Orryn

Somewhere near to the crownlands

There were no more injuries, of course, Ciri had told me that a horrible bruise was on my back, but it didn't hurt... much.

"Are you sure about that, my prince? You may need to rest". Lady Margaery asked.

We were arm in arm, walking through the fields on our march towards the capital. In a few more days, blood would stain the ground, today, we would only see the green of the grass and the colors of the flowers.

"I think I can make an effort, didn't they tell you before my lady, that your personality is incredible?". I said mockingly.

Margaery Tyrell was beautiful and always tried to seduce me. But she was also intelligent, very intelligent. How much of her acid humor is true? I don't know. But that makes her less of a perfect maiden and more real.

Every day we walk around, every day I see that real part of her, I can try to piece together the real Margaery. She should certainly do the same with me, and she's not wrong to do so.

"I saw a dancing bear once at a fair in Old Town. I think he was more graceful with words than you". She pinned me.

"You have your grandmother's talent for provocation, you know that? If you strain your eyes, I can even start to see wrinkles in your eyes and a little hump forming." I joked before stopping our walk.

I bent down and picked some wildflowers, none of them very beautiful, but with a variety of colors.

"Funny you should mention that, my prince. For I'm beginning to see a very pronounced resemblance between you and Your Grace." Margaery said smiling and ran her hand over my forehead. "I can even see the hair loss."

"Bald like my father or fat like my uncle Robert, choose one of these characteristics, but choose wisely." I said, still crouching down and preventing Margaery from seeing what I was doing.

"Difficult choice... I think I'll go with bald."

"Then you're very lucky Lady Margaery, as I promise to make every effort to get both characteristics for you." I replied, standing up and handing her a wreath. Crooked and with thin branches, it was quite ugly, but Margaery put it on her head just the same.

"What manual dexterity". She scoffed and I saw an ant walking along the petals, but I didn't comment on it.

"Thank you my lady, I'll be sure to send you more gifts made by my own hands if you like them so much."

Without my expecting it, Margaery moved in quickly and kissed me on the lips. It was quick, but she had a smile on her face and her cheeks were a little red.

"The better the gift, my prince, the better I'll repay you." She teased me but made no advances after that.

We split up soon after, Margaery following with Elinor and her other friends, me following with Duram and Ser Hugh.

I walked with the two of them towards the camp, to be seen by the men, so that everyone could see that I was okay, that I wasn't broken on a bed.

Heavy footsteps caught my attention as Ser Borys approached, the hairs on his moustache bristling.

"With me... now." He said harshly and I followed the old knight to a part of the tents where some young knights were gathering.

In the middle of a circle, some young knights I had met during the early days of the campaign were arguing with another tall and blond knight.

Shireen, Alla and Arya stood behind the tall knight. The first two girls kept their gazes down while Arya stared defiantly.

"None of you have the right to forbid the young ladies from walking around the camp." The knight said seriously, his voice a little strange.

"My lady, I dare not say anything about what the princess and the others ladies may or may not do, but it is not safe for these girls to walk around men like that." The man I perceived to be Ser Emmom Cuy replied.

'Lady?'. I thought suddenly as I took a closer look at the knight. 'Lady Brienne of Tarth!'. I finally realized and opened my eyes a little embarrassed that I hadn't recognized her.

Ser Borys snorted and I finally came to my senses before moving on. "What's going on here?" I asked and all heads turned towards me.

"Orryn!" Shireen screamed and ran over to me with the other two girls. "Let's go, please!".

"Calm down, Shireen." I said, running my hand through her hair. "I should know what happened first."

"They robbed us! They didn't let us explore the camp!" Arya said angrily. "It was her who stopped them."

"Stopped them from doing what?". I asked in a rather cold voice, I didn't like where this conversation was going.

"Do you really want me to tell you?". A thick voice sounded from further back and the men made way for a thin, stern bald man.

"Your words will certainly carry weight, Lord Tarly." I said flatly, trying to avoid being diminished by the man's presence. 'He's nothing compared to my father, calm down Orryn'.

"It's that freak's fault. This thing... that doesn't know what it is, rampages through the camp thinking it's a knight. It encourages these girls to do the same and a camp is not a place for girls, it's not a place for women."

"I'm Orryn's squire!". Arya retorted and I looked at her, that kind of attitude wouldn't help. Shireen noticed and pulled her hand, trying to calm her down.

"You belong with a septon, learning to be a lady." Lord Tarly growled. "And that's why I say they should be punished."

"I certainly agree with the punishment for them running away, but it's not up to you, Lord Tarly, and certainly not any of these noble knights. Alla is Tyrell's responsibility while Shireen and Arya are my lord father's responsibility."

"I'm your uncle, I also have the right to discipline them in place of your grace." Lord Tarly insisted. His words were bitter for me and my temper finally overcame. I didn't explode with rage, I was better than that, but I couldn't hold back my words any longer.

"Interesting moment to remember that fact, don't you think, Lord Tarly?" A kind of silence arose, no one really believing that I had dared to answer the great Lord of Horn Hill like that. "I will take the girls back and tell my father everything that has happened, surely he will act as he should. You can accompany me, Lord Tarly, if my word isn't enough to bring you peace."

"I don't think that will be necessary, my prince." He answered dryly, almost as if it hurt to have to retreat against me.

I nodded and almost left, but I remembered something and didn't hold back. "Before I go, I have one more favor to ask Lord Tarly. I want you to apologize to Lady Brienne."

The big woman's blue eyes widened. "It's not necessary, my prince... it's not necessary." She said a little too quietly, almost whispering.

"I won't apologize for telling the truth." Lord Tarly said, looking at me with a severity, I could feel him wanting to beat out of me.

"So as I understand it, your lack of ability to control the men in the camp is down to Lady Brienne, isn't it?"

"Are you questioning my authority, boy?". He practically spat.

"Yes, I do, because in my view the choice is simple. Between having a brave knight like Ser Emmom Cuy or Lady Brienne by my side during a battle, I wouldn't even think." I spoke seriously and when no one tried to interrupt me, I continued. "I would choose her, not because you lack skill, Sor Emmom, but because I don't see anyone here with the same courage that she shows, with the sense of justice that a knight should have."

"Nonsense. Childish dreams of a green boy, that's what his words are."

"So if you don't recognize that, Lord Tarly, perhaps I'm right when I say that your heyday has passed. It's been years since your victory against my uncle, hasn't it? What did you do after that famous victory?".

His eyes glared at me, but he said nothing before turning and walking back the way he came.

"I think Lord Tarly must have forgotten to say it, but I'll say it instead. Don't any of you Sers have any obligations?". I spoke loudly and harshly so that the majority could hear. The crowd that formed spread out like a flock of birds.

I walked back and took the girls with me. "Will you come with us, Lady Brienne?". She nodded and said nothing, just followed us.

"You managed to intimidate him, Orryn! You sounded like a great lord talking!". Arya said excitedly and I grimaced.

"Don't flatter me girl, your situation... the situation of all of you is complicated". I spoke harshly and all three seemed to wilt.

"May I, my prince?". Lady Brienne said, still a little shy.

"Of course."

"Why? Why did you do this? Why defend me like that?". I meditated on her question for a while, no one rushed me.

"I did it for several reasons. I did it for me, Lord Tarly never cared whether or not I was his nephew before but he used that fact now, it annoyed me, it annoyed me that he thought he could punish my sister, that's the first reason."

"What about the others?" She asked me expectantly.

"Lord Tarly claimed that the war, that all that was no place for a woman." I said this and ran my hand over the scar on my nose. "A sword wielded by a woman, a sword wielded by a bastard, they kill the same way."

"Finally... I did all this, Lady Brienne, because it was right. And no matter against whom, I would never stop standing up for what is right. That's what my father taught me, and that's how I intend to follow."

The army marched out, Ser Davos was tasked with fetching the rest of the fleet to attack the capital's port. Our enemies were the Lannisters and them alone.

In a matter of moons, the much-feared lions have lost battle after battle to Robb Stark. Now having the audacity to call himself 'King in the North'.

The Vale didn't even move a straw to help either side, and neither did Dorne. The Lions were weak and we would take the capital, crush their forces, and then solve the problems with the Starks.

This didn't mean that we would march without any preparation, a proper siege might have to be set up and for hours and hours the lords held a council of war.

Supply lines, patrol groups and scouts, messenger networks, everything had to be taken care of. That was my father's orders, that was how he waged war, that was how he had taught me and that was how battles were won.

"We'll still need to keep an eye on the rear, we must stop the Lannisters coming down the King's Road." I commented, perhaps a little too boldly, but it didn't matter. Lord Tarly had been giving me dirty looks since the beginning of the council.

"An excellent idea Prince Orryn! It certainly wouldn't be a high-profile role, but it would be vital to our victory." Lord Mace agreed with me, it was easy to see what he wanted.

'The smart guy wants to spare his own men... always trying to keep the strongest hand and the safest position'. I think.

"It will take an intimidating commander, someone who will make the Lannisters think twice before attacking." Lord Buckler commented.

"Lord Tarly would be a good choice." My grandfather, Lord Alaster Florent proposed. The few times we met, he tried several times to hint at a reconciliation between us.

"The rearguard will be yours, Lord Tarly. Prepare well for the Lannisters will come, and come hard." My father commented, his eyes fixed on the map in front of him.

"Perhaps we could have Tarly in command of the army attacking the capital. I could take his place in defense, I'm certainly up to the job." Uncle Renly offered and my father gritted his teeth. He couldn't deny Uncle Renly that if he really insisted.

"I'll certainly have more experienced lords advising me. Orryn will do the same thing, won't he?". He asked once more.

"What do you mean?" Dad asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Orryn won't be going into battle? Seeing the prince among the troops before storming the wall might give the soldiers a better incentive."

"Lord Renly, I believe that as your father's sole heir, it would be Prince Orryn's responsibility to be at the King's side during the command of the ships in the bay." Lord Alaster spoke up and, on a rare occasion, Lord Mace agreed.

I saw my father debating internally, it wasn't an easy situation, especially for him. I had to do something.

"Before I am heir to the throne, I am his servant. I will do my duty and be wherever I am supposed to be, whether under my father's command or under the command of whichever lord is appointed to command the troops on the ground."

"That's it, my nephew! The bravery of a prince!". Uncle Renly applauded and many lords nodded in appreciation. I couldn't back down, not now.

It was then decided that Uncle Reny would be in command of the army blocking the king's road. Lord Tyrell would go with him, as would half the Storm Lords. It was a substantial and certainly intimidating force.

Lord Tarly would command the land assault with the rest of the forces. The royal fleet would be under the command of Ser Imry Florent, my mother's cousin, and perhaps the only way the Florents could lead anything.

I would have chosen Sor Davos as commander, my father would have done the same, but we had to give in to that, we had to give in to many things.

I was left alone in the tent with my father after everything had been decided, his harsh instructions continued for me and I didn't dare have a moment's inattention.

"You must have noticed how things have been divided up, I imagine?".

"The forces accompanying Uncle Renly are the Tyrells saving their strength, as well as the storm lords closest to him."

Nodding in agreement, my father continued. "Those who will come with us are those who will have little to gain from Renly, those who seek our favor rather than do their duty. The same with the lords of the Reach."

"Florents and those closest to them. Lord Tarly included".

"Your disagreement with him, although justified at a certain point, has taken on undue proportions. You'll put it right when you're under your command, you'll do everything you're ordered to do with perfection and nothing less, am I clear?".

"Yes, sir." I replied immediately. "A good chance would be if my cousin Dickon were a companion. I know he's young, but I've already tried the same with Robert Arryn, I can have the same with my cousins."

"Cousins?" My father asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I know you may have strong opinions about this but... I'd like to have my cousin Edric with me."

"The bastard? A recognized son of Robert who some might see as likely to threaten you?".

"It shows that we're not afraid of competition, that the throne is yours and only yours by right. It will show that you are fair and don't hide a boy for his father's mistakes, because if Edric proves capable he will be rewarded, as he should be."

My father's hard eyes stared at me. "I'll think about it. You're dismissed and when you leave have the red woman summoned here."

"She intends to be with you during the battle, doesn't she? She told me I should be with her during everything, or bad things might happen."

"That will still be discussed Orryn, now go." My father dismissed me once again and as soon as I left the tent I found Lady Melisandre waiting for me.

"My lady, my father requests your presence." I kissed her hand and she smiled before kissing my forehead.

"Just as I expected my boy." She said in her melodious voice before entering the tent.

I didn't walk far after that before I was stopped once again, now by Uncle Renly. "Orryn you gallant bastard, I've finally found you!".

"Uncle, I didn't know you were looking for me, if I had, I would have come to you." And it was true, Ser Borys, my ever vigilant companion had told me nothing.

"You see, it was a last-minute decision. My companion and vassal, Lady Brienne, insists on joining you during the next battle." Uncle Renly said, smiling and nodding at the big woman with cheeks red with embarrassment.

"Lady Brienne, is that true?" I asked in surprise. "I would be honored and very grateful to have your presence." I spoke sincerely and her ears turned even redder.

"I owe the prince a gesture of gratitude for defending me during the dispute in the camp." She said, looking down at the ground.

"I told you, I only did what was right... but I won't refuse". I said, smiling. "I've faced few people as skilled as you, Lady Brienne. Isn't that right, Ser Borys?".

The older knight nodded with a grunt, direct as he always was.

"I dare not accept those words, my prince. You have already faced the Kingslayer himself in battle to escape the capital. I just gave you a little demonstration at the training ground." Brienne finally said, raising her beautiful blue eyes from the ground.

"And you beat me easily, I must point out. Don't believe everything you hear Lady Brienne,

because I never crossed swords with Ser Jaime, he was in the fight yes, but we didn't face each other, if that had been the case, I would certainly be locked up in the black cells of the fortress." I replied with good humor and once again Ser Borys grunted in agreement.

"Always modest, our Orryn, even in his own victories." Uncle Renly said, laughing and finally returning to the conversation. "But it's good that you already get on so well. Take good care of Lady Brienne, you hear Orryn? She's very dear to me".

"Certainly, Uncle, Lady Brienne will be in good hands, just as I will be safer in hers." I answered my uncle with a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "May I accompany you, Lady Brienne?".

"Yes, my prince." She replied with a quick nod and began to guide me.

"I sincerely believe, Lady Brienne, that the battle will be monotonous. I'm not even a knight and as much as I neglect my duties more and more, I'm still Ser Justin Massey's squire. I always intend to do my duty, but I understand that I may be one of the last to pass through the city gates. I hope you don't think me a coward for that."

"You're not a coward at all, Prince Orryn! You're a brave and gallant young man!". Brienne said, fumbling with her words and then stopped speaking.

"You know you're not that much older than me, right? With only four years difference I would still consider you a young woman."

"I can't imagine myself as a young woman." She said with some regret.

"But you are, you're the heir of Tarth. Believe me, Lady Brienne, we'll never be the heirs our parents expect, we'll never live up to the expectations placed on us. That's why I admire your courage, the courage to be you".

"If I could choose, I would never choose to be who I am."

"And who wouldn't change anything about their life? I always say Lady Brienne, we have our qualities and faults. What we do with them is what makes us good people." I replied when I stopped at the entrance to his tent. "Here I say goodbye, my lady, and I look forward to your company tomorrow."

"Yes, my prince." Brienne replied, bowing and quickly entering her tent.

It was getting late, I had to get back to my quarters, I had to rest for the battle to come.

"If I may give my opinion." Ser Borys grumbled next to me.

"You're always welcome, Ser Borys."

"That girl, Brienne. Don't get her hopes up."

"Hopes?" I asked confused and Ser Borys snorted.

"Do you think she's used to being treated well? Your uncle must have given her a few crumbs of attention and she looks at him with admiration, almost passion. You treat her very well, you're a prince no less... it's like something out of a song."

I frowned at that. "It's not my intention to seduce you.

"I know that, but she doesn't. Don't make it sound like a song in her hard head, do the right thing and show her what is her place".

I nodded seriously, I wouldn't want to hurt her, I wouldn't want anyone to do that with Shireen, to Arya or even to me.

I entered my tent and sighed when I noticed yet another presence sitting on my bed. "How many more people will I meet before this day is over?".

"How many others can do what I came here to do, tell me Prince Orryn". Margaery smiled.

"Lady Margaery, should I say that none of this is right?".

"Orryn... can I call you that? Just between you and me?". She asked me and I reluctantly nodded.

Margaery smiled and lowered the heavy cloak she was wearing. Her dress was... light at best and her hair fell loosely around her shoulders.

"We're get married Orryn, I feel like your heart already has someone but... like you said, we can make it work." She replied, getting up and walking over to me. Her hands took mine and she guided me to sit on the bed next to her.

"Then it's okay to wait until the wedding to be so intimate." I replied, trying not to sound too harsh by turning her down.

As if she hadn't heard me, Margaery pulled down the loose straps of her dress and exposed her beautiful breasts to me. I couldn't look away.

"I like your company, I like the way your tongue is sharp when you let it out and you always have an answer for me. I like what I see when I look at you, so why wait?".

"It's a sacred duty...". I started to answer, but she interrupted me.

"You don't care about the gods, much less me. I want the pleasure you can give me and nothing will be wrong, we're already each other's." Margaery whispered and took off the rest of her dress.

I sighed and shook my head, but said nothing. I let her sit on my lap, I let her kiss my neck, I let her remove my clothes.

"Will I be your first man Margaery?". I asked as I laid her back on my bed.

"Is it?" She said teasingly.

"Surely the maids would find out in the morning."

"I have a maid of my own, waiting to be the first to get rid of those sheets, whatever the answer."

"Do you always think of everything, ma'am?" I asked, guiding my hand between her legs.

"If I really thought about it, I wouldn't be here, would you I?" Margaery teased before holding back a groan with her hand.

I stimulated her the way I knew how, the way Ciri liked. But I took the opportunity to get a better feel for her breasts, which were bigger than those of my swallow.

I gave her small kisses and lightly bits between her legs, she was already dripping all over the sheet and forcing herself not to scream.

I didn't ask if I would really be her first man, but I thought about it once more. I positioned myself and pushed calmly, she showed some discomfort but said nothing.

'She'll be my wife, we already belong to each other'. That's what I thought as we fucked, that's what I thought when I shot my seed inside her.

Loras came after a while, when the night was already up and when few souls were awake. "You've had your fun, I suppose."

"Just let's go Loras, we can't be long." Margaery hurried off, but not before kissing me goodbye.

When they had gone, I looked at Ser Borys still standing guard that night, a role below his own but one that the old knight had been doing all these days, he would make a great royal guard.

"Will you tell my father what happened?". I asked, sitting down next to him.

"I'll tell him yes, I'll tell him that the girl went through the flaps of his tent accompanied by her brother. But I can leave aside the fact that she was already there when Ser Loras arrived."

"Why are you protecting me like this, Ser Borys? This is way past your duty."

"You're a good boy Orryn, often confused, like today for example. You'd be a lord and a king now, so you'll have to make decisions, you'll have to bear those decisions."

"So you trust me to do the right thing?".

"Or at least face up to your own actions"

"Thank you for believing in me Ser Borys".

"Don't let me down then."

"I won't, I never will". I answered with conviction.

Ser Borys grunted as he nodded and looked straight ahead again. I then went back to my tent to finally sleep, it had been a long day.

I smelled Margaery in my bed, I felt the dampness that we had left on the bed and that night I dreamed. But the maiden in my dreams wasn't Margaery... she was and always will be, Ciri, my litlle swallow.