chapter 128 part 2
After a moment of sentimentality, he added, "Otherwise, why would I have spared those people! Damn it, I had already killed Rhaegar, yet only those people from Crackclaw Point refused to surrender, even to the death!"
Eddard explained helplessly, "The blood of the First Men is stubborn."
Hearing this, Robert roared with laughter. "Just like you, all blockheads."
Eddard said calmly, "Your mercy won their loyalty."
Robert lamented, "Time flies. That girl's child has already grown so big... Damn it!"
He suddenly said, fuming, "Not a single one of my vassal lords gives me any peace! According to Varys's intelligence, that reckless Clegane boy, in his hunt for a Targaryen, almost broke into the Magister of Pentos's manse!
"He got what he wanted, but he nearly caused an even bigger problem and had to pay so much compensation in Gold Dragons. And now he's run back to pester Petyr for an additional twenty thousand Gold Dragons?
"Gods, it hasn't even been three months, and that was 150,000 Gold Dragons! Why does he still dare to demand more Gold Dragons from my Master of Coin? Am I the most foolish king in the world?
"That kid is smart enough to know to hide from me. If he appeared before my eyes, I wouldn't be able to resist hanging him from the city gate and whipping him!"
Eddard chuckled. He knew Robert had always admired brave warriors. Though he sounded angry, there was more appreciation than dissatisfaction in his voice.
As for 150,000 Gold Dragons... the Lord of Winterfell paid it no mind. He remembered that the Targaryens had left Robert mountains of gold and treasure.
Eddard spoke up, "Perhaps you could hear his reasons first."
Robert scoffed, "Ned, give up that ridiculous idea. The lords of the Red Keep are masters of fabricating reasons. After you hear them out, you'll only be left with a belly full of anger!"
After a pause, he added, "From now on, I'm handing everything over to you. I don't care how you do it. I might even enjoy seeing that pained look on your face, haha!"
Eddard joked, "I'll be sure to drag you along to enjoy it with me."
Robert laughed loudly.
When Robert stopped laughing, Eddard said seriously, "As Hand, I will not support your arrangement for Clegane to continue hunting Targaryens."
Robert was not angry. "I've already said, I'm leaving the kingdom for you to govern. You can handle it however you see fit."
Robert picked up the wine jug to pour more wine. "Good. You can meet the boy, too. Hah, his parents fought against us, and now he serves me. This world is truly full of irony."
Eddard shook his head and said, "War is just war. It is over."
Robert took a sip of wine. He looked at his old, stern-faced friend and said, "Ned, I hope our enemies think the same way you do."
With that, Robert stood up. "Time to set off. We'll reach the inn before dark. We can find a handmaiden to warm our beds tonight."
Eddard just shook his head helplessly.
The two men walked side-by-side. Robert stared for a moment at the lean figure tending to the horses and suddenly said, "Is that your bastard? He looks exactly like you did when you were young. Not that you were ever young, you old dog!"
Eddard followed Robert's gaze, and a slight smile appeared on his face. "His name is Jon."
Jon seemed to sense something. His figure quietly ducked behind a horse.
Jon Snow looked almost exactly like a younger version of himself... Eddard thought, if the gods despise bastards so, why do they fill men with such lust?
...
Robert's interest was piqued. "What was that little wench of yours called again? Wylla? No, wait, *that* one is mine, gods bless her—the one with the shiny black hair and sweet, big eyes, the kind a man could get lost in. Yours was... Alysha? You mentioned her once. Or was it Meryl? You know who I mean, right? I'm asking about the woman who bore your bastard."
Eddard's face stiffened. "Her name was Wylla. I don't wish to speak of her."
Robert chuckled. "Right, Wylla! To make Lord Eddard Stark forget his honor, even for a brief hour, she must have been no simple girl. You've never told me what she was like. I'm really curious!"
A hint of anger appeared on Eddard's face. "Robert, say no more. I will never tell you."
Robert threw up his hands. "Ned, you're too hard on yourself. I doubt any woman will ever want to bed you again."
He continued with a complaint, "Fine, since you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you. Damn it, sometimes you're so prickly, I think you should take a hedgehog for your house sigil."
Robert took the reins from a guard and swung his fat body nimbly onto the saddle.
...
...
In the study, Glyn closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.
*Splash...* Surana picked up the wine jug and poured. She placed the cup gently in front of Glyn.
Glyn opened his eyes, stared at the cup for a moment, and then said, "Surana, prepare yourself. I need you to return to The Whispers."
After speaking, Glyn picked up the cup and took a sip of Dornish red.
Surana nodded and said, "My lord, rest assured. I will depart tomorrow."
Glyn leaned back in his chair and said with a slight smile, "Lady Surana, you are always so thoughtful."
After a moment's hesitation, Surana's green eyes looked at Glyn. "Do you have any specific instructions?"
Glyn's eyes flickered. After a pause, he shook his head. "Take good care of Lyanna. When you go back, bring some of the beautiful jewelry from King's Landing. She has loved shiny things since she was a child."
Surana took a step forward and said bluntly, "There are some matters you can entrust to me."
Glyn looked up at the earnest expression on Surana's face. He understood the meaning behind her words.
"Surana, she's probably feeling rather sensitive right now. I will not force her to do anything she is unwilling to do. When you go, just take care of my cousin. My cousin is very fond of you. Unless she brings it up herself, do not ask her anything."
Glyn tapped the table a few times, then continued, "Surana, as long as it does not harm the actual interests of House Clegane, she will always be the most honored lady of House Clegane."
If she was willing, Glyn didn't mind her raising a few extra people in his manor. Men, women, it didn't matter, as long as she was happy.
Lord Glyn had always been strict with himself, but very generous with others.
Hearing her lord's answer, Surana couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. She didn't know if it was for herself or for that young lady.
Surana offered her advice solemnly, "My lord, House Clegane needs a mistress."
(end of chapter)