Stannis remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking."Have someone investigate. I want to know exactly what he's been doing in King's Landing."
Davos nodded solemnly.
Stannis continued, "Can he be of use to me?"
Davos hesitated, then resumed walking."Lord Stannis, the young baron may simply not yet understand who you are."
Stannis turned his head sharply. "He doesn't understand?"
Davos gave a measured nod."If he knew the true weight of your honor, my lord, Baron Green would have sworn to you long ago—not to a queen from House Lannister. The Lannisters' gold is enough to blind any young man. I'll admit, we were not the first to act."
Stannis gave a cold snort."A dragon of gold cannot buy loyalty."
Davos inclined his head."My lord, Baron Green is gifted—in governance and command. Such men are rare. He is worth your patience."
King's Landing – Hook Alley, Green's Study
Green's scheme had gone just as planned. Not long after, he excused himself gracefully from Princess Myrcella's company and returned to his chambers in Hook Alley.
He now stood over his desk, eyes fixed on a large map.
It detailed the route from King's Landing to the royal forest of Yewwood. Marked clearly were the four inns where the hunting party would stop each night.
The royal hunt was an old tradition, arranged for the noble ladies of the Crownlands. They traveled in carriages, their pace gentle and unhurried—far slower than that of marching soldiers. The journey would take five days and four nights.
Green measured the distances. The positioning of the inns aligned perfectly with the expected stops.
This hunt had been a biennial custom since the days of the Targaryens.
From what Green could gather, a stable economic route had developed along this trail. The four inns had clearly been built to serve this very purpose.
He rubbed his chin, thoughtful. With such customs long established, the finer details were surely handled by seasoned officials. His primary duty was to ensure the queen's safety. It seemed the task would not be as burdensome as he'd feared.
His fingers tapped lightly on the mark denoting Yewwood Forest.
Once the royal train arrived, the encampment would be set, and the seven-day hunt would begin.
It seemed Green had just found a fine place to invest his gold dragons.
Later that evening...
Just as he was settling in for the night, a visitor arrived—Lancel Lannister, his cheeks flushed and swollen.
Green raised an eyebrow. "Lancel, what happened to your face?"
Lancel attempted a smile, but winced."Prince Joffrey. I'd barely left the Red Keep after the luncheon when he sent for me again… said he wanted another sword lesson."
Green leaned back slightly in his chair, brow arched in amusement."You seem to be taking it rather well."
Lancel waited for a servant to pour his wine, took a long sip, then replied:"When Prince Joffrey gives an order, I'm hardly in a position to refuse. I haven't seen Cousin Tyrion in days, so no one could speak on my behalf. I had no choice. The result…"
He trailed off, his face darkening. After a pause, he continued:"Whatever happened after that... I'd rather not speak of it. I'd prefer to forget."
Green gave a slight nod. "Then I suppose the real story begins after that. Go on."
Lancel's tone brightened."Fortunately, Cousin Cersei arrived just in time—she happened upon us."
Green said nothing, only gestured for him to continue.
"She saw the bruises on my face… and made it up to me."
Green raised a brow. "Oh?"
"I was meant to begin service as King Robert's squire upon his return. But the hunt at Yewwood—organized by the Queen—His Grace won't be attending. That meant I'd miss it."
He smiled."But Cousin Cersei, seeing what Joffrey had done to me, agreed to delay my appointment. I'll be able to join the hunt and begin my duties afterward."
Green, ever dispassionate, did not share Lancel's delight.
Lancel's grin widened."It's a rare opportunity! All the noble ladies of the Crownlands gathered in one place. My golden armor, brought all the way from the Westerlands, will finally see daylight! I've dreamed a thousand times of wearing it amidst the trees of Yewwood… and meeting a graceful, fair-eyed maiden."
Green chuckled. "May your dream find a worthy ending."
Lancel dared not laugh aloud with his bruised face, and gave a muffled giggle instead—a sound oddly indecent in its awkwardness.
Green asked, "Did you come just to share the good news?"
Lancel leaned in. "Do you still need another guard?"
Green's expression shifted—so that was the reason."Lancel, aren't you rushing your 'chance encounter' a bit?"
Lancel laughed nervously. "Ahaha, you caught me!"
Green shrugged. "Didn't take much."
Then, more seriously:"Lancel, when it comes to marriage, I'm sure your father has plans already set. As a friend, let me offer you some advice—know your limits. Guard your heart. Your family name is one many would seek to exploit."
Lancel blinked, hesitant."Baron Green… what if I were to—"
Green cut him off. "I guarantee it won't end well."
Still lost in youthful dreams, Lancel persisted."How bad could it be?"
"You don't want to know."
Green sighed, rose, and gently patted Lancel's shoulder."For your family's sake, keep your heart steady. Only then can you rule your passions."
To wear the crown is to bear its weight.
Though he spoke for Lancel's benefit, it sounded more like a reminder to himself.
Lancel looked up with wide, blinking eyes—filled with innocence.
That expression, so childlike, always sent a shiver down Green's spine. Without a flicker of emotion, Green stepped subtly back.
"Lancel, don't be so glum. Think of something cheerful. Perhaps the Seven have already made arrangements for you."
Tyrion liked to call them "the old gods of the Seven." Green, it seemed, had picked up the habit.
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🔥 The Throne's Last Flame — A Song Forged in Ice and Wrath 🔥
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