GENDRY POV:
Winterfell:
'Where are they? Where are they? Back in Dragonstone I never saw them move without them!'
Prince Gendry stood alone outside in the castle yard for two reason: first he wanted to get away from the most tension filled feast he had ever attended and secondly because like a child; he wanted to see the famous Stark Direwolves but they were nowhere to be found, he tried to ask Bran but he was sitting in the lower tables with the commoners and Rickon was downright ignoring him with hostility. They came back North, they must have remember they hated him... So he took the first chance he got to escape and went in search of the mythical creatures. Bran had told him that each Stark child had a direwolf of their own but ever since he arrived he hadn't seen them, it's not like you could hide them. They were his size!
He avoided being seen by the Kingsguard that where outside who no doubt would steer him back to the dinning hall. The only servant he found was a man as tall as a tree who only said one word so he decided to go venture on his own, naturally his eyes wondered to the smithy but it was closed, he made a mental note to return in the morning... After finally succumbing to the cold he decided to go back to the castle but as he turned around he was blocked by the same creature he was looking for.
Immediately he knew this was no Summer or Shaggydog, it had dark grey hair with golden eyes that rooted him on the spot. It wasn't growling at him but Gendry knew better than to move, this beast was the same or even bigger size than Shaggydog that could catch him the second he moved. Well he wanted to see one so he got his wish! The beast walked closer to him as if he was its pray so he just closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable, he chose not to scream to spare his mother from seeing the gory sight but the bite never came and no claws teared his skin. A healthy amount of slime hit his face as the beast was licking him so he couldn't help but laugh. What a magnificent beast, it's a girl! Maybe that's why she is sweeter than the others.
When he started to laugh the direwolf looked at him with curiosity and headbutted him when he stopped as if signaling him to continue. His head bounced in the concrete wall of the smithy and he couldn't help but wonder what kind of damage it was capable of inflicting on purpose.
"Hello Girl, you're a sweetheart aren't you?" He said as he patted her in the head, this time ending on the floor gasping for air as the wolf threw itself at him so he could scratch her belly, definitely not a pet for someone small.
"Is there a smithy around? He always ends up near one!"- He heard; the kingsguard! No doubt his father noted his absence. He told the beast to run along and was surprised at how quickly it followed his orders. He personally instructed the men of the direwolves and told them not to harm them but he didn't doubt that they would draw their swords if they had seen him on the ground with the beast all over him. He trotted back to the stables when he found Rob Stark patting one of the horses.
"Prince Gendry... I believe some of your father's men are looking for you"- He said casually. Rob Stark was a year older than him, similar in size but looked and acted more seriously, more lordly dare he say. A mop of red hair adorned his head like all of the Stark Children.
"Yes, I wanted to get some fresh air and found myself distracted with one of your pets"
"I beg your pardon your Highness but what do you mean?"- Rob said genuinely interested.
"One of the direwolves, a girl! I guess she wanted to say hi to me and I ended up petting her. Quite a remarkable creature!"
"That's strange. Sansa normally keep's Lady inside of her room when guests are around..."- He muttered to himself but shrugged it off. "Let's get back to the feast, your father was worried about you"- He said giving the horse one last pat.
"That is a fine specimen. Is it yours?" It was a dornish sand steed pale as snow with hair black as night. He always had wanted one but do to his size and weight he opted for a destrier he aptly called Bull.
"No, it belongs to my other sister; Arya. It seems that she decided to grace us with her presence tonight"- He said with a loving smile.
"Your grace..."
"Please, when in confidence call me Rob"-
"Only if you call me Gendry... Rob may I ask where you keep the direwolves? I noticed the stables are solely for the horses and saw no type of kennels. Surely an animal bigger than me would need a big refuge" Rob stopped on his tracks.
"Gendry you said the wolf was bigger than your size but a girl?"- He said searching for an answer.
"Yes, taller than me more than 10 inches! She had grey hair and yellow eyes, she was quite sweet and playful"
"Prince Gendry I must remind you that the direwolves aren't our pets, they are wild animals that we respect. I urge you to please not engage in any kind of contact with them unless their masters are present, especially that one. She is anything but sweet and you are lucky to be breathing this instant. Let's go back inside"- The tone Rob used was cold and commanding as if scolding a child which was exactly how he felt. He didn't think the wolf he met was capable of harming him but after the warning he couldn't help but shiver if Rob himself was afraid of the beast. Rob saw the change in their attitude and seemed regretful.
"I only wish to avoid any kind of problem Gendry... If you want to see one you can met mine tomorrow, his name his Grey Wind and he is always up for a good run in the morning if you're interested"-
"Of course, I'd be delighted!" He said as they made small talk back to the great hall. He saw his father's face show sings of relief once he entered signaling to return to the table and engage Lady Sansa in any type of conversation, Rob seemed to sense his distress and asked him to join him and share a drink at the nearest table.
"The rumors are true aren't they? It is not you but the King who has come with promises of marriage"- Rob asked getting right to the point. He had only been in Winterfell for a couple of hours but he knew that north-men didn't waste their time scheming and plotting. He liked them... he also noticed all eyes on the table were on him. Common folk mixed with noble family members, another thing he quite liked.
"I'd be perfectly happy to rule by myself and pass the throne to my brother's children. Sadly, that is not an option nor a reality for me"
"See? I told you this was all the Kings doing or he would have returned with us after we left Dragonstone!"- Said Bran joining in the conversation, people around him seemed to warm to him a bit after his words. "I'm sorry my Prince it's just that we are very protective of our sisters. I also plead forgiveness in Rickon's behalf, he just saw you trying to come here and taking one of the girls away quite disrespectful after meeting you. He wont admit it but he quite liked you"-
"You see Gendry... our sisters are Ice Princesses, they belong in the North and nothing more. If someone was to take them away by force we wont hesitate in striking back. Their wishes only will be the ones carried out"- Rob said in a tone that was playful, dismissive and threatening at the same time. A smile crossed over his face as he spoke again.
"Arya finally came home. Gendry meet Nymeria outside... alone... and played with her a bit"-
Bran froze and looked at Gendry as if he had completed an impossible feat, he didn't understand. As Bran muttered a faint 'interesting'; the doors bolted open. In came a man unannounced shaking the snow off his boots like he where in his private quarters.
"Brother!"- The young man said as he approached the table. He was flanked by two soldiers heavy in armors as was himself. He was handsome and carried himself with confidence that boarded in arrogance. In his breastplate was carved a kraken. Gendry knew him by his carefree reputation...
"Theon. I see you managed to make it back safely"- Rob greeted him with a glass of wine that he downed in one gulp.
"And miss the visit of our King? Never! Theon Greyjoy my Prince, at your service..."- He said as he over flourished his bow. "...BUT that service will be latter for now I have a quick question to ask"- Theon said as he drank another glass and started to walk to the high table where the king sat, immediately getting everyone's attention.
"My King... My Queen. Welcome to all southern patrons to our ice kingdom. I hope the weather has not been much of a hassle."-
"You forget that I spent much of my youth in these lands young man but thank you for good wishes"- Robert replied, completely oblivious of what was going to happen.
"Lord Stark I thank you for opening your home to me once again and Lady Catelyn, dare I say you are even more beautiful than the last time I saw you"- Theon Greyjoy had a way with words and he knew how to use it. Men weren't buying anything he was saying but every woman present were putty in his hands. Even the Queen seemed giddy.
"Flattery is for fools brother. Actions will always be better received"- Said his sister Asha coming down from the high table and greeting him with her infant child in her arm. A small baby of only three months of age called Rickard. The Iron Born both stood in front of the King. Asha reminding everyone that she was to be the future Lady of House Stark after Catelyn and Theon flanked by his soldiers had Gendry reciting their house words 'We Do Not Sow'
"As always you are right my dear sister therefore I must confess something that has been eating my chest for months now. I confess that I have been purposely been away preparing my state for I have finally found someone I would like to share it with, to share my lands and heritage as much as I would like to share my heart... Lord Eddard you have raised me as one of your own but I must remind you that I am exactly not that; which is ideal for I couldn't be have to bare the feelings I have towards your daughter"-
The Southerners gasped, the North men grinned, The King looked murderous while looked Eddard looked calm as ever, his eyes never betraying his thoughts. Gendry slowly made his way to the table, his uncle Jaime seemed to think the same as he stood behind Robert with his hand on his sword. Robert was going to get angry.
"I come her to ask for the hand in marriage of Sansa Stark; I come with the promise of loving her to my death while in life giving her my body and soul"-
"This is preposterous!"- Robert roared, tensions high in a matter of seconds. All guards were armed.
"Pray tell what does his highness think preposterous?"- Sansa hissed while descending the stairs to were Theon stood. Rob's words ringing inside Gendry's head: 'If someone was to take them away by force we wont hesitate in striking back. Their wishes only will be the ones carried out'. Sansa had already had her wish...
"Father it's best if we..."
"If we what?"- Robert spat "I came here to find you a wife and I have already..."- The Stuart spoke choosing to introduce guests that had arrived late to the feast, making everyone turn around.
"Lady Arya of House Stark escorted by Ramsey Bolton; heir of The Dreadfort"-
When Gendry was six he saw his father call like a prayer another woman's name in a drunk stupor. He asked him about it the next day, why was he with his mother when he loved another woman? Robert just smiled and sat his son on his lap and told him that he loved a woman with all his heart but she died. He then had to marry because it was his duty so he married his mother for honor but that he loved her the same... The child wasn't convince so he went and asked his mother the same question and he would never forget what his mother told him:
'Sometimes in life the Gods chose only one person whom we can share our lives with. Some call it love at first sight, others destiny or faith... all the same our lives are forever connected with that other person that completes a space inside of our hearts we didn't even know was empty, your soul-mate! Your father had that person but she died and had to marry me out of duty but do not fear my sweet boy for we still have love between us... It's just that it's more ruled by the head and not by the heart'
Gendry like the curious child he was, asked the Queen how would he know if he found his soul-mate to which she said:
'A love like that is rare in this world, if you stumble upon it is like your heart is full, stronger than ever but at the same time fear full that another person has so much hold on you. It is powerful and intense but in the end, you know it is true.'
His heart beat faster than a thousand drums, his chest felt as if someone was pressing it, he had trouble breathing but at the same time his senses where on high as if it was the first time he saw the world in color. All eyes were on the girl but his mother's eyes were on him, she knew it. He had found his bride, his Queen.
She was a tinny, little dainty thing with a dress that seemed like it was stitched on her, showcasing her glass-hour figure. Her hair looked like a dark brown halo that encased her face... her face, by all the Gods! Gendry couldn't decided which feature he liked the best. If it was her little nose or her high cheekbones, her sinful mouth or her grey eyes that were looking at...him?
"Close your mouth!"- His uncle Tyrion whispered has he tugged one of his sleeves to get his attention "People are staring"- Impossible! All eyes were on the girl, Arya. What a magnificent name for a magnificent girl. Gendry failed to see that indeed people were looking at him, a distinct group of four men. All Stark's.
She held her head high as she walked to the table, Gendry was desperate to hear her voice but was disappointed that it was her escort who spoke.
"Good evening my King, my Queen... I come here in the name of House Bolton. Our swords and lands are at your disposal your Highness"-He wasn't vain but Gendry knew that women thought of him quite handsome so this Bolton Lord who stood beside Arya Stark was not worthy of her, for he was simple and plain. Seemed like a decent fighter but had cold eyes that held no emotion. She belonged side by side with a King. His hand ached to hold her as Ramsey was still holding Arya's.
The room was silent, naturally this was when the King acknowledged the Lord who laid fealty but his father was shaking cold, almost near a heart attack. Both of his sons rushed to his side.
"Father what is the matter? Do you feel ill?"
"Ly... Ly..."- It was the first time Gendry had seen his father speechless, he even talked asleep after drinking half a wine barrel. Gendry was about to call for the maester when a sweet yet acertive voice rang through the hall.
"Yes, what is the matter?"- Arya had asked not at the King but at her sister who was still standing with Theon in front of the High Table. Ramsey still held Arya's hand, Gendry caught him staring at him.
"Before you made your fashionably late arrival dearest Arya; my little brother had just asked your sister's hand in marriage"- Replied Asha looking defiantly at the King.
"Another Greyjoy withing the family? Us wolves must learn to grow sea legs"- Said Arya earning a laugh out of everyone. "So? What has been the answer? Father?"- She too looked defiantly at the table, it was almost as if she was welcoming the King to say no, Gendry wasn't sure. Of what he was sure was that he needed to talk to this girl right now for she surely was the most interesting creature he had ever seen.
The room went silent again half expecting the King to brake into an outburst like earlier so when he spoke everyone was surprise to hear what he said in a small voice, the smallest Gendry had ever heard his father.
"I don't feel well, I must... I must lay down"- Jaime was already escorting him down the high table when Gendry was stopped by his mother.
"Stay...you must remain here and represent your father as the Crown Prince"- Gendry understood his obligations but he also needed to speak to his mother about what he was feeling for he must have looked as ill as his father. Cersei gave him a kiss on his forehead while smiling she said; "I know my Sweet Bull, I know"- then she turned around to aid her husband not before saying something to his brother Joffrey.
It was curious, it was as if his father was fearfull of walking close to Arya so the Kingsguard shielded him while he walked outside to the room back to his chambers. The great hall was left in silence so Gendry shook himself off. He was the one in charge now that Robert was gone, first things first. He needed to fix what Robert was about to do when Arya interrupted them.
"Please Ladies and Gentlemen, remember this is a feast to celebrate a wedding and it seems we are to have another one. Lord Eddard please forgive my father for he surely has not rested one bit from our trip from Kings Landing. As the Crown Prince and heir to the Seven Kingdoms rest assure that I; Prince Gendry of House Baratheon, first of my name, have no objections to this union. May you have a prosperous life together Lady Sansa, Lord Theon" The room was quiet, Gendry felt his stomach drop, he got away with his titles and the crowd thought of him to pompous, surely Arya would think of him as a fool.
"Thank you Prince Gendry...your kindness precedes you"- Said Sansa with tears in her eyes. Eddard only nodded and the room erupted in cheers as Theon swept her off her feet and kissed her with joy.
"Please; music and more food and wine. Let us start the feast" Gendry said while sitting in the middle of the table on the chair his father sat minutes ago. Joffrey and his Uncle Tyrion flanked him.
"Well done Nephew, I wasn't exactly looking for a reenactment of The rains of Castamere with Lannister and Baratheons and their protagonists"- The Imp said while filling their cups of wine. The music started and Gendry had to admit that people seemed more at ease now the King was gone, he also noted that Arya seemed to enjoy dancing and was laughing her life away with Ramsey Bolton. Joffrey must have read his mind.
"Do not fret Brother...by the time the feast ends Arya Stark will have only danced with you. I give you my word"-
Quite few of you weren't really happy with such a short chapter last time so here is a long one.
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