Stannis was silent for a moment before saying,"Send someone to investigate. I want to know exactly what he has been doing in King's Landing."
Davos bowed his head in acceptance.
Stannis continued,"Can he serve me?"
Davos hesitated briefly before resuming his pace."Lord Stannis, the young baron may simply not yet understand you."
Stannis shot him a sharp look."Not understand?"
Davos gave a small nod."If he truly knew your noble character, then surely Lord Gawen would have pledged himself to you, not to a queen of Lannister blood. The wealth of the Lannisters can easily blind a young man's eyes. I must say, my lord, you lost the initiative."
Stannis snorted coldly."A golden dragon cannot buy loyalty."
Davos agreed."My lord, Baron Gawen's methods of governance and his military ability are both exceptional. That is rare indeed. He is worth a measure of your patience."
King's Landing, Hook Alley — Gawen's study.
Gawen's scheme had reached its intended effect. After courteously excusing himself from Princess Myrcella, he returned smoothly to his residence in Hook Alley.
Now, he stood gazing at a great map spread across his desk.
It was a map marking the route from King's Landing to the Kingswood, with the exact inns where the royal hunting party would lodge each night.
The Kingswood Hunt was held for the noble ladies of the crownlands. They all traveled in carriages, and their pace could never match that of marching soldiers. The journey would take five days and four nights.
Gawen measured the distances on the map. The four inns were set almost perfectly, each a day's travel apart, suited for the four nights.
The Kingswood Hunt had been a royal tradition since Targaryen times, held once every two years.
From this, Gawen deduced that a stable market had long since formed, and the four inns the hunting party frequented were its direct product.
He stroked his chin. With such customs in place, every minor detail would already be handled by seasoned attendants. His chief duty was to ensure the safety of the hunting party. It seemed his work would not be as burdensome as he had feared.
His long fingers tapped the spot marked Kingswood.
Once at the destination, the entire company would encamp for seven days, until the hunt was finished.
It seemed Gawen had found a proper use for his golden dragons.
As dusk drew near, after finishing various trifles, Gawen had barely let out a breath of relief when Lancel Lannister appeared—his cheeks red and swollen.
"Lancel, what happened to your face?"
Lancel tried to smile, but drew in a sharp breath of pain instead."It was Prince Joffrey. As soon as the luncheon ended, I left the Red Keep, but he had me summoned back. Said he wanted me to instruct him in swordplay."
Gawen leaned back slightly in his chair, tone tinged with curiosity."Is it my imagination, or do you seem in fairly good spirits?"
As Gawen's servant poured wine, Lancel snatched up a cup and drank deeply before speaking."When Prince Joffrey commands, I cannot refuse. And in that moment, I could not find my cousin Tyrion either. So I went back—and the result was…"
He pulled a bitter face, pausing a moment."After I saw the prince… enough of that. I'd rather forget it."
Gawen inclined his head slightly."What came after is the true point, isn't it? What then?"
Lancel's voice brightened."Fortunately, Cousin Cersei appeared just then and happened upon us."
Gawen said nothing, merely motioned for him to go on.
"She saw the marks on my face… and compensated me."
Gawen let a hint of doubt show."Oh?"
"When King Robert returns, I am to take up the post of squire to His Grace. But since the Kingswood Hunt is arranged by the queen and the king does not attend, I would have missed the hunt entirely. Cousin Cersei promised me that as compensation I may attend the hunt first, and only take up my post once I return."
Perhaps by temperament, Gawen could never share Lancel's enthusiasm for such noble diversions.
But before he could reply, Lancel leaned forward, eyes shining."What a rare chance! Only during the Kingswood Hunt can one see all the noble ladies of the crownlands gathered in one place!
The golden armor I brought from the Westerlands will finally have its use. I've dreamed so many times of riding in my gleaming armor through the green woods and chancing upon a graceful, beautiful maiden."
Gawen tilted his head back with a smile."May your dream end well."
With his face bruised, Lancel dared not laugh aloud, but let out a low, wheezing chuckle that sounded all the more lewd.
"Was that the reason you came here, to share your happy news?" Gawen asked.
Lancel leaned in further."You wouldn't happen to need another guard, would you?"
Gawen's thoughts shifted quickly, and he understood."Lancel, won't your 'chance encounter' be coming rather too soon?"
Lancel scratched his head, embarrassed."Ah, you saw through me!"
Gawen shrugged."That wasn't hard."
His tone turned more serious."Lancel, as for your marriage, I'm sure your father has already made plans. As your friend, I must warn you: keep your distance, protect yourself. Your family name is too easily exploited by schemers."
Lancel stared blankly for a moment, then said,"Baron Gawen… what if I—"
Before he could finish, Gawen cut him off."I promise you, it would end very badly."
At the age where dreams of love burned brightest, Lancel was not so easily deterred."How badly?"
"You don't want to know."
With that, Gawen sighed softly, rose from his chair, and patted Lancel's shoulder."For your house's sake, you must keep your heart pure, only then can you master your passions."
To wear the crown, one must bear its weight.
Though he spoke to comfort Lancel, it sounded as if Gawen was reminding himself as well.
Lancel raised his large eyes, gazing at him innocently.
At times like this, Gawen felt a faint shiver within. He calmly stepped back, putting space between them."Enough gloom, Lancel. Think on happier things. Perhaps the Seven, the Old Father himself, has already laid out your path."
Tyrion often spoke of the Old Father of the Seven, and Gawen 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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