A different Joffrey Baratheon

Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

    Jon is a pain in the ass! First, he mopes around and sullenly stares off into the distance while standing guard over one of my siblings or his sister. Only perking up once in a while for training or when his father asks for him. Second, he tries to hide away when the Kingsguard shows up and slashes away at dummies not even thinking about asking me to kick his ass, the prick! And lastly, his wolf is a menace! He follows Arya and me while we're together and doesn't leave us to be unless we're in a busy area of the camp.
    But this fuck up is the worst so far. The man walked up to me and said, "Prince Joffrey, I apologize but my sister got away from me."
    And I said the only thing I could say. "You Bastard!... I swear Jon you had one fucking job, shadow Arya when I can't be there. And you had just taken over for the hound." I gesture toward the tall man
    "I can go and look for her." I put a hand up.
    "No, we will go together, you may learn something about tracking and maybe won't lose your SISTER again." I walked past him grabbing his shoulder and pulling him with me, the hound following along right away. "Not you Clegane. Snow And I will find her. You have a drink and relax." Without a misstep, the man pivoted and walked in the opposite direction to wherever the ale shall be. But before we could go too far a yell had us turn to none other than my dear sister Myrcella.
    "Wait, Joffrey! I want to come along too!" I stop and turn to the young girl who is surrounded by loyal men to the Lannister house, all distant relatives to myself and my siblings. My mother didn't leave anything to chance when it came to her children's safety.
    When she finally got to me I could only sigh at her and the others. But the look she gave me was something she had learned and mastered from my mother meaning it was impossible to say no. She was just too cute. Smiling at the princess that is my sister I nodded at her. "Come on then Myrcella, we have my future queen to find. The rest of you are free to go." One of them tried to say something but I raised my hand. "It's not negotiable. I can protect my sister and you will only make me agitated and crowd my space. I mean no offense honestly but my word is law so listen to it. You may go." As my sister happily skipped to my side the men reluctantly backed off and went back the way they came which meant they were going to report to my mother. Hopefully nothing happens that will make her upset with me for my decision.
:    Almost as soon as we continued our trek Myrcella began to speak, "Will me and Arya still be friends? I didn't mean to upset her, I swear. I was just excited to spend time with her..." She trailed off as she lowered her face. I stopped and turned to her and gently nudged her chin up to look up at me.
    "Explain little sister." Did Arya disappear because of my sister somehow or is my sister feeling guilty for something else non related? I wanted to know.
    "Well, you know how Arya has been spending a little time with mother and I?"
    I nod. "Yes I do, after some very difficult convincing I got Arya to try and learn more about being a lady of the court from mother and try to get to know you more. But I don't understand how this has anything to do with Arya running away."
    Again my sister looked down before taking a breath and standing straight with her back rigid like a noble lady should do and shook her head resolutely. "I may have overstepped but I promised my brother I only wanted to spend more time with her. I did nothing wrong." I looked her over before nodding.
    "And did you want to spend more time with her your way or her way?" I ask.
    It was funny how her posture immediately crumbled as she shrunk into herself. I may love my sister but she was not used to being courteous to others...neither was I... actually most people in power weren't.
    "Myrcella just let this be a lesson. If you want Arya to spend time with you, you'll have to do things she likes the way she does things that you like." I patted her head. "It took me a lot of effort to get her to try things that she's not used to. I know that you won't cause issues doing things she likes right?"
    "Of course Joffrey! I'll do my best to be a better friend."
    "Then you don't have to worry, I assure you she will be fine and your friend if you do what you say you will. She's just not into the same things as you but if you do as I say I can see you being the best sister-in-laws ever. Now enough talking, follow and be quiet while we search for Arya." Now smiling happily Myrcella nodded and did as I asked.
    Anyway in all honesty, I'm not surprised Arya could escape the sight of Jon but for his wolf to not find her... actually looking around Ghost isn't here either... Oh yeah Arya got to Ghost and probably bribed the thing. Or Nymeria is distracting him. I look at the dark pale boy behind me. "What happened with Ghost?"
    Jon huffed out a breath and shook his head. "She's been slowly gaining his favor with meat given to her by the butcher's boy. At this point, I'll have to keep him by my side rather than have him follow you two around." He blinks and looks at me. "Didn't you know she was feeding him? You're with her whenever I send Ghost to follow you two."
    I smile coyly but don't answer him as we continue our trek. I know she shouldn't be too far as she never travels further than a few minute's walk from the column. "She is bound to be searching for rubies as she has done often the past while. Remember Jon, you can usually find what you are searching for from what you know of past experiences. For example, right now I know Arya and I have frequented the Trident where my father bested Rhaegar Targaryen in battle." I looked at the darkly dressed and older boy. He was giving me his full attention and I felt pride that one older than myself is looking at me as if I were a maester.
    He gives a slow nod. "She does go there quite a lot now that I think about it." Stark said unconfidently.
    "There you go! Use that brain of yours, you have it for a reason." I say jokingly.  "We're going there now and if we don't find her there we'll move onto her second and then third and so on favorite place till we do. Just know Jon when it comes to those I care for I won't slack off in their care. Not even for a second." I look back at Myrcella and she gifted me with a beautiful smile. "I hope you agree with me sister." I say with no doubt that she does.
    After saying that the woods grew silent as we hiked on. It was a nice day today so I couldn't fault anyone for wanting to spend the day out like this, especially Arya. Breathing in I felt the warm air flow into my lungs, after so long being in the North being back in the warmer climates just felt right to me. The cold was fine and a change from the norm that I've lived my whole life in this weather and prefer it much more.
    After some time we arrived at the banks of the Trident. Stopping, Jon and I were greeted by the sight of Arya and the butcher's boy play fighting with sticks. Jon immediately went to approach but I stopped him with my hand upon his shoulder. "Wait a moment. Let's watch for now and see what Arya has to show the boy." The ravenette looked at me before nodding slowly and stepping back, joining me in watching the two younger children play.
    Arya as always was following what Sandor and I have been teaching her. She was doing quite well and always made sure to do what she was taught even when it was just a game and I applauded her work ethic. The ginger was no slouch and used his strength to combat her skill and finesse. It wasn't making up for everything Arya knew but it was giving him a fighting chance.
    For around ten minutes we watched the exchange of slashes and stabs from the two, all was well and me and Jon even talked a little about what I was teaching Arya. The boy seemed happy for his sister. Sadly the nice calm moment was ruined when Arya slipped and Mycah took his chance and swung with what I could tell was all his might hitting her quite hard on side making her release a yelp loud enough for myself and Jon to hear it easily from our position.
    And it seemed something else had heard her as well as a blur shot from the opposite direction of us heading to the ginger boy who was staring shocked at my hurt queen. Without an ounce of hesitation I ran straight to the two and as I passed them I collided with the blur. I was greeted by teeth and angered eyes as what I knew to be Nymeria and myself quickly got into a fight for dominance. She wasn't that big but she was bigger than most large dogs and equally heavy. I could maybe beat her in this test of strength but I didn't have to. I just needed the wolf to hear-
    "Nymeria stop!!" With Arya's shout to stop the beast's face softened until she seemed to realize who was keeping her away from her owner. Seeing it was me she just started to lick my cheek in what I assume to be an apology. Smiling, I gently patted her head and let her fall to all fours and walk to the downed girl who was being looked over by a relieved older brother.
    "Are you okay?" I ask as I kneel next to the young she wolf.
    "I'm fine... please don't blame Mycah for hurting me. I was careless and slipped and-" I put up a finger silencing her.
    "It's fine me and Jon were watching and saw everything." I look over at the sweating redhead. "I can't blame the boy for taking advantage of an opening like that. I'm more impressed than angry at him. Although I don't like that you were hurt by him I don't see a reason I should hurt or punish him for his actions." I glance at her side that's covered by cloth and look at Jon.
    "I took a quick look and it'll bruise but heal fast. Honestly I thought she had broken a rib or worse." I nodded, accepting his words until we could get a maesters thoughts. Standing up I look at Mycah.
    "Listen I'll be blunt and tell you this will not get out to anyone, what happened here today stays here.. If any lord or higher found out that a peasant harmed a young lady of Arya's standing you would find yourself dead in no time at all or jailed for years." The boy paled and took a step back. "Running isn't smart, boy. It makes you seem guilty and I rather not deal with Arya getting mad at me for anything that happens to you for your stupidity." I grab the collar of his shirt and hold him there. "So you will sit here and be calm and come back with us to the camp, do you understand?"
    He swallowed quickly, nodding his head faster than needed. "Yes-s my Prince." I scoff and let him fall to the ground limply. I didn't care for the fool but Arya can hold a grudge and is very head strong so I'm not in the mood to deal with that. "Jon, carry her back. If I did so in front of some of the people around I may get some bad rumors started about me." Snow merely nodded before picking his sister up on his back and walking as if she weighed nothing. I gave a light kick to Mycah before he stood as well and walked behind them with his head down as if he was on his way to the gallows.
    While internally laughing at the crybaby I grabbed my sister's hand and I happily walked beside Arya and Jon and asked her about her training with Mycah and why it isn't always smart to spar with those with no previous training.
    She answered, "Because I learn as much from my opponent as they learn from me while crossing swords." I smiled at her and nodded.
    "Almost, when sparring someone such as Mycah you will learn nothing from the actual swordplay against him but rather from your own mistakes. I personally believe that if you had gone all out, you would've easily beaten him without a scratch on you. But you lowered yourself to his level to have some type of challenge and that's where you messed up. Never, no matter what the case is, underestimate your foe for if given the chance they can end your life sooner than you wish." My eyes traveled over to the red headed boy who was paying way too much attention to me. "What?"
    "Prince Joffrey, are you complimenting me?" I snort.
    "As if. I'm pointing out that you got lucky and how Arya can make sure it won't happen again." I look back to Arya. "If you want to be a great warrior like you said you'll heed my word. Many in history have fallen for having too big a head."
    A simple nod of the head and a soft smile was my gift for giving the knowledge that she so wanted to have. I liked when she accepted what I said and taught her so readily. It was a breath of fresh air.
    We only walked a hundred or so feet before a shaking of leaves and a glint of red hair caught our attention. Internally I sighed at what probably was going to be another headache as none other than Sansa fucking Stark came stomping out of the treeline and glared at us, or rather Arya.
    Her hair usually refined and straighter than a bowstring was a mess of curls and knots with bits of leaves and foliage in it. Her face was the same although her paleness showed well at this moment. As for her clothes she wore less layers then she did in the north but it didn't help her as she was frail and skinnier then she used to be. Did she stow away somewhere?! Before I could question the girl who was visible for everyone to see her as she was a mere thirty feet away and as obvious as the King in a crowd. She abruptly pointed and with a loud and quite frankly impressive scream said, "Lady, attack, kill that prince stealing harlot!!"
    As the usually calm and tame Lady barked and rushed at us I again stepped forward as did Nymeria ready to intercept the white Direwolf. But as she neared a pure white blur shot out of nowhere and slammed into the side of Lady and then growled and suppressed her until the fight left her leaving a deathly stiff wolf. Without an ounce of care I marched up to the redhead menace before I was right in her face and growled out. "You dare!! You attack not only your own sister but the future queen! And what of my sister! What if your wolf got a taste for flesh and tried to harm her?! You would have been the cause for harm to befall the princess of the Seven Kingdoms! If I wanted to, I could kill your wolf in front of you, skin her, cook her, and then make you eat her!!" I grabbed her arm careful of my own strength so as to not actually hurt her as I started to pull her to Jon who had set Arya down and was watching us apprehensively. When I got to him I all but threw her into his arms. She tried to get away but I pulled my sword from my hip and rested the point at her chest.
    "You try to get away or do anything that I might dislike from here until we reach your father and my family you will lose a body part. Do I make myself clear?" My voice was low and menacing to a point that I even felt a shiver run through me. My string was ready to snap and if she did anything to upset me I wasn't sure I could hold myself back. "You will escort her the rest of the way I'll carry Arya."
    "What about the others?"
    "I don't give a fuck about those at the camp! Let them stare and speculate!! " I yell into his face, making him and Sansa take a step back. "Arya, the girl I love was nearly killed by her idiot sister out of jealousy so excuse me for being uncaring of what others think." I turned and crouched down picking Arya up in a bridal carry and started walking once again.
    "What about Lady? She's not a bad wolf Joffrey." Arya whispered to me. Her eyes were wide and dilated as the adrenaline from her near death was still present. I smiled at her and nodded before turning my head barely to the side and locked eyes with the beautiful wolf. My dear sister decided to tug on my doublet, giving me another look that made my anger disappear.
    "I agree brother, Lady is a good wolf."
A beat of silence lingers before I step off with a firm, "Lady... come.:" With my words Ghost backed away allowing Lady to slowly walk to my side ignoring the look Sansa gave her and I. "Be a good girl and Follow." Was the last thing I said before we continued to camp.

AN: I get that I'm a ass for taking so long but I'm out of the military now and working crazy hours and sleeping like all the time. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I hope you lot can review and give me your thoughts.