A/N: I am extremely late and I'm sorry. I'm not going to bore you with excuses so here have this really long I-may-have-lost-the-point-of-the-chapter-chapter. I would like to take a moment to thank you all for the follows/favorites/kudos/and reviews. You guys are the best and the reason that I write my stories, so that you lovely people may enjoy them. And without further ado, on to the story.
Enjoy!
Chapter 3: Warning Sign
It had been almost two moons since her wedding and Arya found that life in King's Landing was dull and tedious. The heat was unbearable and every morning she woke up to a stifling room and covered with sweat. And it seemed that all anyone ever did there was gossip. There was no doubt in her mind that several of the rumors floating around the capitol were about her, Gendry, and their marriage. Some however, seemed to be about King Robert's open affection for her. The whispers about those rumors were the worst.
But somehow, Gendry didn't let that affect her. He was able to make her forget all that nonsense and she certainly wasn't opposed to his methods of distraction, which seemed to be growing bolder with every passing night.
The first time he fucked her against the wall of their bed chambers was the day some snake from court called Arya a 'wolf bitch in heat'. The woman had sneered that 'no respectable lady would allow her husband to take her so frequently' and that if so 'she's more alike to her wolf than we thought '. Gendry only laughed at the comment and decided to give them a show. Let them see what a She Wolf can do…he thought. The next day, Gendry didn't bother to hide the love bite Arya had left along his collarbone or the nail marks that were sure to be raked across his arms. Nor did he shy away from nuzzling his wife for a kiss in the middle of court. Let them talk.
The next time after that, it was some ridiculous story about her lack of self-respect. He fucked her four times that evening; twice with her on top and once with just his mouth and fingers. The time after that, Joffrey had attempted to claim that Gendry liked to frequent Lord Baelish's brothels but Arya's wails of pleasure the next few nights had put those speculations to rest.
Each time after that, the stories and allegations grew more and more far-fetched and implausible but Arya hardly cared about that anymore. All she could think of at the end of every day was the pure and blissful pleasure Gendry would give her. After that, her thoughts were only that of blue eyes, calloused fingers, a stubbled jaw, and Gendry's cock. Court's lies had done her a favor; they helped her explore and sate her sexual desires and needs. At least that she could be grateful for.
But every night brought out a bolder side to Gendry, more daring and forward. His touch always varied and was measured. Where he was rough and hard the next night he was gentle and soft. Arya would never admit it out loud but she loved it best when her husband would take her in the morning before all the bullshit and boredom of it all. That way she knew what awaited her come bed time. Until the morning that she received her moon blood.
Gendry had woken up horrified that he had hurt his wife and didn't calm until Arya explained that it was only her moon blood and nothing more. Only it wasn't nothing, it meant that she hadn't conceived on her wedding night or any other night after that. She knew that this soon would spark even more talk about her and her marriage. Having sensed her discomfort, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. Arya could do nothing but bury her head into his chest and hope that for once those snakes heed talk of another. She shifted slightly from his grasp and exhaled deeply when she felt the familiar aches in her lower back and the pit of her stomach.
"It hurts doesn't it?"
Gendry had spoken so low that she barely heard him. He noticed. Robb and Jon never did, but he did.
She didn't answer, only nodded.
"I'm sorry."
Arya laughed. "What for?"
"Not knowing what that feels like. But I figure that it must hurt some."
"It comes and goes. Mainly I just grin and bear it."
Gendry untangled himself from her and slid off the bed. He pulled his breeches on and a tunic before speaking to one of their chamber maids. She vaguely heard the words 'sheets' and 'warm' before Gendry turned his attention back to her.
"I figured you might want to clean up a bit." He said sheepishly.
"Right. Umm…thank you."
He didn't get a chance to speak again as the chamber maid knocked on the door. He graciously accepted the bucket of water and the fresh linen. Arya shifted her legs off the bed, clutching the soiled sheet to her chest. Gendry stood next to their dresser and poured the water into the water basin. As she began to rise off the bed and reach for the water basin, he turned and put a hand on her hip.
"No. Let me."
His offer surprised her. She managed to stop gaping and answer him. "It's fine. I can do it."
"I want to." His sincerity was what made her cave.
"Okay."
She sat back down and he motioned for her to lie down. Wetting one of the cloths, he gently moved his hand in between her legs and proceeded to wipe the blood off her thighs. Strangely it made her think of her wedding night and the way he had cleaned her maiden's blood. She felt her face heat up at such thoughts and she shook her head.
Her movements caused Gendry to stop.
"Arya?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you all right? Did you want me to stop?" Just as he said that, he removed his hand from the apex of her thighs.
"I'm fine. I didn't mean to worry you."
"Oh."
"I was only lost in thought, nothing more."
He sighed and continued wiping her blood off. She lay still for a few moments and then shifted when she felt discomfort in her lower back. Gendry noticed and rolled her only her belly, confusing Arya as he did so. He grabbed a bigger cloth and dipped it into the warm water, wringing it until it was as wet as he intended. Tenderly, he placed it on the small of her back. Arya closed her eyes and moaned, the warmness doing wonders to her moon blood pains. The pain was there but slowly disappearing as Gendry began to massage her back and the sides of the swell of her breasts.
His hand soothed the soreness she felt, almost letting it lull her back to sleep. She almost didn't feel the kiss he placed on the side of her neck. Yet, Arya still reached for him. It was a reflex now, her reaching for him. Her hand found his face and she stroked it, wanting to feel the stubble. Gendry lay beside her again and turned her to face him. Her eyes were still closed but there was the slightest hint of a smile there. Soon her breathing evened out and he realized that she had fallen asleep. He smiled and kissed her forehead. He was rising to leave when he felt her small hand stop him.
"Stay."
He wasn't sure what made him stay in the end but stay he did. He shifted back onto his side and she curled into his chest, her hands fisting his tunic. They lay in silence until Gendry felt his eyes start to droop and soon he was snoring lightly as the sun was beginning to rise.
When they woke again, Arya thanked her husband for the helpful remedy.
"I feel much better, thank you."
Gendry nodded. "It was nothing. My mother…"
He stopped and Arya looked at him. His face was blank but his eyes were filled with emotions that seemed to conflict with one another. Gendry never spoke of his mother to her but she knew that his mother died when he was little and that he loved her very much. So it surprised her when he finished his sentence to her.
"My mother… my mother used to do this when she had her moon blood. I remember that she also used to do it to the other girls as well. They were thankful for it; they couldn't afford to miss work."
Other girls? Work? Oh… his mother… his mother was a whore. Arya had heard the rumors about her husband's upbringing as well as the stories about his mother. His story just confirmed what those vile people had spread about. He was the son of a woman who worked at a brothel after all.
"That was kind of her. Did they give her anything in return?" She asked him cautiously. She was afraid that one wrong word and he would never bring up his mother again.
To her relief, his lips curved. "They used to give me sweets as payment and my mother just smiled."
"You must have loved the attention."
He chuckled. "I was no more than four and all they ever did was pinch my cheeks and coo at me. I could hardly stand it if it wasn't for the treats and my mother."
Arya couldn't tear her gaze from his face. The way his eyes lit up when he spoke about his mother or the way his voice softened.
"You loved her."
"She was all I had."
Something inside her broke for him. She knew next to nothing about Gendry except that he used to live in Flea Bottom, worked as a smith's apprentice, his mother died when he was little, and that he was Robert Baratheon's bastard son. Yet even with all that Arya felt a pang of guilt for not making an effort to know Gendry more. He had made an effort to speak to her and to try and get to know her a little better. It wasn't much but he learned more about her as the days went by.
As she thought more about this, she also came to the realization that this was the longest conversation they've held toward one another.
"And now you have Renly, Tommen, and Myrcella."
The grin on his face grew bigger at the mention of his half siblings and uncle. "I guess I do."
She didn't know why or what made her say it but one day she'd look back on it and be glad she did. "And…you have me."
Gendry didn't know how to respond to that. Truthfully, there was a small part of him that clung to her words but there was an even bigger part of him that knew that she was only saying it out of duty. Wanting to say something more but unsure of how it would sound, he settled for a grateful smile.
"I do don't I?" Her lips curved up and he unconsciously gave her a soft kiss.
They stared at each other when they broke apart. His sapphire blue eyes bore intensely into her stormy grey and she shivered. The familiar spark was in the air, both oblivious to it and aching for it immensely at the same time. They sat unsure of whether to proceed or not. The knock on their door decided for them.
"My lord, my lady, the Hand wishes for you to join him this morning."
The moment was gone and so they carried on as usual. Playing their parts and slipping their masks back into place.
It's easier this way.
The rest of the week was spent with Bran, reading and talking, or with her father. When she went to bed, she slept alone in the adjoining chambers. And as much as Arya didn't want to admit it, she missed Gendry's warmth beside her. It had been the only constant that had yet to change, but at least alone in her bed Nymeria was able to join her. It felt like Winterfell then, but deep down inside she knew it wasn't the same.
The week after her moon blood ended passed with relative ease and she hardly saw the King, Queen, or Prince Joffrey. That increased her both her mood and mirth while traipsing around the castle in search of an adventure with Nymeria. Arya found that although it was pleasant that she had only seen those three when necessary, it was still quite odd.
She had a strange feeling of foreboding but pressed on with her daily activities. She was supposed to meet Bran in the courtyard for sparring but he seemed to be running late. In her waiting, she decided to wrestle with Nymeria who happily accepted the challenge. She went at it with Nymeria at least thrice before Bran stumbled upon her.
"What are you doing?" He asked curiously.
Arya huffed. "What does it look like? I'm wresting with Nymeria. And where in the seven hells have you been?! I've been waiting for you for almost an hour!"
"Wait why—Oh! That was today?"
Arya frowned; it wasn't like Bran to be so forgetful. "Yes."
"Sorry must have lost track of time with Gendry."
She looked at Bran stunned. He'd been with Gendry all morning that's why she didn't see either of them at morning meal. "I thought Gendry was with Renly."
"He is—was with Renly. He left for the forge a while ago."
Arya placed Needle, the sword Jon gifted her when she was ten, back into its scabbard. "Why were you with him?"
Nymeria trotted after them as they began to walk to the Tower of the Hand. Bran looked amused at all her questions but answered them nonetheless. "I noticed that he was having some troubles during his lessons. The maester doesn't help much and Renly often has to leave for the small council meetings but still helps him a little. Tommen's already helping with his writing, Myrcella's helping him with his etiquette, and I offered to help him with his reading."
"Oh."
"You didn't know."
Arya looked away and felt a bit ashamed. "No."
"Gendry's a stubborn man, he wouldn't have told you himself anyways."
"I still should've asked or done something. I should've made an effort to ask how his days are spent or if he is well."
Bran laughed. "Arya he's a man, not a horse you have to feed or care for.
"Bran…"
"All I am saying is that you shouldn't overthink things too much. All in good time, sister, all in good time."
Arya frowned. "That doesn't help at all, stupid."
"Wasn't supposed to. Now, I'll race you to the top of the tower and back."
She grinned wickedly at her younger brother. "You're on."
She won and Bran was forced to wear a gown to dinner. Lord Stark wasn't sure whether he should laugh or cry when he saw his son in his sister's gown. Bran took one look at his father's face and laughed. Soon after Arya joined him and Lord Stark did too.
When she went to bed that night, she looked over to Gendry's already sleeping form. He looked so peaceful and young when he was asleep. No worries or misfortunes marred his handsome features in his slumber. And when he reached for her in his sleep, Arya decided that she would try to get to know Gendry.
She kissed his chest and fell asleep soon after. Her sleep was filled by cryptic signs with a bull, wolves, stags, and lions fighting each other. She also saw a wolf being cornered by a stag and a lion, fighting off one but losing to the other. Arya awoke with a start, her shift and body covered in sweat. She jumped off the bed and ran over to her chamber pot. She heaved into the chamber pot twice before she sat on the floor confused and afraid of what her dream meant.
Sleep didn't come easy to her after that. Arya lay awake pondering why she dreamt such things before her eyes drooped shut with exhaustion.
Gendry sensed something was amiss with his wife but decided not to press her for answers. He vaguely remembered waking to an empty bed and then feeling her by his side again. Whatever was bothering her, it made her look exhausted and unsettled. They were quiet as they walked around the Keep. So it startled him when she began making conversation with him. There was usually nothing but silence that accompanied their walks.
"Bran told me he spent the morning with you yesterday." Arya spoke hesitantly.
He cleared his throat before answering. "He did."
"He was kind and helpful, I expect."
"Indeed, he was. He helped me with my reading and letters yesterday."
"I suppose Maester Pycelle isn't much help considering his forgetful nature." She snickered.
He laughed. "No, he's not. He prefers Tommen over me most of the time. Then again, I'm a horrible student."
"Really? Why's that?" Arya was curious to know why he thought himself a bad student.
"I'm stubborn and I refused to accept any help that was offered. I was foolish to think that it'd be as easy as smithing." Gendry sighed.
"Well you're right about one thing, you are stupid. You don't have to do it alone. Bran can help and Myrcella and Tommen and me. You could've asked me, stupid."
His lips twitched. "I know that now. I guess it was my pride that refused to let me see reason. I've been alone for a really long time and I guess I was just used to having to forge my own way that I forgot about everyone else around me."
Arya stopped and put her hand to his shoulder. "It's hard for you isn't it?"
"A bit but it's more overwhelming than anything." His eyes told her that he was being sincere. "I mean smithing was all I knew, no need for learning my letters. All I had to know were numbers and orders. Now there's letters and sigils and words I need to remember and it's confusing really."
"And with Maester Pycelle as your teacher, I wouldn't blame you for refusing your lessons." Arya sighed.
He laughed and kissed her hand. "Sometimes I think you have more fun at your lessons than I do at mine. But then again m'lady struts around a room with a sword in her hand slashing at imaginary foes…doesn't really sound like too much fun."
She let her mouth gape in mock insult. "I do not strut around the room! I-I-I—"
"You what m'lady?" Gendry asked standing with his arms crossed, lips curved.
"I dance you stupid bull!" She answered punching his arm. "I'm not slashing at anything, I'm dancing. It's called Water Dancing, stupid."
"My apologies, m'lady. I probably shouldn't mock the only person in court who actually knows how to spar properly."
Arya felt herself flush at his compliment. If he noticed, he said nothing and offered her his arm again. She saw the small smile on his face and felt herself become redder with every passing moment.
Arya muttered, "Stupid." before taking his arm again.
It was a beautiful day outside and Gendry had used the weather to his advantage. He asked Arya to join him for a walk around the courtyard after they broke their fast. She agreed and had spent their time hooting about pranks or stunts Arya pulled off in the Red Keep. Sometimes they spoke about Renly or Tommen or Myrcella and his lessons. She snorted when he told her about the time Myrcella found him playing with Tommen and his kittens.
Apparently Tommen had draped Ser Pounce, Lady Whiskers, and Boots all over Gendry and Myrcella walked into the room as Tommen dressed Boots in some tiny scrap of fabric and the kittens ran all over Gendry. He guffawed when she told him about the time that she had flung her food at Sansa during a feast. They traded small stories as they walked down the corridors and into the gardens. Greens, pinks, reds, yellows, and whites surrounded them as they talked.
They had been so immersed in their conversation that they hardly noticed when Myrcella's unmistakable golden mane twirled in their direction.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you two." Myrcella said in relief as she made her way toward them.
Arya suppressed the urge to groan. She'd been enjoying Gendry's company and she found herself wishing that he didn't have to go. Gendry must have felt the same as he was reluctant to let go of her.
"You found us. Time for my lessons I suppose." Gendry answered with a pensive voice.
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about." The princess sat down on the stone bench before them and patted the seat for them to sit as well.
"What is it?" Gendry asked as his eyebrow quirked up.
"Renly and Maester Pycelle are currently still at the small council meeting. And by shouting, I doubt that the meeting is far from over." Myrcella explained.
"Do you know what they were shouting about?" Arya asked curiously intrigued.
"No but I kept hearing 'Storm's End' and 'King's Landing' a lot. Mayhaps, my father is sending Renly back to Storm's End."
"Or mayhaps, Renly's planning some tourney or celebration in King's Landing or Storm's End."
Myrcella bit her lip and looked at Arya with confused green eyes.
"Who knows? What I do know is that Gendry and Tommen have no lessons today and I am stuck entertaining some bannermen's daughters in gardens later this afternoon." The young Baratheon princess groaned at the grueling task. The she perked up and looked at Arya. "Unless…."
"Unless—oh no you don't!"
Myrcella pouted at Arya, looking at her with big green eyes. "Please, please, please, please, please Arya. I really don't want to do this alone."
Arya's eyes widened and she felt herself cave when Myrcella's eyes started to water. Then Gendry spoke up.
"As much as Arya would love to stay and give you some company, I do believe that I promised my wife a tour of the city. Seeing as both my afternoon and the weather are clear, now would be a perfect time to explore the city."
Arya could've kissed Gendry for his quick thinking and settled for taking his hand. Myrcella glared at him, trying to be angry but failing and smiling instead.
"Sorry." Arya muttered.
Myrcella waved her off, the smile still present. "S'okay. Have fun."
"Mayhaps Bran and Tommen would like to join you and the other ladies." Arya suggested innocently.
The other girl smirked and caught onto Arya's suggestion. "Hmm perhaps an invitation would ensure their presence at the luncheon and with no way of weaseling out of it. I think I'll go start on that now."
Myrcella lifted her skirts and skipped merrily to the castle. Arya looked on with amusement on her face and couldn't help but like the girl. Myrcella was a gorgeous girl, long golden hair and emerald eyes with a kind heart and bubbly personality. Whenever she spent time with the princess there was never a dull moment, there was always giggles and snorts along with thoughtful words and adventurous stories. It was also the princess who often reminded her a bit of her sister but was more lively and playful, a rather perfect combination of both Stark sisters. Arya missed her sister greatly but was glad to have found a friend in the Baratheon princess.
"Arya?"
Gendry's voice brought her out of her thoughts and back into reality. "Hmm?"
"You ready to go, m'lady?"
She shook her head. "Lead the way, Ser."
His face beamed and he led her to the stables. Before too long they were saddled on their horses and riding around the city. He took her to see the Dragonpit at the top of Rhaenys's Hill and Arya was blown away by the view. She could see the castle from there as well as the entirety of Flea Bottom. Her eyes were full of wonder and joy but Gendry looked like he feared for his life. Arya bit on her bottom lip in an effort to withhold her laughter and grabbed his hand.
"Come on you coward."
He frowned as they trudged down the hill. "I'm not a coward. I just don't like high areas."
"Coward." Arya repeated as she pulled Gendry along.
"Not a coward, m'lady."
She stopped and punched him in the shoulder. "Craven then. And stop calling me, m'lady."
He stared at her a long moment before leaning down to whisper in her ear. "As you wish…m'lady."
Arya fumed and Gendry ran back to their horses before she could hit him again.
"CRAVEN!" she yelled as he ran.
From there they rode through Flea Bottom. Arya remembered that Gendry grew up there and convinced him to show her everywhere he'd ever been. They rode carefully through the narrow streets and maze like paths. He pointed out several places where he'd lived in and where his mother worked. As they rode, Arya couldn't help but notice how the children stared at her horse lovingly and with awe. She felt sad for them and guilty that she didn't fully appreciate the fortunes that the Gods had blessed her with. So she stopped and dismounted her horse, walking into what looked like an orphanage. There were children everywhere, playing with sticks or mud and some sharing words with each other. She could feel their eyes on her as she spoke with the Septa in charge of the orphanage. Although there was not much that Arya could do for them, she decided that she could at least give them a day of happiness.
Gendry stood at the entrance of the stone building watching as his wife handed the Septa a large pouch with stags and several gold dragons, and then start playing with some of the children. He smiled as she showed off Needle to the little boys and her wolf necklace to the girls. He lost track of time standing there as Arya played and laughed and talked with the children. As if feeling his gaze on her, Arya turned to face him. There was a large grin on her face and she motioned for him to join her. He didn't need to be asked twice. They spent some time fooling around with the orphans until Arya declared that the little wolf and the large bull needed some rest but would be back as soon as they could. The kids bid them farewell and that night the boys and girls had sweets, courtesy of Lady Arya and Lord Gendry Baratheon.
After Flea Bottom, he steered their horses in the direction of Visenya's Hill and to his former smith's shop. The Street of Steel was alive with the sound of hammering and clinging steel. Arya could smell the fire and leather in the air as well as feel the heat of the forges all around them. Tobho Mott's shop was almost at the top of the hill and Gendry explained that this meant that he was one of the more expensive smiths of the city.
"It may cost a fortune but his steel is the best in all of King's Landing." Gendry said it with a bit of pride.
"What if you're saying that because you used to be his apprentice and your judgment is a bit biased?" Arya countered.
"Will nothing ever please you?" He sighed.
Arya dismounted her horse as they stopped outside the shop. "Nope, never. Come on or I'll never meet this famous Tobho I hear so much about."
The sound of armor clanging together and the scorching heat of the flames assaulted them as they walked into the smithy.
Tobho turned to look at them for only a second before turning back to his work. "Sorry lad. I ain't got time for any more orders today. Best try your luck elsewhere."
"Haven't heard that one in a while. Good to know things never change." Gendry chuckled.
The master smith dropped his hammer and twist to face them again. It took him no more than a few seconds to recognize Gendry and crossed to embrace him.
"Gendry."
"Master Mott."
Tobho patted his back and pulled back.
"Let me look at you boy. You've grown even bigger lad, as big as a bull now."
Gendry sniggered. "Was always a bull, Mott."
"That you were lad that you were. What brings you here? Forgotten how to sharpen a blade already boy?" the smith snorted.
"Not at all. I was riding through the city with my wife and decided to stop by. Thought maybe you could use a hand or two."
Tobho's eyes widened when he noticed Arya's small figure next to Gendry. He hadn't even seen the girl until Gendry mentioned it. "Forgive me lass, didn't see you there. Tobho Mott, blacksmith and owner of this fine shop."
Arya extended her hand and he kissed her knuckles. "Arya St—Baratheon. Lovely to finally meet the great Tobho Mott. Gendry's told me a lot about you."
"Pleasure's all mine, my lady." The smith eyed her up and down and his gaze rested on Needle. "That's a fine blade you got there lass. Where'd you get such steel?"
Her fingers dropped down to the pommel of her small sword. "It was a gift from my brother. From back home in Winterfell."
"Ah a Northerner. Rare breed you Northerners. Tell me my lady, are the winds really as harsh as they say?" The look on his face was filled with curiosity and interest.
"Deepens on how far up North you are, really."
The smith lit up with marvel and proceeded to prod the Northern girl with questions about the North. Somewhere in between the questions and answers, Gendry had picked up a hammer and started mending some armor. Both Arya and Tobho stopped to look at Gendry as he worked. Focus and concentration were written all across his face and Arya couldn't help but notice how he lost himself in his work and the determination that crossed with each blow. Or how his muscles flexed with each blow of the hammer. It then that she felt a familiar stirring inside her, low in the pit of her stomach. Before she could conjure up any more suggestive thoughts, Mott shattered her thoughts.
"He's a good lad that one."
"Aye. He is."
"Never thought I'd seen the day when he'd find himself a girl, let alone marry."
This piqued Arya's interest, her burning desires suddenly cooling down. "Why's that?"
The smith seemed to be surprised by her question. "I've known him since he was a child and practically raised him myself. And in all that time, never once did I ever see him with a girl or some little love. It was always the forge, his hammer, and sleep."
"Not even a venture to a brothel of some sort?" The words spilled out and she almost wanted to slap herself for saying such things.
"No. Always kept to himself and to the forge."
Arya blinked and looked over at Gendry again. He was still pounding on the anvil but his cloak was gone and the sleeves of his tunic were rolled up. Her hand went to her pendant and she tugged on it. Mott noticed and stared at the wolf.
"Starks and their wolves."
"It was a gift from my father."
"Ah yes the necklace the Lord Hand commissioned. I only saw it that once."
"Once? You didn't make this…" Arya asked warily.
"No, this is the boy's work."
The boy….Gendry. Gendry made the necklace.
"It took him only two weeks to craft it. He would've had it done in one but he'd never seen a wolf before mind you. Lord Stark was kind enough to lend him a Stark banner to use as a reference. The rest was the lad's imagination." The smith spoke with pride about Gendry. She could sense that Mott cared for him and the he was happy to see him again.
"He's talented. The necklace is lovely."
"It's in his blood, my lady." Tobho said with a grin, rising toward the anvil. Arya decided that she would tuck away this bit of information for later.
"Still gave the touch eh boy?"
Gendry shook his head with a smile. "Never lost it Master Mott."
Mott embraced Gendry and patted his shoulder. "It was good seeing you lad. Now go on, get. Shouldn't keep your lady waiting."
"No, I shouldn't. I look forward to seeing you again sometime soon."
The smith's lips curved. "I'll be gratuitously awaiting your next visit. Good luck in the Keep, m'boy."
Arya bid the master smith farewell before they were off to another part of the city. They rode up to the top of Visenya's Hill and down to the Street of Steel. From there they rode up through The Hook and back to the Red Keep. The remainder of the tour was spent in rather comfortable silence, taking in the scenery and people of the city. The stables were near empty when they arrived, only a horse or two there and the stable boy was out.
Arya dismounted and helped Gendry to unsaddle and tack the horse. She helped him brush and feed the horse as well as clean off any dirt the animal had on their hair.
"I don't think I ever want to ride a horse ever again. My legs are on fire!" Gendry moaned.
She laughed. "Oh shut it craven. You get used to it after a while."
"Says the girl who born to ride horses. I'm city boy, I never had to learn how to ride."
Arya gave him a mock pout. "Poor you, whatever shall you do now?"
"You're mean. You know that right?"
She shrugged and put her hands on her hips. "And you're stupid."
He crossed over to her and pulled her into him. The urges she had felt earlier in the forge came back even stronger. She ran her fingers over his muscled arms and breathed in his scent. Leather and smoke with just the right amount of musk. She vaguely wondered what she smelt like to him. She chewed her lip as he walked them backwards and into an empty horse stall. She didn't care that anyone could see them or that they would be the talk of the week, none of that mattered to them in that moment. It'd been more than a week and a half since they last fucked and both were anxious to resume their martial activities.
They met in the middle, lips crushing together and clothes being torn off. He hiked up the skirt of her dress to her waist and ripped the bodice open. She yanked his tunic off and pulled his breeches to his ankles as he sat her on a bale of hay. Arya pulled his face back to hers, kissing him with desperation and crying out in fulfillment as Gendry thrust into her.
Her legs wound around his middle as he thrust in and out of her. A loud moan escaped her lips when he pushed her flat on her back. His mouth left hers to trail down her skin to her collarbone, leaving a red mark as he sucked at her pulse point. She grasped onto the hay as his pace increased and he grunted when she pushed back against him. The heat in the pit of her belly was burning at an all-time high but her release eluded her. They fucked with urgency, the heat and need consuming them both as they pushed and thrust against each other. Arya was wild with lust and wanted to feel the euphoria that she'd come to associate sharing a bed with Gendry with. By then Gendry had repositioned them so that they were on the floor, fucking over his cloak. Arya managed to hook her leg over his knee and flipped them over so she was on top. Gendry's hands went from her waist to her hips and helped guide her movements as she rode him. Ironically, Arya rode him the way she rode Snow, her horse.
Gracefully yet determined and with experience. He sat up with her and she scored his back with her sharp nails. His lips found her breast and he bit down on one while she moved furiously over him, her climax within her reach. Her hands flew down to his head and held him to her teats as she stilled and came. He bucked his hips to hers once more before he spilt his seed inside her. They sat on the floor sweating and sated until they are able to stand again.
They arrive to dinner with flushed faces and labored breaths. And when they are dismissed for the evening, they barely make it to the door before they rip their clothes off. After they finish the third time around, Arya fell fast asleep but couldn't help but feel that something isn't right. Her dreams are upon her by the time she realized that the King wasn't present at dinner.
He was wandering around the Red Keep, careful to avoid being seen. The sun was only just rising and the birds were singing their melodies of the day as the city rose from its slumber. He was running, feeling the slight breeze against his body and soaking in the warm sun rays with it. He wasn't sure where he was running to but he ran until he could no longer.
He stopped short when he heard voices.
"—and you know it."
"No, it's not. It's a foolish notion and nothing more. That is what I know."
He recognized those voices. One belonged to the King and the other belonged to—Father?
Bran awoke with a start, hands shaking and covered in perspiration. His eyes scanned his chambers for his direwolf, Summer, but he was nowhere to be found.
"Summer." He called out.
There was no response. He tried again.
"Summer."
Once more there was no reply. Bran closed his eyes and willed for Summer to hear him. Instead, Bran's eyes rolled back into his head and he saw black.
He was hiding as the King and his Hand argued.
"Foolish? How can that be a foolish notion, Ned? Would I be wrong in assuming that she might become with child in the near future, if she isn't already?" the King bellowed. "I am only trying to look after her wellbeing. It seems the bastard cares not for his wife."
"But it is not your concern, Robert. She is your son's wife and neither one of us do not get to have a say in their marriage. And as far as I know, my daughter is not with child. She and her husband are free to take leave of the city. "
The King seemed angered by Ned's reply and he lashed out.
"She will not leave the city until I command it. The bastard may leave but she stays."
"You cannot be serious."
"I am a man of my word, Ned. The girl stays until I say otherwise."
Ned paled at the realization of Robert's motives. He means to keep her for himself.
Startled and angered, Ned did not cower.
"Robert this is madness! Cersei is still your wife; you cannot cast her aside for another woman who is already married and to your son no less."
"That bastard is nothing more the son of a whore who got lucky. He is no son of mine." Robert glared a Ned as he spoke.
Ned willed him to see reason but knew that Robert was determined to see the marriage end.
"He is still married to my daughter. Their marriage was consummated and the union sealed; you and I both saw proof of that. There is nothing we can do now."
Ned hoped that this would put his ambitions and this foolish notion to rest. What he did not anticipate was Robert's next reply.
"Except wait."
Ned tensed; Robert was a smart man after all. "She is your son's wife and my daughter, Robert. She may look like Lyanna, but Arya is not Lyanna."
"It matters not. The Gods have seen it fit to give me another chance with my Lyanna and I'll be damned if I let her slip away again."
"Robert, be reasonable."
"I am being reasonable, Ned. I am giving them a year. She will remain in King's Landing until an heir is produced. If not, then their marriage will be annulled."
Ned saw that nothing would change Robert's mind about this. Ned could only hope that the Gods forgave him for putting his daughter in this situation.
"You may take your leave now, Lord Stark."
"Yes, your grace."
"Oh and Ned, you tell not a soul of this conversation."
Ned gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. "As you wish, your grace."
Summer whined and scampered away from the scene. He ran and ran until he was outside Bran's chambers and pawing at the door.
Only then did Bran regain conscious. He leapt off the bed and ran for his chamber pot, the bitterness rising in his throat. I just saw Father arguing with the King…about Arya. But-but how… How is that possible?
Bran Stark looked at the looking glass before him and stared. Auburn hair and tell-tale Tully blue eyes stared back at him but deep down inside all he saw was wolf.
Summer came to his mind and he went to open the door. The direwolf strode pass him and nestled onto the bed. Bran sat down next to his direwolf and pondered what to do with the information that had overheard. Did he keep quiet or did he warn his sister? And he couldn't stop thinking about how he had heard it all in the first place. He felt as if he had been Summer or in his place.
Warg….the word came from deep within his subconscious.
No, those are just stories Old Nan used to tell us. Nothing more.
Warg…it hung in the air until he sighed and started to dress for the day. Bran thought it would be best if he kept his strange dream or vision to himself. He didn't know what to make of it and what he had seen or heard. Surely it was naught but a dream or some words that lingered from the day before.
But it felt so vivid and real….Bran sighed, rubbing his hands over his face. I must still be weary from sleep.
Yet there was doubt that clouded his thoughts as he ran through the dream. The anguish on his father's face was clear and the King's rage palpable. What if it wasn't a dream? What if he'd seen something that had already come to fruition? Or was this a warning?
If it was, Bran had only two options: either he told his sister the truth or he kept quiet about it. He had some time to think it over before he made any decisions. There was both good and bad in telling Arya the truth. One, this being the least likely to happen, she stayed in the capitol until she birthed a son. And the other, she would try and escape from the King's Landing, consequences be damned.
The thought of Arya choosing the former was enough for him to decide. He would tell her as soon as possible. He would sound crazy he knew, but it was a chance he was willing to take to protect his sister. But when he saw her, she was walking with Gendry around the courtyard and she was laughing. Not the fake laughter she used at court, but genuine laughter. The laughter she spread back home in Winterfell. A smirk on her face and content, he couldn't do it. The guilt would kill him but he couldn't tell her now, not when she was actually happy for once.
Family comes before duty and honor, no matter what. Forgive me sister.
Bran ran back to the Tower, not stopping until his lungs were on fire. Summer stood by his side and both master and wolf stared out into Blackwater Bay, unsure of how long he would be able to keep up the façade.
Gods help me.
Arya was reading in some secluded alcove near her father's solar stroking Nymeria's fur, when she heard voices. She closed the book and held her finger to her lips at Nymeria. Tiptoeing as close to the solar without being seen or heard, Arya stopped at the sound of her father's voice.
"—has been offered various noble daughters. There's Arianne Martell, Alys Karstark, Margaery Tyrell, and Roslin Frey among others. But Robb has yet to give an answer."
"But isn't he courting someone already?" She recognized the second voice as Bran's and crept closer at the revelation.
"Aye, but not officially. He has taken to writing letters to this to this secret lady of his and has planned a visit in the near future."
"Father, I don't understand. Why keep it a secret? Why not just admit that the lady Robb is courting is Myrcella Baratheon? King Robert would be more than overjoyed about joining houses yet again."
"Aye but the other lords will feel slighted if he doesn't take their daughters into consideration."
Bran must've understood what Ned wasn't saying as he simply uttered, "And because Arya would be furious with us for having kept this from her."
Ned didn't reply and both Bran and Arya had received their answer. Because Robb could've been the link between House Baratheon and House Stark. My marriage to Gendry would be rendered unnecessary if Robb decided to marry Myrcella.
Arya felt like retching. Her father and her brothers betrayed her. They betrayed her and didn't even have the gull to tell her themselves. She stood from her hiding spot and marched straight into the solar. Her father flashed a smile while her younger brother refused to meet her eyes.
"Hello love, are you alright?"
"No, I'm not."
Ned's smile fell from his face. "What is it? Are you hurt?"
"No, I'm angry—no I'm furious."
Her father looked confused and she looked over to Bran who was still avoided her gaze.
"I don't understand, love. About what?"
"About what? Huh…" Arya laughed darkly.
Suddenly, Ned knew why. "Arya…"
"Save it. I don't want to hear your lies father. After all everyone got what they wanted here, everyone except me."
"No sweet girl, please understand. What I did, I did for you. I did because it was for the best."
"You did what was best for you father, not me. But then again that's the only use daughters have. To be sold and bartered like some cattle."
Ned paled and tried to reach for her but she wouldn't let him. "Arya, please. I promise that one day I will explain but right now I need you to understand that this was for the best."
"I'm sorry but I can't." She ran from the solar and as far as she could. She felt Nymeria trailing behind her but urged her to leave her be for a least a moment. The tears ran down her face and she wiped at them frantically.
I am no fragile lady, I am wolf. Wolves do not cry. She thought as she fell beside a column.
But you are no longer a wolf but a stag. A small voice in her head countered, taunting her even further. She wanted nothing more than to scream and shout but none of that would change the fact that she still married and trapped in this bloody city.
Just once, can't I get what I want?
So consumed by her anger, Arya failed to notice that she was now lost and wandering idly through the Keep. And that she was also face to face with the last person she hoped to see.
Gendry had been walking to the Great Hall with Tommen when he spotted Bran sitting on a wall and Summer staring up at him.
"Tommen, why don't you go on ahead? I'll be there shortly."
The younger Baratheon prince shook his head and disappeared from sight. Bran saw Gendry approach him and scaled down the wall to meet him.
"What ya doing way up there?"
"Thinking, trying to figure things that don't add up."
Gendry's brow rose. "Such as?"
"Dreams, marriages, and the King."
Gendry nodded and Bran shifted his weight on his heels before asking him something.
"Gendry, why did you agree to marry my sister?"
The bastard boy's face blanked, unsure of whether to answer or not.
"Was it because of King Robert?"
"I think that you should ask your father about this Bran. He knows more about this than I do. I was just the bastard that got lucky."
His words brought Bran back to the dream about his father and the King. He didn't need to ask his father…he knew.
"King Robert wanted my sister for himself, didn't he?"
Gendry sighed. "Lord Stark came to me with a choice. He said that I was free to decide whatever I wanted. I could let the King set aside the Queen for Arya or I could marry her."
"You chose to marry her."
"I chose to marry someone I'd never met before because it was the right thing to do. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I would've refused, knowing that I could've done something to change that."
Bran then realized why the King had held such disregard for Gendry. Gendry had stood in the way of his being with Arya and hated the boy for that. Suddenly Bran knew that his dream was no dream and that he needed to warn Gendry about the King's intentions.
"Gendry, I think the King is up to something."
Gendry had spent the entire afternoon looking for Arya and had yet to find her. He searched her usual spots and even asked Myrcella and Tommen if they'd seen her anywhere. They hadn't but he thanked them for their help anyways.
Where in the Seven hells can she be? Why can I never find you when it's important?
He decided to search the Tower of the Hand one more time before waiting for her to reappear from Seven knows where. Corridor after corridor seemed to be empty and finally he took a beat. He rested for a moment until Nymeria bounded over to him. Normally he'd be frightened of her but right now she was his only link to Arya.
"Nymeria, here girl."
Nymeria trotted over to Gendry and whined.
"What is it girl? Is it Arya? Do you know where she is?"
Nymeria started to tug on the bottom of his breeches and prod him Arya's direction. The direwolf looked anxious and riled up, with a hint of annoyed as Gendry was taking forever to take the hint to follow.
"Just a second. I have to warn Lord Stark."
He saw a Stark guard nearby and told him that Arya was in some sort of trouble. The guard nodded and went off to find Lord Stark.
"Alright, come on then. Let's find Arya."
They rounded corner after corner and corridor after corridor and after the third staircase, Gendry was starting to get dizzy. Nymeria huffed in annoyance and he chuckled. Arya made that expression one too many times in his presence. Thinking about Arya brought him back to the conversation he had with Bran earlier.
Could the King really be so vain and cruel as to condemn a young girl to life in court all for the resemblance of a woman long dead? Or could he really detest his son for having agreed to marry the girl? So many thoughts crossed his head and before he knew it, Nymeria had brought him to Arya. Gendry looked up and saw that Arya wasn't alone.
She was with someone else, her clothes torn and her skirts rumpled.
Seven help me. I'll run the bastard through myself if he touched her. Father or not, I'll kill the bastard if her hurt her.
A/N: Oh snap, shit just got real...Any who, sorry again about the super late chapter and I hope that you all like this one. Even if I felt that I had word vomit and that most of this chapter was kinda meh. Thanks for reading and let me know what you think about the story so far. Any inconsistencies you come across, let me know and I'll fix it as soon as I can. Thanks again and til next time!
