(Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire nor its characters. Those all belong to George R. R. Martin, aside from my OC.)
(Bronzegate, the Stormlands)
Stannis sat alongside his wife at the high table, having been placed in the position of honor by his vassal Ralph Buckler.
It was due to his wife's insistence and the word of his sworn sword Brus Buckler that he agreed to spend the night at Bronzegate, having originally intended to camp out. Worrying about her health and the need for proper rest, convinced him to stay within Bronzegate.
Steffon was sat at the lower tables, conversing with the Buckler Lord's heir and the other younger members of the castle. No doubt discussing the upcoming tournament.
His son had inherited the charisma that both his father and brother had been known for, holding the attention of the whole table as he spoke of tales about his prowess and skill. The boy was growing up tall and strong just like his predecessors, something that relieved Stannis.
The elder Steffon had been able to befriend Tywin Lannister of all people, if there was one person Stannis hoped his son to embody, it would be his father.
There was some worry that the Siege of Storm's End would have left its mark on him as it had done with Renly, thankfully those worries never came to fruition.
Rolling his eyes at the antics of his son, Stannis turned to his wife, sending a concerned glance towards her.
Jeyne was now pregnant with their second child and he had been wary of bringing her to travel with them. His wife being her usual stubborn self had adamantly refused to stay behind in Storm's End and had forced her way into the trip.
She was at the moment conversing with Lady Buckler, who also happened to be pregnant. The two were practically in their own world not caring a wit for what was occurring around them as they talked about their experiences and gave each other advice on how to deal with their respective pregnancies.
He had a headache already thinking about all the changes Jeyne was doing to Storm's End once they got back from the tournament. Something about a turnip he could tell.
Still, it kept the Bucklers close and Ralph certainly looked pleased that his wife had managed to get close to Jeyne.
This stop had at least brought some relief to his retinue, they had traveled the Kingsroad and slept in tents for quite a while now, and the stormy weather that the Kingdom was known for had not helped whatsoever.
Thankfully the weather began to change for the better and it was expected for it be much calmer when they continued their trip.
Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but dozens of handmaidens and caretakers had been brought in to take care of his wife and son. Many of them were unprepared for the difficulties of the trip.
"My Lord, I take it you haven't heard of the new changes in the Riverlands?" Bucklers spoke, interrupting his thoughts.
"Changes?" Stannis responded.
"Rumor has it that the River Lords can no longer raise any new castles within the Riverlands without the express permission of His Majesty."
"What!" that alarmed Stannis greatly. "Are you sure?"
Ralph nodded his head. "His Majesty considers it a waste of time and resources, especially since the Great Fortresses now make it impossible for any army to invade without first taking them."
"Only a fool would leave a heavily fortified hostile stronghold behind their backs."
"My thoughts exactly my Lord."
"What of the Riverlords, I doubt they would take to the decision kindly," Stannis asked.
Lord Buckler took a while to think of a response. "There has been a mixed response from them, while many are unhappy, most chose to remain quiet."
"Of all the Lords within the Realm, I thought they'd show the most resistance to such a decision."
"Most believe it was done to mitigate the petty rivalries between the rivermen," Ralph said, earning him a baffled look from his liege.
It was his cousin Brus Buckler and Stannis's sworn sword that answered the question. "You might not know this my Lord, but if I have it right, shortly before the Greyjoy's incursions, two minor river houses had entered into a blood feud where they reportedly slaughtered each other to the last man, only one child remains alive from either house."
"How is it we haven't received word of this and what does it have to do building with castles" Stannis pressed.
"The blood feud started because one house chose to build a castle on disputed lands between them, the other house didn't take too kindly to it."
"Why didn't they take it up with the King and let him settle the matter?"
Brus shrugged at that, not knowing the answer to it. "Whatever the reason, it caused so much damage that it forced the King's hand."
"Perhaps this will stop them from forming new blood feuds," Ralph suggested.
"And Tywin Lannister would come back from the dead just to shit gold." was his brother's counter.
Stannis looked greatly annoyed by this new development. There was some worry that the King might apply this law to the rest of the Realm but so far outside of the Vale and the Iron Islands. Erlend had shown little interest in the other kingdoms, letting them rule autonomously for the most part.
It was odd, considering how ambitious the man had been. Stannis might be loyal but he was well aware of how much importance the King placed on his authority.
He just hoped that the young conqueror wouldn't do something too drastic.
The conversation between the three shifted slowly to other topics such as the rise of the triarchy and other such matters that concerned the Stormlands.
…
"Did you enjoy the feast, my love?" Jeyne smiled at her husband as they prepared themselves for bed.
"As well as I could." He answered.
Moving closer to her husband, the former Swann placed her hands on his cheeks before sharing a brief kiss with the Stag Lord.
Once they parted she sighed at her husband "You worry too much"
"Quite the opposite my dear, I worry too little." Jeyne rolled her eyes unimpressed by his retort.
Ignoring her eyes, Stannis helped his wife get on the bed, as she let out a relieved sigh at finally being able to relax on something soft and comfortable. "Why do you wish to travel to Firmridge so swiftly, many Lords and Ladies have yet to make it outside their castles." was the question that had been on her mind.
"So that Steffon can befriend the Crown Prince without any interference." was his reply.
"Love you're beginning to sound like my father."
Looking intently at the woman he loved, "Nothing like that, I just hope those two can be a good influence on each other." He explained.
"Like your brother and Eddard Stark?"
"Exactly."
Jeyne stared at her husband amusedly, "Poor Eddard certainly couldn't stop your brother from whoring around." Jeyne joked.
Ignoring her poor joke, Stannis simply held his wife in his arms as they lay on the bed, a comfortable silence filling the chambers.
His thoughts predictably shifted to the tournament. It allowed him to get a more in-depth view of his liege and his ambitions.
There was some hope that with the fall of the Iron Islands, Erlend might finally be satisfied with his current achievements. Then again that seemed highly unlikely with the trouble brewing in Essos.
Rumors had appeared of a valyrian Captain-General of the Golden Company having begun seeping into Westeros. Stannis dared not underestimate her just because she was a woman. They had greatly underestimated Erlend and his banners and look where that got them.
"Mudds and Blackfyres, what next… Grumkins and Snarks."