House Avalon

[Horas]

"Did they leave a name?" Robb asks.

[Deleted]

"It's the Lord Commander's squire, I think, and...and Lady Rhae."

[Horas]

Robb nods curtly to the serving girl. He returns to his room to buckle on his swordbelt, then walks down the stairs, looking for Rhae.

[Deleted]

The parlor was unusually empty, and only two figures sat beside the fire. Brynden Royce, in white Kingsguard wool, sat gazing into the flames in contemplative silence, while Rhae Rykker, her glossy golden curls tied back demurely, sat gazing at her hands in her lap. She looked up at the sound of footsteps, and her big eyes lit up at the sight of Robb. She touched Brynden's arm, and the twelve-year old boy looked around, and gazed at Robb with unreadable dark eyes.

"Afternoon, ser. Would you like to sit down?" Brynden gestured to a chair.

[Horas]

Robb cannot contain his smile upon seeing Rhae, despite all that has happened. His expression cools upon seeing Brynden, however, but eventually he nods and sits.

"I would hear your business with me, Lord Royce." Robb gives the boy the title he is due, but a spark of anger lurks behind his eyes nonetheless.

[Deleted]

"I heard of your challenge to my mother," Brynden said quietly. His voice was even and calm, soft at the edges, but clear. "I am sorry that she was so...harsh. I love her, but she has not learned from her mistakes, and I think she never will. I do not intend for your fight to happen. My mother may see herself as my champion, but I have seen too much pain and bitterness and death come from her battles. Most of the pain and bitterness is hers. I am not going to see her hurt, over something like this." He gestured to Rhae, who went pale and looked away. "And I would rather not see her hurt you. If anyone should fight for Rhae, it ought to be me."

He paused. "But I am not sure I care enough. Nobody can control the heart," Brynden continued. "Rhae cannot help what she feels for you, and you cannot help what you feel for her. And I cannot help having no great interest in my arranged marriage. So we are three people bound by rules that none of us like. And none of it is worth fighting for.

"I'm releasing Rhae to you. I refuse to marry her, and nobody can make me change my mind, not even my mother. Besides, I know she has been as unhappy as I have been in our chains, and she has lost her heart to you. I guess I want her to be happy," Brynden gave Rhae a smile, which she returned with warmth.

"Robb," Rhae took his hand. "Do you...will you still have me?"

"I guess I want you to be happy too, ser," Brynden said. "You've been mournful as a pup since you met Rhae. And as for my mother...I will find some way to make her happy. She will accept my decision." His mouth set in a firm, stubborn line.

[Horas]

Robb feels a rush of emotion he cannot quite describe. His eyes turn to Rhae, and he gives her a warm smile. "Of course," he says, taking her hand.

Then he turns back to look at the young Brynden Royce. After awhile, he says, "You have done me a great service, Lord Royce. And for that I thank you, and will forget the insults your mother offered me." He stops, awkwardly. He had never been a great orator, and did not know what else to say.

[Deleted]

Rhae leaped into his lap and put her arms around him, and kissed him deeply, running her fingers through his hair and pulling him close.

Brynden merely sat, looking embarrassed.

[Horas]

Robb kisses her back deeply, wrapping his arms around her, and pays no more heed to the Royce boy.

[Deleted]

"Er, good luck, I suppose," Brynden said, thinking that this must be the proper sort of thing to say. He left the room. Outside, a girl was standing guard. Brynden had paid her to give them privacy and not allow other guests to use the room.

"Milord..." she began.

"It's still in use," Brynden said curtly, dropping a few gold dragons into her hand. "Make sure nobody goes in until the other two come out."

She smiled and put her arms around him. "Milord is so generous," she breathed in his ear. "He could have me, for all this sweet gold."

Brynden turned crimson and pushed her away. "Don't do that," he muttered angrily. When she had bent over, he had seen the tops of her breasts, and the sight of them, so close, had flustered him greatly. Brynden left the inn quickly.

///

Inside, Rhae broke the kiss and nuzzled her face into his shoulder, sighing. "I never thought I would be this happy."

[Horas]

Robb grins. "Me neither, Rhae. Have you ever been to Seagard? It is my home, and a beautiful place. It is near the sea, not unlike Duskendale. I thought perhaps we could go there, after the ceremonies for the King's wedding are over."

[Deleted]

"It sounds beautiful," Rhae said, with a sigh. "Though I'd be happy anywhere, so long as I'm with you." She played with his hair, then hesitated. "Do you think we should stay to Lady Aranya and Ser Cedric's wedding, or perhaps not?"

[Horas]

"It may be taken as a slight if you are not present, Rhae... but regardless of what her son may say, I do not think I will be welcome there." He sighs unhappily.

[Deleted]

Rhae flushed, and bit her lip. "Brynden was nice, but...well, I suppose you're right." She felt deeply guilty for betraying the woman who had raised her, but a defiant part of her still resented Aranya's attempt to control her life. Rhae pushed those thoughts aside. She was elated to be with Robb; she only wanted to be happy now. "Well, that's fine then. Are we going to Seagard then?" she put her arms around him. "Ooh, Robb, do you have eagles?"

[Horas]

Robb chuckles. "Eagles are proud birds, and do not take well to being tamed. They are like my house words say: Above the Rest." He looks into her eyes, and a faint flush creeps to his ears. "Rhae... I mean, I guess you know already, but... Will you marry me?"