WARS TO COME, game of thrones

𝐈𝐈𝐈. ruby

"That's... decadent."

"I am decadent."

Anrir turned his head back and caught Lark's gaze. His knight was now wearing armour and finally had a sword at his belt again.

"Besides, they probably disposed of my clothes. I need to restock my wardrobe here."

Lark just bowed his head. "Of course, my lord."

It was a warm summer's day, a gentle breeze from the sea stirring the air. A far too beautiful day for a rat like Joffrey. Far too grand a feast. Anrir would like to pull Biest and decapitate the blond bastard like he decapitated Ned.

But he didn't. Like a well-behaved dog, he followed Oberyn, Ellaria and Sand.

While the Dornish wore the colours of House Martell and the usual light Dornish fashion, Anrir had a tunic made in the colours of his house - one of his houses, anyway. The fabric was pitch black and decorated with silver embroidery in the shapes of stars to honour House Arryn. And of course he had asked for a special detail.

The edge of his collar was set with rubies, cut in a teardrop shape and dripping from his neck like blood. As if he had been decapitated. A provocation, yes. And decadent too. But if he could find no other way, then he would have to rebel like this.

"I hope we can get back to the Vale soon," Lark murmured, letting his gaze wander and probably noticing what Anrir had already discovered; no representatives from the Vale were here. So Lysa couldn't be a complete idiot.

"Yes..." Anrir agreed quietly, though he doubted it would be better for them in the Vale. Still, his heart seemed to warm at the thought of Riverfall. He missed his castle... even if he found it empty when they returned, he was sure he could still breathe a sigh of relief then, back within the walls of home.

"My lord...",Lark nodded in one direction and Anrir followed his gaze. Cersei and Tywin were standing there at a table that sagged under the weight of exotic delicacies. Anrir remained standing, although Oberyn and Ellaria walked on, obviously eager to talk.

"Not today," Anrir decided, and his knight seemed to silently agree. They parted from their Dornish companions and Anrir let his gaze wander. Sansa was sitting at the royal family's semi-circular table and Anrir wished he could join her. He would take her with him to the Vale, he decided in a few short thoughts. He could not allow Ned's daughter to stay behind in this city.

Sansa didn't notice his gaze and Anrir watched as an old woman leant down to her, spoke to her briefly and touched her necklace. He recognised Olenna Tyrell by the roses embroidered on her robe. He silently observed the situation without knowing what exactly seemed suspicious about it.

Suddenly, Yako Sand stepped into his field of vision. The young man's golden eyes darted around before deciding to linger on Anrir. "Lord Riverfall, I am to escort you to your place at the table. The prince will join you later."

Anrir stifled his reluctance to be ordered around like that and followed the young knight. He didn't seem to feel comfortable at the wedding, perhaps not in this corner of the Seven Kingdoms in general. Not that Anrir couldn't understand that.

Anrir settled down at one of the long tables while Sand stood somewhere behind him next to Lark, as he noticed out of the corner of his eye.

He let his gaze wander again, once more hoping to make eye contact with Sansa. Instead, his gaze met that of Olenna Tyrell. He realised immediately that this was no coincidence. The lady cocked her head slightly to one side after her gaze travelled briefly over Anrir's body. Then she smiled slightly at him, her eyes giving Anrir the feeling that she knew things about him that he himself wasn't even aware of.