GOT: Wolf Becomes Stag

I feel stronger!

Robert clenched his fist and felt the surge. It felt vastly different from it just being Robert's body. Over the past few weeks, he had gotten used to Robert's body. No, this felt different—like magic.

"You said you're Allyria Dayne?" Robert looked at the young, beautiful, tall, fair woman. Her dark hair tumbled around her shoulders, while her eyes held a faint violet color. It reminded him of someone precious to him—someone who used to be alive. Someone he let go in the name of his duty, a regret that forever ate him.

"Are you related to Ashra Dayne?" He asked more.

The gorgeous woman nodded softly. "I am, Your Grace. Ser Arthur Dayne and Ashra were my elder siblings."

Gods, are you mocking me? Eddard took a deep breath. How could he ever forget Ashra, the woman he had won over at the tourney at Harrenhal? After making love to her, he so shamelessly discarded her to marry Catelyn to fulfill the house Stark's oath.

"May their souls rest in peace," Robert solemnly said. "What are you doing here in King's Landing, my lady?"

"I came looking for my betrothed, Your Grace. Lord Beric Dondarrion was last seen here," Allyria answered.

"Are you two in love?" Robert questioned.

She shook her head. "Merely a pledge, Your Grace."

Robert slumped back onto the bed, a weary sigh escaping him. "It's a fool's errand now, Lady Allyria. Lord Dondarrion has become completely devoted to the faith of R'hllor. He has forgotten much of his duties, and now serves as a Kingsguard for me."

"Oh…"

Robert continued. "Meet with him, hear what he truly has to say. The Red Keep's doors are open to you, my lady, for as long as you wish to linger."

"Thank you, Your Grace." Allyria bowed her head.

With that, he looked towards Ser Barristan. With him was also a healer. "We're returning to the Red Keep."

"You're deeply injured, Your Grace!" Ser Barristan rushed over to him, worried.

"I feel as strong as a stag in its prime, Barristan. Fetch me my damn clothes!"

Robert wore a fresh set of clothes and headed out quickly. This time there were far more Kingsguards waiting there for him with their armored horses. After last night's attack on him, the entire city had been in turmoil.

"Find anything more about that bloody attack?" He asked.

Ser Barristan answered, "The men were indeed of the Tyrell and Baratheon houses. Those bearing the stag's banner entered the city, professing loyalty and renewed fealty. But they never reached the Red Keep to report to you or Lord Stannis."

Robert felt a headache from all that. Renly had given him more trouble than anyone else ever since his arrival at King's Landing. "Throw Renly into the Black Cell once he's here."

As he arrived at the Red Keep, he noticed a few carriages, horses, and armed men with Stark sigil working. Robb Stark was also there, commanding the men.

They're leaving? Robert sighed in defeat.

He approached Robb, and his Kingsguards surrounding him earned all the needed attention from the Starks. "Going back already?"

Robb bowed his head in respect. The seeds of anger had vanished and he respected Robert according to the fantastic stories he had heard from his father. "The winter is coming, Your Grace. I must be there to prepare the North for it."

"Send me word if the North lacks anything. From this year on, I'll see the granaries filled for the coming winter. And if it's dealing with the Tyrells you need, I can twist a few arms." Robert offered, his concern for the North was genuine. "I'll come North soon enough, pay my respects to Eddard."

"You are ever welcome, Your Grace. But I believe you have more pressing matters here. I heard you were attacked last night."

"I was, and they paid dearly for it. Such is the way of things when you wear the crown, Robb." Robert stepped closer, giving him a hearty pat on the shoulder. "Look after yourself and your kin. Take heed of your father's mistakes, and perhaps loosen up a bit—I'm certain you'll become a finer lord than even my old friend."

Robb's jaw clenched at the slight disrespect but he allowed it. Only Robert had the right to say such things. "I'll hold the honor of House Stark, Your Grace."

Robert internally sighed. Honor? What honor? Please learn from my mistakes, son.

With another pat on Robb's shoulder, Robert walked away and entered the Red Keep. He saw Catelyn coming his way, likely going out, but he chose to keep his thoughts to himself and ignore her. He felt his heartburn, but there was no way to force her into accepting him.

Be safe, Catelyn.

"Your Grace."

Robert frowned and turned around at Catelyn's voice. He thought she wouldn't want anything to do with him. "My Lady."

"I'm unable to find Sansa."

"What?!" Robert exclaimed and looked at Ser Barristan. "Alert the guards and sweep the Red Keep."

He looked back at her. "When did you see her last?"

"This morning when I had the maids gather her belongings."

Robert's brow furrowed as he glanced at a nearby Kingsguard. "Get to Myrcella's chambers and search it. Those two are inseparable these days."

Robert didn't leave Catelyn alone there and waited with her for any news. He did want to say a lot of things, but he kept his lips tightly shut as if he didn't know her. Catelyn was the same, staying mum.

Some time passed, and Ser Barristan finally appeared walking closer. Behind him was a maid holding Sansa by her arm and pulling her along. But Sansa didn't appear very keen on following them, already crying and protesting.

What happened to her?

"What is the meaning of this?" Robert angrily interrogated. "Why is she crying?"

"She was hiding inside Myrcella's chamber, Your Grace. She refused to come with us so we had no choice." Ser Barristan explained and let the maid push Sansa forward. "She wept and declared her wish to remain here in the Red Keep,"

Catelyn walked closer to Sansa at that and held her hands gently. "Sansa, is this not what you've longed for? You've endured so much pain here, my dear."

Sansa's eyes welled with tears, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Mother, please… I want to stay here with Myrcella and… the North is cold. I don't want to go back."

"Nonsense!" Robert blurted. "The North is your home and you'll be safe there."

"I won't go back," Sansa said with trembling resolve. "I want to stay here, Your Grace. I promise I'll be good and won't cause any trouble. I... I don't have any friends in Winterfell. The only person I have here is Myrcella."

"You have Jeyne," Catelyn said. "Isn't she your friend? She's coming with us to Winterfell."

"She is but…" Sansa looked down, struggling with words. "I really like this place. His Grace is so very kind, and Myrcella… She's like a dear friend to me. I… I don't wish to return to the cold North."

What's going on in her mind? Robert helplessly looked at Catelyn. But he only saw the woman staring back at him.

"Right, let's get on with it then," Robert grunted. "Ned's bastard is riding for King's Landing as we speak. If Sansa wants to go back to Winterfell later, I'll have the boy escort her home." He watched Catelyn's face twist into that familiar look of disdain. Gods, how she hated the sight of Jon Snow. He could almost feel the venom in her glare.

"That's right! I'll ask Jon if I want to return later." Sansa got on board with that plan.

Robert was happy in his heart. He couldn't be there for her as Ned, so this was the second-best option. He wanted to be a father to her that she never got to have.

"Fine." Catelyn relented at last. "After all the trouble we went through to get to you… Robb won't be happy. I may agree, but he's the Lord and you must get his permission first."

"I will!" Sansa chirped and rushed away to find Robb outside.

Robert shrugged and chose to leave. He didn't want to talk with Catelyn, lest the longing might return. It was time to silently accept his fate and walk it. "Take care of yourself in the North, my lady."

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