Joffrey, despite all his rot, always acted openly and directly, although he was a fair liar. He was not distinguished by his mind and everything that he had enough for is not to tell people in the eyes of what he really thinks of them. Moreover, in the company of his mother, he was never shy in the expressions of his true feelings.
And now, in fact, I behave the same way - directly and openly, though with slightly changed tastes. This is suspicious, but understandable - Joffrey at the age when the guys begin to change, the hormones are pressed on the brain and make it not be done like before. In particular, this explains the youthful maximalism and rebellion.
So questions will be for me. But every "smart" person will be able to come up with the answers to them himself, even without my participation.
And what, in the end, was it about the thoughts of mortals? Before this singing thing captured the body of the prince, they still do not think of it - the attitude in these lands as a fairy tale in these lands. Even tell everyone the truth and everyone will only laugh at it, like a ridiculous joke.
"I consider this for a compliment, uncle," I answered, wiping my mouth supplied with one of the maids with a napkin. - Does it bother you?
"I am too drunk to worry about something other than the fullness of my cup."
- It distinguishes you from my mother. Sometimes her concern happens ... too burdensome.
- I was not so lucky in life to know her concern.
"Believe me, you were lucky enough to avoid it."
Tyrion laughed drunkenly and again filled his cup from my jug. Seriously, how much can you drink this dwarf? How much does it fit into it? Definitely, if a person for most consists of water, then Tyrion is from wine.
"Well, whores definitely made you a more tolerable, dear nephew," the demon saluted me with his cup, "for you."
- For you, uncle.
***
A hangover is an inevitable reckoning for drunk and eaten the day before. All people who do not refuse to drink will sooner or later face this ailment. And they try to escape from him, or even prevent, in a variety of ways. For example, one of the Vikings of the Dragomir's squad was sacredly convinced that if every third Cup of wine to sacrifice the God of holidays and fun, then he would save you from a hangover. Never his faith justified himself, but each feast he persistently continued to pour every third toast of wine into the fire.
In turn, I was deprived of this ailment. Firstly, because I was still a singing thing, and secondly, because Joffrey was young and healthy and his body easily coped with alcohol.
And so it turned out that in the morning I was one of the few who was fresh and full of strength. And I also had a lot of things requiring my attention. I quenched my initial hunger, I should get acquainted with my new possessions, if I want to continue to satisfy my hunger.
Unfortunately, there were no normal books in the royal train, except for any romantic fiction and fairy tales, who no doubt loved the numerous noble maids and children of Cersei, except Joffrey. There were no normal records of political and state system, and I could not categorically trust Joffrey in this matter, given his dislike for education.And there was no one to ask: King Robert knew even less Joffrey about his kingdom, Cersei was only interested in her children and intrigues in the capital, the prince's brother and sister were too young to know something, and Tyrion was still sleeping with a drunken sleep. There is nothing to say about numerous knights and bodyguards.
In the courtyard, the children of Lord Stark, Robb and John, as well as the pupil of Theon, trained in fencing under the supervision of some elderly and clearly respectable warrior. All three turned well with the sword, especially Robb and John, Theon in this regard greatly lagged behind two of them. I don't even know who would have left the winner from the fight between the bastard and the legitimate heir of Stark.
Joffrey also taught fencing. But he treated this, as well as everything else, after his sleeves. And I, in turn, did not need classes - I already had the experience and skills of hundreds of fights of the Dragomir. It is only a pity that the glorious heroic sword did not move with me into this era. But it's not scary, nevertheless, the titans were poured, but I have all their knowledge, including for blacksmithing. I can easily forge myself a new sword, in return for the donated by Robert, who, although it was good, was inferior to my usual weapon.
"Are you interested in fencing, my prince?" - the mentor of the children of Stark asked a little mockingly.
It seems that his name is Sir Rodrik Kassel and he was a master of Winterfell's weapons. And he is one of the few knights of the North, since the northerners did not particularly recognize the institution of chivalry. Rodrik was already an elderly and very thick man, but at yesterday's feast I heard that his hand is still hard as in his youth.His bacenbards and mustache were woven into a bizarre pigtail, but this did not create a joke or frivolous appearance at all.
"Like every person of noble blood, I suppose," I answered eagerly, putting my left hand on the hilt of my sword. - The art of fencing is one of the most important for a man.
"That's it," nodded in agreement
Old knight - do not want to join the training?
Here! To wave a sword, depicting a crooked amateur who was Joffrey? And if you show what I am capable of, I am afraid of the number of questions to me a certain critical line will go. So far, there is no time or place to lay out all your trump cards for public display.
- Another time, Sir Rodrik, I will not miss the opportunity to find out several new techniques and tips from such a famous knight as you.
The flattery is rough, but with a rusted old man it works. The secret here is simple - even the coarse flattery must speak with absolute sincerity. It is more complicated than it sounds, but I have a very rich experience in the part of deception. In addition, people are people, they all are pleased when they talk about them well, especially in public. And to get such a recognition of valor from the heir to the throne and at all for some the limit of dreams.
Although Robb did not miss the opportunity to whisper something to his named brothers, from which they laughed. I am sure a daring young man walked through my person. It seems that I was able to unravel his secret to me - Robb Stark does not approve of my sister's enthusiasm for me.
- Boy, come! - cried out the disgruntled king through the whole yard.
It was clear to whom he addressed, so I went to Robert, however, not very in a hurry.
The "father" was dressed in hiking clothes, and Eddard Stark stood behind him. At a feast yesterday Robert decided to hunt, as, shortly before our arrival, Lord Stark found Lutovolov in his lands. The king was very interested in the opportunity to hunt and kill the legendary monster of the North."They reported to me that you finally stopped making yourself a noble girl," Robert began to speak in the usual rough manner, "I already thought that I would die, without waiting for you to fill your first woman!" And since you are now a man, it's time to take up your upbringing.
Where have you been before, daddy? Joffrey was so diligent, to the best of his understanding, he tried to win your attention. I think he would not like it if he found out that for this it was enough to get drunk and a dozen women to fuck, otherwise there would no longer be left in the capital that were not spoiled by the prince of girls.
- You will come with us! - the king announced his decision.
Well, I don't mind taking a walk. And who knows, maybe I will get acquainted with the other, better side of the king? Nevertheless, all the memories by which I judged others belonged to Joffrey, and his gaze was quite one -sided and primitive.
- With joy, father.
- So hurry up and get dressed! Or are you going to go hunting in these rags?! And someone, find the prince a spear! Can you handle him, boy?
- Not as good as you.
- Ha, then true! Your old man will still have time to show you how to hunt before I finally go off. Take a move, man, I'm not going to wait for you before winter!
***
In the past, I had to hunt. Basically, during the campaigns, when Dragomir with several best warriors from their squad arranged raids on the rear of the yellow dogs of the desert. And, I will tell you, then the royal hunting is now - these are completely different things.
All my knowledge of the tracking of prey, quiet movement through the forest and a well -aimed shot or throw were absolutely useless in that booth that the Royal Hunting of Robert Baratheon was.
To begin with, the king, Lord Stark and I was accompanied by such a number of people on horses that their breathing was scared by all the living creatures for many kilometers around. At the same time, they were still rustling in every possible way and did not even think about the quiet movement. In fact, the whole hunt was that the hounds of dogs tracked the prey, drove it into specially arranged networks, and after the king, shaking with his belly, approached and finished off the almost bound beast with the blow of the spear.
Very exciting hunting. By the degree of her fascination, she competes with the calculation of sheep that I led in the void.
No excitement, no chase, no confrontation with wildlife. In general, nothing to love the hunt for.
The widness of the lyzobes noisily expressed admiration for every creature killed by the king.
I have not escaped such a fate. Robert seriously intended to teach me something there and I had to portray a diligent son, poke a spear in helpless animals under his observation and instructions and defiantly enjoy every death.
It would be better if I agreed to practice with Sir Rodrick."It seems that you are not very happy with hunting, my prince," Lord Stark told me quietly, while my father was busy cutting the next boar.
For the first time he spoke to me since our arrival. I think he just wants to "feel" the groom of his daughter, because at least we were not announced about our engagement with Samsa, but everyone knew about her.
"In my view, the king is supposed to spend more time taking care of the state, and not on entertainment," I answered carefully, watching Ned Stark's reaction. - Although the murder of animals that are unable to even resist, I would not call entertainment.
- The usual hunt is connected with the dangers, which the king cannot afford.
"You're right, Lord Stark." But still, I would prefer to spend my time on something else.
- For example?
I did not know what to answer. What vacation in mortals is considered worthy? While I was the lord of the forest country, I never had a need for rest. Dragomir rested, yes, but it was always either feasts, or orgies, or battles. It is unlikely that these three types of recreation of Viking will find approval and understanding among the "noble" Lord Stark.
- For example, spend an evening with a book. Or family circle
"Worthy classes," Stark nodded, but by his voice I heard that he did not believe me.
The curse, what he heard of Joffrey contradicted what I said. And for such a person as Stark, every word of mine, contrary to the image that has developed in his head, will sound like a lie, which will become only a complement to his thoughts about me. Such as Stark should not be convinced with words, but deeds.
"I will take care of your daughter more than about myself," I said slowly choosing words. "I will protect her and will never offend her either with a word or deed." I swear.
Lie. That's how it is and did not blush! Sansa Stark, of course, may turn out to be a useful mortal, like the good attitude of this Eddard, whom my "father" from some honor suddenly decided to make his right hand. And that's why I tried to smooth out the impression of my figure at Stark.
"I have no doubt in your honor, my prince," the Lord smiled weakly, "and I believe that I pass my daughter into reliable hands."
In the voice of Stark, I caught doubt. He was still not sure regarding the appropriateness of our marriage, and indeed, he did not want, as I understand it, to leave for the capital and wipe his old friend as a right hand in the role of the right hand. Funny, but I did not want to like this. What should I do with this Stark when the old man will die and I myself will become the king?