ARYA POV:
Winterfell:
Before dawn broke Arya awoke with an acute pain, one would think it was because of her leg but the hurt came directly from her heart... He's not here, I can't feel him; she thought as she quickly tried to reach out to Jon.
Stubborn as always she had to make sure, she just had to! So very carefully Arya sat up in her bed with her mind set on going to Jon's room but she felt weak and dizzy from the blood lost and her leg pained her. She tried to inspect the wound but it was tightly bound not doubting for a second that it would be wiser to stay in bed.
"Good morning Boy. Have you seen your brother lately?" Arya said as she scratched Grey Winds ears earning a playful whine from the direwolf who dutifully stayed by her side. She couldn't stand, barely walk so she scooted closer to the large beast.
"Grey Wind UP!" Arya ordered the beast as she crawled on top of him as if he were a horse. It was easier to ride on top of him than to even try walking.
Opening the door Arya was surprised to find laying on the floor a very unconscious Prince Gendry. There was one of her father's men outside guarding her door who was quick to address her in hushed tones not wanting to disturb the sleeping prince.
"My Lady..."- He said in acknowledgment. "He refused to leave your presence. So he spent the night there"-
Gendry was sound asleep on a sitting position with his long legs sprawled across the floor. He was still wearing the same clothes from yesterday. He looked much younger asleep, untroubled. Not cocky, not shy, just Gendry and not the Prince and future King with infinite titles. He must have fallen asleep with hopes of seeing Arya but truth be told she was a bit wary of his presence after his actions in the sparring yard. She didn't doubt for a second Gendry's intentions of wanting to protect her but it was how he chose to do it. Mean words and a impressive fury aimed at Ramsay made Arya wonder who was that man she saw yesterday. Was the sweet Prince all a facade in front of her? Was the quick tempered bull the real Crown Prince?... No, Gendry wasn't a bad person. But he wasn't a saint either!
"Tell my father that I am going to the other side of the castle in case he comes looking for me" She whispered to the guard not wanting to wake Gendry up.
"My Lady, I have been instructed to aid you no matter what. Master Luwin said..."-
"I am sure whatever Master Luwin said was for caution. I feel well and I'll be back in a while, I am just going to check on something and be right back"
"Of course my Lady, forgive me"- The guard said not wanting to stray from his orders but not wanting to ruffle Arya's feathers either. Ignoring the urge to run her fingers trough Gendry's thick black hair; Arya ushered Grey Wind on but stopped when the guard spoke again.
"Congratulations on your name day Lady Arya. The whole North is said to come this year to honor you and your sister and to see the King. It is good to see both families at peace again"- The guard said gesturing towards Gendry with a smile on his face no doubt hinting at a union of the houses. Arya only nodded as she turned Grey Wind as quick as she could.
Today there would be a tourney with the North's finest knights to celebrate Lady Arya's nameday, tomorrow a grand lavish feast in honor of Lady Sansa and the day after that a big picnic in the countryside where everyone could relax and no doubt continue with the celebrations. Normally Arya would be in heaven, the tourney was her favorite because she could beat every knight that thought her weak, she could humiliate every pretty boy that though she would be a compliant wife that would stay home running the household and she would outrage all the ladies that though her vulgar at even riding a horse but sadly there would be none of it because surely by her father's order everyone in the staff was to force Arya to lay down if they saw her walking around. She had lost a lot of blood after Gendry's scuffle with Ramsay and was ordered absolute rest. The practical way of getting around would be like she was moving right now; with a direwolf but they were stored away in the kennels when guest were around, specially Nymeria. She had a taste for highborns...
The light from the torches was the only thing that followed her trough the castle. It was still asleep preparing itself for the big day ahead but Arya was thinking more about the tourney and the stupid tradition of naming a queen. She had won a couple of them herself. The first time she gave the crown to her mother while the second time she named Sansa just to heckle Theon who had never won. But still the crowing of the Queen of Love and Beauty held great tradition so with the guard's words fresh on her mind would Gendry win? Would he crown her as his Queen? He had more than hinted that today he wanted to at least make public his feelings towards her... Thankfully he wasn't the only contender, her brothers where always a favorite bet but it was Jon who held the most wins and never failed to give the crown to her.
The thoughts of her cousin made Arya leap off of Grey Wind and run the remaining steps to Jon's room only to find it empty. She immediately started to cry.
"Why are you not here Jon? Why are you shunning me out?" She cried out.
"Nothing makes sense, I'm so confused..."
Her mind was a mess and it didn't help that if was filled with milk of the poppy. She missed Jon, she was confused by her feelings for Gendry, she was worried for Ramsay and concerned at Bran's sudden absence. It hardly felt like celebrating when her life was turned upside down.
"May I come in?"- A strong voice said after a soft knock on the door. Gendry had woken up and followed her back but Arya hesitated since she was in fact in Jon's room so she felt protective of her surroundings. She shook her head making Gendry stand still on the threshold.
"I've come to see how you where doing after yesterday"- He seemed nervous around her. Good; she thought.
"Maester Luwin says I'll be fine in a week's time. Lot's of rest and food. I heal fast but he doesn't want me disturbing the wound" He seemed relieved at her words and truly happy that she was ok.
"You've been crying"- He remarked. Arya was sure she looked like a mess from crying, pale as ever after the huge amount of blood loss. She roughly dried her eyes.
"I'm tired that's all"
"Arya please I..."-
"Don't come inside! Stay at the door" She warned as Gendry had taken a few steps into the room making him freeze and quickly retreat. She saw him look around the room.
"Who's room is this?"- He asked already knowing the answer but Arya wanted to rub it in, she was so mad at how he treated Ramsay last night that she wanted him angry.
"It's my cousin Jon's, I always come here when I feel out of place. I feel safe at least being around his belongings" The comment made him flinch and sparked Arya's curiosity, jealousy was a dark force that could corrupt a man's soul. Yesterday Gendry had been cruel and unjust; was it just a bit of jealousy or did he show his true colors?
"Why did you have to go after Ramsay? We were just practicing"
"Arya please let me explain, all I wanted was to defend you I..."-
"If you came here to apologize spare yourself the words since it is not me you should be apologizing to. You where absolutely horrible towards Ramsay. What you said to him? The words you used? If you are to be king you better think twice about your opinions on lowlifes and bastards!" They both flinched at her words; Gendry out of shame and Arya from pure hatred of the word bastard. People loved Jon but that love was earned throughout the years, some people still remembered that he was the reason the war broke years ago, the illegitimate love child of Rhaegar Targaryen.
Gendry said nothing looking lost. Arya felt even worse fighting the sudden urge she felt to run over and comfort him but she had to put her foot down. If she caved she would set a precedent, he could act like a spoiled brat to only having to pout for her to forgive him. What kind of King would he be, what kind of husband? Whooooooooooooooa... where did that come from?; Arya grabbed the windowsill as she felt dizzy. That was enough for Gendry to run over to her ignoring her wishes.
"You need to lay down"- Gendry said steadying her with his strong arms.
"I'm fine" She spat back but Gendry ignored her sitting her by the window.
"You almost had your leg cut off. You are not fine Arya. Let me see your wound"- He said as he knelled before her. Arya was suddenly conscious at the fact the only her furs covered her from her small clothes but Gendry didn't seem to notice. His touch was always tentative, of a romantic and erotic way but right now Gendry lifted her furs as a father would dote on his sick child with worry and tenderness.
"For God's sake woman, you're still bleeding. We have to go back and fetch the Maester"- He exclaimed.
The bandage where getting redder by the second as the blood flowed out trough the wound.
"I'm ok, you're overreacting" She said trying to sit up but was held down by Gendry's hands on her hips.
"I am not overreacting! Sit down while I at least tighten them up"- He snapped back more worried for her safety than herself.
Still kneeling in front of her Gendry was quick to rip fabric from his shirt off to replace the bandages, he had an incredible light touch for having such big hands. Silence filled the room until he talked again.
"You are right... I don't have to apologize to you. It is Ramsey who deserves my pleading as he will hear them later on. But I wont apologize for defending you"-
"I am not a helpless maid Gendry"
"And I don't want you be"- He retorted back with force.
"Arya you are the most self assured capable person; not woman. Person I have ever met! But that doesn't mean I won't act if I see you in harms way. No matter how capable you are of taking charge. I will always care after you, I love you!"-
Gendry's declaration of love started Arya, it wasn't the first time he had said it but it still rocked her to the bone. She was wary as a wild beast, Arya couldn't help it she was born that way. If you weren't family you weren't trusted. The Stark were a tight wolf pack, you had to be feral and loyal to get in. The Ironborn had proven worthy but what about the Stag?
"You don't have to say it back if you don't feel it"- Gendry's voice brought her back from her thoughts.
"But I know how I feel. I'll protect you no matter what"- Gendry's blue eyes shined in the darkness, they sparked with his sincerity. Arya felt like crying again as she lowered her head and joined their foreheads.
"I don't want to be queen!"
"I don't want you to be anything but yourself!"-
"We already had this conversation"
"And my feelings will never change!"- Gendry said with conviction.
"I love you! And you may not say it, you may not be certain but you care for me as well. I am willing to wait for you to sort your feelings out as I am willing to reform all the laws of the Kingdom if that's what it takes for you to be comfortable as my bride. You were right, I can't throw away my claim, let's be realistic. But I am sure as hell not giving up on you. I know what I want and I want you! You are it for me Arya Stark! I don't want a lady, I don't want a wife by my side. I want a wolf!"- Well he certainly had a way with words...
"You're a stubborn man!" Arya sighed.
"I'm a smitten man"-
"Shut your mouth already" She said rolling her eyes. Gendry could be extremely mushy when he wanted to.
"As you wish my Lady" He said taking her head in his hands and kissing her hard on the lips.
Arya instantly melted at his touch. She very much liked kissing him, it was one of the few times that she wasn't in control of things. She felt completely as ease with his touches and how he molded his lips to hers.
Gone was the gentleness of his touches while he tended her wounds. In came his hard grasps at her skin while she wrapped her arms around his neck. Gendry tongue asked for entrance licking her lips and Arya gratefully gave it. His tongue explored her mouth while his hands pulled her towards him as he lifted her up as she was nothing, never ending the kiss and putting her over the large bed. Gendry quickly hovered over her body, nestling his own body in between her legs. One arm serving as balance so he wouldn't crush her while the other touched her arms up and down.
Arya opened up her mouth to give him better access as her hands went under his shirt to touch his chest. He was powerful with strong pecs and a lean torso that flinched at her touch. His kisses became more urgent as he lowered himself completely over her, Arya's moans filled the room as she spread her legs to straddle him feeling him hard under his britches. There wasn't anyone to chaperon them now, she could do what she wanted. Gendry seemed to be thinking the same. His mouth left her lips to assault her neck as his hands slowly opened her coat.
"Perfect"- He muttered as his hands touched her breasts. Barely nothing shielded her body from him as her small clothes were light in fabric and short in length. He began to rock his hips against her warmth as Arya shivered when he latched himself at one of her breast through her clothes sucking it hard. That was when she lost it. Thank the Gods they were inside Jon's room as it was at the far side of the castle and no one could hear her moans. Jon!... Arya could smell his scent on the sheets. Jon's reminded her of burned wood from a warm fire or was it Gendry's hands that were creating a fire inside of her.
Gendry scooped up and kissed her hungrily taking the away her longing for her cousin replacing it with a need for him. One hand grabbed the back of her head deepening the kiss as the other tortuously slid down to where it was needed the most.
"Fuck you're so wet"- Gendry seethed as his fingers ghosted over her slit quickly dipping one finger inside of her making Arya disbelieve the wanton sound coming out of her mouth. She spread her legs further apart.
"You may not say it but you feel it Arya. You want me as much as I want you"- Gendry said kissing her lips, licking her hears, biting her neck, he was all over her!
"Gendry..." Was the only thing Arya could manage to say. She began to pant as he slid a second finger inside of her stretching her in the most delicious way.
"Focus on my hand, on us! Try, try to see this for the rest of our lives!"- He said quickening his pace.
"I will dote on you till the day I die, give you everything you want!"- Gendry's voice, kisses and touch where a deadly cocktail that fogged her mind, she needed more of him, much, much more.
"You will be my Queen but I will be your King! I won't serve the realm. I will bend the knee to my She-Wolf"- Gendry said as he lowered his head and pulled up her small clothes. The last thing Arya saw was the top of black hair scrunching down her stomach as she closed her eyes. The anticipation on Gendry's tongue on her cunt was far to great but it never happened as she never felt nothing, she blacked out...
...
She woke up to the sun shinning through her window, a warm bed and a smiling Prince by her side.
"Good Morning beautiful! Happy name day"- He said giving her a soft kiss on the top of her head.
She was confused, what happened? The last thing she remembered was waiting for Gendry to pleasure her in the most intimate way when it all turned black.
"We got carried away... or I got carried away"- He said as if reading his thoughts. "You lost a lot of blood and fainted. I brought you back here and tended to you myself. Let's just say I had to pull some rank at the guard outside so he wouldn't call your father"-
"You slept here? With me?" Gendry must have threatened the man with the black cells if he didn't go fetch her father.
"It's hasn't been that long really, an hour or two. Did you not want me here or..."- Doubt and hurt flashed in his eyes but faded away as she snuggled in his chest.
"Of course not stupid! I just think it's a miracle Rob is not taking your head off right this second"
"Well Nymeria may or may not have arrived and taken your brother's direwolf with her and my squire is doing quite the diversion in the kitchens so I think I have a couple of minutes more before I get to share you with the rest but first..."-
Arya whined as Gendry got off of the bed to retrieve something from her table making her blush instantly. He was shirtless and Arya could only remember how she didn't get to explore that masterful body yesterday.
"I think I know what I want you to give me for my birthday" She said with a lustful tone making him turn around and smirk.
"I think that would be more of a present for me as it would be for you, trust me! But I hope that this is second best"- Gendry said sitting down next to her and giving her a wrapped up present.
"What is it?" She asked genuinely curious. Gendry already knew her tastes where far from ladylike so what did he get her?
"A present fit for my kind of lady. Go on then, open it up!"-
Arya held back a few seconds testing its weight but was clueless as to what it could be. Gendry on the other hand looked apprehensive and was fidgeting by her side. Slowly she unwrapped the paper to find the most exquisite hair brooch she had ever seen! It was shaped as a wolf's head with yellow eyes. A huge smile took a hold of her face.
"You always wear the necklace with your cousins wolf. I though you'd like something that would represent Nymeria"- Gendry said with his cheeks flushed. "Do you like it?"-
"Like it? Gendry I love it!" Arya said inspecting the brooch further on. Curiously it had only three pins; one, a very long and quite frankly sharped edge flanked by two curve-like pins on the sides.
"You're more practical than fashion obsessed so I did my best with the detailing of the wolf's head so no one would pay attention to the brooch's real use"- Gendry said taking the brooch out of Arya's hand and turning it upside down. Low and behold it was dagger with the wolf's head serving as a pummel. Arya was speechless. 'You'll drive away any respectable suitor acting that way' 'You will kill your future husband on your wedding bed so heavily armed'; her mother's words came up as she remembered every time someone gave her a any kind of weapon, yet here was the Crown Prince giving her a dagger disguised as a hair brooch.
"Gendry did you make this?"
"Uhmm yes"- He said suddenly shy, rubbing the back of his head.
"I didn't know what to get you so I had the idea one day when I was messing around in your forge. The detailing part was hard but Mikken helped me, other than that is was easy as forging any other dagger"- He said shrugging it off was if it was nothing but it was the exact opposite. He took the time and dedication to make her the gift, a gift suited for her. Like he said; for his kind of lady.
Setting the dagger aside Arya sat up and gestured Gendry to come close enough so she could give him a quick but sweet kiss on the lips.
"Thank you. It's perfect" She said as Gendry's lips lingered on and his hands ghosted over her body. She was feeling lightheaded again.
"Good Morning Little Sister! Let's get started before... OH MY GOD!"- Sansa shrieked as she barged into the room. Yes, she wasn't exactly an innocent maid, she was going to marry Theon Greyjoy of all people but still, she wasn't used to see her little sister with any man, let alone in bed with a shirtless and very hot man.
"And so my time is up..."- Gendry muttered annoyed but with humor in his voice. Carelessly getting up and stretching his body like he was in his own private bedchambers, slowly putting on his shirt back on very aware of both Stark sisters eyes glued to every twist and turn of his muscles... smug bastard.
"I believe I must must make myself scarce as you ladies are to begin getting ready for today's events. Lady Sansa; may I extend my congratulations on your nameday as well"- Gendry said kissing Sansa's hand with an over the top bow making her fall into a fit of giggles. In turn he just looked at her and winked before he walked out the door.
"YOU!"- Sansa said with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Oh don't you start Sans!" Arya said getting under the covers so she could hide her blush, while she played with her new toy.
"The Crown Prince? Right under father's room? Bravo Little Wolf! But be aware my sweet that if this comes out you will have a marriage whether you want it or not!"- Sansa rambled on as Arya played with her new toy while she though that maybe being queen wouldn't be that bad after all.
...
"I'd say we'd clean up rather well don't we?"- Sansa said as she drank her third cup of wine.
"You think? Don't you think this is a bit over the top?" Arya said gesturing to her own dress.
"Nonsense! You said you didn't want to wear the dress Cersei gave you so under such short notice what better than this one? You've never worn it and you look incredible in it. I believe the term would be 'the forbidden fruit'"-
Sansa was comparing her red dress to an apple when it was another type of red; Targaryen red. Jon had managed to sneak up the dress as a gift last year, no one never really finding out who made it. It was a deep blood-red dress with a black corset and plunging neckline. The color made her white skin stand out even more as Sansa's makeup made her lips shine a pretty shade of ruby red. Her blush was natural as the wine was starting to make it's efect covering her checks and neck. Catelyn had frowned upon it saying that is made her look older than her age while Eddard was uncomfortable after Jon's words; 'You look good in my colors...'
"Well I think my cousin will be reduced to a blubbering mess no matter what you have on"- Shireen pipped in as the three girls enjoyed a bit of wine and food before the tourney. But Shireen's and Sansa's words weren't enough when both girls were clearly representing their better halves with their choice of attire. Shireen wore traditional Stark grey with a modest dress that was to be paired off with a thick fur coat with a hoodie that even had ears making her look like an adorable wolf cub. Sansa on the other hand had yet another dress of her own confection. It was a dark grey but made of a strange material that made it look like heavy armor; iron. It was long sleeved with a high squared neckline as she opted for dark eye-shadow making her eyes look like stars at night. Would people look at her and assumed she had pledged herself to Jon? Speaking about Jon, she really needed to tell the maids to tidy up his room. No need for him to find out what she was up to in his bed.
Arya opted for the most logic way out... "More wine please!"
As they laughed the morning away Arya noticed Shireen wasn't drinking any wine and she had barely touched the food. She was about to say something but out of nowhere she though of Nymeria. As the guest's where already pouring in the wolves were surely already put away inside the kennels but Arya couldn't feel her at all.
"Sansa is Lady with the others?"
"She must be. Rob took her away along with the others bright and early. He said he was going to take them for a good morning run before he put them away"- Her sister's response didn't seem to apace her. Nymeria was the worse when it came to locking her up, more than 20 men where needed to hold her in the last time and she was even sedated so it was odd not to feel her discomfort. Trumpets where heard all around the castle, it was noon so the tourney was about to start. There was a knock at the door.
All three composed themselves, Shireen looking a bit under the weather while Sansa and Arya apparently had drank far too much for such a short time. They all stood up for a while realizing that none had opened the door. They started laughing again.
"Good day Ladies! I sorry I took the liberty of telling..."- Gendry's words where caught in his mouth as he openly gawked at Arya who was doing a bit of gawking herself. Prince Gendry made a fine sight as he stood tall in his iron mail, tight leather black leather pants and tussled hair.
"Good day Cousin! What do you think of my good sister's dress for the day? Do you approve?"- Asked Shireen with a boost in her mood after seeing her dearest cousin.
"She... she look beautiful..."- Gendry mumbled eyeing her up and down "...beautiful as always"-
"Good... now we have to get going since we are expected to make our appearance. I'll go and fetch Hodor for you Arya"- Said Sansa but was quickly stopped by Gendry who was still entranced at Arya.
"Actually I spoke to your father and told him I'd be escorting Arya to the tourney grounds. There is no need for any servants, it doesn't bother me at all"- Gendry said looking at her with loving eyes that made her stomach flutter.
"Ok... lead the way"- She said in a shaky voice as Gendry's tall frame gave him a very nice view of her cleavage.
Sansa and Shireen giggled their way out the door as Gendry held her in his arms with the most delicacy she had ever seen for someone of his built.
"You look absolutely sinful in this dress"- Gendry whispered in her ear tugging at it a bit with his teeth.
"SO..." Arya yelled not wanting to get all hot and bothered in front of anyone. Gendry smirked and continued walking.
"... in which competition are you going to participate today?" Arya asked as Gendry carried her down the stairs softly caressing her back.
"It will be only jousting for me. After what happened yesterday..."- Gendry said rightly so looking ashamed "I thought it was best to hold back on the hand to hand combat and I am truthful enough to admit my other skills in weaponry are quite lacking. What would you have done if your leg was healthy?"- He asked curiously.
"Archery, it always ends up with me and Theon battling for the title but I always win" She grinned "And the melee of course. I can be quite resourceful!"
"I don't doubt that"- He chuckled at ease with their small talk. Arya took her time observing at Gendry never doubting he would look every part the knight in his armor. Also thinking about how he would look without it...
"Ohh seven hells"- Sansa's forceful exclamation made Gendry tear his eyes away from Arya.
"Well, you can write down persistent on his list of qualities. But I don't know if it's good or bad for us"- Shireen muttered.
"What's wrong?"- Gendry asked, curiosity getting the best of him. It was the first time he saw Sansa curse and it also took a lot to ruffle Shireen's feathers.
"Just wait and see... a family friend if you can call him that" Arya said watching the banners from out far.
The noise became louder as they reached the bottoms of the stairs and began to head towards the main gate outside. The courtyard was filled with guests that were arriving. Whispers already were loud, girls were swooning at how the Prince was so thoughtful carrying his lady and all that Arya wanted to do was throw up. Lords and Ladies came to pay their respects and to wish the girls a happy birthday, all not quite sure how to react to Arya being in the Prince's arms who in turn was loving every second of it; cuddling her closer, whispering in her hear and flashing his smug smile to any potential suitors, he was already smiling like a hyena before the latest guest was announced.
"Ser Harrold Hardyn, defender of the Vale"- The Stuart announced as in came walking the reason for the girls annoyance.
Harrold Hardyn was positively the worlds most arrogant, pompous, self entitled brat in all Westeros who had his eyes set on the Stark girls after encouragement from their very own aunt Lysa but lets not get into that. That one was simply a nut case.
'Harry' often called 'Harry the Heir' or 'the young Falcon' was the ward of a prominent family in the Vale, his background was somewhat dubious so their Aunt Lysa wanted to wed him to a good family as quick as possible so he would have his claim far from the Vale as possible which of course led to believe that Arya and Sansa would be the best candidates. 2 years ago Theon broke his nose after his constant nagging after Sansa, 1 year ago Rickon broke his nose yet again after he dared set his eyes on Shireen, so naturally it was assumed that this year Arya would be the center of his 'attentions'.
"My Prince how grand to have your presence amounts us..."- He said with an over flourished bow. Harry continued babbling as Arya rolled her eyes seeing right though him. Harry was as crooked as they came, a sweet talker that had won more girl's maidenhood's than duels, he was already rumored to fathered children across the Vale and carried with him sustainable debts.
"As my Lady fallen? Please let me be the one to assist her as you surely have better things to do"- Harry just touched wind as Gendry pulled Arya away from his reach like a child who refuses to give away is favorite toy.
"There is no need Ser Harrold, it is quite the contrary. I find there is nothing better than to carry such exquisite company for the rest of day... possibly my life"- Gendry said completely ignoring Harry and looking down at Arya with such tenderness that suddenly she forgot why she was so apprehensive towards marriage. Harry coughed and spoke.
"Surely my Lady Arya would feel more comfortable with someone whom she is more close to. You see, she and I have been close confidants for quite a long time so it is best if it is I who holds her"- Harry tried to reach for her again Gendry took a step back, griping her closer at the knight's suggestion that they were more than close.
"If by close you mean you decided to harass me after learning that my sister was engaged then yes, good old buddies you and I" Arya said rolling her eyes. The Manderly Boys where close by, as was Smalljon Umber. Heirs and northern lords that had vied for Arya's attentions for years where standing close watching the exchange. Arya put on her brightest smile.
"Prince Gendry has been my escort for the past month Harry, I fell quite comfortable with his presence so there is no need for you offer your company" She said toying with Gendry's neckline. "Invitations where extended to the whole North so I am sure you can find someone else's daughter for you to concentrate on"
"What... what? Are you... are you saying that a match has been made between the two of you?"- Harry shrieked not caring who heard him. He was far too worried at loosing his ticket to high society.
"What the lady is saying is that she does not need nor she wants your company Ser Harrold. It is her birthday is it not? so it is custom to follow the birthday girl's wishes. I do not think a royal command is necessary don't you think?"- Harry flinched at Gendry's words. Whispers around increased as they saw the Crown Prince not deny nor confirm a union.
"Of course my Prince, please forgive my boldness"- Harry said absolutely seething but showing respect towards the Prince. He retired immediately muttering curses under his breath.
"I have not decided if I feel happy or angry from being used"- Gendry said walking over to the main stand as the tourney was about be begin.
"Used is such a strong word. Let phrase it as atonement for yesterday's actions" Arya batted her lashed at him, making him sigh in frustration. They heard a squeal just in time to see the Queen jumping up and down like a girl and elbowing the Kingslayer. Eddard was looking at them while Rob was already walking down the stairs towards them.
"Arya... when the tourney finishes. If I win there is; I was planing on..."-
"You should have not bothered carrying my sister Gendry. I can manage the little thing in my arms. I believe you have to go and get ready for the tourney"- This time the Prince could not say no the young wolf who possessively took Arya from his arms like a child, something that Arya more than welcomed. She was sure that Gendry was going to breach the subject of marriage.
"Wait... Arya!"- Gendry yelled running after them. "I was going to ask you for your favor so I can fight in your name"-
"I'm sorry Gendry, I already gave it away" Gendry was so crestfallen the she quickly added "Rob, Rob has my token!"
"Oh"- He said relieved that it was her brother and not a strange man who had secured her favor. "Then I must ensure that I win so that I get to crown you my Queen, no matter what"-
The phrase had a double meaning that was impossible to miss. This time it was Rob's turn to smirk.
"Aye... you'd have to in fact win first my Prince. Now if you'll excuse us"- He said as they finally reached the main stand. This time the King was well into his cups not bothering to hide his drunken state while Catelyn along with Eddard talked to the Queen. Rob sat her down between Sansa and Shireen, Asha sat with them as well.
"Now it's my turn to leave girls. I expect nothing but sheers from you"- Rob said confident he was going to be the victor at the end of the day.
"Oh please, I am to sheer for my betrothed now brother. I am sure he can stand his own against you"- Chirped Sansa happy to be in the middle of it all.
"I'll be downright laughing if you lose. Serve you right for acting so smug thinking you can win just because you're pretty"- Asha annoyed as Arya that she couldn't be in the tourney.
"So I'm pretty uh? Does that mean you're no longer mad I wont be fighting with your favor?"- Rob teased his wife as she tried to put up a tough front but you could see a smile forming in her face.
"Rob you think you can keep an eye on Rickon? He can get carried away and I'm afraid he'll get hurt"- Said a worried Shireen. Arya noticed she looked distraught so she was quick to reassure her.
"It is mostly combat for exhibition Shireen, no harm will come to anyone" Trumpets sounded letting the participants know that they had to start to get ready.
"That is my cue ladies. Arya? I hope you like my present"- Rob said with a glint of mischief in his eyes quickly walking down the stairs.
"I know that look, a very fine pair of eyes if I may say so myself but that look never brings good things"- Said Asha gesturing towards her fleeting husband.
"Do you know what present was he talking about?" Arya asked her trying to ignore the Kings stare on her.
"No... but... I'm sorry, if you'll excuse me; I have to go check on my son"- Said Asha quickly walking away.
Arya turned around focusing on the main area as she felt something was off... not odd, more out of place dare you say but she shrugged it off as the tourney started and flags where lifted for everyone to see. From out far she saw a tall figure walking around the yards. People were literally falling to the sides out of fear just to clear his path. He had his helmet on but she'd know that ugly head anywhere... The Hound!
"So my sweet girl. Did you get what you wanted for your nameday?"- The Queen asked eyeing knowingly her brooch.
"Of course my Queen, exactly what I wanted!" She said finally happy at the realization that the Hound always followed a Dragon.
"Let the games begin!"- King Robert roared.
Happy New Year Everyone!
A quick update to please you all and to actually do something since I'm in bed sick as a dog.
Nothing much on my front so as always hope you like this chapter and leave your reviews.
Next chapter? The Tourney.
PS. Yaaaaaaaaay we have a date for the new GoT season!