obert Baratheon, through a deal made between King Aerys and his leal cousin and Lord of Stormlands Steffon Baratheon, is exiled to the Free Cities for 5 years at the age of 18 for almost managing to attack Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen for the broken betrothal between himself and Lyanna Stark.
Rhaegar Targaryen, fixated on the Prince-That-Was-Promised, convinces his father to marry Lyanna Stark, rather than wait for his eldest sister Shaena to come of age.
Negotiations between Lord Rickard Stark, Lord Steffon Baratheon and King Aerys Targaryen saw the betrothal between Robert Baratheon and Lyanna Stark broken, with the promise of a royal marriage for Robert, which is rescinded after his attempt to assault the Crown Prince.
A year after Robert Baratheon's exile to the Free Cities, news unbelievable reach the Seven Kingdoms.
A Dragon Rider, by the name of Eredin Bracc Glass appears in the Free Cities, selling his services for gold.
Four years after the appearance of the Dragon Rider, and many failed attempts to bring him to the Seven Kingdoms, Robert Baratheon returns, just in time - unbeknownst to him- for the celebration of his younger brother being declared the heir over him.