Arya climbed out of the boat and looked up. King's Landing. She hadn't seen it in years, not since her father was executed. The red brick city seemed more foreign to her than Braavos had been. She had nothing but a bag slung over her shoulder and her sword, Needle, at her side. She took a deep breath before walking through the Mud Gate. She travelled through Fishmonger's Square, winding her way through the narrow streets of River Row to reach the Red Keep. She climbed up Aegon's High Hill, through the main gate, and into the Outer Yard. She knew the Red Keep well from her time living in King's Landing. She knew that Gendry would be in Maegor's Holdfast as that was where his chambers were and, at this hour of the morning, he would likely still be there.

She walked through a portcullis, through Middle Bailey, down the serpentine steps to Lower Bailey. She was about to walk through the gate to the Holdfast but was stopped by a gold cloak, one she recognized.

"Anguy?" She asked, not even trying to pull her arm free from his grasp.

He blinked at her and it took him nearly half a minute to recognize her too. "Arya Stark." He smiled at her, not having seen her since his time as a member of the Brotherhood Without Banners.

"You're a gold cloak? Gendry made you a gold cloak?" She asked, eyebrow raised. "You gave him to the Red Woman!"

Anguy rolled his eyes. "I didn't, Thoros did. Then we helped him with his rebellion and the throne."

Arya stared hard at the Archer and said, "I'm here to see Gendry; let me pass."

"That's King Gendry, little lady."

She broke free of his grip and said, "I'm not a lady. Let me see the king."

"He's done well without you. You should run back to Braavos."

Arya was about to draw Needle from its sheath when a deep, feminine voice called out, "Commander Anguy, that's enough!" Arya turned her head and saw a hulking woman walking toward her, draped in a white cloak.

"Commander?" Arya spat in disgust. Brienne of Tarth looked down at her as Arya said to her, "Are you a Commander too? Seven hells."

"Commander of the Kingsguard at your service, Arya." Brienne said, bowing slightly to her. Arya's eyes narrowed at the movement.

"My apologies, Arya." Brienne said sincerely, after noticing Arya's displeasure at her bow. "I'm here to take you to the king."

"Lead the way, m'lady." Arya said, mocking her with a poorly-performed curtsy.

Brienne didn't say another word as she led Arya into Maegor's Holdfast. They went through the halls and up staircases until they reached Gendry's chambers. Brienne said, "I leave you here. Good day."

"Good day, Brienne." Arya said, sorry for being mean to her. Brienne nodded and left.

Arya stood outside the door for a solid minute, trying to get up the courage to knock. She had come all of that way just to see him, she was being ridiculous. Just knock.

"Is m'lady nervous to see the king?" A voice behind her asked. Arya spun around and saw Gendry leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. She had never seen him in such fine clothing. She didn't want to admit that he looked good.

Arya didn't say a thing as she ran at him and wrapped her arms around his torso, hugging him tight. His arms snaked around her body and held her to him with great force. Still as strong as ever. They held each other for longer than necessary; Arya finally pulled away.

"Well don't you look…royal."

"And you look like a peasant, but I wasn't going to say anything." Gendry said with a smirk set on his face. Arya smiled at him. He asked, "Would you like to take a walk?"

"Lead the way, my king." It was Arya's turn to smirk at him.

They walked side by side, arms bumping as they descended their way through Maegor's Holdfast. They walked out into the sunshine. Arya was deep into her story of her adventures in Braavos when they passed Anguy on their way out of the gate.

"King Gendry." Anguy said, nodding at him.

"No greeting for my guest, Commander Anguy?" Gendry asked, stopping abruptly.

Anguy's smile faltered and said, "Afternoon, Lady Stark."

Arya glared at the man and Gendry shoved the Archer against the wall. "Don't ever call her a lady again. Got it?"

Gasping, Anguy said, "Yes, your Grace."

"Good." Gendry released the Commander of the City Watch and continued with Arya as if nothing had happened. She launched back into her story until they were passing the Mews and barking made her stop in her tracks. It had been four years, but she knew that bark. She ran into the Mews and swung the door to the cage open. The massive wolf stared at her.

"Nymeria!" Arya shouted, running into the stall to the direwolf. The wolf ran at her and she wrapped her arms around the animal. Nymeria let out a happy cry as she nuzzled against Arya.

Arya released Nymeria and turned to Gendry. "Where did you find her?"

"She was roaming the Riverlands and captured because she and her pack have been killing many knights and commoners in the area."

"That's my girl." Arya whispered, affectionately running her fingers through Nymeria's fur. To Gendry, she asked, "Why not just kill her?"

"I wanted her alive to see the beast myself." Gendry admitted, leaning against the side of the stall. "Once I did, I couldn't execute her. She's magnificent."

"Yes, she is." Arya said affectionately.

"Of course you can keep her with you now." Gendry said, looking at the direwolf. "She's yours after all."

Arya released Nymeria and walked toward Gendry, sinking against his chest and hugging him tight. He smiled to himself and hugged her back. He commented, "Although, it may get awkward if you ever bring her around my small council."

"Oh, why's that?" She asked upon releasing him.

"My Master of Laws is also named Nymeria. Nymeria Sand."

"Of Dorne?" Gendry nodded. "Who else is on your small council, if I may ask, your Grace."

"Don't you ever call me 'your Grace' again. Not you, m'lady." He said before launching into who was on his council and why he had chosen them.

"Had you met your brother and sister before now?" Arya asked. Gendry shook his head. "At least you have them now."

Gendry looked at her sadly. "Sansa's safe at Winterfell. And Rickon's out there too, somewhere."

"Any news of Bran?" She asked quietly.

"No, but that doesn't mean he didn't make it out of Winterfell too. If little Rickon could do it, Bran could too."

"How do you know Rickon is alive?" She questioned.

"My Hand told me. He was supposed to acquire Rickon and his direwolf when he fought for Stannis Baratheon."

"And you trust him why?"

"He saved my life." Gendry said, smiling. "He released me from Melisandre and Stannis."

Arya just nodded. Gendry looked at her sadly and said, "I'll have my men find Rickon."

She looked at him, frowning. "What if he doesn't want to be found?"

Gendry thought for a moment. "Then he's more like you than you thought."

She smiled and said, "I hoped he would turn out like Robb."

"You can still hope that, he's young yet." Gendry said, pushing himself off of the stall wall. "Now, may I show you to your chambers?"

"If you must." She said aloofly, still thinking of her youngest brother.

He led her up the serpentine steps to the Maidenvault. He had a chamber prepared for her arrival the second he received her letter. He opened the door for her and allowed Arya to enter before him, followed by Nymeria. She looked around the room and turned back to Gendry. "You did all of this for me?"

"Of course. You're my lady." He said, smiling stupidly.

Arya rolled her eyes and replied, "Then I guess you're my smith, eh?"

"I'll allow that." He said, taking her hand in his. She looked down at their hands then back at him. It's not like she hadn't thought about it before, but when his head was lowering to hers, she wasn't sure of what to do. His lips brushed against hers softly and only for a moment before he backed away. "I'll leave you, I have a small council meeting."

He left the room quickly and she wished that the moment had lasted longer.