(A.N: Reviews and Comments make me write faster!)
Chapter VII
A procession of visitors streamed through the castle gates situated at the rear of the imposing rock, resembling a majestic river of gold, silver, and gleaming steel. Three hundred in number, the assembly comprised an impressive array of bannermen, knights, sworn swords, and freeriders. Above them, a dozen black banners danced in the wind, proudly bearing the scarlet three-headed dragon of House Targaryen.
Stannis watched in measured awe as the royal procession made its way through the castle courtyard. The air was filled with the thunderous hoofbeats of armoured horses, the clinking of armour, and the rustle of colourful banners.
At the head of the procession, King Aerys II Targaryen rode on a magnificent black destrier, his silver-golden hair flowing in the wind. The King was an imposing figure, his crown of red gold was shimmering with rubies and his royal cloak billowing as he moved. Beside him, his son, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, rode with an air of regal grace that seemed to match the elegance of his ornate armour. The prince's eyes scanned the crowd, acknowledging the cheers and adulation of the gathered lords, ladies and peasants alike.
The King got off his destrier and approached Lord Tywin Lannister who stood with his own children at the entrance to the great castle of Casterly Rock.
As King Aerys drew near, Stannis had a clearer view of the monarch. Up close, the imposing image diminished, revealing a figure less awe-inspiring. His countenance appeared gaunt, and beneath his tired eyes lay heavy circles. Stripped of the majestic billowing of his cloak, he seemed noticeably thinner and smaller than the distant, regal impression he projected.
It also didn't help that he stood in front of Lord Tywin, who stood about a hand taller than the King himself. Which was quite ironic.
King Aerys exchanged curt pleasantries with his Lord Hand, a forced smile playing on his lips. Stannis observed the interaction, noting the tension that lingered beneath the surface. Lord Tywin, ever the stoic figure, maintained a facade of respect, but his eyes betrayed a subtle discontent.
Beside King Aerys, Prince Rhaegar maintained his composed demeanour, his eyes occasionally flickering across the assembly. Stannis couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and curiosity towards the Targaryen prince. According to his own father, Rhaegar was the epitome of the ideal son. As someone who surpassed Robert in their father's eyes, the young Baratheon couldn't help but to be curious about the Crown Prince.
He turned to look at Cersei… well, "Myrcella".
Stannis hadn't had a chance to talk to her since their last conversation three days ago. The most contact the two of them had had was a small letter from her in which she informed him that they would be able to sit close to each other during the tourney.
Myrcella looked resplendent in her attire; her gown adorned with golden embroidery that shimmered in the sunlight. Her hair, a cascade of golden curls, framed her delicate features. She made a perfect courtesy and bowed to both king and crown prince.
To her left stood Jaime. He wore similar garments to his sister's and Stannis was pleased to see that he looked as mise
Then, to Stannis's surprise the King turned to him and his father.
"Steffon!" the King greeted his father and then embraced him as if it was a long-lost brother. "How pleasant is that I found you here," he almost bellowed. "And who is this young man by your side," King Aerys inquired, his gaze turning towards Stannis. "Is this your heir?"
Steffon Baratheon laughed heartily and shook his head. "No, my friend. This is my youngest, Stannis. Robert is currently fostering at the Eyrie remember?"
For a brief moment the smile on the King's face vanished. "Oh yes, with Arryn… I remember know."
As soon as the customary greetings concluded, the King promptly turned to his host and uttered, "Lead me to your crypt, Tywin. I wish to pay my respects to our late Joanna."
The Lord of Casterly Rock bowed respectfully as he escorted the monarch back to the keep, gradually fading from Stannis's line of sight.
He turned to look at Myrcella and found that she was talking to Prince Rhaegar.
For some reason that bothered him.
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The welcoming feast unfolded in a rather uneventful manner, yet this time, Stannis found himself spared from the company of the other boys. Instead, he sat at the high table beside his father.
Other than the tourney in honour of the birth of Prince Viserys being announced for the following morning, nothing else came of it… Other than Myrcella engaging in a lively conversation with Prince Rhaegar, Stannis remembered with some odd resentment.
As Stannis returned to his guest bedchambers, a piece of paper fell to the floor as he opened the door, catching his attention.
Intrigued, Stannis picked up the piece of paper and unfolded it.
It read:
Stannis, meet me at the top garden as soon as you can. — Myrcella.
His heart raced as he read the note, a mixture of excitement and nervousness consuming him for some reason. Stannis's mind raced with anticipation as he made his way up to the top garden.
What does she want from me? he wondered as he climbed up the many steps that led to the secluded garden. Stannis's breath quickened as he entered the top garden, his pulse pounding in his ears.
Get yourself together, Stannis, she is just some crazy child.
In the broad light of afternoon, Stannis finally reached the top garden, his breath hitching with anticipation. The moment he entered the garden, he caught sight of Myrcella standing by a blooming rosebush, her golden hair falling in cascades around her shoulders. He noted the cyvasse board set up on a nearby table, and a mischievous gleam in Myrcella's eyes that he couldn't quite decipher.
He cleared his throat to announce his presence, prompting Myrcella to turn towards him with a radiant smile.
"There you are!" she greeted him, her voice brimming with warmth and excitement, perfectly mirroring the splendid smile she bestowed upon him.
"You called for me," he replied solemnly, attempting to conceal his sudden nervousness.
"I did," she nodded. "I have just conceived a rather interesting plan," Myrcella declared, her eyes sparkling with an indiscernible emotion that intrigued Stannis.
"What is it?" Stannis asked, curiosity tinged with caution in his voice as his gaze shifted to the cyvasse board. "Are we going to play cyvasse together again?"
"Not quite," Myrcella responded. "You will be playing, but not with me."
Stannis looked at her in confusion, his brows furrowing. "With whom, then?"
"With Prince Rhaegar," Myrcella replied, a mischievous grin playing at the corners of her lips.
A jolt of surprise and disappointment coursed through Stannis. "Why would I play cyvasse with him?" he blurted out, unable to conceal the astonishment in his voice.
"Because I told him you purchased the Cyvasse table and were willing to teach him."
Stannis was taken aback, his expression shifting from confusion to mild annoyance. "Why don't you play with him instead?" he asked incredulously.
"It would be too risky if I did so," she explained, idly playing with one of her golden locks. "Imagine the questions: When did Cersei learn such an odd and foreign game? Why such a noble Lady is playing war games? So far, I've managed by saying that I was curious and you were teaching me how to play the game."
"So, no one would question why I know such a peculiar and foreign game," Stannis deadpanned, then paused, realizing something else. "Wait, you said 'they.' Are more people coming?"
Myrcella looked duplicitous.
"Who else, Myrcella?" Stannis insisted.
"Only Ser Arthur Dayne…" she said slowly. "And Jaime… and Gerion."
Great, now he'll have to spent time with the two most annoying Lannisters.
"I am sorry," Myrcella said apologetically. "My father overheard me speaking with the Prince and forced me to include them. He really wants for Jaime to form a friendship with the prince."
Stannis snorted. "If that's what he wants, he could have simply told his son to take the prince to the training yard. And later perhaps push the crown down a long set of stairs or a balcony… that seems to be a Lannister tradition."
Myrcella had the grace to blush a little.
"You must forgive me. I know you two aren't in the best of terms right now."
Stannis raised his bandaged. "You don't say."
Myrcella laughed softly. "Well, can't say I am looking forward for this either."
Stannis couldn't help but shake his head at the unforeseen turn of events. Teaching cyvasse to Prince Rhaegar and spending time with him was one thing, but having those two Lannis-turds around while doing so? Judging him and making nasty remarks Ugh!
He sighed, resigning himself to the situation. "I suppose I have no choice in the matter," he muttered, his tone laced with reluctance.
Myrcella smiled sweetly, clearly appreciating his willingness to cooperate despite his reservations. "Thank you, Stannis. I knew I could count on you."
Stannis felt something in his stomach begin to flutter.
"So why are we doing this?" Stannis asked to distract himself.
Myrcella locked eyes with him, her big green gaze intense. "Last time we spoke about changing the future, remember?" she began. "Well I know for certain that my mo… Cersei never managed to capture Prince Rhaegar's attention. If I can establish a connection with him and get close to him, perhaps I can avert wars and prevent other calamities."
"By close you mean…" he began tentatively. "Becoming his wife."
Myrcella's smile faltered slightly, her gaze turning distant and a blush crept into her pale cheeks. "Perhaps," she murmured, almost to herself.
Stannis felt a sudden pang in his chest, a discomfort he couldn't quite pinpoint. He nodded at her, hoping it would suffice for an affirmation.
As they waited for the others to arrive, Myrcella attempted to engaged in some casual conversation with him to ease the tension. The afternoon sun bathed the top garden in a warm glow, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasted with Stannis's conflicted feelings.
The sound of footsteps interrupted their conversation, and Jaime and Gerion appeared.
Accompanied.
"Tyrion!" Myrcella gasped. "What are you doing here?"
The dwarf child began fidgeting with the hem of his robe, his mismatched eyes darting nervously between the group. Gerion granted Jaime a knowing smile. The boy in return just muttered something back to his uncle.
Myrcella then turned to Jaime. "Why did you bring him here? You know our father forbade him to leave his apartments."
Jaime stared at her dauntless. "Does it bother you so much, sister?"
Myrcella was taken aback. "No!" she immediately replied.
Stannis noticed that Gerion raised an eyebrow at her response and Jaime's brow furrowed with suspicion. He muttered another thing to his uncle again.
Myrcella seem to have noticed it too for she began to elaborate. "I mean, Father told the King that Tyrion was sick. When Prince Rhaegar sees that Tyrion is perfectly fine, Father will be seen as a liar."
Suddenly, a soft and deep voice interjected, breaking the tension. "You ought not to worry, Lady Cersei."
It was Prince Rhaegar, and Ser Arthur was following closely behind.
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen approached with an air of calm and grace, his silver hair reflecting the sunlight. He gave a polite nod to the assembled group, his dark purple eyes briefly meeting Stannis's before turning his attention to Myrcella.
"Your concern family is commendable, Lady Cersei," he said with a reassuring smile. "But rest assured, I hold no grudge against Lord Tywin for any discrepancies. I am here to enjoy a friendly game and pleasant company."
"Of course, Your Grace." Myrcella blushed a little, Stannis noted, but she otherwise kept her composure. "Please be seated."
Stannis observed as Prince Rhaegar gracefully took a seat at the cyvasse table. The others followed suit, and soon, they were all gathered around the board. Stannis found himself seated across from Prince Rhaegar, their eyes meeting briefly before he directed his attention to the cyvasse pieces and then to the others who had joined them.
Thankfully Stannis noted that Jaime was too occupied fawning over Ser Arthur to bother him, and Gerion Lannister was focused on his young dwarf nephew.
Myrcella began explaining the rules of the game, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. Stannis couldn't help but notice how effortlessly she engaged with the prince, her gestures animated and her explanations clear. It seemed as though she was genuinely enjoying the opportunity to teach and interact with Prince Rhaegar.
For some reason that bothered him.
And again, he felt that sudden pang in his chest.
A.N: Well, it's been quite some time.
I am sorry for all the wait, and I am sorry if this chapter feels too short. Hopefully next chapter will be out soon.
Apologies for the delay, and if this chapter seems a bit short. Hopefully, the next one (which is already proven to be significantly longer) will be ready soon (by the next week).
Also, a big thank you for all the reviews and comments so far. They're greatly appreciated (even some of the criticisms).
On another note. Please consider re-reading the previous chapters, I've made some changes (though nothing precisely major).
Have a nice day!