Gendry sat on the low wall that bordered the training yard as he watched Lord Jaime Lannister stand in the center with a sparring sword in his left hand. Arya Stark stood opposite him, also holding a sparring sword, one much thinner than Jaime's. Both wore light leather armor, to combat the bruising they would receive from the swords.
"Whose idea was this?" Tommen Lannister asked, sitting next to him on the wall.
"Your father's. He wishes to give Arya the chance to beat him, if she can." Gendry said as the two held their swords out to each other and took their stances. Arya held herself like her dancing instructor had taught her, like a water dancer, standing sideways with her thin blade. Though he had lost a hand and his honor, Jaime held himself like a knight, like the true warrior he once was.
The swords rang out as they both swung, trying to land a hard blow upon the other. They withdrew and Arya dodged a quick attack from the Kingslayer. She hit him hard under the arm, in the ribs. Jaime winced but he swung his sword at her and caught her elbow. The pain didn't phase her, her time in Braavos at the House of Black and White had taught her to not feel pain. She attacked him again, stepping lightly. She would jab him with the sword then retreat out of reach. She stood sideways as he slashed at her, his blade missing her by inches. He still hadn't mastered the use of a sword since losing his hand years ago, he likely never would. The Kingslayer would slay no one again. Arya jabbed him with her blade, right where his heart was under the thick boiled leather.
"The girl can fight." Gendry turned his head to see his uncle standing next to Tommen. Stannis watched her closely for a moment then said, "She fights like a foreigner."
"She was trained by the first sword of Braavos." The king said, watching Arya fight the Lannister man she had promised to forgive.
"Did Lord Eddard Stark hire this Braavosi to train her?" Stannis asked.
"Yes. He loved Arya and Arya wanted to fight, he damn well made sure she would be ready." Gendry replied.
"Good man." Stannis muttered. "Every father should do all they can for their children."
"Aye, they should." Gendry said. He smiled as he watched Arya and Jaime spar.
Tommen said after a while, "When does it end? Is there ever a real winner?"
"Bored of it already, young Tommen?" Gendry asked, raising a black eyebrow.
The former king admitted, "A little."
To Ser Perros Blackmont of his Kingsguard, Gendry said, "Fetch Shireen Baratheon from her quarters and bring her here. I would like to spend time with her before she departs for Dragonstone."
"Yes, Your Grace." The Dornishman said. Stannis looked at him peculiarly for a moment before glancing at Tommen. He realized the king's intention in a moment.
The swords sang their song for another ten minutes before Jaime wheezed, "I yield."
"What was that, Lion of Lannister?" Arya taunted.
"Arya." Gendry said sharply. "He yielded. Accept."
She rolled her eyes and tossed her sword in the mud. "Fine. I accept your surrender, Lord Jaime."
Jaime bowed to the winner and said, "Thank you, my lady."
Gendry didn't know if they would ever be friends but he had high hopes of them not killing each other. Arya stripped off her armor and walked over to Gendry, Tommen, and Stannis. Jaime did the same, taking a bit longer with only one hand. He didn't have a squire nor did he have any of his household with him. His son looked ready to help but Jaime didn't want the pity. He was still a proud man.
As Jaime sauntered over to the group, Ser Perros returned with Shireen Baratheon. She was dressed in a flowy gown popular in the capital. Her brown hair was styled in braids pinned at the back of her head. She was a true girl of the capital.
"Father!" She said, smiling at him. He smiled back and let her hug him. His arms wrapped loosely around her and she smiled up at him as she pushed back from his chest.
"Hello, Shireen." Gendry said.
She turned to him and gave him a poor curtsy. "Good afternoon, Your Grace."
"It's just Gendry to you, cousin." He said to her. He looked at Arya and said quietly, "I have quick business with them. I will sup with you tonight."
She just nodded and walked away, likely to the kennels where Nymeria would be. Gendry turned to the lords and their children. He said, "Come, we have much to discuss."
Jaime and Stannis looked at each other for a brief moment before following the king toward Maegor's Holdfast. Tommen and Shireen remained where they were until Gendry called, "You two with us!" They hurried after their fathers. Gendry led them to the small council chambers and sat down. The Lannisters sat to his right, the Baratheons to his left.
"What is this about, Your Grace?" Jaime asked.
"Not as bright as your hair, I see." Stannis said, a small smirk forming on his lips.
"I have a proposition for you two lords." Gendry said, looking from one to the other. Then he looked at their children, who were surprised to be there at all. They were the same age, roughly 15. "Tommen, your wife, Margaery Tyrell, has asked for an annulment on your marriage."
"Oh," was all that the boy could say.
"I have granted it." Gendry said. "But, I have another option for you. I wish to unite the East and the West. To unite Baratheon and Lannister in a better way this time than my father had done."
The two lord fathers looked at each other in brief disgust before settling their eyes on the king. He continued, "If you consent, I wish to have Tommen of House Lannister and Shireen of House Baratheon married when they both come of age, which will be their next namedays."
Jaime looked to Tommen, who was still saddened by the news of Margaery's annulment. Jaime glanced over at Shireen instead, she was smiling to herself, her lips stretching across her face in a way that made the Greyscale look less hideous. He knew that she was a nice girl and Tommen could be happy with her. He was a sweet boy after all. Jaime spoke up, "I consent."
Stannis looked at him as if he were a wildling. He hadn't liked Lannisters much all his life. He had hated that Robert had married Cersei but Stannis understood duty and knew that it was the right thing to do. Besides, his king was broaching the subject, it must be important to him. "I consent too."
Tommen looked across the table at his intended, the morose expression that had just plagued his face disappearing. He smiled at her and she smiled right back. Gendry hoped he was making a wise decision.