The moments after the joust had been a hectic flurry of activity. Robert had watched as members of the Martell household rushed to the prince's side and began giving aid. Robert was far too shocked at the moment to render any kind of assistance and simply stood back and watched as they took him away. His mind was racing. How would this change things going forward? Had he just maimed a prince of Dorne? Did he just start a feud with House Martell?
"Robert!" The voice of Lyanna called out breaking him from the stupor induced by the scene before him.
"Lyanna?" He said turning his horse to face his betrothed. It did not take her too long to close the distance.
"Well, you won." Her voice was conflicted as she looked towards where the prince had been taken.
"Right, I think I will go see him in a bit, make sure there are no hard feelings," Robert said shaking off the shock. He dismounted and gave the reigns over to Walder before offering his arm to Lyanna, escorting her away from the tiltyard.
"Accidents happen, Robert, if he didn't want to be hurt, he wouldn't have ridden so carelessly." Lyanna reasoned almost as much for her own sake as it was for Robert's.
"Yes, but not everyone is so reasonable. I'm going to go bathe have my arm seen too and then call on him.
Hopefully, by then, he'll be ready to receive me." Robert said with a pained sigh before rubbing his forehead remembering that he had other business to attend to as well. "I also need to hammer things out with Lord Florent."
"I got to spend time with Delena and Stannis today. She's fun for a southern girl." Lyanna said with a smile that faltered after a moment of thought. "I don't think she's happy with her family."
"What makes you say that?" Robert asked curiously.
"Well, every time I asked about them, she would just give me this strange smile and try to change the subject," Lyanna explained
"I see," Robert mused, wondering if this was why the young lady wanted to go to Storm's End so badly. Did Stannis know? Probably, it would explain his hesitance over the union yesterday.
"I'll keep that in mind when meeting with the old fox. Don't worry, I'll make sure she's well taken care of." Robert said with a reassuring smile.
"Thank you. As much as I'd love to stay and talk, my aunt has plans for me to socialize more." Lyanna said with a disappointed sigh. Robert let out a soft chuckle.
"I do not envy you. I'd take the injured shoulder over the tittering gossip of ladies any day."
"I'm glad you understand my pain," Lyanna said with a playful smirk.
"I wish you good fortune in your trials, my lady," Robert said as he took her hand and brought it to his lips planting a gentle kiss on her knuckles. He couldn't help but smile at the blush that appeared on her cheeks. She recovered quickly.
"Right, well there's my family, I'd best get going."
She spun and took a few steps before stopping and looking back at him over her shoulder.
"Take care, Robert." She said in a gentle tone that warmed Robert's heart and helped him forget all his aches and pains for a moment. He stood watching her go for a few moments before the reality of his situation reasserted itself. He grimaced at the throbbing pain in his arm and made his way back to his tent to have it seen too.
The process of reapplying the poultice and rewrapping the bandages took far less time than he expected. Between his steward and squire, he had been cleaned up and prepared for the evening in short order. After thanking them for their hard work, Robert got up and began making his way out of the tent fully intending to call on the injured Dornish Prince.
"Where are you going?" Stannis' stern voice calls out. Robert stops and turns with a grunt of frustration.
"I'm going to call on Prince Oberyn to make sure he is fine," Robert replies gruffly not appreciating the tone of his younger brother's voice.
"What about meeting with Lord Florent? He has been told that you wish to speak with him regarding the betrothal and is expecting you." Stannis says in an all too familiar tone. It's the tone he uses when he feels that Robert is making a stupid mistake.
"I think a prideful prince beats an overreaching reacher lord in importance." Robert grins feeling particularly proud of the wordplay. Stannis does not appreciate it.
"Yes," His younger brother drawls while maintaining a straight face. "It is quite in character for you to call upon an injured man with no announcement expecting to be seen immediately rather than attending a meeting with a Lord whom you had plans with."
Robert was not entirely fond of the sarcastic wit his formerly dour brother had been developing. Perhaps Ser Rogers was to blame or his lady. Regardless, his brother had a point. Naturally, his pride as the older brother dictated that he couldn't give in too easily regardless of the truth of the statement.
And so, the two brothers squared off and the tension in the room rose as the servants mentally prepared themselves for the roaring shouting match that might erupt at any moment. Robert was the one to break the silence after having felt that enough time had passed to satisfy his ego.
"Fine," Robert waved his hand dismissively. "We'll go sort out your lady problems first."
Stannis clenched his jaw, obviously taking offense at the jest. Robert allowed himself a small amount of satisfaction from getting under his brother's skin before calling for his squire.
"Walder! Go call on the Martells and ask them politely if they would be willing to entertain me in say an hour or so."
"Yes, my lord," Walder said with a slight bow before hurrying out of the tent.
The walk to the Florent camp was uneventful and they were quickly invited in to treat with Lord Florent. Robert, not wanting to spend the rest of the evening amongst the foxes, decided to cut through the usual pointless small talk and get directly into the negotiation for the betrothal. Though Lord Florent seemed put off by the lack of decorum, he nonetheless agreed to move the conversation forward. Robert was happy to have experience negotiating his betrothal with Lord Stark, and soon the affair was settled in a way that was acceptable to both houses. Robert then thought to bring up Delena's request.
"Now, I believe my future good sister wished to travel to Storm's End after the tourney. I assure you; we would be happy to host her and provide for her as if she were already one of ours." Robert said jovially. Lord Florent smiled as well, though it seemed far too predatory for Robert's liking.
"Yes, my niece did inform me of her wish.
Though I am loath to see her gone, and while I am sure her mother would miss her dearly, I am amenable to her going.
There is merit in a lady learning more about the house she will be joining." The man paused, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"I do have concerns of course; it is a matter concerning her honor. I would insist that a man from my house accompany her for the duration of her stay.
You must understand our concerns, Delena is still a maid, and we would hate for that to be questioned on her wedding day."
Stannis tensed, barely keeping himself from jumping across the table to throttle the pampered lord in front of them.
"You would question my honor?" Stannis ground out, barely managing to keep it from being a shout.
"By no means young Lord Stannis. I know you would never dishonor your betrothed, but people talk." The man dared give Robert a knowing look, causing the anger to begin burning in his stomach as well. Robert fought the rage down, knowing that now was not the time to lose control. Even still, Robert's scowl and posture made it clear to Lord Florent that he was sailing into stormy seas. After an uncomfortably long stretch of silence, the older lord's confident smile faltered, and he shrank before the roiling tempest gathering on the horizon.
Seeing that the man had clearly understood his misstep, Robert spoke.
"Very well, who would you be sending?" Robert's voice was not nearly as friendly as it had been previously.
"I believe my brother Axell was willing to be her escort." Lord Florent said quickly trying not to further antagonize Robert.
Robert was not particularly happy with the response. Lord Alester's younger brother had not exactly endeared himself to Robert in the few encounters they had had while Robert was king. Axell was just as greedy and ambitious as his elder brother but without any of the social graces to smooth it over. Robert was convinced that given the opportunity Axell would gladly stand by and watch his brother be murdered if it meant he could gain more power.
"I'll never let an ugly wretch of a man like your brother step foot within Storm's End," Robert growled, his anger overtaking his good sense.
"Lord Paramount you may be, but I will not suffer such insults to my house," Lord Alester replied angrily, having found his courage in the slight shown to his family. "If you are unhappy with my choice of escort then I am inclined to deny the request altogether. I trust my brother to keep my niece's best interests in mind. Need I remind you that it is more than common for a lady to not see her new home until her wedding day."
Robert was just about done with the conversation and was about to let the older lord know exactly what was on his mind when a hand grabbed his arm.
"Robert." To any outsider, Stannis would have seemed just as stone-faced and stoic as always, but Robert had learned to see past the mask over the past few moons. What he saw instantly communicated how important this was. He saw worry in his brother's eyes. That combined with the slight pleading in Stannis' voice blew away the growing storm of anger that threatened to be loosed upon the head of House Florent. Robert released his remaining frustration with a long sigh and looked back at Lord Alester.
"Very well, we would be honored to host your brother at Storm's End until the wedding," Robert said sternly, making sure to not give the impression that the older man had gotten one over on him.
Robert couldn't help but notice the sly grin and scheming gleam in Lord Florent's eyes as he looked back and forth between the two brothers. It dawned on Robert that Lord Alester must think that he has found a way to manipulate me or something. Maybe he thinks that Stannis is a weak link he can exploit in negotiations. Robert couldn't help but grin at how badly Lord Alester had misjudged their relationship.
"Excellent, my Lord Baratheon. It has been a pleasure negotiating with you. I can see that you have learned well from the Old Falcon." Lord Florent said happily.
"Yes, we'd best go. I am sure we will speak again." Robert said with a nod before turning and striding out of the tent, Stannis following closely behind. Robert waited until they were well away from the Florent encampment before stopping suddenly and turning to face his brother. "Care to explain what the in all the hells that was all about?"
Stannis had the decency to look slightly apologetic.
He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath through his nose as he clenched his teeth, looking as if he was struggling to find the right words. Eventually, he managed to speak.
"Delena is not well-liked by her family," Stannis says with a hint of frustration. "Especially by her elder cousin Selyse.
I think they are jealous of her beauty and the attention she gets compared to the rest of the Florent ladies.
"I can see why," Robert said with a chuckle.
Florent ladies were well known to be exceptionally plain. Lady Selyse and Delena were the exceptions to that rule on opposite sides of the spectrum. Lady Selyse, even at six and ten, was beginning to resemble The Crone. While Lady Delena was pretty enough to turn the heads of many men. Though Robert didn't think she was amongst the top one hundred beautiful ladies in the realm, he would never mutter that within earshot of Stannis.
"I noticed the subtle barbs when I first began calling after her. Her elder cousins even hinted that I should be pursuing one of Lord Florent's available daughters even if they are older than me. The petty squabbles are what had me doubting the match early on." Stannis scoffed before giving the barest hint of a smile. "Despite the constant verbal abuse, Delena learned to not only endure their insults but developed a sharp tongue of her own. She has quite a keen mind."
There were a few moments where Stannis seemed lost in his thoughts. Apparently, it was a Baratheon trait to fall hopelessly in love with fierce women. Robert figured it must have started with Orys and Argella. Regardless, Robert didn't have time to let his brother daydream, so he cleared his throat pointedly signaling for his brother to continue. Stannis frowned once more and continued.
"It seems like my interest in her has escalated the conflict. Yesterday morning when I went to call on her, I interrupted a confrontation. Selyse and her brothers had torn up several of her dresses and looked as if they were ready to assault Delena." Stannis was shaking in anger at the memory. "This was not the first time they have gotten physical with her. The older Florents always turn a blind eye thinking it to be nothing but a childhood rivalry, but I have seen the old bruises. If the price of getting her away from all that is suffering the presence of Axell Florent, then I pay it gladly."
Robert should have been shocked and appalled, but when compared to all the evil he has seen in his life and the grand mission he had been given it seemed rather trivial. Of course, he didn't like it, and he would be happy to spirit the young lady away from it, but he couldn't help but find the whole thing to be trivial.
Robert did however find something particularly amusing about how his brother was reacting to all of this.
"Ah, it's Proudwing all over again. Found yourself another pretty little bird to nurse back to health?" Robert couldn't help but chuckle. A moment later everything went black. The next thing he knew, he was sitting on the ground with an aching jaw and seeing stars. Stannis was standing over him looking exceptionally livid while simultaneously proving that Brandon Stark punched like a woman. It seemed as if Robert had touched on a sore spot.
"Delena is not some broken bird to be mocked and abandoned," Stannis growled as he loomed over Robert.
"Huh, I suppose I might have deserved that," Robert grunted as he began standing up. "I am sorry Stannis, I didn't realize you were still sore about that whole thing."
Stannis was still visibly angry, but his stance changed a bit as confusion was added to his anger. Robert continued once he was back on his feet.
"Listen, we'll take care of your betrothed. You will live long happy lives together, and she'll never have to suffer the idiocy of her kin again." Robert said attempting to reassure his brother. "Also, I think it is high time I gave you a proper apology about the whole Proudwing thing.
You know, the first time I went hawking in the Vale, I told Job and Eddard all about Weakwing. I still remember the disapproving look Jon gave me when he explained that goshawks are perch hunters and never fly higher than treetop level. I was essentially making fun of a bird for doing exactly what it was bred to do. He told me I should write you an apology, but I was young and even more hardheaded than ever so I refused. I had forgotten about the whole thing till now."
"Is this some jest?" Was all Stannis could manage after a few moments of staring at Robert slack-jawed.
"No, no jest here brother. I know Uncle Harbert convinced you to get rid of the poor thing. Come to think of it, I'm not sure why no one ever pointed this out to you. I think we might need a new falconer at Storm's End." Robert mused while rubbing his still-aching jaw. He then grabbed his brother's shoulder and looked him straight in the eyes.
"Listen Stannis, if there is one thing that this proves it's that you have a good heart beneath that stony exterior of yours.
You care. Sometimes you are the only one who does. I need someone like that by my side. I need you by my side. Be proud of who you are and never let the world shame you for it."
Stannis just stared wide-eyed, struggling to process everything Robert had just said. It was not as if Robert hadn't apologized in the past six moons, or as if he hadn't tried to make amends. The brothers were closer now than they had ever been in either of Robert's lives, but Robert could always sense some reluctance from Stannis as if his younger brother was still waiting for Robert to revert to his old self. Apologizing for this particular slight seemed to have done more towards mending their relationship than he could have ever expected. It felt good.
"Now Stannis, there is one more thing I want you to remember no matter what," Robert said gravely
"What is that?" Stannis managed to ask before being laid out by a powerful uppercut from Robert.
"Nobody sucker punches me without me responding in kind. Even if I probably deserved it." Robert laughed. He saw a range of emotions pass over his brother's face with resignation finally winning over the others as he stood up.
"I supposed I should not have expected anything different from you," Stannis said, his words, much to Robert's surprise, held none of the bitterness he had come to expect from his brother. Even more shocking was the hint of fraternal affection that had replaced it. "We should return to the camp. I am sure your squire will have news of the prince by the time we return."
Stannis' prediction proved true as they walked into their tent and Walder approached to relay a message from the dornish party.
"My lord, Prince Oberyn has been tended to and is willing to entertain you at the time you requested." The squire said confidently,
"Good Lad," Robert said with a smile before bidding his brother farewell and heading towards the Dornish camp. Unfortunately, it was on the other side of the castle and a considerable walk. A walk that allowed Robert to let his thoughts dwell on what might go wrong should the prince take offense. He had never been one prone to nerves or second-guessing himself; he was first and foremost a man of action. But he knew that he did not want to make enemies of the Dornish; he had enough problems to deal with already. Robert shook off the growing unease and reassured himself that everything would be fine. It was an accident and Oberyn would surely understand. Frankly, he and the prince weren't so different. If anything, he was a little envious of the man for living the life he had wanted for his own. As more and more stray thoughts began warring for his attention Robert picked up his pace wanting to get to the meeting as soon as possible.
Finally, he arrived at the dornish camp and was greeted by a smartly dressed servant in Martell colors.
"Lord Baratheon I presume?" The man said with a bow.
"The prince is with his family but wanted you to be led in as soon as you arrived. Please follow me."
The statement gave Robert pause. What did the man mean by family? Did he mean the man's bastards? The only other option would be Elia. More ghosts he wasn't ready to face. He couldn't back out now, so he followed the servant and soon found himself in a well-lit room. At the center of the room was a pale-looking Oberyn reclining on a well-appointed bed, his arm bandaged and in a sling. He was surrounded by three young girls who must have been his eldest bastards. The eldest of them gave him a fierce glare, the second looked at him with more contempt than a girl her age should, and the third's eyes studied him intensely. Sitting on a cushioned bench not far from the bed was the woman he was not exactly excited to see tonight. She held herself regally with her hand resting on the small bump of her growing pregnancy. Robert squashed all the shame and regret that threatened to overtake him as memories of those dark days resurfaced in his mind. He put on a friendly smile and greeted the group.
"Good evening, Princes Elia, Prince Oberyn, young ladies. Thank you for seeing me." Robert said congenially, but before either of the adults could respond, a small girl interposed and placed herself in between him and the rest of the room's occupants.
"You hurt Nuncle Oby! Go away!" She cried. Robert looked down at little Rhaenys and the emotions he had been suppressing roared back into his mind. He couldn't help but see the little girl wrapped in red cloth. He heard his callous voice calling her dragonspawn.
"Rhaenys! That is not how we greet guests." Elia fiercely scolded her daughter.
"He hurt Nuncle. He bad!" The little princes argued back. Robert felt her words deep in his heart, and his smile faltered.
"My dear little sun dragon," Oberyn said in a kind but firm voice. Though he put on a strong front, it was obvious that the prince was still in quite a bit of pain. "It was an accident. It could have happened to anyone. If anything, it was my fault for being too proud and reckless."
Finally, Robert managed to take a deep breath, steady his nerves, and kneel in front of the little girl.
"I'm sorry you… your uncle got hurt. I never wanted it to happen." He said, wincing slightly at the slip of the tongue. The almost two-year-old girl eyed him with suspicion for a few moments.
"Okay." She said quickly before running to the bench her mother was sitting on and climbing up to cuddle with her.
"Rhaenys, you owe Lord Baratheon an apology for the disrespect you just showed him," Elia said sternly.
"Sowy" Rhaenys muttered into her mother's dress.
"Sorry, my lord." Elia corrected. "He is a lord paramount, and you need to show him proper respect."
"Sowy m'lawd," Rhaenys said with an exasperated sigh.
Robert couldn't help but give a sad smile. He could tell that given time, she would grow into a fierce and formidable woman. He swore once again to himself that she would be given that chance.
"There is nothing to forgive. Children will say what they will. My daughter is the same age and would have probably said the same thing if it was me lying injured." Robert said with a dismissive wave and a smile born of fond feelings for his Mya.
"Oh, so the rumors are true then?" Oberyn said with a raised eyebrow. "You have a little stone running around the Vale then."
If it had been any other man who had said those words, Robert might have taken it as a slight. But it was Oberyn Martell he was speaking to, and the three girls by his side proved that the man did not likely mean it as an insult.
"Yes, though she will be joining me in Storm's End soon, she looks every bit the Baratheon and deserves to grow up in her ancestral home." He said happily, always the proud father. Oberyn's eyes widened in surprise. Robert knew that few lords ever cared for their bastards, even fewer for base-born children. It seemed as if he had won not a small amount of respect from the Prince of Dorn.
"Oh, and what does your bride-to-be think of this? Not many women would suffer to play host to their husband's bastard." Elia interjected. Her tone was not mocking, however, and it seemed as if she was genuinely curious about where his betrothed stood on this matter.
"Well, she was not enthused by the idea at first, your grace," Robert said honestly. "But we have talked at length and she agrees that my daughter's place is with me. While I am not expecting her to be a surrogate mother for my daughter, she has agreed to allow Mya to be raised alongside any future children we may have. The fact that Mya already considers Eddard her uncle helped convince her." He laughed remembering the look of surprise on his friend's face the first time Mya had called out for Nuncle Ned to pick her up.
"Interesting," Oberyn said, clearly intrigued by Robert's response though he winced in pain from sitting up a bit straighter. "You are not what I expected, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the Stormlands will fare under you and your betrothed's rule. Who knows what will happen?"
Robert scoffed. Hopefully, nothing would happen, and they would live a long, uneventful, and fruitful life surrounded by half a dozen children. Yes, everything pointed towards that not being the case, but he planned on ignoring his destiny for as long as possible.
"Well, I could go on about my daughter for days, but I came here to offer apologies for my part in your injuries. I hope they aren't too severe, and I would happily pay for any additional treatment you need." Robert said slipping into the more formal façade he had built for himself over the past few moons of ruling the Stormlands.
"As I told my niece, the injury was my fault.
My arm got wrapped up in the reigns and I nearly pulled my steed down during the fall. He panicked and stomped down on my arm. If it were not for the quality of my armor, I fear the bone would have been shattered. It was a clean break though, and I should be back to fighting fit within a year or so." Oberyn explained.
"I am glad to hear it. I will be praying for a speedy recovery for you then. So, what's next? Back to Essos?" Robert asked out of genuine curiosity. He truly didn't know what the man had been up to during the rebellion. He hadn't cared enough before, but he couldn't help asking now.
"No, I think the women of Essos will have to do without me for some time yet." The prince said with a roguish smile that earned him a glare and tut from his royal sister. "I need time to heal, and my sister has convinced me to spend my time recovering by her side in Kings Landing before I pick up my wandering ways once more."
This answer took Robert by surprise. Even injured, Oberyn was still a very dangerous man. If anything did happen before he left for Essos, the princess and her children would have that much more protection. Robert actively prayed that there would be no need for conflict, but he most definitely was going to start preparing for it.
Having the Red Viper in King's Landing seemed like a step in the right direction.
"Well, I can imagine traveling down the king's road in your state won't be particularly pleasant. Let me pay your passage over the water." Robert quickly offered.
"Ah, it is good of you to offer, but I already have a ship waiting for me in Saltpans. The captain of the Feathered Kiss is a very spirited woman and after some…" Oberyn paused and flashed Robert a mischievous smile. "Intense negotiations, I have retained her service for some time yet."
"Oberyn," Elia responded with an exasperated sigh. "Am I to expect another niece soon?" The prince simply smiled back at her.
"It could be a nephew," Oberyn said playfully.
"The three beautiful ladies behind throw doubt on that." Princes Elia said with a smirk that was accompanied by the snorts, giggles, and titters of the three young sand snakes. Robert felt like he was intruding and decided to take his leave.
"Well, I'm glad to see you in such high spirits. Don't hesitate to call on me should a need arise. I will pray for a speedy recovery." Robert bowed and after a round of farewells, he began making his way back to his tent. He felt the distinct need for a stiff drink.
A/N Well, this took a while. It's not my favorite chapter, but I think they were important plot points to cover before moving on to the last day of the joust. As always, I appreciate all the comments they really help motivate me to keep grinding forward.