★☆

CHAPTER THREE; AN INITIAL MEETING

"Good evening, Lady Aurelia," the warm voice of Renly Baratheon greeted Rey as she stepped into her father's chambers. They were thrice the size of her own, but far messier. The servants came in daily to tidy, but somehow, Symon Marigot always found a way to rush through his belongings like a gust of wind.

"Lord Renly," Rey dipped her head in response, a kind smile on her lips. She truly adored the brother of the King, he had always been good to her and never once treated her ill. "I'm sorry to hear about your brother."

"It was bound to happen at some point," the man shrugged, though his eyes were tired and downtrodden. He had made the journey back and it was apparent that he had hardly slept at all, though that was understandable considering his situation. "Your father insisted I join the pair of you for supper, seeing as he had important matters to discuss with me."

"I see," Rey hummed, stepping towards the table in the centre of the room and allowing her handmaiden, Elise, to pull a chair out for her. There was a good amount of food on the decorated table, though it didn't seem too appealing to Rey in that moment. She looked back up at Renly, who was pouring himself a drink.

Before she could say anything else, her father came bumbling in through the door, scrolls and books in his arms. The tall, gangly man peered over the top of his belongings to see his daughter and good friend at his table for the meal he had planned. Of course, he was later than anyone else. "Gods, is it that time already? I'm not too tardy am I?"

"On the contrary," Renly smiled endearingly towards the Lord, standing up to aid him with his things. "You're just on time. Aurelia arrived only moments ago."

"Ah yes," Symon nodded towards his daughter, who returned it. Despite their many years living together in the Red Keep, the two had never seemed to build a strong relationship. They loved each other, that was undeniable, but they didn't have enough in common to connect. Rey often saw Ned Stark with Arya and Sansa, and how he spoke to them every opportunity he had. It must have been nice, having a father that made an effort.

After placing his things on his desk with the help of Renly, the two men sat either side of Rey as dinner was served. They began muttering to each other about King Robert's state, as well as what they assumed would happen upon his death. Rey sat silently, staring at her plate of pork with a sullen expression.

Truthfully, she didn't want King Robert to die. She had only met him once or twice in court, and he wouldn't have remembered who she was even if she had put a sign with her name above her head. He was a drunk and a careless man, but he was better than the people around him. He didn't desire power the same way the Lannisters or the noble Lords did -- at this point it was clear he just wanted a way out.

"With Ned Stark back as Hand of the King, there's no doubt that he'll put the kingdoms at rest," Symon spoke in his gentle voice as he cut into the food on his plate. He didn't spare a glance towards Rey, his mind was far too focused on other things. It wasn't his fault though, while he loved his daughter very much, there were important issues to attend to as a present member of the small council. "He's a very level-headed man."

"Indeed," Renly hummed in agreement, reaching for his goblet of wine. "I suppose we shall see. Robert has always been quite predictable though. Angry, bold and a brilliant fighter, but predictable. There are plenty better rulers than my brother, I can assure you."

Rey looked down at her lap, fiddling with the ring around her middle finger. It was made of steel, not common compared to other jewellery in King's Landing. It wasn't golden or bejewelled like the treasures of Queen Cersei, or priceless like the family crest she wore around her neck. It was made for her, and only her.

"You appear to be quite bored, Aurelia," Renly's voice caught Rey's attention, and her head shot up to meet the soft eyes of the youngest Baratheon brother. He appeared relatively amused, placing his cutlery down to watch her. The girl felt her cheeks heat up in embarrassment and she avoided the stare of her father. "And you haven't touched your dinner. Why don't I request for it to be brought to your chambers later tonight so that you can get some reading done?"

Rey tried to force down the smile that fought at her lips. She couldn't seem too pleased to be excused from the table -- it wouldn't set a great example. She dipped her head, before pushing her chair back and standing up, locking her hands before her. "Thank you, My Lord."

"Goodnight, dear bumblebee," the dark haired man responded swiftly, causing Rey to brighten a little. He was one of the many who called her that -- it had derived from the animal on the sigil of her house. None of her other family members had received the same sobriquet, which made it special for her. Often it was used by the Queen with slight distaste, though many in the Red Keep had used it to identify her for years. "Sleep well."

"Goodnight, Renly," she curtsied briefly, before glancing at Lord Marigot. "Goodnight, father."

"Aurelia," Symon hummed, watching as she briskly left the chambers, not wanting to stay much longer.

★☆

"It's been a week, Elise," Rey muttered, leaning against the barrier of her balcony. She'd lived in her chambers for years, but she still couldn't seem to be used to the view. She overlooked the gardens, as if it were a brief reminder of the beautiful Dewacreage. "Surely King Robert will be all right."

"It's hard to say, M'lady," Elise replied, folding up the girl's clothing from that day. "From what I have heard, his injuries are fatal. We can always hope and pray for his recovery."

Rey nodded, allowing her nightgown to flutter around her legs in the cool breeze. She exhaled, thinking about her home. As much as she had grown used to the Red Keep and King's Landing itself, it was nothing compared to where she was born and raised until she was eleven years old. She wondered what her brothers looked like now; whether Irvin was succeeding in his Lordship, and if her sisters were happy with their husbands. It had upset her that she was the only child to be taken away when her father intended to do business with royalty, though her parents had insisted it was bring her to find an alliance with another noble family.

"Do you think I'll really have to go home if anything happens?" Rey looked over her shoulder at her friend, who stopped in the middle of the chambers to respond. Elise had been there to see her grow up, to watch her grow into a graceful and dimensional young woman. "What will happen to Arya and Sansa?"

"I'm sure they will be escorted back to Winterfell," Elise assured her, placing Rey's dress on the bed and stepping over to the balcony. "Don't worry yourself, M'lady. Everything will be alright. The Starks are similar to that of House Marigot. You all seem to survive no matter what is thrown your way. Though you both have different methods, I know you will end up safe and happy, whether that be in the Reach or here in the Red Keep."

Rey fell silent, pursing her lips as she stared into the darkness of the night. Torches were lit throughout the gardens and amongst the city, but she couldn't identify anything in particular. Her mind fell to Gendry, and whether or not she had the heart to leave him. Of course, she'd have to tell him first, and though there was nothing he could do, she wished he could join her. He'd be safe in the Reach; he could be a blacksmith for their family and earn an honest living. But he didn't want that, he was far too humble for his own good.

"You're still wearing that horrible ring," Elise muttered as she looked down at Rey's hand, where the steel piece of jewellery resided. As the handmaiden reached forward, the girl pulled her arm away. "M'lady, you've got far prettier things."

"This is special," Rey insisted, looking down at the bumblebee band around her finger. "It was a gift for my last name day."

"From who? I don't remember you receiving anything of the sort," Elise inquired, to which Rey smiled softly, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

"All you need to know is that I don't plan on parting with it," Rey replied easily, stepping back into the bedroom and picking up the book on her desk. "It's important to me."

Elise chuckled softly at the girl's stubborn nature, before nodding. "Of course, M'lady."

★☆

yeet short chapter once more but that's okay

also i love renly he's such a good bitch