Decisions and Broken Hearts

A fortnight had passed since Arya's name day and their adventure together. Gendry, out of respect for Lord Stark, decided to keep his distance from her and keep himself occupied with his kingly duties. It pained him to do so, but the last thing he wanted to do was ruin the chance for Arya to find an appropriate match.

It was easy to see the flaws in him wanting her. There was a four year difference between them; which if one were to think about it, is not too big of a deal. There are many lords in the kingdom who have taken wives younger than their children. So, who is to say that their age should keep them apart? There was also the fact that he had to marry for duty, rather than love. He already held a great alliance with the Starks, Ned Stark being his most trusted ally and council in the capital and his friendship with Arya was undeniable. So, what is needed most is an alliance with one of the other great families to help and ensure his safety as King. And to do so, he would need to marry someone other than Arya.

The Small Council has placed greater urgency on him being wed with it having been nearly seven moons since he was made the King of Westeros. Many times during the council meetings they would bring it up as a topic of discussion and each time he would dismiss it. There was truly only one girl he would like to make his Queen but of course, she was the only one forbidden to him. If he truly desired it, he could make it so. But, not without consequence.

Gendry had only three moons to wed.

A single moon to choose his bride.

He could avoid it no more.

"A decision has to be made, Your Grace," Varys sat in his place at the council table his arms folded in front of him. "We know it is not your desire to marry so soon but it has to be done to secure your place on the throne."

"You also need to produce an heir soon after the marriage, Your Grace," it was Lord Petyr Baelish who spoke now. He eyed Gendry with a suggestive eyebrow raised.

"And what are my options again?" Gendry knew very well the possible ladies he was to wed, but the more he knew the easier it would be to make a choice.

Lord Stark leaned forward resting his elbow on the table as he looked at the notes he had written in front of him. "There is Roslin Frey, six and ten. You thought her to be shy but beautiful," Gendry nodded to show his remembrance and Ned continued. "An alliance with the Frey's would secure the Crossing for the Throne. Then, there is Alys Karstark who is of five and ten and Meera Reed of six and ten. Both are daughters of mine own banner men and would only strengthen the allegiance of the North. The same goes for Wylla Manderly, five and ten," He again stopped to look at Gendry to ensure that he was keeping up with him. When he was given a nod of approval he continued. "Lastly, Your Grace, is Margaery Tyrell, five and ten. You described her to me as, and I quote, 'a very beautiful, rambunctious, and confident girl.' Might I add that the Tyrell's are a very wealthy family and may aid in repaying the debts your father left with the crown. It would also create a greater alliance with the South. Remember, Gendry, the decision is yours. You have five highborn ladies to choose from. Normally, I would suggest taking your time but your time is up and those who have sworn fealty will be expecting a Royal wedding within the next three moons."

Gendry sat with his eyes glued to his hands which were resting folded on the table. He knew his options and he knew they were expecting an answer. He had thought long and hard for months now and the most logical choice would be one to strengthen his hold of the Iron Throne and to ensure the allegiance of his people. He knew that Ned Starks Bannermen respected him and would fall in line and stay true at his command. It was also known that Lord Frey could be a difficult man, so a marriage within his family would hopefully make him more willing to do as he's told. But, the main problem Gendry could think about was the South's support of the Lannisters. Though Joffrey was not born of King's blood, many still believed him to have a claim.

"I choose…" he said, finally breaking his thoughts. He looked at the eager stares he received from the men around the table. He decided to take his time responding in hopes that it would drive them mad in anticipation. After a few moments had passed and their expression became more solemn, he continued. "Margaery Tyrell. She is of an age with me and is better outspoken than the other girls. I think I would find her quite interesting," at those words his mind drifted back to Arya but he quickly shook those thoughts away.

"Good choice, Your Grace," said his uncle Renly from his place to Gendry's left. He took a gentle hand and clapped it on his shoulder to show his approval. "We will see that preparation are made for two moons time."

"Very well then," Gendry stood to leave but was stopped by Lord Varys clearing his throat. He turned back to the table eyeing him. "What is it, Varys?"

"We have more to discuss, Your Grace. My little birds have been whispering."

With obvious annoyance, Gendry sat back in his place at the head of the table. "And, what are they saying this time?"

"It is in regard to the Targaryen girl," a nod from the King and he continued. "Apparently she has left Qarth with the Thirteen dead at her departure and she rides for Astapor with her three dragons in tow."

"So we have confirmation that there truly are dragons? How reliable is your source, Varys?"

"Oh very," he responded with confidence in an almost patronizing tone.

"And what is in Astapor?"

"From what we know," said Lord Stark. "Astapor is a city in Slaver's Bay that is known for their slave soldier the Unsullied. If we had to guess, she is going there to get an Army."

"I would like another request sent for civility between her and I. A war is to be avoided at all costs but you are to seek my approval for any terms. The realm is finally at rest and the people are content and at peace. I will not allow it to be jeopardized!" with that he stood. "Now, is that all for today?"

"Yes, Your Grace," said Lord Stark and each of the men bowed their heads as he turned to leave the room.

... . …. . …. . …. . .… .

On his way back to his chambers, Gendry was surprised to find Arya sitting outside of his doors waiting for him. After trying so hard to avoid her, here she sat and there was no escape. As he approached he was met by her grey-eyed gaze. He could see a hint of sorrow behind her otherwise solid expression.

"You've been avoiding me," she said with distaste. He knew she would be upset by it so her tone hadn't surprised him at all.

"I've been busy," he half lied. He didn't want to make matters worse but be couldn't allow them to be the way they were. Sure they were only friends, and yes she is but a child. However, he couldn't help how fascinating she was, how unruly her behaviour. He could not help the love he felt for her. So he did what he could to forget how he felt. And the only way he could do that was to stay away. It was for the best.

"You're lying Gendry, I know you are!" she spoke louder this time.

"Have you forgotten who I am Arya? I have things to do, and responsibilities that I cannot leave unattended. There are so many things I hadn't realized came with the position and I can't continue to be distracted," he looked away from her then. He couldn't bear it to look at the sadness that swept across her face.

"I thought we were friends…" she almost whispered.

"No matter what we were, we can't be it now. I have to stay focused now. I have a Kingdom to look after and a wedding to plan. I can't continue to run wild around the castle with you. When you grow up you might better understand," it wasn't until he was finished that he had realized what he said. He had both called her a child and let slip of his marriage to be.

"When I grow up? Am I but a child to you, Gendry? Am I no longer worth your time?"

"Those were not my words, Arya. You have to underst…"

She cut him off, "Hold on. What wedding do you have to plan? Who is to wed?"

He couldn't find the words to tell her. Not with the way things were going. But, he had to.

"I am to wed Margaery Tyrell in two months time."

"Oh, well I suppose I should congratulate you, Your Grace," she said with a masked tone and a slight curtsy. He could tell she was upset, it was written within her formalities. "I shall be on my way now."

As she turned to leave, Gendry reached out and grabbed her wrist forcing her to look back at him, "Arya, you need to understand."

She yanked her wrist from his grasp, "Oh but I am too naïve to understand, Gendry."

With that she took off down the hall and he stood outside of his chambers alone thinking of the redness of her eyes and the single tear he swore he saw fall as she ran away from him.

... . …. . …. . …. . .… .

I know this chapter was long overdue and I truly apologize for that! I have been crazy busy until now but I think I'm finally back into a rhythm and should hopefully get into a schedule of regular postings. And yes this chapter was short but I'm just trying to get things flowing again and can again hopefully start making the chapters longer.

Thank you for all of the reviews, favorites and followers! I really appreciate you guys hanging in for the ride!