Here's an update!

First of all, thanks to all of the followers and favorites the story has been getting! And I'm loving all of the kind reviews.

Also, you guys will notice that the ages are a bit off. I did that intentionally because if Arya were only 9 and Gendry 15 it wouldn't work as well. So for my story Arya is 11.

WARNING: Spoiler alert – there is a spoiler for book 4 and it might also be shown in season 4. I wanted to avoid it but it just worked really well with the story. So I apologize in advance.

I'm trying my best to make the chapters longer, but there are just stopping points for each update and I kind of enjoy keeping you guys wondering about what's next.

Anyways here is chapter 6!

. … . … .

The Cusp of Death

As preparation for his role as prince, Gendry was now required to attend all afternoon petitions in the throne room. The small council thought it was a good way to get to know his people and their needs. He listened in the gallery with all of the lords and ladies as both commoners and lords addressed the King.

One man entered claiming that his neighbour stole two chickens from his farm and wanted to be compensated for his loss. He pleaded with the king that he had six children to feed and every morsel of food counted. The neighbor, who stood present a few feet to his left claimed that he was only taking what was owed to him. After a few simple questions, King Robert made up his mind and dismissed them. He sided with the neighbor and told the man not borrow if he never intended to give back what he owed.

Next, there was a man of about four and ten years, he had a gruff beard and a large build. His anger was shown upon his face and it was clear that he wanted redemption. Under one arm he dragged a younger man, who seemed to be only two and five, he was much thinner but had an obvious strength about him – although not as much as the man who carried him. He was careful not to show any emotions as he nodded respect to the king. Behind them stood a young girl, who was about Gendry's age by the look of it. Her eyes were swollen and red from tears and she wore a cloak and hood about her shoulders. If he could guess by the way she cowered behind his back, he would say she was the large man's daughter. The thin man was being accused of stealing the young girl as she gathered flowers from a nearby meadow before raping and deflowering her. Hearing her screams her father found them and had now brought him to be punished by the King's justice. It was decided that the young man would be held in the dungeons before being sent to The Wall.

The people came and went and kept on coming. It was like it was never ending.

Two lords were the last to approach the King. They needed the King's council in an argument about who had a better claim in marriage to a young lady from one of the nobler of houses. Each was hoping to improve their family's standings, and each believed to be of greater birth than the other. To Gendry, the argument was ridiculous. Why were they fighting over one woman, when Westeros was filled with so many of equal status? The King seemed to be annoyed with them also and simply stated which family had greater claim and dismissed them.

Gendry didn't care to listen half of the time. It seemed to always be the same thing time after time. So after being in the castle for his second week he quickly learned to use it as a chance to think.

The last few days, he couldn't help but think about the young girl he had seen in the garden on his first day in the Red Keep. All he was able to learn thus far was that she was the youngest daughter of Lord Stark – Arya they called her – she is about ten and one, and he had overheard some of the handmaidens discussing her refusal to wear dresses like a lady. He found this intriguing. Although young, she seemed to have a spark about her. A fire that he seemed to be drawn to. Her large grey eyes were filled with wonder and he couldn't help it but to be filled with curiosity whenever he happened to catch her eye – which wasn't often. Arya seemed to exist in her own world that was void of propriety and the expectations everyone had for her. She had a sense of joy and freedom that she exhibited each day as she ran through the castle chasing cats. He found this pretty odd, but it only made him want to know more. He also noticed that she always seemed to carry a small sword about her waist.

As amusing as he found her he couldn't find it in himself to approach her.

Not yet anyways.

Gendry was never very good at speaking to girls. It was just something he has never had to do. He lost his mother when he was young, he had no sisters – to his knowledge – and with working in the forge there weren't many women to interact with. Arya seemed like the type of girl he would feel comfortable around but he couldn't figure out what to say or how to go about it. So, he left it at that.

He had to prepare for his first hunting trip with the King. It was his first time hunting and he didn't want to disappoint his father so early in their relationship. So, he let Arya sit at the back of his mind for the time being. And at sunrise, he was leaving her behind. If only for a few days.

. … . … .

Ned Stark is a man of honour. He is an honest and loyal friend to the King, Robert Baratheon, and has been for as long as he could remember. When Robert had requested for him to return to King's Landing to become the King's Hand, he could not refuse. How could he tell his best friend and king that he didn't want to stand by his side? So he did his duty, leaving his wife and sons behind, to serve the realm.

It was only when he got to the capital that he realized just how much he was needed. The king, being the drunk that he is, made very little decisions when it came to anything unrelated to booze. And when he did make decisions, they were not always the wisest. So, the responsibility fell to him. He ruled the kingdoms himself in the King's name.

For the next few days it would be Eddard of the House Stark who sat upon the Iron Throne awaiting the return of King Robert. The man may be an oversized drunk, but if there was one thing he loved it was hunting. He told Ned on many occasions of the satisfaction he felt when he gutted a boar. That was when he felt real power. So, sick of talking and discussing matters of the realm, King Robert took Prince Gendry and a few good men and guards to leave at first light to go to the Kingswood.

Ned had been dead set against Gendry's involvement in the hunt, but the King insisted. They argued on the matter and Robert stated "It would be good for the boy to experience death. Sure he lost his mother and perhaps a few friends, but he was never the cause. If he should take my place upon the throne, I need to know that he can take the life of another living thing. It is a responsibility that comes with the crown." So, Ned had no choice but to back down and allow the King to have his way.

After another long day of discomfort sitting on the Iron Throne, Ned decided to retire back to the Tower of the Hand where he found his daughters sitting with their septa. Arya was quick to greet him, "Father, can I show you all of the steps I have learned from Syrio this week?" He loved his daughter's dedication to what they called "The Water Dance." When it came to sewing, singing or talking of fairy tales she wanted nothing but to get away. But the art of the sword made her happy, and if she was so intent on having a sword, he would prefer she knew how to properly use it.

"I would love to see Arya. I have some letters to attend to first. But, maybe we can have a duel later this evening and you can demonstrate your skills?"

To this, her eyes brightened and her smile overwhelmed her face. It was a look that every father wished to see in his children.

Arya returned to her lessons, still beaming. While Sansa sat, holding proper posture with her long red hair braided in a popular southern style.

"Septa Mordane, will you excuse myself and the girls for a while? You may continue with your lessons on the morrow," he sat at the table near the window. The septa stood and nodded kindly in response before excusing herself to her own chambers down the hall. "Girls, come and sit," they did as they were bid.

"What is it, father?" Sansa asked. He could tell she still held some resentment towards him for Lady's death but she was always proper in addressing him.

"First, I want to apologize for not being available to spend much time with you girls. I have been very busy preparing Gendry for his new princely duties," Arya chuckled, when he looked at her, she quickly bit her bottom lip to hold back her small outburst. "Second, I was wondering what you guys thought about Gendry. I know you have not been properly introduced to him yet since he's arrived but I am sure you have seen him around."

"He sucks with a sword," Arya was always opinionated. She never holds back what is on her mind and never backs down when challenged. It was one of the things that he loved about her. "He is clumsy and lacks balance. I have seen him practice with Ser Balon Swann. Even I can do better than that."

Ned could not help but to laugh at Arya's judgements.

"I believe him to be most noble and gallant," remarked Sansa. "Though, he does seem to be a bit awkward in his surroundings. His posture could use some work too. But, based on what I have heard of him thus far, I believe he will be a fair and respected king when it is his turn to take the throne."

He smiled at this. Both of his daughters had a tendency to be honest, so their opinions actually meant something to him. He would often ask them what they thought in matters when he could.

"King Robert seeks to marry again, Sansa. So, there is a chance that Gendry will not even take the throne. However, I am glad you believe in him and his ability to rule one day. As for you Arya, maybe you could give him a few pointers if you feel that he needs the help. When the King's party returns from their hunt in three days time, there will be a proper introduction now that things have been finalized. There will also be a feast in the Prince's honour upon their return."

"I would be more than glad to show him a thing or two," Arya hopped up from the table and grabbed her sword from where it was resting against the wall. She secured it at her narrow hips. Pulling it from its sheath, she jumped back in a defensive stance and twirled it before leaping forward with her arm fully extended. "Stick 'em with the pointy end," she smiled before returning it to its place at her side and rejoining them at the table.

"What about me, father?" Sansa seemed confused, of what he wasn't sure.

"What is wrong?"

"Well, with Joffery no longer a prince. And Cersei's betrayal of King Robert. What is to come of my betrothal?" Ned had been so busy with the King, making arrangements for Gendry, and finding proper ladies suitable to be the next queen that he had totally forgotten about Sansa's engagement.

"You still want to marry a traitor?" Arya interjected before he had the chance to speak.

"It was his mother who was in the wrong, Arya. Joffery did nothing. He could not choose his father," she turned to Eddard now. "Father, you promised I could marry him. I love him."

"Sansa, I would not think it wise to go ahead with that particular marriage. Because of everything that has been happening the Lannisters have been frowned upon across the realm. I will make sure to find you someone worthy of your name, grace and beauty."

"First Lady, now Joffery. Father, you are not being fair!"

"Sansa, you need to understand tha…"

"No, Father," she interrupted, very much outside of her character. "I do not understand, nor will I ever. Please, excuse me." She stood and left the room before her father could object.

"I don't know why she would want to marry such a jerk anyways. It was his fault that you had to kill Lady. If he hadn't put his hands on me, Nymeria would never have bit him and if Sansa had only told the truth then none of this would have happened," Arya spat. Her and her sister often disagreed and she had no problem in telling her sister she was stupid. He had hoped that they would one day get along but he was not getting his hopes up.

"She believes herself to be in love, Arya. When you are older, you may just understand her side of things and why she felt she needed to defend Joffery. Please excuse me, I really need to deal with those letters now. I will join you for supper and then we can see about that duel we discussed." He left her sitting at the table to hopefully think about what he said.

When he reached his solar, he tried his best to push his daughter's sorrows from his mind. He had things he had to take care of and he could always discuss things with her later, but it just sat heavy in his head.

He decided it was probably best to just start with the first letter and hope that it would distract him. Most were addressed to the King but, as his Hand, he had authority to read them and then relay those of importance. He found most of the letters to be from many of the lords throughout the realm offering their daughters to marry the King. Even those from the lower houses were making an attempt. There were offers of money, soldiers and resources going along with the proposals in order to bribe the king in his decision.

Of the letters before him, the most beneficial offer to the crown was from Dorne. Doran Martell – the Prince of Dorne and Lord of Sunspear – offered his daughter and heir, Princess Arianne to marry King Robert. He decided that should the king agree, his eldest son, Prince Quentyn would take Arianne's place as heir. His only conditions were that Gregor Clegane receive justice for his crimes against his family in the sack of King's Landing, and once that was done he asked to receive his head as proof. The Prince of Dorne was willing to supply the King with Dornish wine to his heart's content and swear fealty to the crown. He had also hoped that the marriage would settle any lasting feuds between Dorne and the Iron Throne.

Ned read the letter more than once and could not believe such an offer from Dorne. It was the kind of deal that one could not overlook and decided it would be the first thing he brought to the King's attention upon his return.

. … . … .

Gendry was not quite the hunting type. He didn't mind the quiet or the roughing it in the woods. He could tolerate sleeping on the ground and pissing on a tree. But, the idea of killing an animal with his own hands didn't sit right with him. He could eat meat, he actually loved it. It was just hunting it himself that bothered him.

It was their last day of hunting before heading back to the Red Keep at dawn. For days he had watched the King living in his bliss. After each kill, he would laugh as he ripped the arrow or spear from the animal's body and then he'd lift it by its head to show the whole party of their catch. He found it to be quite savage but it seemed to make him happy.

So far, they had three deer, an auroch, eight rabbits and three boar.

He had to admit he was enjoying getting to know his father over the past few days, he was learning a lot. He was also growing fond of his loud, big bellied laugh that he had been hearing so often. It was almost a comfort to him now. They talked about things; life, women, money, and power. And, they grew closer as each day went by. The few kills that Gendry managed, Robert put a heavy hand on his shoulder and gave him some form of praise. He even went so far as to say "I'm proud of you, son."

The feeling of hearing a father you never knew you had, finally acknowledge your existence and actually refer to the blood relation was overwhelming. Especially for a baseborn son.

At the moment, they were circling a bunch of bushes they had chased another boar into. He had asked the King to sit this one out seeing as he had drank one too many goblets of wine since their first meal, but he harshly refused, telling his son not to be ridiculous. So, here they were. King Robert with spear in hand, Gendry holding a short sword in one hand and a dagger in the other. Men with bows and arrows and long spears circled around the other side.

"Bows ready," ordered the King. The bowmen readied their arrows and took aim at the bushes. "Release!"

Arrows flew from each direction into the boar's hiding place, a piercing squeal let rip and from the bushes ran a huge boar. It was much larger than the other boars they had crossed paths with so far on their trip. It had an arrow sticking out of its back side and it was evident that it was grazed by a few of the other arrows. However, its pain did not stop it from charging. A few of the men dispersed as it ran at them, while others fumbled with their bows. The only one who stood his ground was King Robert. As the boar reeled around and headed in their direction Gendry stepped back a few steps and it ran straight for them. The King took it as a challenge stepping forward, Gendry used a hand in attempt to hold him back but it was only shrugged off. The underestimated speed of the boar, and Robert's drunken state allowed for the tusks of the boar to rip through the King's belly before he could stand in defense. Gendry ran forth and stabbed his sword through the boar's skull before catching his father as he began to crumble. The men gathered to help place the King comfortably on the ground. Gendry fell to his knees at Robert's side while the man reached out to firmly grip the boys hand, with the little strength he was able to muster.

"If I don't make it through this. Don't disappoint me, my son." His eyes closed and his gasping breath turned shallow.

. … . … .

Going to try and update over the next couple of days but I'll be heading back to school and won't have as much time. I will be hoping to keep updates as frequent as possible because I hate to wait and wouldn't want to put you guys through it!

Review!