giggled mischievously – "You and I both know you've been wet dreaming about her for years"
"I have not!"
"Liar" – grinned Renly – "Anyways… Hard as it is to believe, I'm pretty sure she sometimes wet dreams about you too"
"Don't be ridiculous, Renly" – Stannis snorted – "Even if she was trying to seduce me, there has to be an ulterior motive"
And perhaps there was, Stannis thought slyly. If the Lannisters are already aware of the Tyrell plot, Cersei might just be trying to lure me to their side… But… No… That was unlikely. Tywin would never act from a reactive position if he could help it. If he knew of the conspiracy, his men would be poisoning Tyrell's wine and slitting Littlefinger's throat in a dark corner of his brothel. And there is no way Cersei could ever keep such a plot secret from her father, if she knew it…This must be something else…
"Oh, come on. You're not that ugly" – he heard his little brother tease.
"Renly, it is plain to the meanest intelligence that the only person Cersei Lannister wet dreams about is Cersei Lannister. Or, at the very least, another Lannister" – Stannis said, rather reluctant to continue, but not yet ready to walk away in case he needed to ask Renly a few evasive, testing questions.
"Exactly!" – Renly exclaimed triumphantly.
"What?"
"Everyone knows she's sleeping with her brother. Apart from Robert and Ned Stark, that is…Maybe she wants to sleep with her father as well"
"You're making me nauseous" – Stannis said disgustedly.
"You've got to admit you two are alike. Very much so. All baldheaded, boring and brilliant" – Renly giggled – "Or… all smart, strong and silent, if it makes you feel better"
"It doesn't" – Stannis snapped, secretly pleased with the comparison to his old idol.
"Actually…you might even pass for her brother" – Renly continued cheekily – "You grew up at court, so Tywin Lannister spent more time with you than he ever did with his own children. Some might say that you're more of a son to him than any of the actual Lannisters since he practically raised you. Tywin even knighted you, didn't he?"
"He did" – Stannis admitted musingly, starting to realize that Renly's theory might not be all that ridiculous after all.
"Goodness me, no wonder she wants you!"
"For a man who's only interested in the company of men, you're remarkably shrewd when it comes to women" – Stannis huffed sarcastically.
"I'm an expert on all things beautiful" – Renly replied with a smug smile – "And you can't deny Cersei is beautiful"
"Aye, but… perhaps not as beautiful as someone else" – Stannis replied almost triumphantly as suddenly he saw the last piece of the puzzle, the final missing link of his chain of thought dance right in front of him in the shape of a young girl with a lovely face, doe - like eyes and thick chestnut hair falling below her waist. There she was, floating gracefully through the room on the arm of her brother. The person, who finally completed the intrigue…
"Who?" – Renly asked, looking around curiously – "Oh, that's lady Margaery Tyrell"
"I guessed it was. She looks quite like her brother. But I had no idea the lord Tyrell was planning to bring her to court this year" – Stannis said innocently.
"He wasn't" – Renly replied ingenuously – "But she and Loras insisted on it, so he and I brought her with us when we came back from Highgarden yesterday"
"I see…" – Stannis sighed heavily.
"It's always a pleasure seeing a new face at court, especially one as pretty as Margaery's, don't you think?" – Renly asked with a smile.
So, his little brother was a main force among the guilty parties after all. And Stannis' bet was that the conspirators would first try to remove Cersei as queen and fill her place with Margaery. Else, why would Renly and Loras bother with bringing Margaery to court…
How could they do it? By exposing Cersei's little secret of her children's true parentage. And what if they are unsuccessful? Then they replace the king as well.
But in that case Stannis' own role in the scheme was depressingly clear. He was one of the main targets to be removed from the board as soon as possible. Even if Mace and Renly did have the stupidity to think Stannis would accept him as his liege, Littlefinger was way smarter than that.
Is that why Renly so gallantly gave me this cup just now? Is there poison in this wine, Stannis thought grievously. The Game of Thrones knew no bold ties or affection, he'd always known that much… But it still hurt to think that little Renly had agreed or to end his life or even taken it upon himself to do it…
"Do you like her?" – Renly asked genially.
"No" – Stannis answered sadly.
"I can see that" – Renly chuckled teasingly, the chance in his brother's mood entirely lost on him – "For a man who's interested in neither men nor women, you've got a rather wandering eye, wouldn't you say, brother?"
"A little eyeball liberty may sometimes be acceptable" – Stannis chuckled rather bitterly, waving to the nearby servant to take away his cup.
Even if there was nothing more than wine in it, daring to finding out was a risk he could not afford. From this moment, the target on his back would only grow bigger and court would soon get very hot for him, that much was obvious.
"'Eyeball liberty'?!" – Renly laughed.
"Nautical term"
"You dirty old sailor!" – Renly replied, taking a new cup for himself from the servant and toasting his brother – "I wonder… How far does your nautical liberty actually go?"
"What do you mean?" – Stannis asked apprehensively.
"Well… you know what they say about sailors…" – Renly said cautiously, but with a cheeky gleam in his eye – "You do spend a lot of time with that mongrel so - called best friend of yours. And you admire his wife well enough to name a vessel in her honor. 'Lady Marya', is it?"
Stannis' blood flared up with rage and he did his best to restrain himself and not punch Renly in the face. He did admire Marya, very much. Liked her even. But it was impossible to even think of…
And as for Davos and the sailors… Renly was lucky they were in a crowded room, otherwise he'd have shown him what exactly sailors do to men who spread filth about them…
"All right! All right! I'm sorry!" – Renly replied meekly, seeing the anger in this brother's eyes – "It was a silly joke, calm down. I know you too well to even assume anything of that sort"
"When you grow up, you'll find that there are certain things that are beyond taboo, you filthy – minded little bastard!" – Stannis hissed angrily.
"Yes, well… since I'm still a sweet and amiable child, would you like me to introduce you to the lady Margaery?" – his little brother asked innocently.
"No!"
"Why not? If you're bored with wet – dreaming about Cersei, a new face might feel refreshing"
With that Renly shoved his cut into Stannis' hands and headed towards the dance floor.
Yes, go, boy… Stannis thought bitterly, as he watched the young man slickly make his way through the forever busy crowd. Go, fetch your little prize. But I'm afraid I will not let you play these games for long... The greatest lesson I have ever learned from life and Tywin Lannister is that to win you have to act and not react. It is the main principle I live by…
Perhaps the time has truly come for him to correct old mistakes and pay back debts long overdue, Stannis mused as he watched young lady Margaery float towards him gracefully, on Renly's arm. Time to do what he should've done for Rhaegar seventeen years ago, what they'd been planning for years before the Rebellion, even before Harrenhal … To help the rightful ruler claim the Iron Throne and take his place as Hand.
"My lady, I have the honor to introduce my brother, lord Stannis Baratheon, Master of Ships and lord of Dragonstone" – Renly said gallantly as he and his charming partner finally made their way to Stannis – "Stannis, this is the lady Margaery. Daughter of lord Mace Tyrell and the most beautiful woman in the Reach"
"I am honored to meet you, lord Stannis" – the girl said as she curtseyed politely, a charming smile gracing her exquisite features – "I've heard nothing but the highest praise of you from my father and my uncle Redwyne"
"Charmed" – Stannis replied a curt bow.
Let the Game go on and may the best man win, Stannis thought as the corners of his lips curled up into a cold and devious little smile. A smile that, for some strange reason Renly couldn't fathom, made him feel uneasy…