The royal party was making good time, the massive carriage that Cersei decided to travel in didn't break down nearly as often due to crafty engineering in Winterfell. Within three weeks they were past the neck. They camped at the Trident five weeks into their journey. The tale of Rhaegars rubies made soldiers more than a little willing to spend time around the river.
Tommen didn't believe any of Rhaegar's rubies were still in the river. He imagined that a common soldier plucked the last of the rubies and sold it for a fortune. Yet the prospect of one ruby still being lost in the river allured him nonetheless.
He spent most of his time with Arya or Myrcella, he helped Arya with her fighting deep in the forests along with a butcher's son named Mycah. Despite them fighting with sticks he was able to teach them footwork along with balance. Mycah relied on his strength but was clumsy and not nearly as strong as Tommen despite being a year older. Arya was fast and agile but her moves were predictable and easy to counter. He taught them balance, every warrior has their strength whether it be their physical prowess, their maneuverability, or even their intelligence. He tried to teach them to use their talents to their advantage but not to rely too heavily on them and try to balance it out with other physical and mental attributes that make a great warrior.
He saw great potential in Mycah he was a fast learner and had good strength. Weirdly enough Tommen saw even greater potential in Arya. Her only weakness was her lack of strength and her predictability the latter of which could be easily mended.
Of course, the only reason he spent so much time with the two of them is because he expected his brother to try and do something stupid at the Trident which of course he did or at least he tried to. It was the early morning, the trio had broken their fast early so they could get some practice in.
He had named his sword quite drunkenly the day prior 'Dawnbreaker'. The sword was forged by Tobho Mott and was really a piece of art. Tobho Mott had forged both his and Joff's swords. Tommens sword relied on practicality and nimbleness with at least some beauty and a few rubies encrusted into the hilt. But they were rather small as Tommen didn't want his sword to be too flashy.
Joffrey's sword was anything but nimble, large rubies seemed to be encrusted into every part of the design. More flashy than practical. But Tommen didn't fault him for it, as his brother had never seemed to need to use his sword.
Tommen was observing Mycah and Arya fighting with their sticks after teaching them some new tricks. They had improved faster than Tommen thought they would. Some of their flaws still showed, Arya would often get cocky and would come to regret it. While Mycah would often rely on his strength too much and sacrifice his maneuverability allowing Arya to dance around him. Tommen out of the corner of his eye spotted his brother prince Joffrey and his betrothed Lady Sansa.
They were coming down a hill and fast approaching both Arya and Mycah. Joffrey seemed not to notice Tommen sitting under the shade of a nearby tree. Tommen rose from the rock he was seated on and moved to intercept Joffrey. While he was walking he rested his hand on the pommel of his sword but quickly removed his hand from the hilt thinking he would not need it to quell Joffrey's feeble attempts to feed his eagerness for blood.
Arya seemed to notice Joffrey approaching and moved to meet him. Tommen began to quicken his pace and was soon in earshot. Joffrey noticed him approaching and turned to face him but it was Tommen who spoke first. "Brother…what are you doing here?"
"Oh nothing Tommen, I was enjoying a walk with my betrothed when we heard something on the other side of the tree line." Tommen noticed Joff's hand move to the pommel of his sword while Tommen's hand lay lax at his side. Joffrey spoke again but this time not to Tommen walking past him to Mycah "You were hitting my betrothed's sister you're aware of that aren't you?" Mycah made haste to respond "She-she asked me to milord, T-Tommen was simply teaching us how to fight."
"I'm your prince, not your lord," Joffrey said as he began to unsheathe his sword.
Tommen made haste to stand by his brother's side, resting his hand on his sword finally and speaking in a voice no more than a whisper, "I wouldn't want to humiliate you in front of your betrothed brother, but I will if I have to." Joffrey seemed to consider taking action but soon enough he relented as he always did. Walking away with some dignity.
Tommen could've sworn he heard Arya call Joffrey a cunt under her breath but thankfully Joff didn't hear. They continued with the lesson for another hour before they rejoined the convoy.
Three weeks later the two-hundred-strong royal party reached Kings Landing, the procession into the city was certainly glorifying. The King led from the front of the convoy, while Tommen and Joffrey were at his sides. The Kingsguard following close behind, while the Gold cloaks parted the crowded streets. The crowd's cheers were raucously loud. Greeting the Starks and Baratheons with more love than he ever experienced from them. Rose petals were being thrown from the buildings. The only thing ruining the moment was the smell of shit from Fleabottom, something Tommen intended on fixing during his reign.
Once they got to the Red Keep hundreds of courtiers and guards ushered in the Royal Family. Tommen and Joffrey dismounted from their mares while Stableboys took the horses from them.
Royal pairs were arranged just as they were in Winterfell. Robert walked with Cersei, while Ned walked with Sansa and Arya. Tommen walked with Joffrey. While the Kingsguard followed close behind.
Tommen quickly departed from Joffrey and made his way up the hundreds of steps of the Maegors Holdfast to get to his Chambers. Tommen was well-loved within the Red Keep for his reputation of being kind and courteous which was a rare enough thing inside the accursed walls.
He shot smiles at whoever he walked past, and they returned his gesture with curtseys or deep bows. Once he made it to his chambers he saw that Ser Addam was already at his door, and opened it quickly for him. Before entering his chambers Tommen looked at Ser Addam and spoke "I trust your visit to Lannisport was well?"
"Yes, my prince, and I am forever in your debt." The smiling Knight replied.
Tommen smiled then said, "Have some servants prepare a bath." Ser Addam bowed deeply and did as he was bid.
Tommen quickly kicked off his boots and took off his brooch. Ser Pounce and Lady Whiskers were sleeping gracefully on his bed while Boots slept on a silk chair in the corner of the room.
Tommen wanted to join the two kittens on the bed but he did not allow himself to. Instead, he made his way to his desk at the corner of the room. He sat down and saw several scrolls of parchment. One such scroll had the Green Rose of Highgarden stamped onto it, its thorns showing true. Tommen smiled deeply and immediately made to open it. He saw from across the room several servants had entered with buckets of water. Preparing his bath, he ignored them and unrolled the scroll.
Tears welled in his eyes when he saw that it was signed by Margaery, not Mace or Olenna. He read her words carefully as his vision blurred from the tears welling in his eyes. He blinked them back and was able to read.
To Tommen Baratheon, the Golden Prince
I was pleased to hear of our betrothal to one another. I am grateful that I am to marry the Golden Prince that the realm and myself revere. I think we will be happy together as man and wife. I intend on traveling with my brother to the Tourney of the Hand. Where we may meet and eventually wed one another, until then I shall look forward to our correspondence over letter.
Margaery Tyrell
Tommen felt tears well in his eyes again as he finished reading. An intense feeling of joy washed over him, he tried to resist it, but some tears fell from his eyes. Tommen brought his hands and wiped them away so the servants wouldn't see.
Ser Pounce jumped into Tommen's empty lap. Tommen lowered his hands from his face to Ser Pounce's soft thick fur. "Margaery will be with us again soon…" he said softly.
Over the next several days after arriving back in King's Landing. Tommen readjusted to the busy life he led. It was not quite as gut-wrenching as his old life when he was king but it was still busy and stressful alike.
Over the past few years, he had bought several brothels and taverns and other such businesses in the city. Not in his name, of course, a mysterious man by the name of Corlan Wode owned the businesses. The brothels were so successful to the point where even Littlefinger had gotten a rival when it came to the luxuries and costs in brothels. Tommen had no time for 'counting coppers' so Corlan handled the finances, but Tommen owned the business in all but name. He made all the major decisions. Financed the operation, and provided security.
Tommen had also begun planning an overhaul of the Kings Landing sewer system. Though the cost of that expenditure was great and Tommen simply could not afford it at the moment.
He over the past few days had also been corresponding with Margaery by raven. No doubt Pycelle was reading the communications and telling everything to Cersei. Though nothing serious in the message scrolls was being discussed so Tommen had seen no reason to pay a visit to the maester. The messages had stopped though as the Tyrells made their way to Kings Landing.
Tommen had shared a table with the Starks once since their entry into the Red Keep. Eddard seemed to hold him in high regard and told him he was a man of honor and intelligence. To which Tommen gracefully responded that "No man is more revered for their honor than Lord Eddard Stark".
Arya and Nymeria too held a high opinion of Tommen. Tommen assumed it was because he didn't treat her like a lady, and dueled with her on occasion. Nymeria let him pet her and didn't seem to mind his touch.
Sansa however to his surprise did not like him too much. She was still courteous as a lady should be, but he could tell that Joff had been whispering lies about him in her ear. And Sansa being so infatuated with Joffrey believed every word. When Tommen reached out his hand to pet Lady she snarled and showed her teeth.
Tommen rarely ate outside his chambers except when he was required to. He found himself fond of keeping himself busy if it distracted him from thinking of Bran among other dark things that he had allowed to happen or had a hand in.
It got to the point where even Cersei had to come to see if her son was alright and wasn't deeply sick or dead. Cersei seemed to be caring and loving at this time as he remembered her when he was younger, but after Joff died she changed. She became more erratic and less empathetic, and she seemed unable to thoroughly think of what consequences her actions would bring.
Cersei's manipulations became plain to him in his last months alive, Margaery's too, but at least Margaery had some affection for him, he thought. Margaery had his best interests at heart and indeed the entire realms.
But Cersei…Cersei wanted him to be more like Joffrey…more like her. Tommen had openly admitted his love for Margaery to his mother and yet she killed Margaery anyway.
He clenched his fists in anger, squeezing his hands so hard the knuckles turned white, but he shook his head of those thoughts… those memories of betrayal, hurt, and failure.
"Ser Addam!" Tommen called from the desk in his chambers yelling loud enough so the knight could hear through the thick walls and heavy doors.
And sure enough, the slender man with white whisps in his hair appeared."Yes, my prince?"
"One of Robert's butchers has a son named Mycah bring him to me."
"At once my prince."
Ser Addam was just a bit shorter than Tommen, and was not as proficient a Swordsman but was still graceful and skilled with the weapon. He was a bastard from the Westerlands and Tommen kept him around for two reasons, loyalty, something like that was invaluable in the Red Keep and indeed in the whole of this accursed earth, and of course his unwavering smile.
Tommen did not think he needed to worry about his safety at least for now. By the time people were plotting his destruction, he would be king and would have a plethora of Kingsguard and swornswords willing to protect him. He would surround himself with competent loyalists like Margaery, Tyrion, and even Tywin. But a few people would have to be weeded out if his hold on the throne was to be secure. There were those on the small council who could become potential allies. Pycelle being one of them but gaining his loyalty would be tricky in Tommen's eyes. Tommen didn't trust Varys or Littlefinger however. Petyr had given no reason for Tommen not to trust him but Littlefinger seemed to be naturally untrustworthy. While Varys, the Spider had betrayed Tommen when he had fled to Essos and served the Drago Queen. A Lannister always pays his debts…
Renly, Tommen imagined would be a bit more easy for him to gain the loyalties of. So long as the Reach doesn't back his claim he dare not rebel. Though Renly was a bit foolhardy like Robert and might rebel anyway Tommen thought, but Renly could never fight against Loras, Tommen hoped. Otherwise, Renly's life was forfeit and the support of the Stormlands was lost.
He had already begun imagining a court split between the lions, roses, and stags. A triumvirate where no side became too influential. However, manipulating things to that order could become tricky. Renly's desire to become king could be more overbearing than the love he holds for his nephews and Loras.
Tommen waited for what must have been two hours. He distracted himself by reading a book and eating figs after he finished the day's business. He expected it to take this long so he didn't find himself becoming annoyed. He found a short study from Archmaester Vorkman to be most interesting. It was about the Old Gods and a short study into them.
When Ser Addam returned with the butcher's son, Mycah looked as if he were caught committing the most grievous of treasons and would be put to the sword. "Leave us Ser Addam," Tommen said after a moment. Addam nodded and left the room closing the heavy oak door behind him.
Tommen rose from his chair and walked near Mycah but was careful not to get too close, and make him more nervous than he already was. He spoke after a moment of looking him up and down. "You were a good companion on the King's Road," Tommen said as he made his way to a wine cabinet. "But I would be lying if I said that's why you're here." Tommen grabbed out Arbor Gold and poured two glasses. He gave one to Mycah and continued "You have proven yourself capable of being a skilled warrior. And so, I would like to train you with the sword, and if you prove yourself worthy I'll knight you and make you one of my sworn swords." Mycah reddened more than he already was and fidgeted with his hands. "Though the choice is yours."
Mycah recollected himself and kneeled before Tommen after a moment's hesitation. Wineglass still in his hand. "It-it would be a-an honor, my prince,"
Tommen said nothing; he simply lowered his hand and helped Mycah rise. "Tomorrow at dawn meet me in the sparring yard, if you don't know the way Ser Addam will show you."
"Yes, my prince."
Tommen didn't dismiss him at least not yet. He made his way over to a silk chair while Mycah sipped and then gulped perhaps the finest drink he had ever had the privilege of tasting. Tommen sipped on the Arbor Gold and put it on a small table next to the silk chair. Tommen picked up a longsword from the chair the sword was still in its scabbard he turned around and reapproached Mycah. Mycah had just finished drinking the heaven Tommen had poured for him and was visibly infatuated with the sword Tommen had picked up. It was longer than Tommen's sword dawnbreaker, but it did not have any fine decoration with rubies. It was still a beautiful and graceful sword nonetheless. After a moment of looking at it, Tommen held it out and said "Here it's yours."
Mycah sputtered trying to form a coherent sentence "But-my…I'm-I'm only a son of a butcher."
Tommen smiled then said, "Yes, serve me well and you may end up being the son of a butcher turned lord with a castle of his own." A doubtful venture, but a considerable amount of treason will be committed in the coming years.
Mycah sincerely thanked him with a few stutters and pauses in the mix but he managed it and Tommen soon dismissed him. The hours grew late and Tommen deeply considered tomorrow. He would be attending a small council meeting, without approval, without wanting. He would need to assert himself as capable prior to his reign.
After training in the early morning hours with Mycah, Tommen bathed and dressed in a red doublet with a Stag brooch and black leather boots. He dismissed Ser Addam and made his way to the small council chamber knowing that they would hold a meeting soon enough. He as usual shot smiles at the people he walked past, the golden prince had a reputation to maintain after all. The smiles were sincere but in themselves were a form of manipulation. Tommen absolutely despised manipulation in all its forms. But it was a necessary tool, and Tommen's form of manipulation hurt absolutely no one just like Margaerys... They returned his warm smiles with curtsies and bows. Tommen had not been in the throne room for a few months, not finding it within himself to attend court. An ugly chair, Tommen thought when he looked upon the Iron Throne. An uncomfortable one too.
Soon enough he was behind the throne and in the council chambers. He found the room empty as he approached the large table. He drew out a spare chair from the corner of the room and chose a place at the table where he could observe who walked into the room.
The first pair of people to walk into the room were the Mockingbird and the Spider. They exchanged confused glances before they remembered themselves. "My prince, we were not expecting you here." The Eunuch managed before bowing deeply. Petyr simply bowed his head.
"Someone from the royal family has to attend these meetings."
Varys wrung his powdered hands together, smiled then said "Indeed."
They took their seats, Varys sitting on another end of the table while Peytr sat next to Tommen. That made Tommen a bit uncomfortable but he didn't show it. The next person to enter was Renly. "Didn't expect to see you here nephew," Renly said with a hint of annoyance in his voice. Probably because I stole the Tyrells out from under him.
Next was Lord Eddard and Grandmaester Pycelle. They both bowed deeply but it was Eddard who spoke first "Why are you here Prince Tommen?"
"I would simply like to learn the comings and goings of this council," Tommen responded
Pycelle didn't say anything; he simply nodded and took a seat. While Eddard, still looking confused, simply sat at the chair for the hand.
After a moment of shuffling in his seat, Lord Eddard spoke "So Pycelle. Has Stannis responded to our missives?"
"…N-No my lord. The ravens return but their messages do not."
Eddard visibly grimaced, "Damn the man… Lord Varys, do you know the reason for this sudden departure from duty?"
"No, my lord. This was all very strange to me. I send little birds to Dragonstone but they have a habit of never returning."
After a moment Lord Eddard spoke again, "What about you Peytr, have you acquired the finances required for the tourney?"
"Yes…a very generous donation from Casterly Rock has been made and we have enough for the winner's purse among other things."
Eddard sighed deeply then. "Ok, then what else is there?"
Renly spoke and all eyes turned to him. "My brother has just informed me that he intends on Prince Tommen marrying Lady Margaery in two years time."
A year before I can be married… how strange. Though Margaery was eight and ten and would be twenty when they married so he supposed it wasn't too strange. All the Lords of the Small Council nodded.
"Okay then, what else is there?" Eddard asked
The Small Council meeting lasted for another two hours as the topics got smaller and more tedious. Tommen stopped paying attention and offering advice after the first hour. His thoughts drifted to Margaery, again, she was going to be with him sooner than he expected. Old worries and old problems rose to his head again. Will I be too weak to save her? Will I be too weak to lead? Surely not… Tommen thought.
Old dreams plagued him that night… Old dreams of fire and death.