Daeron arrived carrying his armor and said.
- I'm ready. — with a satisfied face.
—Not yet, leave the armor there and follow me. — Gwayne said, heading towards the basement of the castle, where there was a huge bath room and thermal pools.
It was on the first floor of the basement, where there was a huge corridor, full of paintings showing military exploits and historical feats, carved animals were on the walls like sentinels of the place, it was very dark until you reached the pool room. It was at the end of the corridor, where there were other doors to storage rooms and a large staircase on the side leading even further down... Gwayne went halfway down that staircase when he was little, but gave up because it was extremely dark. The dungeons are there, but as no one commits crimes here, it fell into disuse. And it goes even lower according to my grandfather. Gwayne loved the pool room, it was nice and warm. Cerella was afraid, even though Septa accompanied her outside and the servants inside the room. Ser Lymond had to make a bathing room on the first floor just for her. Only Gwayne could take his cousin to the pools below.
Daeron opened a huge ornate wooden door and entered, Gwayne following close behind. It was a square stone room, except for one of the walls that was a little long and rounded at the end. This was where a smaller pool was located, as well as various utensils and hot stone benches that guarded both sides of the wall. Gwayne and Daeron stayed in the main wing, where the largest pool was located, everything was lit by torches, the moonlight was already entering silently through a huge circular window in the ceiling. The water in the pools was naturally warm. Ser Lymond sometimes said that an underground stream ran beneath the castle, and at its bottom a volcano slept. Gwayne didn't believe it. They both undressed and placed their clothes on the bench next to the door.
They took a quick shower and then left for the hall where Cerella was waiting with the Septa. Once there, Daeron put on his chainmail, then he helped Gwayne put on his armor and placed a scarlet blue cape on his back. Daeron blushed.
- Is perfect. — he shouted.
— You look strong, Gwayne. — She said, clinging to his arm. Gwayne smiled.
— It will certainly impress the Lady of Roxton and her father. — said Septa.
Ser Leo enters the hall.
— Everything is ready, my lord.
— Thank you, Ser Leo, tell the men I'll be right there. said Gwayne. — And the provisions, Ser? — Gwayne felt foolish, having forgotten something so important.
— I already took care of that, Sir. - He smiled.
Gwayne was relieved.
He left.
— The time has come for another farewell. Cerella said, as he placed the sword on his waist.
— In a few days we will be back.
Then, he kissed her on the lip quickly and then on the cheek. - Shortly. — he said, walking away towards Septa, holding her by the arms, he gave her a kiss on the cheek. He turned to Daeron.
— Let me help you with this. — He said quietly. — Have you picked up your crossbow yet?
— I'll go get it. — Daeron said, softly.
He placed the armor on his friend's arms and chest. — now you are ready.
- Let's go. — He said, heading outside, where twenty knights were already waiting for him on horseback.
Gwayne hugged Ser Leo, and told him to take care of his cousin. Then, she descended the stairs where he and Daeron mounted their horses.
Gwayne gave Cerella a smile.
— Can such a beautiful man exist? — She said to Septa next to her.
The Septa made a face of agreement.
— He is blessed by the Seven, Lady Cerella, a man for other men to follow. — She finally said it with conviction and looking firmly into his eyes. Then she let out a small smile and looked at Cerella. Gwayne had seen them whispering and smiling, then turned his horse and sped away. Daeron followed closely behind and all the knights followed. They arrived at the borders of Casterly Rock in the early dawn, setting up camp on the edge of a forest. Gwayne stared thoughtfully at the lights on the Rock... The torches flickering on the battlements, the lights in the castle above. He wondered if Tywin Lannister was at home, and if Gwayne went up and knocked on the door... "would he open it?" He knew that Lord Tywin was the cause of his family's ruin.
— What troubles you, Gwayne? — Daeron said, with half a skewer of roast beef dripping sauce on his fingers.
— I'm just thinking. — he replied, coldly.
Daeron took a cut log and made two seats for them. Then, he handed half the skewer to Gwayne, who thanked him.
— It's not bad to travel like this. — Daeron said. — of course, with the knights setting up our tents and making our food. Gwayne laughed as he bit into a piece of fatty meat, which dripped grease down his chin. Daeron wiped it off with his finger, then licked it.
— Are you worried about the lady waiting for you? he asked.
— That's not what bothers me, I know it's going to be quick. — Then he took a deep breath. — This is going to be strange, but the moment I read the letter, it's almost as if I felt her breathing inside me, even though she was thousands of kilometers away... Well, forget it. He pointed to Casterly Rock.
— There's my problem, Daeron.
Daeron looked confused, and when he was going to ask what it meant, Gwayne said.
— Let's go to sleep, tomorrow we'll set up camp early. They arrived late the next day at the edge of House Serrett's territory. They rested a little below the hilly terrain where SilverHill stood, and then set out again, stopping at an inn and brewery on the border of the meadow, near a small stream, where they were met by a brewer and his daughter, a plump girl Daeron's age. The knights accepted the beer, Gwayne and Daeron declined, and ate roast chicken and turnip soup with garlic and lemon. Then they found rooms and a stable for the horses, at dark.
They set out in the morning, crossing into the meadow territory where House Roxton's domain lay, on the borders of the western lands. Daeron was amazed by the landscapes on the road.
Distant fields with huge wheat plantations, purple grape vines ran to infinity, with roses and nightingales appearing between their feet.
— It's wonderful here. — he exclaimed.
- Really is. — Gwayne agreed, putting on his helmet, leaving it open.
They saw the castle appear behind a hill, a ring castle with circular white walls with towers, it was above a small hill, with a small stream running under the castle's entrance bridge. They could see a road that ran through a village a hundred meters from the castle, then they heard trumpets blow and the gate opened, several soldiers with spears and shields passing through it, they positioned themselves next to the road.
— They came to welcome us. —Gwayne said.
They rode across the bridge, entering a walled corridor that went to the left, then at the true entrance gate, they trotted past, stopping on the castle steps. Gwayne caught a glimpse of his grandfather on the stairs, a robust man beside him, with thinning white hair, a sandy mustache and a notable belly. Lord Luwyn Roxton... Gwayne thought. Three other ladies accompanied them, he realized the moment he laid eyes on them, that his fiancée was not present, he was sure he would know the moment he laid eyes on her. He remained on the horse.
Daeron heard footsteps coming from behind the people on the stairs, and Gwayne's horse became restless. He had trapped it between his feet, forcing the horse to take on a more regal appearance. He dismounted and removed his helmet slowly, his hair shone like gold in the sun and fell around his neck. He held the helmet between his arms, then walked at a measured pace towards his hosts, bowing to them in a regal manner.
Daeron watched as a girl appeared behind one of the ladies, Gwayne turned his eyes to her, who bowed to him gracefully. He observed her slowly, her light blue eyes, hair as black as night, face with delicate heart-shaped lines, eyelashes so black that they left her eyes naturally outlined, which gave her a cunning and mysterious look, she was wearing a tight black dress with transparent parts of ivory silk and myrish lace, which left her shoulders bare. A seven-pointed star pendant fell over her neckline, which hid her full breasts. She had graceful curves and her dress helped to highlight her delicate features. She stared into his eyes. Gwayne took her hand, running fingers over her slender hand, then crowning her hand with a chaste kiss.
Lord Luwyn was impressed...
— Lady Olivia, I am honored to meet you, I am...
— Ser Gwayne.... Reyne — she said, with a cunning smile and a voice so beautiful and pure that Gwayne didn't even think about correcting it, he wasn't yet a knight, but what fascinated him was that she included the name of your real home. Gwayne glanced briefly at Ser Lymond.
From his grandson's impassive face, and imagining the question that was going through his mind, Ser Lymond shook his head no. Lord Luwyn was wide-eyed and mouth open at the side.
"My lion," Gwayne heard a female voice say, but when he turned he found Olivia's mouth still. Gwayne looked at her with fascination in his eyes, and an impassive face.
Daeron was interested in what was happening, from atop his horse he watched Lady Olivia answer something, but Gwayne hadn't asked anything.
- Yes! — she said sweetly, then looked at her father.
Daeron didn't understand, she seemed to have replied something to Gwayne...
— Good Gwayne. — began Lord Luwyn. — Like a good host, we will have a banquet tonight in your honor. behind her back and whispered something amusing, while she let out little smiles in response. Lord Luwyn followed them and muttered as he retreated. "Reyne, how could I not have imagined this and how could this..." The rest was inaudible to Gwayne, but he saw him laugh and show surprise, as if he had discovered it the moment Olivia uttered the word.
He looked at his grandfather who had a thoughtful look on his face.
—What's the matter, Sir? — Gwayne said, approaching.
— I'm just reflecting, lovely girl, aren't I? — said the grandfather.
— More than that. — Gwayne replied, watching the men in the yard dealing with the stable boys.
— But not everything is as easy as it seems, Gwayne. He took a deep breath.
— She is a fourth daughter, she will probably never inherit this castle, its lands or income. Gwayne didn't seem to mind much. — Ser Lymond looked him in the eyes.
—She is seventeen years old. - he said.
Gwayne found this strange, it's not common for a noble girl to not have married at that age.
—What is the reason for this, Ser? — he asked.
—I found out why, I think. He snorted.
— after a castle guard drank more than she should and stumbled upon some gold coins... Apparently, she put the last suitors to flight, according to the guard, she was called crazy by Lord Ashford's son... Called a indecent by Lord Ambrose's son, and worse by Lord Fossoway, he said she was unfit to serve as wife to his son, a plump nobleman, third in the line of succession. Well, according to the guard, Lord Fossoway only said that after having his honor hurt, Olivia had apparently already refused his son.
"crazy..." Ser Lymond murmured.
—Is she still a maiden? — Gwayne asked sharply.
— Lord Luwyn guaranteed this, she doesn't like being touched, not even by her ladies-in-waiting, her father said it started after she had a dream at the age of seven, since then she's been saving herself, for someone worthy... .
— Then, no problem. —Gwayne said.
— It looks like she found who she was waiting for. — he said, looking into his grandson's eyes. Gwayne laughed.
- Lets go in. — said the grandfather.
Gwayne called for Daeron he entered the castle, a beautiful castle, on the outside it was completely white, with banners of the Roxton ring fluttering from the battlements, inside, Gwayne was amazed by such wealth, a large entrance hall, walls with shades of green weakly snaked by roses and thorns, many of the walls in ornate gray marble, on the walls brightly colored paintings representing forests and streams, carved animals and beautiful armor stuck like sentries at their posts, statues made of marble. A servant bowed to them and said he would take them to a place where they could change their clothes. They climbed a marble staircase to the third floor, he led them to the door.
— We have arrived, My Lord. —he said, bowing, then left.
They entered a large and airy room, with a balcony and many windows, a large bed in the middle of the room and a beautiful view of the Garden, they could see vineyards of grapes and various flowers, a small maze was positioned behind the vineyards.
— Your children will own this one day... — Daeron said excitedly with so much wonder.
— I don't think so, but they could grow here one day. — Gwayne started to take off his clothes. He only brought other clothing besides his armor, his grandfather had said it would be quick.
— It's a good place, I loved it. — Daeron began to undress and continue investigating the room. He found a marble room in the back with a large bathtub and an ornate window with pillars on the sides. — this place is a paradise. Then he laughed and went to get dressed.
— Daeron said he would come down as soon as he packed his armor somewhere.
— You don't need to do that. — Gwayne said quickly, you are here because I want you to and not to serve me.
— I know... But I'm your squire, I'm just doing what's expected of me. — Okay, meet me later when you're done. So, Gwayne hurried and walked to the stairs, he realized that his fiancée was waiting for him. She slowly shook her body, she seemed to be restless.
He offered her his hand, and she held it affectionately.
— What happened, dear Maid? — Staring into her eyes.
— I'm sorry, my good sir — she said, with a twinkle in her eye. — I'm seeing it with my own eyes... A prophecy being fulfilled and a wish being fulfilled.
Her voice had changed, from a restless voice to a seductive and mysterious one. He smiled.
For some reason, he felt like she already knew about the dream he had as a child. "Could she really know?" He thought. "No, it was just a dream."
— Did she manage to escape from her lovely sisters, my lady? — He said, changing the subject. She laughed softly.
— It wasn't a difficult task, my lord, it was more difficult for them to keep me away. — She said, smiling, and sweetly clinging to his arm. They started walking down the stairs exchanging pleasantries.
Lord Luwyn was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs with a huge smile on his face, seeing them pampering themselves.
— I'm glad you got along well. he said, with Ser Lymond at his side.
— Your daughter is charming, Lord Luwyn. — Gwayne said, looking her in the eyes. She blushed and smiled at him.
—She got it from her mother. — he said, then laughed. Perhaps, my beloved daughter would be kind enough to entertain our guest, how about introducing him to the castle? — he said looking at her.
"With pleasure, Father," she said, looking at Gwayne.
She took his arm and walked away from them across the hall.
Lord Luwyn and Ser Lymond watched them go away.
— He has an excellent figure, I must say, Ser Lymond, Handsome and powerfully built. Ser Lymond nodded.
— The men followed him wherever he pointed, as happened every time someone so extraordinary appeared. History is full of them, Daemon Blackfyre, Daeron l... Rhaegar Targaryen himself. he thundered. — Curses, Lym. — He said walking back and forth.
— We should have been there, beside him and not surrounding that damn storm's end, we sat in a useless siege while our prince was killed by the usurper.
— then turned to him. Why did you hide it all this time?
— My domain is at the foot of Casterly Rock. — he said, bluntly.
- I accept. — extending his hand to Ser Lymond. — I have not forgotten who killed Rhaegar's wife and children...
Ser Lymond shook his hand.
Lady Olivia was showing the room where they ate meals, a long ornate oak table extended across the room, padded chairs and pictures with torch holders on the wall, a place to store a sword was above the large fireplace.
— The ancestral sword of my house, but well, we lost...
— The Orphan Maker. Gwayne said.
— She'll be back soon. — she said, in a mysterious and amused tone. She turned and opened the side door, they crossed a corridor and then a door, walked a little and arrived at the great hall, a huge room with a huge platform, four long tables side by side and several fireplaces with a vaulted ceiling.
- It is a beautiful place. —Gwayne said.
Then they walked outside, passed through several corridors and servants, finally arriving in the garden.
Lady Olivia walked among the grapevines with a purple flower in her hand, she smelled it from time to time.
— Things I want to ask... — he began, taking her by the hand and sitting on a wall.
She looked at him interested.
— I know what you want to know. — She sat on the wall and placed her hands on her dress. — Lord Ashford's son had restless hands, playing here and there. — she said pointing. — In my flowers without permission, I couldn't bear it when he dared to touch my hands. Gwayne watched her face become proud and illustrious, filled with dignity.
— My hands reached his face after that. She let out a little laugh. After that he went crazy, he started to be rude, so I had to become more incisive with my words. "But, don't you understand? You disgust me." Maybe I said that...
Gwayne laughed. — Well, I think I sounded tearful at that moment. — she continued. "I can't bear you touching me" At that point I think he was already on his feet screaming, calling me crazy. So, I must have said... She thought. "You make me..." Well, I think I shouted "Ahh" in disgust after that, after two blinks the guards were already on top of him. Lady Olivia laughed. — He came back to Ashford in pain afterward. Gwayne had a smile on his face.
— And Lord Ambrose's son... —Gwayne said.
— Indecent, he said when he saw my dress.
She sighed. Well, it's not the most modest, I agree with him on that, but it's not a big deal, do you? Gwayne nodded.
— I am a lady from a rich house, my dresses are rich in details, being called indecent by Alyn Ambrose, a simple squire is unacceptable. — she said, furious.
Gwayne found her face cute, the way she expressed herself and her cheeks turning pink in her moments of rage.
— Well, it wasn't long before he mounted his horse and left, for Lord Fossoway I was not suitable for his son. - she laughed.
— You should have seen, my good sir,
A chubby little boy. She giggled as she spoke. — I think his father took his pain, he was the one who wasn't suitable for me.
— Very well my lady, it seems you were right about them.
— And right about waiting. — she said, looking at him. Gwayne stood up, she grabbed his hand and said.
— I had them too, Gwayne... I also dreamed of the warrior and the maiden... — Olivia said with a broken voice.
Gwayne looked at her full of doubts, then understood.
— It wasn't just a dream, my good Warrior. — Olivia said, with an almost divine voice. — It was real!