The entire court seemed to focus on me as if I were the second coming of Christ. I observed the expressions of the more notable figures and saw that Littlefinger was in good spirits. So was Varys. I couldn't say the same for the Stark girls… neither of them looked all too happy. No doubt, they heard the news by now.
"Father…" Sansa spoke, lowering her head. "He's…"
"Our father fell in battle fighting the Lannisters." Robb Stark confirmed, dismounting from his horse. "He fought bravely…"
"I… didn't want to believe it." Sansa began to tear up. "I really didn't."
Robb Stark stepped forward and embraced his sister, trying to comfort her.
"I was too…" Robb looked down and stroked her head. "There was nothing that could be done. Our father was a soldier… he did not run from the battle. So…"
"So stupid… so, so, stupid!" Arya frowned, shaking her head. "Why did he… have to fight? If he stayed away, he could still be alive!"
She was right, in a sense. Eddard Stark was a good fighter, relative to normal soldiers… but he was no warrior. As a Lord Paramount, he should have treasured his life more and took a field commander approach like Lord Tywin used to.
"... Arya…"
Robb tried to reach out but Arya Stark ran away with tears in her eyes. He couldn't possibly chase after her while still by Sansa's side.
"I'll stay here." I pat Robb's shoulder, smiling slightly. "You speak with Arya. After all, you are her big brother and she needs you the most right now."
"..." Robb Stark nodded, letting go of Sansa. "It's going to be alright… we're a pack of wolves and so long as we're together, we'll be strong and survive till better days come."
He turned away and ran after Arya. He was going to have quite the cardio session… that's for sure. That little girl was as dexterous and nimble as a cat. This is especially true after all those extra months spent training under Syrio Forrel. Robb might not even catch her.
"Would you come with me, Lady Sansa?" I grabbed her right hand with my own, rubbing away her tears with my left. "I don't like seeing you like this."
"..." She sniffled, looking up to me. Her deep blue eyes looked beautiful… they were almost glowing. "Yes… I would like to."
I smiled, taking her along.
"I won't be long… Lord Stannis and Renly, take care of the court while I'm away."
"Very well."
…
I didn't really know where to take her… I wanted somewhere private but King's Landing was very much famed for having eyes and ears everywhere (for good reason). Even in the more enclosed Red Keep, this was very much true. Though I could take her to my bedchamber which would be perfectly private, that would lead to a whirlwind of rumours I had no desire for.
I settled with the royal gardens, sitting her down on one of the nice wooden benches. I sat down as well, wiping away the rest of her tears with my handkerchief.
The Kingsguard were in the vicinity, but not nearly close enough to hear me properly.
"Cry as much as you need to." I managed a smile, shaking my head slightly. "It's alright… no one else is here except me. I wouldn't judge you…"
"..." Sansa sniffled, turning to me. Her eyes were almost sparkling. She seemed to hesitate for a moment… before placing her head in my chest and letting it all out.
Now, getting tears and snot all over your garments was never exactly ideal… but I wasn't all that mad about it. I could take a bath and get changed pretty easily. However, nothing would quite bring back Eddard Stark to life. She would have to walk the rest of her life without her father…
That pain was something I understood… and I wanted to help her get over it. Part of it was because I wanted to be in even better graces with the Starks, naturally, but… I also felt that it was only right to comfort her. I was one of the few people who could do it.
"It's okay." I brushed her soft auburn hair, embracing the lady. "Everything will be okay."
"I'm sorry, my prince… this… was meant to be an important day for you." Sansa finally withdrew, wiping away her tears. "Your return to King's Landing. Instead of celebrating it… you're here…"
"I'll have plenty of days to celebrate in the future." I shrugged, smiling slightly. "I am the son of Robert Baratheon, after all. It is in my bloodline to find the smallest excuse to celebrate."
"..." Sansa Stark smiled at my jest. "You are too kind, Edric."
"I just don't like to see you cry…" I leaned back against the bench. "... If I were by Lord Eddard's side during that battle, I could have protected him. I'm… almost certain of it. It's partially my fault that he died in the first place."
"... Don't blame yourself for it." Sansa shook her head. "Even if you did try… wouldn't you just have put yourself in more danger? What if… you died instead?"'
"You'd be crying less." I smiled, tilting my head. "Maybe not at all…"
"I would… cry." Sansa countered, almost pouting. "If you died too…"
"I wouldn't." I shook my head. "I have a purpose… and until I fulfil that very purpose, I won't ever allow myself to die no matter what challenges stand in my way. A legendary warrior, an army, a Kingdom… even if it's the entire world… I'll stand tall and carve a path through the darkness to better, brighter days."
"... A purpose… what would that be?"
"I can't tell you that." I smiled, shaking my head.
"... I see." Sansa took a deep breath, looking away. "I… remember thinking that I loved Joffrey."
'...' I had some idea of where this was going, and I can't quite say I liked it. Even so, I had put myself in this position. Maybe manoeuvring this conversation effectively will lead to my charm improving… and her getting over me.
"He was tall, handsome, golden-haired… and I thought he was kind, gallant and noble." Sansa lowered her gaze. "I thought he was just like the fairytales… that my life would be just like a beautiful song of happiness and love until the end."
I nodded, listening along.
"Then… you appeared and snatched my heart for yourself. You were wild and bold, almost like a beast. The confidence you walked with… I could only look at you." Sansa smiled, her face looking a bit red. "You did what your heart told you to without fear of anything. Even when dozens of men charged at you, you did not concede… you kept fighting until you won."
"You didn't just win the melee that day… you won my heart as well."
She turned to me.
"Do you… love me too?"
That was the last thing I could lie about…
My heart would roar in defiance.
"No," I spoke the truth, shaking my head. "I don't have the same feelings."
"..." She looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. Her expression was downcast. "Even so… I could be a good queen to you."
"..."
'This girl is persistent, if anything.'
"Arya doesn't want to be a lady." Sansa Stark raised her head again. "If you both decide to, you can break your betrothal and choose who you want to be with."
"You'd marry me… even though I told you that I don't love you?" I raised an eyebrow.
"I'd make you love me." Sansa smiled with an almost delusional naivety. "I know you would never hurt me like Joffrey. You're… everything he wasn't."
"..." I chuckled. "Oh, Sansa… I'm not the hero you dream of. You deserve someone far better than me."
"... But…"
"Believe me." I grabbed her hands and looked straight into her eyes. "There are better people for you. People who can even make your fairytales come true…"
"I… don't want anyone else."
I could almost mistake my 'Diplomat' perk for 'Romantic' because it was doing the complete opposite for me.
I let go of her and smiled, shaking my head.
"Sansa… you deserve someone who loves you wholeheartedly. As someone who shared the same dream of a happy and loving romance… I know that better than anyone." I sighed. "I can only ever love one person… and that person isn't you. Please understand for me, alright? I don't hate you; I don't dislike you… if anything, I quite like you. But…"
"I can't love you."
"..." Sansa stood up, shaking her head. "Forgive me… I was too stubborn… and stupid-"
"No, it's not your fault. It's mine."
She looked at me one more time before walking away.
I watched her walk away with mixed feelings.
Technically, Sansa would be among my best marriage prospects as the eldest daughter of House Stark and someone with blood ties to House Tully. We also share the same desire, in a way. We both seek that 'perfect' romantic love.
But… if we married, I would be stealing that dream away from her.
Either way, I wanted to save my hand for someone else…
The Dragon Queen.
~
After Edric left, the court returned to normalcy. Mainly spreading gossip and enjoying their luxuries. The lords who had just arrived spoke their heroic tales of warfare and reunited with old friends. The main topic of discussion, however, was the new King that would succeed Robert… the Regent that would rule the Realm for him and the potential Hand that would do the same.
"Ah, the littlest of fingers." Dorian approached Littlefinger with a sharp grin. "I don't believe we've spoken before."
"No, not that I recall." Littlefinger shook his head. "Even so, I know who you are. A dangerous man who rose from slavery to freedom… to having the future King's ear. It's quite admirable, really."
Dorian smiled. "A son of a little lord who was raised alongside far more important lords and ladies, entangling with them. A man with an impressive ability for finding gold and latching onto the right people. Now… he stands as a member of the small council. Someone responsible for the Realm's treasury, no less."
"How could a humble mercenary like me compare to the likes of you?"
Dorian almost sounded sarcastic, making Littlefinger chuckle.
"You are an intriguing man, Dorian dagger-hand."
"I'd hate to be a boring one." Dorian grinned, clashing his goblet against Littlefinger's. "Have a good drink, Master of Coin. You should be happy… the Realm will know a proper King soon."
Littlefinger smiled. "It is a joyous occasion, indeed."
…
"We had the old Lion on the run with his tails between his legs!" Renly laughed, performing a boy gesture. "But… my dearest nephew couldn't let the bastard escape the field unscathed! He aimed an arrow across the entire field, hundreds and hundreds of paces… and fired! Whoooosh!"
Renly imitated an arrow going through the air with his hand.
"The arrow went singing across the battlefield, straight for Tywin's head." Renly chuckled, raising his index finger. "However… the lucky cunt had tilted his head ever so slightly, feeling my nephew's arrow about to take his life. The arrow scraped only the side of his helmet, but the look on his face…"
Renly laughed.
"I swear, he shat three solid pounds of gold before riding as far away as he could!"
All of the lords and ladies listening in laughed with him. He had the kind of charisma that would make anything he said seem overly amusing. Meanwhile, Stannis was making arrangements for the future.
…
After a nice bath and change of clothes, Edric stood on the highest tower where the wind blew against his long and wild hair. A little bit of rain fell as he remained in his thoughts. The day of their reunion was so close… he could almost see it.
There was a red comet lighting up the night sky, a large and very prominent one. It could be seen across the world.
Edric was fascinated by its red glow, simply staring at it.
'Dragons… the return of Dragons and Magic.'
Edric observed, grinning as the wind blew with greater ferocity and made his hair sway wildly. He spread open his arms, and the waves scattered by his command. He raised his hands like a conductor, and the waves under King's Landing followed.
"Power…" Edric acknowledged, feeling a surge of power in his body. "My power."
The cracking of thunder followed, and lightning tore through the sky - crashing against the earth. He raised his left hand as if he was reaching out to the heavenly sky. He spread open his fingers, and lightning trickled down… cracking around his hand.
Under his command, the lightning began to take a more condensed form… forming a sword. Not just any sword, however. It was the sword he imagined the Raiden Shogun would wield.
He began to sweat as the amount of energy and concentration needed to gather, keep, control and condense the lightning began to drain him.
Bit by bit, he managed to form a katana.
'Damn it… I'm… not there yet.'
When he realised that it was becoming too much to handle, he sent the sword away into the sky.
Woosh.
It crashed against a bird… destroying it immediately, and then…
Zzzz…. SHHH!
Its lightning spread out like a chain, hitting every flying creature near it.
'... Chain lightning?' Edric observed, grinning slightly as he observed the damage he had caused. 'The vegans wouldn't like me.'
Over a dozen birds had fallen prey to Edric's lightning, plummeting straight down to the ground.
Despite feeling fatigued, all Edric could do was smile. This was proof that his Storm Manipulation had reached the next level. A level where he could use it properly instead of something that came and went depending on his resolve.
'The Storm is Coming…'
His eyes sparked a thunderous violet purple.
…
Edric spent the rest of the night eating delicious warm food and drinking wine (after his food tasters had a taste first). He also entertained his court, making new 'friends' and allies. He understood exactly how a good King would act - having read about every single one that came before him. The part almost came naturally to him… especially when he had a good drink and eased in.
Once the adrenaline faded and fatigue began to set in, Edric decided to let the night take him and went over to his bedchamber. The one he had slept in as prince… since he wasn't King yet, he decided to enjoy it while it lasted.
With the Kingsguard, Dorian and Arthur around while Lord Stannis and Renly ruled over the court… there wasn't all that much for him to worry about.
"It's a bit early for you to be lying on my bed," Edric remarked with a slight smile, falling right into the opposite half of the bed. He didn't want to squash little Arya under his weight. "What's wrong?"
"Robb told me… about our arrangement," Arya stated, frowning slightly. "It doesn't matter to you… I get to choose, don't I?"
"Yeah… that's about right. I wanted to tell you sooner rather than later." Edric nodded, sitting up and looking at her. "Is there something wrong with that?"
"It sounds to me like you want me to go."
"What?" Edric chuckled. "I'm giving you the freedom to choose your destiny."
"You know I wouldn't like being a lady… and you want a better one. A proper, beautiful lady who acts like one should." Arya looked away. "Like… my sister. That's why you told Robb to go after me while you stayed with her."
"What good would I accomplish trying to make you feel better?" Edric questioned, raising an eyebrow. "The time I so much as touched your head, you kicked me into oblivion."
"... Hm." Arya crossed her arms. "You keep changing the matter of discussion. Do you… want to keep this arrangement or not?"
"... It depends on you."
"It depends on you." Arya shook her head. "I'm not stupid. You want me to be the one to 'break' it so you don't look bad to everyone else."
"As long as everyone is happy." I shrugged. "What does it matter? I won't force you to marry me, nor will I turn you away if you choose to stay… it's as simple as that. I've taken a dutiful approach to this matter."
"Dutiful…" Arya scoffed. "Fine, if that's what you want… I'll stay."
'Interesting… is she making me be the one to break it when the time comes?'
"I see." Edric smiled, dropping himself back down on his royal bed. He closed his eyes and let out a chuckle. "I didn't imagine a girl like you would like to be queen."
"... It's not about being queen." Arya got off his bed and turned away.
"You… like me?" Edric chuckled
"... No." Arya scoffed. "I just… don't want you to get the easy way out."
"You sure you don't like me?" Edric laughed. "Because I think-"
"No, I don't like you." Arya shook her head.
"Ah, it doesn't matter whatever your excuse is." Edric smiled. "I don't mind staying betrothed to you… it'll keep away the horde of ladies that were ready to line up."
"... They're still here."
"Would you water-dance them away from me?" Edric jested.
"I'd like to."
She opened the door and left.
'What a weird girl…' Edric thought.
…
"On this day, I wish to honour the last heroes of the Rebellion that rose up and overthrew the Mad King… ending his tyranny before the Realm burned under his reign. King Robert, the First of His Name, my father… brought a sense of peace and prosperity to the Realm for nearly fifteen whole years. Today… this legendary warrior, fierce leader and king will be put to rest, knowing that the legacy he paved…"
"Will be carried on by me."
In the initial days after his return, Edric was making preparations for his crowning. First of all, he had an official ceremony honouring the fallen during the war, focusing on Lord Eddard and King Robert. He gave them a proper farewell in the eyes of the Realm before moving on.
~
"Look at you, prince… all nice and pretty," Dorian remarked, grinning slightly. "It's your big day."
I looked in the mirror while three servants tended to my appearance simultaneously. I won't lie, I was looking good. My wild black hair was cut and brushed all nicely. The gold and black garments I wore were far from simple. Dashing, regal.
I looked like a King, indeed.
All that I was missing was the crown.
"Not quite." I countered. "This is just the beginning, Dorian. My big day is a good while away."
"Oh… so you're already thinking ahead. Good."
"Of course." I glanced at Arthur. "I also have a present for you after the ceremony."
"Is it a white cloak?" Arthur smiled, raising an eyebrow.
"No, it's a black one." I chuckled, patting his shoulder. "I'm sending you to the Wall."
"..." Arthur shook his head, laughing. "If that's what you wish, I'll go."
"... Really?" I blinked.
"Yeah."
"... Heh, I wouldn't do that to you."
Before long, it was time…
~
Edric walked into the main hall with a stride of confidence. Even without any heavy armour covering him or a warhammer in hand, each one of his steps carried a sense of might. Those who had witnessed him fight first-hand saw flashes of the antlered demon who had crushed all forms of resistance in his wake.
The goldenheart bow that took the life of hundreds and frightened thousands more, the Warhammer that crushed lord paramounts under it, the cunning that crushed all forms of rebellion…
They did not see a twelve-year-old boy ascending to the throne; they saw a conqueror take what is his.
His gaze slowly moved from one side of the court to the other as he continued walking.
He stopped before the High Septon, who had his majestic crown prepared for him. He was a few steps higher, holding the crown over him as Edric turned around.
"May the Warrior shield him from dangers he cannot see…"
"May the Smith grant him even greater strength so that he may carry this heavy burden…"
"May the Crone grant him wisdom and guide the way to a prosperous reign…"
"May the Father grant him the strength to judge those who have done wrong and seek justice for his Realm…"
'Right about now…'
"In light of the Seven, I now proclaim…"
"Edric of the House Baratheon, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm!"
A raging wave of applause followed as the high septon crowned Edric Baratheon at long last.
His eyes were not at all focused on the crowd, however. Something else entirely had taken his full attention.
From the ceiling, purple particles trickled down, and the space around them seemed to tear apart. An electro symbol emerged, and from it came…
The Raiden Shogun.