GENDRY POV:

Winterfell:

In other circumstances Gendry would have been in heaven... An avid reader like himself would have never passed on the opportunity of being in the presence of one of the most complete book collection he had ever seen, even greater than the one in the Red Keep. The Winterfell Library was filled with books from archmaesters, lineages and stories of all the great houses, thousands and thousand of books and scrolls dedicated to the fine art of war and most importantly the Red Keep library did not have a whole section dedicated to the Targaryens and their reign of fire and blood. But Prince Gendry was not in one of those circumstances were he could easily grab a book to sit down and read! He certainly could but he was sure of the fact that it would be hopeless since the giggles coming out of Lady Arya's mouth made it impossible for him to breathe let alone read a sentence from a book!

Once inside the library Arya had ran over to one of the tables with a candle in hand and began to read her cousin's letter forgetting completely about Gendry, letting him alone to roam around as he wished but it was useless since all he wanted was to talk to her, be close to her... so he was content with watching her from afar while millions of question sprang to his head. How close was Lady Arya to this cousin; The Targaryen? Not wanting to raise any eyebrow's Gendry hadn't asked about him since they arrived to Winterfell; his brother however didn't care and didn't hesitated to pass on the information...

Keep an eye on the Bolton bastard... I can't figure him out yet but it's the dragon's spawn you have to worry about, I heard it is him Lady Arya favors above all; where Joffrey's words, apparently he had to pump the information out of one of the kitchen maids since the people of Winterfell seemed very protective of the young man. Not that it had really helped Gendry since he had watched Lady Arya every opportunity he had noticing she talked freely with everyone; from the stable boy to her father's captain of arms, to his uncle Staniss. She even kissed him a while ago; no one kissed Staniss, not even Shireen! Her affections towards Ramsay Bolton where still a blur, Gendry had spent all morning in the stables waiting her to come back and saw how he returned earlier in a sour mood with her horse. Althougth they spent an awfull time together she didn't seem to favorite him, he was just always there. Roaming around her like a hawk. Which brought Gendry to the present point yet again; Jon Targaryen!

Lady Arya was sitting atop of one of the tables writing what he assumed was her letter in response. Her eyes shined as she laughed freely while writing down the words as Gendry felt a pang of jealousy. Would she act the same if they were to exchange correspondence? Of course not, I would never give her the chance to miss me. I would never part ways with her.

"You can come sit here if you like. Standing in the middle of nowhere makes you look quite stupid"- Lady Arya said not even looking at him, how could she even know where he was? She had her back to him and she hadn't even glanced at him since they entered the library!

Grabbing the first book he saw Gendry went to sit on the table with her, like her he chose to sit on it because when he sat down on a chair he was at eyeview with her perked breasts making him a mumbling mess in seconds. Lady Arya was wearing a simple yet exquisite yellow dress, a far cry from the fashion back in Kings Landing that Gendry often compared to colorblind peacocks! While Arya had captured his attention with a simple dress, not a scratch of makeup on and her hair pinned up showcasing her long and silky neck. The only garment she wore was again her necklace, the one with the white wolf with red eyes.

"So, what are you reading?"- She asked while she rolled up her letter and stamped it with a Stark seal. It was strange how they were side by side yet she startled him all the same.

"Oh... Uhmm... nothing interesting, just light reading" What was he? Ten? She must really think he was a fool! Gendry had grabbed the first book he saw staked on a nearby table; Ancient rituals and eastern same sex unions. She raised her eyebrows at him but instantly laughed at his red face.

"It's ok, that's one of Bran's books. He reads more than one book at a time so he ends up leaving them scattered all over the Castle"-

"I like to read but... uhm, I cannot say I am well versed in this particular subject"

"Why? Don't they dwell into magic and different cultures back in Kings Landing?"- She looked absolutely adorable when she was curious.

"Not really... you learn from different cultures when an envoy comes from another house of the realm, I find it quite refreshing than having to learn it from a book and magic? We'll it's all just child's play really. I'd like to be practical and learn about things that will actually help me rule the seven kingdoms" Lady Arya looked at him intently as if she was scooping out thoughts from his head then bursted out laughing even harder than last time.

"Honestly; I have no idea how you Baratheon's have held the Crown for so long... Well, I suppose that Lannister gold has to be worth something!"- As Lady Arya laughed away Gendry didn't know if he should feel insulted or to laugh as well since her laugh was so infectious. It certainly was the first time someone mocked his family...well at least in front of him.

"Pray tell Lady Arya, why do you say a thing like that? Last time I check Baratheon's had indeed rules peacefully for the last twenty five years and have the protected the realm ever since" He replied with pride, Baratheon's had plenty of it. Some say it was a good quality some said it was a fault.

"First of all I though we were on a first name basis. I prefer just Arya since the 'lady' title is just a formality. God knows I am anything but. Second? Where have you been the last twenty years? Have you even gone past the Red Keep? Westeros is not Kings Landing; which King Robert has refused to leave. Not that it's his fault entirely, you can't find horse nor carriage that can carry that belly for long..."-

"I beg your pardon?" Gendry's head could not catch up with what was going trough his ears. This little petite barely woman / girl just insulted his father the King!

"I mean seriously, where have you gone? Other places I mean... "- She asked him.

"Well Arya... I am actually well traveled not counting the North for our obvious past differences but other than that I have been to the Storm Lands, Lannisport and all the way to Highgarden" As Gendry spoke he knew how pathetic he sounded for more than once he had begged his father to let him wander the countryside yet Robert refused him saying that whatever the hell he wanted to see it could be brought in front of him. That was Joffrey's motto actually.

"Let me rephrase my question: where have you traveled that isn't your parent's birthplace and your ex fiance's home?"- Arya said in a mocking tone that was pissing Gendry off. For some reason he refused to let her win the little argument.

"I am the Prince; not yet King! I have responsibilities and I owe it to the people to ensure that I get crowned"

"So you admit it then?"-

"Admit what?"

"That outside Kings Landing; dare I say the Red Keep, the people are no longer loyal to the crown ergo you are worried about your safety hence highlighting the poor state of the royal forces..."-

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Gendry blurted out, his voice shaking the stone walks but Arya only rolled her eyes at him.

"I'm just repeating what you just said..."-

"I did not such thing! My father worries about me, that's all! And by the way, his physique... is because he doesn't digest his food well" I should just shut up, run away and go lick my wounds.

"Of course... cuz barrels of wine and food have nothing to do with it"- She mumbled.

"Well I didn't say; Hey... wait a minute don't stray away from the main topic. My father has successfully ruled Westeros without a single treat of war. If peace gives you the feeling of uncertainty then I don't know what you northerners do for fun!"

"I'm not straying! I'm just telling you the truth! I'm sorry if I am not one of those pretty little girls than run around you at your beck and call agreeing with everything you say! Your father has done a lousy job ruling! Just because no one has had the balls to rise against him doesn't mean he has been a good king. The kingdom is fractured! One tinny nudge and it will be chaos..."- Although not as grave as his, Arya's voice was bouncing from the walls as well.

"Arry? Are you ok?"- Asked the Captain of guards who apparently had been listening to the conversation yet he completely ignored the Prince. Arry?

"It's ok Jory, nothing I can't handle tied up in my sleep"- She replied smirking at him. The guard returned the sentiment and even winked at Arya when he closed the door and Gendry couldn't fight away the huge wave of jealousy than overcame him. What kind of Lady was she? Why is everyone so quick to forget their places around her? And more importantly; she already had Ramsey and this Jon person, what the hell was she doing flirting with a guard? Gendry's words came out with venom...

"And what exactly is going to be that little nudge? Your infamous wildings? What does that say about your oh so powerful northern fleet? Or is it the white walkers then? I say it's all children's tales that your septa has been feeding you too much"

"My eyes don't feed me tales or lies not will it matter for when Winter comes I am sure to be ready... What about you my dear Prince? Will your father let you fight in front of the line?"- Arya's voice was as sweet as honey but as deadly as a dagger that went strait to Gendry's pride. Although claimed as one of the best fighters in all of Westeros history; Roberth Baratheon wanted nothing to do with wars and weapons. After his rebellion and subsequent crowning only close family and friends knew about this so Sir Jaime and Stannis took care of making sure Gendry was poised in the art of war but still he had yet to see any combat other than in tournaments and melees.

"And what do you know about defending front lines?"

"Oh Gendry I have moves you have never even dreamed of"- Arya said as she slithered off the table leaving Gendry speechless. No, definitely not a lady!

Like the lost soul he was he followed Arya who was aimlessly walking through the corridors filled with books.

"Have you ever been to Essos Gendry?"- Arya asked not even looking at him, him on the other hand was bewitched by the sway of her hips as he followed her around. Why bother responding when she knew the answer.

"I have... and it's a whole other world! It certainly beat visiting your grandparent's"- Arya was opening mocking him but Gendry's retort died inside his mouth when she turned around and awarded him with a mischievous smile and a glint in her beautiful eyes. She continued talking...

"I walked before I ran so I must admit that before I went on adventures on my own I took advantage of my surroundings! My father's doors where always open for council and my bothers never thought less of me just because I was born a girl! I often visited Skagos for Rickon was a ward there; to say that the skagosi are traditional is to say the least so lest just say I know how to stand my place regardless what my last name is. My uncle Benjen is a ranger of the Nights Watch, now that my Prince is something you need to see; the Wall. It is magnificent as it is dangerous but I have more than often find myself on the other side"- Gendry couldn't hold back a gasp but Arya quickly ignored it as if nothing reciting the words by memory.

"Don't worry, I am not allowed to go alone, my Uncle or Jon are always with me, sometimes even your uncle Stannis. Hey, did I tell you that was how I met Shireen?"- She giggled "Poor thing thought I was a wildling that had come to take her away"- Now that was certainly a conversation he needed to have with his cousin.

"Anyway as I was saying; Rob and Theon took care of my training and things only got better after Rob married Asha but I still wanted more, I craved for more so my unlike you I dared to cross the North... I have seen Casterly Rock... I guess it could be a formidable fortress if someone where to enhance its walls and infrastructure; it also would have been nice to actually see a lion. And The Reach? Ugh, I couldn't get out of there quick enough! A bunch of pompous asses who work to death their own people just so they can sip their tasty wines and smell their nauseating flowers"-

"Did you meet Margaery?" Gendry asked out of curiosity, Arya chose to focus on the fact that he didn't use the term 'lady' or 'ex betrothed'

"Does it matter?"- It really didn't! Margaery Tyrell was the worst thing that had ever happened to him. He was just curious to whatever Arya though of her since they where complete opposites. But if you take away her recent preferences in beds (plural); Margaery Tyrell was considered the perfect Lady, poised for greatness. That was why she was quickly pointed out to be his bride but Gendry never liked her. Her smiles were too perfect and her responses too appropriate. She never disagreed with you and she was more interested in parading herself as the future queen not acting like one. Gendry only feigned ignorance when Margaery called in sick the days Gendry would visit Flea Bottom, he knew she didn't want to get her dresses dirty. You could say that the only thing Gendry agreed on was that she was beautiful...that was until he saw Arya that is. Margaery was the type of girl you wrote poems about, Arya was the type of girl you fought wars for.

"Anyway...back to our original topic; it was in Braavos where I learned how to fight with the water dance"-

"With Master Forel; yes... I was talking to him a while ago. He's a very interesting man"

"Master? Just call him Syrio. What is with you and titles? Is a farmer worth less than a Lord with his royal decree?"-

"Not really, God knows there a too many who take advantage of their titles"

"Good so drop it!"- This time Arya spoke forcefully leaving an awkward silence between them.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean / That came out wrong" They spoke at the same time but laughed all the same.

"Truce?... Arya" He said holding his hand to her.

"Truce... Gendry"- Instead of letting him kiss her she shook his hand. Gendry smiled; he had expected that from her by now.

"I understand why you have some many but how have you come to amass such a big collection of Targaryen books? There are very rare, trust me. I've tried to get my hands on one for ages"

"People know that the last Targaryen lives in Winterfell. There are still loyalist but don't worry, nobody is gathering troops"- Arya said in a mocking tone.

"They are scattered around the realm but they care for him, people who have never seen Jon look up to him just because he has dragons blood so ever since I can remember random gifts come for him. Books, swords, paintings, anything people send to him. He appreciates it; I can relate being the odd one out..."-

"I'd like to meet him" Arya stopped walking and turned to look at him.

"Really?"

"I uhm... often compare myself to him. He would be the Crown Prince if my father wouldn't had won the war, I wouldn't even been born... So I don't know, I find it curious to meet the person that actually holds the title. Not legally but he is Rhaegar Targaryens son; greatness passes through the blood" He must have said something right because Arya was beaming at him.

"Oh Jon is just fantastic! You'll just love him! Come!"- Arya said excitingly grabbing him by his hand and leading the way through the different isles looking for a book.

"This is the one!"- She said triumphantly as she grabbed a book from the shelf then led them back, opting to sit over the table again. Gendry stopped dead on his tracks.

"Arya?"

"Uhm?"- Arya was sitting crossed legged but it was the flash of white skin that made a simple image something completely different.

"May I?... Will you please?" He said gesturing Arya to get up. How could he have missed it? Well it was easy since Gendry hardly looked away from her face and later it's not like he could see the front of her dress as he walked behind her actually preferring it just so he could see her ass.

As Arya climbed off the table and eyed him with curiosity Gendry looked at her dress as well. It was yellow, simple, strapless which he liked for he recently (just like everyday he seemed to focus on something new) discovered her neck was something that he needed to taste but it was the high slit that uncovered her right leg that took his breath away. No respectable lady would be caught dead in that kind of dress but Arya stood in front of him as if where the norm, even standing to the side, hands on her hips and her leg angled even more outside the fabric.

"Well?"- She asked annoyed at him. He lost track of time of how long he stood there looking at her.

"I'm sorry it's just that your dress... It's well, not conventional. That's all"

"It's from Lys. I do agree that women there dress different than westerosi and with very different intentions but I quite like it. It's comfortable and practical"- She moved the dress a little bit higher so he could show him a dagger strapped to her thigh.

"Are you really always armed?" Gendry quickly asked trying to distract himself. His hands were itching to touch her.

"Yup, mostly with Needle but Mother though it was tasteless to have a dress with a sword belt in front of the King"-

"So not only are you armed but your sword has a name. Now I have to know more about you because the North is everything but conventional"

"All in good time Gendry... in the meanwhile you should try and travel without the 200 guard caravan you parade yourself in"- Just as Gendry was about to contradict her she cut him short.

"Here"- She said handing him the book she took from the shelf.

"What's this?"

"That is one of Jon's favorites. It comes from Valyria!"- They settled back on the table. This time Gendry much closer to Arya and Arya rearranging the dress so it wouldn't reveal more than necessary.

As Arya rambled on and on about the book that Gendry knew was something special as it hailed from the valyrian freehold but with Arya so close he couldn't, he wouldn't pay attention to anything else.

"You know a King as to compartmentalize. You have to have your eyes everywhere at every time. How will you managed that if you cant even focus on a single book?"- She said in a mocking tone not that Gendry was looking for a laugh. This time the words came without restraint.

"Well... I will invite my wife to rule by my side consulting with her all my decisions or I can just lock her up in a tower and blindfold her since it is not a book but eyes, her eyes that make me forget my surroundings" Arya held his gaze as Gendry shamelessly looked at her face. Her eyes looked watery in the candlelight, she had little freckles surrounding her nose and her mouth was slightly parted.

"Your eyes are very distracting. Has anyone ever said that to you?" He said scooting even closer towering over her. Shadows played in her neck.

She didn't reply but looked back at him as well, his hands running in their own accord as he caressed her cheeks.

"They have life in them, ice and fire in one stare... They are exquisite! Are they a Stark trait? I have never seen eyes like yours save for your father Lord Eddard and the blind girl from Wintertown" She chuckled.

"The blood of the first men must run through little Beth as well since I fear that my father and I are the only ones. Jon used to have eyes like us too but they have been changing lately"- Gendry knew these little details she was sharing with him were important and that he needed to pay attention to them but how could he? Not like this! He scooted even closer as his hand continued glued to her face and managed to sit in a way where they were face to face but with Gendry being much larger in size Arya ended up almost nestled in between his legs.

"And what about your hair? No Tully look for you?"

"I've tried red and trust me, it isn't my color"-

"Why would you? You are perfect as you are" Gendry's statement made her blush and as Arya shied away from his touch Gendry grabbed her by her lower back making her stay right where she was. Again; he scooted closer.

"May I?" Gendry asked but he was already pulling out the pins that held together her intricate hairstyle. Too southern; he thought. He much rather preferred her with her loose ponytail or with her wild hair tamed only by the wind. Gendry ran his hands through her hair as Arya closed her eyes and relished his touch.

"And your skin is absolutely perfect" Gendry was now whispering in her ear. A lewd display for a Prince and Lady but Gendry didn't care! Not when Arya's skin filled with goosebumps after his words, not after hearing the little noises she was making and certainly not after Arya positioned herself so that she was in fact sitting on his legs.

"But your lips... dark, red doors that no doubt lead to a certain death of one's soul" One hand leisurely ran down her back over to her hip urging her forward, landing on her bare leg. Was her blood really ice or did Gendry's hand burn to touch her? He didn't care! Not when with his other hand he grabbed her by the base of her neck and she opened her eyes. Silver melted ponds looking at him with a black shadow looming down her irises filled with lust. Eyes that suddenly became yellow... Arya froze for a second but quickly snapped out of it. Her eyes a vibrant grey again.

"Someone is coming. C'mon!"- She jumped out of his embrace with a catlike grace that left him in awe but did as she said. Moving fast and running after Arya to the far side of the large library.

"Where is she? The Captain of the Guards of House Stark doesn't just simply guard a room filled with old books"- Ramsay; he was the one that interrupted Gendry when he was just about to... well Gendry didn't know what the hell was going to happen next but he was pissed off that he was stopped. He was half convinced in his mind to turn around and toss him around a bit when he felt Arya's tinny but strong hand entwine with his. A perfect fit.

"If you took the time to read you could learn that a book holds the same or more value than a sword"- Jory replied. Gendry noticed that not many people seemed to respect Lord Bolton, many times undermining his authority.

"You want to know the value of my sword Cassel?"- Ramsay spat, his voice had that particular slur that came with more than one cup of ale.

"What is going on here?"- Said another voice, it was grave but they were getting farther away and Gendry couldn't tell who is was. Where was Arya talking them?

"My Lord; your daughter Arya is missing! And this man, he knows where she is and refuses to tell me"- Lord Eddard had arrived. With the unholy thoughts swimming in his head about his daughter Gendry was glad he was sneaking away from Eddard.

"Arya hasn't gone missing not a day in her life. That girl has always known where she goes. She is not here Ramsay, let us retire for the night as the wedding is early tomorrow"-

"But I know she is here!"- Silence ruled the room that Arya had to slow her steps so they wouldn't be caught.

"Are you calling me a liar Lord Bolton?... Arya has retired for the night to her chambers after receiving a letter from her cousin. Now I am going to retire as well and I suggest you do the same"- Gendry didn't have time to listen to Ramsay's response as Arya pushed him into a dark room.

"Arya?" He called out but heard nothing in response. Seconds later a little candle flickered in a corner. It was a small passage way in between the walls. "What is this...?"He asked but was shut with Arya's mouth as she pushed him into the wall pressing her body flush against his.

It was a hungry and unexpected kiss. Gendry couldn't believe that Arya was kissing him with such abandon, want and so much force but as earlier with their little banter Gendry wasn't one to shy away. Grabbing her by upper thighs he lifted her up and changed positions so that now she was the one pinned to the wall. The fight as to who was winning over the kiss was still undecided but Gendry lost his footing a bit as Arya began to run her hands over his chest and with the wall as leverage she pushed forward and began to grind her hips directly to his and it felt like heaven. Gendry reciprocated in kind and soon the little passage way was filled with his grunts and Arya's growls. Eddard Stark would have his head on the recieving end of his long word but Gendry was too far lost to care. As his tongue slipped inside her mouth, one of his hands traveled higher up her thigh just inches from her small clothes. As his fingers reached the hem Arya froze again, this time it wasn't yellow but red that flashed in her eyes and she pushed him off her like he was hurting her.

"I'm sorry... I got carried away I..."

"DON'T"- She said shaking her head not at his apologies but as if trying to get something out of her head. When she finally gained her composure back she was breathing fast and was sweating, Gendry was afraid he looked the same.

She slowly walked over to him and pressed her hands over his chest and looked him strait in the eyes.

"When the candle goes out count to 30 and then go out. Not a second more not a second later and go strait to your room."-

"But Arya I..." He was silenced again but this time it was a sweet kiss, so sweet that Gendry didn't notice the candle dying out.

"Good night Gendry"- When he opened his eyes darkness filled the room and her voice was already far away.

"Good night... My Lady"

Hello Fanfic Friends!

Excited with all the news from the new season. What are you most excited to see? The dornish plot seems pretty interesting!

As always I hope you liked the chapter

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