GOT/ASOIAF: A Game of Ice and Fire Chapter 12 - The Dornish Princess and The Old Lion

CHATAYA'S BROTHEL

DURRANDON'S POV

So now, at King's Landing's best Tavern, I huddled down behind several barrels of ale, trying to enjoy my last moments in the capital for quite a while.

"Well, it sure was an interesting sight."

I just chuckled at the voice, smiling at the familiar face seated in front of me, as the orange torchlight showcased her pretty smile, blue eyes and amused expression.

"I'm glad to hear it. So, finally processing the meeting with your Dornish relatives? Finding it enjoyable enough, I hope." I turned from Alysse toward Rhaenys while scratching Shadow's head.

"As much as I could. The Spider wants me to gain their support for his Blackfyre puppet." Rhaenys crossed her arms behind her head and looked at me with a faint smile. "I was expecting you to come find us after the melee, you promised that we could go somewhere else."

"I was planning to come see you, but after my father knighted me, I had to test a few things out first. Besides, I had to put my siblings to sleep early today." I looked at her, noticing how athletic she was for a nine year old girl. "Then people started to swarm me on the street, I almost got stuck inside a huge crowd and I would've been stuck there for hours if I didn't run away."

"What did you expect?" Alysse giggled lightly as she covered her lips. "Your victories as a common man made the common folk very happy and the fact that you defeated so many knights and high-borns only made you even more popular."

"Well, I understand that, but I was still surprised at how crazy people began acting." I told her while shrugging.

"Then you wouldn't believe some of the stories people have made up already." Rhaenys smirked. "I heard some sellswords saying that you are in fact a long lost Warlock from beyond the Wall who brought with him the skill of the Wildings."

I chuckled and nodded in amusement. "Yeah, I am proud of myself for making people more creative. But the warlocks I have in mind don't live up to the north." I looked around as the noise from within the tavern grew louder by the second. "But either way, I have called you here to just enjoy our last moments together before I leave to become a Ward."

"Yeah, that would be much appreciated." Replied Alysse with a gentle smile. "Do you want to discuss what you will be expecting of us until your return?"

"Come on Aly, this stuff can wait!" Rhaenys protested in a friendly manner. "I've heard you come here the nights we aren't hunting and make your show. How about you show us why everyone speaks so highly of it?"

"I already know you are a great singer and storyteller, but actually capable of entertaining an entire room of adults, that's something I also want to see." Allyse joined in. "For studying purposes, of course."

"Sure." I smiled, casting Disguise Self to look like my Bard personality, with its raven hair and stormy blue eyes. "Anything for you two."

Although Chataya's place had been filled with people wanting to see me, they were all at least from respectable positions, which thanks to proper manners led them to enjoy my show without bothering me too much.

Hidden in a place no one would bother them too, were both Alysse and Rhaenys, making themselves at home while eating and drinking my famous meals.

Thankfully the standards of music this folk got used to weren't that high, my favorite song amongst them by far being Rains of Castamere.

Looking around, I was surprised that I didn't see my father partying already, but I did notice the Dornish Princess from before.

I guess she did find me interesting enough to seek me out after I wrote her a letter to where she could find me.

"Thank you everyone for being here, celebrating my last night in this wonderful city." I began delivering the news, immediately earning a few sad faces from the crowd before me. "Don't worry, it's not like I won't ever come back. It's just that a Bard gotta do what a Bard gotta do. Roam around and showcase his art to as many people as he can!"

In response I heard some cheers and claps, but the room was overall dispirited that I will be leaving soon.

"Now let's get started with a few more songs I've been wanting to share with you." I approached my piano with the swagger of a famous artist. "When you were here before, I could not look thee in the eye." I began the verse, slowly playing the improvised piano of the tavern while giving my best impression of Tom Ellis' Lucifer. "You are like an angel, thy skin makes me cry."

I accelerated the rhythm.

"You float like a feather, in a beautiful woooorld. I wish I was special, you are sooo very special. But I am… a creeeeep, I am a weiiirdo. What in the seven hells am I doing heeeere? I do not belong here."

Slowly the audience was warming up back to me.

"I care not if it hurts, I want to have control. I want a perfect body. I want a perfect soul. I want you to notice…when I am gone."

The dancers of the tavern kept the attention alongside me.

"You are so very special… I wish I was special. But I am a creeeeep, I am a weiiirdo. What in seven hells am I doing here? I do not belong here."

Forcing a little of my vocal cords, I was able to reach a very soothing melody.

"She runneth out the door, she runneth out. She run, run, run, run, run…Whatever makes thee happy, whatever thou want'st. You are so very special, I wish I was special. But I am a creeeep, I am a weiiirdo. What in the seven hells am I doing here? I do not belong here. … I do not belong here."

Activating my Balm of Peace while also spending a Divine Point I finally hammer the last nail to earn their souls.

They all clapped before I slowly moved to a happier tone. "This one is for the ladies trying to get over a past love.

Cue the music.

"At first I was afraid, I was petrified! Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side. Then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong. And I grew strong. And I learned how to get along. And now you′re back! From Far Far Away! I just walked in to find you here with that sad look across your face. Should have changed that stupid lock! Should have made you leave your key! If I'd known for just one second you′d be back to bother me."

"Go on now, go! Walk out the door! Just turn around now! Because you're not welcome anymore! Weren′t you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye. Did you think I′d crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no, not I, I will survive! Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I′ll stay alive. I've got all my life to live! And I′ve got all my love to give!"

"And I'll survive! I will survive, hey, hey!"

I showed some moves, dancing around with the grace of a Water Dancer before continuing.

"Because you're not welcome anymore! Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbye? Think I′d crumble? Did you think I′d lay down and die? Oh no, not I! I will survive!"

"Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive! I′ve got all my life to live! And I've got all my love to give! And I′ll survive! I will survive! Hey, hey!"

As the song ended, Alysse and Rhaenys shared a bittersweet smile at the lyrics of this song, so I went for one more hopeful one.

"Did you lose what won't return? Did you love but never learn? The fire's out but still it burns,

and no one cares, there's no one there."

"Did you find it hard to breathe? Did you cry so much that you could barely see? You're in the darkness all alone, and no one cares, there's no one there."

I then turned to stare at Rhaenys, mimicking my usual hand gesture to cast Eldritch Blast.

"But did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light? Did you feel the smoke in your eyes? Did you, did you?"

"Did you see the sparks filled with hope? You are not alone! 'Cause someone's out there, sending out flares!"

"Did you break but never mend? Did it hurt so much you thought it was the end? Lose your heart but don't know when, and no one cares, there's no one there."

"But did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light? Did you feel the smoke in your eyes? Did you, did you?"

"Did you see the sparks filled with hope? You are not alone. 'Cause someone's out there, sending out flares! Someone's out there, sending out flares!"

I slowed down the rhythm a little.

"Did you lose what won't return? Did you love but never learn?"

And then pick it back up again.

"But did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light? Did you feel the smoke in your eyes? Did you, did you?"

"Did you see the sparks filled with hope?

You are not alone. 'Cause someone's out there, sending out flares!

"But did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light? Did you feel the smoke in your eyes? Did you, did you?"

"Did you see the sparks filled with hope? You are not alone. 'Cause someone's out there, sending out flares."

Among the clapping crowd, I noticed Rhaenys clapping harder with teary eyes.

Now was Alysse's time, picking up my lute I continued.

"Where have all the worthy men gone? And where are all the fair Gods? Where's the gallant Prince to take the bridle rein?"

"Isn't there a White Knight upon a fiery steed? Late at night I toss and I turn, and I dream of what I need."

"I need a hero!"

"I shall hold out for a hero 'till the end of the night!

I pray he be hale, winged of heel and newly returned from the fight!"

"I need a hero!"

"I shall hold out for a hero 'till the morning light! He must be assured, and true to his word. With a wit that will thrill and excite! Thrill and excite!"

Had some of Chataya's girls, who knew the proper choir, help me out with filling the brief moment with their choral before I continued to sing.

"Erelong, after the hour of the bat, within my reverie, somewhere just beyond the veil, someone reached out for me."

"Racing on a courser and clad with gleaming mail. I shall answer none but he who bringeth me the grail."

"Oooh! I need a hero! I shall hold out for a hero 'till the end of the night! Could I but afford my very own sword, I would not require his might."

"I need a hero!"

"I shall hold out for a hero 'till the morning light! By the Gods was he blessed, be true to his quest. A man whom Maesters and Bards will write!"

"Up where the dragons glide near heaven above. Out on a storm-tossed odyssey. Verily doth a saintly champion ride toward me!"

"Through the wind, and the chill and the rain…the plague and the flood…I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood."

Another pause for Chataya's girls.

"I need a hero!"

"I shall hold out for a hero 'till the end of the night!

I pray he be hale, winged of heel and newly returned from the fight!"

"I need a hero!"

"I shall hold out for a hero 'till the morning light! A Knight, not a pawn! A true Paragon! With armor and eyes shining bright! I need a hero!"

As I bowed in conclusion to my song, I was showered again with cheers and compliments to another one of my shamelessly plagiarized songs.

From where I stood, I could see that this song had managed to appeal to both men and women.

Proof of that was how both Rhaenys and Alysse seemed to be in a rare agreement with one another as they smiled to one another.

Even Shadow didn't seem bored.

I wished I could have Page watching as well.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you have been the most beautiful audience! Remember to toss a coin if you can. As for those of you that are new here, if anyone needs company tonight you've come to the right place."

Signaling for Arianne to wait for a moment, I moved on to enjoy the company of my Party Members before leaving Rhaenys to take Alysse back to the Red Keep safely.

—————————————————————

A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER…

"Is that… is that… magic?" Arianne asked, completely shocked as I dismissed my illusion, appearing before her as the distant and cold Prince who hadn't even looked at her during the tourney. "And you… you are the Crown Prince!"

"It seems to be the case." I chuckled, making small cases of both my magic and identity. "Apologies for the initial deceit, my Princess. It's not something I would like to make public, you see."

"B-but why have you decided to tell me?" She questioned, still perplexed, that I was neither the Bard she was instructed to seek nor the recently Knighted Fighter she wanted to visit.

"You would be a fool to reveal that secret to anyone else." He shrugged. "And risk people questioning your sanity. Especially with you being the eldest child of your father."

Arianne acknowledged my logic.

"Besides, I'm very close to the mysterious vigilante people nicknamed as the Stranger. If you so much as whisper about me… " I approached her and touched her skin, subtly casting Minor Illusion to leave a magical symbol on her skin.

As I subtly canceled my spell, prompting the magical symbol to disappear before her eyes, leaving no traces behind.

"I will know." I bluffed, exploiting her lack of understanding of my magic.

{LIE SUCCESSFUL!}

"Incredible." The Dornish princess muttered inspecting her skin, not angry that I had just threatened her.

"So, have you come to know more about me?" I spoke, drawing her attention again.

"I-i… yes!" Arianne corrected her thoughts before speaking properly. "Wait, so there is no place known as Far Far Away?! And you were also that Fighter?! If so, you must be the youngest Knight to ever be anointed."

"One question at a time please." I smiled charmingly before surprising her by assuming the appearance of my Monk persona. "No, I'm not from Far Far Away and yes, I was the one who fought the melee challenge. As for the title of Knight…"

…

I followed the Dornish Princess through the streets, the two bowing our heads down as we walked by many groups of people.

Thankfully the only source of lights were from torches placed meters away from each other, so the people walking through the streets couldn't see us very well.

Arianne made a turn around the corner and stepped into a back-alley.

The light was instantly gone and the moon became our beacon.

I was surprised that a Princess like Arianne would be willing to trek through such a dirty alley, half expecting her to cry out or squeal when a large rat ran past our legs.

But Arianne just kept walking while mumbling something to herself, as if trying to remember how many streets we had passed and where we were at the moment.

I smiled, Arianne was very interesting and cute.

"Hold up!" The princess whispered rather loudly as she stopped abruptly just as we were about to walk out of the alleyway. "There's someone there."

Some footsteps accompanied with drunken nonsense could be heard as a group of soldiers stumbled past the entrance of the alleyway and continued down further down the road.

"Never mind, it was just a bunch of drunkyards." Arianne turned back to me and finally noticed our proximity.

How cliche, I know.

A small amount of red appeared on her face, which was less than two inches away from mine, and she could feel parts of my body pressing onto hers.

It appeared she had stopped rather abruptly and I was left very close to her when we tried to keep silent, right now she was staring straight into my eyes as our noses almost made contact.

My Observation skill never failed to inform me whenever someone was mesmerized by my eyes, this time them being both purple instead of heterochromatic.

"I don't think they saw us…" I whispered softly, hiding a smirk, as Arianne's lips moved dangerously close to mine.

"That's good. We wouldn't want anyone to catch us." Replied the young Dornish Princess with a surprising amount of confidence, her eyes looking into mine with great amusement. "We should get going." She pulled me along again, but this time she was holding onto my hand and not my arm. "We're not far from the inn I'm staying at."

The two of us continued our way down multiple alleyways and only several main roads.

The sound of people drinking and celebrating was starting to fade and the buildings of the past were becoming more and more grand and glorious.

Soon we reached the back of a tall edifice of at least ten stories, and Arianne had stopped right below it.

"This is the inn." I concluded while looking up at the many lights inside the many rooms' windows. Arianne smiled and winked at me.

"Yep, and we're at the top floor." With an excited smirk, the Princess grabbed onto one of the dirty stones on the building and started to climb up. "Come on, follow behind me."

I chuckled as I looked up at the girl in amazement. "We're climbing up?"

"Of course." Replied Arianne as she looked back down at me. "How do you think I got out?"

With another chuckle I followed after the girl.

Climbing in the dark wasn't weird for me, it just reminded me a little of my nights with Rhaenys.

Sometimes I would climb up the city's gates to catch a nice view of the night sky, enough for me to survey the sky while also testing the efficacy of wall crawling with my magical barbs, but sometimes I would just see more of Chataya's tits than actual stars.

Climbing in the richest part of King's Landing was a little tricky, the stones were much more polished and well placed compared to the buildings on Flea Bottom.

Looking up, I saw that Arianne was actually climbing very fast for a Princess, she was almost halfway to the top already.

One thing I was sure of: Rhaenys was still better.

But to Arianne's credit, she was swift and confident when she would switch from stone to stone, and her footing was very steady considering how she was wearing her jeweled sandals.

Her silk dress and diamonds shimmered in the moonlight as she climbed, and even so she looked like she was having fun.

I sped up, using my strength and spider barbs to pull myself up faster.

My legs kicked off the stones I placed my weight on and launched myself into a long jump, grabbing on to the tallest stone I could reach.

Before long, I was right beside Arianne with a smile on my face, challenging her to go faster.

Immediately understanding my silent message, Arianne smirked and sped up herself, no longer caring for her dress as it got covered in mud and dirt.

As if the possibility of falling to her death didn't matter, she giggled and laughed as we made it to the very top of the building, and I shot her a wink after I touched the window first.

"Come on Princess, we don't have the entire night." I teased her.

Arianne climbed into the open window after me as I was immediately greeted with a stronger fragrance of her scent.

'It was obviously the room she was staying in.' I had thought of it when I looked around the candlelit room with a large bed with red satin sheets.

Arianne stood in front of me with a smile as she ran a finger over my cheek.

She loved how I bit her lips as she touched me and how my eyes seemed to glimmer in the small candle light.

"Your face is surpassingly clean, considering everything." Whispered Arianne as she stepped closer to me. "And you don't smell of sweat."

"People call me fancy." I mused. "But I guess proper hygiene can only get me so far, do you have a small bath I can use?"

Wordlessly, Arianne turned and walked towards a small room connected to the main area, her eyes locked with mine the whole time.

I smiled and followed along, my eyes tracing her luscious hair as she brushed her hands through it and let it rest over her right shoulder, revealing her slender neck.

A heavier scent of perfume struck me when I stepped into the smaller connecting room and a small pool of a bath was located in the middle of the room.

The water was cold, and there were many flower petals floating on the surface, like a rainbow given form.

So she had planned this all along.

Now I felt slightly guilty about making her wait.

Not that I would've traded my friends with a girl I just recently met, but still.

Arianne walked behind me and snaked her arms around my waist, her fingers playing with the strap of my pants.

She rested her chin on my shoulder as I untied my strap, all done in silence, leaving my pants hung loosely around my hips.

Her warm breath tickled my ear as she worked her way around me, and after what seemed like an eternity, my pants fell to the ground.

"So many forms and faces, one prettier than the other. How old are you really, Durrandon?" Asked the Princess as I heard silk strands being rubbed against one another. "You don't expect me to believe you are just five."

"Actually, my sixth name day has just passed us, my Princess." I replied, feeling her silk clothes brushing against my bare back. "People always say I look older than I am, maybe because I think more maturely, I don't know, but I'm glad people think I look manly."

I then shifted my physical appearance to resemble a more mature version of me, with mismatched hair of black and silver and heterochromatic eyes.

"You are very Tall and Handsome, my Prince." Arianne sounded very genuine and honest, her voice conveying deep emotions. "Truly dashing."

Actively reminding myself to smile at her, I teased her back. "If you forgive me for asking, my Princess, but how old are you?"

Arianne leaned up and whispered into my ear. "My thirteen name day just passed a fortnight ago." She leaned closer to me, brushing against my back, but instead of smooth silk, I felt two soft mounds pressing against two distinct hard points.

"Your beauty already is so mesmerizing, my Princess."

"Thank you… Ser Durrandon."

After mentioning my supposedly new title, Arianne gave me a small push, gesturing me to the water.

"It's cold, but I guess it will have to do. Serves you right for keeping me waiting."

Ignoring her provocation, I stepped into the water, feeling the cold enveloping my feet and shins while also testing my cold resistance.

Warming it up with Thaumaturgy, I remarked rather comically. "What a horrible punishment you've sentenced upon me, Princess of Dorne. But I should consider myself lucky for it not being a pit of vipers."

Hearing Arianne step in after me, her arms still around my waist and her fingers still tracing my chest, I noticed her surprise at my minor wonder.

I knelt down to one knee before sitting down fully into the bath, the hot water brushed through my skin and sent chills down my spine, but none more so than Arianne's body brushing against mine.

"You know I am actually impressed to know you won both competitions." Whispered the Princess, breaking the silence. "The moment the gates opened and the men flooded in…I saw blood spraying everywhere and people crying out in pain." I remained silent and listened. "I saw swords go through men, axes cut men in half and I had no idea where you were."

"Those people were too slow to hurt me." I cleansed my arms as I felt Arianne wash my back with a cloth. "Most of them were fools to enter the melee."

Arianne gave a small laugh as she continued to wash my back. "I know that now, but for all I knew you were being trampled by two hundred men and was too hurt to cry out in pain." I closed my eyes and chuckled. "But then I saw you. I saw you stab the first man who charged at you with a giant battle-axe and kill the second man who was stupid enough to attack you right after you killed the first." Arianne's voice was turning huskier by the second. "You were so manly and powerful. I couldn't believe that you were able to jump so high and punch so far that the tall man blacked out in an instant."

"It wasn't too hard. It was a toothpick holding onto two small toothpicks."

The princess giggled and shifted her body, her legs each to one of my sides as her arms snaked to my front.

"You are far too modest. Do you realize that you actually became the most famous man in King's Landing today?" Arianne started to rub my thighs with her cloth as she spoke. "No man had won more than one event before and you speak of it as if it's nothing special. Can you even imagine what will happen if you win the Jousting tomorrow?"

"It's not as difficult as you would expect." I traced my fingers along Arianne's arms and smiled. "Besides, winning the joust would serve me no purpose other than ruining my chances of getting a competent Knight to be my sworn shield."

"I see. But where did you learn to shoot and fight like that?" Arianne said with a carefree tone of voice.

"I've received the best tutors there were, and they helped me master the basics." I placed my hand on top of Arianne's as she washed my body. "Currently, by my sixth name day, I am fighting against men taller than twice my size while they tried to kill me, and before my eighth I will be leading man and fighting wars. My plans for the future include a lot harder tasks to accomplish than these simple tourneys."

"You must be the most ambitious man to ever be born." Suggested the Dornish princess as she started on my other leg. "Did you already get a lucky night with a whore?"

I chuckled and shook my head. "I won't pay for sex, fucking a woman who wants to be fucked its one of pleasures of life." Brushing some water to my shoulder and face as I smiled. "Besides, my mother insisted on keeping the whores away from the Red Keep, making it more difficult for my father to sleep with one, I believe. She would always tell me to not follow my father's footsteps and stay away from whores, thinking of them as dirty women."

"Well she's not wrong." Arianne's breath now felt cold on my wet skin. "Just think about how many men those women have been with." The Dornish princess was done with my second leg and moved on to my chest. "And you're the Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, so you have to choose a woman who is suitable for your stature."

"Sounds to me you've heard a similar thing a few times by now." I smiled and chuckled. "Well that's enough about me, tell me about you."

"There's not much to tell, really." Arianne ran her hands over my muscular abdomen as she spoke. "I am the daughter of Prince Doran of Dorne and I grew up in a castle. I've always had my cousins with me so we are all like sisters, and we would always imagine what the outside world would be like." Said the Dornish princess, sounding very excited. "As a princess, I never got to leave the castle as much as I'd like, and this is the first time I've been outside of Dorne."

"So where'd you learn how to climb so well?" I asked with an amused smile.

Arianne giggled and rested her forehead on my back. "I would always sneak out of my room after dark by climbing out my window, and after so many years of doing that, climbing up this inn was easy." The Dornish princess sighed as she brushed her lips against my shoulder. "There would always be soldiers training in the courtyard at night, and I would sit on one of the taller roofs to watch them train. For some reason I've always admired strong men."

Just as Arianne was finished with my torso, I turned around.

The water splashed as my eyes locked with the Dornish princess' own, not looking anywhere else.

I sat down again, sitting in between the princess' legs and leaned close to her.

Still having a smile on my face, I noticed that the princess looked surprised and even mildly shocked.

She looked into my eyes at first, but clearly several stolen glances were almost too obvious as she tried to not look down.

Arianne stared back into my eyes, but appeared to be a little annoyed.

"Look at me." The princess demanded.

"I am looking at you."

Arianne shoved me back, making the water splash against my back. "Look at me, not into my eyes…me." With the distance between us, I could no longer just look in her eyes, everything else was in sight.

Her slightly tanned skin was perfect, completely smooth and creamy, her hair was a little damp and clung onto her skin, which only made her look more desirable.

Her womanly parts were already blooming, clearly beyond that of a normal girl of her age.

Dark and large nipples greeted my eyes and her breasts were perfectly shaped.

Then, of course, was her most sacred part, which was in full view as her legs were still spread apart, with another patch of beautiful black hair as a crown.

I smiled, my heart beating steadily just as it normally did. "You are perfect."

Arianne rose from the bath, water still dripping from her body as she stepped closer to me.

Seeing my eyes wander around her body, she smiled and sat onto my lap, letting my hard and hot appendage brush against her inner thigh.

Just as with all of my other forms, I was a very handsome young man, just like she had noticed before, and she planned to claim her prize.

It seems 'cradle robber' wasn't a term well known around here.

Not that it will apply to my case.

With a confident and reassuring smile, Arianne pressed her lips onto mine and wrapped her arms around my neck.

Her eyes were closed and her soft lips massaged mine, and slowly she parted her lips to greet my tongue.

'She tastes like strawberries.' Was my thought as I pulled the Dornish princess closer to me by her waist.

Her tongue was slippery and warm and her lips were moist and soft, meanwhile her breasts pressed fully against my chest and her hair fell like a curtain around our embrace.

"You are an adventurous girl." I muttered between breaths.

Arianne smiled against the kiss and added more pressure with renewed vigor. "When I see what I want…" She whispered huskily into the kiss. "…I take it!"

Chuckling and holding her tighter, I reply. "Well, for the rest of the night until Dawn, I'm all yours."

The Dornish princess smiled and lightly bit into my lower lip. "I know."

—————————————————————

The morning broke rather unceremoniously onto King's Landing.

Bright warmth covered the city and soothed the cold air.

The light seeped through the closed curtains of a certain high-class inn and landed on red satin sheets and the closed eyes of a young Dornish princess.

Her dark hair, after being cleansed thoroughly, looked so beautiful.

She had her arms wrapped around another person on the bed and her face was nuzzled into his muscular chest.

Her eyes twitched at the sunlight as soon as it opened.

It took a while for her to realize where she was, but it was quite obvious after seeing the muscular torso in front of her.

"How did you sleep?" Asked Durrandon with a clear voice, as if he had been awake for the entire night, perhaps concerned with her family tradition with poisons.

Arianne smiled and kissed him on the lips. "Wonderfully!"

The young Dornish princess couldn't remember when exactly she fell asleep the previous night, but she remembered that she had a smile on her face when she did.

(*No Sleep spell has been used)

The previous day had been her most exciting and invigorating day, but if she had to choose one accomplishment to be most proud about, it would probably be exchanging her virginity with the Crown Prince.

Or so she thought.

Taking Arianne's maidenhead had been something unanticipated and wondrous, he already knew of the pleasures of being with a woman, and Chataya had taught him how to return the pleasure ten fold.

Arianne raised her head and faced Durrandon, a bright smile gracing her face. "I slept very well, your muscular chest makes a very nice pillow."

Durrandon smirked and leaned closer to kiss her soft lips, sucking on her lower lips as she pulled away.

"Now if the pain would go away everything would be perfect."

Durrandon's smile faded a little as he caressed Arianne's thigh. "I had no idea it would hurt you so much."

"I didn't either." Replied the princess with a giggle. "If I did you wouldn't have been on top."

The Crown Prince chuckled and leaned in to kiss his lover, feeling very comfortable around her already.

Similar to Chataya, she was warm and cuddly, and he felt oddly at peace with them, as if the dangers of the world were all across the Narrow Sea, far away from him, never to bother him.

He liked everything about Arianne, there were the obvious things: her scent, her taste, her beauty, her luscious body, and sensuality, but there were also her fun-loving nature, her sense of adventure and her silent admiration of him.

Durrandon ran his hand tenderly from her neck to her cheek, cupping her jawline as he enjoyed the taste of her lips, her sweet and luscious lips.

Slowly Arianne pushed Durrandon onto his back and climbed on top of him, her lips now attacking his.

The blanket slipped off her body and her bare back was exposed to the cold morning air, but she still felt hot and bothered.

Her nether regions were still pulsating with subtle stabs of pain, but it was a good sort of pain, a womanly sort of pain.

It made the Dornish princess feel complete, as if she had miraculously transformed into a real woman overnight, and the man below her had everything to do with it.

"Do you know what you have to do?" Whispered Arianne as she nibbled on Durrandon's neck.

The young man moaned and reached down to caress the princess' soft behind. "Yes, I remember what you liked last night."

Arianne giggled, but Durrandon suddenly stopped, pulling her away to sit up on his lap. "Sadly my time is up."

He hid a laughter at the sight of Arianne's disappointed while simultaneously confused expression.

"It's already dawn, we both must be somewhere else."

The Dornish princess clearly looked unhappy and was failing to discover a counterpoint. "Alright, fine!"

Durrandon smirked and pulled her back onto him to kiss her chastely on her lips. "Don't worry, I'll never forget you." He walked away from the bed and walked to the chair that had a small pile of clothing on it.

Durrandon heard Arianne step into the bath as he casted a Twinned Unseen Servant and had them help him slip into his new clothes.

The linen undergarments were comfortable against his skin, but it did feel like having two layers of clothing on after he stepped into his black cotton pants.

Then there was a blue silk high-collared shirt that clung loosely to his skin, but he also had a long sleeveless black leather coat that wrapped the clothes tighter around his body.

He wrapped a black leather belt around his waist and stepped into a pair of black leather boots that went to his shins.

Overall it felt comfortable to manually wear something himself, instead of simply instantly equipping it through his INVENTORY.

"Will we meet-" Arianne stopped mid-question when the door to her room suddenly opened.

Fortunately for her, Durrandon had disappeared completely from sight.

But it was not Prince Doran who had just entered, it was her cousins, the two older Sand Snakes.

The girls were laughing and bickering as they walked in, greeting Arianne without noticing her disappointed glance at the window.

Though she had the decency to blush and bite her lips at the thought of meeting him again, Arianne began humming one of his songs.

—————————————————————

Jon Arryn took his usual place next to the seat of the King, which remained empty, even after the Queen and her youngest children took to their seats.

The elderly man looked around and found that most Lords had already arrived.

Lord Stannis took to his seat below his niece and nephew, with Ser Davos Seaworth by his side.

Lord Tyrell, along with his older sons and wife were already seated at the lower edge of the pavilion, no doubt excited for the joust.

The only missing people he found were the King, the Prince and Lord Tywin.

But the Lannister soon made his appearance.

"Good morning, Lord Arryn."

A tall shadow towered over the Hand of the King, and he looked up to see a pair of clear green eyes looking down upon him.

"Ah, good morning, Lord Lannister." Jon stood, but he barely reached the height of Tywin's shoulders. "How was your night in the capital?"

"Familiar."

The Hand nodded, "That is good to hear."

"I must congratulate you on your young protégé, Lord Hand. Prince Durrandon seems to have grown into a fine kid, with a sharp mind and with great aptitude for combat."

Jon offered a smile, to which Tywin replied with a stern smirk. "Actually, the Prince has mostly been tutored by both Grand Maester and Lord Commander. But I'm sure he will continue to impress us in the years to come."

"Agreed." Tywin took a brief pause before he continued. "I am, for obvious reasons, quite interested in the boy. It seems that he will become my ward at Casterly Rock."

Jon nodded with a smile. "That seems to be the case. I'm sure he will learn a lot from you."

"It is indeed a much-needed relationship to have blooming and prospering, between the Prince and one of his parents' Houses. Besides, I do believe I am obligated to aid in his growth." Never had Jon expected such interest from Tywin, but he merely nodded with a smile.

"Good to hear it." Jon stood tall and stared back into the lion's eyes. "It is as you said, My Lord, a much-needed relationship."

"There's no doubt about it." Tywin replied with the slightest hint of a smile before looking around. "If I may, might I speak with the Prince in person?"

"Of course, Lord Lannister, but I'm afraid he and the King have already left for the tourney." Jon said. "Probably eager for the joust, which is expected since the winner will be selected as the Prince's Sworn Shield. But as soon as it's over, I will have him speak with you at once. Is that acceptable?"

Tywin nodded. "Certainly. I look forward to our meeting."

With that, Tywin Lannister rejoined his family, and left Jon Arryn utterly confused at his intentions.

The Hand of the King rubbed his temples and as he had time to think, Lord Arryn sighed. 'I am getting too old for this.'

—————————————————————

CERSEI'S POV

(Flashback begins.)

This was not exactly what I had imagined my future to be.

I have been blessed with three children, two of which were Jaime's own.

And as I watched my firstborn grow, I knew as soon as I found out I was going to have another child, that it would be Jaime's.

So he or she would look like either Jaime or myself, instead of looking like Robert and the rest of the Baratheon family.

Or who knows.

Perhaps even as a Targaryen, with Golden-silver hair and Purple eyes.

Very unlikely that Durrandon's appearance could be repeated.

Despite constantly reminding me of that awful imp, Durrandon's appearance eventually grew on me, even with his mismatched eyes and hair.

Durrandon had become the brother I didn't actually consider he could be.

A protector and best friend to both Lann and Joanna.

Both actually looked up to him, almost as if he was the greatest living person to ever live.

It truly was sweet.

I now hope that never changes.

Soon enough I noticed that Durrandon had the hearts of everyone he met.

Everyone from the servants to the common folk, from the Lord Commander who was loyal to Robert to Pycelle who was loyal to me and my house.

Even Stannis and my Father, the unsmiling men they were, actually became interested in my firstborn.

They may not show it, but they were always either asking around the red keep or sending letters questioning about his growth, both physical and mental.

From the youngest toddler to ever learn how to walk and speak properly, to the youngest child excelling in both intelligence and strength.

My oldest cub has grown up smart and ready for The Game.

And by the Gods was he tall.

If not for Durrandon clear traits of both Robert and his Targaryen grandmother, I'm sure someone would have accused me of cheating my husband with a vassal house of mine.

The Cleganes.

Durrandon would surely grow into a very tall man, probably the tallest if Pycelle was to be believed.

It's a little poetic, I had the Halfman as my youngest brother, and possibly the giant among all as my older son.

When Lann and Joanna were still babies, Durrandon would try to spend all the time he had available in the nursery.

Talking to them, well as much as a three year old could talk, even sleeping beside their crib sometimes.

He had been so happy to have a little brother and sister to play with, to watch over.

In the following few years, that hasn't changed much.

It has only gotten stronger.

Lann and Joanna had begun to follow him everywhere they could, playing knights and princesses with each other whenever Don was around; their older brother even helped them learn how to read.

Through bribery no less.

For every sentence that the twins read correctly, he told them a small tale about adventure and fantasy, even going so far as to sing some wonderful songs.

Although, sometimes when they were all three together, Durrandon was the only excited while the twins were upset about it.

They didn't want to have to fight for Durrandon's attention.

With Joanna being sometimes even aggressive if she didn't have her older brother's attention for herself.

Durrandon whispered something in her ear and Joanna's whole demeanor changed in an instant.

She jumped out of her chair, ran over to Lann, and hugged him tighter than she ever did before, to his cute annoyance.

When I asked Durrandon what he told her, he just smiled and said he didn't know what I was talking about.

While Lann reminded me of Jaime, Joanna was my beautiful little replica.

Durrandon seemed to care and love her the moment his eyes hit her face for the first time.

It was at that moment that I knew that Durrandon was going to be a force for any marriage contracts in the future.

Like my father was known to be to his sister.

And how Jaime was to me, before the Rebellion.

After that meeting though, I haven't allowed him to spend too much time with Joanna yet, as she was still a bit young for that.

It also didn't help that in the beginning she rarely stopped crying.

Neither Pycelle nor the wet nurses knew what was the cause of her cries.

She used to cry a lot, to her twin's annoyance.

And I was sure Durrandon hadn't cried this much even right after his birth.

Back then all I wanted was silence, just for a few instants so I could think of ways to extend it even further.

Robert was also being affected by it, so at least it was one good thing that came from her wails.

"Why must she cry so much? Is her life really that difficult?" Robert asked me, as if I knew the answer.

If I knew why she cried, I would stop it.

But sadly I didn't know back then.

One day, before I could find the answer, the most beautiful sound I could ever hear hit my ears.

Silence.

Absolute silence from Joanna.

Blissful peace, if only for the next minutes.

It was truly amazing.

But by then I was really curious as to why she was so silent all of a sudden.

While I was thinking of all of the reasons that could have made her be silent, a wet nurse came to our room.

When asked why my little Anna stopped crying, she responded saying we should follow and see the reason.

Robert looked over at me and shrugged, as if he could care less about why.

I glared at him and sighed before moving to follow the wet nurse.

When I made it to the room, I peeked inside.

The sight inside the nursery almost made my heart swell and tears meet my cheeks.

There, sitting on the ground with his back against the wall, was Durrandon holding a sleeping Joanna, while Lann slept on his crib.

And it was at that moment that everything became clear to me.

She was like me in more than one way.

Joanna was an exact copy of me.

She loved her brother more than anybody else.

She only wanted to be with him.

Back then, I didn't know whether to be worried about this development or relieved.

Worried that they would become like me and Jaime, or relieved that he would die to protect her no matter what.

It was at that moment, while I was lost in my thoughts, a presence made itself known.

"Like mother, like daughter I suppose. You used to cry unless we were in the same room as children." Jaime said with his traditional smirk plastered on his face.

I shot him a glance, hoping he understood that this wasn't the time for this conversation.

He didn't seem to agree though.

"Only you weren't as loud as our little Princess. Look at them, off into their own little world, completely oblivious to the people watching them."

The words he spoke were true.

Durrandon hadn't looked up while Anna was asleep.

It was truly the most adorable thing I had seen.

I just then noticed that this little scene had caused a small crowd to form.

In the crowd, there was Jaime and myself.

Some wet nurses and handmaidens had also stopped to watch what could have stopped the Princess from crying.

Nobody, aside from me and Jaime, saw anything other than a protective older brother adoring his baby sister.

I saw a problem that may or may not happen.

While Jaime saw our past.

"Make sure everyone leaves." I whispered to Jaime.

He immediately followed the order.

And for that, I was grateful.

Once we were alone, Jaime followed me into the nursery.

I walked into the room, picked Joanna up from his arms and set her in her crib besides Lann, while Jaime talked with Durrandon and began walking out of the room with him.

The two grew to develop a relationship similar to the one Jaime had with our monster of a brother.

Which was… nice.

Later Jaime moved next to me and put his hand on the small of my back.

And as we stared down at our sleeping twins, my mind wondered what the future held for my children and their bonds.

(Flashback ends.)

Years later, and here I was.

I used to love tournaments when I was a child.

But with the hundred or so that I've seen in my lifetime, especially since my marriage to Robert, I had no use for them anymore.

The best rider won the jousting, the best swordsman won the melee, and honestly who even cared about archery.

So here I sat, watching another tournament.

Only this one had an actual reason to be seen.

This time was different.

Some unbelievably skilled man, with a ridiculous name and coming from an even more ridiculously named place, has put up quite a show on both Archery and Melee to help me with my boredom.

And it was this tournament's Joust that would decide the Crown Prince's Sworn Shield.

Since my little cub seemed interested in protecting everyone else, even using this as justification to learn how to fight much earlier than was common, or reasonable, it would be nice for him to have a dedicated protector.

Speaking of Durrandon, he might be the most bored person about this tournament.

It was no wonder why.

The tournaments were beginning to bore him also, even after he was told that the next one was for him.

He sighed after hearing it.

On the other hand, although yet too young to stay too long watching, Lann and Joanna were both excited, but for different reasons.

My little Lann wanted to see the noble Knights of the Seven Kingdoms show their skill and valor during the tournament, while my precious Joanna just wanted to see blood.

It scared me that she wished pain was brought upon just about every person, safe for her older brother.

Lann had shown he was an extremely clever boy.

Both mentally and physically, just like his older brother, if not a little less abnormal compared to Durrandon.

Lann stayed away from Joanna for the most part, as did she, both in a rare case of agreement.

The relationships between the twins have begun to become more defined for the future.

Joanna and Lana have started drifting apart even further, but they still pretend to love each other in front of Durrandon.

Everything Joanna did, she did for approval and appraisal from Don.

He happily obliged her.

Like right now, Joanna was sitting on Durrandon's lap, giggling after being tickled by him.

Back to the tournament, the jousting was just about to begin.

—————————————————————

The streets were already paved with life and were as crowded as the day before.

Hundreds of people were breaking bread and sharing glasses of iced milk mixed with honey.

Durrandon could smell the fresh baked muffins and fresh uncorked wine, but he ignored them while his carriage continued its way.

The Crown Prince prepared himself to spend the following hours watching the knights jousting.

Contrary to him, the audience was restless and incredibly excited.

Thankfully, most of the young men with jousting talent did not compete in the joust, having not yet recovered from their wounds during the Melee.

Men from prominent families have trained since their adolescence to perform well in such events, and even then, most of them don't even come close to becoming famous.

Ser Barristan and Jaime obviously wouldn't leave the capital to follow the Crown Prince even if they won, but that wouldn't stop them from trying their best.

Both the Clegane brothers were competing, which was surprising, since the former didn't seem to be much keen about the whole knight matter.

Also, Ser Arys Oakheart from the Reach and Ser Balon Swann from the Stormlands were interesting faces among the smaller known knights and lucky Hedge Knights that hadn't entered the Melee.

As for the Joust itself, it all seemed quite straightforward.

With the fence in between the riders, controlling the horses would be very simple, and with the wooden lance no one really had to worry that much about death, so it was somewhat safe.

Although not completely.

Overall, Durrandon thought it was quite boring.

The melee had actual dangers and threats, but the Joust was purely repetition and structure.

Sure, the mechanics behind the warlance made it the strongest and most effective medieval weapon for a Warrior to make use of.

But it didn't make it less boring.

Robert called for the first match to begin.

The Mountain against a distant Tully cousin of Lyssa.

Oh, wonder who would win?

The man barely pushing six foot tall or the monster standing at eight feet.

They may be only using blunted tourney wooden lances, but that doesn't make Clegane any less dangerous.

Just as quickly as the Joust started, it ended.

Clegane won with a brutal move.

A broken arm and a shattered jaw was what the Tully ended with.

Quite lucky, if one might say so.

Sandor Clegane was next up against one of the many Frey's.

Steffon the Sweet.

What a horrible name for a man.

The Freys produce too many members of their horrible weasel looking family, this one didn't even look as if he saw any sort of battle, compared to the proven killer in the two Cleganes.

We will see if 'Sweet' could be anything close to deadly.

The match began with them meeting each other at full throttle.

Frey goes for a strong thrust, but Clegane blocks it with his shield and then shoulder charges Frey's shield to knock him down.

It succeeds somewhat, prompting the Frey Knight to stumble backwards, but the man doesn't fall.

In the next encounter, Clegane jumps at his opponent's weakness with an overhead strike.

At the last moment, Frey drops his lance to block it with the shield using both hands.

But as Clegane strikes the shield, it flies out of Frey's hold.

Sandor sees that and smells blood in the water.

He returns fast and wildly, trying to catch Frey in another moment of weakness, as the other man receives spare equipment in a similar hurry.

Clegane finds that moment of weakness he was looking for when his lance is blocked low by Frey's shield.

Sandor's shield meets Frey's face.

Easily a broken nose if not more.

In the following match, Clegane finishes the fight with a merciless strike on the bleeding man.

Frey was out cold, bleeding profusely from the broken nose and a giant carving on his breastplate.

In a real fight, Frey would have a real war lance through his chest right about now, while the Hound would be on to his next victim.

Clegane wins and advances to the next round.

Bets are being made on the victor.

The smart gamble would be Gregor Clegane or the competing Kingsguard, since they had won the previous tournament's jousts.

While everyone else was watching the Mountain, Durrandon watched the younger Clegane.

The Hound was almost as deadly as the Mountain, having been killing people since his twelfth name day, just less experienced than his monstrously huge older brother.

Sandor had the best chance to beat the three previous champions out of everyone.

He was close, if not already over 7 feet.

The burnt scars just added to his menacing look.

So there they all sat, watching the Joust.

Everyone marveled at the sight of knights being dismounted and thrown to the ground, reacting enthusiastically while seeing their heroes shatter their lances against their opponents.

The Joust, in Arianne's opinion, was not as exciting as the Melee or the Archery, and it dragged on for a long time.

The only reason the Dornish Princess was still awake was because her lover was there as well.

She began to appreciate his rare complexion, it reminded her a little of her cousin, Rhaenys, who had grown quite healthy despite still being a prisoner of the Crown.

It was equally amazing and surprising to Arianne that someone she'd just met one day ago could become so important to her so quickly.

The Dornish Princess smiled.

The mere thought of the young man made her happy and warm, and the memory of their night together made her hot and bothered.

People had told Arianne that a woman would always remember her first, and she believes they are right.

Arianne doesn't think she would ever forget how gentle and sweet Durrandon had been to her, and how he made her cry out in unbelievable pleasure.

She'd never known that sex felt so incredible, she would blush when she though back to how obscene and sultry her moans must have been.

Though Durrandon seemed to have enjoyed hearing her moan, she saw it in his eyes, how he would stare into hers as his thrusts made her loins burn.

Not to mention he was capable of performing actual magic, and that would be a secret she would have to keep from everyone else.

Thunderous applause shook the city as thousands of common folk cheered for Ser Jaime, their voices chanting his name over and over again as the young Kingsguard circled the track, waving his hand at the crowd with his helm hiding his bright smile.

"This is quite amazing." Said Jon Arryn as he moved to take a seat next to the King. "I don't recall any other tourneys with such enthusiastic crowds."

The King seemed to take stride in the crowd's hype.

Such a reaction and atmosphere was precisely what the King had wanted to see and feel when he first ordered the tourney to celebrate his firstborn sixth name day.

It was almost like the scene they all had experienced during the final moments of the Battle of Trident, when all the soldiers cried out and cheered for their victory and their leader.

At that moment, looking over at the King while he cheered on the competing knights, Jon noticed that Robert looked much happier than he had been for a long time.

"This is what a tourney should be like." Said the King loudly as he turned to his mentor and Hand. "Men besting each other for fame, money and glory, allowing all of us to release our primal animalistic selves!" Robert filled his glass with more wine as he chuckled. "If not for the damn winter every year, tourneys could be more frequent."

Jon lightly sipped on his wine, having half a mind to switch to his usual iced milk.

"It's been a chaotic time, Jon, and the transition of powers have caused the common folk to live stable, but not quite satisfying lives. Any sight of excitement will allow them to vent their suppressed animosity."

Jon Arryn smiled and raised his glass to his King, sometimes forgetting he was more bright than he appeared to be.

Robert finished his wine and leaned forward to watch the matches.

One after another, the joust went down to only sixteen knights, all of which had proven themselves better than the other hundred and twelve.

The waiting area had become quite spacious as most of the knights who lost had left the field, leaving the remaining sixteen to prepare for the final few rounds.

Everyone in the audience had become even more focused and excited.

And soon enough, there were only two men left.

Barristan the Bold, who had unhorsed the Mountain that Rides, versus Sandor Clegane, The Hound.

Sandor's disappointment when Ser Barristan had unhorsed his brother, the Mountain, was clear for those paying attention.

And perhaps the Hound was also lucky that Barristan had also unhorsed his fellow Kingsguard, Jaime Lannister, as well.

The fight that has been brewing for years, ever since the toy incident if rumors were true, had just been postponed.

Further down the pavilion and off to the right, Robert chuckled as he looked over at Prince Oberyn, who looked less than happy at the hype.

It was clear that the cheering and hollering boosted the spirits and momentum of everyone, but the Dornish Prince's gold dragons were becoming less and less secure.

Despite losing the bet, Tyrion shook his head and continued to enjoy his summer wine. He wouldn't bother to bet against either of the finalists, he had already lost his whoring money for the entire month.

By the time both Barristan and Sandor entered the yard riding their horses, everyone was already on their feet.

Waiting in anticipation.

The two men rode before the royal pavilion and bowed to the King, parting ways with a wave from Robert, and set their horses ready in their positions.

Silence filled the yard, not a word was said as shields and lances were wielded.

The two knights were ready and silent, waiting for the signal.

Right as Robert yelled for it to begin, the silence was broken, and the two men's horses sprinted at each other.

Then, the familiar tune of the royal trumpet blared and the horses were sent rampant.

Ser Barristan held his lance tightly and pointed it out, aiming for Sandor's chest as he did with his previous opponents.

The speed of his horse was becoming faster as the steed was very accustomed to his commands, and soon he was within the range of Sandor.

Barristan managed to tilt his body to the side in a sudden motion and disorientated Sandor's aim, but it wasn't enough.

It seemed that his movements had caused him to lose a little bit of control of his own aim, and his lance struck Sandor's shield instead of his chest.

Disregarding the slight push on his shield, Sandor's lance maintained its form and struck Barristan's shield.

The young Clegane made sure to put more strength into his lance, almost enough to bash the horn off a rhino, and shattered his opponent's shield.

However, the Kingsguard's skill and might proved true as he resisted from being unhorsed.

They almost murder each other once.

Twice.

Three times, before Barristan spoke dutifully. "I forfeit."

As soon as the legendary Kingsguard said that, everyone else was shocked.

Nobody knew what just happened, so they were all silent.

Until someone broke it.

"So he's my sworn shield?" Durrandon whispered, more to himself than to anyone else.

But he broke Robert out of his stupor.

"People of King's Landing, may I present to you your champion."

People clapped and cheered for the young Clegane.

It may not have ended the way they wanted but they'll get over it.

As the Lord Commander, Barristan had a responsibility to not get hurt enough to hinder his duties of protecting the King.

And since unhorsing Sandor wouldn't change things, it was just an unnecessary risk for him.

Good thing someone had manipulated the Jousts in a way that this outcome would be most certain.

It wasn't a pretty and elegant victory, but Sandor would gladly accept it.

"Sandor Clegane, I Robert of House Baratheon, First of my name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms do hereby name you… Sworn Shield of my eldest son and Crown Prince, Durrandon."

And now Durrandon had a protector, a secret keeper, and perhaps even a mentor and a friend in this Hound.

He just needed to make him a loyal one.

That day had been another good day for Durrandon.

Sandor clearly didn't enter the joust to become a babysitter, but after recalling some convincing words he heard before the joust, the Hound bowed down and made his vows.

A Sworn Shield or Sworn Sword were both Knights, or similar warriors, who made an oath to serve an individual, often as a bodyguard, soldier or champion.

Many lords and lordlings kept a retinue of Knights and Sworn Swords in their service, including at court, and even fought in their host during wartime.

The Kingsguard were a specialized and most prestigious type of Sworn Shield, Sworn to the King of the Seven Kingdoms.

However, an individual Kingsguard may be appointed the Sworn Shield of another member of the royal family, as Sandor was to the original Joffrey, and a non-Kingsguard may also serve as the King's Sworn Shield.

A hedge knight could ride bare naked if he chose, he had no one to shame but himself.

It was different when his Sword was Sworn though.

When he accepts a Lord's meat and mead, all he does reflects on this Lord image as well.

They should always do more than what was expected of them, never less.

Never flinch at any task or hardship.

And above all, never shame the Lord they served.

—————————————————————

TYWIN LANNISTER POV

A few days early, Prince Durrandon Baratheon had been officially, and publicly, invited to Casterly Rock, to become my ward.

But when the boy entered my office, I examined him rather blatantly.

Starting by staring at him to see what type of man he would become.

A weak man like my father, a foolish one like his or something more.

To the boy's credit, he never faltered under my stare.

That should say something at least.

No servants, I noticed.

Interesting.

Was it a statement or a precaution?

The boy was apparently too smart for me to consider as a lack of caution.

Regardless of that, Durrandon Baratheon was not what I expected.

The reports I got spoke of a skilled and gifted, yet naive, young boy.

But the way he carried himself reminded me of… myself.

At some point in the not too distant future, I intended to speak firmly with some of my informants about that.

For now, however, I needed to deal with a Prince who clearly had a brain that was good for something more than keeping his ears from touching each other.

"Thank you for seeing me, your grace." I said.

"I'm sorry it couldn't be earlier, Grandfather." He stood by the chair on the opposite side of my desk, waiting for it to be offered to him.

Respectful and well mannered... How is this Robert's child?

"Please, sit down, Your Grace. I know you must be busy setting things up before our departure towards the Westerlands, so I will keep this short so as not to waste both of our time. You were asked here for one simple reason, the future."

He raised an eyebrow at that.

"Your father has Jon Arryn as his hand, with the Stark's army backing him up. But what do you have? When the time comes and you take over, you will notice that Dorne rarely comes out of their deserts, and when they do it's never out of respect or duty. Northerners never come South unless for war, which all in itself isn't bad nor good. The Iron Islands wish to be nothing more than raiders. While the other Kingdoms wish for more power. When you assume the throne, I can help you keep it and help you keep the Kingdoms aligned to you and only you. All you need to do is ask."

It is a good offer.

I have experience in politics and war.

Much more than he does.

"Forgive me, Grandfather, but I will have to put your offer to the side for right now. As I am nowhere close to ascending to the throne, I do not wish to make alliances for the future that one side may never see. My father has the possibility to live for another fifty years or more, while you on the other hand, I'm not so sure. No offense. So if it pleases you Grandfather, I have a counteroffer of my own that I believe is of your interest."

Is that so?

Perhaps it might be even better than the alliance I had planned, depending on how I manage to take advantage of it.

If he gets in debt with me, I may be able to do things that I otherwise wouldn't try.

"Of course, your Grace. And what might that offer of yours be?"

It helps that I'm genuinely curious, as well.

"I will be offering you a chance to save your house."

"Save my house?" I repeat incredulously, not grasping the meaning behind his words.

"My mother, your daughter, has cheated on my father. Normally I wouldn't even bat an eye, since my father does exactly the same thing almost every night. However, since mother has presented her bastards as trueborns, it's not something I would allow without anything in return."

I was shocked.

How dared this little… prince threaten me and my house?

"And who might be this traitor you claim that my daughter, your mother, has cheated the King with?" I questioned coldly.

"The father of my half-siblings is my uncle, your precious son, Jaime Lannister." Durandon replied, matching my serious tone and staring at me without flinching.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

I didn't want to.

"Nonsense." I rebutted, obviously unable to believe nor consider that my children had engaged in a incestuos relationship. "You clearly are delusional, child. And you expect to have me fostering you at my house? Do you even have proof of this atrocious claim of yours?"

"As a matter of fact, I do." The Crown Prince gave a faint smirk, saying yes to both questions. "Pycelle himself can attest to the betrayal." The Crown Prince quickly replied, not stuttering at all while maintaining his serious expression, facing mine. "I know he's more loyal to you than anyone else, but even he can't deny that any offspring between Baratheon and Lannister should only have black hair and blue eyes. Safe for rare exceptions, of course." He brushed his mismatched hair aside to display his eyes. "Of course, that's not to say that someone like Varys doesn't already know it. But the master of whispers can't be either bought or reasoned with."

I was at a loss for words, for the first time in quite a long time.

Unable to believe that I was actually debating with a child, much less losing the argument.

Before I had the chance to come up with anything, he spoke again.

"Surely, you would want something to happen to your own house and sully it's pristine reputation. Especially if my father acted irrationally. And…" He added as I continued to think about all my options. "Neither would I. After all, such stains would be hard to wash away. "

I stared back at him, trying to think of some weakness in this child that I could exploit.

"The offer I was meaning to give you was to avoid such scandal, and if someone even brings it up in the future, as the trueborn Baratheon, both mother and my siblings will have my full support. Better yet, I will even make Lann the Crown Prince when I have enough authority to forfeit my birthright."

That was another shock that ruined any semblance of logical line of thought or argument I was coming up with.

On top of a sudden and painful headache, things just got out of hand.

A Crown Prince forfeiting the crown and willingly passing it down to a known bastard brother?

"And what will you expect in return?" I barely managed to ask the big question.

Durrandon actually smirked before replying. "You offered me your advice, I ask instead for your complete and undying fidelity."

I raised an eyebrow at that.

"You see, although I will be your ward for the next few years, I want you to understand that I will be the one giving orders." Durrandon said. "Serve me well and as soon as I have the necessary authority, I will be relieving uncle Jaime from his vows as a Kingsguard."

Caughting me off guard again, Durrandon made a pause, shifting his smirk back into a more smug one.

"That's right, I will be returning you the son you wanted so badly to inherit Casterly Rock and become the next Warden of the West, while also separating him from my mother. If you don't agree with my terms, without my siblings and uncle Jaime, I believe the next in line should be uncle Tyrion. If I'm not mistaken, he once mentioned that he wished to own a Brothel, and gold certainly won't be a problem for the next Warden of the West."

Well, for what's worth, that was nicely played.

"That is inarguable." I frowned in thought and cold sweat before admitting defeat. "I will serve your orders, your grace, under the circumstances that you described yourself. However, I would ask you a question… Your request for my service strikes me as natural for someone seeking power. But why would you forfeit the crown?"

Durrandon snapped his fingers and…out of nowhere, his father, the King, appeared right behind him.

In full plate armor, wielding his Warhammer and laughing ready for battle.

I could not believe it.

Have I just witnessed…

"Magic." Durrandon spoke, completing my line of thought as if he could read my mind.

Snapping his finger again, my older son, Jaime, appeared beside Robert.

However, instead of his Kingsguard armor, Jaime now wore my clothes and had a serious expression on his face.

"You really think a crown gives you power?" The Crown Prince finally replies to my previous question. "Power is power."

Letting the weight behind the fact he could cast magic like a mage sink in, he continued.

"And with time…" He rose from his seat and shifted into the image of the champion of both archery and melee, the fearsome Fighter who had just recently been knighted. "…There won't be anyone more powerful than me in the entire world." Turning into the form of a young man with Valyrian traits, resembling the late Prince Rhaegar as he smiled down on me before sitting down again. "Serve me well, and House Lannister won't be like the Targaryens were, but like the powerful Dragonlords of Old Valyria that ruled before the Doom."

That certainly was too much to process.

I needed to cut my losses short as soon as I could and either awake from this nightmare or somehow recover from this revelation.

Since I couldn't find a proper reason to deny the child, I simply accepted his offer.

If he speaks the truth, our deal will certainly be beneficial for me.

If not, I will have to find a way to make it so.

"Very well …your Grace. Yours is indeed the fury." I conceded, making a mental note not to draw that fury upon myself in the future if I could help, nor risk finding out how much of a Targaryen he was.

It was far colder than I had thought, having dealt with his father right after he won his rebellion.

"Of course, and like you, I pay my debts."

With that, Durrandon moved to leave, stopping for a brief moment to say one final thing. "If you reveal my secret, you and all your house will hear my furious roar and learn that before the rain comes the storm."

I nodded respectfully, prompting him to walk away.

That boy was already extremely dangerous in the Game, to consider that he had the might and magic to back it up was just too much.

I will have to earn his loyalty.

That might prove to be tricky, though.

But then again…

By the Gods…

Magic?!

—————————————————————

DURRANDON'S POV

I can't believe it!

I've actually managed to strongarm Tywin fucking Lannister into accepting to serve me.

The idea of his children being into a incestuos relationship helped startle him enough to prevent him from rationalizing at full capacity.

Plus a subtle use of Mind Sliver, and the old man was almost assuming a fetal position.

The prospect of Tyrion inheriting Casterly Rock was perhaps what struck most fear into the man's heart.

And the fact that I was capable of performing magic will definitely make him reconsider any ideas of betraying me.

I wasn't a fool to believe he would remain loyal forever.

But I only really required his services until the Greyjoy Rebellion was dealt with, anything after that would be a bonus.

And since I was being fostered by the Lannisters, Lann would be expected to become Stannis ward when he comes of age.

As for Joanna, she had once mentioned to me that she wanted to become a Septa.

But I didn't buy it for a second.

It seems she believes this path will prevent mother and father from marrying her off to some Lord's son.

But I told her she was too young for them even considering that.

Now, having got acquainted with my Sworn Shield, the Tsundere Clegane, I proceeded to recruit my crew.

The Alchemists have finally begun to associate and work with Tobho Mott to produce my Infusions and research the viability of some of my projects.

Besides, I wanted them to also recruit my bastard siblings that father had conceived, like Gendry.

And since I had taken all their stock of Wildfire into my Inventory, they had plenty of secure space to use for their experiments.

[10,000 x JAR OF WILDFIRE ACQUIRED!]

Each one was capable of producing an inextinguishable blaze that would burn for hours within a 20 meters range.

And that was in unfavorable conditions like burning over a stone floor, just imagine if I threw one of them onto a grass field, or even in a forest.

Complete and utter chaos, I assure you.

As for Chataya and her business, besides having her watch carefully which women Robert made pregnant, I had Alysse secretly help manage the Tavern's finances while learning a few things from Littlefinger.

It would be her first step into becoming a suitable candidate for the position of Master of Coin.

With time, I would be sending money so she could buy other establishments and exercise even more her skills.

Meanwhile, Rhaenys would continue what I began, constantly hunting for more criminals in this population of half a million people.

Though for the future, I had instructed her to help Alysse get rid of certain obstacles in her way, while Alysse in return would help her with raising her own guild of assassins and thieves.

Perhaps even keeping tabs on the High Sparrow while he was not that well known.

Neither of them had my magic, but the System would be more than enough to give them the necessary tools to succeed in my long term missions for them.

Alysse was mainly a Bard, with both Lore and Eloquence, she had a natural talent for the Artificer's arts, with an excellent comprehension of the schools of Magic.

Rhaenys mastered the way of the Rogue, learning how to kill and spy, successfully practicing how to channel her Ki and diligently applying herself to mimic my superior techniques.

Besides, after thoroughly scavenging the Keep's vault, I had found two Valyrian steel daggers, which I gifted one for each as a parting gift.

It was to my understanding that very few problems couldn't be resolved by conjuring out of nowhere Valyrian steel blades.

Even less were capable of immediately endangering their lives.

Just in case I left behind a few contingency plans for them to use in case of an emergency.

But enough of those who would remain.

As for those I would be taking with me…

Sandor Clegane, obviously.

Nowadays he was the first person who actually made me feel small.

Thoros of Myr was a surprisingly easy man to recruit, which made me wonder if he had seen something in the flames that made the work for me.

Jalabhar Xho had spent quite a lot to subscribe for the Archery contest, so he gladly accepted to help guard me on the Westerlands, having nowhere better to be.

Since he wouldn't be much use to me here, I invited Syrio Forel to also come.

And surprisingly, the fifth member of my retinue was someone I didn't seek to join me.

Lothor Brune, a freerider related to the Brunes of Brownhollow in the Crackclaw Point, a region in the Crownlands.

He was a small man with a stocky build and a square jaw. He had a squashed nose, a mat of woolly grey hair, with a rough voice but spoke seldomly.

Apparently, after recovering from his defeat in the melee, he saw an opportunity to make a name for himself in the Westerlands, and coincidentally found I was his best option.

It was too soon for me to have a precise opinion about the man, but from what I recalled from the books and our brief exchange of swords, he was at least honest and skilled enough in combat.

And since his stats weren't shit, the slightly inconsequential character was welcomed into my unofficial party.

The last person in the equation would be my uncle.

Tyrion Lannister.

"Look at you, already taller than me by your sixth name day!" The imp joked. "At this pace you are going to be bigger than the Hound, but much better looking."

Speaking of him.

Sandor stared at Tyrion, but refrained from any sort of reply.

"This one doesn't like me." Tyrion chuckled, turning to look at me.

"Must be because you've just insulted him without reason. As my Sworn Shield, any insult to me is an insult to him, and vice-versa." I told him rather seriously.

"Oh, then I believe apologies are in order." Tyrion quickly replied, showing he meant no disrespect towards the Hound. "I'm sorry Clegane. As you can see, I spoke as an authority on the matter of comeliness, or lack of it."

Even though Sandor shrugged at the dwarfs' friendly words, I noticed he appreciated the gesture, from both of us.

Clegane was a simple man to read once you understood his backstory.

"Ha! C'mon now boys, stop it now before Clegane here blushes." Thoros barged in laughing before sipping from his wineskin.

"It is not wise to disturb the quiet ones." Syrio warned with his Bravossi accent while sheathing his sword that resembled a Rapier.

"A worthy Prince must always take into consideration everyone serving under him." Jalabhar pointed out with his Summer Islander accent while strapping his quiver. "After all, every man counts."

Like Sandor, Brune remained silent, merely showing that he was hearing their conversation.

"My my, dear nephew, that's quite the menagerie of capable swords… and arrows. Are we going to war or something?" Tyrion asked me with a smile.

"Not exactly, uncle." I replied with an amused smile. "Since I found no books that could be of help, I decided to get acquainted with leading men by starting small."

"Good thinking." Tyrion admitted while looking at everyone else bantering amongst themselves, noticing Shadow passing between his legs and jumping into my shoulder. "So, shall we? My Lord father has decided to take an alternative route towards Casterly Rock."

I nodded, already aware that we would be taking the tourist route under my command.

Imagine Tyrion's surprise if he knew how I dealt with the mighty Tywin Lannister.

Heh, all my girlish enthusiasm for Charles Dance aside, I've spoken with actual Gods, so it wasn't really that much of a big deal.

—————————————————————

Instead of the Golden Road, Lord Tywin's retinue opted for traveling through the King's Road past Harrenhal up until the Crossroad Inn.

Then we would switch to the River Road, pass by Stony Sept and leave the Riverlands through Riverrun.

After that, it wouldn't take long for us to reach Casterly Rock, arriving just before the next Winter.

The trip would take a little longer than it usually would because of some stops I had decided to make along the way.

Leaving King's Landing was almost as another tourney took place, everyone wishing me safe travels.

I said goodbye to my family, hugging my crying half-siblings, and close friends, wishing good luck for both Alysse and Rhaenys on their long term missions.

Thanked both Pycelle and Barristan for all of their support and training, and was glad to finally see that both had just earned a title and a trait after years of tutoring me, College of Lore Bard and Battle Master Fighter respectively.

And also bidding farewell to the Dornish Princess, who seemed very sad to not have another night alone with him.

On a side note, both Bard and Ser Knight were also seen leaving the city on the same day and joining Tywin's retinue.

—————————————————————

(12/10/2021)

(24/04/2022)

*Hope this chapter is of your liking.

Anything you wish to ask, feel free to do so.

Check out my auxiliary chapter if you still haven't.

Thanks as always for your attention and please be safe.

Any problems with my writing, just point them out and I will correct them as soon as possible.

** Sorry if this chapter felt rushed, especially with the meeting between the MC and Tywin Lannister. 😅

As I come up with new ideas to flesh it out, I will be updating the chapter. 😉👍

Chapter 12: The Dornish Princess and The Old Lion

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Chapter 12: The Dornish Princess and The Old Lion

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