So Close I Can Taste It.

Part 12

The guard who greeted you was a familiar face, he'd served in the Kingsguard alongside your uncle for years.

As you walked to the horses which would transport you to the castle, he spoke of the events which had unfolded in your absence. 
"Your mother has contacted Baratheon and Lannister bannermen. It appears the bannermen who supported her late husband had already pledged to your cause," The knight rose an eyebrow "Many of them said they wouldn't support anyone else whilst Roberts own heir still remained,"

Out of the corner of your eye, you could see Euron looking pleased as he scanned the courtyard. It had indeed be wise to send ravens to your bannermen informing them of your desire to claim the throne.

"I know. Euron and I also made contact,"

Goldstone nodded. "I'm not surprised. I expected as much. Truth be told, your mother...and your grandfather...they'd knew you'd sit the throne better than your brothers, not that they'd admit it to anyone other than their own trusted council, I served your father and your brothers, my Lady and I can see why,"

"Thank you, Ser Goldstone you're most kind,"

His eyes followed to rest on Euron. "You're intelligent, you're liked by the commonfolk and you're able to produce more heirs, my Lady even if it is...with..." he paused "It's not every highborn lady that gets to choose her own husband." Goldstone looked from you to Euron.

"I'd have killed anyone else if they'd tried wed me, I'm devoted to Euron," you gave him a loving look, and he smirked, clearly pleased and wound his arm around your waist. "Only Euron," you leant up and kissed him on the cheek.

The guards hand was on the hilt of his sword and you noticed it tighten just a little upon seeing Euron's reaction. "There's never been a marriage alliance between the Iron Islands and the crown before...doesn't tradition dictate you people usually marry your own and stay out at sea on your own little islands ?"

"Do I look like a man who cares for tradition," he leant to the side, Euron's voice was slow and pointed "Lady Y/N is the kind of woman I always hoped of finding, takes a special woman to tie me down," he laughed and held his hands out. "Plus Y/N is much prettier than the women back on the Iron Islands."

The knight rolled his eyes "How very romantic, Lord Greyjoy,"

"I can imagine it's boring being a knight," Euron's voice was firm although remained smiling "What kind of rules do you knights follow that you're denied a beautiful wife? Or were you one of Loras Tyrell's playthings-," he put on a more playful tone "Either way-"

"You're an awfully big talker...for a House known for its failed rebellions," Goldstone cut him off.

"The rebellion I started...not my fault if Balon wouldn't finish it," Euron licked his lips and angled his head, watching him, as if predicting their next move. "Got rid of two of Balons heirs though," he shrugged. "And after my exile, I become the greatest ship captain in the world,"

Goldstone narrowed his eyes "you're glad we killed your own flesh and blood?-"

Euron looked for a moment as if he was thinking about the question then he shrugged. "Killed one myself, I enjoyed it," he smiled wide. "Wouldn't be King of the Iron Islands and married to lovely Y/N if I hadn't," he licked his lips carefully looking at you.

You rose an eyebrow in response. Euron enjoyed toying with people, trying to bait a reaction out of them and you could tell from the way your escort held himself, he was trying desperately not to rise to it.

As you reached your horse, the knight made a move to help you up, only for Euron to lift you easily at the waist and place you alongside him, his arms tight around you. 
"She rides with me," he stated, his eyes almost waiting for the knight to argue. 
You nodded, and leant back onto Euron, showing him you were okay with this before you set off for the castle.