Bloodline 13

Princess Arianne paused slightly, then merely looked at Gryn without responding.

After a long while, Gryn finally spoke slowly. "You are very brave, a born adventurer, Arianne."

He started toward the Small Council's long table. "Walk with me. Consider it a stroll."

As he walked, he said, "I remember I was twelve at the time. I secretly took several young attendants hunting in an unfamiliar valley. In the end... not only did we fail to catch any prey, but we got lost as well. It took us great effort to find our way out."

Walking beside Gryn, Arianne raised her brows and asked with a smile, "Was little Gryn frightened out of his wits back then?"

Gryn smiled faintly and shook his head. "I wasn't afraid. I was hungry—very hungry, terribly hungry. At the time, I felt as though I could eat an entire goat."

He stopped and looked at Arianne. "But after eating one roasted leg of lamb, I couldn't eat anything else. I was full."

Arianne lifted her gaze to him. "If there is something you wish to remind me of, you may speak plainly. Dornishmen fear nothing."

After making an inviting gesture, Gryn resumed walking. "This is the courtly language I learned at the Red Keep. It is more tactful, allowing more room for maneuver in any matter. Besides, the records in True History tell us that negotiations held in a friendly atmosphere can always avoid some unnecessary bloodshed. Do you agree, Princess Arianne?"

They had arrived beside the Small Council's long table. He pointed to the seat of the master of laws, then sat in the king's chair bearing the image of a Crowned Stag.

The master of laws' chair was exquisitely crafted and lavishly decorated. Its back, too, bore a carved golden Crowned Stag, though