-Chapter 63-
-25th day of the 7th moon, Year 300 AC-
-POV Raymund Connington-
Sitting upright on my horse, I could see the first outlines of Harrenhal in the distance, but the anxiety that had gripped me since my departure from the capital refused to subside.
It was the first time I was heading into battle knowing that I would have to confront danger directly, unlike previous times when I commanded from the rear.
'This time, I must be cautious, as everyone will want my head or seek to capture me to exchange for a ransom after torturing me,' I thought.
"Is this the first time you're commanding men in war?" Kevan Lannister, Cersei's uncle, suddenly asked me.
I shook my head and replied, "No, I have already commanded the archers when we faced Stannis, but never this many men in such a situation."
"Don't worry, you'll do just fine in your role as long as you listen to the advice of your lieutenants and mine. Apply what you've learned, and we won't have any trouble defeating Robb Stark's dogs," he said, without a hint of fear, unlike his son, who was so nervous I thought he might faint at any moment.
Seeing that I was watching Lancel, he turned to his son and sighed at the sight of him:
"I envy your late father for having such excellent sons."
I gave a slight smile and thanked him before falling silent, because although this conversation had eased the tension, something about him seemed off, though I couldn't yet tell what it was.
'Probably one of the gifts Alynne passed on to me through her contact.'
'One more week of marching before we reach our goal,' I thought.
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-POV Ronnet Connington-
As I watched with immense pride as Ronald easily defeated my knights, I smiled and called him over for a break.
I gently ruffled his hair and said:
"It seems someone is soon ready to receive his knighthood."
The shy smile he gave me made me laugh even harder before I pulled him into a hug.
My blood, in addition to giving him physical attributes far superior to those of other men, had awakened something special in him: a talent with weapons that even I had not suspected.
'Maybe it's because he's my son,' I thought.
"Go take a bath, and then we'll go hunt a stag in the Kingswood," I told my son, who quickly nodded and disappeared as fast as he could.
"You seem quite relaxed for a man who sent his brother to war," said Tyrion as he approached from behind me.
I lowered my eyes to the dwarf, who quickly continued: "But maybe it's a family trait, this overwhelming physical prowess and talent for combat."
"Not all of us are endowed with it. I like to believe that I'm special and that the gods have given me a power that surpasses that of ordinary mortals," I said in a neutral tone, showing the full confidence I had in myself and my powers.
"Some might say you're a rather arrogant person," said Tyrion upon hearing my response.
"And others might simply see the truth as it is. Although it's difficult for a Lannister, you'd need to pull your head out of your family's arses first," said Oberyn, referring to the bastard nature of Cersei and Jaime's children.
I frowned without saying anything, and as I observed him, I understood that he had come to the training yard ready for a fight.
'I think that's exactly why he's here, but it contradicts his usual demeanor,' I thought, not understanding what was going on in Oberyn Martell's mind.
"How is Princess Arianne? Some rumors say she returned to Sunspear… unwell," said Tyrion, alluding to the child she was carrying.
'My child.'
Seeing the icy look in Oberyn's eyes, I immediately understood that he was here because of that, and so did Tyrion, who said with a sly smile: "Well, I think this is the perfect time for you two to talk. I'm sure you have plenty to discuss."
Once Tyrion left, I turned my gaze to Oberyn, who, to my surprise, had returned to his usual expression.
I signaled my guards to keep an eye on all the exits, and as Oberyn twirled his spear around him, he said: "My niece speaks highly of you."
"About my skills with a spear?"
A small smile appeared on the Prince of Dorne's face before he suddenly attacked me. An attack I easily dodged, of course. I looked at the spear's point, which had passed less than an inch from my face, and so did Oberyn.
He slowly pulled back his spear while saying: "You like to play with fire."
"As long as it doesn't burn me," I replied with a broad smile.
"You play a bit too much for my liking," said Oberyn, resuming an attack stance.
"Are we still talking about Arianne?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.
"We're talking about everything," he said as he attacked me several times.
I dodged a spear thrust to the chest by pivoting to the side, then avoided the wooden part of the spear by leaning backward, and finally, I performed a front flip, passing over him like an acrobat without any trouble.
Oberyn shook his head before taking a resting stance and saying:
"My brother received a marriage offer for Trystane."
I put away the victorious smile I had been wearing and, with a frown, asked:
"From whom and for whom?"
He didn't answer but simply looked at the balcony behind me, where Cersei had just appeared.
"I trust her," I said in a neutral tone.
"You shouldn't," he replied.
"She's the mother of my children, and I love her. She would never betray me," I said.
"She's a Lannister. The only thing that matters to them is themselves. Remember, when the time comes, that I warned you," he said in a categorical tone before leaving, leaving me deep in thought.