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Chapter 2: A Brother's Due

Next day …

Courtyard, Storm's End, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Stannis line) in the Stormlands

"Why can't I come?" Shireen mumbled into Osric's neck as he carried her back towards the entrance of the Drum Tower.

"I've already told you," Osric replied gently, "You need to take care of Storm's End for me."

"You're taking half of Storm's End with you and Ser Cortnay is the castellan, he can do that!" Shireen protested before Osric carefully placed her down in-between the mentioned knight and Maester Cressen.

Osric sighed feeling the watchful eyes of the gathered men behind him as the stomping of impatient hoofs carried around the open area.

"I need you here Shireen. Safe. Continuing your studies with Maester Cressen and learning how to manage a castle with Ser Cortnay."

At her brother's firm tone Shireen looked down at the cobbled ground and her hair hid her eyes but not the tears that escaped them. Osric instantly knelt, everyone else in the courtyard forgotten, as he placed one hand on his knee while the other tilted Shireen's chin upwards

"I'll return."

"Father said that too."

Osric clenched his teeth, "I'm not Father."

"Promise you'll come back?" Shireen sniffled, her shoulders shaking slightly.

"Promise," Osric said, sliding one hand to the back of Shireen's head and touching their foreheads together.

No one dared interrupt the intimate moment. Everyone in Storm's End knew the bond between the Baratheon siblings was strong, that it had been forged in the absence of parents and fortified in the many years spent together in Storm's End after.

Once Shireen's breathing had returned to normal Osric straightened up but left a hand on her shoulder.

"Ser Cortnay," he said, turning to face the stone-faced man, "whip the new recruits into shape and move our troops to the border as we discussed. Do so discreetly though."

"I have already started to organise tourneys in Bronzegate and Fawnton to disguise our men's movements north as well as some hunts in the Kingswood."

"Thank you," Osric said, moving to offer his hand to the knight that had personally dragged him from the icy waters of Shipbreaker's Bay all those years ago.

"I serve House Baratheon proudly, my Lord," came the predictable response from Ser Cortnay as he clasped Osric's arm.

They broke apart and Osric noted how Maester Cressen's hand had replaced his on Shireen's shoulder and he nodded at the old Maester before returning to the gathered party behind him.

Brienne and Brus gave him supporting looks from their mounts beside his maternal Florent Uncles as the rest of the men watched him haul himself up onto his giant black stallion.

Renly guided his chestnut horse to Osric's side, ever the master of timing, "Ready?"

Osric gripped the reins into his hands and turned his stallion to face the opened gates of Storm's End.

"Let's go," he roared with excitement.

Renly grinned in amusement as Osric dramatically kicked his muscular stallion forward to lead the exodus from Storm's End. It was nice to know that the carefree boy pretending to be Duncan the Tall from his childhood was still there, able to break through the tragedy of his mother's loss if only in glimpses.

Near a week later …

Within sight of King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Baratheon/Lannister) in the Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms

Osric swayed with the momentum of his horse as the sprawling image of King's Landing grew bigger and bigger. The steady footfall of his two-hundred-strong marching party could be heard amongst the gentle naying of horses that surrounded him.

But he didn't see the city, nor hear his men. His mind was fixated on the real reason for his journey.

Jaime and Cersei Lannister. Brother and sister.

Osric shook his head in disgust. It was unthinkable and yet he knew his father wouldn't be considering the possibility if he thought there was no truth in it.

"You're going to have to get better at hiding your thoughts," Renly murmured.

Osric turned his head to see his uncle's horse walking beside his. "Is that what the past years in King's Landing have taught you?"

"That and to never be caught in a room alone with your father lest he gives you a task to complete," Renly jested before pausing and shifting his horse closer to Osric's so their stirrups were nearly touching, "and speaking of tasks, did you talk to Ser Cortnay?"

"Yes, he's training recruits at Storm's End and discreetly moving loyal Baratheon bannermen towards the border under guises of tourneys."

"Did he ask why?"

"No."

"Do you trust him?"

"He saved my life," at Renly's unconvinced expression Osric added, "I wouldn't have left Storm's End or Shireen in his care if I didn't and my father must trust him because he left his children in his care as well."

"I think your words do Maester Cressen a disservice and perhaps my brother one too," Renly said, settling back into his saddle.

Their horses carried them forward in silence until Osric's lips could not hold back the question burning in his throat.

"Do you think there will be a war?"

Renly's jovial face darkened a shade and he bit the inside of his cheek, "If Stannis is right, I can't see how one is avoided and Robert's wrath will know no bounds."

Osric's eyes lit up.

He had been trained from birth to hold a weapon, to seek glory on the battlefield and command men to fight but all his training in the practice yard, the drills with his men on muddy fields and studying of past battles fought all paled in comparison to actual experience.

He craved it. His chance for glory. His path to being known as something more than Stannis Baratheon's son.

Renly noted Osric's response but his future words of caution were whisked away as the sound of galloping hoofs rushed from behind them.

In the next moment Brus appeared on his left with Brienne only a stride behind, "Osric, we need you to settle a minor dispute–"

"Brienne's right," Osric interrupted, his eyes twinkling playfully.

"You haven't heard what we were arguing about!" Brus protested.

"Do I need to?" Osric returned, catching Brienne's small smile as the woman patted her panting stallion.

"I know Old Lord Arryn has finally croaked but his funeral will already be over by the time we have arrives so …" Brus trailed off, squinting his eyes as his fingers danced on the front of his saddle, "I think you're being summoned to King's Landing for a betrothal but Brienne's not so sure."

Osric looked from his friends to his uncle who shook his head almost imperceivably, the whole truth wasn't an option so he parted with some of it.

"I'm not betrothed."

"What about your father?" Brus asked cheekily, not willing to concede on his bet so soon.

Osric shot him an annoyed look but his ire wasn't really with his friend but the image of his father with someone that wasn't his mother.

Renly used the moment of silence to jump in and control the conversation, "My brother thinks it's time Osric moved on from being Ser Cortnay's squire and who better to be knighted by than the King."

"Any chance I could get knighted too?" Brus directed at Osric, his wager with Brienne forgotten.

Osric shrugged, "You'll have to impress in a tourney while we're in King's Landing."

"I'll beat up all those Crownlander bastards," Brus stated brashly, determination burning in his eyes.

"We'll," Osric gestured to include Brienne and then the contingent marching behind him before raising his voice, "beat down all those that stand in front of us whether they be Crownlanders or not for we are Stormlanders!"

The men behind gave out a roar of agreement. Renly chuckled at the double meaning, intended or otherwise, behind his nephew's words. He looked to the growing towers of the Red Keep. His mind wasn't on meaningless practice yard scuffles but on the wider political picture and his future place in it.

An hour later …

The balcony of the Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Baratheon/Lannister) in the Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms

Varys watched from on high as the Baratheon party spilt into the Red Keep's modest courtyard. His eyes confirmed the whisperings of the large number of travelling companions Lord Osric had chosen to bring with him.

Stannis is making his move, he thought as he rested his silk-covered arms on the balcony's edge. He just wasn't quite sure what this truly meant for him yet. But he had some time to figure it out.

"Curious Lord Stannis isn't here to greet his son," a sly voice wafted from behind him.

Varys didn't flinch or turn around, "Lord Baelish, you know perfectly well that he is still in the Small Council chamber arguing with our King."

"Yes," Littlefinger replied, "I just wanted to know if you knew."

Varys rolled his eyes, still facing outwards into the warm air of the city, "How long have you been standing behind me?"

"Don't tease," Littlefinger said, occupying the space beside Varys, "you knew the moment I walked in."

"The merchants in Cobbler's Square do make such clunky shoes."

"They're in fashion."

"I'll take your word for it."

Littlefinger peered over the balcony and his eyes zeroed in on Osric's large frame as the young Lord rounded up his men and proceeded to enter the Red Keep, "Do you think he looks like a young Robert Baratheon?"

Vary smirked as he realised what his fellow spymaster was driving at, "Going to start a rumour that he's Robert's bastard?"

Littlefinger's face creased into a cunning smile, "It's not nice to start rumours."

Varys turned his head and directed all his attention to the silver-tongued westerosi, "But you have such a talent for it."

Littlefinger gave a little bow in response and retreated from the balcony. The new Baratheon arrival in King's Landing coupled with the uncertainty of Robert's refusal to name a new Hand had unsettled the natural rhythm they had fallen into over the years. Both were on edge, waiting for the pieces to reassemble to start their game anew.

Same time ...

Small Council Chamber, Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Baratheon/Lannister) in the Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms

"Stop being so pig-headed!" Robert bellowed across the exquisitely carved Small Council table at his brother.

"You are calling me pig-headed?!" Stannis exclaimed incredulously.

Robert smashed his fists down on the table and the whole room trembled, "Yes."

"Now is not the time to go on a jaunt to the North to see your old war friend and relive old moments of glory."

"Old, eh? I could still snap you in two!"

Stannis stared at his brother, not challenging him just waiting to see if the threat would be carried out.

Robert hung his head, "Gods, you infuriate me."

"You put me on your Small Council. I'm counselling you. If you don't want my advice–"

"I don't want your advice!" Robert boomed, pushing up from the table to face his younger brother.

"What do you want from me then?" Stannis replied after taking a moment to calm himself.

"I want …" Robert looked away, "I want you to run my Kingdom for me!"

Stannis blinked. His brother's words echoed in his mind. He only spoke again when Robert refocused his attention on him.

"You want me to be your Hand?"

"Yes, yes," Robert waved Stannis's questioning look away before his meaty hand dipped into his pocket and he slid the Hand's pin across the table.

It stopped just in front of Stannis who just stared at it. He'd wanted the honour when Jon Arryn had been chosen but now, he knew there was no honour in being Robert's Hand just duty.

"If you don't take it, I swear I will pin it to the Lannister dwarf just to spite Cersei," Robert growled, he had never enjoyed Stannis's bouts of silence.

Stannis picked up the pin, flicking his eyes between it and his brother, "Why are you going north if not to ask Lord Stark to be your Hand?"

"House Baratheon and House Stark were always meant to be joined. Ned has a daughter and I a son," Stannis detected the sorrow in Robert's normally boisterous voice and the unspoken name of his lost love rang out clear between them, "and I need to get out of this fucking city before I smash Pycelle's skull in."

Stannis nodded ever so slightly at his brother's words while pinning the golden brooch to his lapel.

"Well, thank fuck for that," Robert laughed out, rounding the table and clapping a hand on Stannis's shoulder, "Pick whoever you want as Master of Ships to replace you."

"I'd like to give it to Ser Dav–"

"Just do it," Robert interrupted, losing interest in the conversation having got what he wanted.

The King rumbled towards the doors of the chamber but halfway there they crept open to reveal Lancel Lannister.

"What do you want?" Robert snapped at his squire.

"Um … your Grace," Lancel stuttered before turning to Stannis, "My Lord, your son has arrived.

Robert turned to Stannis, "Little Osric is here?"

"I sent for him," Stannis replied noncommittally.

"We'll receive him in the Throne Room," Robert declared jovially, "We can announce your new position as well."

"Very well," Stannis said to himself before following Robert out of the room.

Author Notes:

More Osric & Shireen cuteness because healthy sibling relationships are important. Not sure if most of you will know who Ser Cortnay Penrose is but he's an important figure in the Stormlands and to Osric in particular in this story.

Had to have some Littlefinger & Varys sass and … Renly being shady already? I think we can all agree a King Robert with Tyrion as his Hand would have been epic/party central.

The major change in this chapter is that Robert names Stannis as his Hand but is still going to the North for that betrothal between Joffrey and Sansa/wants to see his best friend. There weren't any scenes of Robert and Stannis together in the show and the book doesn't give one either really so I just wrote what I thought they would be like in an argument.

Reviews:

AegonPotter – Thanks! Yeah, I choose to go with this story as the poll showed this to be the more popular choice and it gives me the most change from DotF to test myself and explore different ideas. Renly's involvement will be interesting because he will obviously be heavily involved and truly is the 'third' son in this story. No spoilers but I probably handle Melisandre in a way most aren't going to anticipate … and that's the way I like it. Scenarios for Dance of the Falcon are ongoing :)

Guest (commented 3/01/2022) – A happy ending … what is one of those? Lol, I'm playing ;) I do try to go for unique endings and plots.

Supremus85 – Hey Supremus! I can do (and will do) so much worse that that lol. Osric's character in the story is still developing but right now yeah, he's pleasant.

DannyBlack70 – Thanks Danny! I have some fun changes coming. Big one already is Stannis is Robert's Hand, not Ned.

The Advocate7 – Did you like the ending plots?Aw, don't feel bad, just sit back and enjoy this one instead :)I'm entirely okay with whatever types of reviews you want to leave. Nah, you're golden, rambling away.

Mirzan – Cheers! Well, you got one now.

Mister LaGuardia – Why hello there Mister! I'm obviously not going to give you any hints on how it will play out lol but it was fun to write/plot :P Yes, leaving Dragonstone empty is a tactical mistake but the realm is not a war and it was a Robert decision as he didn't want to follow in the Targ tradition of naming his heir as Prince of Dragonstone and then he just never gave it to anyone officially. Whatever will Melisandre do? Got to fulfil that prophecy.

NCVII – I've never written a scene in Storm's End so I went for extremely vivid detail to not just centre it in the reader's minds but my own. Brienne is one of Osric's best friends, most capable fighters and is loyal beyond question to him. Osric's definitely has a temper on him and yes, he has daddy/abandonment issues. Alert, we have found a Littlefinger stan :P Shireen is so wholesome, and I was happy to start the chapter showing off the Osric & Shireen dynamic a bit more. Davos is the Master of Ships now so … I will be posting every Friday now so yes you will have a better train journey now. Merlin … ah yes … *jumps through window*

FlutteryFangirl – Thanks bud! Osric has reached King's Landing and things are changing drastically already!

Guest (commented 22/02/22) – Thanks!

David Daniel B – Cheers, it's good to be back writing OC based stuff and boy do I have some exciting plot points to show you guys.

Tohka123 – You should be xD

Guest (commented 27/03/22) – Your waiting has been rewarded :)

Guest (commented 5/04/22) – Ta da!

Lecheypan231 – Thanks, Osric is an interesting one xD

Guest (commented 26/07/22) – Here you go!

Next Up: Renly settles back into King's Landing, Tyrion suffers through a hungover and Osric confronts Stannis.

If you are enjoying this story, please *Toss a coin to your writer, Oh valley of readers* and review, follow and favourite the carnage that is to come!