King Robert's pace was swift, and initially, Cley estimated that it would take him two months to reach Winterfell, given his indulgent lifestyle. However, just a month and a half had passed, and Cley, standing atop the walls of Winterfell chatting with Robb, had already spotted the royal knights who had advanced ahead.
He didn't know the identity of the knight, but it was hard to ignore the stag flag fluttering in the wind attached to the saddle.
"Tsk, the stag with long antlers is about to appear in Winterfell. How about it, Robb? I heard this time the queen and her two brothers are coming together. Are the fangs of the Ice Wolf sharp?" Cley clicked his tongue, watching the two knights approach with the flags of the Ice Wolf and the crowned stag advancing side by side, reminiscent of the Usurper's War decades ago.
"Well, they are the most prestigious siblings in all Seven Kingdoms. I might have to kiss her hand. Besides, guest rights must not be violated," Robb replied, adjusting his cloak, speaking slowly, though his brows remained furrowed.
Cley smirked, reaching out to tug at the newly sprouted beard on the young lord of the North, who avoided the gesture, looking at Cley strangely. "What are you doing?"
"Has anyone told you that the Starks don't lie at all? Nonsense, we..." Robb instinctively wanted to refute, but the words stuck in his throat. After a moment, he mumbled, "Yes, true. In the North, we've never been taught to..."
Robb stared blankly at the two fast-approaching horses through the East Gate. After a long while, he turned to Cley, "Did I conceal it so poorly?"
"I'm not a wolf, but I also know that baring your teeth too early will only make people shoot arrows at you immediately." Cley shrugged, patting Robb on the shoulder. "Here's some advice for you, except for essential occasions, try to avoid meeting members of the Lannister family. It'll save you from unnecessary discomfort. These days chatting with Robb about life and women, aside from learning some spicy anecdotes exclusive to Winterfell, Cley also knew that although Duke Eddard rarely mentioned the Usurper's War to his children, the misdeeds of the Lannister family after entering King's Landing were not spared. At least for Robb, he was well aware of the atrocities committed by the Lannisters, knowing how they earned the title of Kingslayer. So, Robb's reaction to the Lannister family didn't surprise Cley at all – like father, like son, not deceiving me.
The next morning, Cley didn't see the Stark siblings on the training ground as usual. According to the information he finally remembered to ask his sister Vira, Sansa and the others had been summoned early in the morning by Lady Catelyn for etiquette lessons.
Seizing the opportunity, Cley briefly and concisely asked his sister what she had been doing and with whom she had spent the past two months in Winterfell. In response, Vira answered cheerfully, mentioning only two names: Sansa and Arya.
Looking at Vira's cheerful mood, Cley's eyes were filled with pity. Apparently, she still had no understanding of Grandfather's approval for her to come to Winterfell.
After a long and windy speech, Cley didn't hear a word about Robb Stark's name. The dream of becoming the Lady of the North for the granddaughter, which Grandfather had hoped for, seemed to have failed again after Vira faithfully relayed the conversation.
He could already guess the reaction of the old man after Vira delivered the message, and he couldn't help but think about it...
By noon, a procession of gold and silver colors approached. Cley finally saw the legendary entourage of the kings from the Seven Kingdoms.
There were about 300 people, mostly nobles with status and position, and the lowest rank was a knight. Numerous banners fluttered, mostly bearing the crowned stag flag symbolizing the royal family. There were a few flags with a golden roaring lion embroidered on a red background, which Lord Eddard would definitely dislike, Cley thought.
Standing in a higher place, Cley didn't let the guards unfurl the merman flag of the Manderly house. There was no need, and he was about to sneak into the master's backyard. Keeping it low-key was always a good idea.
Before long, Cley saw the person flanked by two snowy-cloaked Kingsguard knights. Undoubtedly, he was their most respected king.
Indeed, even on horseback, King Robert found it challenging to conceal his corpulent figure. However, unlike the ugly brute Cley had remembered from before, this king, although greasier, still exuded charisma.
Long-term rulers naturally had their own demeanor, without the need for reminders. But obviously, apart from him, no one else in the procession could truly live up to the title of king.
After seeing the king and the overly ornate queen, everything became mundane. There was nothing interesting here for Cley. He disliked the elaborate and lengthy etiquette between nobles, despite being a red-blooded noble himself.
Casually pulling his excited younger sister, Vira, Cley was surprised when Vira shook off his hand without looking at him, engrossed in watching the knights embroidered with the crowned stag emblem.
Letting her go, Cley had already clarified with Vira before her arrival. She was strictly forbidden to approach members of the royal family, and Vira had agreed. At this moment, to satisfy Vira's curiosity, Cley saw no need to force her.
The king was in the North, and since the arrival of King Jaehaerys I and his dragon at Winterfell, it seemed to be the second time that the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms set foot within the gates of Winterfell. Times had changed, and things were different. The once closest to the gods, the Targaryen royal family, now only had two survivors across the Narrow Sea, the rest turned to dust.
However, considering that the Targaryens had ruled the Westerlands for over two hundred years, Cley was well aware of the powerful influence the name Targaryen still held among ordinary nobles. As a simple example, after the War of Usurpation, the reason Robert could sit securely on the Iron Throne, aside from his prowess in battle, was the Targaryen bloodline he carried, a significant bonus for claiming the crown.
Although there would be the troublesome matter of dealing with Daenerys later, for now, Cley could only think about it. With just a White Harbor behind him, he didn't yet have the qualifications to enter the political arena. Returning to his room, Cley retrieved the equipment he used for night infiltrations and checked it again. For the occasion, he prepared a set of easy-to-remove black attire. This was because Winterfell was a crowded place, and this outfit was only suitable for entering the Godswood or for situations where concealing oneself was necessary.
In the main area of Winterfell, an outfit that looked decidedly suspicious was absolutely not to be worn, especially now that Robert had arrived. Donning this attire, Cley would look like an assassin, even if he wasn't one. Along the way, those who used to greet him with a nod or a casual greeting now hurriedly passed by. It was evident that the Stark family had made thorough preparations for this royal visit.
As night fell, the bustling noise in the city became more pronounced. Cley received an invitation to the grand feast in the Winterfell Great Hall, an invitation he couldn't refuse.