The Lion and the Warrior

Send the Dragon

Rhaella's days were planned out by the hour. Today she was meeting with Raider Baratheon. She wanted to meet with him first. He was familiar, he was a friend, and perhaps she could draw this out and buy herself some more time before she had to meet with the other lords.

The smell of sweet olive filled the air. Butterflies were abundantly flittering under the trees near the marigolds and tulips. Rhaella waited for her friend on the swing. I wish I were meeting James. I bet he is sparring with his dad on the beach. Casterly Rock must be beautiful. I would love to be sparring with James on the beach. I'd love to be walking through the sand, barefoot, holding his hand, watching the sunset...and just as the sun dipped into the water, he'd pull me close and kiss me. She sighed, someday, we're going to visit Casterly Rock together. And Tarth. I know we both would love to see Tarth.

"Good morning, Princess." Raider presented her with a single red rose.

"Good morning, Raider. This is lovely. Thank you."

He kissed her hand, which she didn't like, but was polite.

"You're welcome. Would you like to go for a walk? Or, I hear you love to go horseback riding."

"I think we should just stay close to the castle today," she said.

"As you wish, your grace."

"How are you enjoying your stay in the capital? Your last visit was quite short, have you seen anything new this time?"

"Not yet. But I would like to visit the market, and perhaps ride through the Kings Wood. I hear the creeks are quite icy there, and there are some beautiful trees and hills."

"It's lovely, yes."

"Would you care to join me for a ride sometime later in the week? We could visit the market together."

"Perhaps."

"I know you like swords. Have you seen a hammer?"

"I believe you've shown me yours."

"Am I boring you?"

Yes. "No my Lord, I'm afraid I'm a bit tired after the feast last night."

"I enjoyed dancing with you last night. It was a wonderful evening."

"Yes, it was."

"I'm afraid this entire situation is a bit awkward, your Grace, is it not?"

"Perhaps I am making too much of it. You're a friend after all."

Raider smiled and moved behind her, to push her gently on the swing.

"That's right. Although, I will admit, I have been thinking a lot about our first meeting. I've missed seeing you and when I was invited back, I could hardly wait to get here."

"I did enjoy meeting you, as did James. He spoke highly of you."

"James, the small lad, is that right?"

Surely you jest. Excuse me? James is not small. He's certainly not as burly and hairy as you but he is not small. "James, who designed my armor. We were fitted together in the armory."

"I was japing, princess. Of course I remember James. He was quite nice to show me about."

Rhaella was quiet. She sat on the swing, lazily allowing Raider to chat her ear off and push the swing. This was not her cup of tea today. Nor would it be any day with any young lord other James Lannister.

"Have you ridden the dragons?"

"The dragons? Oh yes, I have. What sort of question is that?"